Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and phytochemical prospection of Eugenia involucrata DC leaf extracts / Atividade antimicrobiana, antioxidante e prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos das folhas de Eugenia involucrata DC

The species Eugenia involucrata DC. is a plant native to Brazil and is traditionally used for intestinal problems, however, little research has documented about its biological potential and phytochemical profile. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical prospecting, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of E. involucrata extracts. Using the E. involucrata leaves, aqueous and organic extracts were obtained using the following solvents (ethanol, methanol, hexane, acetone, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The phytochemical prospecting detected the presence of saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts presented antimicrobial activity for most of the bacterial strains tested, as well as for yeast Candida albicans, with concentrations between 3.12 and 50 mg/mL. The ethanolic and metanolic extract presented high free radical sequestration potential (>90%). The methanol extract showed an IC50 value statistically equal to that found for the commercial antioxidant BHT (p <0.05). The crude extracts obtained with ethanol and methanol were the most promising. These results suggest that methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are a promising source of natural bioactive.

A espécie Eugenia involucrata DC. é uma planta nativa do Brasil e tradicionalmente utilizada para problemas intestinais, porém, poucas pesquisas documentam sobre seu potencial biológico e perfil fitoquímico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma prospecção fitoquímica preliminar, o potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante dos extratos de E. involucrata. A partir das folhas de E. involucrata, foram obtidos extratos aquosos e orgânicos com os seguintes solventes (etanol, metanol, hexano, acetona, diclorometano e acetato de etila). A prospecção fitoquímica detectou a presença de saponinas, esteroides, flavonóides e taninos nos extratos. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana para a maioria das cepas bacterianas testadas, assim como para a levedura Candida albicans, com concentrações entre 3,12 e 50 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram alto potencial de sequestro de radicais livres (> 90%). O extrato metanólico apresentou IC50 estatisticamente igual ao encontrado para o antioxidante comercial BHT (p <0,05). Os extratos brutos obtidos com etanol e metanol foram os mais promissores. Esses resultados sugerem que os extratos metanólico, etanólico e aquoso são uma fonte promissora de bioativos naturais.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and phytochemical prospection of Eugenia involucrata DC. leaf extracts

Abstract The species Eugenia involucrata DC. is a plant native to Brazil and is traditionally used for intestinal problems, however, little research has documented about its biological potential and phytochemical profile. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical prospecting, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of E. involucrata extracts. Using the E. involucrata leaves, aqueous and organic extracts were obtained using the following solvents (ethanol, methanol, hexane, acetone, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The phytochemical prospecting detected the presence of saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts presented antimicrobial activity for most of the bacterial strains tested, as well as for yeast Candida albicans, with concentrations between 3.12 and 50 mg/mL. The ethanolic and metanolic extract presented high free radical sequestration potential (>90%). The methanol extract showed an IC50 value statistically equal to that found for the commercial antioxidant BHT (p 0.05). The crude extracts obtained with ethanol and methanol were the most promising. These results suggest that methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are a promising source of natural bioactive.

Resumo A espécie Eugenia involucrata DC. é uma planta nativa do Brasil e tradicionalmente utilizada para problemas intestinais, porém, poucas pesquisas documentam sobre seu potencial biológico e perfil fitoquímico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma prospecção fitoquímica preliminar, o potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante dos extratos de E. involucrata. A partir das folhas de E. involucrata, foram obtidos extratos aquosos e orgânicos com os seguintes solventes (etanol, metanol, hexano, acetona, diclorometano e acetato de etila). A prospecção fitoquímica detectou a presença de saponinas, esteroides, flavonóides e taninos nos extratos. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana para a maioria das cepas bacterianas testadas, assim como para a levedura Candida albicans, com concentrações entre 3,12 e 50 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram alto potencial de sequestro de radicais livres (> 90%). O extrato metanólico apresentou IC50 estatisticamente igual ao encontrado para o antioxidante comercial BHT (p 0,05). Os extratos brutos obtidos com etanol e metanol foram os mais promissores. Esses resultados sugerem que os extratos metanólico, etanólico e aquoso são uma fonte promissora de bioativos naturais.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and phytochemical prospection of Eugenia involucrata DC. leaf extracts / Atividade antimicrobiana, antioxidante e prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos das folhas de Eugenia involucrata DC

Abstract The species Eugenia involucrata DC. is a plant native to Brazil and is traditionally used for intestinal problems, however, little research has documented about its biological potential and phytochemical profile. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical prospecting, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of E. involucrata extracts. Using the E. involucrata leaves, aqueous and organic extracts were obtained using the following solvents (ethanol, methanol, hexane, acetone, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The phytochemical prospecting detected the presence of saponins, steroids, flavonoids and tannins in the extracts. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts presented antimicrobial activity for most of the bacterial strains tested, as well as for yeast Candida albicans, with concentrations between 3.12 and 50 mg/mL. The ethanolic and metanolic extract presented high free radical sequestration potential (>90%). The methanol extract showed an IC50 value statistically equal to that found for the commercial antioxidant BHT (p <0.05). The crude extracts obtained with ethanol and methanol were the most promising. These results suggest that methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts are a promising source of natural bioactive.

