ABSTRACT The cooling of nutrient solutions prepared in brackish water can have several implications for plants grown in hydroponics. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of temperature and salinity stresses in the root zone on the growth, water status, production, and leaf characteristics of chicory cultivar Folha Larga, exposed to four values of electrical conductivity of nutrient solution - ECns (1.7, 3.2, 4.7, and 6.2 dS m-1), applied at two temperatures (ambient temperature and controlled in the range between 25-30 °C). The randomized block design arranged in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme with four replications was used. Cooling nutrient solution mitigated effects of salinity on stem height and diameter, number of leaves, and leaf area of chicory; provided greater production and water consumption, stability into root-shoot relationships, and membrane integrity within the saline range studied (1.7 to 6.2 dS m-1).

RESUMO O resfriamento de soluções nutritivas preparadas em águas salobras pode ter diversas implicações sobre as plantas cultivadas em hidroponia. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo de avaliar os efeitos dos estresses de temperatura e salinidade na zona radicular sobre o crescimento, estado hídrico, produção e características foliares do almeirão, cultivar Folha Larga, exposto a quatro valores de condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva - CEsn (1,7; 3,2; 4,7 e 6,2 dS m-1), aplicado em duas temperaturas (ambiente e controlada na faixa entre 25-30 °C). Foi adotado o esquema fatorial 4 × 2 em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. O resfriamento da solução nutritiva mitigou os efeitos da salinidade sobre a altura e diâmetro do caule, número de folhas e área foliar do almeirão; proporcionou maior produção e consumo hídrico, estabilidade na relação raiz parte aérea e integridade da membrana, no intervalo salino estudado (1,7 a 6,2 dS m-1).

Abstract Healthcare workers present an increased risk of contagion for the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to their labor exposure. Here, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and immunological characteristics of healthcare workers, before vaccine application, exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information from 50 professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Clinical Hospital of the Northwest in Brazil. The results showed that most workers are women, over 50 years old, and worked as nursing technicians. Approximately 56% of workers were positive for a previous infection by RT-PCR and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2-immunoglobulin tests. Increased levels of hematocrit, neutrophils, NK lymphocytes, and fibrinogen, were found in positive healthcare workers, suggesting a light inflammatory status. The immunological findings showed an increase in IL-17 production and a Th2/Th17/Th22 profile followed by high serology for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG. Those data reveal the importance of studies with healthcare workers to investigate if the continuous exposition to the virus may result in chronic activation of the immune system and/or pulmonary inflammation in this target group.

ABSTRACT Background: There are no specific recommendations for prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) caused by multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB). Our objective was to systematically review the literature evaluating the efficacy and safety of measures specifically designed to prevent MDR-GNB SSI. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and LILACS databases up to February 18, 2020. Randomized trials and observational cohort studies evaluating the efficacy of preventive measures against MDR-GNB SSI in adult surgical patients were eligible. We evaluated methodological quality of studies and general quality of evidence using Newcastle-Ottawa scale, Cochrane ROBINS-I and GRADE method. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager V.5.3 software. Results: A total of 10,663 titles by searching databases were identified. Two retrospective observational studies, comparing surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) with or without aminoglycoside in renal transplantation recipients, and one non-randomized prospective study, evaluating ertapenem vs. cephalosporin plus metronidazole for SAP in extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriales carriers undergoing colon surgery, were included. Risk of bias was high in all studies. Meta-analysis was performed for the renal transplantation studies, with 854 patients included. Combined relative risk (RR) for MDR GNB SSI was 0.57 (95%CI: 0.25-1.34), favoring SAP with aminoglycoside (GRADE: moderate). Conclusions: There are no sufficient data supporting specific measures against MDR-GNB SSI. Prospective, randomized studies are necessary to assess the efficacy and safety of SAP with aminoglycoside for MDR-GNB SSI prevention among renal transplantation recipients and other populations. PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018100845.

