Classificação numérica e modelo digital de elevação na caracterização espacial de atributos dos solos

One of needs of modern agriculture is the prediction of spatial variability of soil properties at more detailed scales for sustainable management and optimization of management practices. The mathematical model associated with knowledge of variability of soil attributes and mapping of relief forms has helped in agricultural planning. In this regard the aim of this study was to characterize the spatial variability of physical and chemical properties of Oxisols and Ultisols using numerical classification and the digital elevation model. Two distinct landforms: convex for the Oxisol (158 ha) and linear for the Ultisol (172 ha). 53 samples from the Oxisol and 57 samples from the Ultisol were taken. Multivariate analysis of clusters of attributes studied from their euclidean distances was performed. This analysis by dendograms along with digital elevation models for different soils characterized was more homogeneous in Ultisol groups, and less homogeneous for the Oxisol in convex landform. These quantitative methods showed that the landforms conditioned the spatial pattern of soil attributes.

Autoestima e qualidade de vida de pessoas com úlcera venosa atendidas na atenção primária

Venous ulcers (VU) is a chronic injury of the lower extremities and because of its high incidence and recurrence implies long and complex treatments, damaging the quality of life (QOL) and self-esteem (SE) of the people. This study aimed to analyze the association between self-esteem with the quality of life of people with venous ulcers treated in primary care. Cross sectional analytical study with a quantitative approach conducted with 44 people met with VU at 13 primary care units 2 and Mixed units in Natal/RN. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee in Research of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), CAAE: 07556312.0.0000.5537. Held data collection from February to April 2014 and used three instruments: a structured form covering sociodemographic, health care and clinical variables, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the SF-36. The collected data were entered into a database and processed on computerized software for descriptive and inferential analyzes. The results showed a predominance of people with UV females (65,9%), with more than 60 years (59,1%), married or in a stable relationship (52,3%), low education (86,4%) without occupation (68,2%) and less than one minimum wage income (81,8%). Regarding assistance characteristics was observed that most patients performed the dressing with appropriate material (72,7%), professional or trained caregiver (61,4%) did not use compression therapy (81,8%), treating the injury for more than 6 months (77,3%), lack of guidelines for the use of compression therapy, elevation of legs, and regular exercise (77,3%) and consulting the angiologist last year (52,3% ). Regarding clinical features of the lesion was found that most of the recurrent lesions are (77,3%), over one year of current lesion (52,3%) medium to large lesions (54,8%), without signs of infection (61,3%) and pain (79,5%). The mean SE of respondents was 9,3 (± 5,1). The relations between the SE and the sociodemographic variables, health care and clinics showed that individuals without a partner (a) (p = 0,01), who did not wear compression therapy (p = 0,04), with more 6 months of treatment (p = 0,01) and larger lesions (p = 0,01) had a lower SE. The mean domain and the dimensions of the SF-36 were lower emphasizing the functional capacity 36.5 (± 27,6) and the physical aspects of 15.3 (± 30,6). There were significant correlations between AE people with VU and the domains and dimensions of the SF-36: physical functioning (r = -0,432), general health (r = -0,415), vitality (r = -0,573), aspects social (r = -0,517), mental health (r = -0,612) and mental health dimensions (r = -0,612) and physical health (r = -0,473). Based on these results it is concluded by rejecting the null hypothesis and accept the alternative proposed in the study in which it was found that there is a negative correlation between the SE and the QOL of people with venous ulcers

Response of minimally processed carambola to chemical treatments and low-oxygen atmospheres

Fresh-cut carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) has limited marketability due to cut-surface browning. The effect of chemical treatments (ascorbic acid, citric acid and Ca-EDTA), controlled atmosphere (0.4-20.3% O-2) and the association of these processes was investigated. Post-cutting dip and low-oxygen atmospheres did not prevent discoloration or improve sensory and physicochemical parameters. However, ascorbic acid (0.5% and 1%) dips reduced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity during storage at 4.5 degrees C, with 1% ascorbic acid inducing the lowest activity. Although cut-surface browning of 'Maha' slices was not relevant, carambola slices treated with 1% ascorbic acid in association with 0.4% oxygen did not present significant browning or loss of visual quality for up to 12 days, 3 days longer than low oxygen alone (0.4% O-2), thus, their quality can be significantly improved by combining both treatments. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Energy balance for biodiesel production by the castor bean crop (Ricinus communis L.)

