Abstract This study investigated the effect of vegetable and fish oils with different n-3 / n-6 PUFAS ratios on the lipoprotein profile and on the development of murine breast cancer 4T1. Female Balb/c mice (6-7 weeks) received diets containing 4.0% fat during seven weeks. On the fourth week, animals were inoculated into the posterior left flank with 2.5 × 106 4T1 cells. Body weight and food intake were registered and the profile serum lipoproteins was determined. Tumor volume, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, myeloperoxidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities, TNF-α, hemoglobin and VEGF levels were analysed. The highest n-3 / n-6 ratio was found in fish oil (15.8:1), followed by linseed (2.4:1), canola (1:2.1) and soybean (1:9.4) oils. Body weight, food and caloric intake, lipoprotein profile, tumor weight, tumor evolution and histopathological analysis were not different. Canola oil increased cell proliferation when compared to soybean oil, and fish oil changed the inflammatory response and increased VEGF in tumors compared to other groups. The type of fatty acid and the high ratio of n-3 / n-6 PUFAs in the diet influenced cell proliferation and inflammation in the tumor differentially, highlighting the increase of neutrophils and VEGF levels in animals fed on fish oil.

The pequi pericarp corresponds to the largest portion of the fruit and has a high nutritional value, but it is discarded as an agro-industrial residue. The present study aimed to prepare and characterize flours from the pequi pericarp in terms of their proximate composition, its antioxidant potential before and after the in vitro digestibility process and chemical profile, aiming at the full use of this fruit. The samples of pequi pericarp flours from the cities of Sete Lagoas, Paraopeba and Felixlândia were analyzed. The profile of chemical compounds present in the flours was determined using paper spray mass spectrometry. The in vitro simulated digestion technique was used to verify the stability of the phenolic compounds and the maintenance of the antioxidant capacity of the samples. The flours from the pequi pericarp showed to have higher levels of protein, ash and dietary fiber, compared to the data described in the literature for the pulp of the fruit. The analysis of paper spray mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 46 chemical compounds including amino acids, sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds. The analysis of the main components showed that there was no chemical variation among the fruits from the cities studied. Through the in vitro digestibility technique, it was possible to observe an increase in the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds, contributing to increase the already significant antioxidant capacity of the samples. It was concluded that the pequi pericarp flour has the potential to be used as a food ingredient due to the high bioaccessibility of its bioactive compounds, capable of reducing the risk of developing diseases caused by oxidative stress.

ABSTRACT A model is made for the dynamics of the transmission of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic. This model is based on the Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered model with heterogeneity in the susceptible population and in the infectious population. The susceptible population is divided into two subpopulations: individuals who are health professionals and individuals who are not. The infectious population is also divided into two subpopulations: individuals who are hospitalized and individuals who are not. A qualitative analysis of the theoretical model is performed, as well as simulations with official data regarding COVID-19 in the city of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, which corroborate the profile of the solution curves defined by the model.

Resumo A Physalis peruviana L. é uma pequena fruta reconhecida por apresentar grande importância farmacológica, uma vez que seus frutos apresentam altos teores de vitamina A, C, ferro e fósforo. Práticas culturais, como tutoramento e poda, podem influenciar a arquitetura da planta, de modo que ela obtenha frutos de melhor qualidade. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de frutos de Physalis peruviana L. produzidos em diferentes sistemas de tutoramento e poda. O trabalho foi realizado em Londrina-PR utilizando delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 × 2, contendo quatro tipos de tutoramento (tutoramento UEL, tutoramento “V” invertido adaptado, sem tutoramento e tutoramento vertical) e duas poda (com e sem desbrota), com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: largura e altura dos frutos, massa fresca com e sem capulho, coloração (L*, C* e h°), número de frutos por planta, sólidos solúveis, pH e acidez. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de normalidade e homogeneidade e, se atendidos os padrões, foram comparados pelo teste de Tukey, com nível de 5% de probabilidade pelo programa Sisvar, e correlacionados pelo teste de Pearson utilizando o programa estatístico R. Foi possível concluir que plantas conduzidas livremente tiveram os maiores valores de massa fresca de frutos com capulho e que os sistemas de condução proporcionaram maior penetração da radiação solar no dossel, o que favoreceu o acúmulo de açúcares e a intensidade das colorações dos capulhos. Plantas conduzidas nos sistemas de tutoramento UEL – Universidade Estadual de Londrina e “V” invertido adaptado (ambos sem desbrota) obtiveram maiores quantidades de frutos. A desbrota provocou redução no volume de frutos, menores valores de sólidos solúveis, capulhos mais escuros e com maior tendência à coloração amarelada.

