Abstract Two different reactive concentrated magnesium hydroxide (HM) pulps, produced in a lab reactor mill, and a synthetic and non-reactive HM-pulp, for comparative analyses, have been prepared and studied. Sodium polyacrylate was selected as a dispersant for improving the HM pulp fluidity, with concentrations varying from 0.42% to 2.0% on a dry basis. The two reactive pulps differed from each other mainly by the impurity level and for both, a residual MgO amount was detected, implying that the hydration reaction could proceed. Results (with and without dispersant) confirmed the formation of particle clusters as HM concentration rose until a critical value, above which the pulp behaved as a solid. Reactive HM-pulps with high impurities may represent a limiting factor in the drying operation. Among all HM-pulps studied, the purest reactive pulp with 1% dispersant presented the best flow behavior making this reactive pulp the most suitable to be tested in a pilot spray dryer.

Abstract Bacteria responsible for causing infections are common in hospital environments, water, soil, and food products. The infection risk is intensified by the absence of public sanitation, poor quality of life, and food scarcity. These external factors promote the dissemination of pathogens by direct contamination or biofilm formation. In this work, we identified bacterial isolates obtained from intensive care units in the southern region of Tocantins, Brazil. We compared matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) techniques and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) molecular analysis; we also performed phenotypic characterization. Fifty-six isolates characterized using morphotinctorial tests were classified as gram-positive (80.4%; n = 45) and gram-negative (19.6%; n = 11) and were resistant to several antibiotic classes; notably, we identified the blaOXA-23 resistance gene in the ILH10 isolate. Microbial identification using MALDI-TOF MS resulted in the identification of Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Bacillus circulans. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed four isolates belonging to the genera Bacillus and Acinetobacter. The similarity was superior to 99% for Acinetobacter schindleri in the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), grouped in the clade superior to 90%. Several strains isolated from intensive care units (ICU) were resistant to various antibiotic classes. These techniques allowed for the identification of several microorganisms of importance in public health, enabling improvements in human infection control and proving the quality of inputs, food, and water.

Resumo As bactérias responsáveis por causar infecções são comuns em ambientes hospitalares, água, solo e produtos alimentícios. O risco de infecção é intensificado pela ausência de saneamento público, má qualidade de vida e escassez de alimentos. Esses fatores externos promovem a disseminação de patógenos por contaminação direta ou formação de biofilme. Neste trabalho, identificamos isolados bacterianos obtidos de unidades de terapia intensiva na região sul do Tocantins, Brasil. Comparamos técnicas de espectrometria de massa de tempo de voo com ionização por dessorção a laser assistida por matriz (MALDI-TOF MS) e análise molecular de ácido ribonucleico ribossômico 16S (rRNA); também realizamos caracterização fenotípica. Cinquenta e seis isolados caracterizados por testes morfotintoriais foram classificados como gram-positivos (80,3%; n = 45) e gram-negativos (19,6%; n = 11) e foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos; notavelmente, identificamos o gene de resistência blaOXA-23 no isolado de ILH10. A identificação microbiana usando MALDI-TOF MS resultou na identificação de Sphingomonas paucimobilis e Bacillus circulans. O sequenciamento do 16S rRNA revelou quatro isolados pertencentes aos gêneros Bacillus e Acinetobacter. A similaridade foi superior a 99% para Acinetobacter schindleri no BLAST, agrupado no clado superior a 90%. Várias cepas isoladas de ICU foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos. Essas técnicas permitiram a identificação de diversos microrganismos de importância em saúde pública, possibilitando melhorias no controle de infecções humanas e comprovando a qualidade dos insumos, alimentos e água.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of the essential oils (EOs) of Aloysia triphylla, Lippia gracilis and Piper aduncum in juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), and evaluate the possible histopathological alterations in their gills. For the acute toxicity tests, juvenile tambaqui (n=24/treatment) were distributed in six treatments with three replicates, which comprised the control and five EO concentrations of A. triphylla (60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 mg L-1), L. gracilis (35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 mg L-1) and P. aduncum (42.5, 45, 47.5, 50 and 52.5 mg L-1), with an exposure period of 4 h. The mortality rate and severity of damage to the tambaqui gills were proportional to the increase in the concentration of the EO, with LC50-4 h values estimated at 109.57 mg L -1 for A. triphylla, 41.63 mg L -1 for L. gracilis and 48.17 mg L -1 for P. aduncum. The main morphological damages observed in the gills of the tambaqui exposed to the three EOs, were Grade I: hypertrophy and hyperplasia of lamellar epithelial cells, lamellar fusion, epithelial detachment, capillary dilation and constriction, proliferation of chloride cells and mucosal cells and edema; in low frequency Grade II damage as epithelial rupture and lamellar aneurysm. Necrosis (Grade III damage) was observed only in gill lamellae exposed to P. aduncum EO (47.5, 50.0 and 52.5 mg L-1). Concentrations of EOs below LC50-4 h can be used sparingly, for short periods of exposure for the treatment of diseases in tambaqui breeding.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a toxicidade aguda dos óleos essenciais (OEs) de Aloysia triphylla, Lippia gracilis e Piper aduncum em juvenis de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), e avaliar as possíveis alterações histopatológicas em suas brânquias. Para os testes de toxicidade aguda, juvenis de tambaqui (n=24/tratamento) foram distribuídos em 6 tratamentos, com três repetições, sendo o controle e cinco concentração do OE de A. triphylla (60, 80, 100, 120 e 140 mg L-1), L. gracilis (35, 40, 45, 50 e 55 mg L-1) e P. aduncum (42,5, 45, 47,5, 50 e 52,5 mg L-1), com exposição de 4 h. A taxa de mortalidade e a severidade dos danos nas brânquias de tambaqui foram proporcionais ao aumento da concentração do OE, com os valores de CL50-4 h estimados em 109,57 mg L-1 para A. triphylla, em 41,63 mg L-1 para L. gracilis e em 48,17 mg L-1 para P. aduncum. Os principais danos morfológicos observados nas brânquias de tambaqui, expostos aos três OEs, foram os de grau I: hipertrofia e hiperplasia das células do epitélio lamelar, fusão lamelar, descolamento epitelial, dilatação e constrição capilar, proliferação de células de cloreto e de células mucosas e edema; em baixa frequência os de grau II como ruptura epitelial e aneurisma lamelar. Necrose (dano de grau III) foi observado somente nas lamelas branquiais expostas ao OE de P. aduncum (47,5, 50,0 e 52,5 mg L-1). Concentrações do OEs abaixo dos valores de CL50-4 h podem ser utilizados com parcimônia, em curtos períodos de exposição para o tratamento de doenças na criação de tambaqui.

