Resumo Dipteryx alata Vogel é uma arbórea de ampla ocorrência no Cerrado, se estabelecendo preferencialmente em solos bem drenados. Estudos referentes à ecofisiologia de D. alata em podem contribuir para a tomada de decisão sobre o uso de mudas dessa espécie em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas sujeitas a alagamento temporário. Objetivamos com essa pesquisa avaliar os efeitos do alagamento no metabolismo fotossintético e antioxidante, além da qualidade de mudas dessa espécie, cultivadas ou não sob alagamento durante quatro períodos de avaliação (0, 20, 40 e 60 dias) seguidos de 100 dias após o término de cada período (0+100, 20+100, 40+100, 60+100 dias), possibilitando verificar o potencial de recuperação pós-alagamento. Observamos que as plantas alagadas apresentaram menor eficiência fotossintética e danos em FV/FM entretanto houve recuperação dessas características no pós alagamento. A qualidade das mudas reduziu sob alagamento não variando entre os períodos de exposição e embora tenha aumentado no pós-alagamento manteve-se menor não se recuperando. A ocorrência de lenticelas hipertrofiadas associadas a alterações fisiológicas e um eficiente sistema enzimático antioxidante devem ter contribuído para a sobrevivência e recuperação metabólica dessas mudas. Diante disso, sugerimos que a espécie é sensível ao estresse por alagamento, mas capaz de se ajustar e recuperar as características metabólicas 100 dias após a suspensão deste estresse hídrico, no entanto a qualidade da mudas não apresentou recuperação, assim, sugerimos plasticidade diante da condição de cultivo e ressaltamos que o tempo de 100 dias não é suficiente para a completa retomada do crescimento.

Abstract Dipteryx alata Vogel is a tree species widely found in Cerrado, settling preferentially in well drained soils. Studies related to ecophysiology of D. alata may contribute to the decision making about using seedlings of this species in projects aimed at the recovery of degraded areas where seasonal flooding happens. This study aimed to assess the effects of flooding on photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism and quality of D. alata seedlings cultivated or not under flooding during four assessment periods (0, 20, 40, and 60 days), followed by 100 days after the end of each assessment period (0+100, 20+100, 40+100, and 60+100 days), allowing verifying the potential for post-flooding recovery. Flooded plants showed lower photosynthetic efficiency than non-flooded plants, regardless of the periods of exposure. However, this efficiency was recovered in the post-flooding, with values similar to that of the non-flooded seedlings. Moreover, the damage to FV/FM was evidenced by an increase in the period of exposure to flooding, but recovery was also observed at this stage of the photosynthetic metabolism. Seedling quality decreased under flooding, not varying between periods of exposure, but remained lower although the increase observed in the post-flooding period, with no recovery after flooding. The occurrence of hypertrophied lenticels associated with physiological changes and an efficient antioxidant enzyme system might have contributed to the survival and recovery of these seedlings. Thus, this species is sensitive to flooding stress but capable of adjusting and recovering metabolic characteristics at 100 days after the suspension of the water stress, but with no recovery in seedling quality. Thus, we suggested plasticity under the cultivation condition and determined that the time of 100 days is not enough for the complete resumption of growth.

Abstract Sugarcane is one of the largest agricultural commodities when considering the export volume and the number of jobs generated. Sugarcane production in the Brazilian Northeast region is generally low due to several factors, including the irregular rainfall distribution, which highlights the importance of studies aimed at mitigating the deleterious effects of water stress. In this scenario, this study aimed to evaluate calcium pyruvate as a water deficit attenuator on the agro-industrial quality of sugarcane in the second cycle of cultivation. The experiment was conducted out under greenhouse conditions of the Federal University of Campina Grande, where five sugarcane commercial genotypes tested (G1- RB863129, G2- RB92579, G3- RB962962, G4- RB021754, and G5- RB041443) and three irrigation management strategies (E1- full irrigation, E2- water deficit with application of 30 mM of calcium pyruvate, and E3- water deficit without calcium pyruvate application), distributed in randomized blocks in 5 × 3 factorial arrangement with three replications. The RB021754 genotype under water deficit and without foliar application of calcium pyruvate increased the fiber content (13.2%) and the sugarcane moist cake weight (143.5 g). The effects of water deficit in sugarcane genotypes are attenuated by the exogenous application of 30 mM of calcium pyruvate, with benefits on the polarized sucrose content, apparent sucrose content of the juice, soluble solids content, purity, corrected cane POL, total recoverable sugars, and stem mass in relation to plants under water deficit without calcium pyruvate application. generated factors distribution stress scenario agroindustrial agro industrial cultivation Grande G1 G (G1 RB863129 RB G2 RB92579 G3 RB962962 G4 G5 RB041443 E1 E (E1 E2 E3 application, , application) replications RB02175 13.2% 132 13 2 (13.2% 143.5 1435 143 (143. g. g . g) juice purity POL sugars (G RB86312 RB9257 RB96296 RB04144 (E RB0217 13.2 1 (13.2 143. 14 (143 RB8631 RB925 RB9629 RB0414 RB021 13. (13. (14 RB863 RB92 RB962 RB041 RB02 (13 (1 RB86 RB9 RB96 RB04 RB0 ( RB8