Abstract Physalis peruviana L. is a small fruit known for the great pharmacological importance, since it has high levels of vitamin A, C, iron, and phosphorus. Cultural practices such as training and pruning can influence the architecture of the plant, in such a way to obtain fruits of better quality. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of fruits of Physalis peruviana L. produced in different systems of training and pruning. The work was carried out in Londrina-PR-Brazil using a completely randomized design, in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme containing four types of training (“UEL training”, “adapted inverted V training”, without training and “vertical training”) and two types of pruning (with and without prune) with four replicates. The analyzed variables were: fruit size and height, fresh weight with and without calyx, color (L *, C * and h°), number of fruits per plant, total soluble solids, pH, and acidity. The data were submitted to analysis of normality and homogeneity and compared by the Tukey test, at a 5% of probability level by the Sisvar program, and correlated by the Pearson test using the statistical program R. We conclude that plants conducted freely, had the highest values of fresh fruit mass with calyx. The conduction systems provide greater penetration of the solar radiation in the canopy, which favors, the accumulation of sugars and the intensity of the colorations of the calyxs. Plants conducted by the training systems UEL - State University of Londrina and adapted inverted “V” (both without pruning), obtained a greater amount of fruits. The pruning resulted in reduced fruit volume, lower values of soluble solids (SS), and dark calyx with a tendency to yellowish color.

Resumo: O artigo demonstra através de simulações numéricas que a política do chamado distanciamento social vertical é ineficaz para conter a pandemia da COVID-19. Os autores apresentam o modelo SEIR-Net para uma rede de interações entre grupos sociais, enquanto desdobramento do modelo matemático clássico para epidemias, chamado SEIR (Suscetíveis-Expostos-Infectados (sintomáticos e assintomáticos)-Removidos). No modelo SEIR-Net, pode-se simular contatos sociais entre grupos, divididos por faixas etárias, e analisar diferentes estratégias de distanciamento social. Na política de distanciamento vertical, apenas os idosos ficam distanciados, ao contrário da política de distanciamento horizontal, em que todas as faixas etárias aderem ao distanciamento. O artigo compara esses dois cenários a um cenário controle, sem nenhuma intervenção para distanciar as pessoas umas das outras. O cenário do distanciamento vertical é quase tão ruim quanto aquele sem nenhum distanciamento, em termos tanto do número de infectados quanto da aceleração do número de casos. Por outro lado, o distanciamento horizontal, desde que aplicado com a mesma intensidade a todos os grupos etários, reduz significativamente o número total de infectados e “achata a curva de crescimento da doença”. Nossa análise foi feita no Município de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, mas conclusões semelhantes se aplicam igualmente a outras cidades. O material suplementar do artigo fornece detalhes sobre a implementação do código do modelo na linguagem R.

Abstract: Considering numerical simulations, this study shows that the so-called vertical social distancing health policy is ineffective to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. We present the SEIR-Net model, for a network of social group interactions, as a development of the classic mathematical model of SEIR epidemics (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected (symptomatic and asymptomatic)-Removed). In the SEIR-Net model, we can simulate social contacts between groups divided by age groups and analyze different strategies of social distancing. In the vertical distancing policy, only older people are distanced, whereas in the horizontal distancing policy all age groups adhere to social distancing. These two scenarios are compared to a control scenario in which no intervention is made to distance people. The vertical distancing scenario is almost as bad as the control, both in terms of people infected and in the acceleration of cases. On the other hand, horizontal distancing, if applied with the same intensity in all age groups, significantly reduces the total infected people “flattening the disease growth curve”. Our analysis considers the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, but similar conclusions apply to other cities as well. Code implementation of the model in R-language is provided in the supplementary material.

