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This research aimed to test the deteriorating ability of fungi isolated from Eucalyptus spp. wood and perform chemical analysis of wood deteriorated, to verify which components of wood suffered major changes in the light of the attack. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratório de Biodeterioração da Madeira, Departamento de Ciências Florestais e da Madeira, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo in the municipality of Jerônimo Monteiro, ES, Brazil. A total of 12 fungi were used, and nine of these came from pure cultures isolated from fragments of stumps of eucalypt woods deteriorated, collected in three distinct locations, and three with recognized capacity of deterioration that were used as the standard of comparison. The Basidiomycetous fungi 1 and 2 showed high capacity of deterioration of Eucalyptus spp. The heartwood of eucalypt showed a greater natural resistance than the sapwood, but the fungi were able to degrade both them. In general, there were, an increase in the content of extractives in wood damaged (heartwood and sapwood), for Basidiomycetous 1 and Basidiomycetous 2. The heartwood of Eucalyptus grandis there was a decrease in extractives content for both Basidiomycetes. To the holocelulose (cellulose and hemicelluloses), there were small differences between the healthy and damaged wood (mean variations around 1 %). The Fungi, Basidiomycetous 2 caused a greater degradation of lignin as compared to the Basidiomycetous 1.

The biological assay

Dissertação de mestrado em Química Medicinal, Over time, the interest in studying molecular systems using computational methods has increased. These methods allowed to interpret and organize experimental results in order to solve or suggest new procedures to respond to a certain problem. Synthesis of polyhydroxylated sugar-like compounds is difficult for organic chemists due to the necessary stereo- and regio- selectivity in the reactions. Monosaccharides are commonly employed as starting materials, but a multistep protection/deprotection manipulations are big disadvantage issues. The D-erythrose has been known for a long time but the poor chiral induction offered by this template prevent its large use in these types of reaction. Recently it was possible to obtain, a derivative of D-erythrose, the D-erythrosyl δ-lactone, that showed total facial selectivity in 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions and nucleophilic additions. Two types of sugar-like scaffolds (five- and six-membered lactones ring) are readily accessed from nucleophilic attack to D-erythrosyl δ-lactone template. Both templates are obtained through a stereo- and regio-selective synthetic route and from which five- and six-membered lactones are obtained. Theoretical and computational means revealed that the reactions leading to both lactones share a common pathway but diverge after the second nucleophilic attack that is also the rate-limiting step in one of the reactions. The synthesis of five-membered lactone requires the presence of hardnucleophiles and the full pathway requires 4 steps. The six-membered lactones require the presence of soft-nucleophiles and full catalytic process requires only 1 step. The origin of the stereo-selectivity is justified by an intrinsic characteristic of D-erythrosyl dlactone that forces the nucleophilic attack to occur only at one face of the lactone. The regio-selectivity is dependent on the nature of the attacking molecule, i.e, if hard or soft nucleophiles are used in the reactions. The inhibitory activity of D-erythrose derivatives (five- and six-membered lactones) were tested against α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, α-galactosidase and β-galactosidase. The biological assay revealed that some of the tested compounds present high specificity for some of these enzymes, an important feature in the development of new drugs targeting glycosidases. Molecular docking studies with human-enzymes were also carried out to study the origin of the specificity of some of these compounds to these enzymes. The results indicate that the factor that plays a major role in the inhibitory activity of the Derythrose derivatives is the position of the sugar-like moiety inside the binding pocket. When an efficient interaction is obtained with this part of the molecule and the active site of the enzyme, the compounds present satisfactory inhibitory activity otherwise, they are inactive. In α-glucosidase and β-galactosidase, this sort of interaction is possible with some of the tested compounds and these are the only ones that present inhibitory activity. In β-glucosidase and α-galactosidase all the compounds are inactive because the active site is located at the bottom of the binding pocket and none of the compounds can interact with it with sugar-like moiety., Ao longo do tempo, o interesse em estudar sistemas moleculares usando métodos computacionais aumentou. Estes métodos permitiram interpretar e organizar resultados experimentais para resolver ou sugerir novos procedimentos para responder a um determinado problema. A síntese de compostos semelhantes a açúcares polihidroxilados é difícil para os químicos orgânicos devido à necessária estereo- e regio-seletividade das reações envolvidas. Os monossacarídeos são comumente empregados como materiais de partida, mas os múltiplos passos de proteção/desproteção necessários são uma grande desvantagem apontada a estes métodos. A D-eritrose é conhecida há muito tempo, mas a baixa indução quiral oferecida por este modelo impede o seu uso em maior escala. Recentemente, foi possível obter um derivado de D-eritrose, a D-eritrosil δ-lactona, que mostrou total seletividade facial em ciclo-adições 1,3-dipolares e adições nucleofílicas. Dois tipos de esqueletos semelhantes a açúcar (anel de lactona de cinco ou seis membros) são facilmente obtidos através do ataque nucleofílico ao modelo de Deritrosil δ-lactona. Ambos os modelos são obtidos através de um método sintético estereo- e regio-seletivo, mas o mecanismo envolvido não era conhecido. Os resultados obtidos por métodos teóricos e computacionais revelaram que ambas as lactonas partilham a mesma via mecanística, mas divergem no segundo ataque nucleofílico que é o passo limitante numa das reações. A síntese do anel de lactona de cinco membros requer a presença de nucleófilos hard e exige 4 passos. As lactonas de seis membros requerem a presença de nucleófilos soft e a reação fica completa em apenas 1 passo. A origem da estereo-seletividade é justificada por uma característica intrínseca da Deritrosil δ-lactona que força o ataque nucleofílico a ocorrer apenas por uma das faces. A regio-seletividade depende da natureza do nucleófilo, isto é, se são utilizados nucleófilos hard ou soft nas reações. A actividade inibidora dos derivados de D-eritrose (lactonas de cinco e seis membros) foi testada contra α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, α-galactosidase e β-galactosidase. Os ensaios biológicos revelaram que alguns dos compostos testados apresentam alta especificidade para algumas dessas enzimas, uma característica importante no desenvolvimento de novos fármacos com glicosidases como alvo. Estudos de Docking Molecular com enzimas humanas foram realizados para avaliar e perceber a especificidade que alguns desses compostos apresentaram para algumas dessas enzimas. Os resultados indicam que o fator que desempenha um papel importante na atividade inibitória dos derivados de D-eritrose é a posição do anel que mimetiza o açúcar dentro da bolsa de ligação. Quando uma interação eficiente é obtida com esta parte da molécula e o centro ativo da enzima, os compostos apresentam atividade inibitória satisfatória, caso contrário eles são inativos. Nas α-glucosidase e β-galactosidase, esse tipo de interação é possível com alguns dos compostos testados e estes são os únicos que apresentam atividade inibitória. Na β-glucosidase e α-galactosidase todos os compostos são inativos porque o centro ativo está localizado na parte inferior da bolsa de ligação e nenhum dos compostos consegue interagir de forma eficiente.

