RESUMO A doxorrubicina (dox) é um medicamento antineoplásico que induz cardiotoxicidade por estresse oxidativo. Os flavonoides são antioxidantes extraídos de plantas como Camellia sinensis e Arrabidaea chica (Fridericia chica). Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar efeitos protetores do extrato de A. chica (AC), comparado ao de C. sinensis (CS), frente ao estresse oxidativo induzido pela dox, no coração. Cardiomiócitos e células neoplásicas MDA-MB 231 foram incubados com AC e CS. Depois, adicionou-se dox e avaliaram-se taxas de viabilidade e morte celular. A citometria de fluxo para o ensaio de iodeto de propídeo (IP) em cardiomiócitos mostrou as seguintes taxas de morte celular: controle 53%; dox 78% (maior que controle, P=0,015); AC_12,5μg/mL + dox 65% (menor que dox, P=0,031); AC_25μg/mL + dox 62% (menor que dox, P=0,028); AC_50μg/mL + dox 63% (menor que dox, P=0,030); CS_12,5μg/mL + dox 71% (menor que dox, P=0,040); CS_25μg/ml + dox 69% (menor que dox, P=0,037); CS_50μg/mL + dox 74% (menor que dox, P=0,044). Resultados das células MDA-MB 231 mostraram que nenhum extrato interferiu na atividade antitumoral da dox. Os dados de IP foram corroborados pelos de MTT. Este estudo reporta promissora utilização de A. chica na prevenção da cardiotoxicidade induzida pela dox.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatosteatosis and steatohepatitis, is intrinsically related to obesity. Our previous study reported on the anti-obese activity of α,β-amyrin (AMY), a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Protium heptaphyllum. This study investigated its ability to prevent fatty liver and the underlying mechanism using the mouse model of NAFLD. NAFLD was induced in male Swiss mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. The controls were fed a normal chow diet (ND). The mice were simultaneously treated with AMY at 10 and 20 mg/kg or fenofibrate at 50 mg/kg. Lipid levels along with metabolic and inflammatory parameters were assessed in liver and serum. The liver sections were histologically examined using H&E staining. RT-qPCR and western blotting assays were performed to analyze signaling mechanisms. Mice fed HFD developed severe hepatic steatosis with elevated triglycerides and lipid droplets compared with ND controls. This was associated with a decrease in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, an increase of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, and enhanced sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) expression, which have roles in lipogenesis, inhibition of lipolysis, and inflammatory response. AMY treatment reversed these signaling activities and decreased the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammatory response, evidenced by serum and liver parameters as well as histological findings. AMY-induced reduction in hepatic steatosis seemed to involve AMPK-mTORC1-SREBP1 signaling pathways, which supported its beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

RESUMO Esta pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de se conhecer a variabilidade genética de 12 loci de microssatélites em galinhas crioulas Canela-Preta. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 118 galinhas crioulas Canela-Preta, provenientes de três municípios do estado do Piauí (Oeiras, Queimada Nova e Teresina). Após extração do DNA, foram utilizados marcadores para 12 loci de microssatélites: LEI0192, LEI0209, LEI0212, LEI0217, LEI0221, LEI0234, LEI0237, LEI0248, LEI0258, MCW0081, MCW0183 e MCW0213, que foram amplificados pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Foram obtidos 408 alelos (somando os alelos dos 12 loci), com os fragmentos variando entre 50 e 460 pares de bases. O número de alelos variou de 15 (MCW0081) a 52 (LEI0212), com média de 31,5 alelos por locus. A média de heterozigosidade esperada e o conteúdo de informações polimórficas foram, respectivamente, 0,887 e 0,909. Foram observados desvios no equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg e valores positivos do índice de fixação com excesso de homozigotos. Os microssatélites utilizados mostraram-se polimórficos e podem ser usados para investigações genéticas em galinhas Canela-Preta. As galinhas dos plantéis avaliados apresentam grande variabilidade gênica, o que as qualifica como importante fonte de recursos genéticos e, consequentemente, faculta a utilização delas em programas de melhoramento genético animal.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic variability of twelve microsatellite loci in native Canela-Preta chickens. Blood samples were collected from 118 chickens of the breed from five properties in three cities (Oeiras, Queimada Nova and Teresina) of Piauí state. After the DNA extraction, markers were used for twelve microsatellite loci: LEI0192, LEI0209, LEI0212, LEI0217, LEI0221, LEI0234, LEI0237, LEI0248, LEI0258, MCW0081, MCW0183, and MCW0213 that were amplified by polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR). The results showed a total of 408 alleles (adding alleles from the 12 loci) with the fragments ranging between 50 and 460 base pairs, the number of alleles ranged from 15 (MCW0081) to 52 (LEI0212) with an average of 31,5 alleles per locus. The average expected heterozygosity and PIC were, respectively, 0.887 and 0.909. Deviations were observed in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and positive values of the fixation index with excess of homozygotes. It is concluded that the used microsatellites are polymorphic and can, therefore, be used for genetic research in Canela-Preta chickens. The birds of the analyzed cores present great genetic variability, which qualifies them as an important source of genetic resources, which could be used for future animal breeding programs.

