Abstract This work aimed to characterize the variation in the thermal regime of the active layer in a permafrost area on Fildes Peninsula, Antarctica, and relate this variability with meteorological data between 2014 and 2016. The monitoring site was installed to continuously monitor the temperature and moisture of the active layer, radiation flow on the surface, and air temperature. We used data collected to generate the indexes freezing degree-days, thawing degree-days, frost number, n-factor, apparent thermal diffusivity, and active layer thickness. The temperature of the active layer is not homogeneous, varying with depth and position in the transect, with the greatest variations in soil with better drainage and lower moisture content. Among the evaluated factors, air and soil surface temperature are the ones that most influence the thermal gradient of the active layer. We identified that near the surface there is a greater influence of albedo and cloudiness and at -35 cm depth there is a greater influence of net radiation and soil moisture. The average depth of the active layer in 2014 was -44.3 cm and in 2015 -47.7 cm and the frost number index indicates that there was a predominance of continuous permafrost in the transect during the monitoring.

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with various metabolic disorders, and adipokines, secreted by adipose tissue, are involved in their pathogenesis. This study investigated associations between VAT/subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) ratio, inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular (CV) risk-score in adults. Plasma levels of adipokines, plasma lipid profile, blood pressure, and body composition (using dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry) were determined. CV risk-score based on the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) score was calculated in a sample of 309 Brazilian civil servants aged <60 years. Participants' VAT/SAT ratio were categorized into quartiles. Among males, plasma leptin (2.8 ng/mL) and C reactive protein (CRP) (0.2 mg/dL) (P<0.05) levels were higher at P75 and P50 than P5, and the highest calculated CV risk-score was observed at P75 (7.1%). Among females, higher plasma adiponectin levels were observed at P25 (54.3 ng/mL) compared with P75 (36 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Higher plasma CRP levels were observed at P75 (0.4 mg/dL) compared with P5 (0.1 mg/dL) (P<0.05). Higher CV risk-score was observed at P75 (2.0%) compared with P5 (0.7%). In both sexes, VAT and VAT/SAT ratio were directly associated with plasma leptin, CRP, and CV risk-score, and inversely associated with adiponectin; SAT was directly associated with plasma leptin and CRP (P<0.01); interleukin (IL)-10 and CRP were directly associated with adiponectin and leptin, respectively (P<0.05). Among men only, IL-10 (inversely) and CRP (directly) were associated with CV risk-score (P=0.02). Our results strengthened the relevance of the VAT/SAT ratio in cardiovascular risk.

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, but its side effects are a major limiting factor. Nephrotoxicity occurs in one third of patients undergoing cisplatin treatment. The acute tubular injury caused by cisplatin often leads to a defective repair process, which translates into chronic renal disorders. In this way, cisplatin affects tubular cells, and maladaptive tubules regeneration will ultimately result in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Kinins are well known for being important peptides in the regulation of inflammatory stimuli, and kinin B1 receptor deficiency and antagonism have been shown to be beneficial against acute cisplatin nephrotoxicity. This study aimed to analyze the effects of kinin B1 receptor deletion and antagonism against repeated cisplatin-induced chronic renal dysfunction and fibrosis. Both the deletion and the antagonism of B1 receptor exacerbated cisplatin-induced chronic renal dysfunction. Moreover, the inhibition of B1 receptor increased tubular injury and tubulointerstitial fibrosis after repeated treatment with cisplatin. The balance between M1/M2 macrophage polarization plays an important role in renal fibrosis. Kinin B1 receptor antagonism had no impact on M1 markers when compared to cisplatin. However, YM1, an M2 marker and an important molecule for the wound healing process, was decreased in mice treated with kinin B1 receptor antagonist, compared to cisplatin alone. Endothelin-1 levels were also increased in mice with B1 receptor inhibition. This study showed that kinin B1 receptor inhibition exacerbated cisplatin-induced chronic renal dysfunction and fibrosis, associated with reduced YM1 M2 marker expression, thus possibly affecting the wound healing process.

