DiGeorge syndrome is a disorder caused by a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 22. Approximately 1% of patients diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome may have an absence of a functional thymus, which characterizes the complete form of the syndrome. These patients require urgent treatment to reconstitute T cell immunity. Thymus transplantation is a promising investigational procedure for reconstitution of thymic function in infants with congenital athymia. Here, we demonstrate a possible optimization of the preparation of thymus slices for transplantation through prior depletion of thymocytes and leukocyte cell lineages followed by cryopreservation with cryoprotective media (5% dextran FP 40, 5% Me2SO, and 5% FBS) while preserving tissue architecture. Thymus fragments were stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C for 30 days or one year. The tissue architecture of the fragments was preserved, including the distinction between medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs), cortical TECs, and Hassall bodies. Moreover, depleted thymus fragments cryopreserved for one year were recolonized by intrathymic injections of 3×106 thymocytes per mL, demonstrating the capability of these fragments to support T cell development. Thus, this technique opens up the possibility of freezing and storing large volumes of thymus tissue for immediate transplantation into patients with DiGeorge syndrome or atypical (Omenn-like) phenotype.

Resumo Introdução e Objetivos: A prevalência da obesidade entre mulheres em idade fértil tem aumentado nos últimos anos, devendo ser considerada na escolha do método contracetivo. Estas mulheres apresentam maior risco de eventos tromboembólicos, sendo superior com a utilização de contraceção hormonal combinada (CHC). Por este motivo, algumas sociedades médicas não recomendam a utilização de CHC nas mulheres com obesidade classe 2 e 3. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a terapêutica contracetiva nas mulheres obesas de classe 2 ou superior em nove Unidades de Saúde Familiar (USF’s) da região norte de Portugal. Tipo de Estudo: Estudo multicêntrico observacional retrospetivo transversal. População: Todas as mulheres em idade fértil (15-49 anos), com IMC ≥35 kg/m2, inscritas nas USF’s intervenientes e inseridas no programa de planeamento familiar (PF). Métodos: A amostra foi recolhida através da plataforma MIM@UF® e a identificação do método anticoncecional e antecedentes tromboembólicos através do processo clínico (SClínico®). Foram excluídas mulheres grávidas, mulheres sem consulta nos últimos cinco anos e mulheres com dados inválidos. Resultados: Da amostra inicial de 1063 mulheres, 123 foram excluídas. A idade média era 36,8 ± 8,8 anos e o IMC médio era 39,2 ± 4,0 kg/m2. Desta amostra, 36,2% (n=340) estavam sob progestativos (70,9% progestativo oral, 14,7% sistema intrauterino com levonorgestrel, 13,8% com implante progestativo, 0,6% com progestativo injetável); 27,7% (n=260) estavam sob CHC, 12,8% (n=120) estava sob métodos não hormonais (55,8% métodos de barreira; 37,5% dispositivo intrauterino de cobre; 6,7% métodos naturais); 6,4% (n=60) estavam com métodos permanentes e 17,0% não utilizavam método contracetivo (n=160). Nesta amostra, 2,2% (n=21) tinham antecedentes tromboembólicos. Conclusões: A CHC é o segundo método mais usado nas USF intervenientes, apesar do seu uso não estar recomendado. Dado o elevado risco de eventos tromboembólicos, é essencial implementar medidas corretivas para a melhoria do aconselhamento contracetivo nas consultas de PF.

