Resumen Introducción: La cuenca media del río Bogotá viene sufriendo contaminación por metales pesados debido a los vertidos industriales. Esta fuente de agua ha sido utilizada para el riego de cultivos de ciclo corto, lo que ha provocado la contaminación por metales pesados de los suelos productivos. Objetivo: Evaluar un proceso de fitorremediación con las especies de Brócoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) y Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) en suelos contaminados con metales pesados en Mosquera, Colombia. Métodos: El muestreo se realizó con un diseño factorial al azar: a) proporciones de cilantro/brócoli (30 cilantro/70 brócoli, 50/50, 70 cilantro/30 brócoli y dos controles de tipo monocultivo de cada especie) y b) tiempo de fitorremediación (3, 6 y 9 meses), cada tratamiento con cuatro parcelas experimentales. El suelo y el tejido vegetal se analizó mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica para determinar la concentración de los metales pesados. Resultados: Las concentraciones de metales pesados en las muestras de tejido vegetal para brócoli y cilantro mostraron valores de Cd, Pb y Cr más altos que Hg y As, respecto al control. Las concentraciones de Cd, Pb y Cr presentaron valores significativamente más altos (P < 0.05) en suelos con cilantro y brócoli mezclados, respecto al sitio de control donde la concentración de Cd registró niveles significativamente más bajos que en los otros suelos. Las concentraciones de Cd, Pb y Cr fueron más altas en tejidos de cilantro y en suelos con cilantro en comparación con el control. Conclusiones: La fitorremediación por medio de las especies Brassica oleracea var. itálica Plenck y Coriandrum sativum L. en proporciones 70/30 o 30/70 a suelos con pH entre 5.5 y 6.0 permiten una buena recuperación de suelos con contenidos de metales pesados en términos de concentraciones altas a cortos plazos, iniciando la biorremediación a los tres meses y finalizando cargas de disponibilidad variable a los nueve meses.

Abstract Introduction: The middle basin of the Bogotá River has been suffering from heavy metal contamination due to industrial discharges. This water source has been used to irrigate short-cycle crops, which has resulted in heavy metal contamination of productive soils. Objective: To evaluate a phytoremediation process with the plant species Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica plenck) and Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) in soils contaminated with heavy metals in Mosquera, Colombia. Methods: Sampling was performed with a randomized factorial design: a) cilantro/broccoli proportions (30 cilantro/70 broccoli, 50/50, 70 cilantro/30 broccoli and two monoculture type controls of each species) and b) phytoremediation time (3, 6 and 9 months), each treatment with four experimental plots. Soil and plant tissue were analyzed in the laboratory by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the concentration of heavy metals. Results: The concentrations of heavy metals in plant tissue samples for broccoli and cilantro showed higher values of Cd, Pb and Cr than Hg and As, with respect to the control. The concentrations of Cd, Pb and Cr presented significantly higher values (P < 0.05) in soil where there was a mixed presence of cilantro and broccoli, with respect to the control site where the concentration of Cd registered significantly lower levels than in the other soils. Finally, Cd, Pb and Cr concentrations were higher in cilantro tissues and in soils with cilantro compared to the control. Conclusions: Phytoremediation by means of Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck and Coriandrum sativum L. in 70/30 or 30/70 proportions in soils with pH between 5.5 and 6.0 allows a good recovery of soils with heavy metal contents in terms of high concentrations in short terms, starting bioremediation after three months and ending loads of variable availability after nine months.

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar si el índice de inmunidad-inflamación sistémica (IIS) es un marcador pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19. Método: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes que ingresaron con diagnóstico de COVID-19 a un hospital general de la Ciudad de México, confirmado mediante prueba de reacción cuantitativa en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa de muestras de hisopado nasofaríngeo, además de la sintomatología característica y los hallazgos de la tomografía computarizada de tórax. A su ingreso se les realizó biometría hemática para el cálculo del IIS (neutrófilos × plaquetas/linfocitos). Mediante una curva ROC se determinó el punto de corte óptimo del IIS. Para evaluar la asociación del IIS con la mortalidad se utilizó la prueba de ji al cuadrado, la fuerza de la asociación con la razón de momios (OR, odds ratio) y se realizó un análisis multivariado de regresión logística binaria. Resultados: Se incluyeron 140 individuos, de los cuales 86 (61.4%) eran hombres y 54 (38.6%) mujeres, con una media de edad de 52 (± 13.81) años. El mejor punto de corte pronóstico fue 2332.30 × 109 (área bajo la curva: 0.68; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 0.59-0.77; p < 0.05). La OR fue de 3.78 (IC95%: 1.83-7.82; p < 0.05). Conclusiones: El IIS mostró ser una herramienta de fácil disponibilidad y un marcador pronóstico de mortalidad al ingreso en pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19.

