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Five protease-producing and non-mycotoxin-producing fungi (Mucor subtilissimus URM 4133, Mucor sp. URM 4146, Mucor guilliermondii URM 5848, Aspergillus viride-nutans URM 6629 and Penicillium decumbens URM 6018) were used for hydrolysis of caprine casein. Peptides obtained from different fungi were separated on two fractions: molecular mass (MM) < 3 kDa and MM from 3 to 10 kDa, and the peptide fractions were investigated for antimicrobial, antioxidant and antihypertensive bioactive properties. All the 3 to 10 kDa fractions of all fungi were able to inhibit the growth of the three Gram-negative bacteria and the hydrolysate from URM 5848 inhibited all bacteria, except the bacteria Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis. All hydrolysates with the peptides between 3 and 10 kDa possessed a strong scavenging capacity for ABTS•+ [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals, in which URM 5848 (100% and 32%) and URM 4133 (99% and 29%), respectively for (ABTS•+ and DPPH) were the best hydrolysates. The antihypertensive activity was only observed for hydrolysates from the URM 5848 and URM 4133 fungi, and the higher inhibitory effect was observed on fractions < 3 kDa with URM 5848, 19% and URM 4133, 16%. This work was successful in demonstrating the hydrolysates from goat casein by selected fungal proteases are effective in producing different bioactive peptides.

Purpose The use of psychometric instruments to measure latent concepts is common. The development of these instruments usually involves mechanisms to reduce response bias, such as the inclusion of reversed items. The aim of this study was to investigate method efects related to the wording direction of the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) items, a onedimensional instrument that assesses individual’s level of anxiety when others observe their body. Methods In total, 152 Brazilian adults (65.8% female) answered 2 formats of the SPAS: the original with 12 items (7 regular and 5 reversed); and a new format with all items written in the same direction (i.e., regular). Both formats were flled out at diferent times and alternately. Diferential item functioning analysis (DIF) and confrmatory factor analysis were conducted. Results The original SPAS did not ft the data, but after allowing covariances between all reversed items, the ft improved. The wording efect was supported by the DIF, indicating a better ft to the data for the new format with all items worded in the same direction. Conclusion The wording of the SPAS items had efect on the psychometric properties of instrument. When the wording of the reversed items was modifed, the factor model ftted the data. Future studies should take these fndings into account and evaluate the SPAS with all items worded in the same direction in diferent contexts. Level of evidence Descriptive (cross-sectional) study, Level V. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Leaf-cutting ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are the most important pests in forest and agricultural plantations and livestock. Toxic baits are the main method to manage these insects. The objective was to determine whether the behavior of allogrooming, touch, and self-grooming among Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) workers disperse the fungicide quinone inside inhibitor and whether this product is toxic to them. This fungicide was applied, topically, in groups of workers and the social interactions between them and their mortality with and without the fungicide were evaluated. The interactions and the quinone inside inhibitor fungicide contamination increased with the number of leaf-cutting ant workers per group. Excessive touches, with subsequent allogrooming, and self-grooming among the ant workers dispersed the quinone inside the inhibitor fungicide causing 100% mortality and indicating its toxicity to this insect. The hypothesis that social interactions contaminated ant colony mates and the toxicity of the fungicide quinone inside inhibitor to workers of the leaf-cutting ant A. sexdens rubropilosa was proven.

Background Based on a feminist approach, we analyzed the experiences of workplace bullying suffered by women front-line healthcare professionals dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. We start from studies that show that women make up 70% of the global health workforce, 85% in the area of nursing, and 90% in the case of social care workers. An unequivocal need thus exists to address gender issues regarding the composition of the labor force in the health area. The pandemic has aggravated recurring problems involving healthcare professionals at the various caregiving levels, such as mental harassment (bullying) and its effects on mental health. Methods Data were gathered from an online survey of a convenience (non-probability) sample composed of 1,430 volunteer respondents, all women that work in the public health system in Brazil. The analyses and discussions involved the responses to a questionnaire containing 12 closed-ended questions and one open-ended question. Results The results revealed a context of workplace bullying aggravated by precarious material, institutional and organizational conditions in the area of health services against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil. This context has variously led to aggression, isolation, heavy workloads, and invasion of privacy, humiliation, persecution and fear as it was possible to see, mainly, in the answers to the study’s open-ended question. This situation degrades both work relations and the integrity of the healthcare professionals who work on the front line to treat Covid-19 cases. Conclusion We conclude that bullying is a psychosocial phenomenon that heightens the oppression and subordination still experienced by women in the contemporary context, but with new hues in a scenario of frontline response to Covid-19.

