RESUMO O pimentão, cultura de importância nutricional, destaca-se por seu valor de vitamina C. Diante da necessidade de práticas agrícolas sustentáveis, o estudo explorou o uso de biocarvões derivados de resíduos regionais como alternativa na cultura de pimentão. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de biocarvões provenientes de cama de frango, fibra de coco e palha de arroz, nas características biométricas e físico-químicas de frutos de pimentão verde, na produção de frutos por planta e na produtividade. A pesquisa foi conduzida em campo no delineamento em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 × 3 + 1, referentes a cinco doses de biocarvão (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 t ha-1) e três tipos de biocarvão (fibra de coco, cama de aviário e palha de arroz) com quatro repetições, mais um tratamento adicional (adubação mineral). Foram avaliadas variáveis biométricas (comprimento e diâmetro dos frutos, espessura da casca, número de frutos, massa do fruto) e físico-químicas dos frutos (sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, pH, vitamina C e teor de cinzas), produção e produtividade dos frutos. A produção de frutos de pimentão verde não foi influenciada pelos biocarvões, porém as doses de biocarvões influenciaram todas as variáveis analisadas com exceção da espessura da casca. Os teores de vitamina C e de sólidos solúveis foram maiores nos tratamentos com biocarvões e menores com adubação mineral. A maior influência na acidificação dos frutos foi com o biocarvão produzido com palha de arroz. nutricional destacase destaca se sustentáveis contexto objetivouse objetivou frango arroz físicoquímicas físico químicas casualizados 1 0, 0 (0 6 ha1 ha ha-1 repetições mineral . mineral) comprimento casca fruto titulável pH cinzas, cinzas , cinzas) ( ha-

ABSTRACT Bell pepper, a crop of nutritional importance, stands out for its vitamin C content. Given the need for sustainable agricultural practices, the present study explored the use of biochars derived from regional waste as an alternative in bell pepper cultivation. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biochars from poultry litter, coconut fiber, and rice straw on the biometric and physicochemical characteristics of bell pepper fruits, on fruit production per plant and on fruit yield. The experiment was performed in the field in a randomized block design, in a 5 × 3 + 1 factorial scheme, referring to five doses of biochar (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 t ha-1) and three types of biochar (coconut fiber, poultry litter, and rice straw) with four repetitions, plus an additional treatment (mineral fertilization). Biometric variables (fruit length and diameter, skin thickness, number of fruits, fruit mass) and physicochemical variables of the fruits (soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C, and ash content), production and yield of the fruits were evaluated. The production of bell pepper fruits was not influenced by biochars, but the doses of biochars influenced all variables analyzed with the exception of skin thickness. Vitamin C and soluble solids contents were higher in treatments with biochar and lower with mineral fertilizer. Biochar produced from rice straw had the greatest influence on fruit acidification. importance content practices cultivation context litter fiber design scheme 0, 0 (0 6 9 ha1 ha ha-1 repetitions fertilization. fertilization . fertilization) diameter thickness mass acidity pH content, , content) evaluated fertilizer acidification ( ha-

Abstract Two different reactive concentrated magnesium hydroxide (HM) pulps, produced in a lab reactor mill, and a synthetic and non-reactive HM-pulp, for comparative analyses, have been prepared and studied. Sodium polyacrylate was selected as a dispersant for improving the HM pulp fluidity, with concentrations varying from 0.42% to 2.0% on a dry basis. The two reactive pulps differed from each other mainly by the impurity level and for both, a residual MgO amount was detected, implying that the hydration reaction could proceed. Results (with and without dispersant) confirmed the formation of particle clusters as HM concentration rose until a critical value, above which the pulp behaved as a solid. Reactive HM-pulps with high impurities may represent a limiting factor in the drying operation. Among all HM-pulps studied, the purest reactive pulp with 1% dispersant presented the best flow behavior making this reactive pulp the most suitable to be tested in a pilot spray dryer. (HM mill nonreactive non HMpulp, HMpulp pulp, HM-pulp analyses studied fluidity 042 0 42 0.42 20 2 2.0 basis both detected proceed value solid HMpulps operation 1 dryer 04 4 0.4 2. 0.