Resumo A cana-de-açúcar é uma das maiores commodities agrícolas, quando se considera o volume de exportação e o número de empregos gerados. A produção no Nordeste brasileiro, em geral, é baixa, decorrente de diversos fatores, entre eles, a irregularidade de distribuição das chuvas, o que realça a importância de estudos com vistas a minorar os efeitos deletérios do estresse hídrico. Nesse cenário, objetivou-se avaliar o piruvato de cálcio como atenuante do déficit hídrico sobre a qualidade agroindustrial da cana-de-açúcar no segundo ciclo de cultivo. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, onde foram testados cinco genótipos de cana-de-açúcar (G1- RB863129, G2- RB92579, G3- RB962962, G4- RB021754 e G5- RB041443) submetidos a três estratégias de manejo da irrigação (E1- Irrigação plena, E2- déficit hídrico com aplicação de 30 mM de piruvato de cálcio e E3- déficit hídrico sem aplicação de piruvato de cálcio), distribuídos em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 × 3, com três repetições. O genótipo RB021754 sob déficit hídrico e sem aplicação foliar do piruvato de cálcio aumentou o teor de fibra (13,2%) e o peso do bolo úmido da cana (143,5 g). Os efeitos do déficit hídrico em genótipos de cana-de-açúcar são atenuados com aplicação exógena de 30 mM de piruvato de cálcio, com benefícios sobre o teor sacarose polarizada, teor de sacarose aparente do caldo, teor de sólidos solúveis, pureza, pol da cana corrigida, açúcares totais recuperáveis e massa de colmos, em relação as plantas sob déficit hídrico sem aplicação de piruvato de cálcio. canadeaçúcar açúcar agrícolas gerados brasileiro geral baixa fatores eles chuvas cenário objetivouse objetivou cultivo Grande G1 G (G1 RB863129 RB G2 RB92579 G3 RB962962 G4 RB02175 G5 RB041443 E1 E (E1 plena E2 3 E3 , cálcio) casualizados repetições 13,2% 132 13 2 (13,2% 143,5 1435 143 (143, g. g . g) polarizada caldo solúveis pureza corrigida colmos (G RB86312 RB9257 RB96296 RB0217 RB04144 (E 13,2 1 (13,2 143, 14 (143 RB8631 RB925 RB9629 RB021 RB0414 13, (13, (14 RB863 RB92 RB962 RB02 RB041 (13 (1 RB86 RB9 RB96 RB0 RB04 ( RB8

Abstract Today’s demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions to the construction industry has driven researchers to match natural resources with traditional technics to develop new building technologies. However, there are literature limitations about the correlation of fiber-matrix interface with the failure of natural fibers in mortar plates, which hinders the advances in understanding the mechanical properties of these composites on a structural scale. The present work investigated the mechanical behavior and fractography of cement-based composites reinforced by natural piassava and jute fibers. The experimental program included flexural tests and scanning electron microscopy analyzes. The developed composite material under flexural tests demonstrated a flexural-softening behavior, reaching up to 5.7 MPa, with a considerable residual strength ruled by toughness. The fractography analyses presented the fibers’ structure after mechanical tests and how effective its interaction with the matrix was. The piassava fibers demonstrated significant adherence when favorably oriented, while jute fibers (used as twisted yarn) provided voids in the composite by its partial matrix-covered filaments.

