General characterization of Tityus fasciolatus scorpion venom. Molecular identification of toxins and localization of linear B-cell epitopes

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of fresh sugarcane hydrolysed with calcium oxide (CaO)

The objective was to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of sugarcane hydrolysed with increasing doses of calcium oxide and varying air exposure times. A completely randomised, split plot design was used; the doses were allocated to the plots, and the air exposure times were allocated to the subplots, with four repetitions. The data underwent analysis of variance and were laid out according to the effect of the treatment on the components of polynomial regressions, and evaluated at the 5% probability. The increase in the dosage negatively affected the quantities of neutral-detergent fibre (NDF), acid-detergent fibre (ADF), lignin (LIG), total carbohydrates (TC), cellulose (CEL), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE); and positively affected the quantities of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and mineral matter (MM). The addition of calcium oxide improved the in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDMD) coefficients and was able to keep up to 72 hours. The in vitro digestibility of the neutral-detergent fibre (IVDNDF) and of the acid-detergent fibre (IVDADF) coefficients decreased when calcium oxide was added. Calcium oxide has the ability to hydrolyse the fibrous fraction and conserve chopped sugarcane. Doses of 0.5 and 1.0% lime exhibited similar results to those achieved at higher doses; therefore, higher doses are not required in the hydrolyses of sugarcane. Over time, the sugarcane deteriorates, but this deterioration is reduced by the addition of calcium oxide.

Effects of humidity on the electrical properties of thermal inkjet-printed films of copper tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (CuTsPc) onto paper substrates

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

Studies on the application of Myceliophthora thermophila JCP1-4 cellulases cocktail on sugarcane bagasse pretreated by different methods

The hydrolysis step for sugar production in biorefineries is crucial for the sequential processes involved and cellulases cocktails behave differently according to the pretreatment employed. In this study, the application of the cellulases cocktail produced by the fungus Myceliophthora thermophila JCP1-4 was studied on the saccharification of sugarcane bagasse pretreated by ozonolysis and thermic ferric nitrate (TFN), and the results were compared with commercial enzymes (Novozymes Celluclast 1.5L, Novozym 188). The fungal cellulases cocktail hold an activity of FPU:β-glucosidase of 1:4(U/mL); time, temperature, FPU by g of cellulose load and percentage of dry matter (DM) were studied. The analysis of central composite design of TFN pretreated showed that fungal cellulases works better in DM values of 3–3.5% (4.5% for commercial), temperatures higher than 50 °C (<45 °C for commercial) and 15FPU for both; commercial enzymes yielded 7.78 g/L of reducing sugars and the fungal enzymes 5.42 g/L. With the ozone pretreated, the fungal enzymes presented a higher thermostability with faster kinects, being able to produce 5.56 g/L of reducing sugars (60 °C, 8 h), against 5.20 g/L for commercial enzymes (50 °C, 24 h), (10FPU, 3%DM for both). The FPU derivate analysis revels better yields with 7.5FPU, and the increase of DM to 7.5% resulted 13.28 g/L of reducing sugars.

Bacterial cellulose biocomposites for guided tissue regeneration

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has become established as a remarkably versatile biomaterial and can be used in a wide variety of scientific applications, especially for medical devices. In this work, the bacterial cellulose fermentation process is modified by the addition of chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid (1% w/w) to the culture medium before the bacteria is inoculated. Besides, biomimetic precipitation of calcium phosphate of biological interest from simulated body fluid on bacterial cellulose was studied. Chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid influences in bacterial cellulose were analyzed using transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR analysis showed interaction between bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites and calcium phosphate and XRD demonstrated amorphous calcium phosphate and calcium chloride on bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites. SEM images confirmed incorporation of calcium phosphate in bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites surface with different calcium phosphate particles morphology.

Cellulose acetate membranes for osmosedimentation: Performance and morphological dependence on preparation conditions

Osmosedimentation is a new membrane-assisted separation technique, based on the rapid approach to sedimentation equilibrium when macromolecular solutions are contained within dialysis cells, in contact with solvent via a permselective membrane. Cellulose acetate membranes, cast from ternary solvent (acetone, acetic acid, water) solutions are suitable for osmosedimentation of proteins at low (2000 rpm) centrifugation speeds. Solute retention is improved when acetone-rich casting solutions are used. These membranes were examined by electron and optical microscopy, showing considerable morphological changes in the membrane support layer as the casting solution composition is changed. © 1986.