To investigate the biological profile of the previtamin form of vitamin D, we have synthesized new analogues of 19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyprevitamin D3 bearing a 2-hydroxyethylidene moiety at the A-ring. The target compounds were prepared by convergent synthesis employing the Sonogashira coupling between an A-ring enyne synthon and a CD-ring/side chain vinyl triflate. We have demonstrated the versatility of shikimic acid as starting material for the synthesis of the A-ring precursors. The binding affinity to Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP), and MCF-7 cell antiproliferative activity have been evaluated., Financial support by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) (Projects CTQ2011-24237 and CTQ2014-55015-P) and Principado de Asturias (Project FC-15-GRUPIN14-002) are gratefully acknowledged. A. H.-M. thanks the Spanish Ministerio de Educación for a pre-doctoral FPU fellowship.

With the public’s growing interest in skin whitening, lightening ingredients only used under dermatological supervision until recently, are more and more frequently incorporated into cosmetic formulas. The active agents that lighten skin tone are either natural or synthetic substances, and may act at various levels of melanogenesis. They are used to treat various skin pigmentation disorders or simply to obtain a lighter skin tone as whiter skin may be synonymous of wealth, health, youth, and/or beauty in different cultures. However, recent studies demonstrated the adverse effects of some of these ingredients, leading to their interdiction or restricted use under the European Directive and several other international regulations. After an overview of skin whitening practices and the associated risks, this article provides insight into the mechanisms involved in melanin synthesis and the biological assays available to attest the lightening activity of individual ingredients. The legislation dealing with the use of skin lighteners is then discussed. As traditional depigmenting agents such as hydroquinone and corticosteroids are of safety concern, the potential of natural extracts has been investigated more and more; finally, a synthesis of three years of research in our laboratory for such plant extracts will be given.

Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg, Myrtaceae, is an endemic species that occurs at Southern America. This species was studied to intend to isolation of the active compounds that could be used in vitro model against leishmaniosis, tumoral cell and paracoccidioidomycosis. After Gel Permeation Chromatography, the ethanolic extract from leaves yielded sixteen fractions. Five compounds were isolated and assayed, showing activity against tumoral cells, from 3.33 to 12.83 µg.mL-1; Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis from 2.19 to 20.80 µg.mL-1 and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from 3.10 to 12.5 µg.mL-1.

This review aims to provide a critical review of the biological performance of natural and synthetic substances complexed with cyclodextrins, highlighting: (i) inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins and their biological studies in vitro and in vivo; (ii) Evaluation and comparison of the bioactive efficacy of complexed and non-complexed substances; (iii) Chemical and biological performance tests of inclusion complexes, aimed at the development of new pharmaceutical products. Based on the evidence presented in the review, it is clear that cyclodextrins play a vital role in the development of inclusion complexes which promote improvements in the chemical and biological properties of the complexed active principles, as well as providing improved solubility and aqueous stability. Although the literature shows the importance of their ability to help produce innovative biotechnological substances, we still need more studies to develop and expand their therapeutic properties. It is, therefore, very important to gather together evidence of the effectiveness of inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins in order to facilitate a better understanding of research on this topic and encourage further studies.

O Brasil possui a maior biodiversidade do mundo, e as plantas são fontes importantes de mo-léculas ativas, possuindo ampla diversidade estrutural. Dentre os domínios encontrados no Brasil, o Cerrado apresenta uma grande fonte de plantas medicinais com atividades biológi-cas, sendo promissor para a identificação de moléculas bioativas. Neste contexto, estudos so-bre espécies pertencentes ao Cerrado podem contribuir significativamente para a valorização e conservação deste domínio. A espécie Kielmeyera coriacea (Calopyllaceae) é conhecida po-pularmente como pau-santo, sendo nativa da região do planalto central brasileiro. É uma es-pécie muito utilizada na medicina popular, majoritariamente para gastrite, anemia e leucemia, conforme relatado nas entrevistas etnobotânicas realizadas neste estudo. Com a realização do estudo químico das folhas de K. coriacea, identificou-se as substâncias lupeol, lupenona, β-amirina, os ácidos cis e trans-p-cumárico e o flavonoide quercetina, o qual foi avaliado frente à catepsina V (CatV) e por apresentar um potencial inibitório elevado, teve seu IC50 avaliado, apresentando um valor de 2,2 μM. O extrato etanólico das folhas (EF) e frações oriundas da partição líquido-líquido de K. coriacea também foram avaliados frente às catepsinas, e o re-sultado mais expressivo para EF foi frente à CatV, inibindo a atividade da mesma em 98%; EF também foi testado frente à ação ulcerogênica, apresentando, nas concentrações de 200 e 300 mg.kg-1, uma inibição significativa das lesões ulcerativas. Em relação à avaliação antimi-crobiana, EF apresentou atividade antimicrobiana frente aos fungos Candida albicans, C. tro-picalis e C. glabrata (CIM de 31,25 μg/mL, 62,5 μg/mL e 7,81 μg/mL). Portanto, a realização deste trabalho tornou possível a correlação de dados etnobotânicos com científicos, além de contribuir com informações relevantes de caráter químico-biológico sobre K. coriacea. Brazil has the greatest biodiversity in the world, and the plants are major sources of active molecules, having wide structural diversity. Among the domains found in Brazil, the Cerrado is a great source of medicinal plants with biological activities, and promising for the identifi-cation of bioactive molecules. In this context, studies on species of the Cerrado, can signifi-cantly contribute to the development and preservation of this biome. The species Kielmeyera coriacea (Calopyllaceae) is popularly known as pau-santo, being native to the Brazilian cen-tral plateau region. It is used in popular medicine, mainly for gastritis, anemia and leukemia, as reported in ethnobotanical interviews conducted in this study. The chemical study of K. coriacea leaves afforded the substances lupeol, lupenone, β-amyrin, cis and trans-p-coumaric acid and flavonoid quercetin, which was evaluated against the cathepsin V (CatV) and has a high inhibitory potential, had its IC50 assessed, with a value of 2.2 μM. The leaves extract (LE) and fractions originating from the liquid-liquid partition K. coriacea were also tested against cathepsins, and the LE showed the most satisfactory results against CatV, inhibiting the activity by 98%; LE was also tested against the ulcerogenic action, with concentrations of 200 and 300 mg.kg-1, and showed significant inhibition of ulcerative lesions. For antimicrobi-al evaluation, LE showed antimicrobial activity against the fungi Candida albicans, C. tropi-calis and C. glabrata (MIC of 31,25 μg/mL, 62,5 μg/mL e 7,81 μg/mL). Therefore, this re-search made possible the correlation ethnobotanical and scientific data, and contributed with relevant information of chemical-biological character of K. coriacea. Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES

