ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess disordered eating, hunger and satiety perceptions in women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to healthy controls (HC) and their association with biomarkers of brain plasticity (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B)). Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional exploratory study. The sample included FM (n = 20) and HC (n = 19), matched to age and waist perimeter. Dysfunctional eating was assessed through the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire and Eating Disorders Examination with a questionnaire. Hunger and satiety levels were rated by a Numerical Scale. Serum leptin, S100B and BDNF were analyzed. Results: The MANCOVA analysis showed that the mean of Emotional Eating rates was 30.65% higher in FM compared to HC ( p = 0.015). Eating, shape and weight concerns were 77.77%, 57.14% and 52.22% higher in FM ( p = <0.001) compared to HC, respectively. Moreover, the FM group reported higher scores for feeling of hunger “[5.2 (±2.9) vs. 4.8 (±2.0); p = 0.042] and lower scores for satiety [7.0 (±1.7) vs . 8.3 (±1.0); p = 0.038]. In the FM group, serum BDNF was negatively associated with hunger (r = - 0.52; p = 0.02), while S100B was positively associated with hunger scores (r = 0.463; p = 0.004). Conclusion: The present findings support the hypothesis that the association between FM and obesity can be mediated by a hedonistic pathway. Further research is needed.

Abstract Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compose the two major noncommunicable chronic inflammatory diseases. Physical activity has been shown as a promising complementary approach to control the systemic inflammation. However, it is still unclear whether this modulation is gender-dependent. The objective of this study was evaluate the gender-related influence of physical activity on the inflammatory response and biochemical profile of individuals with SAH and T2DM. An international physical activity questionnaire was applied to 376 individuals diagnosed with SAH and T2DM in order to access their exercises routine and was evaluated the influence of physical activity in biochemical, anthropometrical, and immunological markers involved in these disorders in men and women. Even though active individuals have exhibited lower serum levels of IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A, the ratios between IL-10 and all inflammatory cytokines were higher in men than in women. Physically active individuals also demonstrated increased HDL/LDL and HDL/VLDL ratios. Moreover, multiple correlations revealed that in active women both IL-10 and TNF-α serum levels positively correlate with fasting glucose levels, and were negatively associated with HDL levels. Our findings suggest that gender-related differences dictate a distinct crosstalk between inflammatory and biochemical markers in physically active individuals.

The electrospinning has been widely used in tissue engineering for the preparation of wound dressing with the most varied polymers and drugs. Considering that propolis has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics, the aim was to develop electrospun fibers from PBAT (poly (butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate)/PCL (poly(ε-caprolactone) containing propolis in order to promote antimicrobial action and the healing of wounds. By the optical microscopy analysis, the best parameter for obtaining the fibers was chosen: 16.5% (v/v) of propolis extract alcoholic solution, 14.0 cm needle-collector distance, 17.0 kV of voltage and 0.5 mL h-1 flow rate. The scanning electron microscopy demonstrated fiber diameters of 0.51 ± 0.12 μm for the polymer blend and 1.16 ± 0.98 μm for the blend with propolis. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed no evidence of chemical interaction with propolis, this being a physical interaction. This interaction was corroborated by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) due to the variation in the heats involved, mainly in the aromatic part of the polymer blend, indicating a better interaction in the PBAT group. Finally, it was found that fibers presents propolis antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. The results indicate that this blend has a great potential to be used as a cutaneous dressing.

RESUMO O presente estudo refere-se ao levantamento das espécies de Begoniaceae ocorrentes no Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca (PEIB), Minas Gerais, Brasil. No Parque foram encontradas oito espécies de Begonia (B. altamiroi, B. angularis, B. angulata, B. apparicioi, cucullata, B. fischeri, B. luxurians e B. rufa), as quais são diferenciadas principalmente pelo hábito e por características das folhas (indumento e forma das lâminas). Do total, seis espécies são exclusivas do Brasil e cinco endêmicas da Mata Atlântica. Este estudo baseou-se em bibliografia, consulta aos principais herbários do país e observações de campo. Constam, também, descrições, ilustrações e comentários para cada espécie, assim como uma chave de identificação para todas as espécies.

