Nutritional reserves of Vochysiaceae seeds: chemical diversity and potential economic uses

Contents of proteins, carbohydrates and oil of seeds of 57 individuals of Vochysiaceae, involving one species of Callisthene, six of Qualea, one of Salvertia and eight of Vochysia were determined. The main nutritional reserves of Vochysiaceae seeds are proteins (20% in average) and oils (21. 6%). Mean of carbohydrate contents was 5. 8%. Callisthene showed the lowest protein content (16. 9%), while Q. cordata was the species with the highest content (30% in average). The contents of ethanol soluble carbohydrates were much higher than those of water soluble carbohydrates. Oil contents lay above 20% for most species (30. 4% in V. pygmaea and V. pyramidalis seeds). The predominant fatty acids are lauric (Q. grandiflora), oleic (Qualea and Salvertia) or acids with longer carbon chains (Salvertia and a group of Vochysia species). The distribution of Vochysiaceae fatty acids suggests for seeds of some species an exploitation as food sources (predominance of oleic acid), for other species an alternative to cocoa butter (high contents or predominance of stearic acid) or the production of lubricants, surfactants, detergents, cosmetics and plastic (predominance of acids with C20 or C22 chains) or biodiesel (predominance of monounsaturated acids). The possibility of exploitation of Vochysiaceae products in a cultivation regimen and in extractive reserves is discussed.

Total soil carbon and chemical attributes under different land uses in the Brazilian savanna

Total soil carbon and chemical attributes under different land uses in the Brazilian savanna. The Brazilian savanna region (Cerrado) is one of the largest cultivated areas of the world. The different land uses in the region can effectively change the quantities of soil organic matter and the cycling of nutrients. I-lie objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different land use management systems on the relationship between soil organic carbon and the soil chemical attributes of a Red Latosol (Oxisol) under Cerrado in Rio Verde (Goias state). The treatments studied were native vegetation (cerrado), low-productivity pasture, conventional tillage with soybean, and no-tillage with soybean and maize. The smallest values for pH, available P, K, Ca and Mg were observed for the Cerradao treatment, even if the relatively high C levels increased the potential soil cation exchange capacity. The pasture, conventional tillage and no-tillage treatments showed higher K, Ca, Mg, available 13, and S concentrations in the soil. In the areas where soil tillage did not take place and lime and fertilizers were applied superficially, the stratification of the soil organic carbon provides the retention of the elements near to the surface, with significance correlations with the soil chemicals attributes.

The Influence of Different Land Uses on the Structure of Archaeal Communities in Amazonian Anthrosols Based on 16S rRNA and amoA Genes

Soil from the Amazonian region is usually regarded as unsuitable for agriculture because of its low organic matter content and low pH; however, this region also contains extremely rich soil, the Terra Preta Anthrosol. A diverse archaeal community usually inhabits acidic soils, such as those found in the Amazon. Therefore, we hypothesized that this community should be sensitive to changes in the environment. Here, the archaeal community composition of Terra Preta and adjacent soil was examined in four different sites in the Brazilian Amazon under different anthropic activities. The canonical correspondence analysis of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms has shown that the archaeal community structure was mostly influenced by soil attributes that differentiate the Terra Preta from the adjacent soil (i.e., pH, sulfur, and organic matter). Archaeal 16S rRNA gene clone libraries indicated that the two most abundant genera in both soils were Candidatus nitrosphaera and Canditatus nitrosocaldus. An ammonia monoxygenase gene (amoA) clone library analysis indicated that, within each site, there was no significant difference between the clone libraries of Terra Preta and adjacent soils. However, these clone libraries indicated there were significant differences between sites. Quantitative PCR has shown that Terra Preta soils subjected to agriculture displayed a higher number of amoA gene copy numbers than in adjacent soils. On the other hand, soils that were not subjected to agriculture did not display significant differences on amoA gene copy numbers between Terra Preta and adjacent soils. Taken together, our findings indicate that the overall archaeal community structure in these Amazonian soils is determined by the soil type and the current land use.

Distance Education in Another Register: Uses and Appropriation of Technologies in Teacher Education

The article explores the relationships between distance education, information and communication technologies and teacher education. Its focus is on the interactive media and its uses in an in-service teacher education program, in Brazil, and on the ways the teachers used the technologies doing their own appropriateness. It departs from the presuppositions of the society of knowledge, that is, the close relationships between new technologies, continuing professional development and social inclusion, arguing that this paradigm is an ideological discourse. The article shows how the teachers have used the technologies in creative ways, calling the attention to the importance of this teachers` abilities as a basic skill to facing the challenges of the society of knowledge itself.