Abstract Objective: To determine if the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a prognostic marker of mortality in COVID-19 patients. Method: Retrospective study that included patients admitted to a general hospital in Mexico City with diagnostic of COVID-19, confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction from nasopharyngeal swab specimens in addition to characteristic symptomatology and computerized thoracic tomography imaging. Upon admission an hematic biometry was taken to calculate the SII (neutrophils × platelets/lymphocytes). The optimal cut-off point was determined from a ROC curve; the chi-square test was used to evaluate the association of SII with mortality, the strength of the association was estimated through the odds ratio (OR) and, finally, a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: 140 individuals were included, 86 (61.4%) men and 54 women (38.6%), the mean age of patients was 52 (± 13.81) years old. The best prognostic cut-off point found was 2332.30 × 109 (area under the curve: 0.68; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.59-0.77; p < 0.05). The OR was 3.78 (95% CI: 1.83-7.82; p < 0.05). Conclusions: We demonstrated that the SII is an easily available tool, effective and a prognostic marker of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

ABSTRACT The effect of two surgical field antisepsis protocols on the reduction of the number of skin bacteria in bovines subjected to field reproductive surgeries was determined. Samples were taken before (M1), and after antisepsis (M2) and at the end of the surgical procedure (M3) in 12 crossbred bovines aged 18 to 24 months. Trichotomy of the operating field was performed prior to the two antisepsis protocols: 7.5% povidone-iodine and 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (both with 3-min contact time and 2-min contact clearance with isopropyl alcohol) and later embrocation with 1% povidone-iodine solution and 0.5% chlorhexidine solution, respectively. The skin swabs were processed by the count technique of colony forming units (CFU/ml). The bacterial load of the two protocols was analysed with the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test for independent samples, without finding significant differences between protocols by evaluation time (p>0.05). The Friedman test indicated a significant reduction between M1 with M2 and M3 (p<0.05), but not between M2 and M3 (p>0.05).

RESUMEN Se determinó el efecto de dos protocolos de antisepsia del campo operatorio sobre la reducción del número de bacterias de la piel en bovinos sometidos a cirugías reproductivas a campo. Se tomaron muestras antes (M1), luego de la antisepsia (M2) y al finalizar el procedimiento quirúrgico (M3) en 12 bovinos mestizos de 18 a 24 meses de edad. Se realizó la tricotomía del campo operatorio previo a los dos protocolos de antisepsia: Iodopovidona al 7.5% y Gluconato de Clorhexidina al 2% (ambos con 3 min de contacto y aclaramiento con alcohol isopropílico de 2 min de contacto) y posterior embrocado con iodopovidona solución al 1% y clorhexidina solución al 0.5%, respectivamente. Los hisopados de piel fueron procesadas por la técnica de recuento de unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC/ml). La carga bacteriana de los dos protocolos fue analizada con el test de Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon para muestras independientes, sin encontrar diferencias significativas entre protocolos por momento de evaluación (p>0.05). El test de Friedman indicó una reducción significativa entre M1 con M2 y M3 (p<0.05), pero no entre M2 y M3 (p>0.05).