Resumo A produção de mudas de gravioleira na região semiárida do Brasil tem enfrentado limitações devido às elevadas concentrações de sais nas águas, sendo necessário o uso de técnicas que viabilizem seu cultivo, destacando-se a aplicação do peróxido de hidrogênio. Neste contexto, objetivou-se avaliar as formas de aplicação do peróxido de hidrogênio como atenuante do estresse salino nas trocas gasosas e no crescimento de mudas de gravioleira cv. Morada Nova. O estudo foi conduzido sob condições de casa de vegetação, em um Neossolo Regolítico de textura franco-arenosa, utilizando-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, no arranjo fatorial 5 × 4, cujos tratamentos resultaram da combinação de cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,6 - testemunha; 1,2; 1,8; 2,4 e 3,0 dS m-1) e quatro formas de aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio (M1- sem aplicação de H2O2, M2 - aplicação via embebição das sementes, M3 -aplicação por pulverização foliar e M4 - aplicação via embebição das sementes + pulverização foliar), com quatro repetições e duas plantas por unidade experimental, perfazendo o total de 160 plantas. A concentração de H2O2 utilizada nas diferentes formas de aplicação foi de 20 µM. A salinidade da água de irrigação a partir de 0,6 dS m-1 diminuiu as trocas gasosas e o crescimento das plantas de gravioleira. O método de aplicação do H2O2 via pulverização foliar minimizou o efeito do estresse salino sobre as trocas gasosas. O método de aplicação do H2O2 via embebição das sementes diminuiu o estresse salino no crescimento de gravioleira aos 85 dias após o semeio.

Abstract The production of soursop seedlings in the Northeast region of Brazil has faced limitations due to the high concentrations of salts in the water, so it is necessary to use techniques that enable its cultivation, and the application of hydrogen peroxide to minimize the deleterious effects of salt stress stands out. In this context, the objective was to evaluate forms of application of hydrogen peroxide as an attenuator of salt stress on the gas exchange and growth of soursop seedlings cv. Morada Nova. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions, in an Regolithic Neosol of sandy loam texture, from the municipality of Lagoa Seca - PB. A completely randomized design was used in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, whose treatments resulted from the combination of five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.6 – control, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 dS m-1) and four forms of hydrogen peroxide application (M1 - without H2O2 application, M2 - application by seed soaking, M3 - application by foliar spraying, and M4 - application by seed soaking + foliar spraying), with four replicates and two plants per experimental unit, totaling 160 plants. The concentration of H2O2 used in the different forms of application was 20 µM. Irrigation water salinity from 0.6 dS m-1 reduced the gas exchange and growth of soursop. The method of H2O2 application by foliar spraying minimized the effects of salt stress on gas exchange. The method of H2O2 application by seed soaking reduced the effect of salt stress on the growth of soursop at 85 days after sowing.

Abstract This work proposed to incorporate the sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) with a high content of organic matter (loss on ignition of 35.87%) in alkali-activated mixtures with blast furnace slag. After grinding SBA, replacement ratios of 10%, 20%, and 30% of the ground ash were used for the flowability evaluation. The mixtures containing 20% and 30% showed a dry consistency, then only the mixture with 10% of slag was used for the other tests. The use of an air-entraining admixture led to an improvement in the flowability of the alkali-activated mixtures. X-ray diffraction results showed that both SBA and the air-entraining admixture did not interfere in the mineralogical composition of the hydrated products. However, the use of SBA led to a decrease in the compressive strength of about 20% to 28%. In conclusion, SBA proved to be viable for use in alkali-activated mixtures considering its effect on mechanical performance.

Resumo Nesse trabalho são apresentadas informações sobre a ocorrência e a caracterização morfológica de galhas induzidas por insetos em uma área de Cerrado do Oeste da Bahia, Brasil. Os materiais foram coletados mensalmente durante duas horas entre Março e Setembro de 2015. Foram encontrados quinze morfotipos de galhas em doze espécies vegetais, distribuídas em sete famílias. A família de planta com maior riqueza de galhas foi Fabaceae (n = 8). Com relação à morfologia externa, foram encontradas galhas com forma globoide, lenticular, enrolamento marginal, cônica, cilíndrica, fusiforme, esférica e bolso. Quanto à fauna associada às galhas, os morfotipos globoide, cônico, lenticular, fusiforme, esférico e cilíndrico foram induzidos por Cecidomyiidae. Além disso, espécies de microhimenópteros pertencentes às famílias Eulophidae, Eurytomidae e Encyrtidae foram encontrados. A indução de galhas por Thysanoptera, nos morfotipos enrolamento marginal e formato de bolso, também foi detectada. Espécies de colembôlos foram identificadas como sucessoras. Espécies não descritas de Schizomyia e Lopesia foram registradas em Bauhinia cupulata e Andira humilis, respectivamente.

