ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to estimate the nutritional requirement of digestible methionine + cystine for Japanese quail during the growth phase and its residual effect on the laying phase. One experiment was conducted, including three phases: starter, from 1 to 14 days of age; grower, from 15 to 42 days of age; and laying, from 43 to 168 days of age. The experimental design was entirely randomized with five treatments (0.52, 0.64, 0.76, 0.88, and 1.00% of digestible methionine + cystine) and five replicates. In starter phase, 48 quail/experimental unit (box) were used; in grower phase, 31 quail/experimental unit (box) were used, which were reared until 14 days old, receiving conventional feed and, in laying phase, 12 quail/experimental unit were selected from grower phase to evaluate the residual effect. To evaluate animal performance, feed intake (g/bird), body weight (g), weight gain (g), feed conversion (g/g), and viability (%) were analyzed. At 14 and 42 days of age, the relative weight (%) of liver, spleen, and cloacal pouch organs, the birds’ warping (%) and body chemical composition (%) were evaluated. During laying, performance and egg quality were evaluated. In the starter and grower stages, quadratic effects were observed for all performance variables. Laying performance results confirmed the estimates obtained in the grower phase; however, there was no effect on egg quality. Considering the best feed conversion, the nutritional recommendation of digestible methionine + cystine for Japanese quail in the starter phase is 0.85% and in the grower phase, it is 0.77%, corresponding to daily intake of 50.43 and 158.5 mg of digestible methionine + cystine/day, respectively.

Abstract An experiment was carried out with Japanese quails in the initial laying phase, from 43 to 168 days of age, to determine the nutritional requirement of digestible methionine + cystine for this period. 375 quails were used, being fifteen quails used per experimental unit. A total of 5 treatments (0.60, 0.75, 0.90, 1.05 and 1.20% digestible methionine + cystine) were used in a completely randomized design with 5 replicates each. The performance parameters evaluated were feed intake (g / bird), body weight (g), egg weight (g), laying rate (%), egg mass (g eggs.bird.day-1), feed conversion by mass and dozen eggs (g.g-1 of eggs, g.dz-1 of eggs), viability (%) and the body chemical composition (%). The egg quality parameters were: % of component (yolk, albumen and shell relative to egg weight), specific gravity (g mL-1), Haugh unit, yolk index, shell weight per surface area and thickness of the shell (mm). Quadratic effect was found on the performance parameters evaluated (P<0.05), except for age at first egg and viability with linear effect. Regarding egg quality, no significant effect was observed on the variables tested (P>0.05). The nutritional recommendation of digestible methionine + cystine for Japanese quails at laying phase is 0.90% from the maximum point obtained for the egg mass, egg weight and laying rate, corresponding to daily intake of 241.54 mg of digestible methionine + cystine / day, respectively.