The castor bean crop (Ricinus communis L.) has acquired prestige due to industries interest in the oil quality and recently for new sources of energy demand. The experiment that served as basis for the data used in this study was conducted at the Lageado Experimental Farm, in Botucatu - SP, 2008. This study aimed to avaluate the crop viability through energy balance and energy efficiency since the implantation until biodiesel production using parameters of consumption in operational management for installation and maintenance of culture harvest and oil production. The soil management operations, sow and harvest consumed the total of 266.20 MJ ha(-1), gathering with the fertilizers, pesticides, fuels, lubricants, labor, seed and industrial processing totaled 56,808 MJ ha(-1) of energy inputs. The energy production was 72,814.00 MJ ha(-1). The industry still lacks studies thal would contribution data collection and more specific energy coefficients. The castor beans cultivation was considered efficient allowing again of 15983.44 MJ ha(-1) equivalent to about 415 liters of diesel oil.

Phosphorus sources and fractions in an oxisol under no-tilled soybean

A dinâmica do P no solo pode ser modificada em sistemas com semeadura direta. Os agricultores brasileiros vêm aplicando fósforo na superfície do solo para otimizar a operação de máquinas, embora não seja uma prática recomendada pela pesquisa. Foi conduzido um experimento para estudar os efeitos da aplicação de duas fontes de fósforo na superfície do solo e no sulco de semeadura da soja. Os tratamentos consistiram da aplicação ou não de 80 kg ha-1 de P total como fosfato natural reativo e superfosfato, aplicados na superfície do solo, sobre os resíduos da cultura anterior. Na semeadura da soja, tratamentos adicionais (80 kg ha-1 de fosfato natural ou superfosfato) foram aplicados ao sulco de semeadura. O solo foi amostrado até 40 cm de profundidade, antes da semeadura da soja e após a colheita. Uma amostra controle foi tomada de área adjacente, sem cultivo. Houve aumento nos teores de P até 40 cm de profundidade, após a colheita da soja, de modo que o aumento foi observado principalmente no P ligado ao Ca e no P orgânico. Entretanto houve decréscimo nos teores de P ligado ao Fe. A adubação com ambas as fontes de fosfato levaram a um decréscimo nos teores de P ocluso na superfície do solo quando comparada com a área sem cultivo.

Adubação de cultivares de feijoeiro comum em várzeas tropicais

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Influência da época de semeadura e do manejo da parte aérea de milheto sobre a soja em sucessão em plantio direto

Uma das grandes limitações do plantio direto é a produção e manutenção da cobertura vegetal. Por esse motivo, o milheto tem-se constituído em boa opção de cultivo no inverno, gerando palhada com decomposição mais lenta viabilizando esse sistema de produção. O objetivo do experimento foi estudar a cultura do milheto em três épocas de semeadura (5/3, 25/3 e 19/4/99), sob condições de sequeiro, e a ceifa da parte aérea (ceifa a cada florescimento e retirada do resíduo vegetal; ceifa a cada florescimento e permanência do resíduo vegetal; ceifa no florescimento e retirada do resíduo vegetal; ceifa no florescimento e permanência do resíduo vegetal e livre crescimento, sem ceifar), bem como seu efeito na produção da soja cultivada na seqüência. Pode-se concluir que o milheto semeado em março e submetido à ceifa na época de cada emissão da panícula proporcionou as maiores produções de matéria seca dessa espécie. Tal cultura demonstrou grande capacidade na produção de matéria seca e, quando semeada em 5 de março e 19 de abril, propiciou as maiores produtividades da soja cultivada em sucessão.

