Super-austenitic stainless steels (SASS) are alloys with better performance in industrial applications in comparison with standard degrees of austenitic stainless steels (ASS), mainly because of elevated Ni and Mo contents and residual control of certain elements because the improvement of refine techniques. These facts, promotes an improvement of mechanical properties and minimize detrimental effects of intergranular corrosion. Besides, some industrial applications involve high temperatures services, because these alloys families have an excellent creep and oxidation resistances performances. In this work, the objective is evaluate the microstructural and mechanical properties in high Mo SASS exposed at 600˚C in specimens aged until 2000 hours. Thus, hardness and toughness values and Double Loop Electrochemical Potentiodynamic Reactivation (DL-EPR) measurements were analyzed in several thermal aging in comparison to solution treatment condition. Complementary, analysis by Light Optical (LOM), of specimens tested by DL-EPR, and Scanning Electron Microscopies (SEM) in fractured surface from Charpy specimens were also analysed by SEM by backscattered electron mode (BSE). The results show that the aging provokes intergranular embrittlement by inhomogeneous distribution in grain boundaries of Mo rich phase precipitation.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicação tópica do extrato alcoólico da semente e da casca da Dipteryx alata Vogel na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas, em camundongos. Um total de 54 camundongos C57BL/6 foram utilizados neste estudo, distribuídos em três grupos de 18 animais (controle, semente e casca). Em todos os animais, um fragmento de pele foi ressecado da região dorsal do tórax utilizando-se instrumento de punção de 9mm de diâmetro, após o qual foi realizada aplicação tópica de creme base (veículo), extrato hidroalcoólico 10% de semente ou casca, duas vezes ao dia. As avaliações macroscópica, histológica e imuno-histoquímica foram realizadas no sétimo, 14º e 21º dias de pós-operatório. Não foi observada diferença significativa quanto à área da ferida cutânea entre os grupos, apenas um efeito temporal na cicatrização (P>0,05), indicando estágio possivelmente mais avançado desse processo. Porém, na avaliação histológica, os grupos semente e controle apresentaram colagenização mais intensa que o grupo casca (P<0,05). Dipteryx alata Vogel mostrou-se inerte no processo de cicatrização de feridas em camundongos.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the topical application of alcoholic extracts of Dipteryx alata Vogel almonds and bark in skin wound healing in mice. Fifty-four C57BL/6 mice were equally distributed into three groups: Control, Almond, and Bark. A 9 mm skin fragment was resected from the dorsal region of the animals’ thorax. The wounds were submitted to topical application of base cream (vehicle), 10% hydroalcoholic almond extract, or bark extract twice a day. Macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted on the 7th, 14th, and 21st postoperative days. No significant difference was observed regarding skin wound area among groups, with the parameter presenting only a temporal effect on healing (p>0.05). The almond and control groups exhibited more intense collagenization than the bark group (p<0.05). Dipteryx alata Vogel showed to be inert in the wound healing process in mice.

