Organic acids and protein compounds causing the photoluminescence properties of natural rubber membranes and the quenching phenomena from Au nanoparticle incorporation

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

Tropical dermatology: Venomous arthropods and human skin Part I. Insecta

Although many tropical insects carry infectious diseases, cutaneous injury can occur by other mechanisms, for example erucism (envenomation by caterpillars) or lepidopterism (dermatitis from moths). Pararama is a unique form of erucism seen in workers in contact with rubber trees in the Amazon, and it is caused by Premolis larvae, resulting in progressive periarticular fibrosis, ankylosis, and the loss of articulation. Ants and aquatic insects of the Belostomatidae family can cause painful bites and stings. Anaphylactic shock and death can result from the venom of bees and wasps. Beetles can cause vesicular dermatitis via cantharidin or paederin. Myiasis results from fly larvae (maggots) feeding on live or necrotic tissue of humans or other hosts, while New World screwworm fly larvae feed only on living tissue and burrow (ie, screw) more deeply when attempts are made to remove them. Tungiasis is characterized by very pruritic and painful papules and ulcers resulting from a Tunga flea penetrating the host's skin. Dermatologists should be able to diagnose and treat the cutaneous manifestations of these tropical insects and educate their patients on prevention. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2012; 67:339.e1-14.)

In vitro cytotoxicity of some natural and semi-synthetic isocoumarins from Paepalanthus bromelioides

Numerous natural compounds have a potential for therapeutic applications, but may have to be chemically modified to alter toxic side effects. We investigated structural parameters that could affect the cytotoxicity of isocoumarins similar to 9,10-dihydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-1H-naphtho(2,3c)pyran-1-one (paepalantine 1). Paepalantine 1 has antimicrobial activity, as well as significant in vitro cytotoxic effects in the McCoy cell line. Two other natural and two semi-synthetic isocoumarins with similar structures obtained from the capitula of Paepalanthus bromelioides were tested on the same cell line by the neutral red assay. Substitution of the 9 and/or 10-OH group made these compounds less cytotoxic.

Surface electromyography of facial muscles during natural and artificial feeding of infants

Objective: To measure and compare the activity of the masseter, temporalis and buccinator muscles in different infant feeding methods. Method: Cross-sectional study of 60 full-term infants with no intercurrent diseases, aged between two and three months, classified into the following groups: 1) exclusive breastfeeding; 2) breastfeeding plus bottle-feeding; and 3) exclusive breastfeeding plus cup feeding. Surface electromyography was performed during infant feeding. The Krushal-Wallis test was used, complemented by multiple paired comparisons of the groups. A 5% significance level was chosen for the tests. Results: Statistically higher results were verified in the breastfeeding group in relation to the bottle-feeding one, both in the range of movement and the mean contraction of the masseter. With regard to the temporalis muscle, statistically higher results were found in the breastfeeding group comparatively to the bottle-feeding one. As to the buccinator muscle, statistically higher results were observed in the breastfeeding group in relation to the bottle-feeding one, although in this case, the difference concerned only the range of contraction. Conclusion: The similarities between the muscle activity in the breastfeeding and in the cup-feeding groups suggests that cup-feeding can be used as an alternative infant feeding method, being better than bottle-feeding, due to the hyperactivity of the buccinator muscle, which could result in changes to the structural growth and development of the stomatognathic system functions. Copyright © 2006 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria.

Thermal, rheological, and structural behaviors of natural and modified cassava starch granules, with sodium hypochlorite solutions

The use of chemically modified starches is widely accepted in various industries, with several applications. In this research, natural cassava starch granules were treated with standard sodium hypochlorite solution at 0.8, 2.0, and 5.0 g Cl/100 g starch. The native and modified starch samples were investigated by means of the following techniques: simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis, which allowed us to verify the thermal decomposition associated with endothermic or exothermic phenomena; and differential scanning calorimetry that was used to determine gelatinization enthalpy as well as the rapid viscoamylographic analysis that provided the pasting temperature and viscosity. By means of non-contact-atomic force microscopy method and X-ray powder patterns diffractometry, it was possible to observe the surface morphology, topography of starch granules, and alterations in the granules' crystallinity. © 2012 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.