Macronutrientes em cultivares de gérbera sob dois níveis de fertirrigação

A gérbera de vaso é uma planta ornamental conhecida mundialmente; entretanto, dispõem-se de reduzido volume de informações sobre suas técnicas de cultivo, em especial a nutrição e adubação, fatores essenciais para ganhos na qualidade produtiva. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o teor e o acúmulo de macronutrientes em quatro cultivares de gérbera sob dois níveis de fertirrigação. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, de maio a julho de 2006, na UNESP em Botucatu. O mesmo foi instalado em blocos casualizados e constituído de um fatorial 4x2, sendo 4 cultivares de gérbera (Cherry, Golden Yellow, Salmon Rose e Orange) e 2 concentrações de solução nutritiva (50% e 100%), correspondendo respectivamente às condutividades elétricas de 0,92 e 1,76 dS m-1, no período vegetativo e 1,07 e 2,04 dS m-1, no reprodutivo. Os nutrientes foram aplicados via fertirrigação, realizada manualmente, uma vez ao dia. Ao final dos períodos vegetativo e reprodutivo foram quantificados no tecido vegetal, os teores e os acúmulos dos macronutrientes. As demandas destes nutrientes foram diferenciadas entre as cultivares e a concentração da solução apresentou um efeito marcante no teor e acúmulo de N, P, Ca, Mg e S na planta. Os maiores acúmulos foram registrados no terço final do ciclo de produção, apresentando a seguinte ordem de absorção: K>N>Ca>Mg>P>S (415, 327, 33, 32, 20 mg planta-1).

Comportamento da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio em miocárdio de ratos submetidos a treinamento de baixa intensidade em diferentes temperaturas

INTRODUÇÃO: A prática de exercício físico proporciona aumento da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO) resultantes do metabolismo aeróbio e, gera uma quantidade significativa de calor, em conseqüência da produção de energia, resultando em sobrecarga orgânica. A associação entre ERO e exercício, e entre exercício e variações da temperatura ambiente têm sido estudadas, contudo, há escassez de informações que considere a associação entre produção de radicais livres no miocárdio e atividade física em temperatura elevada. OBJETIVO: Comparar a produção de ERO em miocárdio de ratos submetidos ao treinamento de baixa intensidade em diferentes temperaturas. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 20 ratos Wistar, machos, jovens, peso (250 a 280g), divididos em quatro grupos: G1 (n = 5) expostos ao treinamento e calor (39º ± 1C); G2 (n = 5) expostos somente ao calor durante o mesmo período de G1, sem treinamento; G3 (n = 5) expostos ao treinamento em temperatura ambiente (22º ± 1C); G4 (n = 5) expostos à temperatura ambiente sem treinamento. O treinamento foi realizado em esteira rolante climatizada por cinco semanas, evoluindo 5 minutos a cada duas sessões finalizando em 60 minutos em baixa intensidade 8m/min. O ambiente foi controlado entre 39 ± 1ºC e 22 ± 1ºC e entre 40 e 60 % de umidade relativa. A lipoperoxidação foi avaliada por Quimiluminescência (QL). A análise dos dados foi realizada a partir do teste Two Way ANOVA para análise da QL e t de student para a Capacidade Antioxidante Total (TRAP). RESULTADOS: A análise da QL revelou uma curva de emissão de luz significantemente mais baixa para o grupo exposto ao exercício em normotermia comparado aos sedentários mantidos no calor. A análise da TRAP mostrou diminuição em todos os grupos experimentais em relação ao G4. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que houve níveis menores de produção de ERO nos grupos submetidos somente ao calor ou somente ao exercício.