Food security goes beyond food being available; the food needs to be free of contaminants. Trichothecenes mycotoxins, produced by Fusarium fungus, are. among the most frequently found contaminants of wheat. In this study, we evaluated the production of trichothecenes Deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-AcDON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-AcDON), and nivalenol (NIV) by Fusarium meridionale, F. austroamericanum, and F. graminearum grown in wheat plants and rice medium. Fusarim meridionale was efficient only in the production of NIV (production range (pr) from 1340 to 2864 µg kg

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important and consumed vegetables worldwide both in fresh and processed form. Among the main pests, the South American tomato pinworm (Tuta absoluta Meyrick, Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) stands out as one that causes great damage to its production. Control is based essentially on intensive chemical applications which increases the production cost, besides promoting ecological imbalances and possible health problems for consumers and farmers. Among the plant defense mechanisms against herbivores pests are the glandular trichomes and their secondary metabolites that together can be poisonous, repellent, or trap insects and other organisms. In order to develop a resistant cultivar to T. absoluta, we introgressed a trichome-based resistance trait from the wild tomato (Solanum pennellii) into cultivated tomato. The wild tomato has the type IV glandular trichomes, the major site of biosynthesis for acylsugars, which have been consistently linked to broad-spectrum resistance to herbivorous arthropods of tomato. The backcross genotypes (F2BC2) come from a cross between the species S. pennellii access LA-716 (donor genome with high acylsugar content) and the commercial cultivar S. lycopersicum cv. Redencao (background genome with low acylsugar content). Eight genotypes with high recovery of the background genome were selected to identify and quantify the glandular and non-glandular trichomes as well as to assess their resistance to the T. absoluta. Direct correlations between the acylsugar content, number of type IV glandular trichomes and resistance to the South American tomato pinworm were observed, indicating that the desired trait from S. pennellii is inherited throughout the backcrosses. Two groups were formed among the analyzed genotypes: high and low levels of acylsugars. In the high-level group, the higher acylsugar content led to a better control of the pinworm in a similar way to the wild parent (resistant). The overall analysis of our data shows that the genotypes RVTA-2010pl#232 and RVTA-2010pl#257 have the greatest potential to develop tomato lines with desirable commercial traits for the processing industry besides resistance to the South American tomato pinworm.

In the airways, the adhesion of Cryptococcus neoformans with airway epithelial cells is crucial for the establishment of cryptococcosis. Tobacco smoke is considered a risk factor for cryptococcosis. Here, we evaluated the effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) stimulated with C. neoformans. Multiplicities of infection (MOIs) of 1-100 of C. neoformans per cell led to increased IL-8 production and no cytotoxic effects when compared to those of controls. C. neoformans (MOI 100) also significantly increased the concentration of IL-6. In cells stimulated with CSE doses (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0%) from one or five cigarettes, increased IL-1β production was observed only in doses from one (1.0%) and five (2.5%) cigarettes when compared to that of controls. However, only 1.0% CSE failed to show cytotoxic effects. In addition, CSE significantly increased the concentration of IL-8. Cells stimulated with both CSE and C. neoformans demonstrated a reduction in IL-6/STAT3 signalling compared to that in cells stimulated by C. neoformans. In addition, a significant increase in IL-10 production was also observed. No alterations in NF-kB or ICAM-1 expression were observed among the groups. The combination of CSE and C. neoformans favoured the increase of fungal numbers and extracellular adhering of C. neoformans on BEAS-2B cells. In addition, the internalization of C. neoformans on BEAS-2B cells was reduced after CSE stimulation. In conclusion, the association of CSE and C. neoformans induced an anti-inflammatory effect in bronchial epithelial cells, which might favour the development of C. neoformans infection in the airways.

The accelerated growth of the industrial sector has resulted in the consumption of large amounts of non-renewable resources. Accordingly, this study evaluated the tribological behaviour of polymeric matrix composites the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene incorporated with waste from the grinding process. The results obtained showed that these materials can be produced easily. The presence of the residue favoured an increase in the degree of crystallinity estimated at 32–45%, as well as the reduction of the friction coefficient. The tensile test showed that the presence of the metallic microparticles affects the behaviour mechanical of the composites. The micrographs evidenced the abrasion and adhesion wear mechanisms and the rolled-up wear particles phenomenon. On the other hand, the roughness affected the behaviour of the wear mechanisms in a nonlinear way. Therefore, this work showed the ease of obtaining environmentally friendly composites presenting a viable alternative to waste machining disposal.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:29:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-09-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Frequent body checking and avoidance are commonly related to psychopathologies; therefore, these behaviors are important to be investigated with appropriate measures. In this study, we investigated the factorial model for Body Checking and Avoidance Questionnaire (BCAQ) and used the structure with the best fit to the data to verify the frequency of body checking and avoidance among adult Brazilian respondents. A total of 1455 individuals completed both the BCAQ and a sociodemographic questionnaire. We evaluated this instrument through factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity, and we determined its reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the one-factor model did not fit our data for either female or male samples. Thus, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted, which uncovered the presence of five factors. This model had a good fit to data and was invariant across independent subsamples, but not across sexes. A model with five first-order factors and one second-order factor also had a good fit to data; therefore, its use is recommended to provide a general score for body checking and avoidance behaviors. The general BCAQ score showed a low frequency of body checking and avoidance behaviors among the participants. The BCAQ can gather important data of clinical and epidemiological benefit in the prevention of the psychopathologies, such as eating and obsessive–compulsive disorders. Department of Biological Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jaú, km 01 Brazilian Army Physical Education School (EsEFEX) William James Center for Research (WJCR) Instituto Universitário (ISPA) Department of Biological Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jaú, km 01 FAPESP: 2017/20315-7 FAPESP: 2019/19590-9

The cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a species of temperate origin, and the extension of this crop into tropical regions is dependent on genetic breeding. Breeders in the UNICENTRO’s Strawberry Breeding Program (USBP) selected, from among 2,000 hybrids, 40 hybrids that were adapted to photoperiod and temperature conditions of tropical regions. In this study, we used inter-simple sequence repeat to characterize 40 three-way hybrids developed by USBP and evaluated the genetic relationship of these hybrids with commercial cultivars, heirloom cultivars, and single hybrids. We used nine inter-simple sequence repeat primers to genotype 14 commercial cultivars, five heirloom cultivars, five single hybrids (SH), 20 three-way hybrids with short-day behavior (SDH), and 20 three-way hybrids with photoperiod-insensitive behavior (PIH). The percentage of polymorphism (100%) and both, the Nei genetic diversity (h = 0.34) and the Shannon index (I = 0.51), showed high variability and diversity, respectively, in the evaluated strawberry genotypes. Commercial cultivars showed the highest diversity indices (h = 0.30, I = 0.46), followed by PIH hybrids (h = 0.27, I = 0.41). In the dendrogram, the genotypes were distributed into three groups (commercial cultivars, heirloom cultivars, and single hybrids; SDH and PIH). This clustering was confirmed by principal coordinate analysis and Bayesian inference analysis. The overall analysis of the data revealed the efficacy of USBP in three-way hybrid development with different genetic characteristics compared with those of available commercially cultivars. These hybrids have substantial potential in becoming new strawberry cultivars.

One of the biggest challenges of wheat production worldwide is to overcome fungal diseases, and among these is Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused mainly by the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC). The occurrence of FHB can lead to contamination of grains with mycotoxins, which are harmful to human and animal health. In South America, in addition to F. graminearum sensu stricto (F. graminearum), which is the most common causal agent of FHB worldwide, F. meridionale and F. austroamericanum have also been found in wheat fields. Special attention should be paid to F. meridionale because it produces the trichothecene mycotoxin nivalenol, which has potentially higher levels of toxicity when compared with that of other trichothecene produced by the FGSC. Knowledge of the diversity and genetic structure of populations of pathogens can assist in understanding pathogen survival in the face of host genetic resistance, crop rotation, and management with fungicides. In this study, we used 10 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers to estimate the variability, diversity, and genetic structure of populations of F. graminearum, F. meridionale, and F. austroamericanum co-occurring in wheat fields in Parana State, Brazil. The population of F. graminearum showed the greatest genetic variability according to its polymorphism (P = 86.61%), Nei’s genetic diversity (h = 0.28), and Shannon diversity (I = 0.43) indices as compared with that of the populations of F. meridionale (P = 75.89%, h = 0.23, I = 0.36) and F. austroamericanum (P = 67.86%, h = 0.22, I = 0.33). The dendrogram, principal coordinate analysis, Bayesian analysis (K = 4), and the differentiation index (GST = 0.27) showed very high structure and, consequently, high species differentiation. The overall analysis of our data indicates high variability and genetic structure of the studied populations. This genetic condition guarantees high resilience of these species and could make it difficult to obtain wheat cultivars with good resistance to FHB, as well as may cause chemical control to be less effective.

This study provides a preliminary phylogeny of the Celtis species from the neotropical region with emphasis on the South American species. We analyzed 19 taxa using the plastid psbA-trnH and nuclear ITS 4-5, and FA16180b markers. The sequence data were analyzed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference. The South American species were highly supported as monophyletic, while the North American species were recovered as paraphyletic. The endocarp morphology corroborated the lineages within the molecular phylogeny and helps to differentiate the species, to recognize a new species Celtis serratissima, and to reestablish two previously known species, Celtis clausseniana (Wedd.) Miq. and Celtis spinosissima (Wedd.) Miq. These three species emerged among one of the three lineages of the tropical South American species. Celtis serratissima is thus described, illustrated, and compared to its most closely related species.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-11T21:47:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-07-08 Objectives Keratinases are proteolytic enzymes that emerge as an alternative for dealing with the disposal of chicken feathers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the keratin-degrading enzymes secreted by the fungusCoriolopsis byrsinaand their partial biochemical characterization to adapt their use for keratin decomposition, detergent additive applications, and collagen degradation. Results We observed the secretion of different proteolytic enzymes that possessed caseinolytic activity that peaked at pH 7.0-9.0 and 60-70 degrees C and at pH 10.5 and 55-60 degrees C, and keratinolytic activity that reached a maximum at pH 7.0-7.5 and 40-55 oC and at pH 9.0 and 55 degrees C. Keratinolytic activity was maintained at approximately 63% of residual activity for 1 h at 50 degrees C. The caseinolytic activity at pH 10.5 remains stable until 1 h at 50 degrees C, and this is in contrast to the activity at pH 8.5, where the residual activity was 50%. Caseinolytic activity was inhibited only by PMSF, while keratinolytic activity was inhibited by PMSF and EDTA. When investigating the application ofC. byrsinapeptidases as an additive to commercial detergent, we observed an egg stain removal performance that was similar to that demonstrated by the commercial detergent. Conclusions Based on their activity and stability at alkaline pH, these enzymes appear to be attractive candidates for use in the detergent industry. Additionally, the collagenolytic activity of these enzymes potentially allows for their use in a wide array of industrial sectors that require collagenolytic enzymes, such as for the production of collagen hydrolysates from residues derived from the meat industry. Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Sa, Inst Biociencias Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Sa, Inst Biociencias Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil

Aedes aegypti is the main mosquito vector of dengue, zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever diseases. The low effectiveness of vector control options is mainly related to the increased insect's resistance and to the toxicity of products used for non-target organisms. The development of new environmentally friendly and safer products is imperative. Technical cashew nut shell liquid (tCNSL), mostly composed by cardanol (C), is an abundant by-product of the cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) production chain, available at low cost, and with proven larvicidal activity. However, chemical modifications in both tCNSL and cardanol were required to increase their water solubilities. Our objectives were to synthesise and characterise sustainable, low-cost and easy-to-use multiple function products based on tCNSL, cardanol, and the sulphonates obtained from both; and to evaluate all these products efficacy as surfactants, larvicidal, and antimicrobial agents. None of the sulphonates presented antimicrobial and larvicidal activities. tCNSL and cardanol were successfully emulsified with sodium technical cashew nut shell liquid sulphonate (NatCNSLS, complex mixture of surfactants). The emulsions obtained presented larvicidal activity due to the presence of tCNSL and cardanol in their composition. Our results showed that the tCNSL+NatCNSLS mixture emulsion was an effective larvicide and surfactant multiple function product, with high availability and easy-to-use, which can facilitate its large-scale use in different environments. Graphical abstract.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-11T15:32:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-04-14 Currently, poultry farming is one of the sectors that have a significant impact on the global economy. In recent years, there has been an increase in the production of broilers, inflicting this segment of the industry to generate tons of keratin due to huge disposal of chicken feathers. This points to the need to degrade these chicken feathers, as they have emerged as a major threat to the environment. Thus, in this study we aimed to identify keratinases that are produced by the bacterium Citrobacter diversus and further investigate the biochemical characteristics of these keratin-degrading enzymes. In a submerged medium, the bacterium was capable of degrading chicken feathers almost completely after 36 h of fermentation. We found a maximum caseinolytic activity at pH 9-10.5 and 50-55 degrees C, and keratinolytic activity at pH 8.5-9.5 and 50 degrees C. Thus, given its stability at higher temperatures, upon incubation of this enzyme extract for 1 h at 50 degrees C, it showed approximately 50% of the keratinolytic and 100% of the caseinolytic activity. Further, under pH stability for 48 h at 4 degrees C, the enzyme extract maintained greater residual activity in the pH range 6-8. Caseinolytic activity was inhibited by EDTA and PMSF, whereas the keratinolytic activity was inhibited only by EDTA. Additionally, due to its alkaline activity and detergent compatibility, this enzyme extract could improve washing performance when added to a commercial detergent formulation. Using application tests, we could demonstrate a potential use of this bacterial enzyme extract as an additive in detergents to remove egg stains from cloth. Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Ibilce Unesp, R Cristovao Colombo 2265 Jd Nazareth, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Ibilce Unesp, R Cristovao Colombo 2265 Jd Nazareth, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil

In this work is given a taxonomic synopsis of the Urtica species (Urticaceae) occurring in Brazil. Urtica is the largest genus of Urticeae tribe and occurs frequently in humid places, at interior or forest margin, but mainly near human habitations and pastures. Brazil has a wide geographical distribution, founded mainly in Atlantic Forest biome. About its characters, Urtica species have herbaceous habit, presence of glandular stinging trichomes and opposite leaves. For this work, around 800 herbarium materials were analyzed, including types and prototypes, as well as observation of wild populations in the field. Herbarium labels, literature and cultivated specimens were the main information source for distribution, ecology and taxonomic notes. Four species of Urtica were recognized for Brazil: Urtica circularis (Hicken) Soraru, U. dioica Linnaeus, U. spathulata Smith, U. urens Linnaeus, for which descriptions, identification key, comments about taxonomy, ecological observations and geographical distribution are presented.