Uso do teste ML-Flow como auxiliar na classifica����o e tratamento da hansen��ase

FUNDAMENTOS: O tratamento da hansen��ase �� definido pela classifica����o de pacientes em paucibacilares (PB) e multibacilares (MB). A OMS (Organiza����o Mundial de Sa��de) classifica os doentes de acordo com o n��mero de les��es, mas Ridley-Jopling (R&J) utiliza tamb��m exames complementares, por��m �� de dif��cil utiliza����o fora dos servi��os de refer��ncia. Em 2003 foi desenvolvido um teste denominado ML-Flow, uma alternativa �� sorologia por ELISA para auxiliar na classifica����o de pacientes em PB e MB e auxiliar na decis��o terap��utica. OBJETIVOS: Observar a concord��ncia entre o teste de ML-Flow e baciloscopia de linfa, exame j�� consagrado para detec����o de MB. Analisar a utilidade do teste de ML-Flow em campo. MATERIAL E M��TODOS: Estudo retrospectivo avaliando prontu��rio de 55 pacientes virgens de tratamento, diagnosticados como PB ou MB por R&J. Submetidos �� baciloscopia e ao teste de ML-Flow. RESULTADOS: Nos MB, a baciloscopia foi positiva em 80% dos casos, o ML-flow foi positivo em 82,5%. Entre os PB, o ML-Flow foi positivo em 37,5% e a baciloscopia do esfrega��o foi negativa em 100% dos casos. A concord��ncia entre os resultados da baciloscopia do esfrega��o e ML-Flow foi de 87,5%, kappa=0,59, p<0,001. CONCLUS��O: Nenhum teste laboratorial �� 100% sens��vel e espec��fico para a correta classifica����o de todas as formas de hansen��ase. O ML-Flow �� um teste r��pido, de f��cil manuseio em campo, menos invasivo que a baciloscopia podendo ser ��til para auxiliar na decis��o terap��utica em locais de dif��cil acesso a servi��os de refer��ncia.

Relationship between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis and the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment

This study analyzed the association of periodontal disease (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventy-five 35-60-year-old patients were assigned to 5 groups according to the presence (+) or not (-) of PD and RA and the treatment received (TR+) or not (TR-) for PD. Group 3 uses total prosthesis (TP). Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months of follow-up by probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing and plaque index for PD, HAQ, DAS28, SF-36 and laboratory: AAG, ESR, CRP for RA. Statistically significant differences for PD after 3 (p=0.0055) and after 6 months (p=0.0066) were obtained in Group 1 (RA+PD+TR+) and 2(RA+PD+TR-); significant reduction in the % of BOP after 6 months (p=0.0128) and significant reduction in the % of Pl after 3 (p=0.0128) and 6 months (p=0.0002) in Group 1. Statistically significant differences between Groups 1 and 3 (RA+TP) for DAS28 at baseline and after 3 months were observed, but not after 6 months. No other parameters for RA were significantly affected. The relationship between RA and PD disease activities is not clear, but the importance of periodontal treatment in the control of inflammation to avoid tooth extraction is evident.

O modelo de aten����o a sa��de bucal no M��dio e Baixo Xingu: parcerias, processos e perspectivas

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar as a����es desenvolvidas na constru����o do modelo de aten����o em sa��de no Distrito Especial Ind��gena - Xingu (DSEI-Xingu), mais especificamente, na ��rea de sa��de bucal, com a efetiva parceria entre a Universidade Federal do Estado de S��o Paulo (UNIFESP), Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeir��o Preto - Universidade de S��o Paulo (FORP-USP) e a Colgate��, que permitiu a constru����o social da pr��xis em sa��de no M��dio e Baixo Xingu. Ao longo da hist��ria, o DSEI "Espa��o Social" �� onde as comunidades se constituem e, por meio do processo social de produ����o, cria acessos diferenciados aos bens de consumo, al��m de formar a base para a organiza����o dos servi��os de aten����o �� sa��de dos povos ind��genas. Para o DSEI-Xingu, s��o pontos b��sicos o estabelecimento de parcerias institucionais e a participa����o efetiva dos povos ind��genas na gest��o da sa��de em seu territ��rio. Estruturado no planejamento baseado em problemas sentidos pela popula����o, utiliza-se da constru����o coletiva de redes explicativas, apontando solu����es em v��rios planos com abordagem intersetorial. �� atrav��s da observa����o dos indicadores de sa��de que se torna percept��vel a assimila����o das comunidades ind��genas com o recente modelo de aten����o b��sica �� sa��de bucal, uma vez que constantemente est�� sendo adaptado �� cultura, �� tradi����o e ��s singularidades desses povos ind��genas.