Abstract Samanea tubulosa Benth. it has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory processes. The present study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect and mechanism of action of the fractions obtained from the Samanea tubulosa pods in mice. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated in formalin, capsaicin and glutamate tests and the. The possible mechanisms of action involved in the antinociceptive effect of the hexane and ethyl acetate fraction in the opioid system, also the the K + ATP channels and the L-arigine pathways of nitric oxide were evaluated. The chemical characterization analysis revealed in the hexane fraction the presence of triterpenes such as lupenone and lupeol. In the glutamate test, the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions showed antinociceptive activity at the dose of 12.5 and 25 mg kg-1. The antinociception produced by the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions was significantly reversed by naloxone, indicating that the fractions act through the opioid pathway. Antinociceptive response of the ethyl acetate fraction was blocked by glibenclamide, indicating that this fraction acts via the K + ATP channels activation. It is concluded that the fractions under study exert antinociceptive activity possibly related to the opioid route and through K+ ATP channels activation.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os padrões de expressão gênica dos receptores de LH (lhr) e de estrogênio (er) e dos níveis de esteróides plasmáticos durante o desenvolvimento testicular de Genyatremus luteus. Os machos foram classificados histologicamente em imaturos, em maturação e maduros, de acordo com a estrutura celular dos testículos. A concentração plasmática de 11-KT apresentou um pico na fase de maturação final (P<0.05). As maiores concentrações plasmáticas de 17α-OHP foram encontradas no estádio imaturo (P<0.05), com consequente diminuição nos estádios em maturação e maturo. O 17β-estradiol (E2) apresentou maiores níveis de concentração no estádio em maturação (P<0.05). A expressão de er aumentou significativamente ao longo do desenvolvimento maturacional dos testículos (P<0.05). O mRNA para o receptor de LH diminuiu do estádio imaturo para o estádio em maturação (P<0.05) com consequente pico de expressão no estádio maduro. Houve alta relação entre a expressão gênica dos receptores e os níveis de esteróides plasmáticos, especialmente com E2. Em conclusão, este estudo caracterizou pela primeira vez, sob os aspectos celular, endócrino e molecular, os diferentes estádios de maturação reprodutiva em machos de G. luteus, demonstrando que o perfil da expressão gênica para os receptores er e lhr, bem como as concentrações plasmáticas de 11-KT e E2 foram diretamente relacionados à maturação testicular, apesar de não se relacionarem necessariamente com o índice gonadossomático.