RESUMO: A doença renal crônica (DRC) é caracterizada por lesões morfoestruturais irreversíveis, que podem evoluir progressivamente para insuficiência renal crônica e falência renal. Sabe-se que o coração e os rins mantêm estreita relação e a comunicação entre esses órgãos ocorre por uma variedade de vias; alterações fisiológicas sutis em um desses órgãos são compensadas pelo outro. A avaliação histopatológica cardíaca mediante a colorações rotineiras são limitadas para identificar lesões específicas ou discretas em cardiomiócitos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar os níveis séricos de troponina em gatos com DRC, associados aos achados clínico-patológicos, bem como correlacionar as lesões cardíacas morfoestruturais, a fim de determinar a distribuição destas, por meio da avaliação macroscópica, histológica e imuno-histoquímica com anti-cTnC. Neste estudo foram selecionados 20 gatos (18 diagnosticados com DRC e 2 animais controle). Para a aplicação da técnica de imuno-histoquímica anti-troponina C humana, necropsias foram realizadas e cada coração coletado separadamente em 8 regiões. Fragmentos do coração de 2 gatos sem lesão cardíaca foram utilizados como controle. O anticorpo anti-TnC humano é útil na detecção de lesões cardíacas e apresentou expressão diminuída em cardiomiócitos de gatos com DRC. Em 11/18 animais (61,11%) a troponina sérica encontrava-se acima dos valores de referência e foram observadas diminuição da expressão para anticorpo-cTnC em cardiomiócitos individuais em 9/18 (50%). Notou-se que o número de regiões com diminuição da expressão para anticorpo-cTnC em cardiomiócitos está significativamente correlacionado com a troponina sérica. O anticorpo anti-TnC humano se mostrou eficaz para detectar lesões cardíacas e demonstrou diminuição da expressão nos cardiomiócitos de gatos com DRC. Houve correlação entre o aumento da CTnI sérica e perda da imunorretividade na avaliação imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo anti-TnC em gatos com DRC o que comprova danos em cardiomiócitos secundários a doença renal.

ABSTRACT: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by irreversible morphostructural lesions that can progressively evolve to chronic renal insufficiency and kidney failure. It is known that the heart and kidneys are closely related, and that communication between these organs occurs through a variety of pathways; subtle physiological changes in one of them are compensated by the other. Histopathological cardiac evaluation through routine staining presents a limitation to identify specific or discreet lesions in the cardiomyocytes. This study aimed to evaluate serum troponin levels in cats with CKD, associated with clinical and pathological findings, as well as to correlate the morphostructural cardiac lesions to determine their distribution through macroscopic and histological assessments and anti-cardiac troponin C (cTnC) immunohistochemistry (IHC). To this end, 20 cats (18 diagnosed with CKD and two controls) were selected. Anti-human cTnC IHC was conducted after necropsy and separation in eight regions of each collected heart. Heart fragments from two cats without CKD were used as controls. The anti-human cTnC antibody is useful in detecting cardiac lesions and has shown decreased expression in cardiomyocytes of cats with CKD. Serum troponin was above the reference values in 11/18 (61.11%) animals and decreased expression for the cTnC antibody was observed in individual cardiomyocytes in 9/18 (50%) animals. It was verified that the number of regions with decreased expression for the cTnC antibody in cardiomyocytes is significantly correlated with serum troponin. The anti-human cTnC antibody has been found effective in detecting cardiac lesions and has shown decreased expression in the cardiomyocytes of cats with CKD. Correlation was observed between increased serum cTnI and loss of immunoreactivity at anti-cTnC antibody IHC in cats with CKD, which proves damage to cardiomyocytes secondary to kidney disease.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as principais espécies de aves marinhas encalhadas na costa do Nordeste do Brasil, bem como as mais frequentes causas de encalhe e mortalidade. O estudo foi desenvolvido em área monitorada durante três anos (2012-2014), entre o litoral sul de Alagoas e o litoral norte da Bahia, perfazendo um total de 254km de extensão da costa. As aves encontradas vivas foram encaminhadas para reabilitação e examinadas clinicamente; as carcaças foram removidas, necropsiadas e os órgãos foram analisados por meio da histopatologia. Um total de 1.347 aves foi encontrado, encalhadas. Dessas, 378 estavam vivas e foram encaminhadas para a reabilitação. Das 969 aves marinhas mortas, 806 estavam impróprias para realização de necropsia, sendo apenas 163 submetidas à necropsia e análise histopatológica. Calonectris borealis, Puffinus gravis e Puffinus puffinus foram as principais espécies encontradas na área estudada. A maioria dos encalhes para grande parte das aves marinhas ocorreram de março a junho, com um aumento durante abril e maio. Os principais sinais clínicos das aves marinhas consistiram em inapetência, apatia, baixo escore corporal, hipotermia, dificuldade de voo ou movimento e decúbito prolongado. Causas naturais, seguidas de doenças infecciosas e fatores antropogênicos, foram as principais causas de mortes de aves marinhas encalhadas na costa do Nordeste do Brasil.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this work was to determine the main species of stranded seabirds at the Northeastern coast of Brazil in addition to the most frequent causes of stranding and mortality. The study was conducted in a monitored area for three years (2012-2014), from the coastline of south Alagoas through north coast of Bahia encompassing 254km of coast. The seabirds found alive during the monitoring were sent to rehabilitation, clinically examined and the carcasses were removed, necropsied and histopathologically analyzed. A total of 1.347 seabirds were found stranded. Of these, 378 were found alive and sent to rehabilitation. From the 969 dead seabirds 806 were unsuitable for necropsy, being only 163 submitted to necropsy and histopathological analysis. Calonectris borealis, Puffinus gravis and Puffinus puffinus were the main seabirds stranded in the studied area. Most stranding occurred from March to June with an increase during April and May for the most species of seabirds. The main clinical signs of stranded seabirds consisted of inappetence, apathy, low body score, hypothermia, flying or movement difficulty and prolonged recumbency. Natural causes followed by infectious diseases and anthropogenic environmental factors were the main causes of death of seabirds stranded on the Northeastern coast of Brazil.

