Resistance of soil to penetration as a parameter indicator of subsolation in crop areas of sugar cane.

Sugarcane is a very important economic crop that relies heavily on agricultural machinery, which contributes to soil compaction and a consequent decline in productivity. Subsoiling operation reduces the problems caused by compression; however, it is necessary to know its location and intensity. Accordingly, the aim of this work is to present a compression diagnostic method based on soil resistance to penetration as the parameter that indicates need for intervention in the subsoil. Measurements of penetration resistance was carried out in areas of sugarcane, located in the municipalities of Goianésia, Barro Alto and Santa Isabel, in the Brazilian state of Goiás. The Falker penetrometer (PLG 1020) was used, adjusted to a maximum depth of 40 cm and adopted as a critical resistance value of 4.0 MPa. The data were interpolated using kriging and adjusted in AutoCAD 2013 (Autodesk). The methodology proved effective in areas of compacted soil, and the surface layer had less resistance. The reduction in soil preparation was 96.54% and when considering the topographic adjustments, the reduction was 74.07%, showing the viability and importance of the diagnosis to show the proper management.

Production and characterization of collagenase from a new Amazonian Bacillus cereus strain.

A new collagenase producing a strain of Bacillus cereus, isolated from the pollen of a bee of Amazon Region (Brazil), had its enzyme characterized and the production medium composition and culture conditions enhanced. A two-level design on three factors, namely initial medium pH, the substrate (gelatin) concentration and agitation intensity, allowed identifying the first two variables as the most significant ones, while a central composite design (CCD) was subsequently used to identify their optimal levels. Statistics highlighted maximized collagenolytic activity when substrate concentration and initial medium pH were selected at their highest levels (positive effects), whereas agitation intensity at the lowest (negative effect). Triplicate runs performed under predicted optimal conditions (pH 7.8 and 1.7% gelatin concentration) yielded a collagenolytic activity (305.39 ± 5.15 U) 4.6- to 15-fold those obtained with the preliminary design. The enzyme displayed optimum activity at 45 °C and pH 7.2, was stable over wide ranges of pH values and temperatures (7.2-11.0 and 25-50 °C, respectively) and was strongly inhibited by 10 mM phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride. The zymogram showed two prominent bands at 50 and 76 kDa. These results are a first attempt to elucidate the features of this new collagenase, its production conditions, and possible scale-up.

As respostas governamentais às migrações contemporâneas: Brasil e Canadá em perspectiva comparada

O presente trabalho tem como intuito analisar as respostas governamentais do Brasil e do Canadá a respeito das questões que envolvem a imigração para ambos os países, perante o cenário global contemporâneo que afeta a temática. A principal questão que direciona a pesquisa é: de que forma o governo brasileiro e o governo canadense tem feito a gestão da presença de estrangeiros, no âmbito das migrações, em seus respectivos países, de acordo com o contexto internacional atual? Para respondê-la são analisadas as estruturas governamentais para o tratamento ao imigrante em ambos os países e algumas ações políticas voltadas para a atração e gestão da presença de estrangeiros em cada um destes, entre os anos de 2010 e 2016. O aparato conceitual versa sobre modalidades tradicionais, bem como iniciativas contemporâneas, de gestão da diversidade, cidadania e integração social de imigrantes. A metodologia utilizada envolve levantamento documental e bibliográfico, análise de dados qualitativos, bem como de quantitativos secundários. Para o caso brasileiro, ainda, foram acompanhadas reuniões do Conselho Nacional de Imigração, bem como uma série de eventos com participação de atores chaves envolvidos na formulação e implementação da política migratória do país. Como conclusão, observa-se que, tanto no Brasil quanto no Canadá, há uma priorização de políticas para atração de mão-de-obra qualificada, embora com características bastante diferenciadas em cada país. No caso brasileiro identifica-se, também, a necessidade de tratar de problemas como a vinda de fluxos migratórios inesperados. E, no caso canadense, destaca-se, ademais, a revisão de programas para trabalhadores temporários.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the Brazilian and Canadian government responses to the issues surrounding immigration for both countries, given the contemporary global scenario affecting the issue. The main question that directs the research is: in what way the Brazilian government and the Canadian government have managed the presence of foreigners in the context of the migrations in their respective countries, according to the current international context? In order to answer this question, the governmental structures for the treatment of immigrants in both countries are analysed and some political actions aimed at attracting and managing the presence of foreigners in each one of them between 2010 and 2016. The conceptual apparatus is about traditional modalities, as well as contemporary initiatives of diversity management, citizenship and social integration of immigrants. The methodology used involves documentary and bibliographic survey, analysis of qualitative data, as well as of secondary quantitative data. For the Brazilian case, meetings of the National Immigration Council were also attended, as well as a series of events with the participation of key actors involved in the formulation and implementation of the country's migration policy. As a conclusion, it is observed that, in Brazil and Canada, there is a prioritization of policies to attract skilled labor, although with very different characteristics in each country. The Brazilian case also identifies the need to deal with problems such as the arrival of unexpected migratory flows. And, in the Canadian case, it is also worth mentioning the revision of programs for temporary workers.