Abstract The aim of the current study is to evaluate gene expression patterns of LH (lhr) and estrogen (er) receptors and plasma steroid levels during testicular development in Genyatremus luteus. Males were histologically classified as immature (n=7), maturing (n=7) and mature (n=7), based on the cellular structure of their testes. Plasma 11-KT concentration recorded peak at the final maturation stage. The highest plasma 17α-OHP concentrations were observed at the immature stage; they decreased at the maturation and mature stages. On the other hand, 17β-estradiol (E2) recorded higher concentrations at the maturation stage. Er expression has significantly increased along the maturational development of animals’ testes. The mRNA observed for the LH receptor has decreased from immature to maturing stage; it presented expression peak at the mature stage. There was high association between receptor gene expression and plasma steroid levels, mainly E2. The current study was the first to feature different reproductive maturation stages in male G. luteus specimens, based on cellular, endocrine and molecular aspects. In addition, it has shown that the gene expression profile for er and lhr receptors, as well as plasma 11-KT and E2 concentrations, are directly linked to testicular maturation, although they are not necessarily associated with the gonadosomatic index.

Resumo O dimorfismo sexual de Kinosternon scorpioides foi avaliado utilizando-se duas técnicas diferentes (morfometria linear e geométrica) a partir de imagens e medições lineares da carapaça e plastrão de adultos (machos e fêmeas). A morfometria linear indicou que as médias de altura da carapaça, largura da carapaça e plastrão são estatisticamente diferentes entre os sexos, sendo as fêmeas mais largas e altas. Na avaliação da morfometria geométrica, a ANOVA demonstrou que existe variação de tamanho do plastrão, e na forma da carapaça e do plastrão, expressando uma tendência de forma para cada sexo. O dimorfismo sexual, portanto, é verificado para esta espécie, notadamente pelo plastrão. Este trabalho indica uma ferramenta adicional para o conhecimento fenotípico dos animais, contribuindo no estudo de populações ameaçadas.

Abstract The sexual dimorphism of the Kinosternon scorpioides was evaluated using two different techniques (linear and geometric morphometry) from images and linear measurements of the carapace and plastron of adults (male and female). Linear morphometry indicated that the height and width of carapace and plastron are statistically different between sexes, with females being wider and taller. In the evaluation of geometric morphometry, ANOVA demonstrated variation in the size of the plastron and the shape of the carapace and plastron, expressing a tendency in shape for each sex. Sexual dimorphism, therefore, is verified for this species, notably by the plastron. This study indicates an additional tool for the phenotypic knowledge of animals, contributing to the study of threatened populations.

Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) is commonly used as an antibacterial agent in various industrial products and is often detected in wastewater effluent. Comparison was made for triclosan degradation by photolysis and TiO2 photocatalysis (under UV irradiation (125 W)) based on analysis of transformation products, together with ecotoxicity evaluation. The morphology of the TiO2 was characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM). Triclosan quantitation was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The optimal condition was obtained using a response surface model and desirability profile. The initial concentration of triclosan used in all the experiments was 10 mg L-1 to achieve comprehensive identification of transformation products. The optimal experimental condition was 30 mg L-1 TiO2 at pH 10. The photocatalytic system achieved > 99% triclosan degradation at 30 min of reaction. The mineralization rates by photolysis and photocatalysis were 25 and 90%, respectively. A total of 27 transformation products were identified using liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (QTOF MS), being that 25 were new structures, not previously reported in the literature. Ecotoxicity assays demonstrated that triclosan and some of the major transformation products did not cause deleterious effects towards Lactuca sativa and Daphnia magna after 16 h of treatment.

Previous researches showed that fatty acids analysis might be a useful tool to support the taxonomic investigation. In this approach the fatty acids content of ten Malvoideae species was analyzed and its chemotaxonomic significance has been investigated. The aerial parts of the species were collected in the Northeast of Brazil and their fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. The chemometric analysis consisted of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) with the euclidean distance between the samples given by the Ward.D2 algorithm. This is the first report of fatty acids from Wissadula peripocifolia, Herissantia crispa, Bakeridesia pickelii, Sidastrum micranthum, Pavonia cancellata and Pavonia malacophylla. The results showed the predominance of palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2) acids in the studied species. By the PCA and HCA analysis, the fatty acid composition was able to distinguish the species Herissantia crispa and Pavonia malacophylla. Our findings showed a chemotaxonomic proximity among species from different genera reflecting the taxonomic and phylogenetic closeness previously demonstrated by molecular investigations on Malvoidae species. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the fatty acid analysis may be an interesting tool to support the taxonomic investigations on Malvoideae species.