Abstract Overview and Aims: The prevalence of obesity among fertile women has increased over the last few years and should be considered when choosing a contraceptive method. These women have a higher risk of thromboembolic events that increases with the use of combined hormonal contraception (CHC). Therefore, some medical societies do not recommend the use of CHC in women with class 2 obesity or higher. This study aims to assess the contraceptive methods used in women with class 2 obesity or higher in nine Primary Healthcare Units (PHU) in northern Portugal. Study Design: Multicentric retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Population: All women of reproductive age (between ages 15 and 49), with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, enrolled in the intervening PHU and included in the family planning (FP) program. Methods: The sample was collected using the MIM@UF® database, obtaining the contraceptive method and thromboembolic history through the individual electronic medical record system, Sclínico®. Pregnant women, women without a medical appointment in the previous five years and women with invalid data were excluded. Results: From the initial sample of 1063 women, 123 were excluded. The mean age was 36.8 ± 8.8 years, the mean BMI was 39.2 ± 4.0 kg/m2. From the sample, 36.2% (n=340) were using progestogen (70.9% progestogen-only pill, 14.7% levonorgestrel intrauterine system, 13.8% progestogen-only implant, 0.6% progestogen-only injectables); 27.7% (n=260) were taking CHC; 12.8% (n=120) were with a non-hormonal methods (55.8% barrier methods; 37.5% copper intrauterine contraceptive device, 6.7% natural methods); 6.4% (n=60) were with permanent methods, 17.0% were not using any type of contraception (n=160). In this sample, 2,2% (n=21) had a thromboembolic event. Conclusions: CHC was the second most used method in the intervening FHU, although its use is not recommended. Given the high risk of thromboembolic events, it is essential to implement corrective measures to improve contraceptive counselling in FP consultations.

RESUMO A seleção dos melhores genótipos é dificultada devido ao efeito da interação genótipos x ambientes. Na existência dessa interação, o estudo de adaptabilidade e estabilidade fornece subsídios para a seleção dos melhores genótipos. Sendo assim, os genótipos selecionados deverão associar alta produtividade, adaptabilidade às diversas condições ambientais e estabilidade de produção. Objetivou-se avaliar e selecionar pré-cultivares de feijão preto e roxo com base na adaptabilidade, estabilidade e produtividade de grãos. Os parâmetros foram estimados por meio de modelos mistos e a seleção pela Média Harmônica da Performance Relativa dos Valores Genotípicos (MHPRVG). Os ambientes infuenciaram na expressão fenotípica dos genótipos de feijão preto e roxo, confgurando adaptação específica. Os genótipos de feijão preto BRS Esteio, BRS FP 403, CNFP 15681 e CNFP 16459 e as linhagens de feijão roxo CNFRx 16340, CNFRx 16346 e CNFRx 16353 apresentaram as melhores performances, considerando-se, simultaneamente, a produtividade de grãos, adaptabilidade e estabilidade. O método MHPRVG proporcionou seleção otimizada de genótipos com elevada produtividade de grãos, previsibilidade e responsividade à melhoria do ambiente, e deve ser utilizado como estratégia de seleção de genótipos de feijão para plantios comerciais.

ABSTRACT Selecting the best genotypes is difficult, due to the genotype × environment interaction effect. When this interaction is present, the study of adaptability and stability can provide the selection of the best genotypes. Thus, the selected genotypes should associate high yield, adaptability to diferent environmental conditions, as well as production stability. This study aimed to evaluate and select black and purple bean precultivars based on adaptability, stability and grain yield. The parameters were estimated via mixed models and the selection using the Harmonic Mean of the Relative Performance of Predicted Genetic Values (HMRPGV) method. The environments infuenced the phenotypic expression of the black and purple bean genotypes, characterizing a specific adaptability. The black bean genotypes BRS Esteio, BRS FP 403, CNFP 15681 and CNFP 16459 and the purple bean inbred lines CNFRx 16340, CNFRx 16346 and CNFRx 16353 showed the best performance, when considering, simultaneously, grain yield, adaptability and stability. The HMRPGV method provided an optimized selection of genotypes with high grain yield, predictability and responsiveness to environmental improvements, and should be used as a selection strategy for common bean genotypes for commercial growing.

Abstract To meet the demands of the production chain, breeding programs need to reduce the time for selection and development of higher yielding maize genotypes. This involves application of new strategies, such as the use of the doubled haploid lines. We evaluated the use of stomatal area and density in distinguishing doubled haploids (DH) from false positive (FP) plants derived from nine tropical source populations. We selected four DH plants and two FP plants for identification of DH through leaf anatomy in the populations, in each group. Data on stomatal area and density were considered in a completely randomized model in a factorial scheme (populations and genotypes) and analyzed by restricted maximum likelihood. There were statistically significant effects of populations and genotypes for both traits. For stomatal density, the population by genotype interaction was not verified. Stomatal density proved to be efficient for distinguishing DH and FP for use in selection of doubled haploids.

