Progenesis QI (PQI) is a multiplatform bioinformatics tool that facilitates the identification workflow for metabolomics experiments. PQI uses fragmentation data provided by MassBank of North America (MoNA) libraries, among others, for metabolite annotation. However, PQI does not officially support MoNA libraries and other libraries based on structure-data files (.sdf). This paper describes the development and application of a software named MoNA to Progenesis QI Library Converter, allowing PQI and MoNA by correcting the fragmentation data of the library for Progenesis readability. We evaluated several public experimental datasets, including human plasma, plant extracts, cultured cells, bacteria, rat serum, and rat hippocampus. The results showed that it is mandatory to proceed with file conversion of each library to allow PQI to access fragmentation information from .msp (main spectra profile) files. This step is highly recommended to improve the identification level of the metabolites.

ABSTRACT Pirarucu, Arapaima gigas is a fish species of great social and economic importance in the Amazon region, where they are often farmed in earthen ponds. Intensive cage aquaculture has been growing in Brazil, which could be an alternative means to farm pirarucu, reducing costs and increasing productivity. We evaluated the contribution of natural food organisms in semi-intensive (ponds) and intensive (cages) production systems, and their effect on pirarucu growth and economic performance during the first phase of grow-out. Four ponds (300 m2) and four cages (4.0 m³) were stocked, respectively, with 120 (0.4 fish m-²) and 160 (40 fish m-³) juvenile pirarucu (28.03 ± 6.34 g, 11.75 ± 0.80 cm). The study was conducted for 105 days and fish were fed with commercial feed. Fish growth and plankton intake were evaluated every two weeks. Survival rate, standard length, weight gain and final weight were higher in fish reared in earthen ponds than in cages. Feed conversion of fish kept in ponds was lower (0.96 ± 0.06) than in cages (1.20 ± 0.11). The consumption of natural food organisms was observed, despite artificial feed being fed in both systems. The relative abundance of zooplankton and insects in stomachs was directly proportional to fish weight gain in ponds, and inversely proportional in cages. Higher economic efficiency rate and lower average production cost were calculated for earthen ponds. Our results indicate that the cost-benefit of the first phase grow-out of A. gigas is better in earthen ponds.

RESUMO O pirarucu, Arapaima gigas é um peixe de grande importância econômica e social na Amazônia, onde é comumente produzido em viveiros. A produção de peixes em tanques-rede tem crescido no Brasil, e este sistema poderia ser uma alternativa para a produção do pirarucu, reduzindo custos e melhorando os parâmetros produtivos. Nós avaliamos a contribuição do alimento natural na produção em sistema semi-intensivo (viveiros) e intensivo (tanques-rede) e seus efeitos sobre os aspectos produtivos e econômicos do pirarucu na fase de recria. Quatro viveiros (300 m2) e quatro tanques-rede (4,0 m3) foram estocados, respectivamente, com 120 (0,4 peixes m-2) e 160 (40 peixes m-3) juvenis de pirarucu (28,03 ± 6,34 g e 11,75 ± 0,80 cm). O estudo foi conduzido por 105 dias e os peixes foram alimentados com ração comercial extrusada. Crescimento e ingestão de plâncton pelos peixes foram avaliados quinzenalmente. Sobrevivência, comprimento padrão, ganho de peso e peso final foram maiores nos peixes cultivados em viveiros. A conversão alimentar nos viveiros (0,96 ± 0,06) foi menor que nos tanques-rede (1,20 ± 0,11). Mesmo sendo ofertada ração, os pirarucus consumiram alimento natural nos dois sistemas de produção. A abundância relativa de zooplâncton e insetos nos estômagos foi diretamente proporcional ao ganho de peso nos viveiros, e inversamente proporcional nos tanques-rede. Um índice de eficiência econômica mais alto e custo médio de produção mais baixo foram calculados para os viveiros escavados. Nossos resultados indicam que o custo-benefício do cultivo de A. gigas durante a fase de recria é melhor em viveiros.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of a second crop maize grown under different methods of inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with 6 treatments and four replications. The treatments used were: no inoculation (T1); inoculation with A. brasilense via seed (T2); inoculation with A. brasilense via sowing furrow (T3); inoculation with A. brasilense via leaf (T4); two inoculations with A. brasilense via leaf (T5); and combination of inoculations via seed, sowing furrow, and leaf (T6). Physiological, morphological, production, and yield components of the second crop maize were evaluated. The data were subjected to analysis of variance at 0.05 probability level and when significant, the means were subjected to the Scott-Knott test at 0.05 probability level, using the R-bio statistical program. Inoculation via seed results in higher nitrate reductase enzyme activity. The inoculation with A. brasilense does not result in gains in grain yield for second crop maize; however, it improves the maize quality by increasing its gross protein contents.