Made available in DSpace on 2015-02-02T12:39:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-09-01Bitstream added on 2015-02-02T13:08:38Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0104-77602014000300008.pdf: 212691 bytes, checksum: 295d1e34de37301f6c9a3003faad35cc (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conduziu-se esta pesquisa, com o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade de deterioração de fungos isolados de madeiras de Eucalyptus spp. e realizar a análise química da madeira deteriorada, para verificar quais dos seus componentes sofreram maiores alterações em consequência do ataque. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Biodeterioração da Madeira, Departamento de Ciências Florestais e da Madeira, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, no município de Jerônimo Monteiro, ES. Doze fungos foram utilizados, destes, nove foram provenientes de culturas puras isoladas a partir de fragmentos de cepas de madeiras de eucalipto deterioradas, coletadas em três localidades distintas, e três culturas puras com reconhecida capacidade de deterioração que foram utilizadas como padrão de comparação. Dos fungos testados, os Basidiomiceto 1 e Basidiomiceto 2 exibiram boa capacidade de deterioração da madeira de Eucalyptus spp. O cerne de eucalipto teve maior resistência natural que o alburno, mas os fungos foram capazes de degradar ambas as madeiras. De modo geral, houve um incremento no teor de extrativos totais na madeira deteriorada (cerne e alburno), para os Basidiomiceto 1 e Basidiomiceto 2. Nas madeiras de cerne de Eucalyptus grandis houve decréscimo no teor de extrativos para ambos Basidiomicetos. Com relação à holocelulose (celulose + hemiceluloses), ocorreram pequenas diferenças entre as madeiras sadias e deterioradas (variações médias em torno de 1%). Dos fungos testados, o Basidiomiceto 2 causou maior degradação da lignina quando comparado ao Basidiomiceto 1. This research aimed to test the deteriorating ability of fungi isolated from Eucalyptus spp. wood and perform chemical analysis of wood deteriorated, to verify which components of wood suffered major changes in the light of the attack. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratório de Biodeterioração da Madeira, Departamento de Ciências Florestais e da Madeira, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo in the municipality of Jerônimo Monteiro, ES, Brazil. A total of 12 fungi were used, and nine of these came from pure cultures isolated from fragments of stumps of eucalypt woods deteriorated, collected in three distinct locations, and three with recognized capacity of deterioration that were used as the standard of comparison. The Basidiomycetous fungi 1 and 2 showed high capacity of deterioration of Eucalyptus spp. The heartwood of eucalypt showed a greater natural resistance than the sapwood, but the fungi were able to degrade both them. In general, there were, an increase in the content of extractives in wood damaged (heartwood and sapwood), for Basidiomycetous 1 and Basidiomycetous 2. The heartwood of Eucalyptus grandis there was a decrease in extractives content for both Basidiomycetes. To the holocelulose (cellulose and hemicelluloses), there were small differences between the healthy and damaged wood (mean variations around 1 %). The Fungi, Basidiomycetous 2 caused a greater degradation of lignin as compared to the Basidiomycetous 1. Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo Universidade Federal de São Carlos Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho

Scutellaria agrestis é utilizada por comunidades ribeirinhas do Amazonas principalmente para o tratamento de otites por via tópica utilizando-se o extrato bruto obtido por maceração. O presente trabalho visou investigar preliminarmente o perfil fitoquímico, a segurança toxicológica e as ações analgésica, anti-inflamatória e antiedematogência do extrato aquoso das folhas de S. agrestis. Foram coletados 80 indivíduos da espécie no horto medicinal da Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus, Brasil. O perfil fitoquímico foi obtido por meio de prospecção da droga vegetal para heterosídeos cianogênicos, terpenos, compostos fenólicos e alcaloides. A toxicologia foi avaliada pelo teste de toxicidade aguda. As atividades analgésicas/ anti-inflamatórias foram analisadas por meio dos testes de formalina em camundongos e a atividade antiedematogência, pelo teste de edema de pata em ratos. Os metabólitos detectados foram fenóis (taninos hidrolisáveis, cumarinas e várias classes de flavonoides) e terpenos (esteroides livres, saponinas). Não foi possível estabelecer DL50, haja visto que o extrato não provocou a morte de nenhum animal durante o teste de toxicidade aguda, provavelmente devido à ausência de heterosídeos cianogênicos na sua composição. Apesar de não provocar morte, considerou-se que o extrato apresenta uma discreta toxicidade, uma vez que foi observada a ocorrência de espasmos na primeira hora de observação dos animais. O extrato apresentou ainda efeito analgésico e anti-inflamatório significativo nas doses de 30, 100 e 300 mg/kg pelo teste da formalina, sendo o resultado na maior dose equivalente ao obtido com a droga padrão (fentanil). No entanto, não observamos efeito antiedematogênico nas doses testadas durante as 5 horas de registro do edema de pata. Os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa conferem base científica preliminar quanto à segurança e ao efeito analgésico e antiinflamatório da droga vegetal, o que indica que tal espécie é promissora e expressamente recomendada para maiores estudos farmacológicos in vitro e in vivo. The Scutellaria agrestis is used by Amazonas riverine communities, especially for otitis externa topical treatment, by using the crude extract obtained by maceration. This study aimed to investigate the preliminary phytochemical profile, the safety/toxicity and the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic activities of the aqueous extract of the S. agrestis leaves. Eighty individuals were collected at the Nilton Lins University medicinal garden, Manaus, Brazil. The phytochemical profile was obtained through a plant drug survey for cyanogenic heterosides, terpenes, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. The extract safety was evaluated by acute toxicity test. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were accessed using formalin test in mice and the antiedematogenic activity, using paw edema test in mice. We detected phenolic (hydrolysable tannins, coumarins and several classes of flavonoids) and terpenoid (free steroids, saponins) metabolites. We could not establish LD50 because no animals died during the acute toxicity test, probably because of the absence of cyanogenic glycosides on the composition of the extract. However, we found that the extract is slightly toxic as animal spasms were observed in the first hour of the test. The extract showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity on the formalin test (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg p.o.), and the highest dose result was equivalent to the standard drug (Fentanyl). However, no significant antiedematogenic effect was observed during the paw edema test. The results obtained in this study provide preliminary scientific basis about the safety and analgesic/anti-inflammatory actions of the aqueous extract of S. agrestis, which indicates that this species is a promising option for further in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies.

