Processo de desidratação da alga Gracilaria birdiae beneficiada em laboratório e artesanalmente: análise da atividade antioxidante e composição centesimal

The main aim of this study was to compare the procedure for dehydration of Gracilaria birdiae prepared handmade and laboratory, collected in the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. The sample was collected in the Rio do Fogo beach in march 2009. The sample collected followed by two processing, the first the material prepared in laboratory was air-dried at 50°C for 24 hours in air-flow oven. The second the handmade sample was air-dried on the sun during three days. The extract was prepared in three different solvents: ethanol, hydroethanol and water, resulting in ethanol, hidroethanol and aqueous extracts from handmade and laboratory sample. In according with results only the ethanol extract was fractionated yielding the fractions hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. The different process to obtain Gracilaria birdiae resulted in the samples with different shades. The soluble solids content was higher in the laboratory sample. The chemical composition the both samples were characterized by presenting a considerable amounts of carbohydrates, with amior percentage protein and ash, respectively, in the handmade and laboratory sample. In two samples showed a low content of lipids and the lipid profile showed a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids, with the absence polyunsaturated handmade sample. The phytochemical screening by chemical reactions showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins the laboratory sample, presenting a greater diversity of bioactive compounds. Through of the analysis by thin layer chromatography was possible to identify the phytosterols β-sitosterol and stigmasterol the both samples, also suggest the presence of β-carotene and chlorophyll α the laboratory sample. The levels of total phenolics and flavonoids were more significant in the ethanol extract of the laboratory sample. The in vitro lethality showed that extracts of the laboratory sample and handmade from 125 to 500 μg/ mL, respectively, were highly lethal. In the evaluation of antioxidant capacity by the system β-carotene/ácido linoleic method and by DPPH radical scavernging assay, the ethanol extract from the laboratory process showed significantly greater activity than the other extracts, being and the first and second methods, respectively, lower and equivalent to the synthetic antioxidant BHT. The handmade ethanol extract has not demonstrated skill in deactivating free radicals, but showed activity in inhibiting lipid peroxidation, although the values were significantly lower than the laboratory sample. We conclude that the dehydration process in the laboratory is the most efficient technique to maintenance of the chemical composition present in the seaweed, providing beneficial properties such as antioxidant capacity. We emphasize that this property can be explored with the objective of adding commercial value to the final product, which will promote the expansion of production of this seaweed in the community of Rio do Fogo

Avaliação in vitro e in vivo da Atividade Antioxidante do Extrato Hidroetanólico de Folhas de Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans (Turneraceae)

Recently, it has been a increasing interest in the antioxidative role of natural products to aid the endogenous protective biological systems against the deleterious effects of oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) reactive species. Many antioxidant compounds, naturally occurring from plant sources. Natural antioxidants can protect and prevent the human body from oxidative stress and retard the progress of many diseases in which free radical are involved. Several plants used in the folk medicine to treat certain disorders that are accompanied by inflammation and other pharmacological properties have been proved their attributed properties, such antioxidant activity. Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans (Turneraceae), frequently employed by population as a medicinal plant, demonstrated antioxidant activity by in vitro and in vivo assays, using its leaf hydroethanolic extract (10%) he in vitro DPPH radical-scanvenging activity showed a strong antioxidant activity (86.57% ± 0.14), similar to Carduus marianus and catequine effects. For the in vivo assays, adult female Wistar rats (n=48) with carbon tetrachloride hepatic injury induced (2,5mL/kg i.p.) were used, Six groups or rats were uses (n=8) [G1 = control (1,25 mL/kg i.p. vehicle); G2 = CCl4 (2,5 mL/kg i.p.); G3 = CCl4 + extract 7 days (500 mg/kg p.o.); G4 = CCl4 + Legalon® 7 days (50 mg/kg p.o.), G5 = CCl4 + extract 21 days (500 mg/kg p.o.) e G6 = CCl4 + Legalon® 21 days (50 mg/kg p.o.)]. The hepatic oxidative injury was evaluated through biochemical parameters [alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST)] histopathological study, while thiobarbituric acid reactive products (TBAR), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were used to evaluate proantioxidant parameters. The plant extract tested was found effective as hepatoprotective as evidenced by a decreasing in the ALT and AST activities (p<0.001) and TBAR (plasma, p<0.001 and liver, p<0.001). Levels of GSH (blood, p<0.001 and liver, p<0.001) and antioxidant enzymes [CAT erythrocyte (p<0.05) and hepatic (p<0.01); SOD erythrocyte (p<0.001) and hepatic (p<0.001); GPx erythrocyte (p<0.001) and hepatic (p<0.001)] were also significantly increased. Histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were significantly reduced by the extract treatment. The data obtained were comparable to that of Legalon®, a reference hepatoprotective drug. The results showed that T. ulmifolia leaf extract protects against CCl4 induced oxidative damage. Therefore, this effect must be associated to its antioxidant activity, attributed to the phenolic compounds, present in these extract, which can act as free radical scavengers

Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana de sistemas emulsionados contendo óleos naturais para o tratamento de infecções cutâneas

Natural oils have shown a scientific importance due to its pharmacological activity and renewable character. The copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii) and Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana Shaw) oils are used in folk medicine particularly because the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Emulsion could be eligible systems to improve the palatability and fragrance, enhance the pharmacological activities and reduce the toxicological effects of these oils. The aim of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of emulsions based on copaiba (resin-oil and essential-oil) and bullfrog oils against fungi and bacteria which cause skin diseases. Firstly, the essential oil was extracted from copaiba oil-resin and the oils were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Secondly, emulsion systems were produced. A microbiological screening test with all products was performed followed (the minimum inhibitory concentration, the bioautography method and the antibiofilm determination). Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. tropicalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and clinical samples were used. The emulsions based on copaiba oil-resin and essential oil improved the antimicrobial activity of the pure oils, especially against Staphylococcus e Candida resistant to azoles. The bullfrog oil emulsion and the pure bullfrog oil showed a lower effect on the microorganisms when compared to the copaiba samples. All the emulsions showed a significant antibiofilm activity by inhibiting the cell adhesion. Thus, it may be concluded that emulsions based on copaiba and bullfrog oils are promising candidates to treatment of fungal and bacterial skin infections

Efeito do uso de probiótico sobre o desempenho e atividade de enzimas digestivas de frangos de corte

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

Atividade microbiana do solo em pomar de laranja em resposta ao cultivo de adubos verdes

Adubos verdes (AVs) são condicionadores do solo utilizados para a melhoria da estrutura e fertilidade do solo. Este estudo avaliou o efeito de Crotalaria spectabilis Roth (crotalária), Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp (guandu) e Brachiaria decumbens Stapf (braquiária) nas propriedades microbiológicas e bioquímicas do solo sob laranjal. As leguminosas foram plantadas nas entrelinhas do laranjal e, após 3 meses, cortadas e lançadas nas entrelinhas. A braquiária, já estabelecida, foi roçada e lançada nas entrelinhas. Após 5 meses, as amostras de solo foram coletadas na entrelinha e na linha, na profundidade de 0-20 cm. O delineamento experimental foi em parcela subdividida. Efeito significativo (p< 0,05%) da aplicação dos AV sobre as contagens de bactérias, as atividades da desidrogenase e nitrificante foram obtidas e aumentaram, em média, de 20, 39 e 190%, respectivamente. O número de fungos diminuiu de 57%. A atividade da urease e a solubilizadora, e os conteúdos de matéria orgânica e umidade não foram influenciados pela aplicação dos AVs. Dentre as plantas, respostas significativas foram obtidas decorrentes do estímulo da atividade da desidrogenase em 57% pelo guandu, da urease em 58% pela braquiária, solubilizadora em 346% pela crotalária e nitrificante em 236% pelo guandu ou braquiária em relação aos demais AVs. Estes resultados sugerem que a aplicação de AVs durante anos consecutivos pode estimular a ação dos microrganismos e melhorar a qualidade do solo.

