In this work, Zn/Al layered double hydroxides intercalated with dodecyl sulfate ion (DS) in molar ratios (Zn2+/Al3+) 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1 were synthesized by co-precipitation method and then they were adsolubilized with essential oil of copaiba in the concentrations of 3, 5, 10, 13 and 15% wt/wt to be used as carriers in therapeutic ointments for skin injury treatments. The XRD results showed a diffraction pattern corresponding to the structure of LDHs with the presence of diffraction peaks referring to the basal reflection planes. Typical stretching and vibration bands of copaiba essential oil in FTIR spectra confirmed the adsolubilization process. The oil release plateau in the ointment was above 80% at normalized values in a time of approximately 20 h, the time required for dissolution and release of molecules adsorbed in the layered structure of the material for molar ratios 2:1 and 3:1 and the release of the solubilized molecules in the interlayer space. In contrast, LDH with a 4:1 molar ratio showed slower release and did not reach the plateau in 48 h, as this material has the ability to retain oil molecules in the LDH for longer, causing a slower release in relation to other molar ratios. The analysis for the non-intercalated copaiba oil showed a gradual increase in the concentration of the oil in the ointment, indicating a different curve profile.

Resumo Materiais baseados em oxi-hidróxidos mistos de alumínio e ferro (III) foram preparados pela síntese hidrotérmica a partir da ureia, sais de nitrato ou cloreto e em diferentes razões molares Al3+:Fe3+. Foram avaliadas as propriedades estruturais, morfológicas e térmicas dos materiais. As misturas de nitratos de Al3+ e Fe3+ conduziram à formação da hematita enquanto que nos materiais obtidos a partir dos cloretos, diferentes fases cristalinas de Fe3+ foram identificadas. Para o comportamento térmico observou-se que, independente do ânion dos precursores, a amostras de composição 30%:70% (Al3+:Fe3+) se diferenciaram das demais. Após a calcinação, a fase hematita foi identificada em todas as amostras. Os sais precursores e as razões Al3+:Fe3+ refletiram em diferenças entre as amostras nas propriedades avaliadas. Pelos resultados observados, a ocorrência de substituições isomórficas de Fe3+ pelo Al3+ na fase hematita foi identificada, o que proporcionou alterações nas propriedades avaliadas em relação ao material sem a presença de Al3+.

Abstract Materials based on mixed aluminum and iron (III) and oxyhydroxides were prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis using urea, nitrates, or chlorides salts in different Al3+:Fe3+ molar ratios. The structural, morphological, and thermal properties of the materials were evaluated. The mixtures of Al3+ and Fe3+ nitrates led to the formation of hematite whereas, for the materials obtained from chlorides, different crystalline phases of Fe3+ were identified. For the thermal behavior, it was observed that, regardless of the anion of the precursors’ salts, the samples with composition 30%:70% (Al3+:Fe3+) stood out from the others. After calcination, the hematite phase was identified in all samples. The precursor salts and the Al3+:Fe3+ ratios reflected in differences between the samples in the evaluated properties. From the observed results, the occurrence of isomorphic substitutions of Fe3+ by Al3+ in the hematite phase was observed, which provided changes in the evaluated properties in relation to the material without the presence of Al3+.

Abstract Isolated rocky outcrops represent biodiversity centers, refuges for endangered species, and favorable scenarios for endemism. Most studies in these ecosystems have been focused mainly on their flora and secondarily on different groups of animals. To highlight the value of rocky outcrops as ecosystems for biodiversity conservation, in the present study, we describe the diversity of herptiles of three isolated rocky outcrops of northeastern Argentina and compare it with that of other natural areas of the region. We conducted fieldwork from September 2010 to March 2017. We calculated the alpha diversity and the number of rare, threatened and endemic species. For comparative diversity analysis, we calculated the importance of each area for amphibians and reptiles and the beta diversity. Were recorded a total of 56 species (23 amphibians and 33 reptiles), representing 35% of the herptiles recorded for Corrientes province. These species included 19 rare species, seven threatened species, and two endemic species. The overall beta diversity showed considerably differences in species composition between the compared areas. The rocky outcrops showed higher importance for amphibians and reptiles than the other areas studied. Our study contributes to the knowledge of rocky outcrops and highlights their importance in biodiversity conservation.