Abstract In this study, we report the first records and morphological characterization of galls in a Cerrado area in western Bahia, Brazil. The data were collected monthly over two hours between March and September 2015. Fifteen gall morphotypes were found in twelve plant species distributed among seven families. The plant family with the greatest richness of galls was Fabaceae (n = 8). The following gall morphologies were found: globoid, lenticular, marginal leaf roll, conical, cylindrical, fusiform, spherical and pocket shaped. Cecidomyiidae induced globoid, lenticular, conical, fusiform, spherical and cylindrical morphotypes. In addition, species of microhymenoptera belonging to the Eulophidae, Eurytomidae and Encyrtidae families were found. Marginal leaf roll and pocket-shaped galls induced by Thysanoptera were also verified. Springtails were also identified as a successor. Undescribed species of Schizomyia and Lopesia were recorded in B. cupulata and Andira humilis, respectively.

Resumo Foram analisados os nematóides em Iguana iguana, um grande lagarto Iguanidae que possui ampla distribuição pelas Américas. Os objetivos do estudo foram investigar os helmintos associados ao lagarto I. iguana e seus índices parasitológicos (prevalência e intensidade média de infecção). Foram examinados 18 espécimes (oito machos e 10 fêmeas). A prevalência total foi de 66,6% (12/18), nos machos foi de 75% (6/8) e nas fêmeas 60% (6/10). Iguana iguana foi identificado como um novo hospedeiro para Physaloptera sp., Atractis sp., Piratuba sp., e Subulura sp. Este registro contribui para o conhecimento da diversidade de helmintos associados a este hospedeiro.

Abstract Nematodes were analyzed in Iguana iguana, a large lizard Iguanidae that is widely distributed throughout the Americas. The aims of the study were investigate the helminths associated with the lizard, I. iguana in semi-arid areas of northeastern Brazil and analyze the parasitological indices (prevalence, and mean intensity of infection). A total of 18 specimens of I. iguana were examined (8 males and 10 females). The overall prevalence of infection was 66.6% (12/18), while in males, it was 75% (6/8) and in females, 60% (6/10). Iguana iguana was identified as a new host for Physaloptera sp., Atractis sp., Piratuba sp. and Subulura sp. This registered contributes to the knowledge of helminth diversity associated with this host.

Resumo O lagarto Salvator merianae é uma espécie bem distribuída na América do Sul, ocorrendo do sul da Amazônia até o leste dos Andes e norte da Patagônia. Estudos com a fauna parasitária desse lagarto revelaram que ele hospeda helmintos em vários biomas brasileiros. O presente trabalho fornece novo dado parasitológico sobre nematoda gastrointestinal associado ao lagarto S. merianae. Dezesseis amostras foram analisadas a partir de nove localidades diferentes na região semiárida do nordeste do Brasil. Foram identificadas cinco espécies de nematóide. Oswaldofilaria petersi foi registrado pela primeira vez parasitando S. merianae, aumentando assim o conhecimento da fauna de parasitas que infectam grandes lagartos neotropicais.