Resumo Considerando a relevância da cultura do pimentão e as limitações impostas pelos efeitos deletérios do estresse salino, principalmente em regiões semiáridas, é de suma importância o estabelecimento de estratégias que possam viabilizar o uso de águas salinas na produção de olerícolas. Neste contexto, objetivou-se com o presente estudo, avaliar o efeito da frequência de aplicação foliar de ácido salicílico sobre a morfofisiologia e a produção de pimentão cv. All Big irrigado com águas salinas. O estudo foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em Campina Grande - PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizados, em esquema fatorial de 4 × 4, com 3 repetições, sendo quatro frequências de aplicação de ácido salicílico (F1- Sem aplicação de ácido salicílico, F2 - Aplicação semanal, F3- quinzenal e F4- mensal) e quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,8, 1,6, 2,4 e 3,2 dS m-1). A aplicação quinzenal de ácido salicílico na concentração de 1,0 mM amenizou os efeitos do estresse salino sobre a morfofisiologia e os componentes de produção do pimentão cv. All Big cultivado com CEa de até 2,4 dS m-1, o que reforça a hipótese que o ácido salicílico pode atuar como uma molécula sinalizadora e reduzir os efeitos do estresse salino no pimentão, viabilizando o uso de água salobra na atividade agrícola, principalmente em regiões semiáridas do nordeste brasileiro, que possui escassez de água doce. olerícolas contexto objetivouse objetivou se cv vegetação PB casualizados repetições F1 F (F1 semanal F3 F4 mensal 0,8, 08 0 8 (0,8 16 1 6 1,6 24 2 2, 32 3, m1. m1 m . m-1) 10 1, m1, m-1 agrícola brasileiro doce (F 0,8 (0, m- 0, (0 (

Abstract Considering the relevance of bell pepper and the limitations imposed by the deleterious effects of salt stress, especially in semi-arid regions, it is extremely important to establish strategies that can facilitate the use of saline water in vegetable production. In this scenario, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the frequency of foliar application of salicylic acid on the morphophysiology and production of the bell pepper cv. “All Big” irrigated with saline water. The study was conducted at a greenhouse in Campina Grande - PB. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design and set up in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement with three replications, corresponding to four application frequencies of salicylic acid (F1- No application of salicylic acid, F2 - Weekly application, F3- fortnightly application, and F4- monthly application) and four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.8, 1.6, 2.4 and 3.2 dS m-1). The fortnightly application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.0 mM mitigated the effects of salt stress on the morphophysiology and production components of bell pepper cv. All Big cultivated with ECw of up to 2.4 dS m-1, which reinforces the hypothesis that salicylic acid can act as a signaling molecule and reduce the effects of saline stress in bell pepper, enabling the use of brackish water in agricultural activity, mainly in semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil, which have a shortage of fresh water. semiarid semi arid scenario cv PB replications F1 F (F1 F3 F4 0.8, 08 0 8 (0.8 16 1 6 1.6 24 2 2. 32 3 3. m1. m1 m . m-1) 10 1. m1, 1, m-1 activity Brazil (F 0.8 (0. m- 0. (0 (

