Atividade antimalárica de plantas medicinais da biorregião do Araripe-CE em modelo murino - Plasmodium berghei

Malaria, also popularly known as maleita , intermittent fever, paludism, impaludism, third fever or fourth fever, is an acute infectious febrile disease, which, in human beings, is caused by four species: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale. Malaria, one of the main infectious diseases in the world, is the most important parasitoses, with 250 million annual cases and more than 1 million deaths per year, mainly in children younger than live years of age. The prophylactic and therapeutic arsenal against malaria is quite restricted, since all the antimalarials currently in use have some limitation. Many plant species belonging to several families have been tested in vivo, using the murine experimental model Plasmodium berghei or in vitro against P. falciparum, and this search has been directed toward plants with antithermal, antimalarial or antiinflammatory properties used in popular Brazilian bolk medicine. Studies assessing the biological activity of medicinal plant essential oils have revealed activities of interest, such as insecticidal, spasmolytic and antiplasmodic action. It has also been scientifically established that around 60% of essential oils have antifungal properties and that 35% exhibit antibacterial properties. In our investigation, essential oils were obtained from the species Vanillosmopsis arborea, Lippia sidoides and Croton zethneri which are found in the bioregion of Araripe-Ceará. The chemical composition of these essential oils was partially characterized and the presence of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The acute toxicity of these oils was assessed in healthy mice at different doses applied on a single day and on four consecutive days, and in vitro cytotoxicity in HeLa and Raw cell lines was determined at different concentrations. The in vivo tests obtained lethal dose values of 7,1 mg/Kg (doses administered on a single day) and 1,8 mg/Kg (doses administered over four days) for 50% of the animals. In the in vitro tests, the inhibitory concentration for 50% of cell growth in Hela cell lines was 588 μg/mL (essential oil from C. zethneri after 48 h), from 340-555 μg/mL (essential oil from L. sidoides, after 24 and 48 h). The essential oil from V. arborea showed no cytotoxicity and none of the essential oils were cytotoxic in Raw cell lines. These data suggest a moderate toxicity in the essential XVIII oils under study, a finding that does not impede their testing in in vivo antimalarial assays. Was shown the antimalarial activity of the essential oils in mice infected with P. berghei was assessed. The three species showed antimalarial activity from 36%-57% for the essential oil from the stem of V. arborea; from 32%-82% for the essential oil from the leaves of L. sidoides and from 40%-70% of reduction for the essential oil from the leaves of C. zethneri. This is the first study showing evidence of antimalarial activity with these species from northeast Brazil. Further studies to isolate the active ingredients of these oils are needed to determine if a single active ingredient accounts for the antimalarial activity or if a complex integration of all the compounds present occurs, a situation reflected in their biological activity

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS of AMAZON RIVER PRAWN FARMING TO THE MARKETS FOR LIVE BAIT and JUVENILES IN PANTANAL, BRAZIL

The implementation of a hypothetical aquaculture facility with hatchery, nursery and grow-out earthen ponds for raising the Amazon River Prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum in the Pantanal was considered. Eight larviculture cycles per year were projected: four to produce post-larvae for stocking in grow-out bait ponds, and four to stock nursery tanks to sell juveniles as seed to grow-out farms, which produce prawns for human consumption. Annual production would be 146,880 dozen bait prawns and 2,938 thousand juveniles. The assumed sale prices were US$ 1.38 per dozen baits and US$ 15.39 per thousand juveniles. The net present value was US$ 555,890.79, internal rate of return was 48% per year, payback period was 2.4 years and benefit-cost ratio was 3.90. The breakeven price to cover total costs per dozen baits was US$ 0.70 and per thousand juveniles was US$ 17.00, indicating that the selling price assumed for juveniles in base scenario is not realistic. Net return was US$ 84,773.80. The results indicate that this activity would be a lucrative and attractive investment in the Pantanal.

Identificação morfológica de organismos semelhantes à anaplasmataceae em monócitos de surubim híbrido (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum x P. corruscans) – relato de caso

The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae-like organisms in monocytes from the hybrid surubim catfish. During the hematological evaluation of fish infected by Pseudomonas sp. in a fish farm located in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul we observed into the monocytes the presence of numerous pleomorphic inclusions of various sizes, rough in appearance which presented basophilic staining. These inclusions were similar to elementary bodies, initial bodies and morule of the bacteria from Anaplasmataceae family, often diagnosed in domestic mammals. This is the first report of its occurrence possibly belonging to the family of Anaplasmataceae in cultured fish in Brazil. Additional studies are necessary for molecular characterization of this bacteria, pathogenic potential, life cycle and impact on the intensive production of fish.