The development of new cutting tool materials favors the hardened steel turning process, which has in some cases replaced the grinding process. Thus, this study evaluates the machined surface of hardened AISI 4340 steel via turning and grinding operations. The turning process evaluated the effects of the cutting tools (material, grade, and coating) and the process parameters (cutting speed and cooling condition). In the grinding process, the effects of the plunge rates and volumes of removed material Zw were evaluated. The machined surface was evaluated by amplitude roughness (Ra, Rt, Rp, and Rz), functional (Kp, Rk, Rpk, and Rvk), and statistical parameters (Rsk and Rku) and by the type and magnitude of induced residual stress (compression and tensile). In general, the turning process displayed the best results in the roughness parameters by promoting a better surface finish, mainly when the parts were machined at a cutting speed of 300 m/min. The increased cutting speed provided better surface integrity. The ceramic tool CC6050 presented the best performance, followed by the polycrystalline boron nitride (PCBN) and ceramic CC650 tools under cooling and dry cutting conditions. With respect to the residual stress, the grinding process induced compressive residual stresses in all tested conditions. On the other hand, turning-induced tensile stresses when using ceramic cutting tools (class CC650 and CC6050) and compressive stresses when using a PCBN cutting tool (class CB7115) were examined. In general, the use of cutting fluid in turning process did not provide a better performance in relation to the dry cutting condition. Based on the obtained results, the turning of hardened materials is a viable alternative to the grinding process.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:30:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-04-01 The effect of pectinolytic enzyme preparation (PEP) produced by the fungus Thermomucor indicae-seudaticae-N31 (PEP-N31) on total phenolic content, concentrations of methanol and color of grape juice was studied. Positive results were found when PEP-N31 was used to extract phenolic compounds after the grapes had been blanched for 3 min and macerated for 1 h. The resulting juice had better yield, color characteristics and higher phenolic content (1637.21 mg.L-1, as gallic acid equivalent, or GAE) than the conventionally prepared juice (1422.59 mg GAE.L-1), and it was very similar to the juice obtained through the treatment with a commercial enzyme (1682.10 mg GAE.L-1). The concentration of methanol in the juice produced with the PEP-N31 was less than 200 mg.L-1. These results encourage the use of PEP produced by Thermomucor indicae-seudaticae-N31 by the grape-processing industry. Department of Food Engineering and Technology São Paulo State University – UNESP Department of Biotechnology Federal University of Bahia – UFBA Unilago - Union of the Great Lakes Colleges Faculty of Health Sciences Federal University of Grande Dourados – UFGD Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences São Paulo State University - UNESP Department of Biology São Paulo State University - UNESP Department of Food Engineering and Technology São Paulo State University – UNESP Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences São Paulo State University - UNESP Department of Biology São Paulo State University - UNESP

Different alternative forms of therapy have been studied in relation to their applicability and effectiveness. The use of art therapy in the treatment of depressive disorder is an example frequently employed in several countries. The aim of this research was to identify and discuss which artistic techniques have been applied most frequently in the treatment of depressive disorders and what their main effects are. The research was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, American Psychological Association (APA) and Web of Science databases. The articles were selected through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA protocol). 14 articles were selected, among which the main techniques of art therapy used were: manual work (drawing, painting, and modeling), music, poetry, photography, theater and contemplation of art pieces. It was found that most of the researches are European and as a field of knowledge they depart mainly from medicine. Of the 14 researches of this review, only two failed in the use of art therapy techniques as a therapeutic tool. It can be understood that art therapy is a safe and reliable tool for treatment not only of depression but also of other mental disorders.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:28:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-03-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia With the strong trend toward sustainable technologies, such as the gradual substitution of fossil fuel consumption, improvement in the utilization of sugars from lignocellulosic biomass appears to be an alternative for bioenergy. However, from a number of C5 sugars, few are used in fermentative processes for ethanol production. One of the reasons is because wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae is unable to efficiently co-utilize hexoses and pentoses via specific transporters for each type of sugar. Thus, a system of pentose uptake that is not modulated by d-glucose is required. Here, we were able to identify the presence of sugar/H+ symporters for d-xylose and l-arabinose, especially for Pichia guilliermondii, where an uptake of d-glucose via symporter was not detected. The best d-xylose uptake route in P. guilliermondii exhibited a KM of 48 mM and VMAX of 0.48 mmol h−1 g−1 at the early stationary phase (24 h). For l-arabinose, the best route of uptake exhibited a KM of 109 mM and VMAX of 0.8 mmol h−1 g−1 on log phase (12 h). The highest kinetic uptake was observed when the final pH of the medium was below 7. In general, an alkaline medium limited the expression of symporters. The results obtained in this study will help in the further investigation of these symporters through their overexpression in engineered S. cerevisiae. Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas IBILCE/UNESP, R/ Cristóvão Colombo, 2265. Jd Nazareth, Ibilce-Unesp. LEAF-Linking Landscape Environment Agriculture and Food Instituto Superior de Agronomia Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda DRAT Instituto Superior de Agronomia Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas IBILCE/UNESP, R/ Cristóvão Colombo, 2265. Jd Nazareth, Ibilce-Unesp. FAPESP: 2017/06066-4 FAPESP: 2018/09238-3 FAPESP: processes 2017/06399-3 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia: UID/AGR/04129/2013