Water hardness is a property depending on the presence of alkaline earth metals, mainly calcium and magnesium. Among the strategies for water quality monitoring, ecotoxicological assays are performed to minimize impacts and classify water bodies. For these laboratory evaluations parameters are previously defined in the guidelines, including water hardness for both cultivation and testing medium. The present work was performed to evaluate the effects of different levels of water hardness on the survival and reproduction of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata and discuss the influence of natural water hardness on the results of ecotoxicological tests with these environmental samples. Comparing the groups it was possible to observe that those maintained in waters with least hardness had lower reproductive success, while the groups maintained in highest hardness showed better reproduction. These data show that waters with low hardness make the reproduction of the snail B. glabrata unfeasible, and this reveal a problem for ecotoxicity assays using natural water samples. A dureza da água é uma propriedade dependente da presença de metais alcalino terrosos, principalmente cálcio e magnésio. Entre as estratégias para monitorar a qualidade da água ensaios ecotoxicológicos são realizados para minimizar impactos e classificar os corpos hídricos. Para essas avaliações em laboratório, parâmetros são previamente definidos nos protocolos, incluindo a dureza da água para cultivo e para a água de diluição. O presente trabalho foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de dureza da água sobre a sobrevivência e a reprodução do caramujo de água doce Biomphalaria glabrata e discutir a influência da dureza de águas naturais nos resultados dos testes ecotoxicológicos com estas amostras ambientais. Comparando os grupos foi possível observar que aqueles mantidos em águas com menor dureza tiveram pior sucesso reprodutivo, enquanto os mantidos nas águas com maiores durezas tiveram melhor reprodução. Esses dados mostram que águas com baixas durezas tornam a reprodução do caramujo B. glabrata inviável, e esse fato revela-se como um problema para os ensaios ecotoxicológicos utilizando amostras de água naturais.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-23T13:51:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Flavia Maria Silva Brito.pdf: 1958233 bytes, checksum: 19806ba42f2c6acb72b77967069c2d99 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-26 Este trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar as características anatômicas e físicas do bambu in natura , analisar os efeitos da termorretificação nas propriedades tecnológicas do bambu laminado colado termorretificado (BLCTR) e na sua durabilidade natural. Foram coletados quatro colmos em idade adulta e cortados a cada 2,0 m, divididos em quatro secções no sentido longitudinal sendo imersas em água durante 10 dias e secas ao ar. As secções foram transformadas em taliscas com dimensões de 0,5 x 3,5 x 45 cm (espessura x largura x comprimento) e tratadas termicamente a 100, 140, 160, 180 e 200°C, durante uma hora para cada temperatura. Os adesivos utilizados foram o Cascophen RS-216-M , à base de resorcinol - formaldeído, Cascamite PL-2030 , à base de uréia - formaldeído, ambos termofixos e um termoplástico à base de acetato de polivinila, Cascorez 2500 . As taliscas termorretificadas foram dimensionadas conforme cada ensaio realizado. Observou-se que os colmos de bambu possuem uma frequência de vasos de 0 a 4 vasos.mm-2 com média de 2 vasos.mm-², fibras longas e estreitas com comprimento médio de 2,72 mm. A massa específica básica de 0,66 g.cm-3 e a retratibilidade volumétrica de 15,41%. Os teores de extrativos e lignina total aumentaram, conforme o incremento da temperatura, e o teor de holocelulose foi reduzido. A partir da temperatura de 160 °C ocorreu um ganho na durabilidade natural do bambu e na estabilidade dimensional do BLCTR aderido com RF, porém houve uma queda nos valores da massa específica básica e na resistência mecânica do material This work aimed to evaluate the physical and anatomical characteristics of bamboo "in natura", analysing the effects of thermal treatment on the technological properties of glued laminated bamboo thermo-modified (GLBT) and in your natural durability. A total of four culms were collected in age adulthood and cut every to 2.0 m and divided into four lengthwise sections that were immersed in water for 10 days and air-dried. The sections were transformed into flights with dimensions of 0.5 x 3,5 x 45 cm (thickness x width x length) and thermal treated to 100, 140, 160, 180 and 200 °C for one hour for each temperature. T he adhesives used were Cascophen RS-216-M , based resorcinol formaldehyde, Cascamite PL-2030 , based on urea - formaldehyde, both thermoset and thermoplastic based on one polyvinylacetate, Cascorez 2500 . The flights thermal treated were scaled according to each proposed test. It was observed that the bamboo culms have a frequency of 0 to 4 vessels.mm-2, whith mean of vessels.mm-2, with long and narrow fibres with length average of 2.72 mm. The basic specific gravity was of 0.66 g.cm-3 and volumetric shrinkage of 15.41%. The total extractives and lignin contents increased as the temperature increase, and holocellulose content has been reduced. Since the temperature of 160 °C was a gain in durability natural bamboo and the dimensional stability of GLBT adhered to RF, but there was a decrease in the values of specific gravity and mechanicalproperties of the material

We analyzed the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ethanol and hexane extracts of Zeyheria tuberculosa leaves, known as ipê-felpudo, against several strains of pathogenic microorganisms. An in vitro experimental study was conducted in the Wound Healing Research Lab of the Nursing Course of Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil, from May to October 2011. The extracts evaluated by both the disk diffusion method and by microdilution have shown promising for Staphylococcus aureus, however for other bacterial and fungal strains there was no inhibitory activity. The tests were performed in triplicate. The results showed that both the ethanol and hexane extract showed a strong antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the strain at concentrations greater than the gentamicin, reference standard used. Antifungal activity was not observed with the extracts. It is concluded that the good antibacterial activity of these leaves and stems of this plant species is promising for further studies in animal models.