Resumen Introducción. La secuenciación de nueva generación es un método rentable y rápido para el estudio de los genes, pero su protocolo entraña desafíos. Objetivo. Investigar diferentes ajustes del protocolo de selección de los genes BRCA mediante secuenciación de Ion Torrent PGM™ y correlacionar los resultados con el número de variantes de falso positivo. Materiales y métodos. El proceso de preparación de la biblioteca, el número de falsos positivos InDels, la concentración de la biblioteca, el número de ciclos en el paso de amplificación de objetivos, la pureza del ácido nucleico, la entrada y el número de muestras por chip del Ion-314 se analizaron en asociación con los resultados obtenidos por secuenciación de nueva generación secuenciación de nueva generación. Resultados. Se hicieron 51 reacciones y nueve ajustes de los protocolos, y se observaron ocho falsos positivos InDels en las regiones de homopolímeros. No se observó ninguna variante de polimorfismo de nucleótido simple falso positivo. En 67,5 % de los casos, las variables de protocolo en su conjunto se asociaron con la calidad de los resultados obtenidos (p<0,05). El número de falsos positivos InDels disminuyó al aumentar la calidad de los resultados. Conclusiones. El panel comunitario Ion AmpliSeq BRCA1/BRCA2 tuvo un mejor rendimiento, con cuatro muestras por chip Ion-314 en lugar de ocho, y el número de ciclos en el paso de amplificación, incluso con ADN de alta calidad, fue mejor con 23. Se observaron mejores resultados con el proceso de ecualización manual y sin el uso del kit Ion Library Equalizer. Estos ajustes proporcionaron una mayor cobertura de las variantes y menos artefactos. Los laboratorios deben realizar la validación interna porque las variantes de falsos positivos InDel pueden variar según la calidad de los resultados. La secuenciación de próxima generación debe validarse con Sanger.

Abstract Introduction: Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is cost-effective and a faster method to study genes, but its protocol is challenging. Objective: To analyze different adjustments to the protocol for screening the BRCA genes using Ion Torrent PGM sequencing and correlate the results with the number of false positive (FP) variants. Material and methods: We conducted a library preparation process and analyzed the number of FP InDels, the library concentration, the number of cycles in the target amplification step, the purity of the nucleic acid, the input, and the number of samples/Ion 314 chips in association with the results obtained by NGS. Results: We carried out 51 reactions and nine adjustments of protocols and observed eight FP InDels in homopolymer regions. No FP Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism variant was observed; 67.5% of protocol variables were jointly associated with the quality of the results obtained (p<0.05). The number of FP InDels decreased when the quality of results increased. Conclusion: The Ion AmpliSeq BRCA1/BRCA2 Community Panel had a better performance using four samples per Ion-314 chip instead of eight and the optimum number of cycles in the amplification step, even when using high-quality DNA, was 23. We observed better results with the manual equalization process and not using the Ion Library Equalizer kit. These adjustments provided a higher coverage of the variants and fewer artifacts (6.7-fold). Laboratories must perform internal validation because FP InDel variants can vary according to the quality of results while the NGS assay should be validated with Sanger.

Abstract Litter decomposition restores part of the elements absorbed by the plant back into the soil, acting as a regulator of the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the litter quantity and quality of Eucalyptus grandis in Northern Fluminense region, RJ. Three rotational sequences were studied, the first after 8 years (FR8), the second after 1.5 years (SR2), and a 5year old regrowth (R5). Leaf litter was divided into whole leaves (WL), fragmented pieces (FP), twigs/branches (TB), reproductive structures (RS) and bark (B). The total litter in FR8 was 9.56 Mg ha-1, in SR2, 13.85, and in R5, 22.97 Mg ha-1, corresponding to 83, 163 and 75 kg ha-1 of N, respectively. FP represented 38%, 48% and 55% of N, respectively, in SR2, R5 and FR8. The WL and FP fractions have high recycling potential of organic matter and nutrients due to their lower C/N and Lig/N quality index values.