ABSTRACT A taxonomic survey for Begoniaceae occurring in the Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca (PEIB), Minas Gerais State, Brazil is presented. Eight species of Begonia were found in the Park (B. altamiroi, B. angularis, B. angulata, B. apparicioi, B. cucullata, B. fischeri, B. luxurians and B. rufa), which are distinguished mainly by their general aspect and by the characteristics of leaves, such as, indumentum and blade shape. Of the total of species found, six are restricted to Brazil, whilst five are endemic from the Atlantic Forest. This study was based on a bibliographic review, consult to the main Brazilian herbaria and field observations. Descriptions, illustrations, and comments are also presented for each species. A key to all species is included.

The interaction between HSA and two semi-synthetic potential anti-cancer agents derived from trans -dehydrocrotonin-methyl-hydrazone (MHDCTN) and phenyl-hydrazone (PHDCTN) was evaluated under physiological conditions at 296, 303 and 310 K by multi-spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking calculations. Steady state fluorescence quenching indicated a ground state association (static quenching) for both samples; however, the quenching induced by PHDCTN was not essentially static and can be accompanied by a dynamic quenching mechanism. The binding is strong (modified Stern-Volmer binding constant (Ka) ca. 105 M-1), causing a very weak perturbation on the secondary structure of the protein and there is just one main binding site for both samples (Sudlow’s site I). Molecular docking results suggested hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions as the main binding forces for both samples.

ABSTRACT Bioelectrochemistry can be defined as a branch of Chemical Science concerned with electron-proton transfer and transport involving biomolecules, as well as electrode reactions of redox enzymes. The bioelectrochemical reactions and system have direct impact in biotechnological development, in medical devices designing, in the behavior of DNA-protein complexes, in green-energy and bioenergy concepts, and make it possible an understanding of metabolism of all living organisms (e.g. humans) where biomolecules are integral to health and proper functioning. In the last years, many researchers have dedicated itself to study different redox enzymes by using electrochemistry, aiming to understand their mechanisms and to develop promising bioanodes and biocathodes for biofuel cells as well as to develop biosensors and implantable bioelectronics devices. Inside this scope, this review try to introduce and contemplate some relevant topics for enzyme bioelectrochemistry, such as the immobilization of the enzymes at electrode surfaces, the electron transfer, the bioelectrocatalysis, and new techniques conjugated with electrochemistry vising understand the kinetics and thermodynamics of redox proteins. Furthermore, examples of recent approaches in designing biosensors and biofuel developed are presented.