[EN] Considerable efforts have been devoted to understanding the courtship behavior and pheromone communication of medflies; however, the sex pheromone composition is still a controversial subject. The discovery of new components affecting medfly behavior would be of interest for medfly control methods based on semiochemicals. This work describes volatile compounds emitted by Ceratitis capitata collected using solid phase microextraction. The volatile study was conducted according to an experimental design with three factors (sex, age, and mating status) assumed to be relevant for better understanding the chemical communication. Emission data were treated by means of principal component analysis, a statistical methodology not previously applied to the study of volatiles emitted by fruit flies. The characterization of emission patterns could be useful for the selection of compounds to be further investigated in biological assays to improve knowledge of the key semiochemicals involved in medfly behavior. © 2010 American Chemical Society., Received for review June 30, 2010. Accepted November 26, 2010. This research has been supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion of Spain under Project AGL 2006-13346-C02-02.

The Ficus radicans Variegate species belongs to the Moracea family and genus Ficus, which includes approximately 800 species and occurs in tropical and subtropical regions. In review of literature, no chemical study of species Ficus radicans Variegata was found. This work aims the chemical study of Ficus radicans Variegata and evaluation of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and molluscicide activities of methanol crude extract and of its fractions. The chemical study of Ficus radicans Variegata (leaves) resulted, after purification and fractionation of fractions by using chromatographic methods, in isolation and identification of coumarins: 7-methoxycoumarin (FR-1), 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-coumarin (FR-4) and 7-methoxy-3,4-dihidrocoumarin (FR-5), steroids: 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl sitosterol (FR-2) and β-sitosterol (FR-3), of trans-4-β-Dglucopyranosyloxy-2-methoxy cinnamic acid (FR-6) and of quercetin 3-O-[β-Dxylopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside] (FR-7). The substances structures were proposed on the basis of their spectroscopic data of 1H and 13C NMR, COSY, DEPT, HMQC, HMBC, NOE and NOESY, as well as, comparison with data obtained from the literature. The isolation of substance 7-methoxy-3,4-dihidrocoumarin (FR-5) in plants has not been reported in literature yet. Biological assays were carried out for the crude methanol extract and for its hexane, ethyl acetate and hydromethanol fractions. Antioxidant activity potentials were determined based on scavenging activity of free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and showed moderate activity for ethyl acetate fraction (IC50 = 66.19 μg/ml). To evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activities was used the method of microdilution and strains of bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATTCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6623 and the fungus Candida albicans. The tests showed values greater than 1000 μg/ml for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for crude methanol extract and its fractions. Biological tests to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity, using the edema model of in rats paw induced by carrageenan, showed that the methanol crude extract and fractions hexane and hydromethanol resulted in an inflammatory response reduction when compared to the control group. In the edema ear induced by croton oil model the methanol crude extract an fractions showed a significant reduction of inflammation. The application of the substance 7-methoxycoumarin did not cause significant reduction in edema ear in rats. In the assay for evaluation of molluscicide activity against Biomphalaria glabrata snails, only hexane fraction presented a weak activity. A espécie Ficus radicans Variegata, pertence à família Moraceae e ao gênero Ficus, o qual inclui cerca de 800 espécies e ocorre nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Em revisão da literatura não se encontrou nenhum estudo químico da espécie Ficus radicans Variegata. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo o estudo químico da espécie vegetal Ficus radicans Variegata e avaliação da atividade antiinflamatória, antimicrobiana, antioxidante e moluscicida do extrato bruto metanólico e das frações obtidas através do fracionamento do extrato bruto metanólico. O estudo químico de Ficus radicans Variegata (folhas) resultou, após fracionamento e purificação das frações pelo uso de técnicas cromatográficas, no isolamento e identificação das cumarinas: 7-metóxicumarina (FR-1), 7-hidróxi-6-metóxi-cumarina (FR-4) e 7-metóxi-3,4-diidrocoumarina (FR-5), dos esteróides: 3-O-β-glucopiranosil sitosterol (FR-2) e β-sitosterol (FR-3), do ácido trans-cinâmico ácido trans-4-β-D-glucopiranosilóxi-2-metóxi cinâmico (FR-6) e do flavonóide 3-O-[β-Dxilopiranosil-(1→2)-α-L-raminopiranosídeo] quercetina (FR-7). As estruturas das substâncias isoladas foram propostas pela análise de seus dados espectroscópicos de RMN de 1H e de 13C e técnicas de COSY, DEPT, HMQC, HMBC, NOE e NOESY e comparação com dados obtidos da literatura. O isolamento da substância 7-metóxi-3,4-diidrocoumarina (FR-5) em plantas não foi ainda relatado na literatura. Os ensaios de atividade biológica foram realizados para o extrato bruto metanólico e para as frações hexânica, acetato de etila e hidrometanólica. Os potenciais de atividade antioxidante foram determinados com base na atividade seqüestradora de radical livre do 1,1-difenil-2-picril-hidrazil (DPPH) e mostraram atividade moderada para a fração acetato de etila (IC50 =66,19 μg/mL). Para a avaliação das atividades antibacteriana e antifúngica utilizou-se o método de micro-diluição e cepas das bactérias Staphylococcus aureus ATTCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 e Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6623 e do fungo Cândida albicans. Os ensaios mostraram valores de concentração mínima inibitória (CMI) maiores que 1000 μg/mL para o extrato bruto metanólico e frações testadas. Os ensaios biológicos para avaliação da atividade antiinflamatória, utilizando-se o modelo de edema em pata de rato induzido por carragenina, mostraram que extrato bruto metanólico e as frações hexânica e hidrometanólica provocaram uma redução da resposta inflamatória quando comparada ao grupo controle. No modelo de edema de orelha induzido por óleo de cróton, tanto o extrato bruto metanólico como as frações mostraram uma redução significativa da intensidade do edema. A aplicação da substância 7-metóxicumarina não causou redução significativa no edema de orelha. No ensaio de avaliação da atividade moluscicida frente a caramujos da espécie Biomphalaria glabrata apenas a fração hexânica apresentou uma fraca atividade. 80 f