RESUMO Discutimos a implementação paralela de um precondicionador algébrico de decomposição o de domínios em dois níveis baseado em ILU(k), utilizando a biblioteca PETSc. Apresentamos estratégias para melhorar a performance, minimizando a comunicação entre processos durante as fases de construção e de aplicação. Comparamos, na solução de sistemas lineares provenientes de problemas de simulação de reservatórios, a nossa implementação com um precondicionador padrão do PETSc. Mostramos que, para alguns casos, nossa implementação apresenta um desempenho superior.

ABSTRACT We discuss the parallel implementation of a two-level algebraic ILU(k)-based domain decomposition preconditioner using the PETSc library. We present strategies to improve performance and minimize communication among processes during setup and application phases. We compare our implementation with an off-the-shelf preconditioner in PETSc for solving linear systems arising in reservoir simulation problems, and show that for some cases our implementation performs better.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estimar componentes de variância genética aditiva, fenotípica e residual e a herdabilidade para características relacionadas com a produção de mel e com a estrutura do ninho de abelhas Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides. Sessenta colônias de diferentes regiões da Bahia foram transladadas para caixas padronizadas modelo INPA e divididas, originando as gerações parentais G1 e G2. Foram medidas as características: estimativa da produção de mel; número, largura, volume e altura dos potes de mel; número, altura e diâmetro dos potes de pólen; peso; número, largura e diâmetro dos discos de cria e estimativa da população da colônia. As medidas foram corrigidas para o efeito fixo de mês de mensuração. Os componentes de variância e herdabilidade foram estimados por meio do método de semelhança entre parentes, utilizando-se abordagem Bayesiana. As médias e os desvios padrão variaram de 2,01±0,70cm para diâmetro de potes de pólen a 2.333,0±384,1kg para o peso das caixas. Houve indicação de convergência para todas as cadeias obtidas. As estimativas de variância genética aditiva variaram de 0,02cm para as características largura dos potes de mel a 38.587,72kg para o peso. Para as estimativas de variâncias fenotípicas, os valores variaram de 0,05 para a altura dos potes de pólen a 95.136,43kg para o peso; e para as variâncias residuais, os valores encontrados variaram de 0,02 para a variável largura dos potes de mel a 56.548,71kg para o peso. As estimativas de herdabilidade variaram de 0,35 a 0,53. Os resultados demonstraram que as características avaliadas possuem variação genética aditiva que garante boa resposta à seleção.

The aim of this study was to estimate components of genetic variance, phenotypic and residual and heritability for traits related to the production of honey and the nest structure of bee Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides. Sixty colonies from different regions of Bahia were transferred to standard INPA model boxes and divided, creating the parental generations G1 and G2. The following characteristics were measured: estimated production of honey, number, width, height and volume of the honey pots, number, height and diameter of pollen storage pots, weight, number, length and diameter of the brood combs and estimate the population of the colony. The measurements were corrected for the fixed effects of month of measurement. The variance components and heritability were estimated by the method of similarity between relatives using the Bayesian approach. The mean and standard deviations ranged from 2.01±0.70cm diameter pots for pollen to 2333.0±384.1kg to the weight of the boxes. There was indication of convergence for all the chains obtained. Estimates of the additive genetic variance ranged from 0.02cm to the width characteristics of honey pots to 38587.72kg for weight. For the estimates of phenotypic variance the values ranged from 0.05 for the height of the pollen pots to 95136.43kg for weight; and the residual variance the values varied from 0.02 for the variable width of the honey pots to 56548.71kg for weight. The results showed that the characteristics assessed have additive genetic variation that ensures good response to selection.