Resumo Este trabalho propõe uma modificação de metodologia conhecida na literatura baseada no processo sol-gel para a obtenção de hidróxidos e óxidos mistos de Fe3+ e Al3+. O método consistiu na mistura dos géis das fases dos hidróxidos precursores obtidos em diferentes condições de pH e razões Fe:Al. Os materiais foram caracterizados estruturalmente por difratometria de raios X (DRX) e espectroscopia vibracional na região do infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (IVTF), quanto à composição pela espectroscopia de energia dispersiva e em relação às propriedades ópticas dos materiais foi empregada a técnica de colorimetria. De maneira geral os hidróxidos mistos tiveram maior cristalinidade quando da mistura dos géis a uma razão molar Fe/Fe+Al de 0,6. Foi observada a influência dos teores de Al adicionados na estruturação da fase óxido (hematita), onde possivelmente ocorreram substituições isomórficas de Fe3+ por Al3+; tais substituições foram identificadas pelas técnicas de DRX e IVTF. As propriedades observadas pelas diferentes técnicas refletiram nas cores dos materiais obtidos, onde se verificou diferentes colorações dependendo da estrutura cristalina e teor de alumínio nos materiais. Os materiais obtidos pela metodologia empregada apresentam baixo custo e têm potencial de serem aplicados como pigmentos na indústria de tintas.

Abstract This work proposes a methodology modification on the sol-gel based process reported in the literature to obtain mixed hydroxides and oxides of Fe3+ and Al3+. The method was based on the mixture of the hydroxide gels precursors obtained under different conditions of pH and Fe:Al ratios. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy, and in relation to the optical properties by colorimetric technique. In general, the mixed hydroxides had higher crystallinity when mixing the gels at a Fe/Fe+Al molar ratio of 0.6. It was observed the influence of the Al content added in the structuring of the oxide phase, where the isomorphic substitutions of Fe3+ by Al3+ occurred; these substitutions were identified by XRD and FTIR. The characteristics observed by these techniques reflected in the color properties of the obtained materials, where different colorations were observed depending on the crystalline structure and the aluminum content in the materials. The materials obtained by the methodology employed are low cost and possible to be applied as pigments in the paint industry.

The Neotropical genus Aleuas Stål 1878 is constituted by nine recognized species, distributed in South America. This genus is closely related to Adimantus Stål 1878, Zygoclistron Rehn 1905 and Episcopotettix Rehn 1903 (Copiocerinae). Only four species of Aleuas have been reported in Argentina, covering different phytogeographical provinces: A. gracilis Stål 1878, A. lineatus Stål 1878, A. paranensis Carbonell 2008 and A. vitticollis Stål 1878. In this contribution we provide novel records for A. uruguayensis and illustrate the geographic distribution of the species. This work extends the known distribution range of the species as well as it contributes to the general knowledge on the Orthoptera diversity in Argentina.

El género neotropical Aleuas Stål 1878 está constituido por nueve especies distribuidas a lo largo de América del Sur. Este género se encuentra cercanamente relacionado con Adimantus Stål 1878, Zygoclistron Rehn 1905 y Episcopotettix Rehn 1903 (Copiocerinae). Únicamente cuatro especies de Aleuas fueron descriptas en distintas provincias fitogeográficas en Argentina: A. gracilis Stål 1878, A. lineatus Stål 1878, A. paranensis Carbonell 2008 y A. vitticollis Stål 1878. En este trabajo proporcionamos nuevos registros de A. uruguayensis y brindamos un mapa de distribución geográfica actualizado, incluyendo las localidades conocidas en las que se encuentra esta especie. Confirmamos la presencia de A. uruguayensis por primera vez en Argentina, en cuatro localidades distantes a 450 kilómetros al noroeste del único registro conocido. De esta manera, ampliamos el rango de distribución de la especie y realizamos un aporte al conocimiento general de la diversidad de ortópteros de Argentina.