National audience; Ce dossier présente les méthodes statistiques permettant l'analyse des données de dosages immunologiques. Il s'agit pour l'essentiel des méthodes d'estimation et d'inférence statistique pour les modèles de régression non linéaires. Deux exemples types servent de support aux développements méthodologiques. L'objectif du premier exemple est le dosage de l'interféron gamma contenu dans un échantillon de plasma à partir de l'estimation d'une courbe d'étalonnage. Dans le second exemple, il s'agit de comparer les niveaux d'anticorps contenus dans deux échantillons de plasma bovins à partir des courbes de réponse obtenues pour chacun de ces échantillons. Les questions posées par l'expérimentateur sont essentiellement les suivantes: - comment estimer une courbe d'étalonnage ? - comment estimer la variabilité de l'estimation d'une dose ? - comment comparer les courbes de réponse de deux échantillons pour lesquels on a effectué plusieurs dilutions ? ― comment utiliser au mieux les observations à notre disposition ? Les méthodes pertinentes sont décrites de façon intuitive et mises en œuvre sur les exemples. Ainsi, estimer la précision des estimateurs, revient à calculer des intervalles de confiance ou à faire des tests d'hypothèses. Les méthodes classiques comme le test de Wald ou le test de rapport de vraisemblance ainsi que des méthodes basées sur des procédures de ré-échantillonage, comme le bootstrap, sont présentées. Le dernier paragraphe traite plus en détail du problème de la calibration: comment prendre en compte les différentes sources de variabilité lors du calcul d'un intervalle de calibration ? En effet, il existe deux sources de variabilité: - celle due à l'estimation de la courbe d'étalonnage ; ― celle provenant de la variabilité de l'observation de la réponse. Une autre question importante est comment profiter des observations effectuées en plusieurs dilutions d'un échantillon pour estimer au mieux la concentration de produits contenue dans cet échantillon ?

O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito do preservativo "Osmose CCB" na resistência da madeira de algaroba (Prosopis juliflora (Sw) D.C.) ao fungo Postia placenta, em condições de laboratório. Peças roliças de algaroba foram tratadas pelo método de substituição da seiva por transpiração radial, em soluções de 1, 2 e 3% de ingredientes ativos de CCB, durante 3, 6, 9, 12 e 15 dias. Das peças tratadas foram retirados discos em três posições (50 cm da base, meio do comprimento e topo da peça), em que foram analisadas a penetração e retenção do CCB, bem como a resistência ao fungo Postia placenta. Observou-se melhor penetração e retenção nas peças submetidas a 2% de ingredientes ativos. A penetração e retenção do CCB, assim como a resistência conferida à madeira, de modo geral, decresceram da base para o topo das peças. O tratamento preservativo conferiu às peças de algaroba uma alta resistência ao fungo P. placenta. Isso não ocorreu apenas nas amostras provenientes do topo (submetidas a 1% de CCB e 15 dias de tratamento; 2% e 9 dias; 3% e 3, 12 e 15 dias) e meio das peças (3% de CCB e 3 e 12 dias de tratamento), que foram classificadas como resistentes. The objective of research was to analyze the "Osmose CCB" preservative efficiency to improve the wood Prosopis juliflora (Sw) D.C. resistance to Postia placenta fungus. In order to meet the objectives proposed, round pieces of P. juliflora were treated by sap displaced method in 1; 2 and 3% of active ingredients of CCB solutions, by 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days. Wood disks were obtained at three positions (50 cm from the base, middle and top) of the treated pieces. CCB penetration and retention were analyzed at these positions, as well as the resistance to P. placenta fungus (accelerated laboratory test decay) It was found better penetration and retention in pieces submitted to 2% of CCB solutions. The CCB penetration and retention, as well as the resistance of treated wood, in general, decreased from base to top of pieces. The preservative treatment conferred high-level resistance against P. placenta fungus to P. juliflora pieces. This has not occurred only for samples from the top (1% CCB and 15-day treatment; 2% and 9 days; 3% and 3, 12 and 15 days) and from the middle of pieces (3% CCB and 3 and 12-day treatment), which were classified as resistant.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-20T12:31:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Helenires Quiroz de Souza.pdf: 4253901 bytes, checksum: 8968bf2a9d9d6e181ad4528e0b805f1b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-05-31 The Class Basidimycetes is formed by those fungi called mushroom ande ar-of-wood, beyond others groups less known. Due to the importance of this group of fungi, the biotechnological potential was investigated in this study. The mushroom were collected in forest areas of campus of University of Amazonas (UFAM), Bosque da Ci??ncia and campus V8 (INPA), Reserva de Campina (INPA), located in BR 174, km 45, Manaus, Amazonas and Urucu (Coari/AM). After the isolation micelial, the fungi were evaluated as regards the growth at 280C, for 30 days in liquid cultures GPY and BD to determine the antimicrobial activity. The samples were filtered and the mycelium was dry to determine the biomass. The culture filtrates had been tested against Ralstonia solanacearum, agent of bacterial wilt of several vegetal species, Corynespora sp., Colletotrichum sp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus e Salmonella anatum. For an enzyme production study, the fungus had been cultivated in liquid culture and tested in solid medium for proteases, amylases, cellulases, pectinases and phenoloxidases. In another stage, the production of amylases and proteases in different nutritives sources was studied. Sixty samples of Basidiomycetes were collected from February to June 2003. The families Agaricaceae, Auriculariaceae, Cantharellaceae, Ganodermataceae, Hygrophoraceae, Polyporaceae, Russulaceae, Stereaceae, Tremellaceae e Tricholomataceae had been identified. The Reserva de Campina was the one that presented greater diversity of fungi. The results demonstrated inhibitory effect of culture filtrates against bacterial strains tested. The species E. coli, S. anatum and B. cereus, beyond inhibition halos, had presented halos of grown stimulus. It was not effect against the fungi Corynespora sp. and Colletotrichum sp.. The culture filtrate Trametes sp. presented greater activity of inhibition. The medium BD favored greater production of dry biomass. The production of protease an amylase was detected for all the isolated ones, four produced amylases, five produced phenoloxidases and one produced pectinase. For production of amylases, fungi cultivated in medium added of wheat bran had gotten biggest halos. For proteases, the biggest halos had been observed for the fungi grown in way with fish flour. A classe Basidiomycetes ?? formada por aqueles fungos chamados de cogumelos e orelhas-depau, al??m de outros grupos menos conhecidos. Devido ?? import??ncia deste grupo de fungos, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar o seu potencial biotecnol??gico quanto ?? produ????o de antimicrobianos e enzimas. Os basidiomas dos fungos foram coletados em ??reas de floresta do campus da UFAM, do Bosque da Ci??ncia, Campus/V8 e Reserva de Campina do INPA, localizada na BR 174, km 45, Manaus/AM e Urucu em Coari/AM. Ap??s o isolamento micelial, os fungos foram avaliados quanto ao crescimento radial em meio s??lido. Para verificar a produ????o de antimicrobianos, os fungos foram cultivados em meio l??quido BD e GPY durante 30 dias, em repouso a 28oC. Ap??s esse per??odo, o mic??lio foi seco para determinar a biomassa e os filtrados das culturas foram testados contra Ralstonia solanacearum, agente da murcha de v??rias esp??cies vegetais, Corynespora sp., Colletotrichum sp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus e Salmonella anatum. Quanto ?? produ????o de enzimas, os fungos foram cultivados em meio l??quido e testados em meio s??lido para proteases, amilases, celulases, pectinases e fenoloxidases. Em outra etapa, foi estudada a produ????o de amilases e proteases em diferentes fontes nutricionais. Foram coletados 60 fungos, de fevereiro a junho de 2003, e identificadas as fam??lias Agaricaceae, Auriculariaceae, Cantharellaceae, Ganodermataceae, Hygrophoraceae, Polyporaceae, Russulaceae, Stereaceae, Tremellaceae e Tricholomataceae. A Reserva de Campina foi a que apresentou maior diversidade de fungos. Todas as 18 amostras de filtrados de cultura dos Basidiomycetes, utilizadas nos bioensaios, apresentaram efeito inibit??rio contra um ou mais microrganismos-teste. As esp??cies E. coli, S. anatum e B. cereus, al??m de halos de inibi????o, apresentaram halos de est??mulo de crescimento. N??o foi observado efeito inibit??rio contra os fungos Corynespora sp. e Colletotrichum sp. O filtrado do fungo Trametes sp., cultivado em meio GPY, foi o que apresentou maior atividade de inibi????o. O meio de cultura BD favoreceu maior produ????o de biomassa seca. Dos dez fungos estudados, foi detectada a produ????o de proteases e celulases por todos os isolados, quatro produziram amilases, cinco fenoloxidases e um pectinase. Para a produ????o de amilases, os fungos cultivados em meio acrescido de farelo de trigo apresentaram os maiores halos. Para a produ????o de proteases, os maiores halos foram observados para os fungos crescidos em meio com farinha de peixe.