Resumo As bactérias responsáveis por causar infecções são comuns em ambientes hospitalares, água, solo e produtos alimentícios. O risco de infecção é intensificado pela ausência de saneamento público, má qualidade de vida e escassez de alimentos. Esses fatores externos promovem a disseminação de patógenos por contaminação direta ou formação de biofilme. Neste trabalho, identificamos isolados bacterianos obtidos de unidades de terapia intensiva na região sul do Tocantins, Brasil. Comparamos técnicas de espectrometria de massa de tempo de voo com ionização por dessorção a laser assistida por matriz (MALDI-TOF MS) e análise molecular de ácido ribonucleico ribossômico 16S (rRNA); também realizamos caracterização fenotípica. Cinquenta e seis isolados caracterizados por testes morfotintoriais foram classificados como gram-positivos (80,3%; n = 45) e gram-negativos (19,6%; n = 11) e foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos; notavelmente, identificamos o gene de resistência blaOXA-23 no isolado de ILH10. A identificação microbiana usando MALDI-TOF MS resultou na identificação de Sphingomonas paucimobilis e Bacillus circulans. O sequenciamento do 16S rRNA revelou quatro isolados pertencentes aos gêneros Bacillus e Acinetobacter. A similaridade foi superior a 99% para Acinetobacter schindleri no BLAST, agrupado no clado superior a 90%. Várias cepas isoladas de ICU foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos. Essas técnicas permitiram a identificação de diversos microrganismos de importância em saúde pública, possibilitando melhorias no controle de infecções humanas e comprovando a qualidade dos insumos, alimentos e água. hospitalares água alimentícios público biofilme trabalho Tocantins Brasil MALDITOF MALDI TOF S (rRNA) fenotípica grampositivos gram positivos 80,3% 803 80 3 (80,3% 45 gramnegativos negativos 19,6% 196 19 6 (19,6% 11 antibióticos notavelmente blaOXA23 blaOXA 23 blaOXA-2 ILH10 ILH circulans 99 BLAST 90 90% pública insumos (rRNA 80,3 8 (80,3 4 19,6 1 (19,6 blaOXA2 2 blaOXA- ILH1 9 80, (80, 19, (19, (80 (19 (8 (1 (

Abstract Bacteria responsible for causing infections are common in hospital environments, water, soil, and food products. The infection risk is intensified by the absence of public sanitation, poor quality of life, and food scarcity. These external factors promote the dissemination of pathogens by direct contamination or biofilm formation. In this work, we identified bacterial isolates obtained from intensive care units in the southern region of Tocantins, Brazil. We compared matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) techniques and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) molecular analysis; we also performed phenotypic characterization. Fifty-six isolates characterized using morphotinctorial tests were classified as gram-positive (80.4%; n = 45) and gram-negative (19.6%; n = 11) and were resistant to several antibiotic classes; notably, we identified the blaOXA-23 resistance gene in the ILH10 isolate. Microbial identification using MALDI-TOF MS resulted in the identification of Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Bacillus circulans. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed four isolates belonging to the genera Bacillus and Acinetobacter. The similarity was superior to 99% for Acinetobacter schindleri in the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), grouped in the clade superior to 90%. Several strains isolated from intensive care units (ICU) were resistant to various antibiotic classes. These techniques allowed for the identification of several microorganisms of importance in public health, enabling improvements in human infection control and proving the quality of inputs, food, and water. environments water soil products sanitation life scarcity formation work Tocantins Brazil matrixassisted matrix assisted timeofflight time flight MALDITOF MALDI TOF S (rRNA analysis characterization Fiftysix Fifty six grampositive gram positive 80.4% 804 80 4 (80.4% 45 gramnegative negative 19.6% 196 19 6 (19.6% 11 classes notably blaOXA23 blaOXA 23 blaOXA-2 ILH ILH1 isolate circulans 99 BLAST, BLAST , (BLAST) 90 90% ICU (ICU health inputs 80.4 8 (80.4 19.6 1 (19.6 blaOXA2 2 blaOXA- 9 (BLAST 80. (80. 19. (19. (80 (19 (8 (1 (

RESUMO A produção de biocarvão a partir de cama de aviário por meio de pirólise lenta é uma abordagem de valor agregado baseada na fazenda para reciclar o resíduo orgânico. Os experimentos foram conduzidos para examinar como os tratamentos térmicos afetaram a composição final do material carbonizado e pirolisado em relação à análise imediata e rendimento gravimétrico para avaliar o valor do desempenho agronômico. Esses processos foram realizados em recipientes de porcelana contendo amostras de cama de aviário e acondicionados em mufla. Os tratamentos corresponderam a três temperaturas: amostras carbonizadas a 250 °C (CPL) e pirolisadas a 350 e 450 °C (PPL). As amostras foram analisadas em relação ao teor de voláteis, carbono fixo, cinzas, umidade, pH, condutividade elétrica (CE) e ponto de carga zero (PCZ). Os biocarvões PPL350 e PPL450 apresentaram os maiores teores de cinzas e os menores teores de carbono fixo, umidade e rendimento gravimétrico. O aumento das temperaturas utilizadas no processo ocasionou maiores valores de pH e condutividade elétrica. Além disso, o valor de PCZ, com exceção de CPL250, mostrou a presença de cargas negativas na superfície dos biocarvões.

