Search

‘ Gives Nothing, If Give, Give Little’: The ‘espaco espiado’ of adolescent boys crack users in Ponta Grossa, Parana O objetivo deste trabalho e compreender a instituicao de espacialidades relacionadas ao uso de crack e vivenciadas por adolescentes do sexo masculino moradores de periferias de Ponta Grossa, Parana. Foram realizadas seis entrevistas em profundidade com adolescentes em tratamento na Comunidade Terapeutica Marcos Fernandes Pinheiro utilizando um roteiro semiestruturado, as falas foram transcritas de maneira direta e separadas em categorias discursivas sistematizadas a partir de um banco de dados rendendo 397 evocacoes. A propria conceitualizacao de espaco/espacialidade e tensionada e a ideia de ‘espaco espiado’, elaborada (a partir da corporalidade advinda do uso de crack) para dar inteligibilidade ao fenomeno objeto dessa pesquisa. Palavras-chave: Espaco; Crack; Adolescentes; Masculinidades; Posicionalidade. Abstract The aim of this study is to understand the institution of spatiality related to the use of crack and experienced by adolescent boys living in the suburbs of Ponta Grossa – Parana. We conducted six in-depth interviews with adolescents in treatment in the therapeutic community of Marcos Fernandes Pinheiro, by means of a semi-structured script. The speeches were literally transcribed and organized into systematic discursive categories from a database, resulting in 397 evocations. The very conceptualization of space/spatiality is tensioned and the idea of 'espaco espiado’ (spied space) is elaborated (arising from the corporeality of the use of crack), rendering intelligible the phenomenon that is the object of this research. Keywords: Space; Crack; Adolescents; Masculinities; Positionality.

The electric ray Narcine brasiliensis is captured as by-catch along the Brazilian coast and is considered data deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the present study, toxic and essential metals in adult and embryonic N. brasiliensis specimens from Southeastern Brazil were assessed by ICP-MS. The possibility of maternal metal transfer to embryos was evaluated. Several toxic elements were detected, including in the electric organ and gonads, leading to potential behavioral and reproductive concerns. Extremely high As levels were detected, probably a direct effect of the Mariana dam rupture ocurred in 2015, where mine tailings were transported throughout the Doce River basin in Southeastern Brazil, contaminating the entire water body. Statistically significant correlations was observed for both Mn and Ag between Size Class 2 embryos and mother tissues, evidencing maternal transfer for these elements. Although no other significant associations were observed, probably due to the low sample number, several toxic metals were also detected in the assessed embryos. This baseline data will aid in future biomonitoring efforts and conservation measures.

Echium hypertropicum Webb and Echium stenosiphon Webb subsp. stenosiphon are capeverdian shrubs used in folk medicine for the treatment of cough and gastrointestinal diseases. Acid-base extraction was used to obtain alkaloid-rich fractions from both species. GC–MS and ESI-MS/MS analysis indicated the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and purified substances were also analyzed by 1D and 2D NMR experiments. A total of ten alkaloids were detected, eight of which were identified by comparing their molecular masses and mass fragmentation patterns with the NIST database and data in the literature. The hepatotoxic diesters echimidine and 7-(2-methylbutyryl)-9-echimidinylretronecine were identified in both species. Echimidine was the major component in the diethyl ether fraction from leaves of E. hypertropicum , whereas the 7-(2-methylbutyryl)-9-echimidinylretronecine was the major component in the dichloromethane fraction from leaves of E . stenosiphon . To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in capeverdian species of Echium . This study on Echium led to the identification of constituent pyrrolizidine alkaloids, serving to assist taxonomists with the complex taxonomy of this genus.

Although several species of ferns possess a characteristic odor, only a few published studies have described their volatile constituents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chemical composition of essential oils from two chemically unexplored fern species, Anemia hirsuta and Anemia raddiana. These species were collected during the day in ravine banks of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Fresh leaves of the ferns were individually turbolized with distilled water and submitted to hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus for three hours. The essential oils obtained were subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for identification. Nine compounds were identified in Anemia raddiana essential oil, accounting for 81.3% of the total oil, where the sesquiterpene β-selinene (46.8%) was the major compound. Thirteen compounds were identified in Anemia hirsuta (92.3% of the total oil) and the sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene was the major compound (48.7%). No similarity was observed between the chemical profile of essential oils obtained from A. hirsuta and A. raddiana. Likewise, extremely low similarities (≤6.2%) were observed between these species and three previously published profiles of Anemia tomentosa var. anthriscifolia.