Resumo Foi desenvolvido um experimento com codornas japonesas na fase inicial de postura, de 43 a 168 dias de idade, com o objetivo de determinar a exigência nutricional de metionina + cistina digestível para este período. Foram utilizadas 375 codornas, sendo 15 aves por unidade experimental. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado (DIC) totalizando 5 tratamentos (0,60; 0,75; 0,90; 1,05 e 1,20 % de metionina + cistina digestível) com 5 repetições cada. As variáveis de desempenho avaliadas foram, consumo de ração (g/ave), peso corporal (g), peso do ovo (g), taxa de postura (%), produção de massa de ovos (g ovos.ave. dia-1), conversão alimentar por massa e dúzia de ovos (g.g-1 de ovos, g.dz-1 de ovos), viabilidade (%) e a composição química corporal (%). As variáveis de qualidade dos ovos foram, percentagem do componente (gema, albúmen e casca em relação ao peso do ovo), gravidade específica (g mL.-1), unidade Haugh, índice de gema e peso da casca por superfície de área. Foi encontrado efeito quadrático sobre as variáveis de desempenho avaliadas (P<0,05), exceto para idade ao primeiro ovo e viabilidade que apresentaram efeito linear. Em relação à qualidade dos ovos, não foi observado efeito significativo sobre as variáveis testadas (P>0,05). A recomendação nutricional de metionina + cistina digestível para codornas japonesas na fase de postura é de 0,90% a partir do ponto de máxima obtido para as variáveis massa de ovos, peso de ovos e taxa de postura, correspondendo ao consumo diário de 241,54 mg de metionina + cistina digestível / dia, respectivamente.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os danos causados por bovinos a clones de eucalipto em sistema silvipastoril, nove meses após o plantio. O experimento foi conduzido em arranjo espacial de faixas, o delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado com seis repetições e quatro tratamentos: a) Clone VM01 com acesso do gado aos nove meses (TR1); b) Clone I144 com acesso do gado aos nove meses (TR2); c) Clone VM01 sem acesso do gado (TR3); e d) Clone I144 sem acesso do gado (TR4). Foram introduzidos seis bovinos mestiços anelorados em cada tratamento, com peso de 300 kg no pasto de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés (MG-5) e mantido por três períodos de aproximadamente 14 dias. Os danos nas árvores foram avaliados aos 300, 332 e 360 dias após o plantio em função das partes danificadas (incidência) e uma escala de classes e notas foi estabelecida. A entrada de bovinos no sistema silvipastoril aos nove meses após o plantio afetou negativamente (P≤0,05) o crescimento inicial do povoamento florestal. Foram identificados danos de baixa intensidade, como quebra de galhos, alta intensidade, como quebra do tronco e de extrema intensidade, como tombamento, variando conforme o clone. Não se recomenda o acesso dos animais aos nove meses após o plantio florestal, devendo ser realizado em idades mais avançadas dos clones, tendo estes, maiores dimensões em altura total e diâmetro à altura do peito.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the damage caused by cattle to eucalyptus clones in silvopastoral system, after nine months after planting. The experiment was conducted in a spatial arrangement of tracks considering the design was completely randomized with six replications and four treatments: a) Clone VM01 with access to cattle at nine months (TR1); b) Clone I144 with access to cattle at nine months (TR2); c) VM01 clone without cattle access (TR3); and d) Clone I144 without cattle access (TR4). Six annealated crossbred cattle were introduced in each treatment, weighing 300 kg in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés (MG-5) and maintained for three periods of approximately 14 days. Tree damage was assessed at 300, 332 and 360 days after planting according to the damaged parts (incidence) and a scale of classes and grades was established. The entry of cattle in the silvopastoral system nine months after planting, negatively affected (P≤0.05) the initial growth of the forest stand. Low-intensity damage was identified as branch breaking, high intensity as trunk breaking and extreme intensity as tipping, varying according to the clone. Animal access is not recommended at nine months after forest planting and should be carried out at older ages of the clones, with larger dimensions in total height and diameter at breast height.

Resumo: Nos últimos anos, o setor agrícola tem enfrentado diversos desafios relacionados com o processo de inovação, sendo que o mais significativo parece ser o da sua transformação digital. Por consequência, a questão da adoção da tecnologia digital está se tornando de importante interesse científico e atraindo a atenção de uma série de pesquisadores devido ao seu impacto potencial em produtos, serviços, processos e novos modelos de negócios. Em geral, o comportamento de adoção pode ser explicado indiretamente pelo estudo de fatores que levam uma empresa a inovar; entre esses fatores, a literatura enfatiza a função das redes. O objetivo do artigo é investigar o papel das redes como principais impulsionadoras da adoção de tecnologias de agricultura de precisão. Para atingir este objetivo, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa qualitativa a partir de 8 estudos de caso representados por fazendas italianas, com experiência em agricultura de precisão. Os resultados mostram que apenas algumas fazendas têm a capacidade de desenvolver e gerenciar inovações internamente; o sucesso frequentemente requer cooperação entre atores individuais e organizações. Finalmente, o artigo fornece alguns conselhos práticos e um conjunto de propostas para as fazendas que estão tentando alcançar inovações tecnológicas digitais.