Abstract The lizard Salvator merianae is a widely distributed species in South America, occurring from southern Amazonia to the eastern Andes and northern Patagonia. Studies on the parasitic fauna of this lizard have revealed that it is a host for helminths in various Brazilian biomes. The present work provides new parasitological data on the gastrointestinal nematodes associated with the lizard S. merianae. Sixteen specimens were analyzed from nine different locations in a semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil. Five species of nematodes were identified. Oswaldofilaria petersi was first recorded as a parasite of the S. merianae, thus increasing the knowledge of the fauna of parasites that infect large Neotropical lizards.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease promotes changes in the zinc nutritional status and in the antioxidant defense system. This study assessed the relationship between the parameters of the zinc nutritional status and the activity of superoxide dismutase in patients with chronic renal failure who are receiving hemodialysis. Methods: 134 individuals, aged between 18 and 85 years, were divided into two groups: case group (hemodialyzed patients, n = 63) and control group (n = 71). Zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes were determined using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique. The activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme was determined according to Ransod kit. Results: The mean values of plasma zinc were 62.02 ± 13.59 μg/dL and 65.58 ± 8.88 μg/dL, and for erythrocytary zinc the values were 54.52 ± 22.82 μgZn/gHb and 48.01 ± 15.08 μgZn/gHb for the chronic renal patients and the control group, respectively. The activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly lower in patients when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The activity of superoxide dismutase in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis, which is influenced by zinc concentracions, was significantly lower. There was an inadequate response of this enzyme to oxidative stress in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Introducción: La enfermedad renal crónica produce cambios en el estado nutricional del zinc y en el sistema de defensa antioxidante. Por lo tanto, este estudio investigó la relación entre parámetros del estado nutricional del zinc y la actividad de la enzima superóxido dismutase en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis. Métodos: Se incluyeron 134 personas, de 20 a 59 años de edad que fueron divididos en dos grupos: grupo caso (pacientes en hemodiálisis, n = 63) y grupo control (n = 71). El zinc plasmático y eritrocitario fueron analizados según el método de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. La actividad de la enzima superóxido dismutasa fue analizada de acuerdo con Kit Ransod. Resultados: Los valores medios de zinc plasmatico fueron 62,02 ± 13,59 μg/dL y 65,58 ± 8,88 μg/dL y los valores de zinc eritrocitario fueron 54,52 ± 22,82 μgZn/gHb y 48,01 ± 15,08 μgZn/gHb, en los pacientes en hemodialisis y en el grupo control, respectivamente. La actividad de la superoxido dismutasa fue significantemente inferior en los pacientes que en controles (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La actividad de la superóxido dismutasa en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis, que es influenciada por la concentración del zinc, fue significantemente inferior. Hubo una respuesta inadecuada por la enzima al estrés oxidativo en pacientes en hemodiálisis.

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease that induces risk factors for metabolic syndrome and, is associated with disturbances in the metabolism of the zinc. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the existence of relationship between the biomarkers of metabolic syndrome and the zinc nutricional status in obese women. Method: Seventy-three premenopausal women, aged between 20 and 50 years, were divided into two groups: case group, composed of obese (n = 37) and control group, composed of no obese (n = 36). The assessment of the body mass index and waist circumference were carried out using anthropometric measurements. The plasmatic and erythrocytary zinc were analyzed by method atomic absorption spectrophotometry (λ = 213.9 nm). Results: In the study, body mass index and waist circumference were higher in obese women than control group (p < 0.05). The mean plasmatic zinc was 72.2 ± 9.0 μg/dl in obese women and 73.4 ± 8.5 μg/dl in control group (p > 0.05). The mean erythrocytary zinc was 36.4 ± 15.0 μg/gHb and 45.4 ± 14.3 μg/gHb in the obese and controls, respectively (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that the body mass index (t =-2.85) and waist circumference (t = -2.37) have a negative relationship only with the erythrocytary zinc (R² = 0.32, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study shows that there are alterations in biochemical parameters of zinc in obese women, with low zinc concentrations in erythrocytes. Regression analysis demonstrates that the erythrocytary zinc is influenced by biomarkers of the metabolic syndrome, presenting an inverse relationship with the waist circumference and body mass index.

Introducción: La obesidad es una enfermedad crónica que induce factores de riesgo del síndrome metabòlico y se asocia con trastornos en el metabolismo del zinc. Por lo tanto, este estudio investigó la relación entre biomarcadores del síndrome metabólico y el estado nutricional del zinc en mujeres obesas. Métodos: Se incluyeron 73 mujeres premenopáusicas, de 20 a 50 años de edad, que fueron divididos en dos grupos: grupo casos (obesos, n = 37) y grupo control (no obesos, n = 36). Evaluación del índice de masa corporal y la circunferencia de la cintura se realizó con variables antropométricas. El análisis del zinc plasmático y eritrocitario se realizó de acuerdo con el método de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica en llama (λ = 213,9 nm). Resultados: El zinc plasmático medio fue de 72,2 ± 9,0 μg/dL en las mujeres obesas y 73,4 ± 8,5 μg/dL en el grupo control (p > 0,05). Los valores medios de zinc eritrocitario fueron de 36,4 ± 15,0 μg/gHb en mujeres obesas y 45,4 ± 14,3 μg/gHb en controles (p < 0,05). En la regresión multivariable, el índice de masa corporal (t = -2,85) y la circunferencia de la cintura (t = -2,37) tiene una relación negativa con el zinc eritrocitario (R² = 0,32, p < 0,05). Conclusiones: El estudio muestra que hay cambios en los parámetros del zinc en las mujeres obesas, con bajas concentraciones de zinc en los eritrocitos. Además, el análisis de regresión muestra que el zinc eritrocitario fue influenciado por los biomarcadores del síndrome metabólico, presentando una relación inversa con el índice de masa corporal y circunferencia de la cintura.