Hierarchical 3-dimensional flexible carbon fiber (FCF) array is a candidate as flexible electrode for enzyme electrochemistry, with interesting properties for application in enzymatic biofuel cell and implantable biosensors. Here, we show the fabrication of oxidized FCF electrode (FCFO) based on chemical surface treatment, a wet oxidation method by using permanganate ions. Compared with pristine FCF, FCFO is rougher; the scratches become wider and deeper, with some defects in the basal planes and some cracked structures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data suggests a correlation between the carbon structures and the appearance of chemical groups containing oxygen atoms. Finally, we show how the bioelectrocatalysis of ethanol by using FCFO arrays modified with NAD-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is positively influenced by the fibers treatment oxidation process.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de fitomassa (folhas e caules) de culturas anuais e plantas de cobertura semeadas em safrinha e seus efeitos na produtividade da soja em sucessão. O experimento foi conduzido nas safras de 2014/2015 e 2015/2016. A soja foi semeada nas safras e nas safrinhas, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em nove sistemas de produção (tratamentos) constituídos de culturas anuais (milho, girassol e feijão-caupi) e plantas de cobertura (Pennisetum glaucum, Crotalaria breviflora, C. spectabilis, Urochloa ruziziensis, Cajanus cajan, Stylosanthes sp. e U. brizantha), em cultivos solteiros ou consorciados, além de pousio como controle. Os cultivos solteiros de P. glaucum e U. ruziziensis apresentaram estabelecimento e crescimento mais rápido, maior fitomassa total e taxa de cobertura do solo na safra de 2014. Em 2015, o milho consorciado com U. ruziziensis e C. spectabilis, e o girassol com U. ruziziensis se destacaram na produção de fitomassa total, durante o florescimento e após a colheita dos grãos do milho e do girassol. A composição das fitomassas nos sistemas apresentou maiores proporções de caules do que de folhas, com destaque para C.spectabilis após a senescência. Semeada em safrinha, C. spectabilis promove aumento de produtividade de soja em sucessão, no sistema plantio direto.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the biomass (leaves and stems) production of annual and cover crops sown as second crop, and its effects on soybean yield in succession. The experiment was carried out in the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 crop seasons. Soybean was sown in the crop season and in the second crop, in a randomized complete block design, in nine production systems (treatments) consisting of annual crops (corn, sunflower, and cowpea) and cover crops (Pennisetum glaucum, Crotalaria breviflora, C. spectabilis, Urochloa ruziziensis, Cajanus cajan, Stylosanthes sp., and U. brizantha), which were grown in monocropping or intercropping systems, besides fallow as a control. Monocropped P. glaucum and U. ruziziensis showed a faster establishment and growth of plants, higher-total biomass and soil cover rate in the 2014 crop season. In 2015, corn intercropped with U.ruziziensis and C.spectabilis, and sunflower with U.ruziziensis stood out for total biomass production during flowering and after harvesting of corn and sunflower grains. Biomass composition in the systems showed greater proportions of stems than of leaves, and C.spectabilis stood out after senescence. Sown as a second crop, C. spectabilis promotes yield increase of soybean grown in succession in the no-tillage system.

RESUMO A podridão floral dos citros (PFC) é uma importante doença dessa cultura, responsável por elevadas perdas de produção. Normalmente, essa doença mostra-se limitante quando ocorrem prolongados períodos chuvosos durante o florescimento das plantas ou quando existe intenso molhamento foliar. Duas espécies de Colletotrichum estão associadas à doença: C. acutatum e C. gloeosporioides. Entretanto, recentemente, tem-se verificado que, mesmo sob condições não tão propícias, a doença tem ocorrido com relativa frequência, suspeitando-se do envolvimento de outras espécies de Colletotrichumou de novas condições de adaptação das espécies descritas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar se há ou não outra espécie de Colletotrichum associada a PFC e avaliar a viabilidade do emprego de marcadores moleculares ISSR na caracterização taxonômica de isolados de Colletotrichum spp. associados a sintomas de PFC em flores, assim como de tecidos foliares e frutos cítricos assintomáticos. Para tanto, foi empregada uma combinação de iniciadores específicos, levando em conta a região ITS e marcadores moleculares ISSR. Os marcadores ISSR mostraram-se eficientes na caracterização taxonômica dos isolados de Colletotrichum analisados. A população avaliada foi constituída apenas por C. acutatum e C. gloeosporioides, descartando o envolvimento de uma espécie adicional. Foi constatada alta diversidade genética entre os isolados analisados, o que também se mostra convergente quanto às diferenças fenotípicas observadas sob condições de campo. Entretanto, não foi encontrada relação quanto à origem e as espécies de Colletotrichum spp. associadas. De modo inédito, ainda que assintomaticamente, foi detectada a presença de um isolado de C. acutatum associado a frutos cítricos.

ABSTRACT Postbloom fruit drop of citrus (PFD) is a serious disease of this crop, accounting for high yield losses. Usually, this disease shows to be limiting when there are prolonged rainy periods during plant flowering or when there is intense leaf wetness. Two Colletotrichum species are associated with the disease: C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides. However, recently, it has been found that, even under not so favorable conditions, the disease has occurred with some frequency; one suspects the involvement of other Colletotrichum species or new adaptation conditions of the described species. This study aimed to determine whether there is another Colletotrichum species associated with PFD and the viability of using molecular markers ISSR for taxonomic characterization of Colletotrichum spp. isolates associated with PFD symptoms in flowers, as well as of leaf tissues and asymptomatic citrus fruits. For this purpose, we used a combination of specific primers, taking into account the ITS region and ISSR molecular markers. ISSR markers have proven to be effective for taxonomic characterization of the Colletotrichum isolates analyzed. The population assessed consisted only of C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides, discarding the involvement of an additional species. We found high genetic diversity among the isolates analyzed, which is also shown as converging to the phenotypic differences observed under field conditions. However, no relation was found regarding the origin and associated Colletotrichum spp. species. In an unprecedented way, although asymptomatically, we detected the presence of a C. acutatum isolate associated with citrus fruits.