Abstract: Recently, the agricultural sector has had to face several challenges related to the innovation process, the most significant of which seems to be that of its digital transformation. As a consequence, the issue of digital technology adoption is becoming of important scientific interest due to its potential impact on products, services, processes, and new business models. In general, the adoption behavior can be indirectly explained by studying factors that lead a firm to innovate; among these factors, the literature emphasizes the function of networks. The objective of the paper is to investigate the role of networks as key drivers of precision agriculture technologies adoption. To achieve this goal, qualitative research was developed by using 8 case studies recollected among that few Italian farms which can be defined as innovative for having already experienced precision agriculture. Results show that only a few farms can develop and manage innovations internally; success often requires cooperation between individual actors and organizations. Finally, the paper provides some practical advice and a set of propositions for those farms that are trying to achieve digital technological innovations.

RESUMO Avaliou-se o efeito da utilização de níveis crescentes de vitamina A sobre os parâmetros ósseos de codornas de corte de 15 a 35 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 1520 codornas, não sexadas, com peso médio inicial de 85±4,25g, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, totalizando oito tratamentos com cinco repetições e 38 codornas por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de oito níveis de suplementação de vitamina A (0; 4.500; 6.000; 7.500; 9.000; 10.500; 12.000 e 13.500UI/kg da dieta). O período experimental foi de 15 a 35 dias de idade. Os ossos analisados apresentaram uma redução linear para o índice de Seedor, resistência óssea e teor de cinzas do fêmur e da tíbia de acordo com os níveis de suplementação de vitamina A. A suplementação de vitamina A para codornas de corte de 15 a 35 dias de idade mostrou resultados negativos para a qualidade óssea, com a necessidade de mais estudos sobre seu antagonismo com a vitamina D.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of using increasing levels of vitamin A on bone parameters in meat-type quails from 15 to 35 days old. A total of 1520 unsexed quail with an average initial weight of 85g distributed in a completely randomized design, totaling eight treatments with five replicates and 38 quails per experimental unit were used. The treatments consisted of eight vitamin supplementation levels A (0; 4,500; 6,000; 7,500; 9,000; 10,500; 12,000 and 13,500IU / kg diet). The experimental period was 15 to 35 days of age. The bones analyzed showed a linear reduction to the Seedor index, bone strength and ash content of the femur and tibia according to vitamin supplementation levels Vitamin A supplementation for cutting quails from 15 to 35 days of age showed negative results for bone quality, with the need for more studies on its antagonism to vitamin D.

Abstract Biofortification is an important technique where the nutritional quality of food crops is enriched through the increase of nutrient content. Provitamin A deficiency is still a public health concern mainly in developing countries. Since beta-carotene is a vitamin A precursor, the increase of this compound in foods through biofortification is a manner to reach people under hidden hunger condition. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different cooking styles on carotenoids content and antioxidant activity of two different genotypes of biofortified Cucurbita moschata. In the present study, biofortified pumpkins submitted to different cooking conditions were assessed for antioxidant activity by ABTS, DPPH, β-carotene/linoleic acid systems and have polyphenols and carotenoids content compared. The cooking style affected the antioxidant activity. Pumpkins from genotype 1 showed high levels of carotenoids, α-carotene and all-E-β-carotene compared to samples from genotype 2. There was an increase of all carotenoids in both cooked pumpkins, and steam cooking showed the highest retention percentages. Steam cooking presented a higher percentage of carotenoid retention. Pumpkin consumption in developing countries, especially in the Northeast Brazil may be promoted to combat vitamin A deficiency.

Resumo Com o objetivo de atualizar o artigo já publicado em 2006 (Faria), este texto reúne pesquisas acerca das relações de gênero realizadas até 2016 e ainda esparsas na área da educação infantil. Tais estudos analisam as culturas infantis e as relações de poder entre as meninas pequenas e os meninos pequenos de 0 a 6 anos, entre elas/es e entre elas/es e as/os profissionais docentes de creche e pré-escola. Nesse processo a luta feminista e os estudos de gênero contribuem substancialmente para as modificações no cotidiano da educação da pequena infância e na construção de uma pedagogia não sexista.

