Effect of inhaling cymbopogon martinii essential oil and geraniol on serum biochemistry parameters and oxidative stress in rats

The effects of the inhalation of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil (EO) and geraniol on Wistar rats were evaluated for biochemical parameters and hepatic oxidative stress. Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 8): G1 was control group, treated with saline solution; G2 received geraniol; and G3 received C. martinii EO by inhalation during 30 days. No significant differences were observed in glycemia and triacylglycerol levels; G2 and G3 decreased (P < 0.05) total cholesterol level. There were no differences in serum protein, urea, aspartate aminotransferase activity, and total hepatic protein. Creatinine levels increased in G2 but decreased in G3. Alanine aminotransferase activity and lipid hydroperoxide were higher in G2 than in G3. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were higher in G3. C. martinii EO and geraniol increased glutathione peroxidase. Oxidative stress caused by geraniol may have triggered some degree of hepatic toxicity, as verified by the increase in serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase. Therefore, the beneficial effects of EO on oxidative stress can prevent the toxicity in the liver. This proves possible interactions between geraniol and numerous chemical compounds present in C. martinii EO.

First detection of Leishmania spp. DNA in Brazilian bats captured strictly in urban areas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Ammonia volatilization losses in Tanzania grass fertilized with urea

Gaseous losses are the main factors affecting the efficiency of nitrogenous fertilizers in pastures. To evaluate NH3-N volatilization losses in Tanzania grass fertilized with urea in autumn, spring and summer, a completely randomized design with repeated measurements over time and fifteen replicates was used. Plots were represented by urea levels (50; 100 and 150 kg ha-1 N) and subplots by time after fertilization (1; 2; 3; 6; 9; 12 and 15 days). The interaction between fertilization leveland time after urea application was significant for the accumulated NH3-N volatilization. Urea application leads to higher percentage N losses in the first three days after application. The average cumulative NH3- N loss for the three occasions (different seasons of the year) was 28%, 20% and 16% of N applied for fertilizer doses of 50; 100 and 150 kg ha-1 of N, respectively. The season of the year influenced NH3-N loss pattern and volume, with the lowest values recorded in spring, followed by summer and autumn. The cumulative NH3-N volatilization loss varies from 78 to 90% up to the third day after application of the total NNH3 loss.

Reconstruction of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus using bovine bone matrix: histological study with monkeys

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repair process in the reconstruction of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus of monkeys with bovine bone matrix. Four adult Cebus apella monkeys underwent an ostectomy of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus. The frontal sinus mucosa and the nasofrontal duct were not manipulated. Reconstruction occurred with implants of bovine bone matrix laminae measuring 2.0 x 2.5 cm and 0.4 mm thick, stabilized under pressure in the lateral wall of the frontal sinus. The monkeys were sacrificed over a period of 150 days and routine laboratory procedures were followed for hematoxylin-eosin staining and histologic evaluation of the specimens. Neoformed bone tissue was observed in contact with the frontal sinus mucosa and the bovine bone matrix. The frontal sinus mucosa remained whole without fibrous tissue or cystic formations. There was no occurrence of cellularization as well as revascularization of the bovine bone matrix, though it has permitted bone conduction on this surface. It was possible to conclude that the demineralized bovine bone matrix was biotolerable, being incorporated into the bone without the presence of inflammatory cells with characteristics of inertness and antigenicity and behaved as an osteoconductive material.

Controlled swollen and drug release from urea-cross-linked polyether/siloxane hybrids

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Substrato flexível portátil para detecção e análises químicas usando fenômenos de amplificação sers e serrs por espectroscopia micro-raman e processo de obtenção do dito substrato

É descrita a invenção de um substrato flexível portátil para detecção e análises químicas usando fenômenos de amplificação sers e serrs por espectroscopia micro-raman e processo de obtenção do dito substrato. É descrita a invenção de um substrato flexível portátil para detecção e análises químicas usando fenômenos de amplificação sers (surface enhanced raman spectroscopy) e serrs (surface-enhanced resonance spectroscopy) por espectroscopia micro-raman e respectivo processo de obtenção do dito substrato que provê um substrato de borracha natural impregnando com nanopartículas de ouro.

Produção de lacases pelo fungo filamentoso de origem marinha Peniophora sp. CBMAI 1063 em biorreator de bancada

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

A autocitação paródica em Pedro Almodóvar: uma poética da pós-modernidade

Comment of cyclic use, made by the Spanish filmmaker of self-citations in his movies of mature works. Since 1995, besides the well-known quotations from films from other authors, he begins to incorporate and develop ideas, scenes, characters present in his previous films. Here stands the relationship between La flor de mi secreto e Volver and also between Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios e Los abrazos rotos.