Abstract Historically, phenol/croton oil deep chemical peeling has been very effective and has generated excellent results compared to other formulas used in dermatological clinics. However, it can cause serious side effects in patients sensitive to phenol. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a liquid crystalline structure containing croton oil (without phenol) as well as to evaluate the physical characteristics and cytotoxicity of this new system. Rational proportions of the croton oil, purified water, and polyethylene glycol hexadecyl ether were designed through a partial phase diagram to obtain 26 formulations. After macroscopic analysis and polarized light microscopy evaluation, formulations with lamellar liquid crystalline phase (4 samples) were identified and chosen to determine pH, size, polydispersion index (PDI), zeta potential, and rheological behavior. After 48 hours, three samples presented phase separation. Formulation 8 remained stable, but hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC, 0.5%, w/w) was added to the aqueous phase, to prevent coalescence. Sample 8A exhibited a pH compatible with the skin, nanometric size, narrow PDI, negative zeta potential, and stability throughout the study period. The addition of HEC improved the organization of the system, making the formulation more stable. The oil, fractions of the oil, and the sample exhibited increasing cytotoxicity, respectively. This result could be attributed to the fractionation process of the vegetal matrix, and the surfactant present in the formulation increased the cell membrane permeability. The proposed approach successfully achieved a physically stable liquid crystal system containing croton oil.

RESUMO A adoção de tecnologias que permitam a atenuação de estresses ambientais, como o uso de reguladores no tratamento de sementes, é uma alternativa para cultivos em regiões com temperaturas elevadas. Objetivou-se avaliar a mitigação do estresse térmico na germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de cenoura, por meio de reguladores de crescimento vegetal. O estudo foi dividido em três ensaios, utilizando-se temperaturas de 25, 30 e 35 °C. Empregou-se esquema fatorial 5 x 3, sendo cinco cultivares de cenoura (Alvorada, Brasília, BRS Esplanada, Tellus e Tropical) e dois produtos (Stimulate® e tiametoxam), além do controle (sementes não tratadas). Avaliaram-se as seguintes variáveis: germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, comprimento e massa seca de plântula. Quando as cultivares tiveram as sementes tratadas com os reguladores de crescimento vegetal a 25 °C, Tellus apresentou germinação 28 % superior ao controle, enquanto, a 30 °C, BRS Esplanada e Tellus apresentaram germinação duas vezes maior que o controle e expressaram melhor vigor, em detrimento da Alvorada, Brasília e Tropical. De modo geral, o tiametoxam promoveu incrementos no desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de cenoura aos 25 e 30 °C. No entanto, a germinação das cultivares de cenoura foi interrompida a 35 °C.

ABSTRACT The adoption of technologies that allow the mitigation of environmental stresses, such as the use of regulators in seed treatment, is an alternative for crops in high temperatures regions. This study aimed to assess the heat stress mitigation on the germination and initial development of carrot seedlings using plant growth regulators. The study was divided into three experiments performed at the temperatures of 25, 30 and 35 °C. A 5 × 3 factorial arrangement was used, with fve carrot cultivars (Alvorada, Brasília, BRS Esplanada, Tellus and Tropical) and two products (Stimulate® and thiamethoxam), in addition to the control (untreated seeds). The following variables were evaluated: germination, first germination count, seedling length and dry mass. When the cultivars had their seeds treated with the plant growth regulators at 25 °C, the germination for the Tellus cultivar was 28 % higher than for the control, while, at 30 °C, the seed germination for BRS Esplanada and Tellus was twice as high as for the control, and showed a higher vigor than that of Alvorada, Brasília and Tropical. Overall, the thiamethoxam promoted increments at the initial development of carrot seedlings at 25 and 30 °C. However, the germination of the carrot cultivars was disrupted at 35 °C.

Resumen Un nivel adecuado de comprensión lectora es imprescindible para desempeñarse exitosamente en la educación universitaria, de allí la importancia de la investigación y el mejoramiento de esta destreza cognitiva. El objetivo del presente artículo de revisión bibliográfica es explorar algunos mecanismos cognitivos que influyen en la capacidad de comprensión lectora de los estudiantes universitarios, por lo cual, se brindan algunas herramientas teórico-conceptuales para ahondar en los mecanismos cognitivos que subyacen a la capacidad de comprensión lectora. El problema es dilucidar cuáles herramientas proporciona la psicología cognitiva para entender y mejorar la comprensión lectora en estudiantes universitarios. A partir de lo anterior, se concluye que el estudio y el mejoramiento de la comprensión lectora requieren tomar en cuenta mecanismos cognitivos de dominios general y específico, los cuales están en la base de las fortalezas y debilidades que se manifiestan en los instrumentos de evaluación tradicionales de la comprensión lectora. Asimismo, se concluye que la técnica de seguimiento ocular aplicada al proceso de la lectura es de gran utilidad para identificar las dificultades que pueden presentarse al comprender textos escritos. Estas herramientas teórico-conceptuales se han identificado como parte del proyecto de investigación El rol de las funciones ejecutivas y la inteligencia fluida en las habilidades verbales y la compresión lectora de los estudiantes universitarios: un estudio de movimientos oculares, el cual se desarrolla en el Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas de la Universidad de Costa Rica