Abstract To update an text published in 2006 (Faria), this article gathers studies on gender relations, conducted until 2016 and that are still rare in the field of early childhood education. These studies analyze the peer cultures and power relations among girls and boys up to 6 years old - both among the children, and between the children and teachers at daycare centers and preschools. In this process, the feminist struggle and studies of gender contribute substantially to modifications to early childhood education and to the construction of a non-sexist pedagogy.

Apesar da redução de casos de infecção pelo HIV por exposição vertical, este número ainda é considerado alarmante. Objetivou-se neste estudo descrever a prevalência de sequelas neurológicas e alterações neuropsicológicas em adolescentes com infecção pelo HIV por transmissão vertical acompanhados em um Serviço de Assistência Especializada em Recife/PE. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, no qual foram incluídos adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos infectados pelo HIV por transmissão vertical que estavam em uso de Tratamento Antirretroviral (TARV) há pelo menos um ano. Os dados foram coletados através de exame neurológico e a aplicação do Teste de Atenção Concentrada(TAC), Figuras complexas de Rey e subtestes da Escala de Inteligência Wechsler para crianças (WISC III - 06 a 16 anos) e do Wais III (>16 anos), Escala de Responsividade e Exigência Parental, Inventário de Depressão Beck (BDI) e Inventário de Ansiedade Beck (BAI). Utilizou-se o EpiInfo 3.5.1 para descrição e análise bivariada e multivariada (variáveis com p< .20). Os resultados do estudo apontam para a alta frequência de associação de alterações neurocognitivas e infecção pelo HIV, sendo necessário o estímulo para a formação de equipes multidisciplinares capacitadas para a detecção e tratamento precoces de tais alterações, quando ainda são passíveis de reversibilidade.

Despite the reduction in cases of HIV infection from vertical exposure, this number is still considered alarming. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of neurological sequelae and neuropsychological impairment in adolescents with HIV infection by vertical transmission accompanied by a Specialized Care Service in Recife/PE. This is a cross-sectional study in which HIV-positive adolescents aged 10 to 19 years who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least one year were enrolled. The data were collected through neurological examination and the application of the Concentrated Attention Test (CT), complex Rey figures and subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children (WISC III - 06 to 16 years) and Wais III (> 16 years), Parental Responsibility and Demanding Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). EpiInfo 3.5.1 was used for bivariate and multivariate description and analysis (variables with p<.20). The results of the study point to the high frequency of association of neurocognitive changes and HIV infection, and it is necessary to stimulate the formation of multidisciplinary teams capable of early detection and treatment of these changes, when they are still subject to reversibility.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of two xylanase products to diets with reduced metabolizable energy fed to meat-type quails during the starter phase (1-14 days). A completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 3 + 1 factorial arrangement two reduced metabolizable energy (ME) diets, inclusion or not of xylanase, and a control diet with no enzyme addition) was applied, totaling seven treatments with five replicates of 45 quails each. At 14 days of age, jejunum segments were collected for morphometry evaluation. No interaction between the studied factors were detected for performance and jejunal morphometry parameters. Body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were not influenced by enzyme inclusion. Reduced ME diets (-70 or -140 kcal/kg) did not affect performance, except for feed intake. Xylanase inclusion increased villus height and villus:crypt ratio. Therefore, xylanase supplementation can be effective in corn and soybean meal-based diets, without causing any impairment in the performance of 1- to 14-day-old quails. Xylanases A and B were more efficient when dietary energy level was reduced in 140 kcal ME/kg, and were also shown to effectively improve the jejunal morphometry of starter meat-type quails.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of two xylanases in the diet of meat-type quail on performance, morphology of the intestinal mucosa, metabolization of nutrients, and carcass yield. The experimental design was a completely randomized 2×3+1 factorial arrangement [two metabolisable energy reductions (70 and 140 kcal/kg), with or without the inclusion of two xylanases (A and B), plus a control treatment without xylanase), totalling seven treatments with five replicates and 42 quail each. Total excreta were collected at 28 days of age to determine the metabolisable coefficients of dry matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and gross energy (GE). There was no interaction between the energetic reductions and inclusion of xylanases on performance variables of the birds. The 70 kcal/kg reduction led to better results for feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion, while the 140 kcal/kg reduction led to worse results. In terms of jejunum morphometry, there was no interaction between energy reductions and inclusion of xylanases, although xylanases increased villi height and villus:crypt ratio. There was an interaction between energy reduction and inclusion of enzymes for the metabolisability coefficients of CP, NDF, and GE, leading to improvements in these coefficients. Xylanases A and B are effective in energy-reduced corn and soybean meal diets for 15 to 35-day-old quail.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a biometria das vísceras e os parâmetros sanguíneos de codornas de corte aos 14 e 35 dias de idade, suplementadas com diferentes níveis de selênio inorgânico e vitamina E. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4×4 (Se inorgânico = 0,1125; 0,2250; 0,3375 e 0,4500 mg/kg de ração x VE = 10; 23; 36 e 49 UI/kg de ração). No experimento de 0 a 14 dias, foram utilizadas 2.400 codornas recémnascidas, distribuídas em 16 tratamentos e três repetições de 50 aves cada. No experimento de 14 a 35 dias, sob os mesmos tratamentos, foram utilizadas 1.680 codornas com 14 dias de idade e três repetições de 35 aves cada. Aos 14 dias, o pesos relativo de baço (P=0,0203) aumentou linearmente em função dos níveis de VE, enquanto aos 35 dias, o peso relativo de bolsa cloacal (P=0,0390) aumentou linearmente em função do Se. Aos 14 dias, verificou-se interação (P=0,0097) vitamínica x mineral nas concentrações de colesterol total (CT), além de efeito quadrático (P=0,0138) relacionado aos níveis de Se e redução linear (P=0,0275) em função da VE. Aos 35 dias, as concentrações de CT (P=0,0055) e triglicerídeos (TGR, P=0,0220) apresentaram efeito quadrático para o Se. O aumento linear do peso do baço e bolsa cloacal aos 14 e 35 dias respectivamente, sugerem melhora na resposta imune em função da suplementação de VE e Se. Para a mínima concentração de CT e TGR aos 35 dias de idade, recomenda-se a suplementação de 0,26 e 0,29 mg/Se/kg/ração respectivamente.