Natural products are regarded as major and important sources of molecules used in chemotherapy. Hypericum brasiliense Choisy, Hypericaceae, is an annual bush, native in the southern and southeastern Brazil. This species has been used in Brazilian folk medicine the anti-spasmodic and for the treatment of infectious diseases. H. brasiliense is chemically composed by flavonoids and xanthones. In addition, this species contain phloroglucinols, a class of substances with citotoxity effects against tumor cells lines. On the present study, hexanic extract and derivatives phloroglucinols obtained from H. brasiliense were tested against some human tumor cell lines. Hexanic extract presented a potent antiproliferative activity, with selective action on OVCAR-03 (ovarian), NCIADR/ RES (ovarian resistant) and UACC-62 (melanoma) tumor cell lines. Uliginosin B was the most active derivative phloroglucinol, presenting selectivity against NCI-ADR/ RES (resistant ovarian) and OVCAR-03 (ovarian) tumor cell lines. Analysis of the results suggests that phloroglucinol derivatives with isoprenyl unit closed in the 9’ position increases antiproliferative activity. Furthermore, this study contributes to identification of anti-tumor molecules and valorization of Hypericum brasiliense. Keywords: Antiproliferative activity, Hypericum brasiliense, Phloroglucinols

Manilkara subsericea(Mart.) Dubard (Sapotaceae) is popularly known in Brazil as “guracica.” Studies withManilkaraspp indicated the presence of triterpenes, saponins, and flavonoids. Several activities have been attributed toManilkaraspp such as antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antitumoral, which indicates the great biological potential of this genus. In all, 87.19% of the hexanic extract from fruits relative composition were evaluated, in which 72.81% were beta- and alpha-amyrin esters, suggesting that they may be chemical markers forM. subsericea. Hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester, and octadecanoic acid ethyl ester were also identified. Ethanolic crude extracts from leaves, stems, and hexanic extract from fruits exhibited antimicrobial activity againstStaphylococcus aureusATCC25923. These extracts had highIC50values against Vero cells, demonstrating weak cytotoxicity. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that beta- and alpha-amyrin caproates and caprylates are described forManilkara subsericea.

Background: More than 50% of the patients with heart failure have normal ejection fraction (HFNEF). Iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) are prognostic markers in HFNEF. Nebivolol is a beta-blocker with vasodilating properties. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of nebivolol therapy on CPET and123I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters in patients with HFNEF. Methods: Twenty-five patients underwent 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to determine the washout rate and early and late heart-to-mediastinum ratios. During the CPET, we analyzed the systolic blood pressure (SBP) response, heart rate (HR) during effort and recovery (HRR), and oxygen uptake (VO2). After the initial evaluation, we divided our cohort into control and intervention groups. We then started nebivolol and repeated the tests after 3 months. Results: After treatment, the intervention group showed improvement in rest SBP (149 mmHg [143.5-171 mmHg] versus 135 mmHg [125-151 mmHg, p = 0.016]), rest HR (78 bpm [65.5-84 bpm] versus 64.5 bpm [57.5-75.5 bpm, p = 0.028]), peak SBP (235 mmHg [216.5-249 mmHg] versus 198 mmHg [191-220.5 mmHg], p = 0.001), peak HR (124.5 bpm [115-142 bpm] versus 115 bpm [103.7-124 bpm], p= 0.043), HRR on the 1st minute (6.5 bpm [4.75-12.75 bpm] versus 14.5 bpm [6.7-22 bpm], p = 0.025) and HRR on the 2nd minute (15.5 bpm [13-21.75 bpm] versus 23.5 bpm [16-31.7 bpm], p = 0.005), but no change in peak VO2 and 123I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters. Conclusion: Despite a better control in SBP, HR during rest and exercise, and improvement in HRR, nebivolol failed to show a positive effect on peak VO2 and 123I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters. The lack of effect on adrenergic activity may be the cause of the lack of effect on functional capacity. Resumo Fundamento: Mais de 50% dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca têm fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEN). A cintilografia marcada com iodo 123 com metaiodobenzilguanidina (123I-MIBG) e o teste cardiopulmonar do exercício (TCPE) são marcadores de prognóstico da ICFEN. O nebivolol é um betabloqueador com propriedade vasodilatadora. Objetivos: Avaliar o impacto da terapia com nebivolol sobre as variáveis da cintilografia com 123I-MIBG e do TCPE em pacientes com ICFEN. Métodos: Vinte e cinco pacientes realizaram cintilografia com 123I-MIBG para avaliar a taxa de washout e a relação coração/mediastino precoce e tardia. Durante o TCPE, foi analisado o comportamento da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), frequência cardíaca (FC) durante o esforço e a recuperação (FCR) e o consumo de oxigênio (VO2). Após avaliação inicial, separamos nossa amostra em grupos controle versus intervenção, iniciamos o nebivolol e repetimos os exames após 3 meses. Resultados: Após o tratamento, o grupo intervenção apresentou melhora na PAS (149 mmHg [143,5-171 mmHg] versus 135 mmHg [125-151 mmHg, p = 0,016]), FC em repouso (78 bpm [65,5-84 bpm] versus 64,5 bpm [57,5-75,5 bpm, p = 0,028]), PAS no pico do esforço (235 mmHg [216,5-249 mmHg] versus 198 mmHg [191-220,5 mmHg], p = 0,001), FC no pico do esforço (124,5 bpm [115-142 bpm] versus 115 bpm [103,7-124 bpm], p = 0,043) e FCR no 1º minuto (6,5 bpm [4,75-12,75 bpm] versus 14,5 bpm [6,7-22 bpm], p = 0,025) e no 2º minuto (15,5 bpm [13-21,75 bpm] versus 23,5 bpm [16-31,7 bpm], p = 0,005), porém não apresentou mudança no VO2 de pico e nos parâmetros da cintilografia com 123I-MIBG. Conclusão: Apesar de um melhor controle da PAS e na FC em repouso e durante o esforço e uma melhora na FCR, o nebivolol não ocasionou efeito positivo sobre o VO2 de pico e nos parâmetros da cintilografia com 123I-MIBG. A ausência de efeito sobre a atividade adrenérgica pode ser a causa da falta de efeito sobre a capacidade funcional.