Este trabalho se constituiu em um estudo de ação-reflexão sobre a prática pedagógica de Educação Ambiental (EA) desenvolvida no contexto do ensino de Química na Escola Municipal Monsenhor Stanislaw localizada no município de Olivedos-PB. O objetivo da pesquisa foi desenvolver e analisar ações pedagógicas de inserção de práticas educativas ambientais articuladas com o ensino de Química, com a implantação de coleta seletiva na escola, oficinas de reciclagens tais como a de papel reciclado, óleo utilizado em frituras para fabricação de sabão e reutilização de garrafas PET'S. Para a reflexão sobre a prática vivenciada, foi feita uma coleta de dados, por meio de registro de observações em diário de campo, aplicação de questionários, fotografias como documentos visuais, realização de várias oficinas de caráter educacional relacionado ao meio ambiente. As ações desenvolvidas consistiram na abordagem de temas ambientais por meio do livro didático; no desenvolvimento de um projeto de Educação Ambiental para identificar problemas ambientais em volta da escola como também na cidade em geral. Pôde-se observar a importância do uso do livro didático, mas também evidencia a necessidade do desenvolvimento de projetos de ações comunitárias de educação ambiental (EA) e de projetos que envolvam a comunidade escolar. Constatou-se que a EA no ensino de Química requer um processo longo de construção de ações coletivas, em que alunos e professores sejam sensibilizados e mobilizados para se engajarem em ações socioambientais. Isso significa construir um processo contínuo de renovar estratégias, recriar ações, dialogar nas aulas, utilizar técnicas para desenvolver no aluno autonomia e criatividade. Nesse sentido, envolver práticas educativas ambientais na comunidade escolar é deixar aflorar os valores, as atitudes, os conceitos e as habilidades para transformá-las em ação com a esperança em criar trilhas para construir uma nova realidade.

This work was a study of self-reflection on teaching practices for Environmental Education (EE) developed in the context of teaching chemistry at the Monsenhor Stanislaw School located in Olivedos-PB. The research aimed to develop and analyze insertion of pedagogical actions of environmental education practices combined with the teaching of chemistry, with the implementation of selective collection in schools, workshops such as paper recycling, recycled frying oil used in the manufacture of soap and reuse of plastic bottles. To reflect on the practice faced, there was a collection of data via registration of field observation journals, questionnaires, photographs and visual documents, achieving a number of workshops related to an educational environment. The actions undertaken involved in addressing environmental issues through the textbook, the development of an environmental education project to identify environmental problems around the school but also in the city in general. It was observed the importance of using the textbook, but it also highlights the need to develop community outreach projects of environmental education (EE) and projects involving the school community. It was found that the EA in the teaching of chemistry requires a long process of building collective action, in which students and teachers need to be mobilized to engage in environmental actions. That means building an ongoing process of renewal strategies, re-actions, class discussion, use of techniques to develop learner autonomy and creativity. In this sense, to involve environmental education practices in the school community is to let emerge the values, attitudes, concepts and skills to turn them into action with the hope of creating trails to build a new reality.

O estudo da eficiência propulsiva é um dos assuntos mais interessantes para os investigadores em natação pura desportiva, já que apresenta uma relação directa no comportamento biofísico do nadador e na sua performance. Apesar de ser uma variável que tem sido bastante estudada em nadadores de elevado nível competitivo, não há nenhuma investigação sobre esta temática em jovens nadadores não experts. Assim, o objectivo deste estudo foi: (i) estimar a eficiência propulsiva em nadadores não experts; (ii) identificar os factores biomecânicos e antropométricos que estão associados à eficiência propulsiva e; (iii) identificar a associação entre a eficiência propulsiva e a performance. Vinte e oito nadadores não experts, praticantes regulares de natação numa Escola Municipal participaram neste estudo. Foram avaliados a eficiência propulsiva, parâmetros biomecânicos, antropométricos e a performance de nado. Os principais resultados encontrados mostram que a eficiência propulsiva de nadadores não experts é inferior à descrita na literatura para nadadores de outros níveis competitivos e que não há diferenças significativas entre os dois sexos. Foi também verificado que vários parâmetros biomecânicos, antropométricos, assim como, a performance estão associados com a eficiência propulsiva.

