ABSTRACT The present study aimed to assess the productive performance, ingestive behavior, and thermal condition of crossbred beef heifers in an integrated livestock-forest (ILF) system with different tree-planting designs. Seventy-two ½ Angus ½ Nellore heifers were divided in three treatments—conventional system (CS) without eucalyptus, integrated livestock system with 187 eucalyptus ha−1 (ILF-1L), and integrated livestock system with 446 eucalyptus ha−1 (ILF-3L)—, in the winter and summer. Total dry mass of forage (TDM), chemical analysis of Marandu palisadegrass, average daily gain (ADG), stocking rate (SR), weight gain per area (WGA), behavior, microclimatic variables, and thermal comfort indexes were evaluated. A higher percentage of crude protein and lower TDM and SR were observed in ILF-1L and ILF-3L, with no differences for ADG and WGA. Ambient temperature, temperature-humidity index, black globe-humidity index, and radiant heat load were better in ILF-1L and ILF-3L. Heifers in ILF-1L and ILF-3L carried out grazing, resting, rumination, and other activities in the shade. In the summer, heifers in ILF-1L and ILF-3L spent less time resting and more time in rumination and performing other activities than those in the CS. In conclusion, the better forage quality in ILF-1L and ILF-3L does not alter the performance of heifers or WGA, despite the decreased TDM and SR. Furthermore, ILF-1L and ILF-3L provide better thermal comfort, and heifers that do not have access to shade decrease their activities as a strategy to reduce the use of energy for thermal regulation process.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Snakebites represent a serious global public health problem, especially in tropical countries. In Brazil, the incidence of snakebites ranges from 19 to 22 thousand cases per 100000 persons annually. The state of Rondônia, in particular, has had an increasing incidence of snakebites. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study on snakebites was conducted from January 2007 to December 2018. Brazil’s Information System for Notifiable Diseases was queried for all snakebites reported in Porto Velho, Ariquemes, Cacoal, and Vilhena. Data on land surface temperatures during the day and night, precipitation, and humidity were obtained using the Google Earth Engine. A Bayesian time series model was constructed to describe the pattern of snakebites and their relationship with climate data. RESULTS: In total, 6326 snakebites were reported in Rondônia. Accidents were commonly caused by Bothrops sp. (n=2171, 81.80%). Snakebites most frequently occurred in rural areas (n=2271, 85.5%). Men, with a median age of 34 years (n=2101, 79.1%), were the most frequent bitten. Moderate clinical manifestation was the most common outcome of an accident (n=1101, 41.50%). There were clear seasonal patterns with respect to rainfall, humidity, and temperature. Rainfall and land surface temperature during the day or night did not increase the risk of snakebites in any city; however, changes in humidity increased the risk of snakebites in all cities. CONCLUSION: This study identified the population exposed to snakes and the influence of anthropic and climatic factors on the incidence of snakebites. According to climate data, changes in humidity increased the risk of snakebites.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Crotalus envenomations cause serious complications and can be fatal without appropriate treatment. Venom isoforms present and inter/intraspecific variations in the venom composition can result in different symptoms presented by bites by snakes from the same species but from different geographical regions. We comparatively evaluated the local and systemic effects caused by Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt), C.d. collilineatus (Cdcolli), and C.d. cascavella (Cdcasc) envenomation. METHODS: Venom chromatography was performed. Proteolytic, phospholipase, and LAAO activities were analyzed. Edema, myotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and coagulation alterations were evaluated. RESULTS: The venom SDS-PAGE analyses found the presence of convulxin, gyroxin, crotoxin, and crotamine in Cdt and Cdcolli venoms. Crotamine was not present in the Cdcasc venom. Cdt, Cdcollli, and Cdcasc venoms had no proteolytic activity. Only Cdcasc and Cdt venoms had phospholipase activity. LAAO activity was observed in Cdcolli and Cdcasc venoms. Cdcolli and Cdcasc venoms caused 36.7% and 13.3% edema increases, respectively. Cdt venom caused a 10% edema induction compared to those by other venoms. All venoms increased TOTAL-CK, MB-CK, and LDH levels (indicating muscle injury) and ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP levels (markers of liver damage) and were able to induce a neuromuscular blockade. Urea and creatinine levels were also altered in both plasma and urine, indicating kidney damage. Only Cdcolli and Cdcasc venoms increased TAPP and TAP. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these results allow us to draw a distinction between local and systemic effects caused by Crotalus subspecies, highlighting the clinical and biochemical effects produced by their respective venoms.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Brazil has the largest number of snakebite cases in South America, of which the large majority is concentrated in the Midwest and North. METHODS In this descriptive observational study, we assessed the epidemiological and clinical snakebite cases referred to the Centro de Medicina Tropical de Rondônia from September 2008 to September 2010. RESULTS We followed up 92 cases from admission until discharge, namely 81 (88%) men and 11 (12%) women, with a mean age of 37 years, and mainly from rural areas (91.3%). The snakebites occurred while performing work activities (63%) during the Amazon rainy season (78.3%). The vast majority of individuals presented from the Porto Velho microregion (84.7%). Approximately 95.6% of the snakebites were caused by snakes of the genus Bothrops, followed by two lachetics and two elapidics cases. Surgery was performed in 10 cases (9 fasciotomies in the lower limb and 1 amputation). No deaths were reported in this study, but 4 cases (4.3%) developed sequelae in the lower limb. CONCLUSIONS This study can contribute to a better understanding of envenomation in the state of Rondônia and thus can be useful for identifying real conditions that can increase the incidence of snakebites in this region. Moreover, the study results can serve as a basis for improving educational campaigns designed to prevent these types of snakebites, as well as for preserving snakes.