Demostramos mediante simulaciones numéricas que la denominada política de salud de aislamiento social vertical es ineficaz para contener la pandemia de COVID-19. Presentamos el modelo SEIR-Net para interacciones de grupo en una red social, como una evolución del clásico modelo matemático SEIR epidemics (Susceptibles-Expuestos-Infectados (sintomáticos y asintomáticos)-Removidos). En el modelo SEIR-Net, podemos simular contactos sociales entre grupos divididos por grupos de edad y analizar diferentes estrategias de distanciamiento social. En la política de aislamiento vertical, solamente se aísla a los ancianos, frente a la política de aislamiento horizontal, donde todos los grupos de edad se adhieren al aislamiento social. Estos dos escenarios se compararon a un escenario de control, en el que no se realiza ninguna intervención para aislar a la gente. El escenario de aislamiento vertical es casi tan malo, como el escenario donde no se aplica ningún tipo de aislamiento, tanto en términos del número de infectados, como en la aceleración del número de casos. Por otro lado, el aislamiento horizontal, si se aplica con la misma intensidad en todos los grupos de edad, reduce significativamente el número total de infectados y “aplana la curva de crecimiento de la enfermedad”. Nuestro análisis se realiza en la municipalidad de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, pero conclusiones similares se pueden aplicar también a otras ciudades. En el material complementario se facilita la implementación del código del modelo en R-language.

Resumo: O artigo demonstra através de simulações numéricas que a política do chamado distanciamento social vertical é ineficaz para conter a pandemia da COVID-19. Os autores apresentam o modelo SEIR-Net para uma rede de interações entre grupos sociais, enquanto desdobramento do modelo matemático clássico para epidemias, chamado SEIR (Suscetíveis-Expostos-Infectados (sintomáticos e assintomáticos)-Removidos). No modelo SEIR-Net, pode-se simular contatos sociais entre grupos, divididos por faixas etárias, e analisar diferentes estratégias de distanciamento social. Na política de distanciamento vertical, apenas os idosos ficam distanciados, ao contrário da política de distanciamento horizontal, em que todas as faixas etárias aderem ao distanciamento. O artigo compara esses dois cenários a um cenário controle, sem nenhuma intervenção para distanciar as pessoas umas das outras. O cenário do distanciamento vertical é quase tão ruim quanto aquele sem nenhum distanciamento, em termos tanto do número de infectados quanto da aceleração do número de casos. Por outro lado, o distanciamento horizontal, desde que aplicado com a mesma intensidade a todos os grupos etários, reduz significativamente o número total de infectados e “achata a curva de crescimento da doença”. Nossa análise foi feita no Município de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, mas conclusões semelhantes se aplicam igualmente a outras cidades. O material suplementar do artigo fornece detalhes sobre a implementação do código do modelo na linguagem R.

Abstract: Considering numerical simulations, this study shows that the so-called vertical social distancing health policy is ineffective to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. We present the SEIR-Net model, for a network of social group interactions, as a development of the classic mathematical model of SEIR epidemics (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected (symptomatic and asymptomatic)-Removed). In the SEIR-Net model, we can simulate social contacts between groups divided by age groups and analyze different strategies of social distancing. In the vertical distancing policy, only older people are distanced, whereas in the horizontal distancing policy all age groups adhere to social distancing. These two scenarios are compared to a control scenario in which no intervention is made to distance people. The vertical distancing scenario is almost as bad as the control, both in terms of people infected and in the acceleration of cases. On the other hand, horizontal distancing, if applied with the same intensity in all age groups, significantly reduces the total infected people “flattening the disease growth curve”. Our analysis considers the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, but similar conclusions apply to other cities as well. Code implementation of the model in R-language is provided in the supplementary material.