The Ipojuca River is considered the third most polluted river in Brazil due to the intense anthropogenic activities in the surrounding urban areas. The most important effluent is sewage discharge, which is responsible for considerable contamination. Traditional analyses (infrared spectroscopy, organic matter (OM), elemental analysis and granulometry) and advanced analysis of sterols by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were applied to evaluate the levels of urban contamination from sewage in 10 surface sediment samples from the Ipojuca River, in a stretch located in the Caruaru city, Pernambuco, Brazil. The results pointed to sandy sediments, rich in OM from anthropogenic sources (predominant). Eight different sterols were detected with a total concentration in a range between < limit of quantification (LOQ) and 1,634.4 µg g−1. Coprostanol (fecal biomarker) was detected in high concentrations (557.3 µg g−1) in the sediment collected close to an open-air market (considered the largest in the world), making it the most contaminated in the region. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed areas tending towards contamination and that 90% of sediments were contaminated by sewage. These results can be considered useful for preventive and remedial actions toward promoting human health in this region.

Abstract Carapace width-carapace length (CW/CLRs), carapace width-weight (CW/WRs), and carapace length-weight (CL/WR) relationships are presented for the portunid species Callinectes bocourti A. Milne Edwards, 1879, Callinectes danae Smith, 1869, and Callinectes ornatus Ordway, 1863 from the northern coast of Brazil. A total of 85 crabs were collected between May and October 2015 in intertidal zones of the Caeté, Pirabas and Salinas estuaries. All species had strong relationships between measurements with a coefficient of determination (r 2) ranging between 0.97 and 0.99. The variable most strongly related to CW was CL with 99 % of the variability provided by C. ornatus. These relationships are a useful tool for field ecologists to estimate length and/or mass of portunid species, and it is not necessary to euthanize the organism to collect body measurements. Additionally, this study describes the first reference of CW/CLRs and CL/WRs for these portunid species in the region. The Callinectes species in Amazon estuaries are still poorly studied, and there is a need for monitoring their stocks due to its importance for artisanal fishery. The present data are important for supplying biological information required for an adequate management of this fishery.

Resumo Anaplasma marginale é uma bactéria Gram-negativa intracelular obrigatória de eritrócitos de ruminantes e responsável pela anaplasmose bovina. A diversidade genética de A. marginale tem sido caracterizada com base nas sequências das principais proteínas de superfície (MSPs), como a MSP1α. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a diversidade genética de A. marginale em bovinos no estado do Maranhão, Nordeste do Brasil. Dessa forma, 343 amostras de sangue foram submetidas ao ensaio iELISA, utilizando-se a proteína recombinante MSP5. Das 343 amostras de sangue, 235 (68,5%) foram escolhidas aleatoriamente e submetidas à extração de DNA, qPCR e PCR convencional para gene msp1α, para determinação das sequências de aminoácidos e classificação dos genótipos. Os resultados do iELISA mostraram 81,34% de soropositividade (279/343), enquanto qPCR revelou 224 amostras positivas (95,32%). Dentre estas na qPCR, 67,4% (151/224) mostraram-se positivas no PCR convencional. Das 50 sequências obtidas, 21 cepas não haviam sido relatadas anteriormente. Em relação aos genótipos, H (26/50) e E (18/50) foram os mais frequentes, enquanto os genótipos F e C foram identificados apenas duas vezes cada, e B e G uma vez cada. Em conclusão, alta prevalência e marcante diversidade genética de A. marginale foram observadas em rebanhos leiteiros no estado do Maranhão.