Resumo A espécie Eugenia involucrata DC. é uma planta nativa do Brasil e tradicionalmente utilizada para problemas intestinais, porém, poucas pesquisas documentam sobre seu potencial biológico e perfil fitoquímico. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma prospecção fitoquímica preliminar, o potencial antimicrobiano e antioxidante dos extratos de E. involucrata. A partir das folhas de E. involucrata, foram obtidos extratos aquosos e orgânicos com os seguintes solventes (etanol, metanol, hexano, acetona, diclorometano e acetato de etila). A prospecção fitoquímica detectou a presença de saponinas, esteroides, flavonóides e taninos nos extratos. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana para a maioria das cepas bacterianas testadas, assim como para a levedura Candida albicans, com concentrações entre 3,12 e 50 mg/mL. Os extratos etanólico e metanólico apresentaram alto potencial de sequestro de radicais livres (> 90%). O extrato metanólico apresentou IC50 estatisticamente igual ao encontrado para o antioxidante comercial BHT (p <0,05). Os extratos brutos obtidos com etanol e metanol foram os mais promissores. Esses resultados sugerem que os extratos metanólico, etanólico e aquoso são uma fonte promissora de bioativos naturais.

Antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of essential oil and plant extracts of Myrcia oblongata DC in pathogenic bacteria and Alphitobius diaperinus / Aplicação de óleo e extratos de Myrcia oblongata DC em bactérias patogênicas e controle biológico de Alphitobius diaperinus

The secondary metabolism products of plants have influenced great economic interest, given their chemical diversity and biological activities. Because of this, this study evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity of plant extracts and oil of Myrcia oblongata. Saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were detected. The extracts showed antimicrobial capacity on the tested microorganisms, except for the methanolic extract, which showed no activity for P. mirabilis and S. enteritidis. Regarding the analysis of antioxidant compounds, the hexanic, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities and also higher insecticidal performance on Alphitobius diaperinus larvae, resulting in 80% adult mortality. The results reported here show that there may be a relationship between antioxidant potential and the insecticidal effect of Myrcia oblongata DC. The components present in both the extract and the oil can be used as natural alternative to synthetic compounds in the biological control of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms.

Os produtos do metabolismo secundário das plantas têm despertado grande interesse econômico, dada sua diversidade química e atividades biológicas. Neste sentido, o estudo objetivou avaliar a composição fitoquímica, atividade antimicrobiana, inseticida e antioxidante dos extratos vegetais e óleo de Myrcia oblongata. Foram detectados a presença de saponinas, esteróides, triterpenóides, taninos e flavonóides. Os extratos apresentaram capacidade antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos testados, exceto o extrato metanólico que não demonstrou atividade para P. mirabilis e S. Enteritidis. Quanto a análise de compostos antioxidantes observou-se que os extratos hexânico, acetato de etila e acetona apresentaram maiores atividades antioxidantes e também maior performance inseticida sobre a larva Alphitobius diaperinus e exibindo mortalidade de 80% na fase adulta. Os resultados aqui reportados mostram que pode haver uma relação entre potencial antioxidante e efeito inseticida do óleo de Myrcia oblongata; os componentes presentes tanto no extrato como o oléo podem ser utilizados como alternativa natural aos compostos sintéticos no controle biológico de parasitas e microrganismos patogênicos.

Antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of essential oil and plant extracts of Myrcia oblongata DC in pathogenic bacteria and Alphitobius diaperinus

Abstract The secondary metabolism products of plants have influenced great economic interest, given their chemical diversity and biological activities. Because of this, this study evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity of plant extracts and oil of Myrcia oblongata. Saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were detected. The extracts showed antimicrobial capacity on the tested microorganisms, except for the methanolic extract, which showed no activity for P. mirabilis and S. enteritidis. Regarding the analysis of antioxidant compounds, the hexanic, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities and also higher insecticidal performance on Alphitobius diaperinus larvae, resulting in 80% adult mortality. The results reported here show that there may be a relationship between antioxidant potential and the insecticidal effect of Myrcia oblongata DC. The components present in both the extract and the oil can be used as natural alternative to synthetic compounds in the biological control of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms.