Hemoglobin patterns in different populations of Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch, 1795 (Pisces, Synbranchidae)

1. 1. Total hemolysates of Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch, 1795 captured at four different sites in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, showed two different hemoglobin phenotypes when submitted to agar-starch gel electrophoresis on glass slides in basic buffer. 2. 2. Phenotype I was characterized by 3 hemoglobin bands. When the total hemolysate was submitted to cellulose acetate electrophoresis in basic buffer containing 6 M urea and β-mercaptoethanol, Phenotype I showed four globins of the α 1, α 2, β and γ types, with 11.9 ± 1.9 g% total hemoglobin, 45.3 ± 3.6% globular volume, and 26.8 ± 4.4% mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). 3. 3. Phenotype II showed three groups of hemoglobins, with a total of up to 12 hemoglobin bands. When the total hemolysate was submitted to cellulose acetate electrophoresis in basic buffer containing 6 M urea and β-mercaptoethanol, phenotype II showed five types of globins, denoted types α 1, α 2, γ 1, γ 2 and β, having electrophoretic positions different from those of Phenotype I globins, with 18.1 ± 3.3% total hemoglobin, 47.9 ± 6.4% globular volume, and 37.8 ± 4.4% MCHC. 4. 4. The distribution of the specimens having the two hemoglobin phenotypes is associated with the different geomorphological provinces of the State of São Paulo, suggesting the existence of at least two populational groups of Synbranchus marmoratus. © 1986.

Characterization of the hemoglobins and globins of Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch, 1795 (Pisces, Synbranchidae)

1. 1. Total hemolysates of Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch, 1795, captured in Vitoriana, district of Botucatu, State of São Paulo, Brazil, were submitted to agar-starch gel electrophoresis on glass slides using 42 mM-Tris 1.7 mM EDTA-6.1 mM borate buffer, pH 8.8, for the gel and 10 mM borate-1.7 mM NaOH buffer, pH 8.6, for the cuvette. 2. 2. Three distinct hemoglobin bands were detected, with Hb I being of the cathodic type. 3. 3. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis in 800 mM Tris-2.1 mM EDTA buffer, pH 8.9, containing 6 M urea and 2.25 mM β-mercaptoethanol indicated the presence of four globin chains denoted α 1, α 2, β and γ. 4. 4. It is suggested that the probable tetrameric constitution of the hemoglobin of Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch, 1795 is Hb I (α 2 2γ 2), Hb II (α 2 1γ 2) and Hb III (α 2 1β 2). © 1986.

Rheological characterisation and effect of abiotic factors on the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan-based hidrogels containing alpha-hydroxy acids

The aim of this study was to investigate the rheological properties and antibacterial efficacy of chitosan/ alpha-hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid) and cellulose polymers, both in hydrogels, in order to produce a formulation with improved activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus, which can potentially be used in the treatment of acne. The rheological characterisation of the hydrogels was examined using continuous shear and viscoelastic creep. The antibacterial activities of formulations were performed by the well diffusion and broth microdilution. The hydrogels formulated with only chitosan showed pseudoplastic behavior while the chitosan hydrogels with cellulose polymers presented viscoelastic properties. The antibacterial activity was proportional to AHA and chitosan concentration. It was enhanced at low pH values and with high molecular weight chitosan and did not change with the incorporation of two cellulose polymers. The antibacterial mechanism of chitosan has currently been hypothesized as being related to surface interference. The results show that chitosan - based hydrogels containing AHA and cellulose polymers are viscoelastic,indicating good applicability onto the skin, and they present bacterial activity under various experimental conditions.

Development and analysis of formulations to the delivery of caffeine for the treatment of gynoid lipodystrophy

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Analysis of effectiveness of three forest interventionist techniques and proposal of a new and integrated model of forest restoration

We assessed the efficacy of three different forest intervention techniques, in terms of phytosociological and edaphic responses, that were implemented in 2007. In a farm where trees are planted and managed for cellulose production as well as set aside for environmental conservation, four stands were analysed: three of them were considered degraded and were managed using different intervention techniques (transposition, perch, and abandonment), and a fourth stand comprising pristine vegetation was considered a control (reference). Floristic and phytosociology data were collected in three 10 × 10 m plots established in each stand. Also, a total of 48 soil samples were collected to analyse physical and chemical attributes of the topsoil for the different stands. In terms of biodiversity, all the treatments showed significantly lower values when compared to the reference area. However, the soils in all the treatment and reference stands are similar in terms of physical and chemical attributes. Taking into account the specificities of each restoration technique, we verified that the integrated use of a set of management practices, constituted by the (1) abandonment of the area and (2) following a selective killing of the eucalyptus, is the most suitable and promising model to provide fast and effective restoration in terms of environmental indicators.