O experimento foi realizado em uma granja comercial com 72 fêmeas suínas da genética DanBred(r) e objetivou avaliar os efeitos do resfriamento evaporativo e do balanço eletrolítico sobre o desempenho e os parâmetros de termorregulação de porcas lactantes no verão. O delineamento experimental foi blocos ao acaso com quatro tratamentos em disposição fatorial 2 x 2 e 18 repetições por tratamento. Os tratamentos foram dois sistemas de ventilação (ventilação natural ou resfriamento evaporativo) e duas dietas (balanço eletrolítico de 175mEqkg-1 ou balanço eletrolítico alto de 275mEqkg-1). Os valores médios encontrados para temperatura ambiente e umidade relativa do ar foram de 24,8ºC e 64,5%, respectivamente, sendo obtidos valores diários de 31,6°C para a temperatura ambiente máxima e de 19,8°C para a temperatura ambiente mínima. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) significativo do resfriamento evaporativo e do balanço eletrolítico sobre o consumo de ração, a condição corporal e o intervalo desmame-estro das porcas. O sistema de resfriamento evaporativo proporcionou redução (P<0,05) na frequência respiratória e temperatura superficial mensuradas nos períodos da manhã e da tarde e na temperatura retal à tarde e aumento (P<0,10) no peso dos leitões ao desmame. A dieta com balanço eletrolítico alto não influenciou essas variáveis. Concluiu-se que a utilização do sistema de resfriamento evaporativo contribuiu para reduzir os efeitos do calor sobre as variáveis relacionadas à termorregulação das porcas em lactação durante o verão e proporcionou aumento no peso dos leitões ao desmame. Em dieta com níveis nutricionais específicos para climas quentes, o balanço eletrolítico alto não minimizou os efeitos do estresse calórico.

The field trial was conducted in a commercial farm with 72 sows from DanBred(r) genetics and aimed to evaluate the effects of the evaporative cooling and electrolyte balance on the performance and thermoregulatory parameters of lactating sows during summer. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four treatments in a factorial arrangement 2 x 2 and 18 replicates per treatment. Treatments were two ventilation systems (natural ventilation or evaporative cooling) and two diets (electrolyte balance of 175mEqkg-1 or high electrolyte balance of 275mEqkg-1). The average values for temperature and relative humidity were 24.8°C and 64.5%, respectively, being obtained daily values of 31.6°C for the maximum temperature and of 19.8°C for the minimum temperature. There was no effect (P>0.05) of evaporative cooling and electrolyte balance on feed intake, body condition and weaning-to-estrus interval of sows. The evaporative cooling caused a significant reduction (P<0.05) in respiratory rate and surface temperature measurements in the morning and afternoon and evening rectal temperature and increase (P<0.1) in the weight of piglets at weaning. The dietary high electrolyte balance did not change these variables. It was concluded that the use of the evaporative cooling system helped to reduce the effects of heat on the variables related to body thermoregulation during the summer and provided an increase in weaning piglet weight. The utilization of a diet with specific nutrient levels for hot climates, the high electrolyte balance did not reduce the effects of heat stress in sows.

In this work, the treatment of synthetic wastewaters containing Methyl Green (MG) by anodic oxidation using Ti/PbO2 anodes was investigated. Galvanostatic electrolyses of MG synthetic wastewaters have led to the complete decolourization removal at different current density values (10, 20 and 40 mA cm-2), temperatures (25, 40 and 60°C) and agitation rate (100, 200 and 300 rpm). According to the experimental results obtained in this work, the electrochemical oxidation process is suitable for removing TOC and decolourising wastewaters containing MG dye, due to the electrocatalytic properties of Ti/PbO2 anode. In general, the energy requirements for removing color during galvanostatic electrolyses of MG synthetic solutions depends mainly on the applied current density; it passes from 0.29 kWh at 10 mA cm-2 to 1.64 kWh at 40 mA cm-2 per volume of treated effluent removed (m-3). The results are described and discussed in the light of the existing literature.