Resumo Os produtos do metabolismo secundário das plantas têm despertado grande interesse econômico, dada sua diversidade química e atividades biológicas. Neste sentido, o estudo objetivou avaliar a composição fitoquímica, atividade antimicrobiana, inseticida e antioxidante dos extratos vegetais e óleo de Myrcia oblongata. Foram detectados a presença de saponinas, esteróides, triterpenóides, taninos e flavonóides. Os extratos apresentaram capacidade antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos testados, exceto o extrato metanólico que não demonstrou atividade para P. mirabilis e S. Enteritidis. Quanto a análise de compostos antioxidantes observou-se que os extratos hexânico, acetato de etila e acetona apresentaram maiores atividades antioxidantes e também maior performance inseticida sobre a larva Alphitobius diaperinus e exibindo mortalidade de 80% na fase adulta. Os resultados aqui reportados mostram que pode haver uma relação entre potencial antioxidante e efeito inseticida do óleo de Myrcia oblongata; os componentes presentes tanto no extrato como o oléo podem ser utilizados como alternativa natural aos compostos sintéticos no controle biológico de parasitas e microrganismos patogênicos.

Antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of essential oil and plant extracts of Myrcia oblongata DC in pathogenic bacteria and Alphitobius diaperinus / Aplicação de óleo e extratos de Myrcia oblongata DC em bactérias patogênicas e controle biológico de Alphitobius diaperinus

The secondary metabolism products of plants have influenced great economic interest, given their chemical diversity and biological activities. Because of this, this study evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity of plant extracts and oil of Myrcia oblongata. Saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were detected. The extracts showed antimicrobial capacity on the tested microorganisms, except for the methanolic extract, which showed no activity for P. mirabilis and S. enteritidis. Regarding the analysis of antioxidant compounds, the hexanic, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities and also higher insecticidal performance on Alphitobius diaperinus larvae, resulting in 80% adult mortality. The results reported here show that there may be a relationship between antioxidant potential and the insecticidal effect of Myrcia oblongata DC. The components present in both the extract and the oil can be used as natural alternative to synthetic compounds in the biological control of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms.

Os produtos do metabolismo secundário das plantas têm despertado grande interesse econômico, dada sua diversidade química e atividades biológicas. Neste sentido, o estudo objetivou avaliar a composição fitoquímica, atividade antimicrobiana, inseticida e antioxidante dos extratos vegetais e óleo de Myrcia oblongata. Foram detectados a presença de saponinas, esteróides, triterpenóides, taninos e flavonóides. Os extratos apresentaram capacidade antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos testados, exceto o extrato metanólico que não demonstrou atividade para P. mirabilis e S. Enteritidis. Quanto a análise de compostos antioxidantes observou-se que os extratos hexânico, acetato de etila e acetona apresentaram maiores atividades antioxidantes e também maior performance inseticida sobre a larva Alphitobius diaperinus e exibindo mortalidade de 80% na fase adulta. Os resultados aqui reportados mostram que pode haver uma relação entre potencial antioxidante e efeito inseticida do óleo de Myrcia oblongata; os componentes presentes tanto no extrato como o oléo podem ser utilizados como alternativa natural aos compostos sintéticos no controle biológico de parasitas e microrganismos patogênicos.

Parvovirus B19: un nuevo patógeno emergente en pacientes con SIDA. Presentación de 3 casos / PARVOVIRUS B19: HUMAN PARVOVIRUS B19: A NEW EMERGING DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH AIDS. REPORT OF THREE PATIENTS

El Parvovirus humano B19 puede presentarse con una amplia variedad de manifestaciones clínicas, con distinto compromiso y evolución según el huésped afectado. En pacientes inmunocomprometidos se asocia con cuadros hematológicos prolongados y graves. Se describen 3 casos de pacientes con antecedentes de infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) que desarrollaron infecciones agudas por Parvovirus B19 que se presentaron con síndrome febril, citopenias (anemia, plaquetopenia y disminución de reticulocitos) y esplenomegalia. En todos los casos el diagnóstico se confirmó por la serología específica. Todos recibieron tratamiento con inmunoglobulina humana (Ig) intravenosa (IV); 2 pacientes tuvieron buena respuesta clínica y mejoría de citopenias mientras que el restante falleció. La infección por Parvovirus B19 debe incluirse en el diagnóstico diferencial de los pacientes VIH positivos con fiebre y citopenias, principalmente anemia persistente y compromiso linfoganglionar con esplenomegalia

