The synthesis, characterization, acute toxicity, antitumor activity, and histopathological analysis of a novel dinuclear platinum(2+) complex - [Pt(DACH-κ2N)µ-(C4H2O6-κ4O)Pt(DACH-κ2N)] - is reported. Through acute toxicity tests, it was possible to place the platinum complexes into categories according to the OECD protocol. The dinuclear complex was classified in category 2 (cisplatin - category 1; and oxaliplatin - category 2). Analyzing the interaction between dsDNA and dinuclear complex was observed an Tm increase, suggesting that the dinuclear complex-dsDNA interact probably through of the interstrand form. Evaluations of tumor masses extracted from mice inoculated with Ehrlich carcinoma demonstrated a percent of tumor inhibition similar for cisplatin and oxaliplatin, but statistically different and superior for the case of the dinuclear complex. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin showed 41.4 and 40.8% inhibition, respectively, while the dinuclear complex presented 66.3%. The histopathological analysis demonstrated that the group treated with cisplatin showed more significant tissue damage, moderate hepatic steatosis, and nephritis. The livers, spleens, and kidneys of the animals treated with the dinuclear complex were within the normality range with no tissue lesions, and absence of metastasis.

Abstract Previous studies have investigated the preparation of heterogeneous biocatalysts based on the immobilization of lipases on distinct types of supports. However, few works have investigated the influence of the textural properties of these supports on the immobilization parameters. Thus, the present article reports the preparation of copolymers based on divinylbenzene by aqueous suspension polymerizations, using different amounts of porogenic agents to prepare particles with distinct textural properties. The particles were used for immobilization of lipase from Candida antarctica fraction B and the performance of the biocatalysts was evaluated in hydrolysis reactions, using p-nitrophenyl laurate as substrate. The use of Sty/DVB particles resulted in higher immobilization yields (89.5% and 99.2%) and higher hydrolytic activities, when compared to the Sty/VBC/DVB particles. Particularly, the increase of the pore diameters of the particles resulted in higher immobilization yields. Also, the hydrolytic activities depended simultaneously on the average pore diameter, porosity, and specific area (the most influential variable) of the supports. Thus, it was observed that the distinct morphological features of the polymer support can exert significant and conflicting effects on the final biocatalyst performance, since the specific surface area is normally expected to decrease with the increase of the average pore size.

ABSTRACT The composting of waste from a broiler chicken production chain (BCPC) promotes the mitigation of environmental impacts and allows the commercialization of compost as an agricultural input. Both the characteristics and the potential for use of the final compost depends on the operational conditions during composting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of organic compounds generated from composting BCPC residues and the pruning debris of urban trees in the germination and initial growth of lettuce seedlings. Six organic substrates obtained under different coverage conditions (presence and absence) and number of turns (8, 12, and 16) were evaluated using the germination index (IG) and Dickson quality index (DQI) for the production of seedlings in trays and compared with a commercial substrate. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the IG is not related to the DQI. The compounds produced without coverage showed lower levels of electrical conductivity (p < 0.05) and potassium (p < 0.05) due to the leaching of soluble salts during composting. These substrates did not inhibit seed germination (IG ≥ 75%), but resulted in less robust seedlings, mainly in relation to the aerial portion. BCPC residues were viable for composting treatment and the DQI of the organic compounds (0.0125) used as substrates for the initial growth of lettuce seedlings were, on average, 14% higher than that obtained from the commercial substrate (0.090), indicating that the organic compounds were of better quality.

Abstract Copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) are considered attractive as sorbents because the epoxy groups can be easily converted into other groups. Studies involving the influence of the synthesis parameters on the morphological characteristics of these copolymers are scarce. This work investigates the synthesis of copolymers of poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) with different porosity degrees obtained by varying the synthesis parameters. GMA-EGDMA copolymers were synthesized by suspension polymerization employing varied conditions and characterized by measuring apparent density, surface area and pore volume distribution, optical and scanning electron microcopies, FT-IR, thermogravimetry and titration of epoxide rings. The copolymer with highest surface area and pore volume (260.4 m2/g and 0.5 cm3/g) was prepared employing cyclohexane as diluent, 80% EGDMA in monomeric composition and 100% of dilution degree. There was a relation between the epoxide content of the copolymers determined by titration and the residue content formed in the first decomposition stage.