Natural and anthropogenic influence on soil erosion in a rural watershed in the Brazilian southeastern region

Human activities have been driven land cover, provoking acceleration of the erosive process and alteration on the soil characteristics. To explore the effects of human disturbance, we investigated the influences of natural and anthropogenic features on soil quality and soil erosion indicators (EI) within a Brazilian rural watershed located in Bauru Municipality, State of So Paulo. A pre-established set of soil EI was used to evaluate the influence of anthropogenic land cover categories on the presence and severity of erosion, related with spatial variations of soil attributes. On-site visits were carried out to measure the occurrence and the intensity of eleven separate EI values and to collect undisturbed topsoil samples for subsequent analyses. We registered 17 occurrences of EIs, distributed in ten locals. Occurrence and intensity of EIs were related to degree of sheet erosion. The EI qualities were more strongly associated with land cover management practices than to local topographic features. The occurrence of EIs and characteristics of soil and soil organic matter (SOM) were not significantly self-correlated. Although land cover class seems to influence soil properties and SOM attributes, we observed that the granulometric composition of the soils also contributes to the structural characteristics of the soil and consequently to the dynamic loss and gain of soil carbon. Sites covered with natural remnant vegetation (NRV) store 96.5 Mg ha(-1) of C and grassy and tilled soils stored more C than NRV, 100.1 and 142.4 Mg ha(-1), respectively. Due to the influence of soil texture over the soil C dynamic, we observe that in Bauru, pastured areas have high potential for sequestration of C if factors such as fire and/or erosion were avoided or effectively controlled. Results from this study show that human disturbance substantially affects soil properties within of southeastern region of Brazil.

Molecular and morphological characterization of bis benzimidazo perylene films and surface-enhanced phenomena

Thin solid films of bis benzimidazo perylene (AzoPTCD) were fabricated using physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique. Thermal stability and integrity of the AzoPTCD PVD films during the fabrication (similar to 400 degrees C at 10(-6) Torr) were monitored by Raman scattering. Complementary thermogravimetric results showed that thermal degradation of AzoPTCD occurs at 675 degrees C. The growth of the PVD films was established through UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and the surface morphology was surveyed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a function of the mass thickness. The AzoPTCD molecular organization in these PVD films was determined using the selection rules of infrared absorption spectroscopy (transmission and reflection-absorption modes). Despite the molecular packing, X-ray diffraction revealed that the PVD films are amorphous. Theoretical calculations (density functional theory, B3LYP) were used to assign the vibrational modes in the infrared and Raman spectra. Metallic nanostructures, able to sustain localized surface plasmons (LSP) were used to achieve surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) and surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF).

Environmental management system and human resource practices: is there a link between them in four Brazilian companies?

The aim of this article is to analyze the theoretical model proposed by [Jabbour CJC, Santos FCA. Relationships between human resource dimensions and environmental management in companies: proposal of a model. Journal of Cleaner Production 2008;16(1):5 1-8.] based on the data collected in four Brazilian companies. This model investigates how the phases of the environmental management system can be linked to human resource practices in order to attain continuous improvement of a company's environmental performance. Our aim is to contribute to a field, which has little empirical evidence. Although the interaction between the phases of the environmental management system and human resource practices is recommended by the specialized literature [Daily BE Huang S. Achieving sustainability through attention to human resource factors in environmental management. International Journal of Operations and Production Management 2001:21(12):1539-52.], the results indicate that most of the theoretical assumptions could not be confirmed in these Brazilian companies. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE and HUMAN CONSEQUENCES of AFRICANIZED BEE STINGS IN THE AMERICAS

In 1956, Africanized bees began to spread in the American continent from southern Brazil, where original African bees mated with European bees. A few years later, in 1990, these Africanized bees reached the United States and were found in Texas. Currently, these hybrid bees are found in several North American states and will probably reach the Canadian border in the future. Although the presence of Africanized bees had produced positive effects on Brazilian economy, including improvement in crop pollination and in honey production, turning Brazil into a major exporter, the negative impacts-such as swarming, aggressive behavior, and the ability to mass attack-resulted in serious and fatal envenomation with humans and animals. Victims of bee attacks usually develop a severe envenomation syndrome characterized by the release of a large amount of cytokines [interleukins (IL) IL-1, IL-6, IL-8], and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Subsequently, such cytokines produce an acute inflammatory response that triggers adverse effects on skeletal muscles; bone marrow; hepatic and renal functions; and cardiovascular, central nervous, and immune systems. Finally, the aim of the present review is to study historical characteristics and current status of Africanized bees' spread, the composition of their venom, the impact of the bees on the Brazilian economy and ecology, and clinical aspects of their stings including immune response, and to suggest a protocol for bee sting management since there is no safe and effective antivenom available.