Abstract Anaplasma marginale is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium found in ruminants’ erythrocytes and is the etiological agent of bovine anaplasmosis. The bacterium’s genetic diversity has been characterized based on sequences of major surface proteins (MSPs), such as MSP1α. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity of A. marginale in cattle in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. To this end, 343 blood samples were harvested and subjected to iELISA assays using the recombinant surface protein MSP5. Out of 343 blood samples, 235 (68.5%) were randomly chosen and submitted to DNA extraction, qPCR and conventional PCR targeting the msp1α gene to determine amino acid sequences and classify the genotypes. The iELISA results showed 81.34% seropositivity (279/343), whereas qPCR revealed 224 positive samples (95.32%). Among these qPCR-positive samples, 67.4% (151/224) were also positive in the cPCR. Among the 50 obtained sequences, 21 strains had not been previously reported. Regarding the genotypes, H (26/50) and E (18/50) were identified most often, while genotypes F and C were only identified twice each and B and G once each. In conclusion, high prevalence and genetic diversity for A. marginale were observed in dairy cattle herds in the state of Maranhão.

RESUMEN El calabacín (Cucurbita pepo L.) presenta un gran potencial económico y productivo en la región semiárida de Brasil, debido a su amplia aceptación por los consumidores y su rápido rendimiento financiero., El proceso de asimilación de nitrato (NO3 -) en plantas C3 como el calabacín estaría relacionado en parte con la fotorrespiración, y el Si acumulado cerca de los estomas reduce la tasa de transpiración, haciendo que el ciclo de fotosíntesis sea más eficiente. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la interacción entre el nitrógeno y la fertilización con silicio en el crecimiento, el índice de clorofila y la fluorescencia de la clorofila a en plantas de calabacín. Los tratamientos se distribuyeron en un esquema de parcelas divididas en un diseño de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. La parcela se formó por niveles de silicio (0 y 6 g/planta) y las subparcelas constituidas por cinco niveles de nitrógeno (30, 60, 90, 120 y 150 kg ha-1), totalizando 30 parcelas experimentales. Se evaluaron masas de hojas, tallos y secas totales, clorofila a, clorofila b, clorofila total, clorofila a/b y fluorescencia de la clorofila a. Las mayores producciones de materia seca de calabacín se obtuvieron en tratamientos sin Si. La aplicación de Si y N juntos influye positivamente en la proporción de clorofila a/b de las plantas de calabacín. La interacción entre Si y N influye positivamente en la fluorescencia máxima, la fluorescencia variable y el rendimiento cuántico del fotosistema II de plantas de calabacín.