Síndrome do QT longo adquirido em paciente portadora de doença de Fahr / Acquired long QT syndrome in a patient with Fahr's disease

A síndrome do QT longo é uma doença caracterizada por um atraso na repolarização ventricular, que se manifesta como síncope cardíaca até morte súbita. Alguns distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos podem corresponder à forma adquirida da síndrome, como a hipocalcemia. A hipocalcemia pode ocorrer em função do hipoparatireoidismo, que, em um quadro crônico, pode determinar calcificação em núcleos da base no sistema nervoso central, caracterizando a doença de Fahr. Paciente ISC, sexo feminino, 71 anos, referiu episódio de perda súbita da consciência associado a movimentos tônico-clônicos e relaxamento esfincteriano.Os achados do exame físico foram hipotensão arterial (80x60mmHg) e bradipsiquismo. Foi realizado eletrocardiograma, que mostrou alargamento do segmento QT, corrigido em 0,57'' pela fórmula de Bazett. Na história pregressa, referiu tiroidectomia parcial à direita há 20 anos, hipotireoidismo e hipertensão arterial. Fazia uso de quatro anti-hipertensivos e de um tireoestimulante. A análise da tomografia de crânio mostrou densos componentes calcificados nas regiões dos gânglios da base. A ultrassonografia de tireoide mostrou lobotomização à direita. O diagnóstico de hipoparatireoidismo foi suspeitado pelos sintomas de fadiga, sonolência, e sinais de Chvostek e Trousseau positivos, e confirmado por exames que demonstraram hipocalcemia significativa, hiperfosfatemia e níveis reduzidos de hormônio paratireóideo. Por se tratar de um quadro insidioso, o diagnóstico de hipoparatireoidismo é pouco elucidado apenas pela clínica. Neste caso, o alargamento do QT foi imprescindível para esclarecer e tratar sua etiologia. Além disso, a doença de Fahr, apesar de rara, deve ser considerada diante de um paciente com hipoparatireoidismo e história clínica compatível

Long QT syndrome is a disease characterized by a delay in ventricular repolarization that is manifested as cardiac syncope or even as sudden death. Some water and electrolyte disturbances can reflect the acquired form of the syndrome, such as hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can arise because of hypoparathyroidism, which in a chronic setting can determine basal ganglia calcification in the central nervous system, featuring Fahr's disease. ISC, female, 71, reported an episode of sudden loss of consciousness associated with tonic-clonic movements, and sphincter relaxation. Physical examination findings were hypotension (80x60mm Hg) and bradypsychism. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed QT interval prolongation, corrected for 0.57'' by Bazett's formula. In her previous history she reported right partial thyroidectomy 20 years ago, hypothyroidism and high blood pressure. She made use of four anti-hypertensive drugs and one thyroid stimulating hormone. CT scan analysis showed dense calcified componentes in the regions of basal ganglia. Thyroid ultrasound showed right lobotomization. The diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism was suspected due to symptoms of fatigue, sleepiness, and positive signs of Chvostek and Trousseau, and confirmed by tests that showed significant hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) Because of its insidious picture, the diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism is only slightly elucidated by the clinical exam. In this case, QT prolongation was essential to clarify and treat its etiology. Furthermore, Fahr's disease, although rare, should be considered in a patient with hypoparathyroidism and consistent clinical history.

Safety assessment of Hibiscus sabdariffa after maternal exposure on male reproductive parameters in rats.