Propulsive efficiency is one of the most interesting issues for competitive swimming researchers, has it presents significant relationships with the swimmer’s biophysical behavior and his/her performance. Although propulsive efficiency is a variable that has been quite studied in elite swimmers, there is no research on this issue in young and non-expert swimmers. Thus, the aim of this study was to: (i) estimate the propulsive efficiency on non-expert swimmers; (ii) identify biomechanical and anthropometrical parameters that are associated with propulsive efficiency; (iii) identify the association between the propulsive efficiency and swim performance. Twenty-eight non-expert swimmers participated on this study. It was assessed the propulsive efficiency, biomechanical and anthropometrical parameters, as well as, the swim performance. The propulsive efficiency of non-expert swimmers is lower than data reported in the literature to higher competitive levels swimmers and there are no significant differences between boys and girls. It was also noted that several biomechanical and anthropometrical parameters, as well as, the swim performance are associated with the propulsive efficiency.

Third molar extraction is a common procedure frequently accompanied by moderate or severe pain, and involves sufficient numbers of patients to make studies relatively easy to perform. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the therapeutic combination of 10 mg piroxicam, 1 mg dexamethasone, 35 mg orphenadrine citrate, and 2.5 mg cyanocobalamin (Rheumazin®) when compared with 20 mg piroxicam alone (Feldene®) in mandibular third molar surgery. Eighty patients scheduled for removal of the third molar were included in this randomized and double-blind study. They received (vo) Rheumazin or Feldene 30 min after tooth extraction and once daily for 4 consecutive days. Pain was determined by a visual analogue scale and by the need for escape analgesia (paracetamol). Facial swelling was evaluated with a measuring tape and adverse effects and patient satisfaction were recorded. There was no statistically significant difference in facial swelling between Rheumazin and Feldene (control group). Both drugs were equally effective in the control of pain, with Rheumazin displaying less adverse effects than Feldene. Therefore, Rheumazin appears to provide a better risk/benefit ratio in the mandibular molar surgery. Since the side effects resulting from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration are a severe limitation to the routine use of these drugs in clinical practice, our results suggest that Rheumazin can be a good choice for third molar removal treatment.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the kinetics of humoral and cellular responses during leptospirosis. We observed that the presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was associated with antibody production and bacterial recovery, and the compromising of both TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the immunopathogenesis of leptospirosis during an experimental infection of BALB/c mice inoculated with Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola was verified. Results showed higher levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the initial phase of infection, in which the greatest bacterial clearance was observed. However, when the bacterial recovery was compared with the kinetics of the production of antibodies, the results revealed a kinetics proportionally inverted to antibody production. This fact may be related to some inhibitory factor which could be responsible for the selective suppression of the cellular immune response. We concluded that during leptospirosis there was a greater mobilization of the cellular immune response activity, mainly in the initial phase of the infectious process, for posterior involvement of the humoral response, and that both TNF-alpha and IL-6 could be associated with the immunopathogenesis of the disease.

Immune response to leptospirosis is mainly humorally mediated, and involves opsonization of leptospires for phagocytosis by macrophages and neutrophils. However, some aspects are still unknown. For a more detailed analysis of the cellular immune response to leptospirosis infection, trials were carried out in order to determine the hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide (H2O2 and NO) production stimulated or not by Interferon-gamma. The participation of some specific cytokines, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha); Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma); Interleukin-6 (IL-6); and Interleukin-4 (IL-4), in the immunopathology of this infection was also investigated. For this purpose, we analyzed the supernatant from peritoneal macrophage cell culture and the splenic cells of mice genetically selected as High (H) and Low (L) antibody producers, and inbred Balb/c mice infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae. The IL-6 production varied from release peaks to inhibition in H, L, and Balb/c mice. Similar behavior was observed for IL-4, produced only by H and Balb/c mice. The three strains presented constant and elevated production of TNF-alpha until day 14, suggesting its effective participation in the initial phase of the infection. Meanwhile, all the three strains presented a constant and irregular IFN-gamma production, with release peaks between the 7th and 14th days in L mice. The H and Balb/c mice strains presented a higher tendency to Th2 response pattern, whereas L mice tended towards Th1 response.