Nanoparticle (NP) applications have recently gained more space in the development of many products, especially in cosmetology. The aim of the present study was to validate a single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique for the detection and quantification of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and gold ions (Au (i)) in different cosmetics currently marketed in Brazil. The size limit of detection for pure AuNPs was 22 nm, and a concentration limit of detection of 2.3×106 particles g−1 was achieved. The limit of detection for total gold was 0.02 μg L−1 obtained in standard mode conditions. The recovery achieved was 98% for dissolved Au and 109% for AuNPs; the relative standard deviation was <5%. This validated method was applied to cosmetic products (n= 10) from different national and international industrial producers. Most cosmetics analysed contained quantifiable amounts of dissolved gold (< 0.005-2.1 μg g−1) and only four contained quantifiable amounts AuNPs the variability of the results detected (< LOD – 9.3 × 108particles g−1). The products that contained the greatest amount of these metallic NPs were the artisanal products. The results demonstrate the importance of adequate quality control for cosmetics to ensure consumer safety.

DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES BY spICP-MS. The growing interest in nanotechnology has led to an increase in the production and application of nanoparticles worldwide. Due to the unique functional properties of nanoparticles, these materials are being used by many industries, including the agricultural and food sectors. Among the commercially available nanomaterials, it is possible to highlight those produced with silver nanoparticles. One of the most promising techniques for the analysis of metallic nanoparticles is the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) performed in single particle mode (spICP-MS). However, the use of the technique in the detection and measurement of nanoparticles requires that the equipment be operated differently than when used to analyze dissolved metal solutions. Thus, this article presents the use of the spICP-MS technique for the measurement and quantification of nanoparticles, as well as their validation. The method proved to be adequate for the purpose, presenting a satisfactory result for the selectivity test and recovery of 83.7 (40 nm) and 77.6% (80 nm). The detection limits, determined for the most frequent size, dissolved silver concentration and particle concentration, were 17.5 nm, 0.736 ng mL-1;, 146 particles mL-1;, respectively. Thus, the results obtained indicated the possibility of using the technique to determine the size and concentration of silver nanoparticles.

Abstract Biflorin (6,9-dimethyl-3-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl) benzo[de]chromene-7,8-dione) is a promising substance that has been increasingly studied in the past decades due to its diverse pharmacological properties (i.e. antitumor, antioxidant, antiinflamatory, antimicrobial activity etc.). Aiming the comprehension of its antitumoral activity we investigated the cell proliferation and cytotoxicity habilities of biflorin against mice splenocytes Balb/c. Biflorin was able to stimulate mice splenocytes Balb/c in 48 h of incubation at a concentration of 20.2 µM. Its immunostimulation promoted the production of cytokines such as: TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-17, inducing the immune profile toward a Th1 response. Moreover, an original method which led to an excellent yield with less processing time compared to the methods described in the literature was developed to obtain biflorin, from sawdust of Capraria biflora L., Scrophulariaceae. This method shows a great potential of increasing the production of this pharmacological active compound.

Abstract: Currently, the research of new natural compounds with biological potential demonstrates great ethnopharmacological importance. In this study, we evaluated the biological properties promoted by saline extract from Malpighia emarginata DC leaves, whose objective is to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity potential. Phytochemical characterization was performed by UPLC-MS chromatography to identify the chemical compounds. For the antioxidant potential, DPPH, ATT and FRAP methods were used. The antibacterial and antifungal tests were performed evaluating the MIC50, MIC90, CMB and CMF parameters. Moreover, antibiofilm action was evaluated. Cytotoxicity and proliferation were performed using splenocytes from Balb/c mice and were evaluated by cytometry. We found a list of phenolic compounds among other bioactive compounds in the M. emarginata saline extract. In addition, higher antioxidant profile and antifungal activity against different strains of Candida spp. was promoted by the saline extract. Splenocytes showed greater cell viability (more than 90%) and showed higher proliferate index in 24 and 48 hours of incubation with the extract. Saline extract from Malpighia emarginata DC has potential action like antioxidant and antifungal agent without promote animal cell damage.