A Província Alcalina de Goiás (PAGO), localizada na borda norte da Bacia do Paraná, tem complexos alcalinos com fortes assinaturas magnéticas. A inversão do sinal 3D magnética foi realizada nos dados de magnetometria. Amostras coletadas em campo de algumas dessas intrusões alcalinas apresentam forte magnetização remanescente, como mostram as medidas tomadas em laboratório, assim, uma análise cuidadosa desta componente também foi realizada. O vetor soma dos componentes remanescente mais induzidas foram usadas como um campo magnético induzido virtual durante o processo de inversão 3D dos dados magnéticos. Os parâmetros geométricos foram obtidos a partir da análise quantitativa de dados magnéticos, usando Gradiente Horizontal Total e Fase dos Sinal Analítico. As Susceptibilidades magnéticas e densidades foram medidas em laboratório. Todas as informações foram utilizadas como modelo inicial para a inversão. Os resultados da inversão 3D mostram que as intrusões alcalinas têm raízes até 10-12 km de profundidade. A susceptibilidade magnética é distribuída em formas quase esféricas e cilíndricas. A possibilidade das formas esféricas ocorre da hipótese de que as intrusões da GAP na parte norte da província representam câmaras magmáticas. O magma alcalino ascendeu da litosfera e usou dois principais sistemas de falhas como caminho preferencial para sua colocação. Estes sistemas de falhas aparecem na análise do sinal magnético como feições magnéticas lineares. A análise química confirmou o caráter alcalino e subalcalino dos magmas. O alto teor de MgO mostra o caráter primitivo dessas intrusões, mas a anomalia Ba indica uma possível contaminação crustal.

The Goiás Alkaline Province (GAP), located on the north edge of the Paraná Basin, has alkaline complexes with strong magnetic signatures. The 3D inversion of magnetic signal was performed on the aeromagnetic data. Since the intrusions present a strong remnant magnetization, as measured in the laboratory, a careful analysis of this component was also realized. The sum vector of the remnant and induced components were used as a virtual induced magnetic field during the 3D inversion process. The geometric parameters were obtained from the quantitative analysis of magnetic data, using Total Gradient Direction and Analytical Signal Phase, performed over magnetic signal reduced to the pole. Magnetic susceptibility and density were measured in laboratory. All this information were used as the initial model in the inversion. The results of 3D inversion show that the alkaline intrusions have roots up to 10-12 km depth. The magnetic susceptibility is distributed in almost spherical and cylindrical shapes. The possibility of spherical shapes arise the hypothesis that the GAP intrusions at the northern part of the province represent magmatic chambers. The alkaline magma ascends from the lithosphere, and used two main fault systems as space for emplacement. These faults systems appear in the magnetic signal analysis as linear magnetic features. Chemical analysis confirmed the alkaline and subalkaline character of the magmas. The high MgO content shows the primitive character of these intrusions but the Ba anomaly indicates a possible crustal contamination.

There is a lack of information about the level of resistance of cotton genotypes to a wider range of Ramularia areola isolates occurring across the cotton growing areas of Brazil. For this purpose, firstly it is necessary to know the existence or not of genotypic and phenotypic variability among the R. areola isolates from different geographical origins. The objective of the present investigation was to verify the existence of phenotypic variability among 23 R. areola isolates collected from six cotton growing states of Brazil. Two resistant genotypes, FMT 02102996 and CNPA BA 2003-2059, and the susceptible genotype FMT 701 were individually inoculated with 23 R. areola isolates under glasshouse conditions and the severity of infection was evaluated 30 days after inoculation. Genotypes CNPA BA 2003-2059 and FMT 02102996 were susceptible to three isolates and resistant to the rest of the isolates. Genotype FMT 701 was susceptible to all the isolates except the isolates 22.3 and 42.7. Results indicate the existence of variability among R. areola isolates and that the three genotypes are useful in distinguishing phenotypic variability within isolates of this pathogen.

