Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the main precursors for the production of graphene and other graphene-based materials. We report a simple, safe, and fast synthesis method to obtain graphene oxide as a functional material for battery-type electrodes. Washing and lyophilization processes were performed to evaluate their effects on exfoliation and removal of functional groups from graphene sheets. Sample GO1 consisted of a 10-layer stack of oxidized graphene, while sample GO2 had 8 stacked layers. The difference between them was an extra washing and lyophilization process in the GO2 sample. The electrochemical performance of graphene oxide-based electrodes, classified as battery-type, indicated an improved specific capacity of 10.15 C.g-1 for GO1 against 4.55 C.g-1 for GO2 at a specific current of 0.5 A.g-1. This superior battery-type behavior of the GO1 electrode, also confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, was most likely due to a higher degree of oxygenated groups on its surface, as shown by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies.

Abstract The effect of synthesis parameters on the microstructural behavior and morphology during the yttrium oxide (Y2O3) formation is reported. Y2O3 crystals were produced by a modified sol-gel route assisted by polyvinyl alcohol solution varying the calcination temperature and solution pH. The crystalline phase formation was investigated using X-ray powder diffraction combined with the Rietveld refinement method. The microstructural properties were analyzed by using the Williamson-Hall formalism. The calcination temperature followed the thermal events observed in the differential thermal analysis combined with the thermogravimetric analysis of the precursor xerogel. It was seen that the combination of PVA and pH variation can be used to minimize the calcination time and temperature. The morphological analysis showed samples with different sizes and appearances depending on pH and calcination temperature. Therefore, it was shown that the parameters in the synthesis process can be used to tailor the properties of Y2O3, such as crystallite size, degree of structural ordering, and morphology, and consequently, improve the desired application. YO Y O (Y2O3 reported Y2O solgel sol gel Xray X ray method WilliamsonHall Williamson Hall formalism xerogel Therefore size ordering consequently application (Y2O

Abstract The aim of this article is to present evidence of validity for the ‘work-family conflict scale’ with a sample of 10,383 professionals working in Brazilian public security. Cross-validation procedures were applied through the definition of two subsamples, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. All ethical procedures were followed. The results found in both the exploratory factor analysis (‘Work Interference with Family’ Factor, with factor loadings between .91 and .81 and alpha of .93, and ‘Family Interference with Work’ Factor, with factor loadings between .96 and .71 and alpha of .90) and the confirmatory analysis (χ2/df <5; CFI >.98; TLI >.98; RMSEA <.10) demonstrate robust evidence of validity, indicating the use of the scale in other organizational contexts.

Resumo O artigo tem como objetivo geral apresentar evidências de validade da escala ‘conflito trabalho-família’ junto a uma amostra de 10.383 profissionais que atuam na segurança pública brasileira. Optou-se pela condução dos procedimentos de validação cruzada, por meio da definição de duas subamostras, foram realizadas análises fatoriais exploratórias e confirmatórias. Todos os procedimentos éticos foram adotados. Os resultados encontrados tanto na análise fatorial exploratória (Fator ‘Interferência do Trabalho na Família’, com cargas fatoriais entre 0,91 e 0,81 e alpha de 0,93 e Fator ‘Interferência da Família no Trabalho, com cargas entre 0,96 a 0,71 e alpha de 0,90) quanto confirmatória (χ2/gl < 5; CFI > 0,98; TLI > 0,98; RMSEA < 0,1) demonstram robustas evidências de validade, indicando o uso da escala em outros contextos organizacionais.

Abstract Ortho-eugenol is a synthetic derivative from eugenol, the major compound of clove essential oil, which has demonstrated antidepressant and antinociceptive effects in pioneering studies. Additionally, its effects appear to be dependent on the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems. Depression and anxiety disorders are known to share a great overlap in their pathophysiology, and many drugs are effective in the treatment of both diseases. Furthermore, high levels of anxiety are related to working memory deficits and increased oxidative stress. Thus, in this study we investigated the effects of acute treatment of ortho-eugenol, at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg, on anxiety, working memory and oxidative stress in male Swiss mice. Our results show that the 100 mg/kg dose increased the number of head-dips and reduced the latency in the hole-board test. The 50 mg/kg dose reduced malondialdehyde levels in the prefrontal cortex and the number of Y-maze entries compared to the MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion group. All doses reduced nitrite levels in the hippocampus. It was also possible to assess a statistical correlation between the reduction of oxidative stress and hyperlocomotion after the administration of ortho-eugenol. However, acute treatment was not able to prevent working memory deficits. Therefore, the present study shows that ortho-eugenol has an anxiolytic and antioxidant effect, and was able to prevent substance-induced hyperlocomotion. Our results contribute to the elucidation of the pharmacological profile of ortho-eugenol, as well as to direct further studies that seek to investigate its possible clinical applications.