Atividade tóxica de isolados de Bacillus Thuringiensis a larvas de Aedes Aegypti (l.) (diptera: culicidae)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Brincar, atividade humana e ferramenta pedagógica no contexto escolar da região metropolitana de natal

This thesis talks about the use of guided educational tools in play and playful in public schools in the Metropolitan Region of Natal (MRN), contributing to the teaching and students learning of basic education in the contents of portuguese and mathematics. We assume that the play is an activity / human need and therefore implies the proper development of children in physical, psychological, biological, cultural, social and historical aspects. We consider the mediation exercised by the teacher in the classroom, and the affection existing between teacher and student, sine qua non terms, so that the truth and fact of the process of teaching and learning occur. Thus, theoretically collaborated Paulo Freire, with his dialogical vision; Lev S. Vygotsky says that we learn and why we develop; Lev S. Vygotsky that states that we learn and for that we develop ourselves; Pierre Bourdieu and the concept of habitus, as something embedded and therefore procedural, and the cultural capital that needs to be fed and (re)meaning at school; Luiz Pereira, Bernard Lahire, Gilles Brougère and others brought their theoretical contributions. The empirical field of research was composed by the Municipal School Professor Ulysses de Góis, located in the neighborhood of Nova Descoberta in Natal, and the Municipal School José Horacio de Góis, located in the community of Guanduba, in São Gonçalo do Amarante, municipalities of the Metropolitan Region of Natal (MRN). We used as methodology the collaborative-action-research as a possible of effective participation of the research subjects, imputing them a voice and performance in the process, and not considering them just observers. The results indicate the effectiveness of the pedagogical tools in play and playful to the learning of students, but that alone is not able to solve all the problems of the school, other referrals need to be secured, as the planning of the actions to be developed in the school and in the classroom, systematized pedagogical orienttion for faculty, family participation/involvement in the school life of students, among other actions that need to be weighted so that education fulfills its role and promote the emancipation of the subject, because in the freireana liberating perspective, "the reading of the world preced the lecture of the word"

Utilização intracoágulo de espuma fibrinolítica - preparação, caracterização e atividade in vitro de uma espuma de estreptoquinase e proposta de uma nova abordagem terapêutica

Foam was developed as a novel vehicle for streptokinase with the purpose of increasing the contact time and area between the fibrinolytic and the target thrombus, which would lead to a greater therapeutic efficacy at lower doses, decreasing the drug s potential to cause bleeding. Fibrinolytic foams were prepared using CO2 and human albumin (at different v:v ratios), as the gas and liquid phases, respectively, and streptokinase at a low total dose (100,000 IU) was used as fibrinolytic agent conveyed in 1 mL of foam and in isotonic saline solution. The foams were characterized as foam stability and apparent viscosity. The thrombolytic effect of the streptokinase foam was determined in vitro as thrombus lysis and the results were compared to those of a fibrinolytic solution (prepared using the same dose of streptokinase) and foam without the fibrinolytic. In vitro tests were conducted using fresh clots were weighed and placed in test tubes kept at 37 ° C. All the samples were injected intrathrombus using a multiperforated catheter. The results showed that both foam stability and apparent viscosity increased with the increase in the CO2:albumin solution ratio and therefore, the ratio of 3:1 was used for the incorporation of streptokinase. The results of thrombus lysis showed that the streptokinase foam presented the highest thrombolytic activity (44.78 ± 9.97%) when compared to those of the streptokinase solution (32.07 ± 3.41%) and the foam without the drug (19.2 ± 7.19%). We conclude that fibrinolytic foam showed statistically significant results regarding the enhancement of the lytic activity of streptokinase compared to the effect of the prepared saline solution, thus it can be a promising alternative in the treatment of thrombosis. However, in vivo studies are needed in order to corroborate the results obtained in vitro

Correlação da atividade de lactato desidrogenase e concentração de lactato com a classificação de efusões em cães