RESUMO A seleção de espécies de plantas de cobertura com potencial para elevado crescimento radicular, em camadas adensadas no solo, pode contribuir para o manejo de sistemas agrícolas, por meio da descompactação biológica do solo. Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho de espécies de crotalária (Crotalaria juncea, C. spectabilis e C. ochroleuca) como agentes de descompactação, em um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico submetido a diferentes níveis de densidade (1,0 Mg m-3; 1,2 Mg m-3; 1,4 Mg m-3; 1,6 Mg m-3; e 1,8 Mg m-3). Todas as espécies apresentaram redução no crescimento da parte aérea e radicular a partir de 1,4 Mg m-3 de densidade do solo. Crotalaria juncea apresentou os melhores resultados, quanto à produção de fitomassa aérea e de raízes, em níveis de compactação do solo de até 1,4 Mg m-3. O crescimento radicular das plantas é maior nas camadas acima e abaixo da camada compactada.

ABSTRACT The selection of cover crop species with high potential for root growth in dense layers of soil can help in the management of agricultural systems through biological soil unpacking. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of crotalaria species (Crotalaria juncea, C. spectabilis and C. ochroleuca) as unpacking agents, in a dystrophic Oxisol under different bulk densities (1.0 Mg m-3, 1.2 Mg m-3, 1.4 Mg m-3, 1.6 Mg m-3 and 1.8 Mg m-3). All species showed reduction in the growth of shoots and roots, when cultivated in soil with bulk density higher than 1.4 Mg m-3. Crotalaria juncea showed the best results for shoot and root biomass production with bulk density up to 1.4 Mg m-3. The root growth of plants is higher in layers above and below the compacted layer.

As glândulas adrenais possuem funções endócrinas relacionadas a múltiplas funções vitais, estando intimamente relacionadas à capacidade do animal em se adaptar ao estresse. O exame ultrassonográfico é o método diagnóstico de escolha para avaliação das glândulas em diferentes espécies. Considerando a escassa literatura, questiona-se se as doenças adrenais em primatas não humanos são incomuns ou subdiagnosticadas, havendo a hipótese desse fato ser determinado pela falta de parâmetros. Objetivou-se descrever as características ultrassonográficas das glândulas adrenais para três espécies de primatas não humanos mantidas em cativeiro: Saimiri sciureus (mico-de-cheiro), Aotus azarae infulatus (macaco-da-noite) e Alouatta guariba clamitans (bugio-ruivo). Conclui-se que é possível a identificação das glândulas adrenais por meio de exame ultrassonográfico, sendo que os padrões de referência foram estabelecidos com sucesso para as espécies em questão. Ressalta-se que a adequação de animais em ambientes estressantes é frequentemente acompanhada por uma hipertrofia das glândulas adrenais, portanto deve-se levar em consideração que as mensurações realizadas nesse estudo foram estabelecidas em animais de cativeiro.

The adrenal glands have endocrine functions related to multiple vital functions and are closely related to the animal's ability to adapt to stress. The ultrasound is the diagnostic method of choice for evaluation of glands in different species. Considering the scarce literature, one may question whether the adrenal disorders in nonhuman primates are uncommon or underdiagnosed, and a hypothesis exists that this fact is determined by the lack of parameters. The goal is to describe the sonographic features of the adrenal glands for three species of nonhuman primates kept in captivity: squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), owl monkey (Aotus azarae infulatus) and howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans). It is concluded that it is possible to identify the adrenal glands by ultrasound, and the reference standards have been established successfully for the species in question. It is noteworthy that the adaptation of animals in many stressful environments is often accompanied by a hypertrophy of the adrenal glands, so one should take into account that the measurements performed in this study were established in captive animals.