ABSTRACT Zucchini (Cucúrbita pepo L.) has a great economic and productive potential in the semi-arid region of Brazil, due to the wide acceptance by consumers and quick financial return. The nitrate (NO3 -) assimilation process in C3 plants such as zucchini is related to photorespiration, and Si accumulated near the stomata reduces the transpiration rate, making the photosynthesis cycle more efficient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between nitrogen and silicon fertilization on growth, chlorophyll index, and chlorophyll a fluorescence of zucchini plants. The treatments were distributed in a split-plot scheme in a randomized block design with three replicates. The plot was arranged by silicon levels (0 and 6 g/plant) and the subplots constituted by five nitrogen levels (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1). Leaf, stem and total dry masses, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b ratio and chlorophyll a fluorescence were evaluated. The highest dry matter productions in zucchini were obtained in treatments without Si. Si and N application together positively influences the chlorophyll a/b ratio of zucchini plants. The interaction between Si and N positively influences the maximum fluorescence, variable fluorescence and quantum yield of photosystem II of zucchini plants.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a influência dos determinantes socioambientais da saúde na incidência de malária por Plasmodium vivax na fronteira franco-brasileira. O estudo foi realizado entre 2011 e 2015, no município de Oiapoque (AP), na Amazônia brasileira. Foram incluídos na amostra 253 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, de 10 a 60 anos de idade. Houve predominância de 63,64% (161/253) de casos de malária em adultos do sexo masculino. A faixa etária mais acometida foi de 20 a 29 anos, com 30% (76/253); 84,6% (214/253) dos pacientes não concluíram o ensino médio, e 29,6% (75/253) não concluíram o ensino primário. No aspecto ambiental, houve correlação negativa entre as precipitações pluviométricas e a incidência da malária por P. vivax (p=0,0026). Em termos de mobilidade, constatou-se considerável proporção de migrantes provenientes dos estados do Pará e do Maranhão (55,73%; 141/253). Por fim, os dados apontaram que 31,23% (79/253) dos casos de malária foram importados da Guiana Francesa. Em síntese, a transmissão da malária na fronteira franco-brasileira envolve fatores ecológico-ambientais, biológicos e sociais que se expressam na elevada vulnerabilidade social da população que vive e circula na zona fronteiriça, favorecendo a ocorrência de surtos e a permanência da enfermidade.

Abstract This study analyzes the influence of socio-environmental health determinants on the maintenance of Plasmodium vivax malaria at the borders between French Guiana and Brazil. This study was carried out between 2011 and 2015 in the city of Oiapoque, Amapá, situated in the Brazilian Amazon region. The sample included 253 individuals of both sexes aged between 10 and 60 years. The disease was predominant in 63.64% (161/253) adult males. The most affected age group was 20 to 29 years old, with 30% (76/253). About 84.6% did not complete high school, while 29.6% (75/253) of the cases had not finished the first degree. Concerning the environmental aspect, negative correlation was observed between rainfall and the incidence of P. vivax malaria (p=0.0026). In terms of mobility, there was a considerable influx of migrants from the states of Pará and Maranhão, with 55.73% (141/253). Lastly, the data indicated that 31.23% (79/253) of malaria cases were imported from French Guiana. In summary, the transmission of malaria in these particular borders involved ecological, environmental, biological and social factors, which are expressed in the high social vulnerability of the population living and circulating in the border zone, favoring the occurrence of outbreaks and the maintenance of the disease.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a influência dos determinantes socioambientais da saúde na incidência de malária por Plasmodium vivax na fronteira franco-brasileira. O estudo foi realizado entre 2011 e 2015, no município de Oiapoque (AP), na Amazônia brasileira. Foram incluídos na amostra 253 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, de 10 a 60 anos de idade. Houve predominância de 63,64% (161/253) de casos de malária em adultos do sexo masculino. A faixa etária mais acometida foi de 20 a 29 anos, com 30% (76/253); 84,6% (214/253) dos pacientes não concluíram o ensino médio, e 29,6% (75/253) não concluíram o ensino primário. No aspecto ambiental, houve correlação negativa entre as precipitações pluviométricas e a incidência da malária por P. vivax (p=0,0026). Em termos de mobilidade, constatou-se considerável proporção de migrantes provenientes dos estados do Pará e do Maranhão (55,73%; 141/253). Por fim, os dados apontaram que 31,23% (79/253) dos casos de malária foram importados da Guiana Francesa. Em síntese, a transmissão da malária na fronteira franco-brasileira envolve fatores ecológico-ambientais, biológicos e sociais que se expressam na elevada vulnerabilidade social da população que vive e circula na zona fronteiriça, favorecendo a ocorrência de surtos e a permanência da enfermidade.