In this paper we continue our efforts in the search for new Schiff bases as resveratrol analogues as promising antitubercular and antileishmanial agents. Compounds were evaluated in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Leishmania species. Compounds showed varying activity against promastigotes of all Leishmania species tested (concentration leading to reduction of 50% of parasite growth-IC50 values ranging from 1.60 to 15.53 µg mL-1). Majority of compounds exhibited good results against Leishmania species with IC50 values below 10.00 µg mL-1, with no cytotoxicity against macrophages. One of the analogues showed the best activity against amastigotes of L. amazonensis (IC50 = 5.73 µg mL-1). Furthermore, the compounds showed comparable or better effect than drugs commonly used in tuberculosis treatment such as Cycloserine®. The analogue that was the most active for M. tuberculosis had minimal inhibitory concentration MIC90 = 0.78 µg mL-1. The in vitro cytotoxicity on Vero cells (CC50), as well as the selectivity index (SI = CC50/MIC) were also evaluated, and showed that the synthesized analogues are not cytotoxic.

Abstract This review discusses studies on the venom of Bothrops erythromelas published over the past 36 years. During this period, many contributions have been made to understand the venomous snake, its venom, and its experimental and clinical effects better. The following chronological overview is based on 29 articles that were published between 1979 and 2015, with emphasis on diverse areas. The complexity of this task demands an integration of multidisciplinary research tools to study toxinology. This science is in need of renewed conceptual and experimental platforms aimed at obtaining a profound understanding of the highly complex pathophysiology of snakebite envenoming and toxins isolated from snakes.

Resumo Em 2008 houve a integração do nutricionista nos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família. Com foco no desenvolvimento de apoio assistencial e técnico-pedagógico às Equipes de Saúde da Família, o objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver uma proposta de ações matriciais de nutrição dirigidas à mulher e à criança na Estratégia de Saúde da Família. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde e dividido em Ciclo I, a partir das entrevistas com famílias de crianças de 0 a 6 anos para compor o reconhecimento do território; e Ciclos II e III, a partir do desenvolvimento de atividades intersetoriais de campo para promover a segurança alimentar e nutricional com base no apoio matricial. Com o diagnóstico de vulnerabilidade social, risco nutricional das crianças, indicadores de desmame precoce e consumo alimentar inadequado, foram desenvolvidas ações com o objetivo de propor um modelo matricial de ações de nutrição em três cenários: comunidade, família e indivíduo. Dentre as atividades desenvolvidas destacam-se oficinas culinárias, atenção ao pré-natal e capacitação de agentes comunitários de saúde. Este trabalho testou formas de desenvolver assistência nutricional a partir da clínica ampliada e reconhecimento do território, visando aprimorar a atuação do nutricionista como educador em saúde.

Abstract Nutritionists were integrated into the Family Health Support Centers back in 2008. Focusing on the development of technical and pedagogical support and assistance to Family Health Teams, the aim of this study was to develop a proposal for a matrix model for nutrition aimed at women and children in the Family Health Strategy. The study was conducted in a Basic Health Unit and was divided into Cycle I, including interviews with families of 0 to 6-year-old children to establish the confines of the territory; and Cycles II and III, with the development of intersectorial field activities to promote food and nutritional security based on matrix support. Following the diagnosis of social vulnerability, children's nutritional risk, indicators of early weaning and inadequate food intake, actions were developed in order to propose a matrix model of nutritional measures in three scenarios, namely at the community, family and individual level. Among the activities that were developed, the main ones included cooking classes, prenatal care, and the training of Community Health Agents. This study tested ways to develop nutritional care by broadened clinical action and territory recognition, seeking to enhance the activities of nutritionists as health educators.