ABSTRACT The recovery of waste from the broiler production chain (BPC) is consistent with the principles of a circular economy. Besides turning waste into organic compost, its use as substrate for the production of vegetable seedlings further increases its economic value. However, it is necessary to adapt its characteristics to enable its use as substrate. To this end, the addition of boiler remnant charcoal wastes (BCW), another type of waste generated in the BPC, to the organic compost resulting from the composting of BPC waste with different bulking agents (BAs) was studied. The addition of BCW to agro-industrial compost reduced the electrical conductivity (EC) of substrates. Multiple linear regression showed that, of the 13 variables (physical, chemical and physicochemical) studied, three (EC, pH and N content) are sufficient to explain the seedling quality index (SQI). Simple nonlinear regression showed that, in order to achieve higher SQIs and easier removal of clod from tray, an additional 30% in weight of BCW is required for compost, using urban tree pruning, wood sawdust and sugarcane bagasse BAs. The use of cotton and Napier grass waste as BAs is not recommended for BPC waste mixtures, as they cause a large increase in substrate EC.

ABSTRACT Considering the constant increase in the waste generation from poultry and pigs’ husbandries, the main contributions of this study were to verify the potential of biogas production through the anaerobic digestion and co-digestion of the residues generated by these two activities, as well as to highlight the recovery of the nutrients contained in the obtained digestate. The wastes used were poultry litters after six, seven and eight production lots, as well as the sifted wastewater from one Piglets Producer Unit (PPU). Higher biogas production (p <0.05) was observed in the treatments in which anaerobic codigestion was used with the swine wastewater (SW): 0.179; 0.158 and 0.117 m3 per kg of total solids (TS) added for poultry litters with six, seven and eight lots, respectively. It was concluded that the anaerobic co-digestion between the poultry litter and sifted swine wastewater is the best option for energy and nutrient recycling. No positive relationships were observed in the increase in the number of reuses of litter in the production of biogas and in the concentration of nutrients in the digestate.

RESUMO O funcionamento da atenção é complexo, função primordial em diversos processos cognitivos e de grande interesse para a neuropsicologia. O Teste de Variáveis de Atenção (T.O.V.A) é um teste computadorizado de desempenho contínuo que avalia alguns componentes de atenção, como tempo de resposta a um estímulo e erros por desatenção e impulsividade. Objetivo: 1) Avaliar a aplicabilidade do T.O.V.A em adultos brasileiros; 2) Analisar as diferenças de desempenho entre os gêneros, faixas etárias e níveis de escolaridade; 3) Examinar a associação entre as variáveis T.O.V.A e outros testes de atenção e triagem cognitiva. Métodos: O TOVA foi aplicado a 63 adultos saudáveis (24 a 78 anos) submetidos ao Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digit Span e Digit Symbol (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults – WAIS-III) e o Trail Making Test. Resultados: T.O.V.A teve pouca influência da idade e escolaridade, mas foi influenciado pelo gênero. As correlações entre algumas variáveis T.O.V.A e o símbolo Digit e o teste Trail Making foram fracas (valores de r entre 0,2 e 0,4), mas significativas (p <0,05). Não houve correlação com o teste Digit Span. Conclusão: T.O.V.A apresentou boa aplicabilidade e foi adequado para avaliar os processos de atenção em adultos.

ABSTRACT The functioning of attention is complex, a primordial function in several cognitive processes and of great interest to neuropsychology. The Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A) is a continuous computerized performance test that evaluates some attention components such as response time to a stimulus and errors due to inattention and impulsivity. Objective: 1) To evaluate the applicability of T.O.V.A in Brazilian adults; 2) To analyze the differences in performance between genders, age ranges, and levels of education; 3) To examine the association between T.O.V.A variables and other attention and cognitive screening tests. Methods: The T.O.V.A was applied to 63 healthy adults (24 to 78 years of age) who also underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digit Span and Digit Symbol (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults – WAIS-III) and the Trail Making Test. Results: the T.O.V.A was little influenced by age or education, but was influenced by gender. The correlations between some T.O.V.A variables and the Digit Symbol and Trail Making test were weak (r-values between 0.2 and 0.4), but significant (p<0.05). There was no correlation with the Digit Span test. Conclusion: The T.O.V.A showed good applicability and proved adequate for evaluating attentional processes in adults.