Demostramos mediante simulaciones numéricas que la denominada política de salud de aislamiento social vertical es ineficaz para contener la pandemia de COVID-19. Presentamos el modelo SEIR-Net para interacciones de grupo en una red social, como una evolución del clásico modelo matemático SEIR epidemics (Susceptibles-Expuestos-Infectados (sintomáticos y asintomáticos)-Removidos). En el modelo SEIR-Net, podemos simular contactos sociales entre grupos divididos por grupos de edad y analizar diferentes estrategias de distanciamiento social. En la política de aislamiento vertical, solamente se aísla a los ancianos, frente a la política de aislamiento horizontal, donde todos los grupos de edad se adhieren al aislamiento social. Estos dos escenarios se compararon a un escenario de control, en el que no se realiza ninguna intervención para aislar a la gente. El escenario de aislamiento vertical es casi tan malo, como el escenario donde no se aplica ningún tipo de aislamiento, tanto en términos del número de infectados, como en la aceleración del número de casos. Por otro lado, el aislamiento horizontal, si se aplica con la misma intensidad en todos los grupos de edad, reduce significativamente el número total de infectados y “aplana la curva de crecimiento de la enfermedad”. Nuestro análisis se realiza en la municipalidad de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, pero conclusiones similares se pueden aplicar también a otras ciudades. En el material complementario se facilita la implementación del código del modelo en R-language.

The increasing number of antibiotic resistant microorganisms requires the development of new drugs. In this context, natural cadiolides are promising leads as they present potent antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity. In this work we report the synthesis of 21 new cadiolide analogues. The synthesis involved a Diels−Alder cycloaddition/ cycloreversion reaction between an oxazole and different ynones, affording four intermediate butenolides (14a-d) in 61-81% yield. These intermediates were subjected to a vinylogous Knoevenagel condensation, followed by demethylation of the methoxylated compounds, affording all 21 analogues in good yields. The antibiotic activity of all compounds was evaluated against a panel of five microorganisms. The bioassays on the microbial growth showed that the cadiolides are more active for Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria, and have low activity against the fungus C. albicans. The most active compounds (14b, 15b, 15c and 16e) were effective against S. aureus showing IC50 in the range of 1.8-6.0 µg mL-1. The results also indicated that the nature and position of substituent groups on the aromatic moieties have some effect on the activities.

Resumo: A qualidade da semente produzida é o reflexo do manejo empregado e das condições ambientais durante o cultivo. Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial fisiológico e a sanidade de sementes de soja produzidas em sistema orgânico e convencional. Foram testados os genótipos UEL 110 e 122, BRS 257 e 284, nos manejos orgânico e convencional em delineamento de blocos casualizados. Foram avaliados o teor de água, peso de mil sementes (PMS), germinação (G) e primeira contagem (PCG), tetrazólio (TZ), classificação, comprimento e massa seca de plântulas e sanidade. Realizou-se análise de variância separadamente para manejo, seguida da análise conjunta. Quando significativo aplicou-se teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Realizou-se análise multivariada, utilizando o software R. Não houve significância entre genótipos e sistemas de manejo. Para sistemas de manejo, o convencional se desempenhou positivamente para as características PMS, G, TZ, PCG, classificação, comprimento e massa seca de raiz das plântulas, além da sanidade. Os genótipos UEL obtiveram maior PMS, UEL 110 menor germinação, BRS 257 menor número de sementes não germinadas e maior infestação por Cladosporium spp. As sementes produzidas sob manejo orgânico apresentam maior peso e menor infestação por contaminantes, enquanto o manejo convencional produz sementes de melhor qualidade fisiológica e menor contaminação de Phomopsis e bactérias. O genótipo BRS 257 pode ter sementes multiplicadas nos manejos orgânico e convencional.

Abstract: The quality of seeds produced is the result of the management practices used and environmental conditions during growing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological potential and the health of soybean seeds produced in an organic and conventional system. The genotypes UEL 110 and 122 and BRS 257 and 284 were tested in organic and conventional systems in a randomized block design. The following characteristics were evaluated: moisture content; thousand seed weight (TSW); germination (G) and first count of germination (FCG); tetrazolium (TZ); classification, length, and dry matter of seedlings; and seed health. Analysis of variance was performed separately for the management systems, followed by combined analysis. When significant, the Tukey test (p<0.05) was applied. Multivariate analysis was performed using R software. There was not significance between genotypes and management systems. The conventional management system performed positively for the characteristics TSW, G, TZ, FCG, classification, and length and dry matter of seedling roots, as well as for plant health. The UEL genotypes obtained higher TSW; UEL 110, lower germination; and BRS 257, a smaller number of ungerminated seeds and higher infestation by Cladosporium spp. The seeds produced under the organic system have greater weight and lower infestation by contaminants, whereas the conventional system produces seeds of better physiological quality and lower contamination by Phomopsis and bacteria. The genotype BRS 257 may have seeds multiplied in the organic and conventional management systems.