Illicium verum Hook. f. (Schisandraceae), commonly known as star anise, is the fruit of a medium-sized tree that grows in North America, Atlantic region, and tropical and subtropical zones of Asia. The fruit is a capsule-like, with a star-shaped aggregate of 5–10 radiating pointed sections, in a boat format, about eight on average. Each point has a seed pod. Tough-skinned and rust colored, the fruits measure up to 3 cm long. Seeds are shiny brown or reddish with a high oil content, whose main component is trans-anethole (85–90%). The fruits and essential oils are commonly sold in markets and are frequently used as a well-known spice in the food industry. Furthermore, they are frequently used as a flavoring in confectionery, tobacco, liqueurs, pastilles, and pharmaceutical preparations. The aim of this chapter is to provide relevant information regarding this species in the food industry context.

Background: More than 50% of the patients with heart failure have normal ejection fraction (HFNEF). Iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) are prognostic markers in HFNEF. Nebivolol is a beta-blocker with vasodilating properties. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of nebivolol therapy on CPET and123I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters in patients with HFNEF. Methods: Twenty-five patients underwent 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to determine the washout rate and early and late heart-to-mediastinum ratios. During the CPET, we analyzed the systolic blood pressure (SBP) response, heart rate (HR) during effort and recovery (HRR), and oxygen uptake (VO2). After the initial evaluation, we divided our cohort into control and intervention groups. We then started nebivolol and repeated the tests after 3 months. Results: After treatment, the intervention group showed improvement in rest SBP (149 mmHg [143.5-171 mmHg] versus 135 mmHg [125-151 mmHg, p = 0.016]), rest HR (78 bpm [65.5-84 bpm] versus 64.5 bpm [57.5-75.5 bpm, p = 0.028]), peak SBP (235 mmHg [216.5-249 mmHg] versus 198 mmHg [191-220.5 mmHg], p = 0.001), peak HR (124.5 bpm [115-142 bpm] versus 115 bpm [103.7-124 bpm], p= 0.043), HRR on the 1st minute (6.5 bpm [4.75-12.75 bpm] versus 14.5 bpm [6.7-22 bpm], p = 0.025) and HRR on the 2nd minute (15.5 bpm [13-21.75 bpm] versus 23.5 bpm [16-31.7 bpm], p = 0.005), but no change in peak VO2 and 123I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters. Conclusion: Despite a better control in SBP, HR during rest and exercise, and improvement in HRR, nebivolol failed to show a positive effect on peak VO2 and 123I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters. The lack of effect on adrenergic activity may be the cause of the lack of effect on functional capacity.

Pimpinella anisum, commonly known as aniseed, is one of the oldest species used by people, being cultivated in Egypt and later in Greece, Rome, and the Middle East. Anise has white flowers and yellow-brown or green-brown fruits, which contain not less than 2% (w/w) of essential oil. Egypt and Spain are the world's biggest producers of this essential oil. Its fruits and essential oil are widely used in the food industry as a flavoring, antioxidant, antispoilage agent, and preservative in many products, such as candies, sweets, toffees, and beverages. Many countries around the Mediterranean region, such as Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, and France, have traditional alcoholic beverages produced with P. anisum, such as anis, arak, pastis, ouzo, sambuca, zivania, and raki. This chapter provides relevant information regarding this species in the food industry context.