ABSTRACT Producing biochar from poultry litter through slow pyrolysis is a farm-based, value added approach to recycle organic residues. Experiments were conducted to examine how heat treatments affected the final composition of carbonized and pyrolyzed material in relation to immediate analysis and gravimetric yield to assess agronomic performance value. These processes were carried out in porcelain containers containing samples of poultry litter and placed in a muffle furnace. The treatments corresponded to three temperatures: samples carbonized at 250 °C (CPL) and pyrolyzed at 350 and 450 °C (PPL). Samples were analyzed in relation to the volatile content, fixed carbon, ash, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and zero charge point (ZCP). The PPL350 and PPL450 biochars had the highest ash contents and the lowest fixed carbon, moisture and gravimetric yields. The increase in temperatures used in the process resulted in higher pH and electrical conductivity values. In addition, the ZCP value, with the exception of CPL250, showed the presence of negative charges on the surface of the biochars.

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o efeito dos tratamentos térmicos no volume total dos poros, na área superficial dos poros, nas características estruturais e nos grupos funcionais dos materiais derivados da carbonização e pirólise da cama de aviário. Esses processos foram realizados em recipientes de porcelana contendo amostras de cama de aviário e colocados em uma mufla. Os tratamentos corresponderam a três temperaturas: amostras carbonizadas a 250 °C e pirolisadas a 350 e 450 °C. A porosidade superficial dos biocarvões fornece uma dimensão adequada para melhorar a capacidade de retenção de água, e os grupos funcionais da superfície podem ajudar a melhorar a fertilidade do solo. A influência das temperaturas nos poros do biocarvão foi investigada por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura com espectroscopia de energia dispersiva, difração de raios-X e espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier. A caracterização do biocarvão mostra estruturas mesoporosas, aumento da área superficial e volume dos poros. A composição química evidencia potássio em concentrações mais elevadas do que outros metais, enquanto grupos funcionais de superfície semelhantes foram encontrados no biocarvão, como fenólico, alifático, quinonas conjugadas e OH-fenólico. Os tratamentos térmicos aplicados à cama de aviário geraram amostras com características físicas, químicas e estruturais semelhantes. Assim, a produção de biocarvão pelo agricultor e seu uso como condicionador do solo podem contribuir para a redução da poluição agrícola, manejo e disposição eficiente da biomassa residual.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effect of heat treatments on the total pore volume, surface area of pores, structural characteristics, and functional groups of the materials which derive from the carbonization and pyrolysis of poultry litter. These processes were carried out in porcelain containers containing poultry litter samples, which were then placed in a muffle furnace. The treatments corresponded to three temperatures: samples carbonized at 250 °C and pyrolyzed at 350 and 450 °C. The surface porosity of biochars provides a suitable dimension to improve the water holding capacity, and surface functional groups may help to improve soil fertility. The influence of the temperatures on the pores of the biochar was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The characterization of the biochar shows mesoporous structures, as well as increased surface area and pore volume. The chemical composition has potassium at higher concentrations than other metals, while similar surface functional groups were found in the biochar, such as phenolic, aliphatic, conjugated quinones, and OH-phenolic. The thermal treatments applied to poultry litter generated samples with similar physical, chemical, and structural characteristics. Thus, the production of biochar by the farmer and its use as a soil conditioner can contribute to the reduction of agricultural pollution, management, and efficient disposal of residual biomass.