Resumo O presente estudo tem como objetivo compreender a visão profissional sobre a comunicação no Ensino Exploratório desenvolvida por um grupo de futuros professores (FP) de Matemática numa disciplina da formação inicial. O contexto do estudo tem como elemento central a utilização de um caso multimídia que, dentre outras mídias, recorre ao vídeo para retratar episódios de uma aula de Matemática na perspectiva do Ensino Exploratório. Os dados dessa investigação qualitativa referem-se às respostas escritas dos FP em pequenos grupos e às discussões conjuntas nas sessões de formação voltadas à análise do caso. Os resultados evidenciam que os FP percebem os seguintes aspectos da comunicação: i) a promoção de interações dialógicas pela professora protagonista do caso para o desenvolvimento da tarefa matemática pelos alunos; e ii) o feedback da professora com base nas respostas dos alunos para o desenvolvimento da atividade matemática. O reconhecimento desses aspectos e os modos de raciocinar sobre eles expõem o desenvolvimento da visão profissional dos FP.

Abstract The present study aims to understand the professional vision about the communication in Exploratory Teaching developed by a group of preservice mathematics teachers’ (PTs) in an initial teacher education course. The context of this study has as central element the use of a multimedia case that, among other media, uses the video to portray episodes of a Mathematics class in the Exploratory Teaching perspective. The data of this qualitative research come from the PTs’ written responses in small groups and the joint discussions in teacher education sessions focused on the case analysis. The results show that the PTs noticed the following communication aspects: i) the promotion of dialogic interactions by the protagonist teacher in the case regarding the development of the mathematical task by the students; and ii) the teacher's feedback based on the students’ responses to the development of the mathematical activity. The recognition of these aspects, and the ways of reasoning about them reveal the development of the PTs’ professional vision.

Resumo Este artigo visa analisar as mudanças no mercado de varejo farmacêutico, seguindo as alterações de diretiva no Programa Farmácia Popular (FP), que realiza subvenção de medicamentos no Brasil, em parceria pública privada. Foi realizada análise longitudinal retrospectiva dos medicamentos da classe terapêutica dos agentes que atuam sobre o sistema renina-angiotensina. Os dados obtidos do QuintilesIMS incluíram o varejo farmacêutico em termos do volume e valores de vendas de 2002 a 2013. Análises realizadas consideraram intervenções e reformas ocorridas no FP e seu impacto no mercado farmacêutico da classe terapêutica selecionada, devido a sua relevância para o tratamento da hipertensão. Também se examinou o comportamento do mercado tomando por base as empresas farmacêuticas produtoras. Losartan monodroga representou a maior fatia de mercado entre os antagonistas de angiotensina II. Empresas nacionais obtiveram maior volume de vendas durante o período de estudo, enquanto as empresas multinacionais exibiram maior valor de vendas. Mudanças no mercado farmacêutico coincidiram com a inclusão de produtos específicos na lista de medicamentos abrangidos pelo FP e com aumentos ou isenção de copagamento pelos pacientes.

Abstract This paper aims to analyse changes in the retail pharmaceutical market following policy changes in the Farmácia Popular Program (FP), a medicines subsidy program in Brazil. The retrospective longitudinal analyses focus on therapeutic class of agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system. Data obtained from QuintilesIMS (formerly IMS Health) included private retail pharmacy sales volume (pharmaceutical units) and sales values from 2002 to 2013. Analyses evaluated changes in market share following key FP policy changes. The therapeutic class was selected due to its relevance to hypertension treatment. Market share was analysed by therapeutic sub-classes and by individual company. Losartan as a single product accounted for the highest market share among angiotensin II antagonists. National companies had higher sales volume during the study period, while multinational companies had higher sales value. Changes in pharmaceutical market share coincided with the inclusion of specific products in the list of medicines covered by FP and with increases in or exemption from patient copayment.

Resumo Este artigo visa analisar as mudanças no mercado de varejo farmacêutico, seguindo as alterações de diretiva no Programa Farmácia Popular (FP), que realiza subvenção de medicamentos no Brasil, em parceria pública privada. Foi realizada análise longitudinal retrospectiva dos medicamentos da classe terapêutica dos agentes que atuam sobre o sistema renina-angiotensina. Os dados obtidos do QuintilesIMS incluíram o varejo farmacêutico em termos do volume e valores de vendas de 2002 a 2013. Análises realizadas consideraram intervenções e reformas ocorridas no FP e seu impacto no mercado farmacêutico da classe terapêutica selecionada, devido a sua relevância para o tratamento da hipertensão. Também se examinou o comportamento do mercado tomando por base as empresas farmacêuticas produtoras. Losartan monodroga representou a maior fatia de mercado entre os antagonistas de angiotensina II. Empresas nacionais obtiveram maior volume de vendas durante o período de estudo, enquanto as empresas multinacionais exibiram maior valor de vendas. Mudanças no mercado farmacêutico coincidiram com a inclusão de produtos específicos na lista de medicamentos abrangidos pelo FP e com aumentos ou isenção de copagamento pelos pacientes.