ABSTRACT In order to evaluate the microbiological quality of broiler chickens produced in Minas Gerais State, 240 samples of broiler carcasses from the five regions of the Minas Gerais State were collected, by official inspection services, for one year. The samples were submitted to counts of total and thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase-positive and negative Staphylococcus, besides Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, E.coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. resource. The results showed the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms in 34.2% and 13.5% of broiler carcasses evaluated, respectively. All tested samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., 9.1% for Salmonella spp., 15.5% for Listeria monocytogenes, and 2.1% for Campylobacter spp. E.coli O157:H7 was not isolated from the samples.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de herbicidas pós-emergentes, recomendados para a cultura do feijoeiro comum, nas variáveis de fluorescência da clorofila a, no conteúdo de proteína solúvel foliar (LSPC) e na produtividade de grãos. O experimento foi conduzido em campo e teve cinco tratamentos, que constaram da aplicação dos seguintes herbicidas: bentazon (720 g ha-1), fluazifop-p-butil (187,5 g ha-1), fomesafen (250 g ha-1), fluazifop-p-butil + fomesafen (187,5 + 250 g ha 1), além de um tratamento controle capinado, sem aplicação de herbicida, com delineamento de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. O bentazon foi o único herbicida que causou reduções significativas, mas somente até o primeiro dia após aplicação (DAA), nas seguintes variáveis de fluorescência da clorofila a: rendimento quântico máximo do fotossistema II (Fv/Fm), rendimento quântico efetivo do fotossistema II (ϕFSII), bem como no coeficiente de extinção fotoquímica (qP), e promoveu incremento na variável de coeficiente de extinção não fotoquímica (NPQ). Entre elas, o Fv/Fm foi a variável mais indicadora dos efeitos decorrentes da aplicação de herbicidas no aparato fotossintético de plantas no campo. As variáveis de fluorescência da clorofila a obtidas em folhas adaptadas à luz sofreram grande influência do ambiente, principalmente da variação da densidade de fluxo de fótons fotossintéticos (DFFF) durante as medidas, não sendo recomendadas como indicadoras do efeito dos herbicidas no campo. Nenhum dos herbicidas avaliados causou redução na produtividade, sendo recomendáveis para a cultura do feijoeiro comum.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of contact herbicides recommended for common bean crops, as for chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, leaf soluble proteins content (LSPC) and productivity. The experiment was conducted on the field with five treatments, which were the application of the following herbicides: bentazon (720 g ha-1), fluazifop-p-butil (187.5 g ha-1), fomesafen (250 g ha-1) fluazifop-p-butil + fomesafen (187.5 + 250 g ha-1), and a manually weeded control treatment without herbicide application, in a randomized block design with four replications. Bentazon was the only herbicide causing significant reductions, but only until the first day after herbicide application (DAA), on the following chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters: maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ϕPSII), photochemical quenching (qP); it also induced an increase in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Fv/Fm was the best parameter to indicate herbicide effect on the photosynthetic apparatus of plants in the field. Chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters obtained in light-adapted leaves underwent a high environmental influence, especially deriving from the variation in the photosynthetic photon flow density (PPFD) during measurements; they are not recommended to evaluate the effects of herbicides on the field. None of the applied herbicides evaluated caused reductions in grain yield; therefore, they are recommended for common bean crops.

Apesar da importância agrícola das Terras Pretas de Índio (TPI) na Amazônia - solos de origem pré-colombiana que ocorrem na região do vale do Amazonas/Solimões, cuja fertilidade está relacionada a elevados teores de P, Ca e outros nutrientes - há poucos estudos que relacionem textura e fertilidade nas TPI. Com o objetivo de avaliar os teores totais de P, as formas químicas predominantes e o estádio de transformação desse elemento, foram estudados perfis de TPI situados em áreas com solos de granulometria variável, bem como perfis de solos adjacentes às TPI como referência. A diferença textural do solo nos diferentes sítios estudados indica reflexos na fertilidade, na transformação das formas primárias de P e, consequentemente, nas formas predominantes de P. Em solo de TPI com granulometria variando entre argilosa e muito argilosa foram observados maiores teores de P total e maiores teores da forma primária de P (P-Ca). No sítio de Rio Preto da Eva, com granulometria variando entre franco-arenosa e franco-argiloarenosa, de maneira geral, observaram-se maiores teores de P-Al e menores de P total. As TPI do sítio de granulometria mais argilosa apresentaram maiores teores de P solúvel, extraídos com NH4Cl, os quais são diferentes dos teores extraídos com Mehlich-1.

