The use of materials such as organofunctionalized silica for application in solid phase extraction (SPE) allows the preconcentration of several ions, including Pt, and subsequent detection. This work aims to synthesize and characterize an organofunctionalized silica (Sil-TMSDT) with the silylant N’(trimethoxysilyl)propylethylenetriamine and its application as a solid phase in the preconcentration Pt4+ ions in aqueous media, using detection by flame atomization atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the aminofunctionalization of the silica. For the adsorption process, a preconcentration mini-column with 200 mg of Sil-TMSDT, a solution of 0.485 mg L−1 of K2[PtCl6] at pH 10 and HNO3 0.5 mol L−1 as eluent were used, obtaining an enrichment factor of 15-fold with retention efficiency higher than 99%. The Pt4+ ion determined by FAAS showed a linear response between 0.02 and 0.40 mg L−1; a linear coefficient where R = 0.9981; a 16-fold preconcentration factor; a limit of quantification (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.045 and 0.014 mg L−1, respectively. The proposal system showed analytical applicability to determining Pt4+ ion in an aqueous medium and could be used to detect traces of this potentially toxic metal in biological fluids such as urine and blood. SPE (SPE Pt SilTMSDT Sil TMSDT (Sil-TMSDT Ntrimethoxysilylpropylethylenetriamine N trimethoxysilyl propylethylenetriamine Pt4 media FAAS. . (FAAS) Fouriertransform Fourier transform FTIR (FTIR SEM (SEM energydispersive energy dispersive EDS (EDS process minicolumn mini column 20 SilTMSDT, TMSDT, Sil-TMSDT 0485 0 485 0.48 L1 L 1 L− K2PtCl6 KPtCl K2 PtCl6 K PtCl K2[PtCl6 HNO 05 5 0. 15fold fold 15 99 99% 002 02 0.0 040 40 0.4 0.9981 09981 9981 16fold 16 LOQ (LOQ LOD (LOD 0045 045 0.04 0014 014 0.01 respectively blood (FAAS 2 048 48 K2PtCl K2[PtCl 9 00 04 4 0.998 0998 998 004 001 01 0.99 099 0.9 09

Abstract The vegetable leaf miner (Liriomyza sativae) is considered one of the main melon pests, causing serious problems for producers in all growing regions. A promising type of pest control has been use of resistant cultivars, in isolation or associated with other types of control. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of melon genotypes to L. sativae. Twenty-one melon genotypes and one commercial “Goldex” hybrid (susceptibility pattern) were evaluated in two experiments. In the first experiment, we observed the non-preference of L. sativae for oviposition and feeding by quantifying the number of eggs and feeding punctures, both on the adaxial side and on the abaxial face of the leaves. In the second experiment, we observed the antibiosis effect through L. sativae larval and pupal viability. Genotype CNPH 06-1047-341 showed the lowest preference for oviposition (high resistance), with low egg values on both leaf sides (0.3 eggs/plant). In genotypes CNPH 06-1047-313, CNPH 06-1047-346, CNPH 11-1071-27, CNPH 11-1071-39, CNPH 11-1071-43, and CNPH 11-1071-53, we observed a higher preference for the adaxial side, whereas for the other genotypes and the commercial hybrid there was no discrimination between leaf sides. In relation to antibiosis, genotypes CNPH 06-1047-339, CNPH 06-1047-333, CNPH 06-1047-330, CNPH 06-1047-334, CNPH 06-1047-331, CNPH 06-1047-343, CNPH 10-1056-313, CNPH 06-1047-346, and CNPH 06-1047-341 presented lower larval and pupal viability. Genotype CNPH 06-1047-341 was the least preferred for oviposition and feeding and the most promising as a source of resistance to L. sativae.

Abstract The main factors governing Hevea brasiliensis germination and seedling establishment remains unclear. We examined the effect of growth regulators Indole 3-Acetic Acid (IAA) and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), and their interactions on germination and the development of mature zygotic embryos (MZE) and protein profile of Hevea brasiliensis seedlings from wild and cultivated (clone PB 250) genotypes. Embryonic axes excised from seeds (wild and clone PB 250) were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog medium (control) and supplemented with IAA (3 µM) and BAP (6 µM) individually and their combination (3 µM IAA + 6 µM BAP). For both genotypes, the mature embryos displayed a high percentage of germination and establishment, and the seedlings were characterized by protein bands ranging from 7 to 30 kDa. Notably, the wild genotype showed proteins in the 14 kDa range, which may be associated with one of the major rubber elongation factors (REF). The wild and clone genotypes presented different behavior and strategies in relation to the protein profile in the presence of different growth regulators. Although the latex biosynthetic pathway and its mechanisms of regulation still remain largely unknown, our results aid in our understanding of the dynamics of proteins in different rubber tree clones in vitro.