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate biometric viscera and blood parameters of quails at 14 and 35 days of age, supplemented with different levels of inorganic selenium and vitamin E. A completely randomized design was used in a 4×4 factorial scheme (inorganic Se = 0.1125, 0.2250, 0.3375 and 0.4500 mg/kg diet x VE = 10, 23, 36 and 49 IU/kg feed). In the 0-14 days experiment, 2,400 newborn quail were used, distributed in 16 treatments and three replications of 50 birds each. In the 14-35 days experiment, 1,680 14 day-old quails were used with same treatments and three replicates of 35 birds each. At 14 days, the relative spleen weights (P=0.0203) increased linearly as a function of the VE level, while at 35 days, the relative weight of the bursa (P=0.0390) increased linearly as a function of Se concentration. At 14 days, there was a vitamin x mineral interaction (p=0.0097) affecting total cholesterol (TC), and a quadratic effect (P = 0.0138) related to Se and linear reduction levels (P=0.0275) as a function of VE. At 35 days, the TC concentrations (P=0.0055) and triglycerides (TG, P = 0.0220) showed a quadratic effect for Se. The linear increase in spleen weight and bursa after 14 and 35 days respectively suggests an improved immune response as a function of VE and Se supplementation. To achieve the lowest concentration of TC and TG at 35 days of age, supplementation of 0.26 and 0.29 mg/Se/kg/feed, respectively, is recommended.