Resumo Em 2008 houve a integração do nutricionista nos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família. Com foco no desenvolvimento de apoio assistencial e técnico-pedagógico às Equipes de Saúde da Família, o objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver uma proposta de ações matriciais de nutrição dirigidas à mulher e à criança na Estratégia de Saúde da Família. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde e dividido em Ciclo I, a partir das entrevistas com famílias de crianças de 0 a 6 anos para compor o reconhecimento do território; e Ciclos II e III, a partir do desenvolvimento de atividades intersetoriais de campo para promover a segurança alimentar e nutricional com base no apoio matricial. Com o diagnóstico de vulnerabilidade social, risco nutricional das crianças, indicadores de desmame precoce e consumo alimentar inadequado, foram desenvolvidas ações com o objetivo de propor um modelo matricial de ações de nutrição em três cenários: comunidade, família e indivíduo. Dentre as atividades desenvolvidas destacam-se oficinas culinárias, atenção ao pré-natal e capacitação de agentes comunitários de saúde. Este trabalho testou formas de desenvolver assistência nutricional a partir da clínica ampliada e reconhecimento do território, visando aprimorar a atuação do nutricionista como educador em saúde.

Abstract Nutritionists were integrated into the Family Health Support Centers back in 2008. Focusing on the development of technical and pedagogical support and assistance to Family Health Teams, the aim of this study was to develop a proposal for a matrix model for nutrition aimed at women and children in the Family Health Strategy. The study was conducted in a Basic Health Unit and was divided into Cycle I, including interviews with families of 0 to 6-year-old children to establish the confines of the territory; and Cycles II and III, with the development of intersectorial field activities to promote food and nutritional security based on matrix support. Following the diagnosis of social vulnerability, children's nutritional risk, indicators of early weaning and inadequate food intake, actions were developed in order to propose a matrix model of nutritional measures in three scenarios, namely at the community, family and individual level. Among the activities that were developed, the main ones included cooking classes, prenatal care, and the training of Community Health Agents. This study tested ways to develop nutritional care by broadened clinical action and territory recognition, seeking to enhance the activities of nutritionists as health educators.

Ageneiosus é o gênero da família Auchenipteridae mais amplamente distribuído em bacias da América do Sul. Apesar dos estudos cromossômicos nesta família serem escassos, este gênero tem o maior número de espécies analisadas, com número diploide variando de 54 a 56 cromossomos, o que difere do restante da família (2n = 58). Este estudo objetivou analisar Ageneiosus inermisda bacia do rio Araguaia. O número diploide encontrado foi de 56 cromossomos. A heterocromatina se mostrou localizada na região terminal da maioria dos cromossomos, além de um bloco heterocromático pericentromérico no par 1, um par facilmente distinguível no cariótipo pelo seu maior tamanho quando comparado aos outros pares do complemento. AgRONs foram detectadas em somente um par de cromossomos submetacêntricos, que foi confirmado pela FISH. 5S rDNA se mostrou presente em somente um par de cromossomos metacêntricos. A hibridização com a sequência [TTAGGG]n marcou os telômeros de todos os cromossomos, além de um ITS (sequência telomérica intersticial) na região proximal do braço curto do par 1. A sequência repetitiva [GATA]n se mostrou dispersa, com localização preferencial na região terminal dos cromossomos. Ageneiosus apresenta uma organização genômica um pouco diferente quando comparada a outras espécies de Auchenipteridae. As evidências indicam que uma fusão cromossômica originou o primeiro par de cromossomos metacêntricos de A. inermis, rearranjo que parece ser um evento basal para o gênero.

Ageneiosus is the most widely distributed genus of the family Auchenipteridae among South American river basins. Although chromosome studies in the family are scarce, this genus has the largest number of analyzed species, with 2n = 54 to 56 chromosomes, differing from the rest of the family (2n = 58). This study aimed to analyze Ageneiosus inermis from the Araguaia River basin. The diploid number found was of 56 chromosomes. Heterochromatin was allocated in terminal region of most chromosomes, plus a pericentromeric heterochromatic block in pair 1, a pair distinguished by size in relation to other chromosomes pairs. AgNORs were detected in only one submetacentric chromosome pair, which was confirmed by FISH. 5S rDNA was present in only one metacentric chromosome pair. Hybridization with [TTAGGG]n sequence marked the telomeres of all chromosomes, in addition to an ITS in the proximal region of the short arm of pair 1. The repetitive [GATA]n sequence was dispersed, with preferential location in terminal region of the chromosomes. Ageneiosus has a genomic organization somewhat different when compared to other Auchenipteridae species. Evidences indicate that a chromosomal fusion originated the first metacentric chromosome pair in A. inermis, rearrangement which may be a basal event for the genus