Resumo Ortho-eugenol é um derivado sintético do eugenol, composto principal do óleo essencial de cravo, que demonstrou efeitos antidepressivos e antinociceptivos em estudos pioneiros. Além disso, seus efeitos parecem ser dependentes dos sistemas noradrenérgico e dopaminérgico. Sabe-se que os transtornos de depressão e ansiedade compartilham uma grande sobreposição em sua fisiopatologia, e muitas drogas são eficazes no tratamento de ambas as doenças. Além disso, altos níveis de ansiedade estão relacionados a déficits de memória de trabalho e aumento do estresse oxidativo. Assim, o presente estudo investigou os efeitos do tratamento agudo de orto-eugenol, nas doses de 50, 75 e 100 mg/kg, na ansiedade, memória de trabalho e estresse oxidativo em camundongos Swiss machos. Nossos resultados mostram que a dose de 100 mg/kg aumentou o número de mergulhos e reduziu a latência no teste da placa perfurada. A dose de 50 mg/kg reduziu os níveis de malondialdeído no córtex pré-frontal e o número de entradas no labirinto em Y em comparação com o grupo de hiperlocomoção induzida por MK-801. Todas as doses reduziram os níveis de nitrito no hipocampo. Também foi possível avaliar uma correlação estatística entre a redução do estresse oxidativo e a hiperlocomoção após a administração do orto-eugenol. No entanto, o tratamento agudo não foi capaz de prevenir os déficits de memória de trabalho. Portanto, o presente estudo mostra que o orto-eugenol tem efeito ansiolítico e antioxidante, sendo capaz de prevenir a hiperlocomoção induzida pela substância. Nossos resultados contribuem para a elucidação do perfil farmacológico do orto-eugenol, bem como para direcionar novos estudos que busquem investigar suas possíveis aplicações clínicas.

Abstract ZnWO4 crystallizes in a monoclinic wolframite-like structure, which has been studied for applications in heterogeneous photocatalysis for degradation, oxidation, and reduction of various contaminants. This type of tungstate has proved to be an efficient photocatalyst under both ultraviolet and visible light irradiation and, when ZnWO4 forms a heterostructure with other semiconductors or when it is doped with different ions, it has a great efficiency under sunlight irradiation. For instance, the optimization of ZnWO4 efficiency has been attained by its heterojunction with different semiconductors such as ZnO, one of the most used materials for this purpose, but also with other compounds such as BiOBr, FeWO4, TiO2, WO3, Bi2WO6, among others. In addition, doping ZnWO4 with the Ti4+, Bi3+, Ce3+, and Co2+ metal ions or with nonmetals (F- and N3-) can also increase the photocatalytic yield of the material. The photocatalytic properties of ZnWO4-based catalysts have been explored toward inorganic and organic molecules. However, among the variety of target molecules, organic pollutants such as methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B dyes appear as the most investigated in studies involving photocatalysis in the presence of ZnWO4. In our review, we summarize important literature works, highlighting the advancement in photocatalysis using ZnWO4.

The bone formation process is an example of how both time and nature acted harmonically to pave the path for life as we know. The unique association between calcium phosphate (CaP) and collagen in a single building block, gave rise to one of the most remarkable biomaterials that we know. Our aim in this revision is to provide a brief glance at the different organization levels of the bone tissue, by describing the main their main features. We start with a brief discussion regarding the thermodynamic conditions for mineral formation and how living organisms surpass them. Then we present collagen, the major organic component of bone, in the light of its hierarchical organization as well as its association to CaP crystals. The mechanisms that control both mineral formation and the association with the organic phase are further presented, in which cells and other components of the extracellular matrix, such as matrix vesicles and noncollagenous proteins, become agents of bone construction. Finally, we underline the difficulty of studying the complex process of bone mineralization and present liposomes, proteoliposomes, and Langmuir monolayers as biomimetic approaches to this end.