Human Parvovirus B 19 is presented as a variety of diseases with different compromise and evolution according to the affected host. In immunocompromised patients the acute infection due to Parvovirus B19 is associated with severe and prolonged hematological clinical pictures. Three cases of patients with a history of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infected with Human Parvovirus B19 are presented. All of they presented with febrile syndrome, cytopenias (anemia, platelet count and reticulocyte reduction) and lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In all cases the diagnosis was confirmed by serology. All were treated with intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVI G; 2 patients had good clinical response and better cytopenias while the other died. We consider thinking about Parvovirus B19 infection in HIV immunocompromised hosts with haematological involvement, mainly persistent anemia and lymph node involvement with splenomegaly

Factores asociados con la indicación de la profilaxis pre-exposición para HIV en médicos de Argentina / Associated factors with the indication for HIV prevention of pre-exposure prophylaxis for argentinian physicians

La profilaxis pre-exposición (PrEP) es una medida eficaz para la prevención de la transmisión del VIH. Con la implementación de la misma, algunos estudios señalan una reducción en la transmisión superior al 90%, cuando la adherencia es alta. Sin embargo, el uso de Emtricitabina/ Tenofovir alafenamida (FTC/TDF) en la Argentina aún no esta aprobado por las autoridades regulatorias. En profesionales de Argentina el conocimiento, aval y factores asociados con la prescripción de la PrEP no ha sido evaluada. Este es un estudio de corte transversal mediante una encuesta on line realizada en Agosto de 2017. La misma fue distrubuida entre profesionales de Argentina y valoró diferentes aspectos de la PrEP (conocimiento, aval e indicación de la misma). Los resultados obtenidos se expresaron en frecuencias y porcentajes. Para las asociaciones entre variables categóricas se realizó un análisis univariado (test de chi2 ) y de regresión logística binaria. Se consideró como significativo, un valor de p < 0.05. La encuesta fue realizada por 238 profesionales pertenecientes a 81 centros asistenciales. Los escenarios clínicos donde se observó mayor predisposición a la indicación de PrEP fueron: parejas discordantes (77%), trabajadores/as sexuales (61%), pacientes transgénero (32%), adictos a drogas intravenosas (31%), hombres que mantienen sexo con otros hombres (HSH) (23%). Los factores asociados con la prescripción de PrEP fueron: cargo asistencial de jefe de servicio (p<0.05), médicos especialistas en enfermedades infecciosas (p<0.05), atención de más de 200 pacientes seropositivos para el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) por año (p<0.009), prescripción previa de profilaxis post-exposición (p<0.008). Los autores concluyen señalando que, a pesar de no estar aprobado por los entes regulatorios, la PrEP ha sido prescripta off label por profesionales de Argentina. Entre ellos, aquellos que adoptaron la prescripción fueron los que mostraron mayor experiencia en la atención de pacientes VIH positivos, jefes/as de servicio y especialistas en infectología. Estos resultados podrían ser utilizados en un futuro para impulsar nuevas herramientas de prevención en la transmisión de VIH

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective measure to prevent HIV transmission. If the adherence is high, transmission rates are reduced by more than 90%. In Argentina, FTC-TDF is not yet approved for PrEP by the local regulatory agency.  PrEP  awareness,  PrEP  adoption, and factors associated with adoption among argentine physicians had not been studied to date. We designed a cross-sectional online survey conducted in August 2017 among argentine physicians and valored differents items about PrEP, (knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs associated with adoption). Univariate analysis was performed; the associations between categorical variables were analyzed by means of the chi2  test. The level of significance was considered with p <0.05. A total of 238 surveys were received from 81 centers in Argentina. Clinical scenarios associated with the highest prescription were: serodiscordant couples 77%, sex workers 61%, transgender patients 32%, people who inject drugs 31%, and men who have sex with men (MSM) 23%. Factors associated with PrEP prescription between physicians were been chief of staff (p<0.05), been an infectious diseases specialist (p<0.05), assist more than 200 HIV seropositive patients per year (p<0.009) and having prescribed postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) (p<0.008). The authors concluded that in spite of not yet approved by the local regulatory agency, PrEP is been prescribed off- label by argentine physicians. Adopters were more likely to have experience providing HIV care, been chief of staff and ID specialist. These results could be used to plan future HIV prevention strategies in Argentina.