This study aimed to develop a reliable stability-indicating method (SIM) for amoxicillin 500 mg capsules (DP-drug product). A literature review addressing amoxicillin (AMX; DS-drug substance) forced degradation studies and the existing SIMs was conducted to verify the most significant outcomes. Subsequently, the forced degradation of DP and DS was carried out following the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) guidelines, including thermal degradation (dry and wet heat), acidic and alkaline hydrolyses, hydrogen peroxide oxidation, reaction with copper, and photodegradation. Both DS and DP were more susceptible to 0.015 M NaOH, resulting in approximately 50% degradation. AMX DS and DP were not significantly photodegraded, but some degradation products (PDegs) showed susceptibility to light exposure. Thermodegraded samples showing ≥ 10% degradation exhibited modified profiles in thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analyses. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns (XRPD) of DS samples exposed to dry and wet heat displayed complete amorphization of AMX, attesting to the occurrence of physical degradation concomitantly with chemical degradation, which can alter the drug’s bioavailability. In contrast, the thermodegraded DP samples exhibited intact AMX crystals interspersed with the amorphous form, perhaps partly protected by the excipient. The validated SIM was able to detect and quantify about 80 PDegs.

RESUMO Introdução: considerando-se o grande número de aparelhos propulsores mandibulares, não é uma tarefa fácil escolher o melhor deles para o seu paciente. Objetivo: descrever o desenvolvimento desses aparelhos e a experiência clínica de vinte anos dos autores na sua utilização. Métodos: os aparelhos funcionais fixos aqui apresentados foram classificados em flexíveis, rígidos e híbridos, e o modo de ação de cada um deles foi descrito e ilustrado por meio de quatro casos clínicos. Conclusões: os aparelhos propulsores rígidos fornecem mais resultados esqueléticos do que os flexíveis e os híbridos. Esses últimos têm efeito semelhante ao uso de elásticos com direção de Classe II e, basicamente, corrigem a má oclusão de Classe II com alterações dentoalveolares. Do ponto de vista biomecânico, os propulsores fixos estão mais indicados para tratar a Classe II em pacientes dolicofaciais do que os elásticos de Classe II.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Considering the large number of fixed functional appliances, choosing the best device for your patient is not an easy task. Objective: To describe the development of fixed functional appliances as well as our 20-year experience working with them. Methods: Fixed functional appliances are grouped into flexible, rigid and hybrid. They are different appliances, whose action is described here. Four clinical cases will be reported with a view to illustrating the different appliances. Conclusions: Rigid fixed functional appliances provide better skeletal results than flexible and hybrid ones. Flexible and hybrid appliances have similar effects to those produced by Class II elastics. They ultimately correct Class II with dentoalveolar changes. From a biomechanical standpoint, fixed functional appliances are more recommended to treat Class II in dolichofacial patients, in comparison to Class II elastics.

Phytochemical investigation from carnauba (Copernicia prunifera) wax led to the identification of sixteen dammarane-type triterpenes, including thirteen new characterized as: (24R*)-methyldammara-20,25-dien-3α-ol and a mixture of alkyl (24R*)-methyldammar-25-en-20-ol-3β-carboxylates, together with three previously described triterpenes: carnaubadiol, (24R*)-methyldammara-20,25-dien-3β-ol and (24R*)-24-methyldammara-20,25-dien-3-one. Moreover, four fatty alcohols (eicosanol, docosanol, tetracosanol and hexacosanol) as well as four sterols (cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol) were also obtained. These compounds were isolated using classical chromatographic methods and their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

Na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil a reduzida disponibilidade hídrica e a ocorrência de solos pouco férteis, principalmente em potássio, estão entre os fatores que mais têm limitado a produção agrícola. Neste sentido objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar a fitomassa e a produção do girassol cv. ‘Hélio 251’ em função da irrigação com diferentes níveis de reposição hídrica e adubação potássica sob condições de ambiente protegido do Centro de Tecnologia e Recursos Naturais da UFCG, Campina Grande, PB. Usou-se o delineamento estatístico de blocos casualizados estudando-se cinco níveis de reposição hídrica (40, 60, 80 100 (testemunha) e 120% da evapotranspiração real-ETr) associada a doses de adubação potássica (50; 75; 100; 125 e 150% da recomendação de K2O para ensaios em vasos). Lâminas crescentes de água associadas a doses de potássio promoveram aumento na fitomassa seca de caule, da parte aérea e fitomassa seca de capítulo. Os máximos diâmetros externo e interno de capítulo do girassol ocorreram com lâminas variando de 99 a 120% da ETr. Os níveis de reposição hídrica até de 120% da ETr aumentaram de forma linear a massa de sementes total e a massa de cem sementes do girassol. A interação entre os níveis de reposição hídrica e doses de potássio afetou significativamente a fitomassa seca do caule, da parte aérea a do capítulo.