BACKGROUND: Studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of Manilkara subsericea extracts and triterpenes on the development of two species of agricultural pest insects, Oncopelus fasciatus and Dysdercus peruvianus. RESULTS: All treatments of insects with M. subsericea extracts induced mortality, delayed development and inhibited moulting. Some extracts assayed (FH, FB and FD in D. peruvianus, and FH, FB and FEA in O. fasciatus) also produced body deformities in the few adults that emerged. Other extracts (FH, FEA, FB, FD and LET in both insects), however, induced either permanent (overaged) or extranumerary nymphs, both of which were unable to achieve the adult stage and reproductive status. The insects were also treated with triterpenes (α- and β-amyrin acetates) which showed high lethality at 30 days after treatment and delayed the intermoult period so that overaged nymphs were detected. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that extracts and triterpenes from Manilkara subsericea act as potent growth inhibitors of phytophagous hemipteran nymphs. It is also concluded that the mixture of several different molecules in the extracts used produces synergic effects that do not occur after using the triterpenes (PFT) alone. These secondary metabolites in the M. subsericea extracts can potentially be used in integrated control programmes against crop pests. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

This study describes the isolation of a flavonoid fraction from leaves of Ocotea notata (Nees & Mart.) Mez, Lauraceae, the identification of six major compounds (an A-type proanthocyanidin trimer [3], isoquercitrin [4], reynoutrin [5], miquelianin [6], quercitrin [7], afzelin [8]) and four minor compounds (catechin [1], epicatechin [2], quercetin [9], kaempferol [10]) present in the fraction and its activity against the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). The 50% effective concentrations values (EC50) calculated from the dose-response curve and the selectivity indices (SI) against the virus were: EC50 35.8 µg/mL and SI 5.5 to HSV-1 and EC50 23.5 µg/mL and SI 8.5 to HSV-2. The flavonoid fraction was more active against HSV-2 than HSV-1. The mechanisms of antiviral action of the flavonoid fraction against the virus were also evaluated. The percentage inhibition (PI) obtained for HSV-2 was higher than 90% in the following assays: virucidal, pre-treatment of cells, treatment of cells after viral adsorption and treatment of cells after viral penetration. For HSV-1, the flavonoid fraction had no effect in pre-treatment of cells and showed 60% of inhibition in virucidal assay.

FUNDAMENTO: Na insuficiência cardíaca, o teste ergométrico (TE) avalia capacidade funcional, um determinante de prognóstico. A cintilografia com I¹²³ MIBG mostra a ativação simpática cardíaca. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre as variáveis do TE e as alterações da cintilografia com I¹²³ MIBG. MÉTODOS: Foram submetidos 23 pacientes (FEVE < 45%) à cintilografia com I¹²³ MIBG e separados em: G1) taxa de Washout < 27%; G2) > 27%. Esses pacientes realizaram TE, onde foram analisadas: pressão arterial sistólica no pico do esforço (PASP), frequência cardíaca no pico do esforço (FCP), variação da pressão arterial sistólica intraesforço (Δ PAS), reserva cronotrópica e capacidade funcional em METs. Utilizaram-se para a análise estatística, o teste t de Student ou o teste U de Mann-Whitney, o coeficiente de Spearman e o coeficiente de regressão linear. RESULTADOS: A PASP (G1: 181,00 ± 28,01; G2: 153,27 ± 27,71, p = 0,027), a Δ PAS [G1: 64 (47,5-80,5); G2: 36 (25-47) mmHg, p = 0,015], a FCP (G1: 136,91 ± 19,66; G2: 118,45 ± 13,98 bpm, p = 0,018), a reserva cronotrópica (G1: 70,42 ± 17,94; G2: 49,47 ± 14,89%, p = 0,006) e a capacidade funcional [G1: 8,37 (6,47-10,27); G2: 4,42 (2,46-6,38) METs, p = 0,003] foram menores no G2. Houve correlação negativa entre taxa de Washout com PASP (r = -0,505, p = 0,014), Δ PAS (r = -0,493, p = 0,017) e capacidade funcional (r = -0,646, p = 0,001). Após regressão linear, PASP (r = -0,422, p = 0,016) e capacidade funcional (r = -0,804, p = 0,004) foram associadas com taxa de Washout. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, PASP e capacidade funcional foram as varáveis mais associadas com a taxa de Washout.