A newly emerged disease, the Pyricularia blast caused by Pyricularia grisea, is commonly observed on wheat and black oats, since its discovery in 1985. Within a few years the disease spread to other species of Gramineae, but white oat cultivars remained resistant and were the only ones among cultivated cereals resistant to this disease. In 2012, one commercial field of white oat cultivar IAC 7 was found severely attacked by Pyricularia blast in Assis, in the state of São Paulo. The objective of the present investigation was to find out whether other white oat cultivars are also susceptible to the new P. grisea isolate from cv. IAC 7 and to determine the pathogenic variability, if any, among P. grisea isolates from black oats. Thirty-three white oat cultivars, along with some cultivars of black oat, barley, wheat, triticale, and rye were evaluated against the IAC 7 isolate. Results of disease severity analysis indicated that four white oat cultivars were resistant, seven were moderately resistant and the remaining were susceptible or highly susceptible. Five wheat cultivars were also resistant. Pathogenic variation among P. grisea isolates from black oats was observed.

Paecilomyces lilacinus apresenta potencial para controle de pragas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o crescimento micelial e a produção de esporos de linhagens de P. lilacinus em resíduos agro-industriais e meios comerciais. Este estudo sugere fontes alternativas para produção de fungos com potencial biotecnológico para desenvolvimento de bioprodutos.

Paecilomyces lilacinus has potential for pests control. We aimed to analyze mycelial growth and spore production in P. lilacinus strains in several agro-industrial residues and commercial media. This study suggests alternative nutrient sources for fungi production and that the biotechnological potential of agro-industrial refuses could be employed in byproducts development.

Two presynaptic phospholipases A2 (PLA2), neuwieditoxin-I (NeuTX-I) and neuwieditoxin-II (NeuTX-II), were isolated from the venom of Bothrops neuwiedi pauloensis (BNP). The venom was fractionated using molecular exclusion HPLC (Protein-Pak 300SW column), followed by reverse phase HPLC (µBondapak C18 column). Tricine-SDS-PAGE in the presence or absence of dithiothreitol showed that NeuTX-I and NeuTX-II had a molecular mass of approximately 14 kDa and 28kDa, respectively. At 10µg/ml, both toxins produced complete neuromuscular blockade in indirectly stimulated chick biventer cervicis isolated preparation without inhibiting the response to acetylcholine, but NeuTX-II reduced the response to KCl by 67.0±8.0% (n=3; p<0.05). NeuTX-I and NeuTX-II are probably responsible for the presynaptic neurotoxicity of BNP venom in vitro. In fact, using loose patch clamp technique for mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation, NeuTX-I produced a calcium-dependent blockade of acetylcholine release and caused appearance of giant miniature end-plate potentials (mepps), indicating a pure presynaptic action. The N-terminal sequence of NeuTX-I was DLVQFGQMILKVAGRSLPKSYGAYGCYCGWGGRGK (71% homology with bothropstoxin-II and 54% homology with caudoxin) and that of NeuTX-II was SLFEFAKMILEETKRLPFPYYGAYGCYCGWGGQGQPKDAT (92% homology with Basp-III and 62% homology with crotoxin PLA2). The fact that NeuTX-I has Q-4 (Gln-4) and both toxins have F-5 (Phe-5) and Y-28 (Tyr-28) strongly suggests that NeuTX-I and NeuTX-II are Asp49 PLA2.

Caracterização de proteínas e análises da composição centesimal e teores de minerais foram realizados nas amêndoas da bocaiúva, Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. As amêndoas apresentaram alto teor de lipídio (51,7%), proteína (17,6%) e fibra (15,8%). Proteínas solúveis das sementes foram fracionadas de acordo com a sua solubilidade. As principais proteínas separadas foram as globulinas (53,5%) e glutelinas (40,0%), e a presença de proteases de baixo peso molecular nessas duas frações foi revelada por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE). Ensaios da atividade inibitória de proteases e da hemaglutinação mostraram que as frações protéicas da bocaiúva não foram resistentes à ação da tripsina e quimotripsina e apresentaram baixo teor de lectina. A digestibilidade in vitro da globulina foi semelhante à da caseína padrão. Hidrólises enzimáticas da globulina e glutelina não aumentaram significativamente (p < 0,05), com o aquecimento. Treonina e lisina são os aminoácidos mais limitantes, respectivamente, das duas principais frações de proteínas da amêndoa da bocaiúva, a globulina (escore de aminoácido de 47,1%) e glutelina (escore de aminoácido de 49,5%), relativamente ao padrão teórico para crianças de 2 a 5 anos de idade, recomendado pela FAO/WHO. Amêndoas de bocaiúva mostraram ser ricas em cálcio, fósforo e manganês, em comparação com algumas amêndoas de frutos como caju e coco.