Urinary Mutagenicity in Chemical Laboratory Workers Exposed to Solvents

Solvents represent an important group of environmental pollutants to which people are exposed daily in the workplace. The physico chemical properties of solvents may result in disturbances to cellular structures, including damage to DNA. However, the effects of mixtures of solvents are not well known. Mutations caused by environmental agents are related to cancer development and other degenerative diseases. The work in a research laboratory that uses several types of solvents is equally predisposed to these hazards. In this study, we evaluated the mutagenicity of urine from 29 subjects exposed occupationally to solvents in a chemistry research laboratory and 29 subjects without occupational exposure (controls). Urine samples were collected in polyethylene containers at the end of the work shift. For the concentration and extraction of urine samples the XAD-2 resin was used with acetone as an eluting agent. Several strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA100, TA98, TA97a, TA1535, YG1024) should be used to assess mutagenic susceptibilities among workers exposed to organic solvents. Different doses of extract (1.5; 3.0; 6.0 and 12.0 m/ equivalents of urine per plate) were tested on S. typhimurium strains TA100 and YG 1024, with and without metabolic activation. The mutagenic activity, measured in Salmonella typhimurium YGI1024 with S9 mix, was significantly greater in urine from workers than from controls (p <= 0.05). These results indicate the relevance of using biomarkers to assess the risk of occupational exposure to organic solvents.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Rhodococcus equi isolated from sputum

Introduction: Rhodococcus equi is an opportunistic pathogen, causing rhodococcosis, a condition that can be confused with tuberculosis. Often, without identifying M. tuberculosis, physicians initiate empiric treatment for tuberculosis. R. equi and M. tuberculosis have different susceptibility to drugs. Identification of R. equi is based on a variety of phenotypic, chromatographic, and genotypic characteristics.Objective: This study aimed to characterize bacterial isolates from sputum samples suggestive of R. equi.Methods: The phenotypic identification included biochemical assays; thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used for genotypic identification.Results: Among 78 Gram-positive and partially acid-fast bacilli isolated from the sputum of tuberculosis-suspected patients, 51 were phenotypically and genotypically characterized as R. equi based on literature data. Mycolic acid analysis showed that all suspected R. equi had compounds with a retention factor (R-f) between 0.4-0.5. Genotypic characterization indicated the presence of the choE gene 959 bp fragments in 51 isolates CAMP test positive. Twenty-two CAMP test negative isolates were negative for the choE gene. Five isolates presumptively identified as R. equi, CAMP test positive, were choE gene negative, and probably belonged to other bacterial species.Conclusions: The phenotypic and molecular techniques used constitute a good methodological tool to identify R. equi. (C) 2012 Elsevier Editora All rights reserved.

Microbiological assay for ceftazidime injection

A simple, sensitive, and specific biodiffusion assay for the! antibacterial ceftazidime was developed using a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228) as the test organism. Ceftazidime was measured in powder for injection at concentrations ranging from 100 to 400 mu g/mL. The calibration graph for ceftazidime was linear (r(2) = 1), and the method validation showed that it was precise (relative standard deviation = 0.415) and accurate. The results obtained by biodiffusion assay were statistically calculated by linear parallel model and by means of regression analysis and were verified using analysis of variance. It was concluded that the microbiological assay is satisfactory for in vitro quantification of the antibacterial activity of ceftazidime in pharmaceuticals.

Stress-induced cross-sensitization to amphetamine is related to changes in the dopaminergic system

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

Avaliação da genotoxicidade das águas sueprficiais da Barragem Engenheiro Armando Ribeiro Gonçalves, Assu/RN

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Optical and structural properties of PEO-like plasma polymers

This paper deals with the study of optical, structural and biocompatible properties of PEO-like plasma polymerized films resulting from RF excited diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (CH3O(CH2CH2O)(2)CH3 diglyme) glow discharges. The study was carried out using visible-ultraviolet and FTIR spectroscopies and contact angle measurements. FTIR spectra of plasma polymerized diglyme showed a stronger presence of ethylene glycol groups in film structure for lower RF power levels. The contact angle measurements for water revealed an increasing from 30degrees to 62,5degrees when the RF power was varied from 2 to 45 W, indicating the decreasing of the hydrophilic character of diglyme films with the increasing of RF power. This trend is in agreement with FTIR results. The data from visible-ultraviolet reflectance and transmittance spectra revealed alterations on optical properties of plasma polymerized diglyme films. The film's optical gap varied from 3.8 to 3 eV for RF power running from 5 to 45 W.