Geostatistical characterization of the spatial distribution of Xylella fastidiosa sharpshooter vectors on citrus

A distribuição espacial das espécies de cigarrinhas (Dilobopterus costalimai Young, Acrogonia sp. e Oncometopia facialis Signoret), vetoras da Xylella fastidiosa, agente causal da Clorose Variegada dos Citros, foi estudada com o uso da geoestatística. As avaliações foram feitas em um pomar comercial de laranja 'Pêra' (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osb.), objetivando estabelecer meios para melhor controle dos vetores e da doença. O monitoramento da ocorrência das cigarrinhas no pomar foi feito através de amostragens mensais, utilizando-se armadilhas adesivas amarelas de 3 x 5, distribuídas uniformemente em 50 pontos na área, dispostas em laranjeiras à altura de 1,5 m do solo e substituídas mensalmente. Acrogonia sp. foi a espécie prevalente nas amostragens. Os resultados possibilitaram ajustar modelos aos semivariogramas da distribuição espacial das três espécies no pomar estudado. Durante os três anos consecutivos de amostragem, as populações de Acrogonia sp., D. costalimai e O. facialis apresentaram modelos de distribuição agregada somente nos meses de verão, inverno e primavera, respectivamente, mostrando a necessidade de monitoramento constante desses vetores para reduzir a sua população em épocas favoráveis ao seu desenvolvimento. Através de parâmetros geoestatísticos foi possível calcular a área de agregação das cigarrinhas no pomar. A espécie Acrogonia sp. apresentou área média de agregação de 15.760 m², enquanto para O. facialis e D. costalimai foi possível constatar áreas médias de agregação de 11.555 m² e 10.980 m², respectivamente. Esses resultados indicaram que para um levantamento seguro de cigarrinhas é necessário pelo menos dispor de uma armadilha por hectare.

Efeito da alimentação de Schizaphis graminum com genótipos de sorgo no desenvolvimento do predador Cycloneda sanguinea

O pulgão Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) é uma das principais pragas do sorgo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o efeito da alimentação deste inseto com genótipos de sorgo resistentes e suscetíveis no desenvolvimento do predador Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). O pulgão foi criado em folhas dos genótipos de sorgo GR 11111 e TX 430 x GR 111, resistentes, GB 3B, de resistência moderada e BR 007B, suscetível ao hemíptero. As larvas de C. sanguinea foram alimentadas diariamente, ad libitum, com ninfas e adultos de S. graminum. A duração das fases de desenvolvimento e a sobrevivência de C. sanguinea não foram influenciadas pelo genótipo. Apenas a duração do quarto ínstar, da fase larval e do período de larva a adulto foram afetadas. O peso de larvas de segundo ínstar de C. sanguinea não foi afetado pelo genótipo. Nos demais ínstares e fase adulta, esse parâmetro foi diferenciado conforme o genótipo de sorgo utilizado como hospedeiro ao pulgão. Os genótipos resistentes GR 11111 e TX 430 x GR 111 não afetam adversamente o desenvolvimento e a fecundidade de C. sanguinea, durante uma geração. Estes genótipos demonstram compatibilidade com o predador e viabilizam o manejo de S. graminum na cultura do sorgo.

Efeito do consórcio de milho com Panicum maximum na comunidade infestante e na cultura da soja em rotação

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar os efeitos do consórcio de milho com colonião (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) na infestação de plantas daninhas e na cultura da soja em rotação. O experimento foi realizado em campo, no período de dezembro de 2008 a abril de 2010, em área experimental da UNESP, campus de Jaboticabal-SP. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema de parcela subdividida. Foram estudadas duas formas de semeadura (a lanço e em linha) de colonião nas parcelas e quatro quantidades de sementes (200, 400, 600 e 800 pontos de valor cultural - PVC) nas subparcelas, além de três testemunhas, representadas pelo monocultivo das espécies, como tratamentos adicionais. O cultivo consorciado não afetou o desenvolvimento do milho, comparado ao milho solteiro. Embora na colheita do milho houvesse maior matéria seca e densidade de plantas de colonião com a semeadura de 800 PVC, antes da semeadura da soja o acúmulo de massa não diferiu entre os tratamentos de consórcio. Portanto, a semeadura de 200 PVC de sementes de colonião, a lanço ou em linha, foi suficiente para a manutenção de quantidade (9,1 t ha-1) adequada de palha sobre o solo. Antecedendo a semeadura da soja, a infestação de plantas daninhas na testemunha de milho solteiro foi maior do que nos tratamentos de consórcio e nas testemunhas da forrageira solteira (a lanço e em linha). O mesmo foi observado para densidade de plantas daninhas após a instalação da cultura. Os sistemas de consórcio de milho com colonião não interferiram em nenhuma característica avaliada na cultura da soja cultivada em rotação. da mesma forma, não foi observada diferença entre os tratamentos de consórcios e a testemunha de milho em monocultivo para produção de grãos de soja.