Resumo Os peixes donzela são espécies-chave em ambientes recifais, contudo seus padrões de distribuição em grande escala são pouco conhecidos no sudoeste do Atlântico. Avaliamos os principais descritores de distribuição para três espécies comuns em sistemas recifais tropicais e costões rochosos subtropicais costeiros no Brasil, em resposta a diferentes regimes de exposição a ondas, profundidade e cobertura bentônica. Apesar das grandes diferenças entre estes sistemas, a exposição das ondas e a profundidade consistentemente explicaram sua distribuição. Stegastes fuscus é numericamente dominante, sendo a maior espécie do gênero no Atlântico sudoeste, dominando recifes rasos e menos hidrodinâmicos, enquanto S. variabilis foi mais abundante em habitats com maior hidrodinamismo. Stegastes pictus foi ausente nos recifes rasos tropicais amostrados e, nos recifes rochosos subtropicais, foi mais abundante em profundidades acima de 7 m. Características do substrato influenciaram pouco a densidade, porem S. fuscus apresentou associação a algas calcárias articuladas, enquanto juvenis de S. variabilis se associaram a macroalgas eretas. Peixes donzelas são generalistas e persistentes, ocorrendo em ambientes distintos, e mesmo assim, regulados de forma especifica e consistente ao longo da costa. O monitoramento a longo prazo nos informará como elas responderão às constantes mudanças globais e impactos antrópicos nos recifes brasileiros.

Abstract Damselfishes are known keystone species of reef environments, however large-scale distribution patterns are poorly studied in the southwestern Atlantic. We evaluated main drivers of distribution of three conspicuous damselfishes, along tropical and subtropical coastal systems, in Brazil. Abundances were assessed against wave exposure, depth (within 1–7 m in tropical and 1–11 m in subtropical reefs) and benthic cover. Despite differences between systems, exposure and depth consistently explained damselfishes distribution. Stegastes fuscus, the larger damselfish species of the genus in the southwestern Atlantic, was dominant in both systems, inhabiting preferably shallow and sheltered reefs. Conversely, Stegastes variabilis occupied shallow habitats with higher exposure. Stegastes pictus was absent from tropical reefs sampled, inhabiting depths >7 m, in subtropical reefs. Species were weakly associated with benthic features, which poorly predicted changes in abundances. Regardless, S. fuscus showed association with articulated calcareous algae, and S. variabilis juveniles associated with erect macroalgae. Despite occurring in very distinctive reef systems, Brazilian damsels habitat requirements are consistent in both tropical and subtropical reefs. While highly persistent species, long term monitoring will inform us how they respond to pervasive global changes and human impacts along Brazilian reefs.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos clínicos e patológicos da deficiência de fósforo em caprinos no semiárido de Pernambuco. Para isso, visitas técnicas foram realizadas em diferentes propriedades na microrregião do Sertão do Moxotó durante o período da estação seca. Realizaram-se exames clínicos, determinação da atividade sérica de cálcio total e ionizado, fosforo sérico, magnésio, razão Ca:P, proteína total, albumina, globulina e o percentual de cinzas ósseas. Biopsias ósseas da região hipocondríaca da 12 costela direita foram fixadas em solução de formalina a 10% e descalcificadas para análises histológicas. Os principais sinais clínicos observados nos caprinos com deficiência de fósforo foram aumento da fragilidade óssea além de desidratação, magreza, hipomotilidade ruminal, alopecia, pelos opacos, quebradiços e eriçados e osteofagia. As médias dos valores das cinzas ósseas e do teor de fósforo nos ossos estavam abaixo dos valores de referência e a correlação entre essas duas variáveis foi fortemente positiva (r=0,91); a redução da concentração do fósforo sérico foi acompanhada da redução da porcentagem desse mineral nas cinzas. Esse resultado é conclusivo para o diagnóstico de deficiência de fósforo. No exame microscópico dos fragmentos ósseos das costelas, verificou-se evidente aumento da atividade osteoclástica com áreas de reabsorção óssea e maior quantidade de tecido osteóide e de fibras colágenas na matriz óssea. Conclui-se que a deficiência de fósforo é uma doença frequente em caprinos criados em regime semi-extensivo no semiárido de Pernambuco e que a suplementação desse mineral é necessária na região estudada.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological aspects of phosphorus deficiency in goats in the semiarid region of Pernambuco. For this, technical visits were carried out at different properties in the Sertão do Moxotó region during the dry season period. Clinical examinations, serum analysis and rib biopsies were carried out to determine macromineral contents. Serum concentrations of total and ionized Ca, serum and bone P, Mg, Ca:P ratio, total protein, albumin, globulin and ashes were determined. Bone biopsies were performed by surgical procedure in the hypochondriac region of the 12th right rib which were fixed in 10% formalin solution and decalcified for histological analysis. The main clinical signs in phosphorus-deficient goats consisted of dehydration, poor corporal score, ruminal hypomotility, alopecia, opaque, brittle and bristly hair and osteophagy. The averages of bone ashes and phosphorus content in bones were below the reference values and the correlation between these two variables was strongly positive (r=0.91). The reduction of the serum phosphorus concentration was accompanied by the reduction of the percentage of this mineral in the ashes. This result is conclusive for the diagnosis of phosphorus deficiency. In the microscopic examination of ribs bony fragments there was a clear increase in osteoclastic activity with areas of bone resorption and a greater amount of osteoid tissue and collagen fibers in the bone matrix. It is concluded that phosphorus deficiency is a frequent disease in goats in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil and and the supplementation of this mineral is necessary in the studied region.