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive drug for several inflammatory disorders. Due to its clinical relevance, to explore the solid-state properties for excipient compatibility in the product quality review process is essential. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis (thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)) were applied. The compatibility studies evidenced that starch pregelatinized, colloidal silicon dioxide, and talc are fully compatible with azathioprine. However, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and mannitol are incompatible after heat supply at temperatures easily reached by industrial processing. The nonlinear Vyazovkin isoconversional treatment performed the kinetic study of the thermal degradation. The activation energies were determined to clarify the influence of each excipient on the thermal drug stability, an essential procedure in the pharmaceutical development, and all over the commercial live span, in Good Manufacturing Practices.

ABSTRACT Leptopanchax opalescens (Myers, 1942) is a small seasonal killifish endemic to coastal drainages in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Leptopanchax opalescens was recaptured in temporary open vegetation pools (22°42.35’S, 43°41.59’W) in the hydrographic basin of the Guandu River, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after eight years without records. Information on habitat and population parameters (Capture per unit area (CPUA), size, sex ratio and length-weight relationship (LWR)) are given to provide subsidies for the conservation of this species. Specimens were captured during the rainy season (January-April 2020) in shallow pools (mean depth = 21 ± 12 s.d. cm), with relatively acidic pH (5.2 ± 0.8) and low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (3.5 ± 1 mg/L). The estimated CPUA of the population was 0.89 fish/m2. The total length (TL) of males ranged from 21.1 to 28.8 cm, and females ranged from 17.0 to 31.2 mm. Males were significantly larger (t-test = 2.04, p < 0.05) than females, which were in greater proportion (2.83Female: 1Male, p < 0.001). A positive allometric coefficient (b = 3.19) was found through length-weight relationship curve, indicating that individuals of the species gain proportionally more increment in weight than in length. Leptopanchax opalescens is a critically endangered species, and the results of this study contribute to the knowledge of the distribution, population structure and conservation of the species and its natural habitats.

RESUMO: A análise hematológica fornece informação confiável sobre a saúde dos animais. É uma variável importante na avaliação da capacidade adaptativa e produtiva das raças sob condições ambientais desfavoráveis. É uma avaliação que aliada a outros fatores genéticos, ambientais e de manejo pode se tornar cada vez mais útil para a sustentabilidade futura da agricultura convencional em um ambiente quente. A capacidade adaptativa é afetada por alguns fatores como raça, gestação e lactação. Portanto, o perfil hematológico é um indicador importante da saúde e produção animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a análise hematológica comparativa de ovelhas Morada Nova e Santa Inês (ovelhas nativas do Brasil) em todos os estágios reprodutivos. Foram utilizadas 20 ovelhas Santa Inês e 20 Morada Nova distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em parcelas subdivididas e medidas repetidas no tempo. Para a análise do sangue, foram coletadas amostras por venopunção jugular a cada 14 dias, sempre colhidas pela manhã, antes que os animais fossem soltos no pasto. A raça Morada Nova apresentou maior teor de hemoglobina e contagem total de leucócitos que a raça Santa Inês. Em relação à influência da gestação e do puerpério sobre o eritrograma, observou-se que houve um incremento dos valores da contagem dos eritrócitos, hematócrito e hemoglobina até o terço médio da gestação, reduzindo no final da gestação e restabelecendo novamente no período puerperal. Foi verificado um aumento na relação neutrófilo/linfócito indicando que ovelhas no final da gestação, no pós-parto e puerpério estavam sob condição de estresse comparado com os outros estágios reprodutivos. As proteínas plasmáticas totais também aumentaram durante o período gestacional para compensar os altos requisitos nutricionais do feto, e estes níveis permaneceram elevados até ao final da fase de puerpério quando os cordeiros foram desmamados. A gestação e o puerpério influenciaram todos os índices eritrocitários com alteração da contagem total de leucócitos.