Despite the agricultural importance of Indian Black Earth (IBE) in the Amazon region, there are few studies that report on the relation between soil texture and chemical fertility of IBE. These soils of pre-Colombian origin, with high contents of P, Ca and other nutrients are found across the Amazon valley. IBE profiles were studied to evaluate the total contents of P, its primary chemical forms and the P transformation phases in areas with IBE soils of variable texture and in adjacent reference soils. The soil texture strongly influenced soil fertility, changing in terms of transformation of the primary P forms and, consequently, predominant P forms in IBE. Soils with texture varying between clay and heavy clay had higher total P contents and primary Ca-P forms. Highest P-Al and lowest total P amounts were observed at the site Rio Preto da Eva, where texture varies from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. In the IBE with clay texture the amounts of soluble P, extracted with NH4Cl were highest, although different from Mehlich 1-extractable amounts.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of treatment with periurethral collagen injections in patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with bladder neck hypermobility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty women suffering from (SUI) were selected and divided into GI (consisting of 13 women with SUI and bladder neck hypermobility) and GII (consisting of 27 women with SUI and intrinsic sphincter deficiency). Periurethral collagen was injected followed by a subjective evaluation (the need for urinary protectors) and an objective evaluation through urodynamic study before and after the treatment RESULTS: It was noticed that after 9 months there was a decrease in the need of urinary protectors in the two groups. It was observed through the urodynamic study that either cure or improvement was achieved in 46% in GI and 40.7% in GII. There was a significant increase in the leak pressure in GII. Moreover, there was a decrease in the volume of urine leak in the two groups, being the results in GII statistically significant CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the periurethral collagen injection is useful for the treatment of the SUI. The results in hypermobility are similar to those in intrinsic sphincter deficiency. In fact, it is a very simple out patient's procedure, with little side effects.

Pouco se conhece sobre os atributos mineralógicos e químicos dos solos da região do Alto Solimões, em comparação aos solos do Médio e Baixo Amazonas, mais estudados. No Alto Solimões, pela maior proximidade do ambiente andino, há maior possibilidade de enriquecimento dos solos. Este trabalho teve por objetivo ampliar o conhecimento dos solos dessa região por meio da caracterização de atributos mineralógicos e químicos de três solos de uma toposseqüência na região de Benjamin Constant (AM), próximo à fronteira Brasil-Peru. Tais solos situam-se das partes mais elevadas até a várzea, sendo classificados como Argissolo Amarelo Ta alumínico abrupto, Plintossolo Argilúvico alumínico abrúptico e Neossolo Flúvico Ta eutrófico. Os resultados mostram que estes solos possuem maior riqueza de nutrientes e de minerais alteráveis, com menor grau de intemperismo, em comparação aos solos mais bem drenados da parte oriental da Amazônia, derivados de sedimentos mais antigos ou de rochas cristalinas. Os baixos teores de Fe e Mn no Plintossolo em todas as frações analisadas, em comparação aos demais solos da toposseqüência, indicam o predomínio de processos de remoção nesse ambiente, enquanto, no Neossolo Flúvico, a remoção é superada pela deposição de novos sedimentos, possibilitando a ocorrência em teores elevados de Fe e Mn. Os valores de capacidade máxima de adsorção de fosfato são baixos nos horizontes superficiais, tornando-se elevados nos horizontes subsuperficiais mais ricos em argila ou com ocorrência de plintita, podendo representar, em caso de erosão, um fator limitante ao cultivo agrícola.