Resumo Hymenaea martiana é uma espécie popularmente conhecida no Nordeste do Brasil como “jatobá” e usada na medicina popular para tratar a dor e a inflamação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória de H. martiana. No presente estudo, foram avaliados os efeitos do extrato etanólico bruto (Hm-EtOH) e da fração acetato de etila (Hm-AcOEt) em modelos de nocicepção e inflamação em camundongos. Foram utilizados estímulos químicos (contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético e teste da formalina) e estímulo térmico (teste da placa quente) para avaliação da atividade antinociceptiva, enquanto no perfil anti-inflamatório foi utilizado o teste do edema de pata induzido por carragenina e migração de leucócitos para a cavidade peritoneal. A presença do flavonoide astilbina nas amostras foi caracterizada através de análise por CLAE-DAD-EM. Hm-EtOH e o Hm-AcOEt (100, 200 e 400 mg.kg-1, i.p.) reduziram significativamente o número de contorções abdominais e diminuíram o tempo de lambida da pata no teste da formalina. No teste da placa quente, houve aumento do tempo de latência dos animais. Hm-EtOH e Hm-AcOEt inibiram significativamente o aumento do edema após a administração de carragenina, bem como inibiram a migração de leucócitos no teste de peritonite. A análise por CLAE-DAD-EM de Hm-EtOH e Hm-AcOEt revelou a presença do flavonoide astilbina nas amostras. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, tanto Hm-EtOH quanto o Hm-AcOEt possuem atividades antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória, o que pode estar relacionado à presença do flavonoide. Os resultados reforçam o uso popular desta planta.

Abstract Hymenaea martiana is a species popularly known in Northeastern Brazil as “jatobá” and used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of H. martiana. In the present study, we carried out an investigation about the effects of the crude ethanolic extract (Hm-EtOH) and the ethyl acetate fraction (Hm-AcOEt) in models of nociception and inflammation in mice. Chemical (acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin) and thermal stimuli (hot plate) were used for the evaluation of antinociceptive activity, while for the anti-inflammatory profile paw edema induced by carrageenan was used, along with leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. The presence of the flavonoid astilbin in the samples was characterized through HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt (100, 200 and 400 mg.kg-1, i.p.) significantly reduced the number of abdominal contortions and decreased the paw licking time in the formalin test. In the hot plate, the extract increased the latency time of animals. Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt inhibited significantly the increase in the edema after the administration of carrageenan. Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt inhibited leukocyte migration in the peritonitis test. HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt revealed the presence of the flavonoid astilbin in the samples. According to the results of this study, both Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, which could be related with the presence of flavonoid in the extracts. The results reinforce the popular use of this plant.

Resumo Desde os estudos clássicos de Alexander Flemming, as cepas de Penicillium são conhecidas como uma fonte rica em substâncias antimicrobianas. Estudos recentes identificaram novos metabólitos produzidos pela espécie Penicillium sclerotiorum com atividades antibacteriana, anti-incrustante e farmacêutica. Aqui, relatamos o isolamento de uma colônia de P. sclerotiorum (LM 5679) do solo amazônico e relatamos também o estudo baseado em cultura para determinar se ele pode produzir qualquer novo metabólito (s) secundário (s) que não foram relatados até agora para este gênero. Usando um sistema de cultura submerso, os metabólitos secundários foram recuperados por extrato de solvente seguido por cromatografia em camada delgada, ressonância magnética nuclear e espectroscopia de massa. Um novo metabólito secundário foi isolado de P. sclerotiorum (LM 5679); o composto fenólico 5-pentadecil resorcinol que é amplamente conhecido como um antifúngico que é produzido por diversas espécies de plantas. Este metabólito não foi relatado anteriormente em nenhuma espécie de Penicillium, e foi encontrado apenas uma vez em fungos (Fusarium). Aqui, discutimos as atividades conhecidas do 5-pentadecil resorcinol no contexto de seu modo de ação como um estressor hidrofóbico (mediado pela caotropicidade).