Abstract This paper aims to analyse changes in the retail pharmaceutical market following policy changes in the Farmácia Popular Program (FP), a medicines subsidy program in Brazil. The retrospective longitudinal analyses focus on therapeutic class of agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system. Data obtained from QuintilesIMS (formerly IMS Health) included private retail pharmacy sales volume (pharmaceutical units) and sales values from 2002 to 2013. Analyses evaluated changes in market share following key FP policy changes. The therapeutic class was selected due to its relevance to hypertension treatment. Market share was analysed by therapeutic sub-classes and by individual company. Losartan as a single product accounted for the highest market share among angiotensin II antagonists. National companies had higher sales volume during the study period, while multinational companies had higher sales value. Changes in pharmaceutical market share coincided with the inclusion of specific products in the list of medicines covered by FP and with increases in or exemption from patient copayment.

Resumo A alta irradiância e diferentes espectros de luz emitidos por aparelhos fotopolimerizadores (Fp) podem causar danos oculares. Este estudo avaliou a capacidade de 15 filtros de proteção ocular em bloquear a luz prejudicial de um Fp convencional (HP-3M ESPE) e outro de largo espectro (Valo, Ultradent). Utilizando sensor anterior do equioamento MARC-Patient Simulator (BlueLight Analytics inc.) a irradiância que passou através dos diferentes filtros protetores foi mensuradas três vezes. Os valores médios da irradiância que passaram pelos filtros foram analisados usando Análise de variância fatorial e pelo teste de Tukey (a= 0.05). O espetro emitido dos Fps através dos filtros também foi obtido. A análise de variância mostrou que a interação entre os filtros protetores e Fps influenciou significantemente a quantidade de luz transmitida (p<0,001). O teste de Tukey mostrou que a quantidade que luz transmitida através dos protetores oculares quando usado o HP-3M ESPE foi significantemente maior quando comparado aos valores para o Valo, independentemente do filtro testado. Quando foi utilizado a fonte de luz HP-3M ESPE, o filtro de proteção ocular permitiu significativamente maior passagem de luz, seguido por XL 3000, ORTUS, Google Professional, e pelo filtro Gnatus. O filtro do Valo foi o mais eficiente ao bloquear a luz prejudicial. Alguns filtros foram menos eficazes ao bloquear menores comprimentos de onde (<420 nm). No entanto, mesmo no pior cenário dos resultados deste estudo, os filtros foram capazes de bloquear ao menos 97% da irradiância emitida pelas fontes de luz testadas.

Abstract The high irradiance and the different emission spectra from contemporary light curing units (LCU) may cause ocular damage. This study evaluated the ability of 15 eye protection filters: 2 glasses, 1 paddle design, and 12 dedicated filters to block out harmful light from a monowave (HP-3M ESPE) and a broad-spectrum (Valo, Ultradent) LED LCU. Using the anterior sensor in the MARC-Patient Simulator (BlueLight Analytics) the irradiance that was delivered through different eye protection filters was measured three times. The LCUs delivered a similar irradiance to the top of the filter. The mean values of the light that passed through the filters as percent of the original irradiance were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (a= 0.05). The emission spectra from the LCUs and through the filters were also obtained. Two-way ANOVA showed that the interaction between protective filters and LCUs significantly influenced the amount of light transmitted (p< 0.001). Tukey test showed that the amount of light transmitted through the protective filters when using the HP-3M-ESPE was significantly greater compared to when using the Valo, irrespective of the protective filter tested. When using the HP-3M-ESPE, the Glasses filter allowed significantly more light through, followed by XL 3000, ORTUS, Google Professional, Gnatus filters. The Valo filter was the most effective at blocking out the harmful light. Some protective filters were less effective at blocking the lower wavelengths of light (<420 nm). However, even in the worst scenario, the filters were able to block at least 97% of the irradiance.