Síndrome de Sweet asociado a infección por el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana / Sweet's syndrome associated to human immunodeficiency virus infection

El síndrome de Sweet es una dermatosis neutrofílica aguda y febril que puede ser desencadenada por diferentes noxas. El diagnóstico es clínico a partir de una dermatosis aguda, con fiebre, leucocitosis y lesiones cutáneas localizadas en cara, cuello y extremidades. La histopatología muestra un denso infiltrado inflamatorio de la dermis a predominio neutrofílico, sin signos de vasculitis. Se presenta un paciente con síndrome de Sweet asociado a infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana

Sweet's syndrome associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection Sweet's syndrome is a neutrophilic and acute febrile dermatosis that can be triggered by different noxas. Diagnosis should be suspected in a patient with fever, leukocytosis and cutaneous lesions located on the face, the neck and the extremities. Cutaneous biopsy confirms the diagnosis of Sweet syndrome, with typical features of a neutrophilic dermatosis in the absence of vasculitis. Here we present a case of Sweet syndrome associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Assessment of the quality of compounded fluconazole capsules marketed in the region of Araraquara (SP, Brazil) / Avaliação da qualidade de cápsulas de fluconazol manipuladas comercializadas na região de Araraquara (SP, Brasil)

O controle de qualidade de fármacos desempenha um papel importante na saúde pública ao garantir segurança e eficácia de medicamentos. No sistema de saúde pública,as farmácias magistrais também são importantes. Elas fornecem medicamentos personalizados como produtos dermatológicos e doses específicas para crianças.Infelizmente, muitos casos de produtos magistrais fabricados fora do padrão mínimo de qualidade têm sido relatados no Brasil. Neste trabalho, a qualidade das cápsulas magistrais de fluconazol 150 mg foi avaliada e os resultados foram comparados com os valores recomendados pela Farmacopeia Brasileira. Os resultados sugerem que é possível manipular produtos que satisfaçam as especificações farmacopeicas, mas estes ainda mostram que há farmácias magistrais onde o controle de qualidade é deficiente ou inexistente. O fluconazol é um fármaco importante no tratamento de infecções fúngicas. Seu uso como forma farmacêutica manipulada sem elevados padrões de qualidade é fortemente relacionado com a falha terapêutica e intoxicações, assim como o surgimento de microorganismos resistentes. Portanto, a necessidade de melhoria dos processos nas farmácias magistrais se torna mais enfático. Existem métodos validados que podem ser utilizados com sucesso para a análise de rotina de controle de qualidade e que podem ser implementados por qualquer farmácia de manipulação...

The quality control of drugs has an important role in public health, in ensuring the efficacy and safety of medicines. In the public health system, compounding pharmacies play a vital part. They provide medicines tailored to the individual patient, for example dermatological products and specific doses for children. Unfortunately, many cases of compounded products falling below the minimum quality standard have been reported in Brazil. In this study, the quality of compounded 150 mg fluconazole capsules was assessed and the results were compared with values stipulated in the Brazilian pharmacopoeia. The results suggest that, while it is certainly possible to prepare products meeting pharmacopoeial specifications, there are pharmacies where the quality control is deficient or nonexistent. Fluconazole is an important drug in combatting fungal infections. The use of fluconazole in dosage forms manufactured without high standards of quality control is strongly linked to treatment failure and cases of intoxication, as well as the emergence of resistant microorganisms. This highlights the urgent need for process improvement in compounding pharmacies. There are validated methods that can be successfully employed for routine quality control analysis that can be implemented by any compounding pharmacy...

Influência da adubação com nitrogênio e fósforo na produção de Jambu, Acmella oleracea (L) R. K. Jansen / Influence of the fertilization with nitrogen and phosphorus in the production of jambu (Acmella oleracea (L) R. K. Jansen)