O conhecimento de parâmetros cardíacos em animais modelo experimentais é essencial para a investigação médica comparativa. Nosso estudo teve como objetivo estabelecer parâmetros eletrocardiográficos e valores de referência para saguis-de-tufo-preto (Callithrix penicillata). Dezenove saguis-de-tufo-preto adultos saudáveis foram utilizados. Uma combinação de tiletamina e zolazepam foi empregada para contenção química antes da realização do exame eletrocardiográfico (ECG). Foi utilizado para o exame de ECG um equipamento computadorizado. Os valores dos parâmetros do ECG encontrados foram frequência cardíaca média de 264±74 bpm, uma variação do eixo cardíaco médio entre 60° e -90°, a duração da onda P média de 34±6ms e amplitude de 0,132±0,051mV, um intervalo PR com duração de 56±11ms, duração média do complexo QRS de 35±7ms e amplitude de 0,273±0,269mV, duração do intervalo QT de 130±26ms, segmento ST isoelétrico (13 animais) e com supradesnível (seis animais) e uma amplitude de onda T de 0,19±0,083mV e com polaridade positiva. Não houve diferença significativa entre machos e fêmeas. Os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos obtidos em nosso estudo em saguis-de-tufo-preto podem ser utilizados como referência em outras pesquisas futuras, oferecendo aos pesquisadores parâmetros eletrocardiográficos que contribuem com a literatura.

Knowledge of cardiac parameters in experimental animal models is essential for comparative medical research. Our study aimed to establish electrocardiographic parameters and reference values for marmosets (Callithrix penicillata). Nineteen healthy adult marmosets were used. A combination of tiletamine and zolazepam was used for chemical restrained before performing electrocardiography (ECG). A computerized ECG machine was used. Values of the ECG parameters were a mean heart rate of 264±74 beats/min, a variation MCA between 60° and -90°, a mean P wave duration of 34±6ms and amplitude of 0.132±0.051mV, a mean PR interval duration of 56±11ms, a mean QRS complex duration of 35±7ms and amplitude of 0.273±0.269mV, a mean QT interval duration 130±26ms, ST segment was isoelectric (13 animals) and with elevation (six animals) and a mean T wave amplitude of 0.19±0.083mV and positive. There was no significant difference between males and females. Thus, the electrocardiographic parameters obtained in our study in marmosets can be used as a reference values to in other future researches, providing researchers electrocardiographic parameters that contribute with the literature.

Nesse estudo foram avaliados tratamentos quanto à aceleração da decomposição de folhas de limoeiro 'Siciliano', como medida auxiliar no controle da mancha preta dos citros. Os tratamentos testados foram: 1) uréia (12,5 g/L); 2) nitrato de cálcio (12,5 g/L); 3) calcário dolomítico (2 t/ha); 4) Embiotic® (acelerador de compostagem - 1% do produto ativado); 5) Soil-Set® + Compostaid®(0,75 mL/L + 0,75 g/L) e 6) Testemunha. Os tratamentos 1, 2, 4 e 5 foram aplicados em solução sob a copa das plantas (800 L/ha), enquanto o calcário o foi com um distribuidor, direcionando o produto para um lado da planta. Os tratamentos mais eficientes na redução do peso das folhas foram uréia, nitrato de cálcio e Soil-Set® + Compostaid®. Quanto à cellulose, Embiotic® e Soil-Set® + Compostaid® reduziram o conteúdo da mesma, mostrando alta eficiência na taxa de decomposição das folhas. Quanto à atividade da dehydrogenase, houve aumento da mesma entre a primeira e segunda avaliações, seguido de redução entre a segunda e terceira avaliações, sendo essas entre 9,90%, no caso do calcário dolomítico e 72,41%, na testemunha. Os resultados demonstraram viabilidade da aceleração da decomposição das folhas cítricas caídas no solo como medida suplementar ao controle de Guignardia citricarpa.