CONTEXT: Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) is a species widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of some disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of H. sabdariffa (HS) on the development of the male reproductive tract in rats following in utero exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant rats received 250 or 500 mg/kg of HS extract or vehicle from gestational day 12 until day 21 of lactation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Both doses of HS increased the body weight of male offspring at weaning, without compromising the puberty onset parameters. At puberty, there was a significant increase in the vas deferens absolute weight and a significant reduction in the relative weight of kidney at higher dose. These animals also presented a significant reduction in the sperm number in the caput/corpus of epididymis after exposure to both doses and a reduction in the sperm number in the cauda epididymis for the lower dose. At adulthood, the highest dose significantly reduced the sperm production in relation to controls and both doses provoked a reduction in the relative sperm number in the epididymis without affecting the sperm morphology. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that maternal exposure to H. sabdariffa can adversely influence the male reproductive system in rats.

Subacute and Reproductive Oral Toxicity Assessment of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Jacaranda decurrens Roots in Adult Male Rats.

Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias & Proença (Bignoniaceae) is a species traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Previous findings from our group reported scientifically that J. decurrens has anti-inflammatory efficacy. However, more toxicological studies are needed to support and ensure its safe use. The present study was carried out to evaluate the toxic effects of a prolonged treatment with hydroethanolic root extract of J. decurrens (EJD) on hematological, biochemical, and reproductive parameters in adult male rats. The animals received by oral gavage 0; 250; 500; or 1000 mg/kg body weight of EJD for 28 days. After the treatment, biochemical, hematological, histopathological, and reproductive parameters were analyzed. The EJD treatment did not cause adverse effects on body weight gain, feed and water consumption, hematological and biochemical profiles, or histopathological analysis of liver and kidney. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in reproductive parameters, such as sperm production, number of sperm in the epididymis, and sperm morphology. These results demonstrate the absence of subacute toxicity as a result of the oral treatment with EJD for 28 days in adult male rats. However, other studies should be performed to evaluate the total safety of this plant.

Anti-inflammatory effects and acute toxicity of hydroethanolic extract of Jacaranda decurrens roots in adult male rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias and Proença (Bignoniaceae) is a species traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, until this moment, there is no scientific evidence of these effects. AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of hydroethanolic root extract of Jacaranda decurrens in rats and to determine the safe of this plant after acute exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acute toxicity of Jacaranda decurrens root extract (EJD) was evaluated by oral administration to male rats as single doses of 0; 500; 1000 or 2000 mg/kg body weight. General behavior and toxic symptoms were observed for 14 days. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in carrageenan-induced inflammatory paw edema and myeloperoxidase activity in male rats. RESULTS: No signs of acute toxicity were observed, indicating that the LD(50) is greater than 2000 mg/kg. EJD (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced edema formation and at higher dose, the reduction was similar to dexamethasone. A significant decrease in myeloperoxidase activity was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that Jacaranda decurrens extract has anti-inflammatory properties in rats without causing acute toxicity. These properties observed may be due to the presence of bioactive constituents such as ursolic acid.

Comportamento do consumidor em relação ao uso da linhaça na alimentação / Views on the consumer’s opinion in using the linseed in diets

O comportamento dos consumidores quanto à linhaça foi avaliado por meio de pesquisa descritiva direta e estruturada em 395 consumidores. Neste contexto, foram investigados o perfil dos entrevistados, a inclusão de produtos contendo linhaça na alimentação, o conhecimento sobre os efeitos benéficos na saúde humana e os produtos contendo linhaça que despertariam interesse de consumo. Dos 395 entrevistados, 218 (55,2)relataram conhecer a linhaça. Quanto aos benefícios na saúde, os mais citados foram a regularização intestinal(n=94, 41,2) e a redução do colesterol (n=36, 15,8). Do total dos entrevistados, o iogurte à base de linhaça foi o que despertou maior interesse de compra (n = 52, 13,), seguido da barra de cereal (n = 47, 12,1). Observou-se correlação entre o conhecimento sobre os benefícios da linhaça e o consumo de produtos à base dessa semente, o que mostra a associação do uso da linhaça com a preocupação do consumidor na promoção da saúde e da qualidade de vida. Observou-se também que os participantes que tinham conhecimento sobre a semente, mas que não a consumiam, mostraram interesse em incluir os produtos à base de linhaça na alimentação. Esse fato indica um mercado a ser explorado e a necessidade de maior divulgação dos benefícios da linhaça.