A quimioterapia é o único procedimento farmacológico validado para a terapêutica da leishmaniose e da malária, consideradas doenças negligenciadas para o desenvolvimento de fármacos pelas indústrias farmacêuticas. Com a não renovação medicamentosa, o surgimento de resistência, os efeitos colaterais e o longo período de tratamento indicam a necessidade do desenvolvimento de novos e mais eficientes fármacos. A Floresta Amazônica é a região com a maior biodiversidade do planeta, com uma riqueza de animais e plantas produtoras de moléculas com atividades biológicas relevantes para o desenvolvimento e exploração biotecnológica. Algumas destas moléculas, obtidas de extratos vegetais e de venenos de anuros, apresentam atividade leishmanicida e plasmodicida, o que demonstra o potencial desta biodiversidade para a investigação de novas drogas. A moderna abordagem na pesquisa de novos fármacos envolve a associação de química combinatória, high-throughput screening, bioinformática, interação molecular, cristalografia e o estudo dinâmico de toxicidade sistêmica e celular, que atualmente no Brasil, estão distribuídas em poucos grupos acadêmicos sem a devida associação industrial. Esta deficiência, agregada ao excesso de regulamentação para o acesso ao material biológico, sobretudo, proveniente de unidades de conservação, populações tradicionais e nações indígenas, é um importante entrave para o desenvolvimento deste tipo de pesquisa. A associação de grupos de pesquisa do Brasil, estimulados por políticas governamentais de financiamento acadêmico e industrial, são essenciais para a superação destas dificuldades, de forma que nos próximos anos possam surgir novos produtos para terapia de doenças negligenciadas oriundas da biodiversidade amazônica.

Chemotherapy is the only validated therapy for the treatment for the neglected diseases leishmaniasis and malaria. However, the emergence of drug resistance, collateral effects and long-term treatment encourage the development of new and more efficient drugs. The Amazon tropical forest includes the richest areas of biodiversity in the world, including a great number of microbes, plant and animal species that produce a source of interesting biologically active molecules. Several of these molecules, obtained from plant extracts and frog venom have leishmanicidal and plasmodicidal activity, highlighting the potential of this biodiversity for the development of new drugs. In research, modern approaches in new drug development are carried out using combinatorial chemistry, high-throughput screening, bioinformatics, molecular interaction, crystallography and dynamic studies of cellular and systemic toxicity. In Brazil, these techniques are mainly present in only a few academic groups with no efficient connection to industry. The problem associated with over-regulation for accessing the biological material in restricted areas, local populations and indigenous areas places major barriers in the path of research and development of new drugs. Thus, the association of academic research groups in Brazil, encouraged and supported by government and industry, is essential to overcome these major barriers related to the development of new products for treatment of neglected diseases from Amazonian biodiversity in future years.

Vários estudos relatam a ocorrência de morbi-mortalidade relacionada com medicamentos. Quanto às estratégias para reduzir possíveis riscos à terapia medicamentosa é de suma importância a necessidade de reorientação da atividade farmacêutica, uma vez que o profissional farmacêutico tem potencial para se constituir em uma parte essencial para a solução dos problemas relacionados à utilização de medicamentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar que o fator subdosagem terapêutica e a contaminação microbiana podem estar diretamente envolvidos com a manipulação inadequada dos medicamentos mantidos nas residências. Medicamentos líquidos contendo dipirona comercializados no Brasil e armazenados em residências em Araraquara (SP) foram avaliados no que se refere a análises quantitativa e microbiológica. Somente em 57% das 128 amostras analisadas a quantidade de fármaco estava de acordo. Além disso, 26,2% das 128 amostras analisadas apresentaram S. aureus, E. coli e Salmonella sp. Esses resultados demonstraram clara queda na qualidade dos mesmos, assim como a presença de fungos e/ou bactérias em alguns dos medicamentos, que ainda estavam dentro de seus prazos de validade, demonstrando a importância do profissional farmacêutico na orientação quanto ao uso e ao armazenamento correto do medicamento.