The aims of this study were 1) to characterize the intensity of the vibration stimulation in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to a control group of healthy women (HW) matched by age and anthropometric parameters, and 2) to investigate the effect of a single session of whole body vibration (WBV) on inflammatory responses. Levels of adipokines, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFr1, sTNFr2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was estimated by a portable gas analysis system, heart rate (HR) was measured using a HR monitor, and perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated using the Borg scale of perceived exertion. Acutely mild WBV increased VO2 and HR similarly in both groups. There was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in RPE (P=0.0078), showing a higher RPE in FM compared to HW at rest, which further increased in FM after acute WBV, whereas it remained unchanged in HW. In addition, there was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in plasma levels of adiponectin (P=0.0001), sTNFR1 (P=0.000001), sTNFR2 (P=0.0052), leptin (P=0.0007), resistin (P=0.0166), and BDNF (P=0.0179). In conclusion, a single acute session of mild and short WBV can improve the inflammatory status in patients with FM, reaching values close to those of matched HW at their basal status. The neuroendocrine mechanism seems to be an exercise-induced modulation towards greater adaptation to stress response in these patients.

A fim de comparar as abordagens abdominais, pela linha mediana ventral e lateral direita em cadelas pré-púberes e adultas submetidas a ovariossalpingo-histerectomia, utilizaram-se 28 cadelas hígidas, distribuídas em dois grupos experimentais de igual número: grupo abordagem mediana ventral (AMV) e grupo abordagem lateral direita (ALD), com sete animais adultos e sete animais pré-púberes em cada grupo. O procedimento cirúrgico foi dividido em nove manobras cirúrgicas distintas, e o tempo para conclusão de cada uma delas, suas facilidades e dificuldades, assim como o tempo cirúrgico total, foram determinados. O tempo médio desde o início da incisão da pele até a entrada na cavidade peritoneal foi menor nas cadelas adultas (P≤0,001) e pré-púberes (P≤0,001) do grupo AMV, mas o tempo médio para identificação uterina foi menor nas cadelas pré-púberes (P≤0,001) do grupo ALD. O tempo cirúrgico total foi menor utilizando-se a abordagem lateral direita (grupo ALD) nas cadelas adultas (P≤0,001) e pré-púberes (P≤0,001). Seu uso não se relacionou com complicações cirúrgicas e facilitou a identificação uterina, possibilitando redução no tempo cirúrgico total. Assim, a abordagem lateral direita demonstrou ser uma alternativa segura em cadelas adultas e pré-púberes submetidas à OSH eletiva.