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T15:46:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 Cedrela fissilis Vell. has a wide distribution in South and Central America, and in neotropical forests the species occurs at a low density. Its wood is one of the most valued around the world, and the species is currently at risk of extinction due to both habitat fragmentation and illegal logging. Considering the need for conservation strategies, this study aims to investigate the genetic structure, diversity, and inbreeding in C. fissilis populations from the Atlantic Forest. To do this, nine microsatellite loci were used to genotype 289 individuals from eight undisturbed and disturbed fragments. Two of the eight populations harbor most of the genetic diversity: one includes most of the diversity present in all populations and the other is isolated but with high levels of diversity. Genetic diversity was higher within than among populations, with observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.48 to 0.63 and from 0.55 to 0.70, respectively. We detected a significant fixation index, ranging from 0.08 to 0.24 and 32% of the observed alleles were exclusive of some population. The populations showed moderate genetic structure (FST = 0.10) and the Bayesian analysis grouped the studied individuals into three distinct genetic clusters that seem to be related to the presence of geographical barriers. The overall analyses of the results allow us to conclude that protecting only isolated fragments, either large or small, may be ineffective for conserving the C. fissilis gene pool in the studied region. This observation suggests that an appropriate strategy to conserve the gene pool of the species is to maintain both the Atlantic Forest green belt in the eastern portion of the Central and South region of this biome, where the forest is not highly fragmented, as well as the remaining forest areas to the west of the Paraná River. Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP) University of São Paulo, Pádua Dias Av. n. 11 Plant Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory Midwestern State University (UNICENTRO) Biological Science Department, Rua Simeão Varela de Sá, 03, Vila Carli Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299 Forest Science Graduate Program São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Agriculture, Av. Universitária, n. 3780, Altos do Paraíso Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding Laboratory Midwestern State University (UNICENTRO) Department of Forestry Engineering, PR 153- Km 7, Riozinho Forest Science Graduate Program São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Agriculture, Av. Universitária, n. 3780, Altos do Paraíso

Titanium and its alloys are associated with low density and excellent strength/weight ratio, biocompatibility in surgical implants, high mechanical strength at high temperatures and excellent corrosion resistance. The Ti6Al4V alloy is applied in the aerospace, biomedical, chemical, naval and petrochemical industries. However, these alloys present problems during machining and are therefore considered materials of difficult machinability at high cutting speeds. This paper aims to analyse the wear mechanisms in cutting tools using cemented carbide (H13A) and synthetic polycrystalline diamond (PCD) in the high-speed turning of Ti6Al4V alloy, under the following cooling conditions: dry, jet and minimum quantity lubricant (MQL). To measure wear, a microscope was used to measure flank wear in the tools. Next, the images of these tools were obtained using scanning electron microscopy for the identification of the wear mechanisms. According to the results, the variation in the cutting parameters (cutting speed and feed rate), type of tool material, as well as the cooling conditions significantly affects the behaviour of the wear mechanisms. The wear mechanisms presented in the cutting tools are not the result of one single mechanism, but a combination of many mechanisms. Overall, the primary type of wear is flank wear and the mechanisms are abrasion, adhesion and attrition (adherence and drag).

Review Keratinases are proteolytic enzymes with a particular ability to cleave peptide bonds in keratin, and in other proteins. Due to their broad-spectrum of activity, keratinases are considered viable substitutes for chemical and thermal treatments of proteinrich industrial by-products. Among these protein residues, special attention has been given to keratinous materials (feathers, hair, horns, etc.), which disposal through harsh conditions methods, such as acid/alkaline hydrolysis or incineration, is not considered ecologically safe. Microbial keratinolytic enzymes allow for keratin degradation under mild conditions, resulting in keratin hydrolysates containing undamaged amino acids and peptides. In this review article, we offer perspectives on the relevance of these unique biocatalysts and their revolutionary ascent in industries that generate keratin-rich wastes. Additionally, we share insights for applications of keratinases and protein hydrolysates in agriculture, animal feed, cosmetics, phamaceuticals, detergent additives, leather processing, and others. Due to the scientific importance of keratinases and their potential use in green technologies, searching for bacterial and fungal species that efficiently produce these enzymes may contribute to the sustainability of industries info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The genus Cecropia contains 61 species of high ecological importance in the Neotropics. Cecropia pachystachya Trecul has a wide geographic distribution and high morphological variability. The last taxonomic review of C. pachystachya was performed in 2005 and incorporated seven other Cecropia species by synonymization. However, this synonymization was not fully accepted by experts in Urticaceae because of high morphological variations in the taxon. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the morphological variations observed in C. pachystachya morphotypes also occurred at the DNA level and to contribute to the understanding of the evolutionary relationship between species morphotypes. Morphological analysis of eight species descriptors in 28 accessions of C. pachystachya allowed the differentiation of all five morphotypes evaluated. The analysis of the trnL-trnF (plastid) and ITS (nuclear) regions from 24 accessions by maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods showed a robust molecular differentiation between C. pachystachya morphotypes. Climate was the main factor that seemed to influence clade formation in the phylogenetic trees. The higher genetic relation among morphotypes from the Amazon, Caatinga, and Cerrado regions corroborated previous hypotheses of close relationships between these biomes in past ages. The morphotype group from the Atlantic Forest seemed to be related to the proposed Pleistocene refuges to this biome. The overall analysis of morphological and molecular data shows robust differences between C. pachystachya synonymized morphotypes, which indicates the need of a taxonomic revision of the C. pachystachya complex and subsequent reinstatement of at least four synonymized species.