Abstract This study analyzes the influence of socio-environmental health determinants on the maintenance of Plasmodium vivax malaria at the borders between French Guiana and Brazil. This study was carried out between 2011 and 2015 in the city of Oiapoque, Amapá, situated in the Brazilian Amazon region. The sample included 253 individuals of both sexes aged between 10 and 60 years. The disease was predominant in 63.64% (161/253) adult males. The most affected age group was 20 to 29 years old, with 30% (76/253). About 84.6% did not complete high school, while 29.6% (75/253) of the cases had not finished the first degree. Concerning the environmental aspect, negative correlation was observed between rainfall and the incidence of P. vivax malaria (p=0.0026). In terms of mobility, there was a considerable influx of migrants from the states of Pará and Maranhão, with 55.73% (141/253). Lastly, the data indicated that 31.23% (79/253) of malaria cases were imported from French Guiana. In summary, the transmission of malaria in these particular borders involved ecological, environmental, biological and social factors, which are expressed in the high social vulnerability of the population living and circulating in the border zone, favoring the occurrence of outbreaks and the maintenance of the disease.

This paper presents a simple and low-cost capillary electrophoresis method for ultra-fast simultaneous determination of naphazoline (NPZ) and one of the following active ingredients: diphenhydramine (DIP), pheniramine (PHEN) or chlorpheniramine (CPHEN). The proposed method is based on capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D) equipped with a short length capillary column (10 cm). One sample can be analyzed every 35 s (ca. 100 injections per hour) with resolutions between peaks greater than 1.4. The optimized background electrolyte (BGE) was composed by 20 mmol L-1 histidine and 10 mmol L-1 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid (pH = 9.5, adjusted with NaOH). Limits of detection were 25 µmol L-1 for NPZ, DIP, and PHEN and 13 µmol L-1 for CPHEN. The results obtained with the developed procedure were compared to those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and no statistically significant differences were observed (95% confidence level).

RESUMO Introdução: O traumatismo raquimedular (TRM) é uma importante causa de morbi-mortalidade ao redor mundo. Acomete diferentes faixas etárias, principalmente os adultos jovens vítimas de trauma de alta energia. A forma mais eficaz de diminuir a incidência do traumatismo raquimedular e suas consequências é através de campanhas preventivas e medidas de controle e fiscalização através dos órgãos públicos. O objetivo deste estudo é traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes vítimas de traumatismo raquimedular, atendidos em um centro de atendimento terciário da cidade de São Paulo. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, transversal, realizado em um centro de referência de atendimento de pacientes vítimas de traumatismo raquimedular do estado de São Paulo. Os dados foram colhidos dos prontuários dos pacientes vítimas de traumatismo raquimedular entre os anos de 2012 a 2016. Resultados: Dos 515 pacientes vítimas de traumatismo da coluna espinhal, 153 (29,7%) apresentaram traumatismo raquimedular. 131 (85,62%) foram do sexo masculino, 22 (14,37%) foram pacientes do sexo feminino, em uma relação de aproximadamente 6:1. A média de idade foi de 39 a 45 anos. A principal causa de trauma raquimedular observada foi a queda de altura, com 72 casos (47,05%). 52,94% dos pacientes apresentaram-se em Frankel A. Conclusão: Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos pacientes eram de jovens, economicamente ativos, com baixo nível educacional, expostos a acidentes que, em grande parte, poderiam ser evitados. A maioria destes pacientes também apresentou lesões graves, incapacitantes, que costumam trazer sequelas psíquicas e econômicas consideráveis para o indivíduo e para a sociedade. Nível de Evidência: IV. Tipo de estudo: Série de Casos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spinal cord trauma (SCT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. It affects different age groups, especially young adults who are victims of high-energy trauma. The most effective way to reduce the incidence of spinal cord trauma and its consequences is through preventive campaigns and control and surveillance measures through public agencies. The objective of this study is to outline the epidemiological profile of patients with spinal cord trauma attended at a tertiary care center in the city of São Paulo. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study performed at a reference center for the care of patients with spinal cord injury in the State of São Paulo. Data were collected from the medical records of patients with spinal cord trauma between 2012 and 2016. Results: Of the 515 patients with spinal trauma, 153 (29.7%) had spinal cord injury of which 131 (85.62%) were male, and 22 (14.37%) were female, in a ratio of approximately 6:1. The mean age was 39.45 years. The main cause of spinal cord trauma observed was the fall from heights, with 72 cases (47.05%), and 52.94% were classified as Frankel A. Conclusions: The results showed that the majority of the patients were young, economically active, with low educational level, exposed to accidents that could be largely avoided. Most of these patients also had severe disabling injuries, which usually bring considerable psychological sequelae and economic consequences to the individual and to society. Level of evidence: IV. Type of study: Case series.