Mathematical and physical modeling of Kanbara process, which takes in consideration the particle size of the reagent, the shape, depth of immersion, rotation speed and positioning of the mechanical agitator have been used to assess the efficiency of desulfurization. The nature of the dispersion of the reagent has been studied through physical modeling, and the need to incorporate its spatial distribution in the model is discussed. Theoretical and practical implications of the decentralization of the impeller are also addressed. Desulfurization results taken from an industrial plant are in good agreement with a mathematical model that disregards the major complexities of the process. This model has been used to highlight the effects of rotational speed and particle size.

The present study aimed at investigating the chemical composition of essential oil extracted from Brazilian propolis and the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermides, Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli to this substance. The essential oil was obtained by steam distillation of propolis and examined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In addition, the agar diffusion method using filter paper disks was employed. Antibacterial activity was measured as equivalent diameters of inhibition zones (in millimeters) after incubation at 37o C for 24 hours. From the 26 identified constituents, β-caryophyllene (12.7%), acetophenone (12.3%) and β-farnesene (9.2%) were found to be major components. New components, namely linalool, methyl hydrocinnamate, ethyl hydrocinnamate, α-ylangene, γ-elemene and valencene, are reported for the first time to be present in propolis essential oil. This oil also exhibited antibacterial activity.

The essential oil obtained by steam distillation from fresh leaves of Ocotea notata (Ness) Mez (Lauraceae) was analyzed by GC-MS and twelve compounds were identified, accounting for 83.3 % of the total components present in the essential oil. The sesquiterpenes Germacrene A (22.7 %) and β-Caryophyllene (22.9 %), and the monoterpenes α-Pinene, β-Pinene and Terpinolene (8.7 %, 6.9 % and 5,5 %respectively) were the main constituents. The oil was evaluated by means of the brine shrimp lethality test and showed high toxicity with an LC50 value of 2.37 μg/mL.

Three phloroglucinols were obtained from Hypericum brasiliense: japonicine A (1), isouliginosin B (2) and uliginosin B (3). Bioautography and disk diffusion methods were used to determine antibacterial activity of the hexanic extract. Strains of the Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus and American Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus clones showed a growth inhibition zone ranging from 10 to 12 mm and 7 to 15 mm, respectively. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were used to measure antistaphylococcal activity for all phloroglucinols. Isouliginosin B and uliginosin B presented MIC values of 1.5 and 3.0 µg/mL, respectively, while japonicine A displayed MIC value of 50.0 µg/mL.

Esta pesquisa quali-quantitativa busca identificar quais resultados operacionais, gerenciais, tecnológicos, estratégicos, organizacionais e financeiros são monitorados por empresas que implantaram ERPs e quais resultados têm sido observados no pós-implantação. Por meio de entrevistas em três empresas dos setores elétrico, construção e financeiro, identificou-se que alguns resultados são monitorados, mas de forma não estruturada ou sistemática. As empresas reportaram melhorias na produtividade, na governança corporativa, na estabilidade da plataforma de TI e no relacionamento com o consumidor. As empresas não monitoraram os resultados financeiros da implantação, não tendo sido capazes de concluir se o ERP trouxe benefícios neste aspecto. Por este motivo, buscou-se completar a análise por meio de um estudo quantitativo, focado nos indicadores financeiros de empresas abertas. Nesta fase, a amostra é composta por 14 empresas brasileiras onde se encontrou informação sobre o período de implantação de ERPs. A análise não paramétrica dos indicadores financeiros dessas empresas, antes e depois da adoção dos ERPs, indicou redução na rentabilidade das empresas no período pós-implantação, com melhoras, no entanto, na gestão do capital de giro. Finalmente, a pesquisa empírica permitiu melhorar o quadro teórico de referência, sendo aqui proposto um instrumento de monitoramento e avaliação do desempenho de ERPs mais completo e útil para a academia e para o mundo corporativo.