A novel, fast, low-cost and scalable methodology to prepare stable magnetoliposomes (MGLs), without the use of organic solvents, is described. The concept of the work is based on the dual use of soy lecithin associated to a new liposome preparation methodology. Soy lecithin was used to coat the nanoparticles of magnetite (Fe3 O4 @lecithin) and for encapsulation of Fe3 O4 @lecithin (Lip-Fe3 O4 @lecithin). Liposomes with size less than 160 nm, polydispersity index of 0.25 and zeta potential of -41 mV, were prepared with the use of autoclave and sonication. The liposomal formulations containing magnetite and stigmasterol (Lip-Fe3 O4 @lecithin, Lip-Stigma and Lip-Stigma-Fe3 O4 @lecithin) were shown to be promising for the application as antibacterial. The liposomal formulation and magnetite were characterized by the following techniques: conventional and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM), energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential. The Lip-Fe3 O4 @lecithin had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8.4 µg mL-1 in the presence of 200 Oe magnetic field against S. aureus.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia dos probióticos de diferentes constituições: de culturas definidas e de culturas indefinidas no controle de Salmonella Enteritidis em frangos de corte, identificando qual a constituição e qual ou quais probióticos testados é mais eficaz. Foram inoculados 390 frangos de corte com 1ml de Salmonella Enteritidis, via oral, na concentração de 1,2 x 109 UFC (Unidades Formadoras de Colônia). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com 5 tratamentos e 6 repetições cada, totalizando 30 boxes com 13 aves/boxe (13 aves/m2). Os tratamentos foram fornecidos via água de bebida 1 hora após a inoculação, com 12 horas de tratamento com probióticos por dia, durante 3 dias consecutivos (1º, 2º e 3º dia de idade das aves). Os cinco tratamentos foram: T1 - Controle sem probiótico, T2 - Probiótico A (cultura definida - forma liofilizada, 7 cepas), T3 - Probiótico B (cultura definida - forma liofilizada, 11 cepas), T4 - Probiótico C (cultura indefinida - forma líquida), T5 - Probiótico D (cultura indefinida - forma liofilizada). O desempenho zootécnico foi avaliado usando o peso médio, a conversão alimentar e a mortalidade. Análises microbiológicas foram realizadas utilizando o método NMP (NMP/g)e isolamento de Salmonella através técnica de enriquecimento seletivo. Amostras de pool de íleo, tonsilas cecais e cecos e pool de fígado, coração e baço foram coletadas aos 5 dias e aos 31 dias de idade. Para desempenho zootécnico e isolamento de Salmonella Enteritidis não foram observadas diferenças (p≥0,05). Todos os probióticos utilizados foram eficazes na redução da colonização de Salmonella Enteritidis no íleo, tonsilas cecais e cecos aos 5 dias de idade e somente os probióticos do T2 (cultura definida) e T5 (cultura indefinida) reduziram a colonização aos 31 dias sendo considerados os mais eficazes no controle de Salmonella Enteritidis nestes segmentos intestinais avaliados. Não se pode afirmar quais das constituições de probióticos, culturas definidas ou indefinidas, são mais eficazes no controle de Salmonella Enteritidis.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics from different formations, defined and undefined cultures, applied in the control of Salmonella Enteritidis in broilers, identifying the compositions and states for which the probiotics are more effective. For that, 390 broilers were inoculated orally with 1.00 ml of Salmonella Enteritidis at a concentration of 1.2x109 CFU (Colony Forming Units). The experimental design used was randomized blocks with 5 treatments and 6 replications, totaling 30 boxes with 13 birds/box (13 birds/m2). The treatments were provided via drinking water 1 hour after inoculation, keeping a daily treatment of 12 hours with probiotics, for 3 consecutive days (birds at 1, 2 and 3 days of age). In general, the five treatments conducted were: T1 - Control without probiotic, T2 - Probiotic A (defined culture - lyophilized form, strain 7), T3 - Probiotic B (defined culture - lyophilized form, strain 11), T4 - Probiotic C (undefined culture liquid form), T5 - Probiotic D (undefined culture - liquid form). After treatments, performance was evaluated through average body weight, feed conversion and mortality counting. Microbiological analysis and Salmonella isolation were performed using MPN (Most Probable Number) and selective enrichment technique methods, respectively. Samples of ileum and liver pool, cecal tonsils, cecum, heart and spleen pool were collected at 5 and 31 days of age. No differences were observed on growth performance and isolation of Salmonella Enteritidis (p≥0.05). All probiotics applied were effective on reducing Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in the ileum, cecal tonsils, and cecum at 5 days of life. Probiotics T2 and T5 has shown effectiveness in reducing colonization at 31 days, being considered the most efficient on Salmonella Enteritidis control, for the intestines segments evaluated. It was not possible to affirm which probiotics formation, defined or undefined, is more efficient for Salmonella Enteritidis control.