Abstract An appropriate adequate level of reading comprehension is essential to perform successfully in university education; hence the importance of research and improvement of this cognitive skill. This bibliographic review article seeks to explore some cognitive mechanisms that influence the reading comprehension capacity of university students, for which some theoreticalconceptual tools are provided to delve into the cognitive mechanisms that underlie the reading comprehension capacity. This study attempts to elucidate which tools cognitive psychology provides to understand and improve reading comprehension in university students. Based on the above, it is concluded that the study and improvement of reading comprehension requires accounting for cognitive mechanisms of general domain and specific domain, which are at the base of the strengths and weaknesses manifested in the traditional evaluation instruments of reading comprehension. Likewise, it is concluded that the eye tracking technique applied to the reading process is a very useful tool to identify the difficulties that may arise when understanding written texts. Finally, it is worth mentioning that these theoretical-conceptual tools have been identified as part of the research project The role of executive functions and fluid intelligence in verbal skills and reading comprehension of university students: a study of eye movements, developed at the Institute of Psychological Research of the University of Costa Rica.

The crescent number of scientific articles published per year shows that research on biodiesel continues to play an important role to support the growing demand for this biofuel. The second edition of Biodiesel: An Overview presents the worldwide research in the last 15 years. Microalgae biomass is the most studied raw material alternative in this period and several studies have been carried out to develop basic heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production. Concerning to production technologies, supercritical conditions and intensification process have been extensively investigated. The development of new antioxidants additives has focused mainly on biomass-derived formulations and there are few studies on biocide candidates. In terms of pollutant emissions, in general, the studies showed that the addition of biodiesel generates lower concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), CO and n-alkanes pollutants, but carbonyl compounds, major ions and NOx are emitted in a higher concentration compared to pure diesel.

RESUMO Os espaços do Ensino Superior fazem uso de uma diversidade de métodos ativos, que são integrados em inovações que tendem a alcançar um aprendizado significativo. O artigo descreve uma experiência de metodologia ativa focada na Aula Invertida e no Aprendizado Baseado em Problemas para alcançar um aprendizado significativo. Scrum, uma metodologia ágil de gerenciamento de projetos, foi escolhida para a produção do material educacional. A fim de validar a proposta, a System Dynamics foi abordada como tema de estudo e mediação, adaptando as ferramentas de tecnologia da informação e comunicação disponíveis como recursos na plataforma Moodle. A proposta foi realizada no primeiro semestre de 2019 e foram obtidos resultados positivos em torno do aprendizado do conhecimento disciplinar em um contexto de inovação, que são encorajadores para a replicação.

ABSTRACT Higher Education spaces apply a diversity of active methods, and they that are integrated to design innovations in order to achieve significant learning. The article describes an active methodology experience focused on the inverted class and problem based learning to reach significant learning. In the production of the educational material, Scrum, an agile project management methodology, was chosen. In order to validate this proposal, it was focused on the Systems Dynamics as a study topic, and mediation was achieved by adapting information and communications technology tools available as resources on the Moodle platform. The proposal was realized in the first semester of 2019, and positive results were obtained regarding the learning of disciplinary knowledge in a context of innovation, which are encouraging for its replication.

RESUMEN Los espacios de Educación Superior se valen de una diversidad de métodos activos, los que se integran en innovaciones que tienden a lograr aprendizajes significativos. En el artículo se describe una experiencia de metodología activa centrada en el Aula Invertida y el Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas para lograr aprendizajes significativos. En la producción del material educativo se optó por Scrum, metodología ágil de gestión de proyectos. Para validar la propuesta se particularizó abordando como tema de estudio la Dinámica de Sistemas y la mediación se logró por la adaptación de herramientas de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación disponibles como recursos en la plataforma Moodle. La propuesta se concretó en el primer semestre del año 2019 y se obtuvieron resultados positivos en torno al aprendizaje de conocimientos disciplinares en un contexto de innovación, los que son alentadores para su replicación.