Tropane alkaloids are bioactive metabolites with great importance in the pharmaceutical industry and the most important class of natural products found in the Erythroxylum genus. However, these compounds are usually separated by traditional chromatographic techniques, in which the sample is progressively purified in multiple chromatographic steps, resulting in a time- and solvent-consuming procedure. In this work we present the isolation of a novel alkaloid, 6β,7β-dibenzoyloxytropan-3α-ol, together with the two known 3α-benzoyloxynortropan-6β-ol and 3α,6β-dibenzoyloxytropane alkaloids, directly from the crude alkaloid fraction from the leaves of Erythroxylum subsessile, by using a single run pH-zone-refining counter-current chromatography method. The ethyl acetate/water (1:1, v/v) biphasic solvent system with triethylamine and HCl as retention and eluter agents, respectively, was used to isolate tropane alkaloids for the first time. The structures of the isolated alkaloids were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Pruritus is a frequent and difficult to treat problem in haemodialysis. This double-blind placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial assessed the role of homeopathic treatment in this situation. The code was held by the pharmacist who dispensed the medications. Pruritus was evaluated using a previously published scale. Only patients with initial values above 25% of maximum pruritus score were entered. Data were analysed after partial code break, separating the two groups of patients, but with no awareness of which one received verum or placebo. Patients were classified as responders if they had >50% reduction of pruritus score. Twenty-eight patients (16M/12F, 51 +/- 11 years of age) were entered and 20 (12M/8F, 52 +/- 8 years of age) remained for final analysis: 11 in the verum group, 9 in placebo. At entry, the mean pruritus score was 65 +/- 25% for the treated patients and 70 +/- 27% for placebo. After 15, 30, 45, and 60 days of follow-up, pruritus score were respectively: 46 +/- 29, 41 +/- 30, 42 +/- 29, and 38 +/- 33 for the treated patients and 61 +/- 29, 67 +/- 31, 64 +/- 35, and 57 +/- 39 for placebo. Reduction was statistically significant (P

A questão central que guia esse artigo se constrói no sentido de compreender como o uso de filmes é utilizado como recurso didático por professores de Geografia do Ensino Fundamental II, nas escolas públicas da cidade de Bandeirantes PR. Tal questão está dividida em três eixos que estruturam o próprio artigo: a) O ensino de Geografia e o uso de filmes como recursos didáticos; b) O perfil dos professores de Geografia no Ensino Fundamental II da cidade de Bandeirantes; c) O uso de filmes como recurso didático pelos professores de Geografia na cidade de Bandeirantes. Foi aplicado um questionário fechado semiestruturado para os professores participantes e depois disso as respostas foram tabuladas e organizadas em gráficos. Concluiu-se que a maior parte dos participantes acredita que o uso de filmes pode ser satisfatório para o ensino de Geografia e costumam usa-los, com algumas ressalvas, em suas aulas., The central question that guides this article is constructed in order to understand how the use of film is used as a teaching resource for Geography teachers of elementary school II, in public schools in Bandeirantes city - state of Paraná. This question is divided into three sub-questions that structure the article itself: a) The teaching of Geography and the use of films as teaching resources; b) The profile of the Geography teachers in Secondary School in the city of Bandeirantes; c) The use of film as a teaching resource for geography teachers in the city of Bandeirantes. We applied a semistructured questionnaire closed for the participating teachers and after that the responses were tabulated and organized into graphs. It was concluded that most of the participants believe that the use of films can be satisfying for the teaching of geography and are often used them, with some exceptions, in their classes., Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación

Background Plants have been recognized as a good source of insecticidal agents, since they are able to produce their own defensives to insect attack. Moreover, there is a growing concern worldwide to develop pesticides with low impact to environment and non-target organisms. Hexane-soluble fraction from ethanolic crude extract from fruits of Manilkara subsericea and its triterpenes were considered active against a cotton pest (Dysdercus peruvianus). Several natural products with insecticidal activity have poor water solubility, including triterpenes, and nanotechnology has emerged as a good alternative to solve this main problem. On this context, the aim of the present study was to develop an insecticidal nanoemulsion containing apolar fraction from fruits of Manilkara subsericea. Results It was obtained a formulation constituted by 5% of oil (octyldodecyl myristate), 5% of surfactants (sorbitan monooleate/polysorbate 80), 5% of apolar fraction from M. subsericea and 85% of water. Analysis of mean droplet diameter (155.2 ± 3.8 nm) confirmed this formulation as a nanoemulsion. It was able to induce mortality in D. peruvianus. It was observed no effect against acetylcholinesterase or mortality in mice induced by the formulation, suggesting the safety of this nanoemulsion for non-target organisms. Conclusions The present study suggests that the obtained O/A nanoemulsion may be useful to enhance water solubility of poor water soluble natural products with insecticidal activity, including the hexane-soluble fraction from ethanolic crude extract from fruits of Manilkara subsericea.

Snake venom is composed of a mixture of substances that caused in victims a variety of pathophysiological effects. Besides antivenom, literature has described plants able to inhibit injuries and lethal activities induced by snake venoms. This work describes the inhibitory potential of ethanol, hexane, ethyl acetate, or dichloromethane extracts and fractions from stem and leaves ofManilkara subsericeaagainstin vivo(hemorrhagic and edema) andin vitro(clotting, hemolysis, and proteolysis) activities caused byLachesis mutavenom. All the tested activities were totally or at least partially reduced byM. subsericea. However, whenL. mutavenom was injected into mice 15 min first or after the materials, hemorrhage and edema were not inhibited. Thus,M. subsericeacould be used as antivenom in snakebites ofL. muta. And, this work also highlights Brazilian flora as a rich source of molecules with antivenom properties.