Association between neuropathic pain and A-Waves in Leprosy patients with type 1 and 2 reactions

Summary: Neuropathic pain (NP) is a well-recognized feature of leprosy neuropathy. However, the diagnosis of NP is difficult using only clinical criteria. In the study reported here, by means of conventional nerve conduction studies, the authors sought for an association between long-latency responses and NP complaints in leprosy patients with type 1 and 2 reactions. Of the 27 ulnar nerves of leprosy patients, 18 with type 1 reaction (T1R) and 9 with type 2 reaction (T2R) were followed-up for 6 months before and after steroid treatment. Clinical characteristics of pain complaints and clinical function were assessed, as well as the presence of F- and A-waves of the ulnar nerve using nerve conduction studies. The clinical and the neurophysiologic findings were compared to note positive concordances (presence of NP and A-waves together) and negative concordances (absence of NP and A-waves together) before and after treatment. Both reactions presented a high frequency of A-waves (61.1% in T1R and 66.7% in T2R, P < 0.05) and prolonged F-waves (69.4% in T1R and 65.8% in T2R, P = 0.4). No concordances were seen between pain complaints and F-waves. However, significant concordances between NP and A-waves were observed, although restricted to the T2R group ([chi]2 = 5.65, P = 0.04). After treatment, there was a significant reduction in pain complaints, as well as the presence of F- and A-waves in both groups (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). In conclusion, the presence of A-waves correlates well with pain complaints of neuropathic characteristics in leprosy patients, especially in those with type 2 reaction. Probably, such response shares similar mechanisms with the small-fiber dysfunction seen in these patients with NP, such as demyelination, intraneural edema, and axonal sprouting. Further studies using specific tools for small-fiber assessment are warranted to confirm our findings.

Implicações geomorfológicas das alterações do escoamento superficial pela urbanização: análise dos processos erosivos na bacia hidrográfica do córrego Tucunzinho (São Pedro - SP)

This paper presents an evaluation of the geomorphological implications of urban runoff on the evolution of linear erosion processes in peri-urban areas. The Tucunzinho watershed (São Pedro/SP) case was chosen because it presents linear erosive forms in which the dynamic is associated with urban expansion into fragile areas and implantation of inadequate dissipation devices. The method proposed by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was adopted to obtain the Curve Number (CN) and runoff hydrographs of different sectors of the basin. The coverage classification (use and occupancy) was based on analysis of aerial photographs of two periods (1962 and 2006, updated in the field in 2011). The IPHS1 model was used for the simulation and analysis of the hydrological behavior for both the pre-urban occupation and the current occupation. The hydrogeomorphological analysis helped understand the influence of the urban run-off on the erosion dynamics, clearly showing the ineffectiveness of dissipation energy devices in the area, which has a natural susceptibility to erosion due to litho-soil characteristics.

Evaluation of bamboo particleboards produced with urea-formaldheyde resin

The bamboo waste can be an alternative material to sustain the crescent demand for particleboards, also bringing ecological benefits as reduction of the pressure for raw materials and landfill space demands. In this context, this research aimed to manufacture and determine some physical and mechanical properties of particleboards with bamboo waste particles (Dendrocalamus giganteus), obtained from different sources, bonded with four different percentages of urea–formaldehyde (UF) based resin (6%, 8%, 10% and 12% related to dry material of particles). Response variables investigated were: density; moisture content; thickness swelling in 2 and 24 hours; water absorption in 2 and 24 hours; internal adhesion (STpe); strength in tension parallel to faces (STpa); modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR). Results permitted to conclude that particleboards as mentioned showed good performance only in the physical properties requirements imposed by Brazilian Standard NBR 14810, but this was not observed to mechanical properties considered. New researches are needed in order to optimize the producing process parameters.

Efeito da progesterona na expressão do RNAm do receptor de LH e enzimas esteroidogênicas reguladoras do desenvolvimento folicular em células da granulosa de novilhas nelore

Pós-graduação em Zootecnia - FMVZ

Estratégias projetuais para a esplanada do complexo de Jundiaí

O presente trabalho final de graduação visa abordar as questões relativas às condições de preservação e utilização do patrimônio histório e arquitetônico construído na cidade de Jundiaí, tendo como objetivo o antigo Complexo Ferroviário da Companhia Paulista das Estradas de Ferro de 1893. è analisado o contexto histórico ao qual se insere a construção e consolidação deste complexo que diretamente influenciou na formação e crescimento da cidade, sua situação atual, seus usos e planos de recuperação em andamento. Em seguida, levando em consideração todo o apanhado realizado, e pautado em referências teórico-projetuais, se desenvolve um projeto de intervenção visando a recuperação de parte desse conjunto arquitetônico industrial de forma a garantir sua preservação, sua utilização e sua história pra toda comunidade

Fernando Henrique Cardoso e a dependência da região Amazônica

The goal for this research is to analyse the thinking of Fernando Henrique Cardoso (FHC), to understand his vision about underdevelopment nations and his teses about dependence, in order to comprehend its consequences of his the thinking for the Brazil and primarily to the brazilian Amazon region. Considering that the penetration geographical on Amazon and the history of the region make part of the totality of the process on expansion of the capitalism, in his form, function, rythm and volume of the accumulation occurred also in the other regions of the Brazil (and abroad), we have to study it in this way, showing that is a totality. Then to understand the actions of Cardoso as president, mainly on this region. Bringing this discussion to the social function of the corporations and the many faces of underdevelopment

Identificação de cavidades naturais por meio de eletrorresistividade na região de São Pedro (SP)

The scope of this work is the study of natural cavities in gullies through geophysics. The studied area is located in the city of São Pedro (SP) more precisely in the gully of Tucunzinho. The historic of the area shows that, since the 60s there were problems with the high rate of erosion in the gully. In addition to increased erosion, there is the appearance of cavities inside responsible for rebates, aggravating the situation. Geophysical methods have been successfully applied in environmental studies since they are noninvasive, are fast and relatively inexpensive. In order to better understand the context of formation of the pipes in relation to local geology, three arrangements were compared for the method of Electrical Resistivity, Schlumberger, Wenner and Dipole-dipole. Then, it was possible to determine which one is the best for this type of study. According to the data obtained in the field, the Schlumberger array presents more consistent results in relation to the erosive context analyzed