Abstract Since the classic studies of Alexander Flemming, Penicillium strains have been known as a rich source of antimicrobial substances. Recent studies have identified novel metabolites produced by Penicillium sclerotiorum that have antibacterial, antifouling and pharmaceutical activities. Here, we report the isolation of a P. sclerotiorum (LM 5679) from Amazonian soil and carry out a culture-based study to determine whether it can produce any novel secondary metabolite(s) that are not thus-far reported for this genus. Using a submerged culture system, secondary metabolites were recovered by solvent extract followed by thin-layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy. One novel secondary metabolite was isolated from P. sclerotiorum (LM 5679); the phenolic compound 5-pentadecyl resorcinol widely known as an antifungal, that is produced by diverse plant species. This metabolite was not reported previously in any Penicillium species and was only found once before in fungi (that time, in a Fusarium). Here, we discuss the known activities of 5-pentadecyl resorcinol in the context of its mode-of-action as a hydrophobic (chaotropicity-mediated) stressor.

The beetle Amerrhinus ynca Sahlberg, 1823 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) causes damage to several species of the Arecaceae family. The larvae of this palm weevil damage palm trees by causing perforations in the leaf rachis, obstructing the flow of nutrients to the plant. To date, are no registered insecticides for the control of A. ynca. An efficient control strategy would be the use of synthetic pheromones of this beetle for integrated pest management tactics. In this work, the aggregation pheromone of A. ynca was identified from adults collected as larvae and pupae from the rachis of coconut palm. The volatile compounds produced by A. ynca were collected via headspace aeration of adult beetles, and the identification of the pheromone was performed with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), GC-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (GC-FTIR) and GC-electroantenographic detector (GC-EAD). Dual-choice olfactometry experiments were performed to evaluate the bioactivity of the synthetic pheromone. GC analyses showed the presence of a male-specific compound that was identified as octadecanal. In GC-EAD analyses, synthetic octadecanal elicited responses of A. ynca female antennae. Behavioral bioassays showed attractiveness of synthetic compound for males and females, indicating octadecanal as the aggregation pheromone of A. ynca.

Environmental factors can influence secondary plant metabolism, inducing seasonal variation in chemical composition. Few works report how the seasons of Brazilian savanna (Cerrado), rainy and dry, impacts plant metabolism. We investigated the seasonal effect on the production of secondary metabolites in Duguetia furfuracea. Leaves of three individuals were collected monthly for one year and analyzed by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometry (UFLC-DAD-MS), partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), volcano plot, and Pearson correlation. The main chemical classes found were benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives and flavonoids. Alkaloids are virtually perennial, with qualitative variation during the year, and flavonoids accumulate during the rainy season. Dew point temperature seemed to be the most representative weather indicator in the metabolite change. These results showed for the first time the effect of the Cerrado environment on the levels of flavonoids and alkaloids in Duguetia furfuracea. They could be useful for exploring this species since it is used in popular medicine and accumulates valuable secondary metabolites.

ABSTRACT Tools that generate models with good biomass predictive capacity are essential to maintain the sustainability of production systems. The objective was to analyze the relationship between forage biomass and structural variables and generate models to predict total forage biomass (TFB) and green leaf blade biomass (GLB). Irrigated pastures of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf ‘Basilisk’ were kept under rotational stocking with sheep (Ovis aries L.) The TFB, GLB, leaf area index (LAI), height (cm), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replicates: ten and five cycles of defoliation management, respectively, were used to generate and validate the stages of the models. The best goodness of fit was obtained by nonlinear models for both TFB and GLB, which can be confirmed by high Spearman’s correlations and significance (P < 0.0001). The path analysis showed low collinearity (42.60) between NDVI, LAI, and height; the high determination coefficient (R²) with values of 0.8421 and 0.7767 demonstrated their associations with TFB and GLB, respectively. Among the studied models to predict TFB and GLB, only exponentials using NDVI and power using LAI and height showed the best fit. In the validation stage, the models related to height exhibited the highest performance with 0.9531 (TFB) and 0.9638 (GLB) d-index, -2.3 (TFB) and -7.20 (GLB) bias, and 0.8532 (TFB) and 0.8932 (GLB) R². Only nonlinear models using height (cm) to predict TFB and GLB had the best practical application potential, thus ensuring efficiency in data collection.