INTRODUÇÃO: O teste de esforço cardiopulmonar (TECP) fornece dados que orientam tratamento, prognóstico e tomadas de decisões. Entretanto, seu uso na insuficiência cardíaca de fração de ejeção normal (ICFEN) ainda não está bem esclarecido, em especial considerando novas variáveis que vêm despontando. OBJETIVOS: Comparar o comportamento das principais variáveis diagnósticas e prognósticas do TECP entre dois grupos: pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca de fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFER) e pacientes com ICFEN. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 36 pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca em classe funcional II-III da NYAH: 20 com ICFEN e 16 com ICFER do ambulatório de insuficiência cardíaca do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro (UFF). Os pacientes do Grupo ICFER selecionados foram os com FE < 35% e os do grupo ICFEN seguiram os critérios diagnósticos da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia de 2007. Realizou-se TECP, em esteira com protocolo de rampa, com analisador de gases VO2000. Foram aplicados teste t de Student, Mann-Whitney, teste de Fisher, modelo linear generalizado e de Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel para as análises estatísticas. RESULTADOS: O grupo ICFEN apresentou níveis mais elevados da pressão arterial em repouso, na resposta ao esforço, na potência circulatória e ventilatória, além de um maior tempo de recuperação da cinética do consumo de oxigênio. Não houve diferença em relação a outras variáveis prognósticas do TECP para o grupo ICFER. CONCLUSÕES: A pressão arterial de repouso e em esforço, a potência circulatória e ventilatória e a cinética de recuperação do VO2 (T1/2) foram as variáveis que apresentaram maior valor discriminativo entre os grupos pelo TECP. INTRODUCTION: The cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) provides data that guide treatment, prognosis and decision making. However its use in heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFnEF) is still not all clear, especially considering new variables that are emerging. OBJECTIVE: To compare the behavior of key diagnostic and prognostic variables of CPX testing between two groups; patients with heart with reduced ejection fraction of (HfrEF) and those with HFnEF). METHODS: 36 patients with heart failure were evaluated in Nyah functional class II-III: 20 with HFnEF and 16 patients with HFrEF at the Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro (UFF). The patients from HFrEF group were those with EF

FUNDAMENTO: Na insuficiência cardíaca, níveis de interleucina 1β (IL 1β) se associam a prognóstico. A atividade adrenérgica cardíaca avaliada através da cintilografia com metiodobenzilguanidina (I123 MIBG) e parâmetros do exercício são importantes preditores de prognóstico. A relação entre essas variáveis não está bem definida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar associação entre níveis de IL 1β com parâmetros do exercício e do I123 MIBG. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional transversal, com avaliação de 25 pacientes consecutivos com insuficiência cardíaca e fração de ejeção menor que 45%, através de: dosagem de IL 1β; parâmetros do I123 MIBG [relação coração/mediastino precoce e tardia, taxa de washout (WO)]; e teste ergométrico em esteira pelo protocolo de Rampa. RESULTADOS: Separados em dois grupos pelos níveis de IL 1β (normal vs. elevado), o grupo com níveis aumentados apresentava menor reserva de duplo produto (RDP), menor capacidade funcional (CF) e recuperação mais lenta da frequência cardíaca no 1º (RFC 1º) e 2º minuto (RFC 2º), e maior WO. Na análise univariada, todas as variáveis se correlacionaram com a IL 1β; RDP: r = 0,203, p = 0,024; CF: r = 0,181, p = 0,034; RFC 1º: r = 0,182, p = 0,034; RFC 2º: r = 0,204, p = 0,023; WO: r = 0,263, p = 0,009. Na multivariada, apenas a WO permaneceu com correlação significativa (r2 = 0,263, p = 0,009). CONCLUSÃO: A hipertonia adrenérgica foi o principal determinante dos níveis de IL 1β, demonstrando que a atividade simpática excessiva influencia a atividade inflamatória sistêmica. As variáveis do teste ergométrico não foram capazes de identificar pacientes com níveis elevados de IL 1β.