In the grinding process, high temperatures occur due to the removal of materials and the residual stresses that are generated on the machined surface, thus affecting the mechanical behaviour of the material. The performance of this process depends largely on conditions of cooling to prevent overheat of the parts, which can interfere in surface integrity of the pieces. Residual stress is a key factor that influences the reliability, precision and life useful of final products. As such, 3D parameters are important in tribological studies, with many of them showing a strong correlation with surface operational performance. Therefore, this work aims to study, through the 3D surface parameter and residual stress, the surface behaviour of AISI 4340 hardened steel after plunge grinding, while using different cutting fluids (mix—50% based mineral oil and 50% soybean oil; synthetic cutting fluid and integral fluid—mineral oil-based lubricant), as well as the use of minimum quantity lubricant (MQL) technique. All the residual stresses found for in the grinding samples under all cooling conditions were compressive stresses, which are beneficial to machined components. The synthetic fluid had lower compressive stresses. In relation to the 3D parameters, integral and mixing fluids also obtained a better performance because these fluids allowed greater lubrication in comparison to other fluids used. The results showed that the type of cutting fluid influenced the surface integrity of the ground pieces. It was concluded that the results showed the use of the mix and MQL fluids as an alternative to the use of the integral and synthetic cutting fluids, thus contributing to an ecologically correct and sustainable manufacture.

To review the literature on heteroresistance to fluconazole (FLC) and investigate the level of heteroresistance to FLC (LHF), we analyzed 100 clinical and environmental Brazilian Cryptococcus strains. Heteroresistance is a phenomenon described as the emergence of resistant subpopulation cells within a single susceptible strain that can tolerate higher concentrations of fluconazole above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) level. We found lower FLC-MICs (0.12–64 mg/L) than LHF (8–128 mg/L). Highly heteroresistant adapted subpopulations (256 mg/L) was found in minority (9%) strains, but importantly, 33% showed low FLC-MIC (8 mg/L). We concluded for similar LHF in both species, but higher LHF in clinical strains in comparison to environmental ones. Our findings stressed that the LHF is not correlated to species and pretty is strain-dependent and alert about high heteroresistant subpopulations that hardly reverts to the original LHF even upon the removal of drug pressure.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:14:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-09-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Aims: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the male body dissatisfaction scale (MBDS) in Brazilian and Portuguese university students; to present a reduced model of the scale; to compare two methods of computing global scores for participants’ body dissatisfaction; and to estimate the prevalence of participants’ body dissatisfaction. Methods: A total of 932 male students participated in this study. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the scale’s psychometric properties. Multi-group analysis was used to test transnational invariance and invariance in independent samples. The body dissatisfaction score was calculated using two methods (mean and matrix of weights in the CFA), which were compared. Finally, individuals were classified according to level of body dissatisfaction, using the best method. Results: The MBDS model did not show adequate fit for the sample and was, therefore, refined. Thirteen items were excluded and two factors were combined. A reduced model of 12 items and 2 factors was proposed and shown to have adequate psychometric properties. There was a significant difference (p

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:42:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-12-01 The bean weevil Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say, 1831) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is one of the most serious pests of stored beans worldwide because of the damage it causes to grains within warehouses. The use of resistant genotypes may offer a control strategy for this pest. In the current study, we screened common bean genotypes of Andean American and Mesoamerican origin in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays to select the most promising beans for resistance to the bean weevil. In the laboratory, we evaluated number of eggs, period of development (egg-adult), number of emerged adults, dry weight of adults, and weight of consumed grains. In the greenhouse, number of pods per plant and number of grains per pod were evaluated. We also assessed the percentages of damaged pods per plant and damaged grains per pod. Combining the results obtained in the laboratory and greenhouse assays, the common bean genotypes Arc.1, Arc.2, Arc.1S, Arc.5S, and Arc.3S were identified as resistance expressing antibiosis against A. obtectus. The lowest percentages of damaged pods were found in the Arc.1 and Arc.1S genotypes, and their resistance to damage was apparently morphological (antixenotic) because they possessed structures that prevented contact between larvae and grains. The use of resistant genotypes in combination with other techniques may improve management of the weevil. Additionally, the resistant genotypes identified here can be used in breeding programs to develop common bean lines with resistance to A. obtectus. Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Crop Protect, Coll Agron Sci, BR-18610307 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Plant Protect, Coll Agron & Vet Sci, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Crop Protect, Coll Agron Sci, BR-18610307 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Plant Protect, Coll Agron & Vet Sci, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil

A major issue in software maintenance is change propagation. A software engineer should be able to assess the impact of a change in a software system, so that the effort to accomplish the maintenance may be properly estimated. We define a novel model, named K3B, for estimating change propagation impact. The model aims to predict how far a set of changes will propagate throughout the system. K3B is a stochastic model that has input parameters about the system and the number of modules which will be initially changed. K3B returns the estimated number of change steps, considering that a module may be changed more than once during a modification process. We provide the implementation of K3B for object-oriented programs. We compare our implementation with data from an artificial scenario, given by simulation, as well as with data from a real scenario, given by historical data. We found strong correlation between the results given by K3B and the results observed in the simulation, as well as with historical data of change propagation. K3B may be used for comparing software systems from the viewpoint of change impact. The model may aid software engineers in allocating proper resources to the maintenance tasks.