In this work a series of 2-(2- pyridyl)quinolines were prepared via a Povarov reaction between anilines, 2-pyridinocarbadehyde and ethyl vinyl ether under microwaves heating conditions. The optimized conditions herein reported allowed the preparation of several pyridylquinolines in yields in the range of 30-83%, some of them not previously accessible by this multicomponent process. The reported methodology has advantage over previous report due to its larger scope and short reaction time (2 hours). All quinolines obtained were assayed against five species of clinically important yeasts Candida sp and against Cryptococcus neoformans. Some of them possessed a broad spectrum of action including 2-(2-pyridyl)quinoline (20) and 6,8-dimethoxy-2-(pyridin-2-yl)quinolone (22) that were highly effective in inhibiting Candida species (IC50 < 1.95 µg/mL against C. tropicalis and C. krusei). Some compounds were more potent than commercial drugs Nistatin and Miconazole.

Resumo Existem poucos estudos sobre características germinativas de espécies de cactos nativos, sendo a temperatura e a luz, os fatores que mais interferem nesse processo. Assim, objetivou-se caracterizar os frutos e avaliar a influência da temperatura e luminosidade na germinação de sementes de Rhipsalis floccosa, Rhipsalis pilocarpa and Rhipsalis teres. Testou-se temperaturas constantes de 15, 20, 25, 30 e 35 °C e alternadas de 20-30 °C e 25-35 °C com fotoperíodo de 10 horas, e com a determinação da temperatura mais adequada, testou-se a germinação na ausência de luz. A porcentagem de germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação e o tempo médio de germinação foram avaliados. Para R. floccosa, a maior porcentagem de germinação foi obtida a 20 °C. Para R. pilocarpa e R. teres, as maiores porcentagens de germinação ocorreram a 15 °C e 20 °C. Verificou-se correlação entre as três espécies para a porcentagem de germinação, indicando comportamento semelhante entre essas. Na ausência de luz não ocorreu a germinação das sementes das espécies estudas. Em conclusão, a temperatura de 20 °C é a mais indicada para a germinação de sementes de R. floccosa. Para as espécies R. pilocarpa e R. teres, as temperaturas de 15 e 20 °C são as mais indicadas

Abstract The germination characteristics of the native cactus species are poorly known, being the temperature and the light the factors that the most interferes in that process. Thus, the objective of the present work was to characterize the fruits and evaluate the influence of the temperature and the light in the seed germination of Rhipsalis floccosa, Rhipsalis pilocarpa and Rhipsalis teres. The tested constant temperatures were 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C and the alternate of 20-30 °C and 25-35 °C in a photoperiod of 10 hours, and with determination of the most appropriate temperature, the germination was tested in light absence. The germination percentage, the index of germination speed and medium time of germination were evaluated. For R. floccosa, the highest germination percentage was at 20 °C. For R. pilocarpa and R. teres, the highest germination percentages occurred in 15 °C and 20 °C. There was correlation to germination percentage between the three species, indicating that they had similar germination behavior. Total absence of germination was verified for the three species in condition of light absence. In conclusion, the temperature of 20 °C is the most suitable for the seed germination of R. floccosa. For the species R. pilocarpa and R. teres, the temperatures of 15 and 20 °C are the most suitable.