Protein characterization and results of proximate composition and mineral analyses of fruit kernels of bocaiuva, Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd., are reported. The kernels presented high contents of oil (51.7%), protein (17.6%) and fiber (15.8%). The seeds´ soluble proteins were isolated according to their solubility. The main separated proteins were globulins (53.5%) and glutelins (40.0%). Moreover, the presence of low molecular mass proteases in these two fractions was shown by the SDS-PAGE method. The assays of protease-inhibitory and hemagglutinating activities showed that bocaiuva´s protein fractions were not resistant to trypsin or chymotrypsin activities and that both had low lectin content. The globulin in vitro digestibility assay resembled a casein standard. Neither globulin nor glutelin enzymatic hydrolyses increased significantly (p < 0.05) after heat treatment. Threonine and lysine are the most limiting amino acids, respectively from two major protein fractions of the bocaiuva kernel, globulin (47.1% amino acid score) and glutelin (49.5% amino acid score), in terms of the theoretical profiles for children in the age range of 2 to 5 years recommended by the FAO/WHO. Bocaiuva kernels are found to be rich in calcium, phosphorus and manganese compared to some fruit nuts such as cashew and coconut.

O Helicobacter pylori é uma bactéria reconhecida como a principal causa de úlcera péptica e gastrite crônica. Recentemente, o proteoma do H. pylori tem sido desenvolvido visando identificar fatores patogênicos relacionados ao microorganismo. Neste estudo preliminar, cepas de H. pylori foram isoladas de fragmento de mucosa gástrica de pacientes com úlcera duodenal e gastrite crônica. Posteriormente, realizou-se uma análise proteômica parcial dessas cepas, através da lise bacteriana e da separação de proteínas através da eletroforese de duas dimensões (2-DE). Por análise comparativa, foi possível verificar a expressão protéica diferencial entre os dois mapas 2-DE obtidos. Os dados poderão ser úteis para esclarecer a importância de diferentes proteínas relacionadas à patogênese da bactéria. Este estudo será complementado utilizando um maior número de amostras e a identificação protéica do H. pylori através da espectrometria de massa do tipo MALDI-TOF.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium recognized as the major cause of peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis. Recently, a proteome-based approach was developed to investigate pathogenic factors related to H. pylori. In this preliminary study, H. pylori strains were isolated from gastric biopsies of patients with chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcers. A partial proteomic analysis of H. pylori strains was performed by bacterial lyses and proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). A comparative analysis was performed to verify a differential protein expression between these two 2-DE maps. These data should be useful to clarify the role of different proteins related to bacterial pathogenesis. This study will be completed using a larger number of samples and protein identification of H. pylori by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a eficiência da solubilização de quatro detergentes comercialmente disponíveis, ASB 14, SB 3-10, CHAPS e Triton X100, na extração de proteínas de membrana da bactéria Xylella fastidiosa para estudos proteômicos. Estas proteínas foram solubilizadas em duas etapas em tampões diferenciados pelos detergentes e submetidas à eletroforese bidimensional (2-DE) em uma faixa de pH não linear de 3-10. Os detergentes ASB 14 e SB 3-10 foram os mais efecientes, revelando 221 e 157 proteínas, respectivamente, enquanto que o CHAPS e o Triton X100 resultaram somente 72 e 43 proteínas, respectivamente. A identificação das proteínas foi feita por 'peptide mass fingerprinting' em espectrometria de massa MALDI-TOF, através de peptídeos obtidos por digestão com tripsina in gel. Os 18 spots de proteínas do gel com tratamento com ASB 14 mostrou que 83% eram proteínas de membrana. Este estudo concluiu que o detergente ASB-14 foi o mais eficiente na solubilização de proteínas de membrana de Xylella fastidiosa.