Resumo: Este artigo objetiva analisar comparativamente os principais fatores envolvidos na coordenação do sistema agroindustrial do biodiesel (SAI biodiesel) no Brasil e na União Europeia, sob a perspectiva dos stakeholders deste sistema. Para tanto, foi desenvolvido um questionário e a comparação foi realizada por meio da análise fatorial. Os resultados mostraram que os fatores semelhantes estão relacionados à tributação e ao comércio internacional, aos sindicatos dos trabalhadores e associações que representam as usinas de biodiesel, e à diversificação, aquisição da agricultura familiar/pequeno produtor e garantia de oferta. Os fatores diferentes são: (1) no Brasil: estratégias de crescimento, competitividade das usinas, diferenciação das usinas, incentivos para a produção de biodiesel, políticas gerais sobre biocombustíveis, tecnologias de produção de biodiesel e políticas nacionais específicas e (2) na UE: diferenciação na produção de biodiesel e organizações de apoio. Os resultados também mostraram a existência de um trade-off no que se refere ao avanço tecnológico no SAI biodiesel. Se, por um lado, a inclusão dos agricultores familiares e pequenos agricultores na economia é um dos fatores a serem considerados para a sustentabilidade do sistema, por outro, o desenvolvimento deste, buscando resolver o conflito alimento versus biocombustíveis, marginaliza estes produtores.

Abstract: This paper aims to analyze comparatively the main factors involved in the coordination of the agro-industrial system of biodiesel (AIS of biodiesel) in Brazil and the European Union, from the perspective of the stakeholders of this system. For this, a questionnaire was developed and the comparison was done by factor analysis. The results showed that similar factors are related to taxation and international trade, labor unions and associations representing the biodiesel plants and diversification, acquisition of family farming/small producer and guaranteeing supply. The different factors are: (1) in Brazil: growth strategies, competitiveness of plants, differentiation of plants, incentives for biodiesel production, general policies on biofuels, biodiesel production technologies and specific national policies and (2) in the the European Union: differentiation in the production of biodiesel and support organizations. The results also showed the existence of a trade-off regarding to the technological advances on the AIS of biodiesel. If, on the one hand, the inclusion of family farmers and smallholders in the economy is one of the factors to be considered for the sustainability of the system, on the other hand, the development of this, seeking to resolve the conflict food versus biofuels, marginalizes these producers.

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to estimate the parameters of the Gompertz, Brody, Logistic, and Von Bertalanffy equations through Bayesian inference and evaluate the potential for growth in terms of weight and body composition of laying female quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The weights and body compositions of the birds were obtained weekly (1-119 days), allowing the adjustment of the four equations by Bayesian inference. The parameters mature weight (β1), integration constant (β2), maturity rate (β3), and their credibility intervals in four models on body weight and body components were properly estimated by Bayesian inference to describe the body growth in laying quail. The inflection point was determined by the 1st and 2nd derivatives of the Gompertz equation for body weight and body components (fat, protein, ash, and water). Based on Deviance Information Criterion (DIC) for the studied and analyzed variables, there is a model that fits best as a result of its better performance to achieve the DIC value. The Von Bertalanffy model proved to be very versatile, not obtaining good fit of data only for fat. The study shows that other models can also be used in several data sets as an alternative to Gompertz, which, due to its adequate biological interpretation and desirable characteristics in a curve growth, is generally the most used.

RESUMO Introdução: p-cresol (PC) e p-cresil sulfato (PCS) são responsáveis por muitas das consequências clínicas uremia, tais como a aterosclerose em pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC). Objetivos: No presente trabalho, investigamos in vitro o impacto de PC e PCS na expressão da quimiocina monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) via NF-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 em VSMC. Métodos: O PCS foi sintetizado por sulfatação do PC. As VSMC foram extraídas por digestão enzimática da veia do cordão umbilical e caracterizadas por imunofluorescência através do anticorpo α-actina. As células foram tratadas com PC e PCS em suas concentrações normal (n), urêmica (u) e urêmica máxima (m). A viabilidade celular foi avaliada pelo ensaio de MTT. A expressão de MCP-1 foi investigada por ELISA em sobrenadantes de células após o tratamento com as toxinas, com ou sem o inibidor de NF-κB p65. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa na viabilidade das células após o tratamento com toxinas para todas as concentrações testadas. Houve um aumento significativo na expressão de MCP-1 em células tratadas com PCu e PCm (p < 0,001) e PCSn, PCSu e PCSm (p < 0,001), em comparação com o controle. Quando as VSMC foram tratadas com o inibidor de NF-κB p65 mais PCu e PCm, houve uma diminuição significativa na produção de MCP-1 (p < 0,005). Este efeito não foi observado com PCS. Conclusões: VSMC estão envolvidas na formação da lesão aterosclerótica e produção de MCP-1, o que contribui para o início da resposta inflamatória. Os nossos resultados sugerem que a PC medeia a produção de MCP-1 em VSMC, provavelmente através da via NF-κB p65 e que PCS atue através de uma subunidade diferente da via, uma vez que o inibidor da porção p65 não foi capaz de inibir a produção de MCP-1.