After myocardial infarction (MI), activation of the immune system and inflammatory mechanisms, among others, can lead to ventricular remodeling and heart failure (HF). The interaction between these systemic alterations and corresponding changes in the heart has not been extensively examined in the setting of chronic ischemia. The main purpose of this study was to investigate alterations in cardiac gene and systemic cytokine profile in mice with post-ischemic HF. Plasma was tested for IgM and IgG anti-heart reactive repertoire and inflammatory cytokines. Heart samples were assayed for gene expression by analyzing hybridization to AECOM 32k mouse microarrays. Ischemic HF significantly increased the levels of total serum IgM (by 5.2-fold) and total IgG (by 3.6-fold) associated with a relatively high content of anti-heart specificity. A comparable increase was observed in the levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β (3.8X) and TNF-α (6.0X). IFN-γ was also increased by 3.1-fold in the MI group. However, IL-4 and IL-10 were not significantly different between the MI and sham-operated groups. Chemokines such as MCP-1 and IL-8 were 1.4- and 13-fold increased, respectively, in the plasma of infarcted mice. We identified 2079 well annotated unigenes that were significantly regulated by post-ischemic HF. Complement activation and immune response were among the most up-regulated processes. Interestingly, 21 of the 101 quantified unigenes involved in the inflammatory response were significantly up-regulated and none were down-regulated. These data indicate that post-ischemic heart remodeling is accompanied by immune-mediated mechanisms that act both systemically and locally.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana de extratos de plantas brasileiras contra bactérias patogênicas para peixes. A atividade antibacteriana de quarenta e seis extratos metanólicos de plantas foi avaliada contra os agentes Streptococcus agalactiae, Flavobacterium columnare e Aeromonas hydrophila. Trinta e um extratos apresentaram atividade antibacteriana.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Brazilian plants extracts against fish pathogenic bacteria. Forty six methanolic extracts were screened to identify their antibacterial properties against Streptococcus agalactiae, Flavobacterium columnare and Aeromonas hydrophila. Thirty one extracts showed antibacterial activity.

The occurrence of serum antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in professionals in close contact with wild animals was determined. Seventy eight technicians workers coming from two São Paulo public institutions housing wild animals had their blood collected (serum samples). All samples were submitted to ELISA for IgM and IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. The results showed five positive (6.4%), two suspect (2.6%) and 71 negatives (91%) samples. Based on positive results it is concluded that the infection level is higher to that detected in the general population and similar to values of endemic areas, concluding that this assessed population could be considered at risk for Lyme disease.

Introdução: O papel da metaplasia intestinal (MI) como lesão pré-cancerosa gástrica não está completamente esclarecido. Objetivos: Analisar a distribuição e o tipo de MI em relação aos tipos de carcinoma gástrico (CG). Material e Método: Analisaram-se 71 peças de gastrectomia por CG. Amostras da neoplasia e da mucosa a intervalos regulares de toda a peça foram processadas rotineiramente; os cortes histológicos foram corados por HE e histoquímica para mucinas. A gastrite crônica atrófica (GCA) e a MI foram analisadas quanto a topografia, intensidade e tipo e correlacionadas com o subtipo da neoplasia. Resultados: Diagnosticaram-se 42 (59%) CGs do tipo intestinal (CaI), 17 (24%) difusos (CaD) e 12 (17%) não foram classificáveis. A GCA e a MI foram mais intensas no CaI do que no CaD (p = 0,02; p = 0,004). Observaram-se focos de MI dos tipos I, II e III em 21 CaI (50%), enquanto que 5/17 (29%) CaD com MI apresentavam focos de MI de tipos I e II. A MI do tipo III foi diagnosticada em 21 CaI (50%) e em seis CaD (35%) (p = 0,04); nas áreas peritumorais com MI, a do tipo III foi detectada em 13/34 (38%) CaI e 3/10 (30%) CaD. Houve correlação entre a intensidade da MI e o tipo da lesão (p = 0,005), observando-se MI de tipo III predominantemente quando as lesões eram de intensidade moderada a acentuada. Conclusões: A MI de tipo III pode ser considerada um marcador da intensidade do processo metaplásico. Sua presença em 50% dos CaI limita seu papel como lesão de risco e reforça a hipótese da existência de diversas vias carcinogênicas para o CG.