RESUMEN Introducción: El trauma raquimedular (TRM) es una causa importante de morbidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo. Afecta a diferentes grupos de edad, especialmente los adultos jóvenes que son víctimas de traumas de alta energía. La forma más efectiva de reducir la incidencia de traumatismos de la médula espinal y sus consecuencias es a través de campañas de prevención y medidas de control y vigilancia de agencias públicas. El objetivo de este estudio es delinear el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes con trauma raquimedular atendidos en un centro de atención terciaria en la ciudad de São Paulo. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal realizado en un centro de referencia para el cuidado de los pacientes con trauma raquimedular en el Estado de São Paulo. Los datos se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas de pacientes con traumatismo de la médula espinal entre 2012 y 2016. Resultados: De los 515 pacientes con trauma raquimedular, 153 (29,7%) tenían lesiones de la médula espinal, de los cuales 131 (85,62%) eran hombres y 22 (14,37%) eran mujeres, en una proporción de aproximadamente 6:1. La edad media fue de 39,45 años. La principal causa de trauma raquimedular fue la caída desde la altura, con 72 casos (47,05%), y el 52,94% se clasificó como Frankel A. Conclusiones: Los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de los pacientes eran jóvenes, económicamente activos, con un bajo nivel educativo, expuestos a accidentes que podrían evitarse en gran medida. La mayoría de estos pacientes también tenían lesiones incapacitantes severas, que a menudo traen secuelas psicológicas importantes y consecuencias económicas para el individuo y la sociedad. Nivel de evidencia: IV. Tipo de estudio: Serie de casos.

ABSTRACT Currently, the domestic agricultural sector has become increasingly professionalized; therefore, measures aimed at safety in the workplace and monitoring of environmental risks have been gaining major importance in this scenario. Thus, this study aimed at assessing internal environmental conditions of four soybean processing plants (SPPs) operating with a screen-air machine, densimetric table and with or without spiral separator. These plants are in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), being assessed on site considering every feature related to machinery and equipment, as well as technological level. Field evaluations comprised measurements of noise, illuminance and suspended dust. Results showed that none of the SPPs is in full accordance with current laws for the investigated parameters, among which noise level is what most threatens the environmental conditions. Moreover, lightening conditions are unsatisfactory since the environments are extremely dark, not reaching minimal standard. Regarding the suspended dust is possible to claim that there is an emerging risk.

We herein report the synthesis of hybrid kauranoid molecules of type 1,2,3-triazole-1,4-disubstituted aiming to improve the antimalarial activity of kaurenoic and xylopic acids. The CuI-catalyzed cycloaddition of azides and kauranoid terminal alkynes was explored as a hybridization strategy. Kauranoid terminal alkynes were prepared from kaurenoic and xylopic acids that were isolated from Wedelia paludosa D. C. (Asteraceae) and Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae). A total of 15 kauranoid derivatives, including nine new triazoles, were obtained and five out of these were more active than the original diterpenes. Interestingly, an increased activity was observed for a kauranoid propargyl ether. Interaction between ent-kaurane diterpene derivatives and Ca2+-ATPase (PfATP6) was investigated. Synthesis of diterpene derivatives emerges as a possible route to be explored in the quest of potentially new inhibitors of PfATP6.