Resumo A crescente preocupação em relação à quantidade e qualidade da água tem levado gestores e pesquisadores das várias nações a concentrarem esforços no estudo, planejamento e gerenciamento das bacias hidrográficas, consideradas como unidades territoriais adequadas para a gestão racional e sustentável dos recursos hídricos. O presente relato de experiência traz resultados do Programa de Comunicação, Educação Ambiental e Mobilização Social, que faz parte do projeto “Rede de Monitoramento das Bacias dos rios Pirapó, Paranapanema III e Paranapanema IV – Análise e Monitoramento do Comportamento Hidrológico”, desenvolvido por um grupo multidisciplinar de pesquisadores e pós-graduandos da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (Paraná – Brasil). Os objetivos do programa foram: a) Desenvolver a formação continuada de professores do ensino básico, atuantes nas escolas estaduais localizadas nas bacias em estudo; b) Promover a sensibilização e a capacitação dos diferentes atores sociais locais; c) Produzir material didático e de divulgação para, respectivamente, professores e comunidade em geral. A metodologia de trabalho foi a pesquisa ação, com base no trabalho colaborativo entre os pesquisadores da universidade e participantes representativos do programa. Os resultados obtidos evidenciam que professores e representantes de diferentes segmentos sociais tinham uma visão limitada das questões relacionadas aos recursos hídricos de sua região. Os cursos, oficinas e mostras itinerantes realizadas, além do material de apoio didático e de divulgação elaborados pelo grupo de pesquisadores e pós-graduandos contribuíram para que os vários atores sociais pudessem ampliar sua visão sobre as bacias hidrográficas das quais fazem parte, na perspectiva de uma participação ativa, crítica e responsável voltada ao uso e gestão sustentável dos recursos hídricos.

The growing concern about the quantity and quality of water has led managers and researchers from various countries to concentrate efforts in the study, planning and management of watersheds, considered appropriate units for the rational and sustainable management of water resources. This experience report presents results of the Program for Communication, Environmental Education and Social Mobilization, which is part of the project “Monitoring Network of the basins of the rivers Pirapó, Paranapanema III and Paranapanema IV – analysis and monitoring of the hydrological behavior”, developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and graduate students of the State University of Maringá (Paraná, Brazil). The goals of the program were: a) To develop continuing education for teachers of basic education, active in state schools located in the basins studied; b) To raise awareness and to promote training of various local social actors; c) To produce educational and promotional materials for teachers and general community, respectively. The methodology was the action research, on the basis of collaborative work between university researchers and participants of the program. The results evidence that teachers and representatives of different social groups had a limited view of issues related to water resources of their region. Courses, workshops and itinerant exhibitions, beyond teaching aids and promotional material prepared by the group of researchers and graduate students contributed to broaden the view of social actors about watersheds to which they are part, from the perspective of an active, critical and responsible participation focused on sustainable use and management of water resources.

The phytochemical study of hexane extract from leaves of Salacia crassifolia resulted in the isolation of 3β-palmitoxy-urs-12-ene, 3-oxofriedelane, 3β-hydroxyfriedelane, 3-oxo-28-hydroxyfriedelane, 3-oxo-29-hydroxyfriedelane, 28,29-dihydroxyfriedelan-3-one, 3,4-seco-friedelan-3-oic acid, 3β-hydroxy-olean-9(11):12-diene and the mixture of α-amirin and β-amirin. β-sitosterol, the polymer gutta-percha, squalene and eicosanoic acid were also isolated. The chemical structures of these constituents were established by IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectral data. Crude extracts and the triterpenes were tested against Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis and no activity was observed under the in vitro assay conditions. The hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol crude extracts, and the constituent 3,4-seco-friedelan-3-oic acid and 28,29-dihydroxyfriedelan-3-one showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus sanguinis and Candida albicans.