Intertidal life: field observations on the clingfish Gobiesox barbatulus in southeastern Brazil

The clingfish Gobiesox barbatulus shows nocturnal feeding activity, spending most part of the day stationary and adhered to the inferior part of stones. To feed, this species uses the sit-and-wait and particulate feeding tactics. It shows a carnivorous feeding habit mostly consuming small benthic crustaceans. It can move in two ways: (1) "stone-by-stone", sliding its ventral sucker disc across each stone and (2) "surf", when it takes advantage of the energy of the ebbing tide to quickly cross a distance up to four times its body length. Its reproductive season occurs between the end of spring and the beginning of summer, during which time it lays about 2,000 adhesive eggs of 1 mm each in a single layer under stones. It has more than one egg-laying session per reproductive season, therefore showing several different developmental stages. It performs fanning, mouthing and guarding of the eggs as forms of parental care. Data shown here also indicates that G. barbatulus has some shelter fidelity, being probably territorial.

Molecular markers and genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax

Enhanced understanding of the transmission dynamics and population genetics for Plasmodium vivax is crucial in predicting the emergence and spread of novel parasite phenotypes with major public health implications, such as new relapsing patterns, drug resistance and increased virulence. Suitable molecular markers are required for these population genetic studies. Here, we focus on two groups of molecular markers that are commonly used to analyse natural populations of P. vivax. We use markers under selective pressure, for instance, antigen-coding polymorphic genes, and markers that are not under strong natural selection, such as most minisatellite and microsatellite loci. First, we review data obtained using genes encoding for P. vivax antigens: circumsporozoite protein, merozoite surface proteins 1 and 3&#945;, apical membrane antigen 1 and Duffy binding antigen. We next address neutral or nearly neutral molecular markers, especially microsatellite loci, providing a complete list of markers that have already been used in P. vivax populations studies. We also analyse the microsatellite loci identified in the P. vivax genome project. Finally, we discuss some practical uses for P. vivax genotyping, for example, detecting multiple-clone infections and tracking the geographic origin of isolates.

Lessons from the Terra Preta de ��ndios of the Amazon region for the utilisation of charcoal for soil amendment

The potential of charcoal and of partially combusted organic waste to mimic the soil organic matter of the Terras Pretas de ��ndios (Amazonian Dark Earths) from the Amazon Region is discussed. These materials serve as soil conditioners and as sequesterers of carbon in recalcitrant and in reactive forms. Studies carried out by Brazilian and by international groups have contributed to the emergence of an awareness of the compositions and of the uses of these materials. In this contribution we report on chemical studies that are leading to the development of a scientific and technological awareness, and of innovations that will have value in finding novel uses in applications to soil of chars from organic wastes such as those from the biofuel industry, and from metallurgical and various coal plant residues.

Air pollution and hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in the subequatorial Amazon: a time series approach

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of the daily variation in concentrations of fine particulate matter (diameter less than 2.5��m - PM2.5) resulting from the burning of biomass on the daily number of hospitalizations of children and elderly people for respiratory diseases, in Alta Floresta and Tangar�� da Serra in the Brazilian Amazon in 2005. This is an ecological time series study that uses data on daily number of hospitalizations of children and the elderly for respiratory diseases, and estimated concentration of PM2.5. In Alta Floresta, the percentage increases in the relative risk (%RR) of hospitalization for respiratory diseases in children were significant for the whole year and for the dry season with 3-4 day lags. In the dry season these measurements reach 6% (95%CI: 1.4-10.8). The associations were sig-nificant for moving averages of 3-5 days. The %RR for the elderly was significant for the current day of the drought, with a 6.8% increase (95%CI: 0.5-13.5) for each additional 10��g/m3 of PM2.5. No as-sociations were verified for Tangara da Serra. The PM2.5 from the burning of biomass increased hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in children and the elderly.

A corros��o do a��o inoxid��vel austen��tico 304 em biodiesel

As distribuidoras de combust��veis utilizam containers de a��o inoxid��vel para o armazenamento de biocombust��veis, entretanto, na literatura, h�� poucos relatos sobre os aspectos corrosivos desse a��o em biodiesel. O objetivo desse trabalho �� estudar o comportamento corrosivo do a��o inoxid��vel austen��tico 304 na presen��a de biodiesel, n��o lavado e lavado com solu����es aquosas de ��cido c��trico, ox��lico, ac��tico e asc��rbico 0,01 mol L-1e comparar com os resultados obtidos para o cobre (ASTM D130). Empregaram-se t��cnicas como: espectrometria de absor����o at��mica (EAA) e microscopia ��ptica (MO). Os resultados de EAA mostraram uma baixa taxa de corros��o para o a��o inoxid��vel, os elementos de liga estudados foram Cr, Ni e Fe, a maior taxa observada foi para o cromo, 1,78 ppm/dia em biodiesel n��o lavado ou lavado. As MO do a��o 304, quando comparados com as do cobre, comprovaram a baixa taxa de corros��o para o sistema a��o 304/biodiesel, entretanto comprovaram que, tanto o a��o 304, quanto o cobre, sofrem corros��o em amostras de biodiesel.