Damages of spittlebug on sugarcane quality and fermentation process

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

Animal performance and carcass characteristics of Nellore young bulls fed coated or uncoated urea slaughtered at different weights

The objective of this study was to evaluate animal performance and carcass characteristics of 64 Nellore young bulls at 22 months of age finished in a feedlot and slaughtered at five body weights (350; 455; 485; 555 and 580 kg) fed diets containing coated or uncoated urea. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized, set in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, and for the variables assessed in the control animals, it was 5 × 2. No effect of interaction between slaughter weights and diets were observed, so the variables were analyzed separately, compared by polynomial contrasts and by the F test, respectively. The time animals remained in the feedlot to reach slaughter weights was 66, 88, 145 and 194 days. Average daily gain (ADG) showed quadratic behavior, with a maximum of 1.44 kg/day with animals of 491.7 kg. Dry matter intake (DMI) (kg/day) was similar in all the treatments, but it decreased linearly as body weight increased. The bionutritional efficiency worsened linearly as body weight rose. The elevation in slaughter weight resulted in linear decrease in the percentage of beef round and increase in forequarter. Backfat thickness and rib eye area of the longissimus increased linearly and the percentages of muscle and protein in the carcass reduced and those of fat and ether extract increased linearly as body weight increased. Average daily gain, DMI, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics were not affected by diets containing coated or uncoated urea. However, animals fed coated urea presenter better crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber intake.

Antimutagenic effect of Lentinula edodes (BERK.) Pegler mushroom and possible variation among lineages

This study was performed to evaluate the efficiency of four different lineages (95/01, L1, 96/22 and JABK) of Lentinula edodes (BERK.) Pegler mushroom (shiitake) for inhibiting the N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) clastogenicity in vivo. Male Swiss mice (10 animals/group) were treated during 15 consecutive days with dried mushroom added to basal diet under three different concentrations (1, 5 and 10%). At day 15, mice were intraperitoneally injected with ENU (50 mg/kg body weight) and sacrificed 24 h later for evaluation of micronucleated bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE). Negative and positive controls (10 animals each), receiving basal diet and saline or ENU ip injection, respectively, were also evaluated. Results showed that pretreatments with diets containing the lineages 95/01, L1 and 96/22 reduce the frequencies of MNPCE induced by ENU. The absence of an antimutagenic activity for the lineage JABK might be related to intrinsic differences among the lineages such as biochemical composition. Taken together, our data show that the differences in protective activities of the mushrooms need to be clarified in further studies and the mechanisms for such activities need to be investigated. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Uso da tecnologia de troca iônica no tratamento de águas contaminadas com Nitrato do Aqüífero Dunas-Barreiras, Natal/RN-Brasil

The city of Natal comprises an area of about 170 km² (65,63 squares miles). The Dunas-Barreiras Aquifer is the most important reservoir of the coastal basin of RN. It is being responsible for the water supplying of about 70% of the population, however, due to the sewage disposal system by cesspools and drains, it is presently affected in a great extent by nitrates contamination. Thus, the present work proposes to research the utilization of contaminated water by nitrates of this fountainhead and find cost of the potable water through the ionic exchange technology. This technology consists in the removal of mineral salts by the exchange of cations for one ion of hydrogen (H+), through the passage of water by cationic resin bed and, secondly, by the exchange of the anions for hydroxyl ions (OH-) through a anionic resin bed. The obtained results have showed the waters derived from fountains, big water holes and shallow wells were microbiologically contaminated, while the waters derived from deep wells (above 70 m 76,58 yards) were free of contamination. Thus, only these ones are suitable to the use of ionic technology. The experiments were conducted with the resin IMAC-HP-555 such as kinetic, thermodynamic, and adsorption by fixed bed studies, being obtained several project variables for the experimental column, as follow: work temperature of 25oC; resin maximum capacity maximum e mean of adsorption ==0,01692 g NO3-1/g R e 0,0110 g NO3-1/g R, respectively. On the experimental column were performed breakthrough tests which pointed for an average ideal average speed of work of 13.2 m / h, with an average efficiency of 45% of adsorption, an optimal concentration of NaCl desorption of 8%, and an ideal desorption time of 80 minutes for the equilibrium conditions of water from the Dunas-Barreiras aquifer. Scale projection for ion-exchange column for denitrification, for these variables, using a computer modeling programme, to project the column of ion exchange ROREX-420/2000, obtained a cost for the drinking water denitrified by this system of R$ 0,16 / m3

Metais pesados do solo após aplicação de biossólido: I - Fracionamento

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Correlação entre condições de saneamento básico e parasitoses intestinais na população de Assis, Estado de São Paulo

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

An electrochemical sensor for (L)-dopa based on oxovanadium-salen thin film electrode applied flow injection system

An oxovanadium-salen complex (NAP-ethylene-bis(salicylidenciminato) oxovanadium) thin film deposited on a graphite-polyurethane electrode was investigated with regard to its potential use for detection of L-dopa in flow injection system. The oxovanadium(IV)/oxovanadium(V) redox couple of the modified electrode was found to mediate the L-dopa oxidation before its use in the FIA system. Experimental parameters, such as pH of the carrier solution, flow rate, sample volume injection and probable interferents were investigated. Under the optimized FIA conditions, the amperometric signal was linearly dependent on the L-dopa concentration over the range 1.0 x 10(-1) to 1.0 x 10(-4) mol L-1 (I-anodic, mu A) = 0.01 + 0.25 [L-dopa mu mol L-1]) with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 8.0 x 10(-7) mol L-1 and a sampling frequency of 90 h(-1) was achieved. For a concentration of 1.0 x 10(-5) mol L-1 L-dopa, the R.S.D. of nine consecutive measurements was 3.7%. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.