Background: The role of intestinal metaplasia (IM) as a precancerous lesion is not fully understood. Objetives: To analyze IM type and distribution in relationship with gastric carcinoma (GC) histotypes. Material and methods: 71 gastrectomy surgical specimens of gastrectomy were analyzed. Samples taken from the tumor and the mucosa (along the lesser and greater curvatures), were processed routinely and stained by HE and histochemical methods for IM classification. IM intensity, topography and type were correlated with the histological subtype of the tumor. Results: 42 (59%) intestinal-type GC (IGC), 17 (24%) diffuse-type (DGC) and 12 (17%) unclassified tumors were observed. CAG and IM were more marked in IGC than in DGC (p = 0,02; p = 0,004). Foci of IM types I, II and III were observed in 21 IGC (50%), whereas foci of IM types I and II were seen in 5/17 (29%) DGC. Type III IM was diagnosed in 21 IGC (50%) and 6 DGC (35%) (p = 0,04); in peritumoral areas type II IM was detected in 13/34 (38%) IGC and 3/10 (30%) DGC. Type III IM was directly related with the lesion's intensity (p = 0,005) and was observed predominantly in cases with moderate to marked IM. Conclusions: Type III IM may be considered a marker of IM intensity. Its presence in only 50% of IGC cases limits its role as a precancerous lesion and favors the hypothesis of several pathways in gastric carcinogenesis.

Realizou-se um levantamento das plantas daninhas de mandiocais na região Mineradora de Diamantina (Alto do Jequitinhonha) em Minas Gerais, avaliando-se a composição florística e a estrutura da flora daninha. Percorreram-se os municípios mais representativos desta microregião - Carbonita, Itamarandiba e Capelinha - amostrando as lavou ras indicadas pelos técnicos da EMATER - Empresa de Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural, coletando e anotando o grau de abundância e a frequência das espécies invasoras, as quais, posteriormente, foram identificadas e na sua maioria depositadas no Herbarium ESAL, da Escola Superior de Agricultura de Lavras, MG. Constatou-se a presença de 45 espécies pertencentes a 19 famílias, sendo 16 dicotiledôneas, 2 monocotiledôneas e 1 pteridóphyta. Destacaram-se as famílias Compositae, Gramineae, Malvaceae, Leguminosae, Rubiaceae e Convolvulaceae e as espécies Acanthospermum australe, Sida rhombifolia e Borreria alata.

A survey of weeds occurring in cassava crops was carried out in the mining region of Diamantina, MG. The counties of Carbonita, Itamarandiba and Capelinha were used in the survey and considered to be representative of the region. The degree of abundance and the frequency of weed species were determined. The weeds were identified and most of them are being preserved in the Herbarium ESAL, of the Escola Superior de Agricultura de Lavras, MG. The results showed the occurrence of 45 weed species belonging to 19 families, being 16 dycots, 2 monocots and 1 pteridophyta. The families Compositae, Gramineae, Malvaceae, Leguminosae, Rubiaceae and Convolvulaceae and the species Acanthospermum australe, Sida rhombifolia e Borreria alata occurred with high frequency.

Numa área situada no município de Lavras, MG, o desmatamento realizado há cerca de dez anos propiciou a formação de uma comunidade infestante dominada por Pteridium aquilium (L.) Khun., te ndo como codominantes Imperara brasiliensis Trin. e Andropogon bicornis L.. Como fatores que mantém esta comu nidade devem ser considerados: a) as queimadas intermiten te s; b) a acidez do solo; c) a alta percentagem de saturação de aluminio ; d) a ação fitotóxica do próprio P. aquilinum; e) a falta de palatabilidade das espécies dominantes.

A forest was clearcutted about 10 years ago in Lavras county, MG, Brazil and today a natural successional stage community can be found. The dominant weed, in fitomass, coverage an hcight is the bracken-fern Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn. The West Indian foxta il (Andropogon bicornis L.) and the brazilian cogon grass (Imperata brasiliensis Trin.) are the co-dominats weeds. Periodic burnings, soil acidity, high aluminium saturation and the phytotoxicity of the P. aquilinum itself are probably the factors which could explain the present community successional stage.