ABSTRACT The quality of the carbon used as bulking agent in the composting process directly affects the dynamics of the waste degradation, which is governed by an active and diversified microbiota. The monitoring of the basal respiration and enzymatic activities during the composting of broiler agro-industrial wastes with different carbon sources as bulking agents was the aim of this study. The microbiological activities were more intense in the thermophilic phase of the process. The dynamics of the enzymatic activities were affected by the different carbon sources used as bulking agent in the composition of the windrows. When the milled sugarcane bagasse was used as carbon source, the windrow presented the highest amount of P in its constitution and presented, in the evaluation averages, a greater intensity of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme (842 μg g−1 h−1 p-nitrophenol compost); the highest intensities of β-glucosidase and cellulase enzymes were observed when fresh and ground napier grass was used as the main source of carbon (6.1 μmol g−1 h−1 p-nitrophenol compost and 35.2 μmol g−1 16h−1 glucose compost, respectively); the highest intensity of the urease enzyme was also observed in the windrow where napier grass was used as the main carbon source and bulking agent (205,890 μmol g−1 2 h−1 N-NH4+ compost). It can be concluded that napier grass when used as the main source of carbon and bulking agent in the composting of the wastes from broiler chicken production chain promotes greater intensity of most of the enzymatic activities of interest. The enzymatic activity of urease presented the highest values due to the high nitrogen content of the composted wastes.

RESUMO Visando avaliar diferentes águas residuárias na co-digestão anaeróbia de resíduos de incubatório foi realizado ensaio batelada conduzido em biodigestores horizontais de bancada. Ao final do processo foram determinados a produção e os potenciais de produção de biogás e de metano bem como a composição química (macro e micronutrientes) do efluente e a concentração de metano e gás carbônico aos 60 dias. O monitoramento do processo foi acompanhado pela redução de carbono orgânico, demanda química de oxigênio, sólidos totais e voláteis (ST e SV), além da variação do pH e da condutividade elétrica (CE). Os resultados obtidos revelaram que as misturas entre resíduo fresco de incubatório e água residuária de suinocultura - ARS (T4) e resíduo fresco de incubatório + água da primeira lagoa anaeróbia do incubatório + ARS (T5) apresentaram os melhores potenciais de produção de biogás (192,50 e 205,0 L biogás por kg de SV adicionados, respectivamente). Aos 60 dias a concentração média de metano variou de 72 a 77% entre os tratamentos. Para todas as situações avaliadas observou-se redução de ST e SV e aumento do pH e da CE. Concluiu-se que a recuperação de energia dos resíduos de incubatório é favorecida pela adição de ARS em co-digestão anaeróbia.

ABSTRACT Aiming to evaluate different wastewaters in the anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) of hatchery wastes, a batch test was conducted in bench horizontal digesters. At the end of the process, the potential production of biogas and methane was calculated as well as the chemical composition (macro- and micronutrients) of the effluent and the concentrations of methane and carbon dioxide gas at 60 days. The monitoring of the process included observations of the reduction of the organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand, and total (TS) and volatile solids (VS), as well as the variation of pH and electrical conductivity (EC). The results showed that the mixing between the hatchery fresh waste and swine wastewater (T4) and among fresh hatchery waste, water from the first anaerobic pond of the hatchery and swine wastewater (T5) represent significant sources of renewable energy and thereby greater potential for biogas production (192.50 and 205.0 L biogas per kg of VS added to T4 and T5, respectively). The average concentration of methane in the biogas varied from 72 to 77% among the treatments. For all treatments, reductions were observed in TS and VS and increases in pH and EC. It was concluded that the energy recovery from hatchery wastes is favoured by the addition of swine wastewater in the ACoD process.

ABSTRACT Prosopis juliflora is a shrub that has been used to feed animals and humans. However, a synergistic action of piperidine alkaloids has been suggested to be responsible for neurotoxic damage observed in animals. We investigated the involvement of programmed cell death (PCD) and autophagy on the mechanism of cell death induced by a total extract (TAE) of alkaloids and fraction (F32) from P. juliflora leaves composed majoritary of juliprosopine in a model of neuron/glial cell co-culture. We saw that TAE (30 µg/mL) and F32 (7.5 µg/mL) induced reduction in ATP levels and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential at 12 h exposure. Moreover, TAE and F32 induced caspase-9 activation, nuclear condensation and neuronal death at 16 h exposure. After 4 h, they induced autophagy characterized by decreases of P62 protein level, increase of LC3II expression and increase in number of GFP-LC3 cells. Interestingly, we demonstrated that inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin and vinblastine increased the cell death induced by TAE and autophagy induced by serum deprivation and rapamycin reduced cell death induced by F32 at 24 h. These results indicate that the mechanism neural cell death induced by these alkaloids involves PCD via caspase-9 activation and autophagy, which seems to be an important protective mechanism.