RESUMO O feijão-comum apresenta grande importância na economia brasileira e a cultura da mamona ainda é emergente no Centro-Oeste, porém com grande potencial de exploração pelos agricultores em razão das condições climáticas prevalecentes e topografia plana. Desta forma, objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar as características agronômicas de cultivares de feijão-comum e híbridos de mamona oriundos de consórcio e monocultivo nas condições edafoclimáticas da região do Cerrado. Empregou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 + 6, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por quatro cultivares de feijão-comum (BRS Pérola, BRS Esteio, BRSMG Realce e BRS Pitanga) consorciadas com duas cultivares híbridas de mamona (Tamar e Ag Ima), acrescidos das respectivas cultivares em monocultivo. As cultivares de feijão-comum tiveram a altura de planta influenciada no consórcio com os híbridos de mamona, no entanto, os híbridos de mamona não tiveram suas características agronômicas influenciadas pelas cultivares de feijão-comum. O consórcio entre as cultivares de feijão-comum Esteio, Realce e Pérola e os híbridos de mamona Tamar e Ag Ima foi classificado como viável pelo índice de equivalência de área uma vez que este índice apresentou valores superiores a 1,0 para o consórcio entre estas cultivares, demonstrando que seria necessário mais de um hectare em monocultivo para produzir a mesma quantidade que um hectare em consórcio.

ABSTRACT Common bean has great importance in the Brazilian economy and castor bean is still emerging in Midwestern Brazil, but with great potential of exploitation by farmers due to the prevailing climatic conditions and flat topography. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of common bean cultivars and castor bean hybrids in intercropping and monocropping under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Cerrado region. The randomized block design was used in 4 x 2 + 6 factorial scheme, with three replicates. Treatments were composed of four cultivars of common beans (BRS Pérola, BRS Esteio, BRSMG Realce and BRS Pitanga) intercropped with two castor bean hybrids (Tamar and Ag Ima), plus the respective crops in monocropping. In common bean cultivars, plant height was influenced in the intercropping with castor bean hybrids; however, agronomic characteristics of the castor bean hybrids were not influenced by common bean cultivars. The intercropping between common bean cultivars (BRS Esteio, BRSMG Realce and BRS Pitanga) and castor bean hybrids (Tamar and Ag Ima) was classified as viable by the area equivalence index, since this index presented values greater than 1.0 for the intercropping between these cultivars. This fact indicates that it would take more than one hectare in monocropping to produce the same amount than one hectare in intercropping.

Abstract: In a survey of the agaricoid fungi from the western region of Paraná State, south Brazil, 2 species of Copelandia were identified. Copelandia cyanescens is a common and widely distributed coprophilous species with typical bluing reaction. Copelandia mexicana is a rare and poorly known mushroom, lignicolous and not conspicuously bluing, with distinctive macro- and micromorphological features. This is a new record from South America. Both species are described and illustrated in detail, and discussed regarding distribution, taxonomy and nomenclature.

Resumen: En un estudio de los hongos agaricoides de la región occidental del estado de Paraná, sur de Brasil, se identificaron 2 especies de Copelandia. Copelandia cyanescens es una especie coprófila común y ampliamente distribuida, además de que el basidioma se mancha de azul al maltrato. Copelandia mexicana es un hongo lignícola, raro y poco conocido, el manchado de azul en el basidioma al maltrato no es muy evidente, tiene características morfológicas macro y microscópicas distintivas y constituye un nuevo registro para América del Sur. Ambas especies se describen e ilustran en detalle, y se discute sobre su distribución, taxonomía y nomenclatura.

ABSTRACT Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are globally widespread parasitic diseases which have been responsible for high mortality rates. Since drugs available for their treatment are highly hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic, adherence to therapy has been affected. Thus, the search for new, more effective and safer drugs for the treatment of these diseases is necessary. Natural products have stood out as an alternative to searching for new bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential. In this study, the chemical composition and antiparasitic activity of the essential oil from Protium ovatum leaves against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi and the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis were evaluated. The essential oil was promising against trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi (IC50= 28.55 μg.mL-1) and L. amazonensis promastigotes (IC50 = 2.28 μg.mL-1). Eighteen chemical constituents were identified by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in the essential oil, whose major constituents were spathulenol (17.6 %), caryophyllene oxide (16.4 %), β-caryophyllene (14.0 %) and myrcene (8.4 %). In addition, the essential oil from P. ovatum leaves had moderate cytotoxicity against LLCMK2 adherent epithelial cell at the concentration range under analysis (CC50 = 150.9 μg.mL-1). It should be highlighted that this is the first report of the chemical composition and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and anti-Leishmania amazonensis activities of the essential oil from Protium ovatum leaves.