Objetivo: Determinar los niveles de resistencia a temefos en poblaciones de Aedes aegypti de la provincia de Trujillo. Material y Métodos: Los bioensayos en larvas siguieron la metodología de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se empleó larvas del tercer o cuarto estadio temprano de cada población, incluyendo la cepa de referencia Rockefeller. Se usó 5 réplicas de cada concentración del insecticida, produciéndose mortalidades entre 2 y 98 %. Resultados: Se encontró susceptibles a temefos a todas las poblaciones evaluadas, mostrando mayor factor de resistencia la población de Florencia de Mora, con un valor de 3,05 X. Conclusión: Se sugiere realizar monitoreos continuos de resistencia a temefos en poblaciones de A. aegypti para brindar información necesaria que ayude a la toma de decisiones sobre el uso correcto de este insecticida., Objective: To determine resistance levels to temephos in Aedes aegypti strains from Trujillo. Material and Methods: The larvae bioassays were done according to the World Health Organization’s methodology. Third or early fourth stage larvae from each population were used, including the reference Rockefeller stock. Five replications from each insecticide concentration were done with mortalities varying between 2 and 98%. Results: All studied strains were susceptible to temephos, with Florencia de Mora showing de highest resistance ratio with 3,05 X value. Conclusion: Continuous resistance to temephos monitoring should be carried out in A. aegypti strains in order to decide on the correct use of this insecticide.

Objective: To determine resistance levels to temephos in Aedes aegypti strains from Trujillo. Material and Methods: The larvae bioassays were done according to the World Health Organization’s methodology. Third or early fourth stage larvae from each population were used, including the reference Rockefeller stock. Five replications from each insecticide concentration were done with mortalities varying between 2 and 98%. Results: All studied strains were susceptible to temephos, with Florencia de Mora showing de highest resistance ratio with 3,05 X value. Conclusion: Continuous resistance to temephos monitoring should be carried out in A. aegypti strains in order to decide on the correct use of this insecticide. Objetivo: Determinar los niveles de resistencia a temefos en poblaciones de Aedes aegypti de la provincia de Trujillo. Material y Métodos: Los bioensayos en larvas siguieron la metodología de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se empleó larvas del tercer o cuarto estadio temprano de cada población, incluyendo la cepa de referencia Rockefeller. Se usó 5 réplicas de cada concentración del insecticida, produciéndose mortalidades entre 2 y 98 %. Resultados: Se encontró susceptibles a temefos a todas las poblaciones evaluadas, mostrando mayor factor de resistencia la población de Florencia de Mora, con un valor de 3,05 X. Conclusión: Se sugiere realizar monitoreos continuos de resistencia a temefos en poblaciones de A. aegypti para brindar información necesaria que ayude a la toma de decisiones sobre el uso correcto de este insecticida.

This chapter is devoted to reviewing some characteristics of membrane permeabilization by viral proteins. In addition, the methodology used to assay enhanced permeability in animal cells is described. Finally, the design of selective viral inhibitors based on the modification of cellular membranes during virus entry or at late times of infection is also discussed. This work was supported by grants from the Fundación para la Investigación y Prevención del SIDA en España (24291), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (01/0042) and the DGICYT PM99-0002. The authors also acknowledge the Fundación Ramón Areces for an institutional grant awarded to the Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" 1. Introduction 2. Measuring alterations in membrane permeability 2.1. The hygromycin B test 2.2. Entry of macromolecules into virus-infected cells 2.3. Other assays to test the entry or exit of macromolecules from virus-infected cells 3. Viral proteins that modify permeability 3.1. Viroporins 3.2. Viral glycoproteins that modify membrane permeability 4. Membrane permeabilization and drug design 4.1. Antibiotics and toxins that selectively enter virus-infected cells 4.2. Viroporin inhibitors 4.3. Antiviral agents that interfere with viral glycoproteins 5. Acknowledgments References Figures Sí