Tropical dermatology: Venomous arthropods and human skin Part II. Diplopoda, Chilopoda, and Arachnida

Members of arthropod classes Chilopoda (centipedes), Diplopoda (millipedes), and Arachnida (spiders and scorpions) cause tissue injury via bites, stings, and/or a release of toxins. A few members of the Acari subclass of Arachnida (mites and ticks) can transmit a variety of infectious diseases, but this review will cover the noninfectious manifestations of these vectors. Dermatologists should be familiar with the injuries caused by these arthropods in order to initiate proper treatment and recommend effective preventative measures. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2012;67:347.e1-9.)

Hematological changes in sheep inoculated with natural and Cobalt60-irradiated Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (Laurenti, 1768)

Natural (NV) and Cobalto60-irradiated (IrV) Crotalus durissus terrificus venom were used to evaluate serum production capacity of sheep and possible hematological and biochemical effects. Freeze-dried venom aliquots were diluted in acidified saline solution (NaCl 150 mM, pH 3.0) and irradiated by a Cobalt 60 source at a dose of 5.54 x 102 Gy/h and a concentration of 2.000 Gy. Twelve sheep were divided into two groups of six animals. One group received irradiated venom (IrV) and the other natural venom (NV). Three antigen doses (venom) were administered at monthly intervals. Blood samples were collected weekly for analysis of serum neutralization potency and capacity, complete blood count (CBC), total plasma protein, fibrinogen, albumin, and globulin. At the end of the experiment, the animals were challenged with a LD50 for sheep and showed no signs of envenoming. The two groups did not present clinical alterations. Results of the total leukocyte count did not present interaction or time factor effect for both groups, but there was a different action between them, with the NV group presenting more cells than the IrV group. The leukocyte increase to 13,000/ml indicates that slight leukocytosis occurred in the week after the first inoculation in the NV group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the absolute count of segmented neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes but there were statistically significant oscillations in values at the different collecting times. The NV group presented an increase in the absolute neutrophil count after the first inoculation that persisted for 5 weeks. In the IrV group, the increase in neutrophils occurred only in the first week returning to normal in the following weeks. The alterations in the neutrophil count are indicative of systemic inflammatory response related to cytokine release; response was more marked in the NV group, showing its greater toxicity.

Interactions between environment, wild animals and human leptospirosis

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

Fermentation and nutritive value of silage and hay made from the aerial part of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

A mandioca, apesar de ser nativa do Brasil, ainda é sub-utilizada principalmente quando a questão é o aproveitamento da sua parte aérea. Com o objetivo de estudar o potencial da mandioca para alimentação animal, o presente trabalho avaliou as características da parte aérea da planta quando submetida os processos de ensilagem e fenação. Os tratamentos consistiram de: parte aérea ensilada sem emurchecimento (PAS); parte aérea ensilada após 24 horas de emurchecimento (PAE) e parte aérea fenada (PAF). As análises químicas foram realizadas a fim de avaliar os parâmetros que determinam o valor nutritivo da silagem e do feno. O emurchecimento elevou o teor de matéria seca de 25% no material in natura para 27.7%, sem alterar o teor de carboidratos solúveis (33.3 e 35.5% de MS na PAS e PAE respectivamente), bem como o poder tampão (204 mmol kg-1 MS na PAS e 195 mmol kg-1 MS na PAE). Nem o pH (3.57 na silagem in natura e 3.60 na PAE) nem os teores de NIDA (11.32% do nitrogênio total na MS na PAS e 9.99% do nitrogênio total na MS na PAE) diferiram entre as silagens, mas o NIDA foi maior na forragem fenada (15.39%). Contudo, o emurchecimento provocou aumento no nitrogênio amoniacal (de 6.5% do nitrogênio total na MS da PAS para 13.0 do nitrogênio total na MS da PAE). Os teores de ácidos graxos voláteis não sofreram alterações com o emurchecimento. O processo de ensilagem reduziu os teores de ácido cianídrico livre (HCN), sem, contudo, alterar a cianidrina.