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de doses de nitrogênio e fósforo na cultura do Jambu, foi instalado experimento na fazenda experimental da APTA Polo Vale do Ribeira utilizando-se sementes da cultivar Nazaré. Os tratamentos foram conduzidos em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, e quatro repetições dos seguintes tratamentos: quatro doses de nitrogênio, (0; 37,5; 75 e 112,5 kg ha-1 N), quatro doses de fósforo (0; 75; 150 e 300 Kg ha-1 de P2O5). O solo foi inicialmente preparado recebendo calagem e adubação de plantio conforme recomendação em função da analise de solo. Após essas operações foi feito o transplante das mudas no espaçamento de 0,50 x 0,50 m e aplicado os tratamentos. A área útil da parcela foi de 1,0 m x 1,0 m. Foram analisadas as massas frescas e secas de folhas e flores, e o número de flores. A produção de matéria fresca e seca das folhas e flores foi influenciada pela adubação. Houve efeito das doses de nitrogênio, que proporcionaram aumento linear em todas as variáveis analisadas e, para a adubação fosfatada, a dose com 75 Kg ha-1 de P2O5 proporcionou a maior produção do número de flores e na massa fresca e seca das flores.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the use of nitrogen and phosphorus in the culture of jambu. The experiment was initiated at the experimental farm of the agency APTA Polo Vale do Ribeira, using the Nazaré cultivar. The experimental design was complete randomized with fourlevelsof nitrogen (0, 37.5, 75 and 112.5 kg ha-1 N) and phosphorus (0, 75, 150 and 300 Kg ha-1P2O5),and four reapplications. After soil preparation, liming and fertilization, seedlings of jambu were transplanted at a spacing of 0.50 x 0.5 m. The experimental plot was 1.0 x 1.0 m. Fresh and dry mass of leaves and flowers and number of flowers were analyzed. The production of fresh and dry leaves and flowers were influenced by fertilization. Thelevelsof nitrogen affected the outcome, as theyprovided a linear increase in all variables, and the phosphorus level of 75 kgha-1 P2O5 caused the highest average production in the number of flowers and in the fresh and dried mass of flowers.

Atividade inseticida das plantas e aplicações: revisão / Insecticidal activities of plants and applications: a review

A utilização de agrotóxicos tem contribuído para o aumento da produção agrícola, entretanto, o uso incorreto e indiscriminado durante várias décadas levou à acumulação de resíduos tóxicos em alimentos, contaminação da água e do solo, intoxicação de produtores rurais, seleção de pragas resistentes, entre muitos outros problemas. Ultimamente tem crescido o interesse por substâncias que apresentem menor risco à saúde humana e ao ambiente, além da demanda crescente por produtos alimentícios saudáveis e isentos de resíduos de agrotóxicos. Felizmente são inúmeras as plantas que apresentam atividade inseticida, devendo ser estudadas e introduzidas, quando possível, nas propriedades agrícolas como forma alternativa de controle de pragas. Neste trabalho, é apresentada revisão sobre o uso de plantas com propriedades inseticidas e repelentes, evidenciando o potencial dessa ferramenta no manejo de pragas. Para a inserção definitiva e segura de produtos botânicos no mercado, mais estudos ainda são necessários.

The use of pesticides has contributed to the increased agricultural production; however, the incorrect and indiscriminate use over several decades has led to the accumulation of toxic residues in food, contamination of water and soil, poisoning of farmers, selection of resistant pests, besides several other problems. Lately, the interest for substances posing lower risk to the human health and the environment has increased, in addition to the increasing demand for healthy food products free from pesticide residues. Fortunately a large number of plants have insecticidal activity and should be studied and introduced, whenever possible, into farms as an alternative means to control pests. In this study, a review of the use of plants with insecticidal or repellent potential is presented, evidencing the potential of this tool in pest management. For a definitive and safe insertion of botanical products into the market further studies are still needed.

Searching for bioindicators of forest fragmentation: passerine birds in the Atlantic forest of southeastern Brazil / Busca por bioindicadores de fragmentação florestal: aves Passeriformes na Floresta Atlântica do Sudeste do Brasil

Aiming to evaluate the potential of Passerine birds as bioindicators of forest fragmentation, we studied the avifauna in the mountain region of the state of Rio de Janeiro by mist-netting between 2001 and 2005. We sampled six sites, including four small fragments (from 4 to 64 ha) in an agricultural area (Teresópolis), one second-growth forest (440 ha - Miguel Pereira) and a continuous forest (10,600 ha, Serra dos Órgãos National Park - SONP). Indicator Species analysis and a Monte Carlo test were run to detect associations between species and sites, considering at least 30 percent of perfect indication and a significant value for the statistical test, only considering species with at least 10 captures. A total of 30 Passerine birds were sampled, and due to their association to the largest area (SONP), we considered Sclerurus scansor, Mionectes rufiventris, Chiroxiphia caudata and Habia rubica as the best indicators for this area. Five species were more captured not by chance in the 440 ha second-growth: Conopophaga melanops, Myiobius barbatus, Myrmeciza loricata, Philydor atricapillus and Schiffornis virescens and no species were related to any small fragment. This analysis has identified specialized Passerine species in many aspects (foraging substract, needs for nesting, rarity status), and it can be a valuable tool for detecting possible bioindicators.