In order to compare the abdominal approaches, through the ventral midline and right lateral in pre-pubertal adult female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectory we used 28 otherwise healthy dogs, divided into two experimental groups of equal number: Ventral Median Approach Group (VMA) and Right Side Approach Group (RSA), with seven adult animals and seven pre-pubertal animals in each group. The surgical procedure was divided into nine different surgical maneuvers, and the time required for completion of each of them, their strengths and difficulties, as well as the total surgical time were determined. The time from the start of the skin incision to the entrance into the peritoneal cavity was lower in adult female dogs (P≤0.001) and pre-pubertal (P≤0.001) in the VAM group, but the time for uterine identification was lower in pre-pubertal female dogs (P≤ 0.001) in the RSA group. The total surgical time was shorter using the right lateral approach (RSA group) in adult (P≤ 0.001) and pre-pubertal (P≤0.001) female dogs. Thus, the right-side approach has proved to be a safe alternative in adult and pre-pubertal dogs undergoing elective OSH. Its use was not associated with surgical complications, and facilitated uterine identification, allowing a reduction in the total surgical time.

<p>As medições de temperatura em laboratórios didáticos frequentemente não levam em consideração o tempo morto dos sensores e dos sistemas de medição, sejam esses analógicos ou baseados na aquisição eletrônica de dados. Neste artigo são apresentadas medidas e comparações do tempo morto de diferentes tipos de termômetros, bem como algumas possibilidades e estratégias para a adaptação e controle dessa limitação em experimentos que envolvam medidas de temperatura de líquidos.</p>

<p>Temperature measurements in undergraduate laboratories often do not take into account the dead time of the sensors and measurement systems, whether analogic or based on electronic data acquisition. This paper presents measurements and comparisons of different types of dead time thermometers, as well as some possibilities and strategies for adaptation and control of this limitation in experiments involving temperature measurements of liquids.</p>

Avaliaram-se as características espermáticas de carneiros Dorper, Santa Inês e sem padrão racial definido, nos períodos chuvoso e seco. Após ser colhido por vagina artificial, o sêmen foi avaliado quanto ao volume, ao turbilhonamento, à motilidade, ao vigor, à morfologia e à concentração, congelado e armazenado em botijão criogênico. Depois de descongelado, foram avaliadas a cinemática espermática, a integridade da membrana plasmática, a integridade do acrossoma e a atividade mitocondrial. Vigor espermático, motilidade total, motilidade progressiva, velocidade em linha reta e defeitos maiores não diferiram entre os períodos chuvoso e seco, porém volume, turbilhonamento, linearidade, retilinearidade e frequência de batimentos de cauda foram mais baixos (P<0,05) no período seco; já concentração espermática e defeitos totais apresentaram valores mais baixos no período chuvoso. Valores de integridade do acrossoma e da membrana plasmática, bem como o potencial de membrana mitocondrial, foram mais baixos (P<0,05) no período seco. Conclui-se que os períodos chuvoso e seco influenciam na qualidade espermática de ovinos criados na região Meio-Norte do Brasil e que esses animais têm uma qualidade espermática superior no período chuvoso, quando, portanto, deve ocorrer a criopreservação. Também se observou que, em relação à qualidade espermática, o melhor grupo de carneiros foi o Santa Inês.

The sperm characteristics of Dorper, Santa Ines and undefined breed ram in the rainy and dry seasons was assessed. After collection with an artificial vagina, the semen was evaluated for volume, turbulence, motility, viability, morphology and concentration, frozen and stored in a cryogenic cylinder. After thawing kinematic sperm, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity were evaluated. Sperm vigor, total motility, progressive motility, straight line speed and larger line defects did not differ between the rainy and dry seasons, however, volume, turbulence, linearity, straightness and frequency of tail beats were lower (P<0.05 ) in the dry period, and sperm concentration and total defects showed lower values during the rainy season. Values for acrosome integrity and plasma membrane and mitochondrial membrane potential were lower (P<0.05) in the dry season. It is concluded that the wet and dry period influence sperm quality in ram raised in the Mid - North region of Brazil, with a higher sperm quality in the rainy season, thus suggesting cryopreservation for that period. Also, the better ram group regarding sperm quality, was the Santa Ines.