Utiliza����o de m��todos ac��sticos em estudos de din��mica costeira: exemplo na desembocadura lagunar de canan��ia

Em fun����o de suas condi����es de interface entre ��guas doces e salinas, desembocaduras estuarinas e lagunares constituem sistemas geomorfol��gicos altamente complexos e din��micos. Como conseq����ncia da variabilidade espacial e temporal dos fluxos de mar��, o leito responde com uma grande variabilidade nas caracter��sticas morfol��gicas e sedimentares. Neste sentido, �� poss��vel relacionar diretamente a circula����o de fundo e o transporte sedimentar com as fei����es submersas geradas. Perfis de ecossondagem, sonar de varredura lateral e s��smica de alta resolu����o, executados na desembocadura lagunar de Canan��ia, revelaram a exist��ncia de uma din��mica de fundo extremamente complexa, caracterizada por marcas onduladas e ondas de areia de alturas m��tricas. As maiores ondas de areia, localizadas em uma depress��o na desembocadura lagunar, apresentam invers��o de polaridade em sua assimetria, com a presen��a de ondas sim��tricas de grande tamanho no ponto de invers��o. Este padr��o morfol��gico n��o apresenta varia����o temporal em escala anual, sugerindo a persist��ncia de um padr��o de fluxos sobre o leito. Esta din��mica revela, tamb��m, a const��ncia de fluxos convergentes que aparentemente independem das condi����es de mar�� enchente ou vazante. Os resultados permitiram o estabelecimento de um primeiro modelo qualitativo de circula����o de fundo na ��rea, com aplica����es potenciais na navega����o e estudos de prote����o da costa.

Desafios para um novo pacto sanit��rio: biotecnologia e risco

Este artigo discute a incorpora����o e o uso da biotecnologia na Sa��de P��blica, no contexto da sociedade de risco. Tendo por refer��ncia autores da teoria social contempor��nea, analisam-se as implica����es das pr��ticas biotecnol��gicas. O artigo est�� dividido em tr��s partes. Na primeira, s��o apresentados alguns exemplos de manipula����o biol��gica desenvolvidos no ��mbito da sa��de e as consequ��ncias da utiliza����o dessas t��cnicas na din��mica ecol��gica das popula����es envolvidas. A partir desses exemplos, discute-se o que vem a ser esses seres biologicamente modificados, h��bridos, e como ocorre sua incorpora����o nas pr��ticas sociais, especialmente as de Sa��de P��blica. A segunda parte apresenta o referencial te��rico utilizado para an��lise, que situa a sociedade contempor��nea na etapa reflexiva da moderniza����o e que tem na sociedade de risco uma de suas configura����es. A ��ltima parte do artigo problematiza os usos da biotecnologia em sa��de, mais especificamente em Sa��de P��blica, abordando os aspectos de risco dessa aplica����o, propondo o necess��rio debate sobre um outro pacto sanit��rio.

Validade cient��fica de conhecimento epidemiol��gico gerado com base no estudo Sa��de Bucal Brasil 2003

Problematiza-se a afirma����o de que n��o s��o v��lidas as estimativas sobre as condi����es de sa��de bucal da popula����o brasileira geradas pelo SB Brasil 2003. Criticam-se os elementos que pretendem sustentar esse ponto de vista com base apenas em conceitos estat��sticos, sem prova emp��rica. Identificam-se redu����es decorrentes da abordagem epistemoc��ntrica que recusa peremptoriamente outras formas de conhecimento e n��o reconhece o car��ter multidisciplinar da epidemiologia. Reconstituem-se informa����es sobre a realiza����o do levantamento e seu impacto na produ����o de conhecimento. Faz-se uma analogia entre ci��ncia e arte, argumentando-se que, nas imagens obtidas por ambas, os saberes gerados a partir do objeto cognosc��vel assumem fei����es variadas e, portanto, o reconhecimento de sua validade requer amplo dom��nio do objeto e opera����es com adequados crit��rios de valor. Conclui-se pela cientificidade, validade e relev��ncia da produ����o acad��mica desenvolvida a partir da base de dados do levantamento SB Brasil 2003.