Para avaliar o potencial de Passeriformes como bioindicadores de fragmentação florestal na Mata Atlântica, estudamos a avifauna da região serrana do Rio de Janeiro, utilizando capturas com redes de neblina entre 2001 e 2005. Foram amostradas seis áreas, sendo quatro pequenos fragmentos (de 4 a 64 ha) em áreas agrícolas (Teresópolis), uma mata secundária com cerca de 40 anos (440 ha - Miguel Pereira) e uma área de mata contínua de 10600 hectares (Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos - PARNASO). A análise de espécies indicadoras e o teste de Monte Carlo foram empregados para que se verificassem as espécies mais associadas a cada local amostrado, considerando-se um mínimo de 30 por cento de indicação e valor significativo para o teste mencionado, utilizando-se somente espécies com 10 ou mais capturas. Foi amostrado um total de 30 espécies e, pela sua associação com a maior área (PARNASO), consideramos Sclerurus scansor, Mionectes rufiventris, Chiroxiphia caudata e Habia rubica como as melhores indicadoras. Cinco espécies foram mais capturadas não ao acaso na área de 440 ha: Conopophaga melanops, Myiobius barbatus, Myrmeciza loricata, Philydor atricapillus e Schiffornis virescens. Nenhuma espécie foi associada aos pequenos fragmentos. Como esta análise identificou espécies de Passeriformes especialistas em diversos aspectos (substrato de forrageio, locais de nidificação, status de raridade), ela pode ser uma ferramenta útil na detecção de possíveis bioindicadores.

Características sociales y clínicas del embarazo en adolescentes / Social and clinical features of pregnancy in adolescents

Pregnancy in adolescents is a public health problem that should be evaluated in the framework of a socio ecological model. Puerto Rico is among the countries with a higher pregnancy rate among adolescents, 42 per 1000 births for 2002. This is an observational cross-sectional study of deliveries of pregnant adolescents carried out at Hospital San Lucas II between the years 2000 to 2004. The total number of deliveries that fulfilled the selection criteria was 110. The data was obtained from the medical record of the mother and the newborn. The variables analyzed were: age, prenatal care, age of gestation, birthweight of the newborn, Apgar, maternal infections, infections in the newborn, education of the mother, work and marital state. The percentage of deliveries preterm was greater than the expected for adult women. The outcomes in the newborns preterm were worse than those born at term. The percentage of caesarean sections in the adolescents was smaller than in the population of women in general. Teenage mothers tend to drop out of school. The results of our study indicate the need of interventions following an ecological model in order to be more effective in the prevention of adolescent pregnancies and its consequences.

Fast and reliable calibration of solid substrate fermentation kinetic models using advanced non-linear programming techniques

Calibration of mechanistic kinetic models describing microorganism growth and secondary metabolite production on solid substrates is difficult due to model complexity given the sheer number of parameters needing to be estimated and violation of standard conditions of numerical regularity. We show how advanced non-linear programming techniques can be applied to achieve fast and reliable calibration of a complex kinetic model describing growth of Gibberella fujikuroi and production of gibberellic acid on an inert solid support in glass columns. Experimental culture data was obtained under different temperature and water activity conditions. Model differential equations were discretized using orthogonal collocations on finite elements while model calibration was formulated as a simultaneous solution/optimization problem. A special purpose optimization code (IPOPT) was used to solve the resulting large-scale non-linear program. Convergence proved much faster and a better fitting model was achieved in comparison with the standard sequential solution/optimization approach. Furthermore, statistical analysis showed that most parameter estimates were reliable and accurate.

Atividade muscular durante a marcha após acidente vascular encefálico / Muscle activity during gait following stroke

OBJECTIVE: To compare muscle activity and joint moments in the lower extremities during walking between subjects with stroke and control subjects. METHOD: We compared fifteen healthy volunteers and fifteen stroke patients, with the same age gender and weight data had been compared by electromyography. The system of signals acquisition used consisted of five pairs of electrodes of surface, beyond one electrogoniometer on the axis articulate of rotation of the joint of the ankle in study. RESULTS: Onset times with respect to heel-strike for the medial gluteus, tibialis anterior, soleus, rectus femoris and medial hamstring muscles were significantly earlier during the gait cycle in subjects with stroke than in control subjects. The cessation times of soleus, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and medial hamstring muscles were significantly prolonged in subjects with stroke. CONCLUSION: Subjects with stroke showed more co-contractions of agonist and antagonist muscles at the ankle and knee joints during stance phase. These gait changes and co-contractions may allow subjects with stroke to adopt a safer, more stable gait pattern to compensate for diminished sensory information from the ankle.