Comparou-se o desempenho de bovinos de diferentes grupos genéticos quanto a algumas características produtivas da desmama até o abate. Os dados são referentes a 827 bovinos machos oriundos do cruzamento de vacas Tabapuã com touros Tabapuã (TAB), Red Angus (REDTAB), Santa Gertrudis (STATAB), e das fêmeas TabapuãxRed Angus com touros Santa Gertrudis (STAREDTAB) (nascidos entre 1999 e 2001 e criados em pastagens de braquiária, no Estado da Bahia). Foram analisados o peso à desmama ajustado aos 205 dias (PD205), o peso ao abate (PA), o ganho médio diário da desmama ao abate (GMD) e a idade ao abate (IA). O grupo contemporâneo (GC), o grupo genético (GG) e a interação entre GC e GG influenciaram as características avaliadas (P<0,05). O REDTAB apresentou superioridade entre os GG para GMD no primeiro ano do GC (1GC), com média de 0,552kg (P<0,05). Os cruzados STATAB e STAREDTAB não apresentaram diferenças significativas para as médias de GMD (P>0,05); entretanto, apresentaram médias inferiores às do grupo REDTAB e TAB. Em condição de ambiente mais favorável, o REDTAB pode ser mais precoce, obtendo maior GMD e PA com menor IA, sendo superior ao Tabapuã e aos cruzados da segunda geração (F2). Os cruzados F2 não demonstraram vantagem em relação ao cruzado F1 e à raça pura.

The aim of this study was to compare the different genetic groups performances from weaning to slaughter. The d ata are referred to 827 male calves of Tabapuã c ows crossed with Red Angus (REDTAB) and Santa Gertrudis sires and from Tabapuã x Red Angus cows crossed with Santa Gertrudis sires , born from 1999 to 2001 and raised in Brachiaria pastures, in Bahia state , Brazil. The w eaning weight was adjusted to 205 day s (WW205), slaughter weight (SW ), average daily gain from weaning to slaughter (ADG) and age slaughter (AG), were analyzed. The contemporary group (CG), genetic group (GG) and the interaction between CG and GG influenced the parameters (P<0.05). The REDTAB showed superiority between GG for ADG in 1CG, with an average of 0.522 kg (P<0.05). The cro s sbreed STATAB and STAREDTAB weren 't different to ADG (P>0.05), however, ha d lower averages than REDTAB and TAB. In more favorable environment al conditions, REDTAB s hould get higher ADG and SW and lower AG , being superior than Tabapuã and to the second generation's crossbr ed (F2). The crossbr ed F2 show ed no advantage over F1crossbr ed and straightbred.

O hipertireoidismo é a endocrinopatia mais comum em gatos idosos. Devido à natureza progressiva da doença, a identificação de um estágio subclínico se torna essencial para melhor controle da doença. O presente estudo compreendeu um levantamento da frequência de gatos hipertireoideos durante o período de março de 2007 a abril de 2008, no estado do Rio de Janeiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais e ecocardiográficos em uma população de gatos domésticos com hipertireoidismo naturalmente adquirido, com ou sem lobo tireoidiano palpável. A seleção dos animais foi realizada através da detecção do valor de tiroxina (T4) total acima dos valores de referência com a técnica de radioimunoensaio. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos com base na identificação do aumento da tireoide à palpação: Grupo I (tireoide não palpável) e Grupo II (tireoide palpável). Avaliações clínica e laboratoriais completas foram realizadas em todos os gatos do estudo. A avaliação clínica incluiu avaliação comportamental, peso, escore de condição corporal, pele e pelagem, auscultação cardiopulmonar, palpação tireoidiana e aferição da pressão arterial sistólica. Além do T4 total, os seguintes exames laboratoriais foram realizados: hemograma, ureia, creatinina, alanina aminotransferase (ALT), fosfatase alcalina (FA) e glicose. Trinta e um animais foram submetidos à avaliação cardíaca, através de ecocardiograma. Dos 178 animais avaliados, 51 foram incluídos nesse estudo por apresentarem aumento sérico da T4. Vinte e seis animais foram inclusos no Grupo I e vinte e cinco no Grupo II. Os parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais e ecocardiográficos foram muito semelhantes entre os dois grupos. No entanto, os níveis séricos de T4 total foram significativamente menores nos gatos com tireoide não palpável. Todo gato acima de sete anos deve ser avaliado para presença de hipertireoidismo através da palpação tireoidiana e avaliação sérica de tiroxina total, pois muitos gatos sem sinais clínicos apresentam hipertireoidismo e o diagnóstico precoce permite diminuir os efeitos sistêmicos da doença em órgãos como fígado, rins e coração.

Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder of older cats. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, the identification of a subclinical stage is essential in order to have a better control of the disease. The present study was a survey of the frequency of feline hyperthyroidism in Rio de Janeiro, from March, 2007 to April, 2008. The purpose of this study was to perform an evaluation of the clinical, laboratorial and echocardiographic aspects in a feline population of naturally acquired hyperthyroidism, with or without palpable thyroid gland. The selection of the cats was done by the documentation of an elevation of total thyroxine (TT4) levels by radioimmunoassay. The animals were divided in two groups according to the thyroid palpation: group I (non-palpable thyroid lobe) and group II (palpable thyroid lobe). Laboratorial and complete clinical evaluations were performed in all cats. The clinical evaluation included behavioral evaluation, body weight, body condition, dermatologic, cardiopulmonary auscultation, thyroid palpation and systolic blood pressure reading. Besides the TT4, the following exams were performed: urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glucose. Thirty one cats had an echocardiogram performed. On the basis of TT4 concentrations, 51 of the 178 cats were classified as hyperthyroid. One or more enlarged thyroid glands were palpated in 25 of the 51 hyperthyroid cats and were included at Group II. Twenty six cats didn't palpable thyroid gland and were included at Group I. Clinical, laboratorial and echocardiographic parameters were similar between the two groups. However, the TT4 levels were significantly lower in the non-palpable thyroid group. All geriatric cats must be thyroid gland palpable on clinic examination and have TT4 measured. Many hyperthyroid cats may be asymptomatic and early diagnosis prevents organ damage such as liver, kidneys and heart.

Baccharis rufescens Spreng. var. tenuifolia (DC.) Baker pertence à família Asteraceae e é usada na medicina tradicional como estomáquico e hepatoprotetor. Um estudo fitoquímico mostrou a presença de flavonoides e triterpenos, sendo que os extratos clorofórmico e metanólico de folhas apresentaram-se ativos no bioensaio de toxicidade sobre Artemia salina Leach. Além disso, extratos clorofórmicos evidenciaram a presença de peróxidos, sugerindo sua aplicação no tratamento da malária (Schenkel at al., 2002; Montanher et al., 2002; Moreira et al., 2003). Considerando a importância farmacológica de B. rufescens var. tenuifolia, o presente trabalho objetivou o estudo morfoanatômico e histoquímico do caule e da folha dessa espécie, a fim de fornecer subsídios farmacognósticos para o controle de qualidade. O material botânico foi submetido às técnicas usuais empregadas na microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Folha anfiestomática, presença de estômatos anomocíticos, tricomas glandulares capitados bisseriados, tricomas tectores flageliformes simples unisseriados, dutos secretores associados ao floema, calota de fibras perivasculares e cristais de oxalato de cálcio do tipo estiloide e prismático na região medular do caule foram as principais características observadas que auxiliam na identificação do táxon.