ABSTRACT Introduction: p-cresol (PC) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) are responsible for many of the uremia clinical consequences, such as atherosclerosis in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. Objectives: We investigate the in vitro impact of PC and PCS on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression via NF-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in VSMC. Methods: PCS was synthesized by PC sulfatation. VSMC were extracted by enzymatic digestion of umbilical cord vein and characterized by immunofluorescence against α-actin antibody. The cells were treated with PC and PCS at their normal (n), uremic (u) and maximum uremic concentrations (m). Cell viability was assessed by MTT. MCP-1 expression was investigated by ELISA in cells supernatants after toxins treatment with or without the NF-κB p65 inhibitor. Results: There was no significant difference in cell viability after toxins treatment for all concentrations tested. There was a significant increase in MCP-1 expression in cells treated with PCu and PCm (p < 0.001) and PCSn, PCSu and PCSm (p < 0.001), compared with the control. When VSMC were treated with the NF-κB p65 inhibitor plus PCu and PCm, there was a significant decrease in MCP-1 production (p < 0.005). This effect was not observed with PCS. Conclusions: VSMC are involved in atherosclerosis lesion formation and production of MCP-1, which contributes to the inflammatory response initiation. Our results suggest that PC mediates MCP-1 production in VSMC, probably through NF-κB p65 pathway, although we hypothesize that PCS acts through a different subunit pathway since NF-κB p65 inhibitor was not able to inhibit MCP-1 production.

RESUMOA composição da própolis depende do tempo, da vegetação e a localização da área de coleta. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as características físicas e químicas, o teor de compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante da própolis de abelhas nativas sem ferrão (Meliponinae) e Apisdo Estado do Tocantins. Para a obtenção dos extratos empregou-se extração com etanol 80% (v/v). Os parâmetros analisados foram: perda de peso por dessecação a 105 °C, cinzas, Teor de cera e pH. Além dessas foi mensurada a atividade antioxidante e o teor de compostos fenólicos totais. Adicionalmente os extratos de própolis foram também analisados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. O teor de compostos fenólicos totais variou entre 121,78 e 631,29 (mg GAE g-1). A atividade antioxidante expressa pelo valor de CE50 variou entre 29,81 e 845,38 µg mL-1. As análises por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência permitiram inferir a existência de compostos fenólicos. Os resultados indicaram que as amostras de própolis estudadas constituem boas fontes de antioxidantes naturais. A variedade de compostos fenólicos identificada neste estudo, e as diversas funções biológicas relatadas na literatura para estes compostos, indicaram que a própolis de abelhas sem ferrão (Meliponinae) e Apistem um grande potencial farmacológico.

ABSTRACTThe composition of propolis depends on time, vegetation and the location of the collection area. The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical characteristics, the concentration of phenol compounds and the antioxidant capacity of propolis of native stingless bees (Meliponinae)and Apis from the State of Tocantins. Extraction with 80% ethanol (v/v) was performed in order to obtain the extracts. Parameters examined were: propolis mass loss by desiccation at 105 ºC, ashes, wax concentration and pH. Furthermore, the propolis antioxidant activity was measured, as well as the total concentration of phenol compounds. The extracts were also analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The total concentration of phenol compounds varied between 121.78 and 631.29 (mg GAE g-1). The antioxidant activity expressed by the value of CE50 varied between 29.81 and 845.38 µg mL-1. High performance liquid chromatography analysis allowed us to infer the existence of phenol compounds. The results indicated that the studied propolis samples constitute good sources of natural antioxidants. The variety of phenol compounds identified in this study, and the diverse biological functions reported in literature for these compounds indicated that this stingless bee propolis (Meliponinae) and Apis has a high pharmacological potential.