Resumo Objetivo: Verificar se lactentes com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV) apresentam níveis inadequados de vitamina D. Métodos: Estudo transversal, envolveu 120 crianças de até dois anos, um grupo com APLV e outro de comparação, captadas dos ambulatórios de Gastroenterologia Pediátrica, Alergologia Pediátrica e Puericultura de um hospital universitário, no Nordeste brasileiro. Foi aplicado um formulário e foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas para a análise da vitamina D, foram considerados inadequados os níveis < 30 ng/mL. Níveis de vitamina D foram expressos em média e desvio padrão e a frequência dos graus de suficiência e demais variáveis, em proporções. Resultados: Lactentes com APLV, quando comparados com os saudáveis, apresentaram uma menor média do nível da vitamina D (30,93 vs. 35,29 ng/mL) (p = 0,041) e maior frequência de deficiência (20,3% vs. 8,2) (p = 0,049). Maior frequência de níveis inadequados de vitamina D foi observada nas crianças com APLV que estavam em aleitamento materno exclusivo/predominante (p = 0,002). Independentemente do período de exposição solar, a frequência de um status inadequado de vitamina D foi semelhante entre os grupos (p = 0,972). Conclusões: Menores níveis de vitamina D foram observados em lactentes com APLV, especialmente naqueles em aleitamento materno exclusivo/predominante, que configura esse como um possível grupo de risco para essa deficiência.

Abstract Objective: To verify whether infants with cow's milk protein allergy have inadequate vitamin D levels. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 children aged 2 years or younger, one group with cow's milk protein allergy and a control group. The children were recruited at the pediatric gastroenterology, allergology, and pediatric outpatient clinics of a university hospital in the Northeast of Brazil. A questionnaire was administered to the caregiver and blood samples were collected for vitamin D quantification. Vitamin D levels <30 ng/mL were considered inadequate. Vitamin D level was expressed as mean and standard deviation, and the frequency of the degrees of sufficiency and other variables, as proportions. Results: Infants with cow's milk protein allergy had lower mean vitamin D levels (30.93 vs.35.29 ng/mL; p = 0.041) and higher deficiency frequency (20.3% vs.8.2; p = 0.049) than the healthy controls. Exclusively or predominantly breastfed infants with cow's milk protein allergy had higher frequency of inadequate vitamin D levels (p = 0.002). Regardless of sun exposure time, the groups had similar frequencies of inadequate vitamin D levels (p = 0.972). Conclusions: Lower vitamin D levels were found in infants with CMPA, especially those who were exclusively or predominantly breastfed, making these infants a possible risk group for vitamin D deficiency.

Resumo: A hipertensão sistêmica é reconhecida como uma consequência comum da doença renal crônica, cujo diagnóstico é frequente em cães com leishmaniose visceral. Embora muitas pesquisas veterinárias tenham investigado a lesão renal causada pela Leishmania spp., o papel dessa complicação no desenvolvimento da hipertensão arterial documentada em alguns animais com leishmaniose visceral ainda não é completamente compreendido. Neste estudo, 18 cães adultos com diagnóstico de leishmaniose visceral e sinais clínicos variáveis foram submetidos à avaliação indireta da pressão arterial. Além disso, foram coletados soro e urina para análises laboratoriais. As medianas das pressões arteriais sistólica, média e diastólica foram 135,2mmHg (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 128,5-147,7), 105,8mmHg (98,3-110,4) e 88,5mmHg (77,8-92,5), respectivamente. Não foram constatadas diferenças entre os cães assintomáticos e sintomáticos em relação à pressão arterial, assim como não houve correlação entre a pressão arterial e a creatinina e uréia séricas, relação proteína-creatinina urinária, densidade urinária e excreção fracionada de sódio e potássio. Embora não tenha sido evidenciada associação entre hipertensão arterial e inflamação do tecido renal à histopatologia, a avaliação das amostras oriundas de 12 cães indicou inflamação leve, com infiltrado linfoplasmocitário (6/12), inflamação moderada com infiltrados linfoplasmocitário e histiocítico multifocais (3/12), além de degeneração multifocal e cilindros protéicos (2/12). Ensaios imunoistoquímicos anti-Leishmania spp. marcaram o epitélio renal em 2/12 animais. Apesar de hipertensão leve ter sido documentada em uma pequena parcela dos cães estudados, não se evidenciou relação entre a severidade dos sinais clínicos e o desenvolvimento de hipertensão arterial.