As efusões são problemas clínicos frequentes e que ocorrem em consequência de uma enfermidade que culmine com diminuição da pressão coloidosmótica intravascular, elevação da pressão hidrostática local, aumento da permeabilidade vascular e/ou comprometimento da drenagem realizada pelos vasos linfáticos. Dessa maneira, a avaliação laboratorial desse fluido torna-se relevante para que, em conjunto com os sinais clínicos apresentados pelo paciente, possa ser firmado um possível diagnóstico e instituída ação terapêutica adequada. Assim sendo, a classificação de uma efusão em transudato ou exsudato torna-se um dos pontos críticos para a elucidação do diagnóstico e condução do caso clínico. em Medicina Veterinária, o método tradicional de classificação de uma efusão é baseado na contagem celular e na concentração de proteínas do fluido. Contudo, diversos estudos evidenciam que tais parâmetros não são suficientes para a correta classificação de todas as efusões. Assim, o presente estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de verificar a correlação de outros parâmetros bioquímicos com a diferenciação das efusões transudativas e exsudativas e, para tal, foram avaliadas as atividades de lacatato desidrogenase (LDH) das efusões, a relação de sua atividade fluido/soro, concentração de lactato das efusões, o gradiente de concentração de lactato do soro para o fluido e a concentração de proteínas das efusões. Os resultados obtidos permitiram observar que a atividade de LDH, a relação LDH efusão/soro, a concentração de lactato e o gradiente de concentração de lactato soro/efusão apresentam diferença estatisticamente significativa (P<0,05), bem como alta correlação com a classificação de uma efusão exsudativa.

Avaliação da atividade turística sobre a composição e a distribuição das macroalgas marinhas nos recifes de Pirangi (Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil)

The reef area of Pirangi beach has been experiencing antropogenic actions, mainly due to tourism activity. In order to evaluate these effects, surveys on seaweeds were conducted at nine stations located over the fringing reef. Benthic community (seaweeds/corals) were identified using the photoquadrat method, with 50 meters random transects located paralleled to the coast. The general categories evaluated in each transect were: rock, sand, seaweeds, corals and mollusks. Data achieved were processed at Coral Point Count with Excel Extensions software. A total of 30 seaweed species, 5 coral species and 1 mollusk species were identified. There was a high dominance of short algae at stations with high tourism pressure, whereas frondose algae usually occurred at places without human interference. Seaweeds with the highest percent cover were composed by Sargassum vulgare (59%), Caulerpa racemosa (47%) and Dictyopteris delicatula (33%). Cluster analyses considering benthic organisms revealed five benthic features: (1) submersed area characterized by a diversified marine flora; (2) area with dominance of Caulerpa racemosa and presence of Millepora alcicornis; (3) area with high cover of Sargassum vulgare; (4) trampling area characterized by bare rocks, short algae and Zoanthus sociatus and (5) area with high coverage of Palythoa caribaeroum. Obtained data suggest that the studied area has been damaged by tourism activities. Furthermore, observed differences in algal communities may be a good indicator of ecosystem health of Pirangi reefs

A atividade eólica e o desenvolvimento regional: perspectivas na formação do pólo eólico no Rio Grande do Norte

The object of this study involves the eolian energy and the scenario the training of wind pole in Rio Grande do Norte. The aim is to investigate how far the implementation of the potiguar eolian pole may represent a regional development policy with real change in the structure of the traditional local productive base. About the interaction between the public and private to development of the local eolian activity, the hypothesis is that there is no coordination between the sectors responsible for eolian activity in the state. The theoretical approach follows the developmental current and theory of growth poles, and methodology adopted is a search of exploratory and documentary, with analysis of relevant documents on the subject. As a result of the study it was found that owing to the fragility of the productive structure potiguar and imbalances produced by the concentration of capital in the Northeast, the eolian activity in the state, needs a greater state-owned intervention to ensure a basis of development based on the study and strengthening local productive chain

Os saberes em potencial da atividade policial ostensiva: sistematizando modelos a partir da experiência potiguar