THE ROLE OF BIRD MANAGEMENT IN FIRE PROTECTION

Two years ago, Mike Fall and I showed you some ideas we had regarding mod¬ern architecture and bird problems. This year we've switched to considering bird hazards in older frame dwellings and on buildings where a fire hazard may be ap¬parent. During a class project some time ago, I was examining a nest of house sparrows and discovered that these birds incorporated cellulose cigarette filters into their nests. Filters were stripped of their paper wrapping and were apparently used by the sparrows as a substitute for or a supplement to fluffy air-born seeds and seed mat¬erials. The incidence of the cigarette filters varied. In the nests that I sampled the numbers varied anywhere from six up to two dozen filter remnants. We feel that the incidence will probably vary with the relative availability of discarded cigarette filter butts. We are concerned with the incidence of filters as an index to the possibility that the birds are picking up live cigarette butts, and this leads us to investigate some records of fires over the past three quarters of a century that were claimed to have been caused by birds.

Effect of pH and temperature on the global compactness, structure, and activity of cellobiohydrolase Cel7A from Trichoderma harzianum

Due to its elevated cellulolytic activity, the filamentous fungus Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum) has considerable potential in biomass hydrolysis application. Cellulases from Trichoderma reesei have been widely used in studies of cellulose breakdown. However, cellulases from T. harzianum are less-studied enzymes that have not been characterized biophysically and biochemically as yet. Here, we examined the effects of pH and temperature on the secondary and tertiary structures, compactness, and enzymatic activity of cellobiohydrolase Cel7A from T. harzianum (Th Cel7A) using a number of biophysical and biochemical techniques. Our results show that pH and temperature perturbations affect Th Cel7A stability by two different mechanisms. Variations in pH modify protonation of the enzyme residues, directly affecting its activity, while leading to structural destabilization only at extreme pH limits. Temperature, on the other hand, has direct influence on mobility, fold, and compactness of the enzyme, causing unfolding of Th Cel7A just above the optimum temperature limit. Finally, we demonstrated that incubation with cellobiose, the product of the reaction and a competitive inhibitor, significantly increased the thermal stability of Th Cel7A. Our studies might provide insights into understanding, at a molecular level, the interplay between structure and activity of Th Cel7A at different pH and temperature conditions.

Determination of labile barium in petroleum-produced formation water using paper-based DGT samplers

A polyacrylamide hydrogel containing the Chelex-100 resin has traditionally been used as the binding agent for the diffusion gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. The Chelex-100 resin, although important for the determination of various transition metals, is unsatisfactory for the determination of alkaline earth metals, particularly Ba. In this paper, a cellulose membrane, treated with phosphate (P81 membrane), was evaluated as a binding agent for DGT devices for the determination of Ba in produced formation water (PEW) samples. In addition, diffusive layers of filter paper (cellulose) were tested to diffuse Ba through the DGT devices. Experiments to evaluate the key variables of the technique (pH, deployment time, and ionic strength/salinity) were performed. The Ba sampled by these DGT devices was measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Aiming to generate information (related to bioavailability of Ba) on the reuse of PEW for irrigation, the determination of Ba in onshore and offshore samples was performed. The new approach was effective for determination of Ba in onshore samples. To determine Ba in offshore samples, it was necessary to use an alternative calibration procedure due to the high NaCl concentration in these samples. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of isometric, dsRNA-containing viral particles in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from cashew tree

Fungi are disease-causing agents in plants and affect crops of economic importance. One control method is to induce resistance in the host by using biological control with hypovirulent phytopathogenic fungi. Here, we report the detection of a mycovirus in a strain of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose of cashew tree. The strain C. gloeosporioides URM 4903 was isolated from a cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) in Igarassu, PE, Brazil. After nucleic acid extraction and electrophoresis, the band corresponding to a possible double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was purified by cellulose column chromatography. Nine extrachromosomal bands were obtained. Enzymatic digestion with DNAse I and Nuclease S1 had no effect on these bands, indicating their dsRNA nature. Transmission electron microscopic examination of extracts from this strain showed the presence of isometric particles (30-35 nm in diameter). These data strongly suggest the infection of this C. gloeosporioides strain by a dsRNA mycovirus. Once the hypovirulence of this strain is confirmed, the strain may be used for the biological control of cashew anthracnose.