Abstract: Systemic hypertension is known to be a common consequence of chronic renal disease, which is frequently diagnosed in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. Although many veterinary investigations have looked at the renal injury caused by Leishmania spp., the role played by this complication in the development of arterial hypertension documented in some animals with visceral leishmaniasis is not completely understood. In this study, 18 adult dogs with naturally-occurring visceral leishmaniasis and varying clinical signs underwent an indirect blood pressure measurement. Also, sera and spot urine were used for laboratory tests. The median systolic blood pressure was 135.2mmHg (95% confidence interval: 128.5-147.7), median mean arterial pressure was 105.8mmHg (98.3-110.4), and median diastolic arterial pressure was 88.5mmHg (77.8-92.5). No differences existed between asymptomatic and symptomatic animals regarding arterial pressure, and no correlations were documented between blood pressure and serum creatinine, blood urea, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, urine specific gravity, and the fractional excretion of sodium and potassium. Although an association between hypertension and the identification of inflammation on histopathology could not be demonstrated in hypertensive animals, the assessment of kidney samples from 12 dogs indicated mild inflammation with a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate (6/12), moderate inflammation with multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltrates (3/12), and multifocal degeneration and protein casts (2/12). Anti-Leishmania spp. immunohistochemistry assays stained the renal epithelium in 2/12 of the animals. Even though mild systemic hypertension was documented in a small subset of animals, no relationship between the severity of clinical signs and hypertension could be anticipated.

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o crescimento e os teores de N, P, K, Ca e Mg em mudas de cedro australiano em resposta à inoculação com fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs), em diferentes tipos de recipientes. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação e o delineamento experimental foi o de blocos inteiramente casualizados, com esquemafatorial de 4x 4 sendo: quatro tratamentos de inoculação com FMAs (Rhizophagus clarum, Gigaspora margarita, inóculo misto (R. clarum + G margarita) e o controle (sem inoculação com FMAs); quatro tipos de recipientes (sacosplásticos de 250 cm3, tubetes de 55 e 130 cm3 e bloco prensado 440 cm3. planta-1), com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas altura, diâmetro do colo, massa seca da parte aérea (MSPA), massa seca da raiz (MSR) e massa seca total (MST), índice de qualidade de Dickson, porcentagem de colonização micorrízica e teores de N, P, K, Ca e Mg na massa seca da parte aérea. Observou-se, aos 138 dias após a semeadura, maior crescimento e/ou maiores teores de P, K e Ca na massa seca da parte aérea das mudas de cedro australiano cultivadas no recipiente bloco prensado e inoculadas com a mistura de duas espécies de FMAs (G margarita + R. clarum) ou com R. clarum. Os FMAs podem contribuir significativamente para a produção de mudas de cedro australiano.

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the growth and the levels of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in Australian cedar seedlings which had been inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in different types of containers. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse and the experimental design was that of randomized complete blocks (RCB), with a 4 x 4 factorial design consisting of four inoculation treatments with AMF (Rhizophagus clarum, Gigaspora margarita, a mixed inoculation (R. clarum + G. margarita) and the control (with no AMF inoculation); four types of containers (plastic bags measuring 250 cm3, tubes of 55 and 130 cm3 and pressed blocks 440 cm3. plant-1), with four repetitions. The height, the diameter of the stem base, the aerial part dry weight (APDW), the dry weight of the root (DWR) and the total plant dry weight (DW) were measured, along with the Dickson quality index, the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization and the levels of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the aerial part dry weight. One hundred and thirty eight days (138) days after sowing, the greatest growth and/or the highest levels of P, K and Ca could be observed in the aerial part dry weight of the Australian cedar seedlings which had been planted in the pressed block container and inoculated with a mixture of the two AMF species (G. margarita + R. clarum) or with just R. clarum. Thus it can be seen that AMF can make a significant contribution to the production of Australian cedar seedlings.