Many studies had described the morbi-mortality related to medicines. As for the strategies to reduce the possible risks for medicine therapy is very important to readvise the pharmaceutical activity, once the pharmacist has potential for constitute an essential part for the solution of problems related to the utilization of medicines. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that the therapeutic subdosage and the microbiological contamination may be directly involved with the inappropriate manipulation of medicines stored in residences. Liquid dosage forms containing dipyrone market in Brazil and stored at homes in Araraquara (SP) were analyzed regarding quantitative and microbiological analysis. Only in 57% from 128 samples analyzed the drug quantity was in accordance. Moreover, 26.2% from 128 samples analyzed presented S. aureus, E. coli and Salmonella sp. These results demonstrated clear reduction in their quality, as well as the presence of molds and/or bacteria in some medicines that still agreed with the expirations dates, showing the importance of the pharmacist in advising the correct use and store of medicines.

Metalloproteinases are abundant enzymes in crotaline and viperine snake venoms. They are relevant in the pathophysiology of envenomation, being responsible for local and systemic hemorrhage frequently observed in the victims. Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP) are zinc-dependent enzymes of varying molecular weights having multidomain organization. Some SVMP comprise only the proteinase domain, whereas others also contain a disintegrin-like domain, cysteine-rich, and lectin domains. They have strong structural similarities with both mammalian matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and members of ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) group. Besides hemorrhage, snake venom metalloproteinase induce local myonecrosis, skin damage, and inflammatory reaction in experimental models. Local inflammation is an important characteristic of snakebite envenomations inflicted by viperine and crotaline snake species. Thus, in the recent years there is a growing effort to understand the mechanisms responsible for SVMP-induced inflammatory reaction and the structural determinants of this effect. This short review focuses the inflammatory effects evoked by SVMP.

Atualmente, esteróis e estanóis têm sido adicionados a margarinas especiais, comercialmente disponíveis como alimentos funcionais, com o intuito de reduzir os níveis de colesterol. Como parte de uma dieta saudável, é cientificamente comprovado que esse tipo de produto reduz o colesterol LDL em aproximadamente 10-15%. A literatura disponível sobre os efeitos dos fitosteróis/fitostanóis na redução do colesterol no organismo, bem como a forma como estes componentes são metabolizados, é muito vasta. Porém, informações sobre as propriedades físicas e químicas destas substâncias e os efeitos de sua aplicação em alimentos, do ponto de vista tecnológico, dificilmente são encontradas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar um creme vegetal enriquecido com fitosteróis e comparar suas propriedades físicas com as de margarinas comuns disponíveis comercialmente. As composições em ácidos graxos e em esteróis foram determinadas por cromatografia gasosa. Foram, também, analisados ponto de amolecimento, textura, composição química e estrutura cristalina. O creme vegetal enriquecido é composto de 49,3% de umidade, 49,6% de lipídios e 1,1% de sólidos. O b-sitosterol é o esterol mais abundante, constituindo 36,1% do total de esteróis. O ácido linoléico (C18:2 n-6) corresponde a 45,3% do total de ácidos graxos e é o que está presente em maior quantidade. Em geral, as propriedades de textura da base gordurosa e do creme vegetal apresentaram correlação linear significativa. Embora um pouco mais duro que as margarinas cremosas comerciais, o creme vegetal com fitosteróis apresenta plasticidade satisfatória na faixa de temperatura entre a de refrigeração e a ambiente e maior resistência à temperatura do que as margarinas cremosas. Em geral, os ésteres de fitosteróis apresentaram comportamento de fusão e cristalização diferentes dos óleos e gorduras comestíveis.

Recently, sterol and stanol esters have been added to special margarines, which are commercially available as functional foods with the ability to reduce both total and LDL cholesterol levels. As part of a healthy diet, this type of product has been scientifically proven to lower blood LDL cholesterol by around 10-15%, which implies a dramatic lowering in coronary heart disease risk by 25%. Current literature on this field provides a great amount of information on the effects of phytosterols/phytostanols in cholesterol lowering and attempts to explain their metabolism in human body, but researches on their physical and chemical properties and their application in food products are limited in the food technology area. The objective of this study is to characterize a phytosterol ester enriched margarine and to compare their physical behavior to common margarines commercially available. Fatty acid and sterol compositions were determined by gas-liquid cromatography and a constant speed texture analyser was used to evaluate the texture profiles of the samples. The phytosterol ester-enriched margarine contains 49.3% of moisture, 49.6% of lipids and 1.1% of solids. ß-Sitosterol is the most abundant sterol, totalizing 36.1%. Linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) is the fatty acid that is present in the greatest amount and corresponds to 45.3% of total fatty acid composition. In general, texture properties of the fat base and its respective spread presented a significant linear correlation. Although harder than common margarines commercially available, margarine with phytosterol esters presents good spread ability in the range of temperature between room and refrigeration and is more resistant to higher temperatures than common margarines. In general, the phytosterol esters presented melting and crystallization behavior quite different from other edible fats and oils.