Baccharis rufescens Spreng. var. tenuifolia (DC.) Baker belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is used for liver and stomach problems in traditional medicine. Previous phytochemical data reported flavonoid and triterpene contents. Chloroform and methanol extracts of the leaves showed activity in the bioassay of brine shrimp. Chloroform extracts showed the presence of peroxides that can be used to treat malaria (Schenkel et al., 2002; Montanher et al., 2002; Moreira et al., 2003). Considering the pharmacological importance of B. rufescens var. tenuifolia, the purpose of this paper was to perform the anatomical analysis of aerial vegetative parts of Baccharis rufescens var. tenuifolia in order to provide pharmacognostic data for quality control. The plant material was studied by the usual methods of light and scanning electron microscopy. Amphistomatic leaves, anomocytic stomata, biseriate capitate glandular trichomes, uniseriate simple flagelliform non-glandular trichomes, secretory ducts associated to the phloem, perivascular fiber cap, calcium oxalate as prismatic and styloid crystals in the pith of the stem were reported as the mainly anatomical data for B. rufescens var. tenuifolia.Ouvir Ler foneticamente

Specific immunotherapy involves certain drawbacks which could be minimized by the use of appropriate adjuvants, capable of amplifying the right immune response with minimal side effects. In this context, we review different types of immunotherapy vehicles and coadyuvants. We describe previous studies by our group in which we demonstrated the adjuvant capacity of Gantrez® AN nanoparticles, which can effectively enhance the immune response. We employed two types of nanoparticles (with and without LPS of Brucella ovis as immunomodulator) within capsulated ovoalbumin and Lollium perenne extract, tested on a model of mice sensitized to this allergenic mixture. In the challenge experiment involving the sensitized mice, differences in the mortality rate and in the MCP-1 levels were found between the treated groups and the control. Under the experimental conditions of this model of mice pre-sensitized to L. perenne, Gantrez®AN nanoparticles appeared to be a good strategy for immunotherapy. We finally tested these carriers administered by the oral route and found that they were able to protect a model of mice sensitized to ovalbumin from anaphylactic shock.

La inmunoterapia para el tratamiento de enfermedades alérgicas implica ciertas desventajas, que pueden ser reducidas si se emplean adyuvantes adecuados, que sean capaces de amplificar la respuesta inmune con un efecto alergénico mínimo. En ese contexto, las formas farmacéuticas más prometedoras para aumentar la eficacia y seguridad de la inmunoterapia, parecen ser las micro y nanopartículas, de polímeros biodegradables y liposomas. En esta revisión describimos estudios previos de nuestro grupo en los que empleamos como adyuvante nanopartículas Gantrez® AN y demostramos su capacidad de estimular el sistema inmune. Empleamos dos tipos de nanopartículas, con y sin lipopolisacárido de Brucella ovis como inmunomodulador en un modelo de ratón alérgico a L. perenne. Encontramos que los ratones sensiblizados a Phleum cuando recibían inmunoterapia con nanopartículas Lolium-Gantrez® estaban protegidos de la anafilaxia inducida por el alérgeno tanto en las tasas de mortalidad como en los niveles de MCP-1. Probamos asimismo estas formulaciones por vía oral en un modelo animal sensibilizado a ovoalbúmina y comprobamos que les protegía también del shock anafiláctico.