Abstract To better understand the dispersion strategies of Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae, Triatominae), we evaluated the spatial effect of infested peridomicile and density vegetation cover in a historically endemic area for Chagas disease. The study was conducted in rural houses of the northwest of Córdoba province, Argentine, during 2012-2013. Active search of triatomines were made in domicile and peridomicile habitats. To characterize vegetation coverage, a thematic map was obtained considering five types of vegetation cover (closed/open forest, closed/open shrubland and cultural land). From each house we extracted the area of vegetation coverage, housing density and infested peridomiciles density. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the effect of these variables on the occurrence of infested peridomicile. According to our results, the probability of a peridomicile to be infested increases by 1.34 (95%CI [0.98; 1.90]) times more when peridomicile structures are in environments with higher housing density and by 1.25 (95%CI [0.84; 1.88]) more times when houses are surrounded by open shrublands. Among the multiple ecological determinants of peridomestic infestation, the influence of vegetation cover has been poorly studied. In this study we discussed the effect of the vegetation as a potential modulator of the dispersion strategies of T. infestans.

Abstract Cytogenetic analyses were performed on specimens of Leptodactylus bufonius from different localities in Argentina. Mitotic chromosomes were studied with Giemsa and differential staining techniques (Ag-NOR, C-banding, and CMA3/DAPI) and fluorescence in situ hybridization with the 18S DNAr probe. All specimens showed karyotypes with 2n = 2x = 22 and FN = 44. Secondary constrictions were present in the long arm of chromosome pair 8, coincident with Ag-NOR and hybridization signals of the 18S DNAr probe. The C-banding technique evidenced an important amount of heterochromatin with a sex-linked pericentromeric band in the short arm of chromosome pair 4. This heterochromatic band was heteromorphic in males but present in both homologues of females, and it was CMA3 positive (DAPI negative) at fluorescence staining. The occurrence of heteromorphic XY sex chromosomes in L. bufonius is the second known case in Leptodactylus and the fifth within the speciose family Leptodactylidae.

ABSTRACT. This research work was carried out with the objective of assessing; L. monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and coliforms in Paraguay cheese marketed in different sales points of the cities of; José Falcón, Benjamín Aceval and Villa Hayes of the Presidente Hayes Department. A total of 24 samples of cheese Paraguay were obtained, which were analyzed following the ISO 4831:2006; ISO 4832:2006; ISO 6785/IDF 093:2001 and ISO 1190-1 methods. This study revealed that 100% were negative for Listeria monocytogenes and for Salmonella spp. However, coliforms were found in 87% of the samples, of which 15 (62% of the total) presented coliform counts above the maximum allowed by the Paraguayan Standard NP 25 053 11, on the other hand, 6 samples (25% of the total) had a coliform count within the values established by the standard. In order to confirm E. coli, isolation of presumptive colonies were culture and confirmatory biochemical tests were carried out, which revealed that 9 (38%) of the Samples were positive for E. coli.

RESUMEN. El presente trabajo de investigación fue realizado con el objetivo de determinar Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. y coliformes en queso Paraguay comercializado en diferentes puntos de venta de las ciudades de José Falcón, Benjamín Aceval y Villa Hayes. Fueron obtenidas 24 muestras de queso Paraguay, las cuales fueron remitidas al laboratorio para su análisis microbiológico por los métodos ISO 4831:2006; ISO 4832:2006; ISO 6785/IDF 093:2001; ISO 1190-1. El estudio reveló que, el 100% de las mismas resultaron negativas para L. monocytogenes y para Salmonella spp., sin embargo, se pudo determinar coliformes en el 87% de las muestras, 15 de éstas (62% de total), se encontraron con el recuento fuera del rango permitido por la Norma Paraguaya NP 25 053 11, por otro lado, 6 de las mismas (25% del total) tuvieron un recuento dentro del rango establecido por dicha norma. A partir de los cultivos realizados para el recuento de coliformes se realizó el aislamiento y posterior cultivo de colonias sospechosas de E. coli, las mismas, al ser sometidas a las pruebas bioquímicas confirmatorias revelaron que, 9 (38%) de las muestras fueron positivas para dicho microorganismo.