In the current study, various treatments were used in the acceleration of decomposition in Sicilian lemon leaves as an auxiliary measure to control citrus black spot. The treatments tested were: 1) urea (12.5 g/L); 2) calcium nitrate (12.5 g/L); 3) dolomitic limestone (2 t/ha); 4) Embiotic® (commercial composting accelerator - 1% of the activated product); 5) Soil-Set® + Compostaid® (0.75 mL/L + 0.75 g/L; and 6) control. Treatments 1, 2, 4, and 5 were applied in solution under the plant's crowns (800 L/ha), while dolomitic limestone was applied to only one side of the plant using a drop spreader. The most efficient treatment in reducing leaf weight was with urea, calcium nitrate and Soil-Set® + Compostaid®. In relation to cellulose, Embiotic® and Soil-Set® + Compostaid® reduced the same content showing a high efficiency in the decomposition rate of the lemon leaves. As for the dehydrogenase activity, there was an increase in the first and second evaluations, followed by a reduction in the second and third observations, amounting to 9.90% for dolomitic limestone, and 72.41% for the control. The results showed the viability of accelerating decomposition of citrus leaves fallen on the soil as a supplementary control measure for Guignardia citricarpa.

This paper reports the development of multiple square wave voltammetry and the possibilities of its use for electroanalytical determinations of organic and inorganic compounds with the improvement of the signal-to-noise ratios and detection limits 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than those obtained with conventional square wave voltammetry. The theoretical aspects and analytical applications were demonstrated as an increased analytical response (current) and application of different pulse modes for different redox processes. Preliminary results obtained for several redox systems using different electrode surfaces are shown, demonstrating also that MSWV represents an excellent alternative for the determination of ultra-traces of organic and inorganic compounds.

O diterpeno clerodano trans-desidrocrotonina (1), constituinte majoritário de Croton cajucara, tem sua ocorrência correlacionada com o uso dessa planta na medicina popular. Investigações fitoquímicas levaram ao isolamento dos metabólitos 1, cajucarinolida (6), isocajucarinolida (7), trans-crotonina (2), trans-cajucarina B (3), cis-cajucarina B (4), trans-cajucarina A (5), N-metiltirosina, ácido vanílico e ácido 4-hidróxi-benzóico. 6 e 7 foram sintetizados em bons rendimentos através da oxidação de 1 com oxigênio-singlete. Todos os clerodanos foram ensaiados frente a células da leucemia humana K562 e do carcinoma de Ehrlich. Os efeitos inibitórios do crescimento celular foram dependentes da dose para os ensaios com o carcinoma de Ehrlich com IC50 = 166 µM (1), 164 µM (2), 65 µM (6) e 10 µM (7). Além disso, atividade citotóxica moderada foi observada contra as células da leucemia K562 com IC50 = 38 µM (3), 33 µM (5), 36 µM (6) e 43 µM (7). Os 6 e 7 semi-sintéticos mostraram resultados semelhantes quando comparados com os correspondentes clerodanos naturais.

The clerodane-type diterpene, trans-dehydrocrotonin (1) the major component of Croton cajucara has shown striking correlation with its therapeutic use in traditional folk medicine. Phytochemical investigations led to the isolation of the metabolites 1, cajucarinolide (6), isocajucarinolide (7), trans-crotonin (2), trans-cajucarin B (3), cis-cajucarin B (4), trans-cajucarin A (5), N-methyltyrosine, vanillic acid and 4-hydroxy-benzoic acid. 6 and 7 were synthesized in good yield by regiospecific oxidation of 1 using singlet-oxygen. All clerodanes were studied for their cytotoxic effects against human K562 leukemia and Ehrlich carcinoma cells. Ehrlich carcinoma assays with IC50 = 166 µM (1), 164 µM (2), 65 µM (6) and 10 µM (7) related to cell growth inhibitory effects were dose dependent. Furthermore, moderate cytotoxic activity against K562 leukemia cells was observed with IC50 = 38 µM (3), 33 µM (5), 36 µM (6) and 43 µM (7). The semi-synthetic 2, 6 and 7 showed similar results when compared to the corresponding natural clerodanes.