ABSTRACT The agro-industrialization of animal products has led to a significant waste generation, which has been stabilized by composting process in specialized plants. Waste stabilization time on composting depends on the handling used. 12 treatments were performed, three frequency turnings combined with two environmental conditions (with and without coverage of the composting area) and with and without commercial inoculant, whose results were submitted to multiple regression analysis. Windrows turned twice a week in the first month had adequate temperature control and stabilization time of 83.5 and 95.5 days for uncovered and covered windrows, respectively. Uncovered windrows have accelerated the process in 10 days on average, with the disadvantage of increasing nutrient losses. The weekly inoculation of Bacillus (subtilis, licheniformis and polymyxa) and Yarrowia lipolytica had no significant effect (p≥0.05).

ABSTRACT The growing demand for animal protein is directly related to the feedlot system of animals and their assumptions, such as the waste management. The characterization of the final products becomes an important factor in decision making by one or by other process. The objective was highlight characteristics that fertilizers present due to the used of stabilization process, by the principal component analysis. For the manure stabilization we realized three aerobic processes, composting, vermicomposting and natural decomposition, and one anaerobic, the anaerobic digestion. These processes produced the compost, the vermicompost, the decomposed manure and the biofertilizer. Fertilizers produced were analyzed by means of seventeen chemical and physic-chemical parameters. The main differences are related to stability and organic matter content. The compost is more stable fertilizer and decomposed manure is the worst. The vermicompost is presented as the best option to adsorb cadmium and lead. The biofertilizer has the lowest values of pH, CEC and adsorptive capacity of heavy metals (Cd and Pb). The decomposed manure in presence of precipitation, and the vermicompost, with significant irrigation, generates fertilizers with smaller source of potassium.

Abstract Marine environment is one of the most important sources regarding natural products research. Besides, marine microorganisms have been denominated as a talented natural source for discovery of new leads. Although the association of macroalgae and fungi has been described regarding ecological issues, there is a lack of studies about marine seaweed endophytic fungi. In this context, the goal of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial activities of endophytic fungi isolated from the Brazilian marine seaweed Bostrychia tenella (J.V. Lamouroux) J. Agardh (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta). Forty-five endophytic microorganism strains were isolated from B. tenella. Crude extracts and organic fractions of ten selected strains were obtained after growth in rice medium. Samples were evaluated for cytotoxicity, antifungal and antibacterial assays. Penicillium strains showed positive results in a diversity of assays, and other five strains were active in at least one test. In addition, cytochalasin D was isolated from Xylaria sp. This alga is composed of a microbiological potential, since its endophytic strains exhibited remarkable biological properties. Moreover, cytochalasin D isolation has confirmed chemical potential of marine endophytic strains. This is the first study in which cultured fungi isolates from the Brazilian macroalga B. tenella were evaluated concerning biological properties. Results corroborated that this species could be a pharmaceutical source from marine environment. Furthermore, Acremonium implicatum is being firstly described as marine endophyte and Xylaria sp., Trichoderma atroviride and Nigrospora oryzae as marine seaweed endophytes. Thus, this work reports the first study relating detailed isolation, cultivation and biological evaluation (cytotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial) of endophytes Penicillium decaturense and P. waksmanii from the Brazilian marine red alga B. tenella. We are also reporting the isolation of cytochalasin D, a known antitumor and antibiotic compound, from Xylaria sp. strain. Despite widespread prevalence in terrestrial and marine habitats, this present work describes the first occurrence of cytochalasin D as a metabolite from marine seaweed endophyte.

RESUMO O uso de água residuária em solo agrícola pode-se caracterizar como uma fonte alternativa de adubação, além de melhorar as condições edáficas do solo devido à matéria orgânica adicionada. Neste contexto, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos na cultura do milho e em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico, devido à aplicação de água residuária de suinocultura associada com adubação química. No experimento, utilizou-se de cinco doses de ARS (0; 112,5; 225; 337,5 e 450 m3 ha-1) durante o ciclo do milho, combinadas com duas adubações químicas (50 e 75% da dose recomendada), para compor os respectivos tratamentos, com três repetições. Os parâmetros da cultura do milho avaliados foram: produtividade (PROD), altura de plantas (AP), teor de macronutrientes (N, P, K e Mg) e de micronutrientes (Fe, Zn, Cu e B). Os parâmetros de solo avaliados foram: conteúdo de matéria orgânica (MO), soma e saturação por bases (SB e V), pH e teores disponíveis de N, P, K, Cu, Zn, Fe e Mn. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que: na cultura do milho, a aplicação de água residuária da suinocultura é fator predominante no aumento da produtividade e na nutrição mineral em K, Mg, Fe, Cu e B, e insuficiente para N e P; no solo, de modo geral, a água residuária da suinocultura propiciou aumentos positivos nos parâmetros de P, Zn, Cu, pH e SB, negativos nos teores de K e Fe, e nenhum efeito nos parâmetros N, V, MO e Mn; os parâmetros P, Cu e Zn aumentaram significativamente os teores no solo ao longo do experimento, indicando a importância do fator tempo nesse tipo de estudo.