Little is known about chemical and mineralogical attributes of soils from the upper Amazon, compared with well-studied soils from the middle and lower Amazon. In the well-drained uplands of Upper Amazon, due to the Andes Cordillera proximity, soils are expected to be chemically richer. This work aimed to increase the knowledge of soils from the upper Amazon, by means of studying three soils along a typical topossequence at Benjamin Constant, near the Brazilian-Peruvian Border. These soils range from the uplands, where Al concentration is high (possessing an "aluminic" character) down to the floodplain, with eutric, richer soils. They were classified as Argissolo Amarelo Ta alumínico abrupto, Plintossolo Argilúvico alumínico abrúptico and Neossolo Flúvico Ta eutrófico in the last version of the Brazilian System of Soil Classification. The results showed greater nutrient and primary minerals amounts and youthful development in these soils, compared with well-drained, deeply weathered soils from eastern Amazonia, derived from older, pre-weathered sediments or ancient crystalline rocks. The low amounts of Mn and Fe in the Plintossolo in all fractions analysed, compared with the other soils, indicate that removal is pronounced n this pedo-environment, whereas in the Neossolo Flúvico, new sedimentary additions allow the occurrence of higher Fe and Mn amounts. The maximum phosphorous adsorption capacity values are generally lower in the surface soil horizons, increasing with depth, accompanied by higher clay contents, or plinthite occurrence. Thus, exposure of subsurface layers may be a limiting factor for agriculture in these soils.

O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar um método para avaliação de funções visuais em lactentes no primeiro trimestre de vida. Utilizou-se o Roteiro de Avaliação da Conduta Visual em Lactentes, modificado de Gagliardo (1997). O material foi aro suspenso por cordão. Realizou-se estudo piloto com 33 lactentes, segundo os critérios de inclusão: neonatos assintomáticos, sem necessidade de cuidados especiais nas primeiras 48 horas; idade cronológica variando entre 1 e 3 meses; avaliação mensal sem nenhuma falta; procedência da região de Campinas/SP. No 1º mês destacaram-se as provas: fixação visual-93,9%; contato de olho-90,9%; seguimento visual horizontal-72,7% e exploração visual do ambiente-97,0%. No 3º mês: exploração visual da mão-42,4% e aumento da movimentação de braços-36,4%. Este Roteiro permitiu observar a função visual segundo a idade cronológica; desvio dessa função possibilitará pronto encaminhamento a serviços médicos para diagnóstico.

The purpose of this study is to introduce a method to evaluate visual functions in infants in the first three months of life. An adaptation of the Guide for the Assessment of Visual Ability in Infants (Gagliardo, 1997) was used. The instrument was a ring with string. It was implemented a pilot study with 33 infants, selected according to the following criteria: neonates well enough to go home within two days of birth; 1 to 3 months of chronological age; monthly evaluation with no absence; subjects living in Campinas/SP metropolitan area. In the first month we observed: visual fixation (93,9%); eye contact (90,9%); horizontal tracking (72,7%); inspects surroundings (97,0%). In the third month, we observed: inspects own hands (42,4%) and increased movements of arms (36,4%). This method allowed the evaluation of visual functions in infants, according to the chronological age. Alterations in this function will facilitate immediate referral to medical services for diagnoses.