Four different detergents, ASB 14, SB 3-10, CHAPS and Triton X100, were utilized to determine the optimal detergent for the solubilization of membrane proteins from the phytopathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. These proteins were differentially solubilized in distinct buffers containing the detergent and subjected to bidimensional electrophoresis within the non-linear pH range of 3-10. The detergents ASB 14 and SB 3-10 were the most effective revealing 221 and 157 spots, respectively. CHAPS and Triton X100 were less effective and revealed only 72 and 43 spots, respectively. MALDI-TOF tryptic peptide mass fingerprinting of 18 excised proteins from the ASB 14 treatment revealed that 83% were membrane proteins and that the theoretical efficiency of solubilization for ASB 14 was estimated to be 87%. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the detergent ASB 14 for the solubilization of membrane proteins from the bacterium X. fastidiosa.

Turfeiras topotróficas caracterizam-se como corpos de águas rasas, permanente ou periodicamente alagados por água do lençol freático, percolada através do solo inorgânico das terras altas adjacentes à depressão central da turfeira. Possuem solos orgânicos e a cobertura vegetal é dominanda por fanerógamas aquáticas emergentes. Este estudo visou o levantamento da diversidade específica e caracterização das principais formações vegetais ao longo de duas transecções de 200m em uma turfeira topotrófica na localidade de Domingos Petrolini (Rio Grande, RS). Em março/1998, o total de 48 espécies vegetais (30 famílias) foram encontradas nas 40 parcelas de 5m × 2m observadas nas duas transecções efetuadas. Cerca de 56% das espécies eram plantas aquáticas herbáceas (submersas, flutuantes ou emergentes) e apenas 10% arbustos ou árvores. Sete espécies dominaram a cobertura vegetal (Eupatorium tremulum, Eryngium pandanifolium, Blechnum brasiliense, Rhynchospora sp., Xyris jupicai, Utricularia gibba e Cladium jamaicense). Quatro formações vegetais tipicamente distribuídas em relação à topografia e à distância do lençol freático foram caracterizadas: (1) banhados do capim-navalha Cladium jamaicense, drenados apenas no verão, ocupam a depressão central da turfeira (DCT); (2) planos médios de Gravatás/Caraguatás (Eryngium pandanifolium) associados a samambaia Blechnum brasiliense (+0,5 a +1,5m da DCT); (3) bosques marginais de arbustos palustres (+1 a +3m da DCT) são dominados por Eupatorium tremulum; e (4) campos de turfa recobertos por ciperáceas de pequeno porte, gramas boiadeiras e botões-de-ouro (Xyris jupicai) ocupam a borda do afloramento da turfa (+3 a +4m da DCT).

Fens are characterized as shallow water bodies permanently or periodically flooded by ground-water table, originating from the percolation of rain water through mineral soils of uplands adjacent to the fen central basin. Fens have organic soil and their plant cover is dominat by emergent phanerophytes. This study aims to survey the specific diversity and characterize the main vegetation types along two 200m transects positioned in a fen of the southern Brazilian county of Domingos Petrolini (32° 02' S; 52° 17' W; Rio Grande, RS). In March/1998, 48 plant species (30 families) were recorded in forty 5m × 2m plots along the two transects. Herbaceous aquatic macrophytes (submersed, flooting or emergent) represented 56% of species, but 10% were shrubs or trees. Seven species dominate the vegetation (Eupatorium tremulum, Eryngium pandanifolium, Blechnum brasiliense, Rhynchospora sp., Xyris jupicai, Utricularia gibba, and Cladium jamaicense). The vegetation types include (1) summer exposed swampsdominated by Cladium jamaicense (placed in the fen central basin; FCB), (2) intermediate level of Gravatás/Caraguatás (Eryngium pandanifolium) associated with the fern Blechnum brasiliense (+0.5 to +1.5m from the FCB), (3) marginal palustrine shrubs (+1 to +3m from the FCB) dominated by Eupatorium tremulum and (4) turf fields covered by small sedges, soft-leaved grasses with the yellow-eyed grass (Xyris jupicai) occupying the upper border of the fen (+3 to +4m from the FCB).