ABSTRACT The use of wastewater in agricultural soil can be characterized as an alternative source of fertilizer, and improve soil conditions due to soil organic matter added. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effects on corn and in a Hapludox soil due to application of swine wastewater associated with chemical fertilizers. In the experiment, it was used five doses of swine wastewater (0, 112.5, 225, 337.5 and 450 m3 ha-1) during the corn cycle, combined with two chemical fertilizer (50 and 75% of the recommended dose) to compose their treatments with three replicates. The parameters of maize crop were: productivity, plant height, macronutrients (N, P, K and Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu and B). The soil parameters were: organic matter, pH, N, P, K, sum of bases, base saturation, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn. From the results it was concluded that: the culture of corn, the application of swine wastewater is the predominant factor in increasing productivity and mineral nutrition in K, Mg, Fe, Cu and B and insufficient for N and P; in the soil, generally, swine wastewater has positive increases in parameters of P, Zn, Cu, SB and pH, negative levels of K and Fe and no effect on the parameters N, V, MO and Mn; the time factor is extremely important in this type of study, for the parameters P, Cu and Zn that significantly increased their levels in the soil.

Los modelos animales son una herramienta importante en la investigación científica. Se sabe que esta práctica debe basarse en principios bioéticos, sea para imponer límites sobre el dolor y el sufrimiento, o para inspeccionar las instalaciones y procedimientos. Este estudio tuvo el objetivo de evaluar y presentar las normas vigentes que rigen la investigación con animales en Brasil, comparándolas con otros países, así como fomentar la reflexión bioética sobre este tema. Para eso, presentamos la legislación brasileña vigente y realizamos una revisión y discusión de la literatura internacional. La búsqueda de artículos fue realizada en la base de datos PubMed, usando las palabras-clave "bioética" y "bienestar del animal". Se incluyeron diecinueve artículos publicados entre 1997 e 2013. Se concluyó que es evidente la contribución de los animales para la investigación científica de varias áreas. Cabe moralmente al ser humano, como ser racional, asegurar un tratamiento humanitario de los animales que contribuyen con la investigación. La forma más segura de seguir este camino es estableciendo leyes claras e investigaciones bien delineadas, que involucren la sociedad para designar normas éticas. Así, el bienestar de los animales estaría garantizado.

Animal models are an important tool in scientific research. It is known that this practice must be based on bioethical principles in order to impose limits about pain and suffering, or for inspecting proceedings and research site. This study has as aim to evaluate and present current legislation ruling animal research in Brazil, comparing it with other countries, as well as fostering bioethical reflection about this issue. For this, we present current Brazilian legislation and we have carried out international literature review and discussion. The articles were searched in PubMed data base, using the key words "bioethics" and "animal welfare". Nineteen articles from 1997 to 2013 were included. It was concluded the evident contribution of animal research for scientific research in several fields. It is morally relevant for humans, as rational beings, to secure humane treatment to animals contributing to research. The safest way to follow this path is establishing clear norms and studies well designed, involving society for assigning ethical norms. Thus, animal welfare would be guarantee.

Os modelos de experimentação animal constituem uma importante ferramenta na pesquisa científica. Sabe-se que essa prática deve estar baseada em princípios bioéticos, seja para impor limites de dor e sofrimento, como para fiscalizar instalações e procedimentos. Assim, o presente estudo teve por objetivo levantar e apresentar as normas atuais que regulamentam as pesquisas em animais no Brasil comprando-as a outros países, bem como fomentar reflexões bioéticas sobre esse mote. Para isso, apresentamos a legislação brasileira vigente e conduzimos uma revisão e discussão da literatura internacional. A busca de artigos foi realizada na base de dados PubMed, utilizando como palavra-chave os termos "bioética" e "bem-estar do animal". Foram incluídos dezenove artigos, publicados entre os anos de 1997 a 2013. Concluiu-se que é evidente a contribuição dos animais para pesquisas científicas de diversas áreas. Cabe moralmente ao Homem, como ser racional, garantir um tratamento digno aos animais que contribuem para a pesquisa. A forma mais segura de seguir este caminho é estabelecendo leis claras e pesquisas bem delineadas, que envolvam a sociedade para designar normas éticas. Dessa forma, o bem-estar animal estaria garantido.