OBJETIVO: Buscar parâmetros da marcha de pacientes após ter sofrido acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) com hemiparesia. MÉTODO: Comparados 15 voluntários pós-AVE e 15 voluntários saudáveis com a mesma idade, gênero e peso. A comparação foi feita por eletromiografia utilizando cinco pares de eletrodos de superfície do lado comprometido (espástico) e um eletrogoniômetro sobre o eixo articular de rotação da articulação do tornozelo em estudo. RESULTADOS: O início da atividade eletromiográfica, a partir da fase de apoio, para os músculos glúteo medial, reto femoral, tibial anterior, sóleo, e porção medial dos isquiotibiais foi significantemente ativados anteriormente durante o ciclo da marcha nos voluntários pós-AVE. O final da atividade eletromiográfica para os músculos reto femoral, tibial anterior, sóleo, e porção medial dos isquiotibiais foi significantemente prolongado nos voluntários pós-AVE. Voluntários pós-AVE demonstraram também mais co-ativação dos músculos agonistas e antagonistas da articulação do tornozelo e joelho durante a fase de balanceio. CONCLUSÃO: Essas alterações e co-contrações musculares da marcha permitem que os voluntários pós-AVE adotem um padrão de marcha mais seguro e mais estável para compensar a diminuição da informação sensorial da articulação do tornozelo.

Genetic and non-genetic effects on productive and reproductive traits of cows in dual-purpose herds in southeastern Mexico

Data on productive and reproductive performance of cows in dual-purpose herds were analyzed to determine the effect of some environmental and genetic factors on saleable milk yield (SMY), lactation length (LL), daily saleable milk per lactation (DMYL), calving interval (CI), and daily saleable milk per calving interval (MYCI) in dual-purpose herds in Yucatan, Mexico. Repeatabilities (re) for these traits were also estimated. Data were obtained from monthly visits to 162 herds from 1996 to 2000. The fixed factors studied were: region (central, eastern and southern), parity number (1 to 6), calving year (1996 to 2000) and calving season (dry, rainy and windy and rainy), genetic group (low- (< 0.50%), medium- (50%) and high- (> 50%) grade cows with European genes). About 2700 to 7700 cows were evaluated for each trait. All factors had significant effects (P < 0.05) on the traits except for region on CI and calving season on DMYL. The overall means for SMY, LL, DMYL, CI, and MYCI were: 1322.3 +/- 80.5 kg, 224.8 +/- 1.3 days, 5.8 +/- 0.1 kg, 555.1 +/- 16.5 days, and 3.0 +/- 0.1 kg, respectively. The re values for SMY, LL, DMYL, CI, and MYCI traits were: 0.19 +/- 0.03, 0.08 +/- 0.04, 0.16 +/- 0.04, 0.00 +/- 0.08, and 0.08 +/- 0.07, respectively. First parity cows had lower SMY, shorter LL, longer CI, and lower MYCI means than cows with more than one parity. Medium grade cows produced more SMY, DMYL and MYCI and had shorter CI than low- and high-grade cows. Therefore, under Yucatan conditions medium-grade cows should be exploited, and more attention should be given to first parity cows in order to improve the productivity in the herd. The relatively high re estimates for SMY and DMYL can be used to calculate most probable producing abilities, in order to identify which cows should be culled.

Gatifloxacin in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonias: a comparative trial of ceftriaxone, with or without macrolides, in hospitalized adult patients with mild to moderately severe pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia is very common, but some of the cases do require hospitalization for treatment, particularly when older patients and/or co-morbidities are involved; both "typical" and "atypical" respiratory pathogens take part etiologically, and there is increasing concern about the emergence of resistance. There is interest in therapeutic options that can: a) comprehend such a spectrum of bacteria and resistance; b) allow parenteral to oral sequential treatment. We made a multicenter, prospective and randomized trial to compare the "standard" treatment of ceftriaxone IV alone or in combination with erythromycin IV, followed by clarithromycin PO (ceftriaxone treatment arm), with gatifloxacin IV, followed by oral administration (gatifloxacin treatment arm). The need for hospitalization was based on clinical criteria as judged by the investigators. Standardized criteria for diagnosis and follow-up were employed. Fifty-six patients were enrolled, with 48 percent over 65 years old, and there were frequent co-morbidities. Of these, 51 were clinically evaluable, 26 in the gatifloxacin and 25 in the ceftriaxone arm, with comparable success rates, 92 percent and 88 percent, respectively, even when major prognostic factors were considered. There were no serious adverse events or significant laboratory value changes attributable to the study drugs. Gatifloxacin as monotherapy (initially IV then orally until completion of treatment) was shown to be effective and safe, comparable to ceftriaxone IV alone or in combination with a macrolide (initially IV then orally until completion of treatment), in empirical therapy for community-acquired pneumonias, for patients that, at the physician s discretion, require initial treatment as inpatients.