Neomitranthes obscura(DC.) N. Silveira is an endemic plant of Brazilian Atlantic Forest and widely spread in the sandbanks of “Restinga de Jurubatiba” National Park. It is popularly known by local population as “camboim-de-cachorro” or “cambuí-preto” and recognized by its black ripe fruits. However, specimens with yellow ripe fruits were localized in the “Restinga de Jurubatiba” National Park. The aim of the present study was to evaluate chemical composition of essential oils obtained from leaves and fruits ofN. obscuraspecimens with different fruit color (black and yellow) by GC and GC-MS. Essential oils from leaves of specimens with black and yellow fruits indicated a predominance of sesquiterpenes (81.1% and 84.8%, resp.). Meanwhile, essential oil from black fruits presented a predominance of monoterpenes (50.5%), while essential oil from yellow fruits had sesquiterpenes (39.9%) as major substances. Despite previous studies about this species, including essential oil extraction, to our knowledge this is the first report onN. obscurafruits with different colors. Our results suggest the occurrence of unless two different varieties for this species.

Three new phloroglucinols (hyperbrasilols B and C, and isohyperbrasilol B) have been isolated from a petrol extract of the leaves and flowers of Hypericum brasiliense. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods including two-dimensional-NMR heteronuclear correlations. EI and D/Cl-mass spectral, NMR, IR and UV data are reported. All three phloroglucinols were antibacterial against Bacillus subtilis in a TLC bioautographic assay.

Snake venoms are composed of a complex mixture of active proteins that induce toxic effects, such as edema, hemorrhage, and death. Lachesis muta has the highest lethality indices in Brazil. In most cases, antivenom fails to neutralize local effects, leading to disabilities in victims. Thus, alternative treatments are under investigation, and plant extracts are promising candidates. The objective of this work was to investigate the ability of crude extracts, fractions, or isolated products of Erythroxylum ovalifolium and Erythroxylum subsessile to neutralize some toxic effects of L. muta venom. All samples were mixed with L. muta venom, then in vivo (hemorrhage and edema) and in vitro (proteolysis, coagulation, and hemolysis) assays were performed. Overall, crude extracts or fractions of Erythroxylum spp. inhibited (20%–100%) toxic effects of the venom, but products achieved an inhibition of 4%–30%. However, when venom was injected into mice before the plant extracts, hemorrhage and edema were not inhibited by the samples. On the other hand, an inhibition of 5%–40% was obtained when extracts or products were given before venom injection. These results indicate that the extracts or products of Erythroxylum spp. could be a promising source of molecules able to treat local toxic effects of envenomation by L. muta venom, aiding in the development of new strategies for antivenom treatment.

The genus Eremanthus is recognized by the predominance of sesquiterpene lactones from the furanoheliangolide type, a class of substances extensively tested against cancer cell lines. Thus, the species E. crotonoides (DC.) Sch. Bip., Asteraceae, obtained on "restinga" vegetation was evaluated against U251 and U87-MG glioma cell lines using the MTT colorimetric assay. Dichloromethane fraction was cytotoxic to both glioblastoma multiforme cell lines. We then conducted UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS analysis of the dichloromethane fraction, which allowed the identification of the sesquiterpene lactones centratherin and goyazensolide. The isolation of centratherin was performed using chromatographic techniques and the identification of this substance was confirmed according to NMR data. Cytotoxic activity of centratherin alone was also evaluated against both U251 and U87-MG cells, which showed IC50 values comparable with those obtained for the commercial anticancer drug doxorubicin. All the tested samples showed cytotoxic activity against glioblastoma multiforme cells which suggests that E. crotonoides extracts may be important sources of antiproliferative substances and that the centratherin may serve as prototype for developing new antiglioblastoma drugs.

Essential oils are used primarily as natural preservatives, flavourants and fragrances in cosmetic products. Several pharmacopeias possess monographs of plants which are good sources of essential oils, such as Brazilian Pharmacopeia, including Illicium verum Hook. f., Schisandraceae and Rosmarinus officinalis. Since determination of Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) value of essential oils appears as a critical step for development of emulsions and other semi-solid formulations, evaluation of required HLB values for I. verum and R. officinalis essential oils is the aim of this study. They were obtained by hydrodistillation and several emulsions were prepared by changing emulsii ers. The couple sorbitan oleate/polysorbate 20 provided best emulsions and was used at different ratios, at a total blend concentration of 5% w/w. The lowest mean droplet diameters for R. officinalis and I. verum emulsions were obtained at HLB 16.5 (97.12 nm) and 16.7 (246.6 nm), respectively. Moreover, emulsions with R. officinalis were i ner and presented some bluish rel ection, characteristic of nanoemulsions. The lowest turbidity value for R. officinalis emulsion was also obtained at HLB 16.5 (0.33). Thus, the present study describes for the first time HLB values for R. officinalis (16.5) and I. verum (16.7) essential oils, contributing to their physicochemical characterization and technology development of phytopharmaceuticals Keywords: HLB, essential oil, Illicium verum, Rosmarinus officinalis