Resumen Las condiciones de operación de los procesos de polihidroxibutirato (PHB) se encuentran entre los factores que más influyen en los rendimientos. En este estudio se evaluó la producción de PHB sintetizado por Bacillus megaterium LVN01. Se implementaron cultivos en lotes y lotes alimentados para producir PHB, a partir de glicerol residual. Para esto, en una etapa preliminar, se analizó el peso de las células secas (PSC) y la productividad de PHB mediante un diseño central compuesto, utilizando sistemas de lotes bajo diferentes condiciones de temperatura, relación molar C/N y tiempo de incubación. La productividad máxima de PHB ocurrió a 30.8°C, 44.9 mol mol-1 y 39.9 h. Las mismas condiciones se utilizaron para estudios en cultivos por lotes alimentados. Los experimentos en modo lote alimentado fueron comparables entre sí, donde el PSC osciló alrededor de 1.9 g L-1, con productividades de PHB de 29.5 mg L-1 h-1 y 35.6 mg L-1 h-1 para biorreactores de 5 L y 14 L, respectivamente. El PHB se caracterizó mediante análisis de RMN, FTIR, DSC, TGA y DTG.

Abstract The operating conditions of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production processes are among the factors that most influence yields. In this study, we evaluated PHB production synthesized by Bacillus megaterium LVN01. Batch and fed-batch cultures were used to produce PHB from residual glycerol. For this, dry cell weight (DCW) and PHB productivity were analyzed at a preliminary stage by central composite design using batch systems under different temperature, C/N ratio, and fermentation time conditions. The maximum PHB productivity occurred at 30.8 °C, 44.9 mol mol-1, and 39.9 h. The same conditions were tested for studies in fed-batch culture. Fed-batch experiments were comparable to each other, where the DCW was around 1.9 g L-1, with PHB productivities of 29.5 mg L-1 h-1 and 35.6 mg L-1 h-1 for bioreactors of 5 L and 14 L, respectively. The PHB was characterized by NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and DTG analyses.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la expresión de proteínas del fluido folicular (FF) y su relación con la calidad del oocito. Se evaluaron 52 ovarios de planta de faenado de vacas Cebú comercial, mediante la técnica de disección y aspiración folicular se obtuvo FF y oocitos. Las evaluaciones realizadas fueron: calidad del oocito por aspecto citoplasmático y células del cúmulos y perfil de proteínas del FF mediante SDS-PAGE. Se realizó el análisis descriptivo, a través del procedimiento MEANS, análisis de varianza (PROC. ANOVA) y para las diferencias estadísticas significativas se usó la prueba de comparación de Bonferroni con un nivel de significancia del 5%, mediante el paquete estadístico SAS®. El 52% de los oocitos se categorizaron con calidad I-II. El análisis unidimensional de las proteínas del FF evidenció la presencia de 25 bandas de proteína entre 9 y 240 kDa. En folículos <3 mm se expresaron 23 bandas, en folículos de 3 y 6 mm 19 bandas y en folículos >6mm 20 bandas. Las bandas de peso molecular (PM) de 26kDa, 57kDa y 68kDa representan la mayor concentración en el FF; 4 bandas de PM 14 KDa, 34 KDa, 76 y 79 KDa, solo en folículos de <3mm, 2 bandas de PM 9 y 91 KDa solo en folículos de >3 mm. La banda de 32 KDa no se observó en folículos > de 6mm. Las bandas de mayor frecuencia de presentación fueron las de 26, 40, 42, 57, 68, 240 KDa. Las bandas de proteína que se asociaron con la calidad del oocito en forma significativa (p<0,05) fueron las de PM 24, 57, 68 y 164 KDa para FF de folículos <3mm y las bandas de PM 13, 26 y 38 kDa entre 3 y 6mm, y la de 26 kDa a folículos > de 6mm. Los resultados nos indican asociaciones de la calidad del oocito con algunas bandas de proteína.