In the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil, reduced water availability and the occurrence of soils of low fertility, mainly in potassium, are among the factors that have limited agricultural production. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass and yield of sunflower cv. ‘Hélio 251’ as a function of irrigation with different levels of water replenishment and potassium fertilization under protected ambient at the Center of Technology and Natural Resources UFCG, Campina Grande, PB. A randomized block design was used, studying five levels of water replacement (40, 60, 80 100 (control) and 120% of the real evapotranspiration-ETr) associated with potassium fertilizer levels (50, 75, 100 , 125 and 150% K2O of the recommendation for assays in pots). Increasing water levels associated with potassium doses caused increase in dry weight of stem, aerial parts and dry matter of chapter. The maximum external and internal diameters of sunflower chapter occurred with water depths ranging between 99-120% of ETr. Levels of water replenishments up to 120% of ETr linearly increased the total mass of the seeds and mass of hundred seeds of sunflower. The interaction between levels of water replacement and potassium doses significantly affected the dry matter of stem, shoot and the chapter.

Seaweeds are the most abundant source of polysaccharides such as alginates and agar, as well as carrageenans. This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective activity and the mechanism underlying this activity of a sulfated-polysaccharide fraction extracted from the algae Hypnea musciformis (Wulfen) J.V. Lamour. (Gigartinales-Rhodophyta). Mice were treated with sulfated-polysaccharide fraction (3, 10, 30, and 90 mg/kg, p.o.) and, after 30 min, they were administered 50% ethanol (0.5 mL/25 g, p.o.). After 1 h, gastric damage was measured using a planimeter. In addition, samples of the stomach tissue were obtained for histopathological examination and for assays to determine the glutathione and malondialdehyde levels. Other groups of mice were pretreated with N G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.), or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, i.p.). After 30 min to the aminoguanidine group and 1 h to the other groups, sulfated-polysaccharide fraction (30 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered and gastric damage was induced as described above. Sulfated-polysaccharide fraction prevented ethanol-induced gastric injury in a dose-dependent manner. However, treatment with L-NAME or glibenclamide reversed this gastroprotective effect. Administration of aminoguanidine did not influence the effect of sulfated-polysaccharide fraction. Our results suggest that sulfated-polysaccharide fraction exerts a protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric damage via activation of the NO/K ATP pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on cognition, quality of life, and neuropsychiatry symptoms in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. METHOD: The present study was a single-blind, controlled study that was conducted at a university-based day-hospital memory facility. The study included 25 Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers and involved a 12-week stimulation and psychoeducational program. The comparison group consisted of 16 Alzheimer's patients in waiting lists for future intervention. INTERVENTION: Group sessions were provided by a multiprofessional team and included memory training, computer-assisted cognitive stimulation, expressive activities (painting, verbal expression, writing), physiotherapy, and physical training. Treatment was administered twice a week during 6.5-h gatherings. MEASUREMENTS: The assessment battery comprised the following tests: Mini-Mental State Examination, Short Cognitive Test, Quality of Life in Alzheimer's disease, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Geriatric Depression Scale. Test scores were evaluated at baseline and the end of the study by raters who were blinded to the group assignments. RESULTS: Measurements of global cognitive function and performance on attention tasks indicated that patients in the experimental group remained stable, whereas controls displayed mild but significant worsening. The intervention was associated with reduced depression symptoms for patients and caregivers and decreased neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's subjects. The treatment was also beneficial for the patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION: This multimodal rehabilitation program was associated with cognitive stability and significant improvements in the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients. We also observed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms and caregiver burden. These results support the notion that structured nonpharmacological interventions can yield adjunct and clinically relevant benefits in dementia treatment.