This work of research presents an investigation into the knowledge related to the ostensive policing activities of a group of the Rio Grande do Norte State Military Police Captains. This knowledge, which is decisive and part of Brazilian Military Police Constitutional matters, must be taken into consideration when it comes down to planning and putting into force the services related to ostensive public security. Thus, a historical and social analysis about the formation of the police by starting from foreigner experiences down to Rio Grande do Norte s reality, led by such knowledge, was made. Further, studying Brazilian and local scene, this knowledge was analyzed on the ostensive policing activities as for the principles of the Brazilian National Public Security Plan, Brazilian Classification of Occupations / CBO 2002, the reference documents and studies for police graduation Curricular Basis and Matrix; the Variables of Ostensive Policing, as well as some important competences of police service. Arguing that this knowledge is somehow related to what is presented in this work as Orientation Axis to Military Police Service , research tools such as Critical Case Solution and the answers to the Questionnaire on Fundamental Areas of Military Police Service , having in the end six knowledge models related to ostensive policing activities were used within that group. This knowledge can be classified in three distinct categories of connotations within the military police activity: one with reactive/repressive characteristics being the most predominant; the second as preventive; and another one that revealed that the military police activity is being misused for actions and/or missions outside the scope of action of military police

Avaliação in vitro da atividade antifúngica de extratos de plantas e óleo de eucalipto sobre Trichophyton mentagrophytes

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a ação antifúngica de extratos de plantas medicinais e óleo de eucalipto frente ao dermatófito Trichophyton mentagropytes, visando a utilização da fitoterapia no controle. As plantas utilizadas na obtenção dos extratos foram arruda (Ruta graveolens), citronela (Cymbopogon nardus), cravo de defunto (Tagetes minuta), eucalipto (Eucalyptus spp), graviola (Annona muricata), fruta do conde (Annona spp), manga (Mangifera indica), romã (Punica granatum), flores e folhas de primavera (Bougainvillea spectabilis). Verificou-se que uso de 0,5% óleo de eucalipto no combate ao T. mentagropytes foi eficaz, já os extratos de citronela (4%) eucalipto (5%) e romã (8%) atuaram como fungistáticos e os restantes não devem ser usados contra este dermatófito porque não causaram nenhum efeito.

A história escolar e a teoria da atividade: relações e possibilidades formativas no ensinar e aprender

This study investigates the manner in which the Activity Theory by Alexei Nikolaevich Leontiev contributed to the performance of a teacher who teaches History at the 8th year of elementary school, Escola Estadual Coronel Fernandes, in Luís Gomes - RN city. Her goal is to analyze the contributions of this theory in her teaching practice. It was opted by collaborative approach as formative strategy and was used as procedures for training of knowing the courses of study and thoughtful reflection sessions. It was used as techniques in the development of these cycles, the semistructured interview and the reflection sessions, the autoscopy and observation in real life. Regarding the theoretical foundation, held in these cycles, the teacher demonstrated to have appropriated some contributions from Activity Theory, besides relating them to her practice and understanding her importance to the improvement of teaching and learning of History. Concerning to the reflection sessions, the analysis showed that the participant has used of constructions of this theory and improved their practice, developing lessons of History so as to encourage student participation in oral and promote his integral development. The educational process, carried out on the practice of teacher, has shown an increase in her conscious learning that contributed to the improvement in their professional development. Before these findings, as needs for new thinking, this research recommends, especially the organization of teaching activities, based on this theory, which allows the teacher to improve the teaching and learning process contributing to student's full education

Associação entre consumo alimentar e atividade física com a síndrome metabólica em mulheres na pós-menopausa

Post-menopause is characterized as the period beginning one year after the permanent cessation of menstrual cycles, which is typically related to medical disorders that, in association with Metabolic Syndrome (MS), represent a set of cardiovascular risk factors. Objective: To assess dietary intake and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women, according to the level of physical activity. Methods: The sample consisted of 82 women, evaluated in the Northern Zone of the city of Natal / RN who were participants in the Natal Active Program. People completed a Food Frequency Consumption Questionnaire (FFCQ) and were interviewed about physical activity. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were used to diagnose MS (Metabolic Syndrome). Result: The active women consumed more protective foods (flaxseed, nuts, whole wheat bread, brown rice and olive oil) than inactive women. Risky foods (sugar, crackers, white bread, white rice, margarine and beef) were consumed more by the group of inactive women. The prevalence of MS was higher in inactive women (53.30%) than in physically active women (46.70%). Conclusion: Active post-menopausal women had a higher daily intake of protective foods in relation to cardiovascular disease, while the inactive post-menopausal women had higher intake of risky foods for such diseases