Monomelic amyotrophy (MMA), also known as Hirayama disease, is a sporadic juvenile muscular atrophy in the distal upper extremities. This disorder rarely involves proximal upper extremities and presents minimal sensory symptoms with no upper motor neuron (UMN) signs. It is caused by anterior displacement of the posterior dural sac and compression of the cervical cord during neck flexion. An 18-year-old boy visited our clinic with a 5-year history of left upper extremity pain and slowly progressive weakness affecting the left shoulder. Atrophy was present in the left supraspinatus and infraspinatus. On neurological examination, positive UMN signs were evident in both upper and lower extremities. Electrodiagnostic study showed root lesion involving the fifth to seventh cervical segment of the cord with chronic and ongoing denervation in the fifth and sixth cervical segment innervated muscles. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed asymmetric cord atrophy apparent in the left side and intramedullary high signal intensity along the fourth to sixth cervical vertebral levels. With neck flexion, cervical MRI revealed anterior displacement of posterior dural sac, which results in the cord compression of those segments. The mechanisms of myelopathy in our patient seem to be same as that of MMA. We report a MMA patient involving proximal limb with UMN signs in biomechanical concerns and discuss clinical importance of cervical MRI with neck flexion. The case highlights that clinical variation might cause misdiagnosis.

Cultivar de soja BR 36 com atividades de inibidores de tripsina convencional e linhagem de soja BRM 95-5262 geneticamente modificadas para conter baixas atividades de inibidores de tripsina foram utilizados em ensaios biológicos com aves contendo 40 e 20% e 30 e 20% de atividades residuais relativa de inibidores de tripsina, respectivamente. Os valores médios de PER, NPR e CA indicaram que os tratamentos de soja crua foram inferiores aos tratamentos de soja processados termicamente. Entretanto, tratamentos de soja processados termicamente com inativação de 20% de atividades residuais relativa de inibidores de tripsina não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre si e em relação ao padrão farelo de soja. Porém, quando as atividades de inibidores de tripsina final foram de 8,61 e 8,44 UIT/mg de amostra ou 20 e 30% de atividades residuais relativa dos respectivos cultivar BR 36 e linhagem BRM 95-5262, observou-se que os valores médios de PER, NPR e CA não foram significativos. Concluiu-se que os valores de PER, NPR e CA obtidos com a proteína de soja foram dependentes das atividades iniciais de inibidores de tripsina e do seu respectivo tratamento térmico e que há vantagem na utilização da soja BRM 95-5262 com baixas atividades de inibidores de tripsina. The soybean meal (raw and thermal processed) from soybean cultivar BR 36 with conventional trypsin inhibitor activities levels (standard) and the soybean line BRM95-5262 that was genetically selected to contain low trypsin inhibitor activities were used in a biological assays with chicks. The BR 36 and BRM95-5262 soybean meal (thermal processed), used in the assays contained, respectively, 40 and 20, and 30 and 20% of relative residual trypsin inhibitors activities. The mean values of PER, NPR and feed: gain showed that the treatments with raw soybean meals were lower than the treatments with thermal processed soybean meals. However, thermal processed soybean meal treatments with 20% of relative residual trypsin inhibitor activities did not show significant differences between them and in relation to the standard, soybean meal. However, when the final residual trypsin inhibitor activities were 8.61 and 8.44UIT/mg of samples or 20 and 30% of relative residual trypsin inhibitor activities of the BR 36 cultivar and BRM95-5262 line soybean meal, respectively, it was observed that the mean values of PER, NPR and F: G were not significant. So, the values of PER, NPR and F: G obtained with soybean meal was dependent of initial relative residual trypsin inhibitor activities and of its respective thermal treatments. There was advantage to use the BRM95-5262 soybean meal line with low relative residual trypsin inhibitor activities.

O estudo fitoquímico das folhas de Calycorectes psidiiflorus (O. Berg) Sobral, Myrtaceae, resultou no isolamento e identificação de: sesquiterpeno [8-hidroxicalameneno (1)], triterpenos [α-amirina (2a) e β-amirina (2b)], flavonóide [3-O-α-ramnopiranosil-7-O-bglucopiranosil canferol (3)], e alcalóide [1,2,3,4-tetraidro-1-metil-β-carbolina (4)]. As estruturas das substâncias isoladas foram elucidadas com base nos seus dados de RMN em comparação com os da literatura. A substância 8-hydroxicalameneno apresentou atividade antibacteriana (MIC = 7,8 µg/mL) e antifúngica (MIC = 15,6 µg/mL). The phytochemical study of Calycorectes psidiiflorus (O. Berg) Sobral leaves resulted in isolation and identification of the sesquiterpene 8-hydroxycalamenene (1), triterpenes α-amyrin (2a) and β-amyrin (2b), flavonoid 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-7-O-β-glucopyranosyl kaempferol (3), and of the alkaloid 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-methyl-β-carboline (4). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on their spectroscopic NMR data and comparison with those reported in literature. Substance 1 presented antibacterial (MIC = 7.8 µg/mL) and antifungal (MIC = 15.6 µg/ mL) activities.

Water hardness is a property depending on the presence of alkaline earth metals, mainly calcium and magnesium. Among the strategies for water quality monitoring, ecotoxicological assays are performed to minimize impacts and classify water bodies. For these laboratory evaluations parameters are previously defined in the guidelines, including water hardness for both cultivation and testing medium. The present work was performed to evaluate the effects of different levels of water hardness on the survival and reproduction of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata and discuss the influence of natural water hardness on the results of ecotoxicological tests with these environmental samples. Comparing the groups it was possible to observe that those maintained in waters with least hardness had lower reproductive success, while the groups maintained in highest hardness showed better reproduction. These data show that waters with low hardness make the reproduction of the snail B. glabrata unfeasible, and this reveal a problem for ecotoxicity assays using natural water samples.

Biological assays are essentially biological experiments. To compare the potencies of treatments on an agreed scale is generally of more interest than to compare the magnitude of effects of different treatments. The relative potency, R = a/b, is defined as the ratio of the means of two equally effective doses where a is the mean of A and bis the mean of B. It is an estimate of the potency of one preparation, A, relative to that of the other, B. Different procedures have been proposed to obtain the values of R and its confidence interval. Three of the these methods are compared and discussed here. They utilize the coefficient of variation, Fieller's theorem, and logarithms.