Abstract The combination of ethnobotanical and ecological knowledge is an important tool in indicating priority species for conservation. We sought to gather ethnobotanical knowledge on the diversity and use of woody medicinal plants in the Chapada Araripe region, assessing the real availability of woody medicinal resources in the Araripe Forests in the cerrado and carrasco areas, and indicate priority species for conservation. A total of 107 species were recorded in the ethnobotanical surveys, classified into 39 families and 83 genera, of which 92 species, 36 families and 70 genera for the cerrado areas, and 47 species, 25 families and 39 genera, for the carrasco areas. 59% were present in the phytosociological surveys for cerrado and 38% for carrascos. Species with high versatility of medicinal use did not necessarily have high local availability, and some were not recorded in the sampling. Thirteen species in cerrados and four in carrascos were indicated as conservation priorities. Use not aligned of species with the reality of the present time can indeed affect the vegetation landscape, and in a future scenario, not taking local measures to conserve protected forest resources, besides increasing the lists of local conservation priorities, can affect economic practices, increasing social and environmental conflicts.

Resumo A reciclagem tem sido apontada como alternativa ao descarte de resíduos em aterros industriais. No presente trabalho é mostrada a transformação de resíduos (areia descartada de fundição - ADF, grits e lama de cal) em materiais vitrocerâmicos. Os vidros foram obtidos pelo método de fusão/resfriamento. Os materiais precursores, compostos vítreos e vitrocerâmicos foram caracterizados pelas técnicas de difração de raios X (DRX), fluorescência de raios X (FRX) e calorimetria exploratória diferencial/análise termogravimétrica (CED/ATG). Os materiais vítreos foram moídos, pastilhados e tratados termicamente nas temperaturas de cristalização obtidas por CED para preparar os materiais vitrocerâmicos (885, 961 e 1090 ºC). As fases obtidas foram cristobalita, α-wolastonita (parawolastonita) e β-wolastonita (pseudowolastonita). As vitrocerâmicas apresentaram baixa absorção de água e porosidade aparente (0,26 até 0,88 wt% e 0,66 até 1,77 vol%, respectivamente). Os resultados confirmaram que os resíduos estudados podem ser utilizados como matéria-prima na fabricação de materiais vítreos e vitrocerâmicos.

Abstract Recycling has been pointed out as an alternative to the disposal of waste materials in industrial landfills. In the present study, the transformation of residues (discarded foundry sand - DFS, grits, and lime mud) in glass-ceramic materials is shown. The glasses were obtained by the melting/cooling method. The precursor materials, glasses, and glass-ceramics were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and differential scanning calorimetry/thermal gravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA). The glassy materials were milled, pelleted, and thermally treated at the crystallization temperatures given by DSC data to obtain the glass-ceramics (885, 961, and 1090 ºC). The main formed phases were cristobalite, α-wollastonite (parawollastonite), and β-wollastonite (pseudowollastonite). The glass-ceramics showed very low water absorption and apparent porosity (0.26 to 0.88 wt% and 0.66 to 1.77 vol%, respectively). The results confirmed that the studied residues can be used as raw materials for the manufacture of vitreous and glass-ceramic materials.

This work describes the first determination of the absolute configuration (AC) of (−)-cubebin by means of electronic circular dichroism (ECD), supported by quantum chemical calculations. The comparison of experimental ECD with the corresponding quantum chemical prediction for the proper diastereoisomer resulted in the definitive assignment of the AC of the naturally occurring (−)-cubebin as (8R,8aR,9S). The challenging determination of the relative configuration (RC) of cubebin based only on experimental nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods is stressed. Computation of the 13C and 1H NMR chemical shifts for all the possible diastereoisomers leads to values of mean absolute error and root mean square deviation that do not allow distinguishing among them. Thus, errors in stereochemical determination can easily occur even when using two-dimensional methods, which clearly demonstrate the complexity of this special case. To determine the RC of this bioactive natural compound with high level of confidence, it was necessary to combine the DP4+ method with X-ray crystallography. Therefore, employing the commonly used empirical methods to determine the AC of (−)-cubebin can easily lead to misassignment of its stereochemistry.