This paper presents a methodology for the steady-state simulation and optimization of a water–ammonia GAX cycle cooling system for residential and commercial air-conditioning applications. The study is based on an experimental GAX absorber unit described in the literature designed with a cooling capacity of 7.1 kW and uses ammonia–water mixture as the working fluid. The model uses thermodynamic relations of species conservation and energy conservation and general heat transfer expressions in terms of the product of the global heat transfer coefficient by the heat transfer area, UA. Thermodynamic state relations are analytically derived from two equations representing the Gibbs free energy in terms of pressure, temperature and concentration; vapor–liquid equilibrium of the ammonia–water mixture is computed in subroutines adopting the Newton–Raphson method with analytical computation of the Jacobian matrix. The resulting system of nonlinear equations was solved by the Substitution-Newton–Raphson method with a numerical estimate of the Jacobian matrix. The model was first used to simulate the performance of the experimental system, calibrating the necessary component parameters. After that, an optimization study was carried out from the experimental prototype based on the evaluation of the effect of varying the UA product of each GAX cycle component on the refrigeration effect, adopting the criterion of maintaining the overall system size represented by the sum of the UA products. Optimization results show an increased fridge effect and COP of 10.75% and 31%, respectively, together with a simplification of the systems.

Although stalk and ear rot is a major disease affecting corn plants, little is known regarding the genetic variability of Stenocarpella maydis, its main causal agent. In this study, we evaluated inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers for analysis of genetic variability of the pathogen. For DNA analysis, six isolates of S. maydis were amplified using 42 ISSR primers. Polymorphic information content (PIC), marker index (MI), and resolving power (RP) were calculated for all primers. Of the 42 primers, 50 % showed high-quality amplification products. The average polymorphism was 90.4 %, and the average similarity among the isolates was 33 %. The PIC, MI, and RP values ranged from 0.31 to 0.45, 4.84 to 18.46, and 0.40 to 10.00, respectively. The primers UBC 848, 873, 808, 811, 807, 827, 861, 868, 809, and 835 were found to be the most informative for genetic variability analysis. Considerable genetic variation was observed in S. maydis, with a core set of 10 primers.

The Candida parapsilosis complex has emerged as an important fungal pathogen. In spite of this, relatively little is known about its characteristics. Thus, the purposes of this study were (1) to determine by BanI-RFLP-assay the occurrence of C. parapsilosis complex species among 81 clinical isolates primarily identified as C. parapsilosis; (2) to evaluate their in vitro production of virulence factors; and (3) to compare their susceptibility profiles, grown as planktonic cells and biofilms, against amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole, and caspofungin by following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Seventy-seven isolates (95 %) were identified as C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, 2 (2.5 %) as C. orthopsilosis, and 2 (2.5 %) as C. metapsilosis. Protease activity was detected in 29 (37.7 %) isolates of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, whereas only 7 (9.1 %) exhibited phospholipase activity. None of the C. metapsilosis or C. orthopsilosis was able to produce protease or phospholipase. Biofilm production was detected in 35 (43.2 %) isolates, among which 33 were C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and 2 were C. orthopsilosis. Antifungal resistance was uncommon; only one C. metapsilosis was fluconazole resistant. However, biofilm-producing isolates showed a marked resistance to all antifungal agents tested, particularly to voriconazole. This knowledge could be of clinical relevance for guiding therapeutic decisions.

Ascia monuste orseis (Godart) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is a production limiting pest in collard greens, Brassica oleracea (L.) var. acephala, cultivation. Because of the overuse and harmful effects of synthetic insecticides on nontarget species, the use of insect-resistant cultivars can be a valuable strategy in pest control. In this study, newly hatched A. monuste orseis larvae were confined to the leaves of 29 collard greens cultivars under a controlled environment to investigate plant resistance. We evaluated the incubation period, duration of instars, total duration of the immature and pupal phases, the egg to adult life cycle duration, mortality per instar, total weight of fifth instar larvae and pupae (age = 24 h) and larval and pupal sur- vival and eclosion. Antibiosis and/or antixenosis were observed in selected cultivars. The results show that Gig- ante I-915 (E) exhibited high larval mortality and that the Pires 1 de Campinas cultivar (P) prevented all pupae from proceeding to the adult stage. The Introducoes do mu- nicipio de Arthur Nogueira Z (Y), Cabocla (AA), Japonesa (R) and Manteiga de Mococa (M) cultivars prolonged the larval stage. Japonesa (R) and Introducoes do municipio de Arthur Nogueira Z (Y) increased the egg to adult devel- opmental period, and the Japonesa (R) cultivar also prolonged the pupal stage. The Verde-escura (O), Crespa de Capao Bonito (I), Couve de folhas Manteiga 900 Legitima PeAlto (AB), Gigante I-915 (E) and Manteiga Ribeirao Pires I-2446 (H) cultivars reduced the larval weight of A. monuste orseis.