Abstract This study was aimed at determining follicular fluid (FF) protein expression and its relationship with oocyte quality. FF and oocytes were obtained by dissection and follicular aspiration of the ovaries from fifty-two commercial Zebu from a slaughterhouse. Oocyte quality was measured by cytoplasmic aspect and cumulus cells and FF protein profile by SDS-PAGE. The SAS statistical package’s PROC MEANS and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for descriptive analysis and the Bonferroni comparison test for assessing significant statistical differences (5% significance level); 52% of the oocytes were categorised as having I-II quality. One-dimensional SDS-PAGE analysis of FF proteins revealed 25 protein bands having 9 kDa to 240 kDa molecular weight (MW); 23 bands were expressed in <3 mm follicles, 19 bands in 3 and 6 mm follicles and 20 bands in >6 mm follicles. The 26kDa, 57kDa and 68kDa bands’ MW represented the highest FF concentration whereas only four bands (14 kDa, 34 kDa, 76 and 79 kDa MW) were found in <3mm follicles and only 2 bands (9kDa and 91 kDa MW) in >3 mm follicles. The 32 kDa band was not observed in >6mm follicles. The 26, 40, 42, 57, 68 and 240 KDa bands occurred with the greatest frequency. The protein bands which were significantly associated with oocyte quality (p<0.05) were 24, 57, 68 and 164 kDa MW for <3mm follicles, 13, 26 and 38 kDa MW bands for 3 and 6mm follicles and 26 kDa for >6mm follicles. The results indicated oocyte quality association with some protein bands.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a expressão de proteínas do fluido folicular (FF) e sua relação com a qualidade do oócito. Avaliou-se 52 ovários de vacas Cebú comercial colhidos em abatedouro e através da técnica de dissecação e aspiração folicular obtivera-se o FF e os oócitos. As avaliações realizadas foram: qualidade do oócito pelo aspecto citoplasmático e células do cúmulos e o perfil de proteínas do FF mediante SDS-PAGE. Realizou-se a análise descritiva, através do procedimento MEANS, análise de variância (PROC. ANOVA) e para identificar as diferenças estatísticas significativas, utilizou-se a prova de comparação de Bonferroni com um nível de significância de 5%, através do pacote estadístico SAS®. O 52% dos oócitos foram classificados como qualidade I e II. As análises unidimensionais das proteínas do FF evidenciaram a presença de 25 bandas de proteína entre 9 y 240 kDa. Em folículos <3 mm expressaram-se 23 bandas, em folículos entre 3 e 6 mm 19 bandas e em folículos >6mm 20 bandas. As bandas de peso molecular (PM) de 26kDa, 57kDa e 68kDa são as mais frequentes no FF; 4 bandas de PM 14 KDa, 34 KDa, 76 y 79 KDa, solo em folículos de <3mm, 2 bandas de PM 9 y 91 KDa solo em folículos de >3 mm. A banda de 32 KDa não foi observada em folículos> de 6mm. As bandas mais frequentes foram 26, 40, 42, 57, 68, 240 KDa. As bandas de proteína que se associaram à qualidade do oócito em forma significativa (p <0,05) foram as de PM 24, 57, 68 e 164 KDa para FF de folículos <3mm e as bandas de PM 13, 26 e 38 kDa entre 3 e 6mm, e a de 26 kDa a folículos >6mm. Os resultados indicam associações entre qualidade do oócito e algumas bandas de proteína.

ABSTRACT Duguetia furfuracea (Annonaceae) is a shrub found in the Brazilian Cerrado that is used in popular medicine as an antirheumatic, for wound healing, treatment of kidney pain and against pediculosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the extraction of leaves of Duguetia furfuracea, using supercritical CO2, ethanol and hexane as solvents. For the supercritical extraction, an experimental planning 23 with triplicates of the central point was used to evaluate the effects of temperature (313-333 K), pressure (15-23 MPa) and volumetric flow rate (3-6 mL min-1) on the extraction yield, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared with extracts obtained by Soxhlet extraction. The effects of the variables on the extraction yield were positive and the pressure had greater influence. However, the highest performances, total phenolic content and antioxidant activities were obtained by the Soxhlet method. The mathematical model based on the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory of adsorption correlated satisfactorily the experimental values of the supercritical extraction.

Straightforward, microscale, Ellman's cholinesterase test procedures are presented, useful for screening of novel compounds aiming at neurodegenerative diseases and antidotes towards nerve agents and pesticides. Herein, we detail the different procedure features and set forth guidelines on experimental choices researchers may make. The detailed procedure lowers the costs for Ellman´s test, what is highly desirable for low-budget groups in science-lagging and developing countries.