This work describes the potential of chemometric analyses applied to 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (1H HR-MAS NMR) data for the chemotaxonomic investigation of Hancornia speciosa (Apocynaceae) varieties. This plant, popularly known as mangaba, has a complex morphological differentiation and thus chemical analyses can be used for their taxonomic classification. In comparison to traditional techniques, 1H HR-MAS NMR allied with chemometrics provided a simple and low cost method for chemotaxonomy. Leaves of four varieties of H. speciosa from a common garden experiment was studied and demonstrated that H. speciosa var. speciosa differs from others due to its specific metabolic profile, and var. pubescens was discriminated based on its high phenolic compound content. The distinction between the latter variety and gardineri is important once it allows for the selection of samples with greater commercial value, once they produce the largest and heaviest fruits.

Resumo: São descritas a morfologia e a distribuição de glicogênio e mucossubstâncias na próstata e nas glândulas bulbouretrais de Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), única espécie do gênero. A próstata é envolvida pelas túnicas adventícia e muscular, e o estroma é formado pelo conjuntivo da mucosa uretral. O parênquima é constituído pelos túbulos secretores, disseminados na mucosa uretral, e que diferem histológica e histoquimicamente nos segmentos cranial, médio e caudal. Essas diferenças morfo-histoquímicas também são observadas nas partes externa, média e interna de cada túbulo. De um modo geral, os três segmentos prostáticos secretam mucossubstâncias neutras, porém o segmento caudal produz também glicogênio. Os três pares de glândulas bulbouretrais (laterais, intermédias e mediais) do Metachirus são envolvidas por uma cápsula conjuntiva e músculo estriado esquelético. O maior par é a bulbouretral lateral que é constituída por longos túbulos secretores de mucossubstâncias neutras. As bulbouretrais intermédias são formadas por túbulos ramificados, que produzem mucossubstâncias neutras, ácidas carboxiladas e ácidas sulfatadas. Os túbulo-ácinos ramificados das bulbouretrais mediais secretam mucossubstâncias neutras. O Metachirus não possui glândulas ampulares, vesículas seminais nem glândulas de coagulação.

Abstract: This paper describes the morphology and distribution of glycogen and mucous substances in the prostate and the bulbourethral glands of Metachirus nudicaudatus (Geoffroy, 1803), the only species of the genus. The prostate is surrounded by the tunica adventitia, and muscle and stroma is formed by connective urethral mucosa. The glandular parenchyma consists of secretory tubules, scattered throughout the connective tissue of the urethral mucosa which differs histologically and histochemically in cranial, middle, and caudal segments of the prostate. These morpho-histochemical differences are also observed in the outer, middle and inner parts of the tubular epithelium of each prostatic segment. In general, prostatic segments secrete neutral mucous substances, and the caudal segment also produces glycogen. The three pairs of bulbourethral glands (lateral, intermediate and medial) are surrounded by a capsule of dense connective tissue and skeletal striated muscle. The glandular parenchyma is formed by tubules or branched tubuloacinar, covered by simple epithelium which is characteristic for each pair of glands. The lateral bulbourethral glands and the medial bulbourethral glands produce neutral mucous substances and the secretion of the intermediate bulbourethral glands consists of neutral mucous substances, carboxylated acids, and sulfated acids. The M. nudicaudatus does not have ampullary glands, seminal vesicles or coagulating glands.