RESUMO Para verificar as respostas cardíacas e perceptivas a um protocolo de incremental no dinamômetro para cadeiras de rodas, oito voluntários foram selecionados intencionalmente, e avaliados numa sessão experimental usando um dinamômetro compacto para cadeiras de rodas. Uma cadeira de rodas padronizada foi utilizada por todos os participantes. Após período de familiarização, realizou-se um protocolo progressivo, com incremento de velocidade de 5% por minuto. A frequência cardíaca (FC) e a percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE, 6-20) foram medidas ao final de cada minuto. A FC no estágio 8 foi maior em comparação aos estágios 1 e 2. A PSE diferenciou-se nos primeiros 5 estágios. Verificou-se alta correlação entre a FP e a FC (r=0,93; p=0.0006), e entre a FC e a PSE (r=0,98; p<0.0001). Concluiu-se que o equipamento possui especificidade para avaliações de variáveis cinéticas e cinemáticas do movimento em cadeiras de rodas, em detrimento das variáveis cardíacas.

ABSTRACT To check the cardiac and perceptual responses an incremental protocol on the wheelchair dynamometer, eight volunteers were intentionally selected and evaluated in an experimental session using a compact dynamometer for wheelchairs. A standard wheelchair was used by all participants. After familiarization period, there was a progressive protocol, increasing rate of 5% per minute. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE, 6-20) were measured at the end of every minute. HR on stage 8 was higher compared to the stages 1 and 2. The RPE differed in the first 5 stages. There was a high correlation between FP and FC (r = 0.93; p = 0.0006), and between HR and RPE (r = 0.98; p <0.0001). It was concluded that the equipment has specificity for evaluation of kinetic and kinematic variables of the movement in wheelchairs at the expense of cardiac variables.

In the Americas, areas with a high risk of malaria transmission are mainly located in the Amazon Forest, which extends across nine countries. One keystone step to understanding the Plasmodium life cycle in Anopheles species from the Amazon Region is to obtain experimentally infected mosquito vectors. Several attempts to colonise Ano- pheles species have been conducted, but with only short-lived success or no success at all. In this review, we review the literature on malaria transmission from the perspective of its Amazon vectors. Currently, it is possible to develop experimental Plasmodium vivax infection of the colonised and field-captured vectors in laboratories located close to Amazonian endemic areas. We are also reviewing studies related to the immune response to P. vivax infection of Anopheles aquasalis, a coastal mosquito species. Finally, we discuss the importance of the modulation of Plasmodium infection by the vector microbiota and also consider the anopheline genomes. The establishment of experimental mosquito infections with Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium berghei parasites that could provide interesting models for studying malaria in the Amazonian scenario is important. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the parasites in New World vectors is crucial in order to better determine the interaction process and vectorial competence.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar respostas de biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo no peixe de água doce Astyanax bimaculatus, coletado nos rios e corpos d'água da bacia hidrográfica do rio Una. Os peixes foram coletados com rede de pesca entre dezembro de 2013 e março de 2014, em três diferentes pontos da bacia: Fazenda Piloto (FP), Ipiranga (IP) e Remédios (RM). Análises físico-químicas das amostras de água nos pontos de coleta indicaram que IP e RM possivelmente apresentaram uma maior concentração de poluentes, naturais ou antrópicos, quando comparados ao FP. Portanto, FP pode ser considerado como o ponto menos impactado por poluentes em relação aos outros pontos. Níveis hepáticos de atividade das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase (SOD) e catalase (CAT) foram medidos nos espécimes. Os níveis de SOD foram reduzidos no RM, enquanto que eles foram aumentados em peixes coletados em IP. Os níveis de CAT nos peixes coletados em RM e IP foram 148,9% e 202,4% maiores do que os valores encontrados nos peixes do ponto FP, respectivamente. Os resultados sugerem que as enzimas antioxidantes podem ser usadas como biomarcadoras para mensurar os níveis de stress oxidativo causado pelos poluentes na bacia hidrográfica do rio Una.