ABSTRACT: Hematologic analysis provides reliable information on the health status of animals. It is an important variable in the assessment of adaptive and productive capacity of breeds under unfavorable environmental conditions. It is an assessment that combined with other genetic and environmental factors and management can become useful for the future sustainability of mainstream agriculture in a hot environment. Adaptive capacity is affected by some factors such as breed, pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, hematological profile is an important indicator of animal health and production. The objective of this study was to perform the comparative hematological analysis of Santa Inês and Morada Nova breeds (native ewes from Brazil) in all different reproductive stages. Twenty Santa Ines and 20 Morada Nova sheep distributed in a completely randomized design in a split-plot arrangement over time were used. To obtain blood counts, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture every 14 days, always in the morning, before the animals were released into the pasture. The Morada Nova breed had higher hemoglobin and total leukocyte count than Santa Inês breed. Regarding the influence of pregnancy and puerperium on the eritrogram, there was an increment in red blood cell, hemoglobin and packed cell volume of both breeds in middle pregnancy. However, had a reduction in late pregnancy. There were a reestablishment of the blood cell counts during the puerperium period. It was verified an increase on neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio indicated that ewes in the late pregnancy, postpartum and puerperium were under stress conditions compared to others reproductive stages. The total plasma proteins also increased during this period to compensate for the high nutritional requirements of the fetus, and these levels remained high until the end of the puerperal phase, when the lambs were weaned. The pregnancy and puerperium influenced all erythrocyte indices and changed the total leukocyte count.

Abstract Cyanobacteria is a remarkable group of prokaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms, with several genera capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and presenting a wide range of morphologies. Although the nitrogenase complex is not present in all cyanobacterial taxa, it is spread across several cyanobacterial strains. The nitrogenase complex has also a high theoretical potential for biofuel production, since H2 is a by-product produced during N2 fixation. In this review we discuss the significance of a relatively wide variety of cell morphologies and metabolic strategies that allow spatial and temporal separation of N2 fixation from photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on 16S rRNA and nifD gene sequences shed light on the evolutionary history of the two genes. Our results demonstrated that (i) sequences of genes involved in nitrogen fixation (nifD) from several morphologically distinct strains of cyanobacteria are grouped in similarity with their morphology classification and phylogeny, and (ii) nifD genes from heterocytous strains share a common ancestor. By using this data we also discuss the evolutionary importance of processes such as horizontal gene transfer and genetic duplication for nitrogenase evolution and diversification. Finally, we discuss the importance of H2 synthesis in cyanobacteria, as well as strategies and challenges to improve cyanobacterial H2 production.

Desenvolveu-se o presente estudo visando-se avaliar o efeito da fonte nitrogenada sobre o acúmulo de matéria seca e a absorção, distribuição e utilização de nitrogênio em mandioca. Para a instalação do experimento utilizou-se a variedade Cigana preta, cultivada em solução nutritiva e em vasos com capacidade para 11,0 L. O nível de nitrogênio na solução foi de 12 mol m-3 e os tratamentos consistiram de cinco proporções de NO3-:NH4+ , conforme segue: 12:0, 9:3, 6:6, 3:9 e 0:12 mol m-3. No encerramento do experimento, que ocorreu 90 dias após o plantio, verificou-se que as menores quantidades de massa seca total foram obtidas para as plantas cultivadas tendo apenas nitrato ou amônio como fonte de nitrogênio. Nesse aspecto, o amônio foi mais prejudicial ao crescimento do que a fonte nítrica. A concentração de NH4+ livre no tecido vegetal foi maior para as raízes de absorção, seguida pelas folhas e raízes de armazenamento. A eficiência de absorção de nitrogênio foi maior para as plantas cultivadas sob as maiores proporções de NH4+. Os resultados evidenciaram que a cultura da mandioca cresce melhor quando ocorrer na solução de crescimento uma mistura de NO3- e NH4+, principalmente nas proporções de 9:3 e 6:6 mol m-3.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of nitrogen source on dry mass accumulation and absorption, distribution and also use of nitrogen by cassava plants. Cigana Preta cultivar plants were grown in nutrient solutions set up in 11.0 L containers. Nitrogen concentration in solutions was 12 mol m-3. Treatments included five combinations of NO3-:NH4+ , that is, 12:0, 9:3, 6:6, 3:9 and 0:12 mol m-3. Aftert 90 days the dry mass was determined. The lowest total dry mass values were obtained for plants grown with just nitrate or ammonium as nitrogen source. In this sence, ammonium affected growth more than the nitric source. The concentration of free NH4+ was higher for absorption in roots, followed by leaves and storage roots. The efficiency of nitrogen absorption was higher for plants cultivated under highest proportions of NH4+. The results showed that cassava plants grow more when growth solution contains a mixture of NO3- and NH4+, especially at the proportions of 9:3 and 6:6 mol m-3.