A própolis é um produto resinoso que as abelhas recolhem de certas partes da planta e que apresenta excelentes propriedades medicinais. Este trabalho descreve a isolamento e identificação de triterpenóides e derivados de ácido anacárdico de própolies Brasileira e sua anti-atividade. Suas estruturas foram elucidadas por RMN ¹H e 13C, incluindo técnicas uni e bidimensionais, e comparação com dados da literatura. Os compostos foram caracterizados como: cardanóis (1a + 1b), cardóis (2a + 2b), ácido anacárdico monoeno (3), α-amirina (4), β-amirina (5), cicloartenol (6), 24-metileno-cicloartenol (7) e lupeol (8). A determinação da posição da ligação dupla após reação com dissulfeto de dimetila (DMDS) é descrita para os derivados fenólicos. O extrato etanólico foi testado in vitro para atividade anti-bacterina pelo método de difusão em disco e mostrou resultados significativos contra Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Shigella spp.

Propolis is a sticky, gummy, resinous substance collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) from various plant sources, which has excellent medicinal properties. This paper describes the isolation and identification of triterpenoids and anacardic acid derivatives from Brazilian propolis and their antibacterial activity. Their structures were elucidated by ¹H and 13C NMR, including uni- and bidimensional techniques; in addition, comparisons were made with data from academic literature. These compounds were identified as: cardanols (1a + 1b), cardols (2a + 2b), monoene anacardic acid (3), a-amirine (4), b-amirine (5), cycloartenol (6), 24-methylene-cycloartenol (7) and lupeol (8). The determination of the position of the double bond after a reaction with Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) is described for the phenol derivatives. The ethanolic extract was tested in vitro for antimicrobial activity by using the disc diffusion method and it showed significant results against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Shigella spp.

The presence of peritoneal tuberculosis has to be clinically suspected in all patients with abdominal pain of unknown etiology, particularly when it is accompanied by fever, ascites, and abdominal distension. Access to the abdominal cavity using routine laparoscopy provides essential information on the diagnosis, from both macroscopic images and biopsy sampling, which will later provide a pathological and microbiological confirmation. This helps discriminate between potential differential diagnoses that may include similar symptoms. Other laboratory tests have to be considered as diagnostic aids, as well as for the indication of laparoscopy, including ADA, and Gallium-67 or Ca-125 scans.

La sospecha clínica de tuberculosis peritoneal debe estar presente en todo paciente con dolor abdominal de etiología desconocida; sobre todo si se acompaña de fiebre, ascitis y distensión abdominal. El acceso por vía laparoscópica a la cavidad abdominal de forma reglada contribuye de manera primordial al diagnóstico tanto por la imagen macroscópica como para la toma de biopsia, que dará posteriormente la confirmación anatomopatológica y microbiológica. Ayudando a discriminar entre los posibles diagnósticos diferenciales que acontecen con clínica similar. Otras pruebas diagnósticas analíticas deben ser tenidas en cuenta para ayudar tanto a la indicación de laparoscopia como de cara al diagnóstico, son tales como la ADA, gammagrafía con Galio-67 y Ca-125.

This paper describes total phenolics content and antioxidant activity in the ethanolic extract of leaves, bark and roots of five medicinal plants: Terminalia brasiliensis Camb., Terminalia fagifolia Mart. & Zucc., Copernicia cerifera (Miller) H.E. Moore, Cenostigma macrophyllum Tul. var. acuminata Teles Freire and Qualea grandiflora Mart. The total phenolics content of the plant extracts, determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, varied from 250.0 ±8,2 to 763,63 ± 13.03 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g dry EtOH extract. The antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay system. Extract of bark from T. brasiliensis, the most active, with an EC50 value of 27.59 ± 0.82 µg/mL, was comparable to rutin (EC50 = 27.80 ± 1.38) and gallic acid (EC50 = 24.27 ± 0.31), used as positive controls. The relationship between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was positive and significant for T. brasiliensis, C. macrophyllum and C. cerifera.