Ornamental hybrids of passion flowers are thoroughly diffused in many countries and used in the decoration of houses and gardens. However, the cultivation of ornamental passion fruits practically unexploited in Brazil. This study aimed at evaluating the growth and blooming of F1 hybrids of Passiflora L. (P. sublanceolata J.M. MacDougal [ex P. palmeri var. sublanceolata Killip] vs. P. foetida var. foetida L.) cultivated in ceramic and concrete pots under different shading levels. The vegetative and flower evaluations were carried out weekly, in clonal cuttings 60 days after rooting. The height, leaf length and width, the number of internodes and leaves and stem diameter were evaluated using a randomized complete design in a factorial scheme which corresponded to two genotypes, two types of pot, three shading levels (25 %, 50 %, 75 %) and seven weeks of evaluation, with four replications. For the variable number of flowers, the same experimental design was adopted. However, the number of evaluations was modified for three periods, but this was not considered for the flower diameter and leaf area. The shading levels of 25 % and 50 % were the most favorable to the growth in height, whereas hybrid genotypes under 25 % shade had greater increase in the number of leaves, internodes and stem diameter, showing tolerance to moderate shade. The higher values for length, width and leaf area were observed at 75 % shade. The greatest number of flowers was verified at 25 % shadow in concrete pots. As for the types of pot, the ceramic ones were more favorable to the growth of hybrid plants during the first weeks of acclimatization to the treatments, and the concrete ones were more propitious to blooming. Thus, the use of hybrid plants in concrete pots for the ornamentation of internal environments is recommended, if they are well illuminated.

Ourinhos is situated in one of the major sugar cane producing regions in the State of São Paulo, where the manual harvesting is generally preceded by burning the foliage, resulting in large quantities of aerosols being emitted into the atmosphere. A one- month pilot study was executed during August 2010, to characterize the effects of those emissions on the atmosphere, considering the local circulation and the consequences for the region. The plumes were tracked by IPMet´s two S-band Doppler radars, also deploying a large range of meteorological, physical and chemistry instrumentation: a mobile Lidar with Raman channel to observe elevated layers and the type of aerosols, a medium-sized Sodar, as well as 6 Automatic Weather Stations spread through town. Various gases and particulates were also sampled, providing the atmospheric chemistry data base and thus documenting the impact on the region. This paper highlights a case study on 26 August, when a plume was tracked by TITAN Radar Software from the start of the fire, moving southwards at 14-17 km.h-1 with the winds at about 3,5 km above ground level, until it reached Ourinhos 2h15min later, where it was observed by the Raman Lidar and also detected by the aerosol and gas samplers. The high aerosol load of the atmosphere was confirmed by hourly mean values of AOD varying between 0,265 and 0,288 until 07:00 LT, after which they increased to 0,433 by 09:00 LT, as well as hourly mean backscatter profiles. Hourly values of the Lidar Ratio identified the aerosols as biomass burning products, also confirmed through the analysis of gas and aerosol samples simultaneously collected at the Lidar site.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade do uso de amostras de leite cru conservadas com Bronopol® na pesquisa de soro de queijo por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). Seis amostras foram coletadas e subdivididas em 45 alíquotas de 40mL. Destas, 15 compuseram o grupo controle e foram armazenadas sob congelamento, 15 amostras foram adicionadas de Bronopol® e armazenadas a 7ºC e outras 15 foram adicionadas de bronopol e estocadas a 30º C. Em todos os grupos, cinco porcentagens de soro de queijo foram adicionados, 0, 2, 5, 10 e 20%. As amostras foram submetidas à cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência no segundo, quarto e oitavo dias de armazenamento. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com os tratamentos em esquema fatorial 5x3x3 e os resultados comparados por meio do teste não paramétrico de Kruskal Wallis. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos, concluindo-se que é possível utilizar amostras de leite cru conservadas com Bronopol® para pesquisa de soro de queijo em leite por CLAE.

High performance liquid chromatography was used in order to detect cheese whey in samples of raw milk preserved with Bronopol®. Six samples were collected and divided in 45 aliquots of 40mL. From these, 15 were used as control and stored frozen, 15 were added with Bronopol® and stored at 7ºC, and the other 15 were added with Bronopol® and stored at 30ºC. In all groups, five levels of cheese whey addition (0, 2, 5, 10, and 20%) were tested. The samples were submitted to high performance liquid chromatography on the 2nd, 4th, and 8th days of storage. A completely random design was used, following the factorial scheme (5x3x3) and the results were compared through the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. There was no difference among the treatments (P>0.05), which allows the conclusion that raw milk preserved with Bronopol® may be used for the determination of cheese whey addition in milk through high performance liquid chromatography.