Senna ocidentalis é uma planta daninha, nativa do Brasil, sendo considerada infestante de culturas e plantações, e é responsável por perdas de produção de diversas culturas, principalmente de soja. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se o extrato e frações de Croton argenteus possuem atividade fitotóxica sobre S. ocidentalis. O extrato etanólico bruto (EEB) e as frações hexânica (FH), clorofórmio (FCL) e acetato de etila (FAE) foram testados na germinação, crescimento, aumento do estresse oxidativo, síntese de ATP, L- malato e succinato. O extrato bruto e frações atrasaram a germinação das sementes de S. ocidentalis e diminuíram a porcentagem final de germinação. O estresse oxidativo também aumentou nas plântulas tratadas, comprovado pelo aumento na síntese de catalase, peroxidase e superóxido dismutase, glutationa redutase e peroxidação lipídica, sendo evidente que a fração acetato de etila é mais fitotóxica. Os resultados indicam que o extrato bruto e frações de C. argenteuscomprometem o metabolismo energético mitocondrial, pela inibição na síntese de ATP mitocondrial, com diminuição na produção de L- malato e succinato. A fração acetato de etila de C. argenteus apresentou alta atividade inibitória sobre a germinação e crescimento, e estes efeitos ocorrem pelas alterações no metabolismo mitocondrial e aumenta o estresse oxidativo, levando a morte das plântulas.

Senna ocidentalis is a weed, native to Brazil, considered to infest crops and plantations, and is responsible for yield losses of several crops, particularly soybean. The aim of this work was to evaluate if theCroton argenteus extract and fractions possess phytotoxic activity on S. ocidentalis. The crude ethanolic extract (CEE) and its hexanic (HF), chloroformic (CLF) and ethyl acetate (EAF) fractions were tested in germination, growth, oxidative stress increase, Adenosine triphosphate, L-malate and succinate synthesis. The crude extract and its fractions slowed down the germination of S. ocidentalis and decreased the final percentage of germination. Oxidative stress was also increased in the seedlings, by an increase of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and lipid peroxidation; and it became clear that the ethyl acetate fraction was more phytotoxic. The results indicate that the crude extract and fractions of C. argenteus compromise the mitochondrial energy metabolism, by the inhibition of mitochondrial ATP production, with a decrease in the production of L-malate and succinate. The ethyl acetate fraction of C. argenteus showed high activity on germination and growth, and these effects take place by means of mitochondrial metabolism alterations and increase the oxidative stress, leading the seedling death.

Isotermas de dessorção de pimenta-de-macaco foram determinadas pelo método gravimétrico estático nas temperaturas de 35, 45 e 55 ºC, com umidade relativa variando de 5,5-81%. Três modelos matemáticos foram aplicados para analisar os dados experimentais. O modelo de GAB modificado apresentou o melhor ajuste aos dados experimentais. O calor isostérico e a entropia diferencial foram determinados pela aplicação das equações de Clausius-Clapeyron e Gibbs-Helmholtz, respectivamente. O calor isostérico e a entropia da isoterma de dessorção apresentaram comportamento similar. A teoria da compensação entalpia-entropia foi aplicada às isotermas indicando que o mecanismo de dessorção de umidade das partes aéreas de pimenta-de-macaco é controlado pela entalpia.

Desorption isotherms of monkey pepper were determined by static gravimetric method at temperatures 35, 45, and 55 ºC, over a relative humidity range of 5.5-81%. Three mathematical models were applied to analyse the experimental data. The modified GAB model showed the best adjustment of the experimental data. The isosteric heat and differential entropy were determined by applying Clausius-Clapeyron and Gibbs-Helmholtz equations, respectively. The isosteric heat and the entropy of desorption isotherm presented similar behavior. The enthalpy-entropy compensation theory was applied to the isotherms, indicating that the aerial parts desorption mechanism are enthalpy-controlled.