Tubérculos de batata das cultivares Eliza, Pérola e Atlantic foram armazenados a 2ºC durante 10 dias e, posteriormente, recondicionados a 15ºC por 10 ou 20 dias, de forma a verificar a eficiência destes tratamentos em reverter o adoçamento associado ao armazenamento a baixas temperaturas. O recondicionamento foi associado a uma redução nos teores de sacarose em todas cultivares, uma redução na atividade da sacarose-fosfato sintase e UDP-glicose pirofosforilase. Houve também redução na atividade da sacarose sintase, e redução temporária na atividade da invertase, o que não aconteceu de uma forma homogênea entre as cultivares. O recondicionamento também reduziu o teor de glicose, mas somente nas cultivares Pérola e Atlantic. Esta redução foi linear com o tempo de recondicionamento, o que sugere que maior redução do adoçamento possa ser observada com a utilização de períodos maiores de recondicionamento. Não foi observada alteração no teor de amido, embora tenha ocorrido redução temporária nas atividades da amido fosforilase e amidolítica total em algumas cultivares. Em conjunto, esses dados demonstram que o recondicionamento, mesmo por curtos períodos de tempo (20 dias) ou temperaturas mais amenas (15ºC), resulta em alterações metabólicas heterogêneos em diferentes cultivares, e que podem contribuir significativamente para a redução do adoçamento de tubérculos nas cultivares Pérola e Atlantic.

Potato tubers of cultivars Atlantic, Eliza and Pérola were firstl stored at 2ºC for 10 days and then reconditioned at 15ºC for 10 or 20 days, in order to verify if these treatments could reduce the cold-sweetening. The reconditioning was associated to reduced tuber sucrose levels in all cultivars analyzed, and was followed by a clear reduction in the activity of sucrose-phosphate syntase, UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, and sucrose synthase. The decrease in invertase activity was only transient, and limited to some genotypes. These treatments also reduced linearly the glucose levels in Pérola and Atlantic tubers, which in turn suggest that stronger reductions could be observed under longer reconditioning periods. Starch contents were not changed in reconditioned tubers, although a transient decrease in the activity of starch phosphorylase and total amidolitic activity was observed in some genotypes. These data indicate that reconditioning, even under short time periods (20 days) and mild temperatures (15°C), result in a strong and heterogeneous effect on tuber carbohydrate metabolism. More importantly, these results indicate that the reconditioning could reduce cold-sweetening in the cultivars Pérola and Atlantic.

Estudou-se a relação entre a esquistossomose e o nível sérico de retinol num modelo duplo cego, comparando-se a vitamina A dos grupos infectado e não-infectado de uma população de zona endêmica da helmintíase no Estado de Minas Gerais. O grupo infectado era composto por 106 pessoas com carga parasitária inferior a 500 ovos de S. mansoni por grama de fezes, com formas intestinal e hepatointestinal; o não-parasitado era constituído por 112 habitantes desta mesma zona endêmica que apresentaram exame parasitológico (método de Kato modificado) e intradermor-reação negativos, bem como ausência de história de infecção e tratamento prévios para esquistossomose nos seis meses anteriores. A determinação do retinol foi feita pelo método do ácido trifluoracético, considerando aceitável um nível > 20,0 μg/100 ml. A análise dos resultados mostrou que, nas condições em que foram realizadas esta observação, as diferenças encontradas nos níveis séricos do retinol entre os grupos estudados indica não haver correlação significativa entre a infecção pelo S. mansoni e o nível sérico da vitamina A.

The interrelation between schistosomiasis and the retinol blood levels was studied in a double blind method, by comparing the serum vitamin A of the infected and non-infected group of an endemic area of Schistosoma mansoni infection. The infected group was characterized by 106 parasitized persons in the intestinal and hepatointestinal forms, who eliminated less than 500 eggs/gram of feces (Modified Kato's method); the non-infected group was characterized by 112 inhabitants of this endemic area without eggs in the stools and presenting negative intradermal reactions, and absence of previous specific treatment. The blood levels of retinol was determinated using trifluoracetic acid method, regarding the normal levels > 20,0mg/100ml. The results of this study point out the absence of correlation between S. mansoni infection and blood levels of vitamin A.