The effect of peritoneal fluid (PF) on the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR) was tested. Sperm was pre-incubated with PF and the AR was induced by calcium ionophore A23187 and a neoglycoprotein bearing N-acetylglycosamine residues (NGP). The AR induced by calcium ionophore was inhibited 40% by PF from controls (PFc) and 50% by PF from the endometriosis (PFe) group, but not by PF from infertile patients without endometriosis (PFi). No significant differences were found in the spontaneous AR. When the AR was induced by NGP, pre-incubation with PFc reduced (60%) the percentage of AR, while PFe and PFi caused no significant differences. The average rates of acrosome reactions obtained in control, NGP- and ionophore-treated sperm showed that NGP-induced exocytosis differed significantly between the PFc (11%) and PFe/PFi groups (17%), and the ionophore-induced AR was higher for PFi (33%) than PFc/PFe (25%). The incidence of the NGP-induced AR was reduced in the first hour of pre-incubation with PFc and remained nearly constant throughout 4 h of incubation. The present data indicate that PF possesses a protective factor which prevents premature AR.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a atividade ovariana antes e após a supressão gonadal com análogo de GnRH em pacientes com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP), hiperandrogenismo, hiperinsulinismo e acantose nigricante. DESENHO: Estudo clínico prospectivo. LOCAL: Centro médico-acadêmico nível terciário. PACIENTES: Seis pacientes com sinais clínicos de SOP, hirsutismo e acantose nigricante. INTERVENÇÕES: Colheita de amostras sanguíneas matinais na fase folicular para determinar os valores séricos de esteróides, curva glicêmica e insulínica, comparando esta última à do grupo controle. Administração por dois meses consecutivos de análogo de GnRH, comparando, nas pacientes do grupo de estudo, os níveis séricos de testosterona livre antes e após a supressão gonadal. PRINCIPAIS DETERMINAÇÕES: Determinação dos níveis séricos de insulina nas pacientes com SOP, hirsutismo e acantose nigricans e avaliar os níveis de testosterona livre antes e após supressão gonadal. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de insulina foram significativamente maiores nas pacientes do grupo de estudo, quando comparados a mulheres normais, durante a curva glicêmica. Também encontramos uma significativa queda nos valores de testosterona livre, após dois meses de supressão gonadal com analógo de GnRH, quando confrontados ao tempo inicial. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com SOP, hirsutismo e acantose nigricante apresentam altos níves séricos de insulina, sugerindo uma hiperativação ovariana por este peptídeo, que, entretanto, não é mantida se promovermos o bloqueio gonadotrófico.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ovarian activity before and after gonadal suppression with GnRH-analog in patients with PCO, hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinism and acanthosis nigricans. DESIGN: Controlled clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. PATIENTS: Six patients with clinical findings of PCO, hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans. INTERVENTIONS: Morning blood samples in the follicular phase to determine the steroid levels, glucose and insulin curve, comparing to a control group. Administration for 2 consecutive months of a GnRH-analog, comparing, in the study group, the free testosterone levels before and after ovarian suppression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Determination of insulin levels in PCO, hirsutism and acanthotic patients and the free-testosterone levels before and after gonadal suppression. RESULTS: Insulin levels were significantly higher in the study group when compared to normal women during the glycemic test. We also found a significant decrease in the free-testosterone levels after 2 months of gonadal suppression with GnRH-analog when compared to the initial time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PCO, hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans present high levels of insulin, suggesting an ovarian hyperesponsiveness, which is not sustained when gonadotrophic blockage was achieved.

Foi conduzido em casa de vegetação um experimento com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de fontes de enxofre, na presença ou não de aditivos (uréia e glicose), sobre a absorção do demento pelas folhas de feijoeiro. Os tratamentos: soluções de ácido sulfúrico e de sulfates de amonio, potássio, magnésio, manganês e zinco marcadas com 35S, contendo ou não os aditivos, foram aplicados ao primeiro trifólio das plantas para avaliar a absorção e translocação de enxofre. Os resultados permitiram concluir que 33% do S adicionado foi absorvido, e desse total 27% foi translocado, não havendo influência dos aditivos sobre esses processos. O ácido sulfúrico e o sulfato de amonio destacaram-se como os melhores fornecedores de enxofre, via foliar, para o feijoeiro.

A greenhouse experiment was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effect of sulphur sources, in the presence or absence of additives (urea and glucose), on the sulphur uptake by bean leaves. The treatments: solutions of sulphuric acid, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc sulphates labelled with 35S, containing or not the additives, were applied to the first trifoliate of the plants to assess the sulphur uptake and translocation. The results enable to conclude that 33% of the added sulphur was absorved, and 27% out of this total was translocated. The additives did not have any influence on uptake and translocation. The sulphuric acid and ammonium sulphate solutions were the best sulphur suppliers for the bean plant.