This paper seeks to identify the biomarker response to oxidative stress in Astyanax bimaculatus, a freshwater fish, collected from the Una River and its associated water bodies. The fish were collected using fishing nets at three different points on the river basin, namely Fazenda Piloto (FP), Ipiranga (IP) and Remédios (RM), during the period from December 2013 to March 2014. Physical and chemical analyses of the water at the sample locations indicate that IP and RM possibly have larger concentration of either natural or anthropic pollutants as compared to FP. FP can therefore be considered as the point less impacted by pollutants than other points. Hepatic activity of antioxidant stress enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were measured in the specimens. The levels of SOD were reduced at RM while they were elevated in fish collected at IP. The CAT levels for the fish at RM and IP were about 148.9% and 202.4% above the values at FP, respectively. These results suggest that antioxidant enzymes could be used as biomarkers to measure oxidative stress caused by pollutants in the Una River Basin.

O estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da inclusão de produtos homeopáticos sobre o desempenho e perfil bioquímico sérico de frangos de corte. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e oito repetições de 20 aves cada, totalizando 640 pintos de corte, machos. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: Controle (dieta sem inclusão de produtos homeopáticos), Fator Pró aves® (FP) (fornecido do 1º aos 42o dias de idade), Fator Estresse aves® (FE) (fornecido até os 14 dias de vida das aves), Fator Estresse aves® + Fator Pró aves® (FE+FP) (FE fornecido até os 14 dias de idade, associado ao fornecimento do FP do 15º aos 42o dias de idade). Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. A inclusão dos fatores homeopáticos aumentou o peso médio e ganho de peso das aves aos 21dias de idade. Aos 42 dias, foram determinados maior índice de eficiência produtiva e viabilidade (%) para aves consumindo ração com a adição do FP e FE, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças estatísticas entre os parâmetros séricos bioquímicos: proteína total, colesterol, fosfatase alcalina e as transaminases GOT e GPT, entretanto, ocorreu uma diminuição dos níveis de colesterol para as aves alimentadas com a ração contendo o FP. Conclui-se que os produtos homeopáticos não afetam o desempenho das aves aos 42 dias de idade, porém, melhoram o rendimento de carcaça, o índice de eficiência produtiva, a viabilidade e reduzem os níveis de colesterol sérico.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding homeopathic products on performance and serum biochemical profile of broilers. The experimental design was completely randomized design with four treatments and eight repetitions of 20 birds each, a total of 640 broiler, males. The trataments avalied was: Control (diet without incluision of homeopathic factors), Factor Pro birds® (FP) (supplied from the 1st to 42 days old), Factor Stress birds® (FE) (provided until 14 days of life for birds), Factor Stress birds® + Factor Pro birds® (FS + FP) (FE supplied until 14 days of age, with the supply of the FP 15 to 42 days of age). The results were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey test at 5%. The inclusion of homeopathics products increased the mean weight and weight gain of birds to 21 days of age. At 42 days, were determined greater productive efficiency and viability (%) for broilers consuming diets with the addition of PF and EF, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the serum biochemical parameters total protein, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, and transaminases GOT and GPT, however, there was a decrease in cholesterol levels for broilers fed diet containing FP. It is concluded that homeopathic factors do not affect the performance of broilers at 42 days of age, however, improve the carcass yield, productive efficiency, viability and reduce serum cholesterol levels.

This work presents a kinetic study of the enzymatic hydrolysis of three cellulosic substrates: filter paper (FP), used as a low recalcitrance substrate model; steam exploded sugarcane bagasse (SB); and weak acid pretreated SB (1:20 dry bagasse:H2SO4 solution 1% w/w), the last two delignified with 4% NaOH (w/w). The influence of substrate concentration was assessed in hydrolysis experiments in a shaker, using Accellerase® 1500, at pH 4.8, in 50 mM sodium citrate buffer. Cellulose loads (weight substrate/weight total) were changed between 0.5%-13% (for FP) and 0.99%-9.09% (for SB). For FP and low loads of steam exploded SB, it was possible to fit pseudo-homogeneous Michaelis-Menten models (with inhibition). For FP and higher loads of steam exploded SB, modified Michaelis-Menten models were fitted. Besides, it was observed that, after retuning of the model parameters, it is possible to apply a model fitted for one situation to a different case. Chrastil models were also fitted and they were the only feasible approach for the highly recalcitrant acid-treated SB.