VARIABILIDADE DO ÍNDICE DE VEGETAÇÃO POR DIFERENÇA NORMALIZADA (NDVI) EM ÁREAS DE REFLORESTAMENTO: FLORESTA ESTADUAL ‘EDMUNDO NAVARRO DE ANDRADE’ (FEENA)/RIO CLARO (SP)

Este trabalho apresenta a análise qualitativa da densidade e da intensidade da atividade fotossintética da vegetação com possíveis consequências no fluxo de carbono na região da Floresta Estadual “Edmundo Navarro de Andrade”, FEENA, por meio da variação do Índice de Vegetação por Diferença Normalizada (NDVI). A FEENA é uma Unidade de Conservação e tem sua maior parte contida na área do município de Rio Claro. Rio Claro está localizado no Centro-Leste do Estado de São Paulo, entre as coordenadas 22°05’ de Latitude Sul e 47°55’ de Longitude Oeste de Greenwich. Na análise foram utilizadas imagens do sensor TM Landsat de 1991 a 2011. Foram consideradas medidas da estatística descritiva, tendência central e de dispersão, do NDVI, além de curvas de tendência. Como ferramentas foram utilizadas Sistemas de Informações Geográficas (SIG) e Planilhas Eletrônicas. As médias da série temporal dos mapas de NDVI da FEENA apresentaram amplitude total 0,05 e média geral 0,68. Esses valores indicam que a Floresta manteve nesse período alta densidade e alta intensidade da atividade fotossintética de sua vegetação. Em função disso, pode-se inferir que ocorreu variação positiva do sequestro de carbono da atmosfera na região

Ulcer Healing And Mechanism(s) Of Action Involved In The Gastroprotective Activity Of Fractions Obtained From Syngonanthus Arthrotrichus And Syngonanthus Bisulcatus

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Background: Syngonanthus arthrotrichus and Syngonanthus bisulcatus, currently known for Comanthera aciphylla (Bong.) L.R.Parra & Giul. and Comanthera bisulcata (Koern.) L.R. Parra & Giul, popularly known in Brazil as "sempre-vivas," are plants from the family Eriocaulaceae. They are found in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. The species are known to be rich in flavonoids to which their gastroprotective activity has been attributed. In this research, experimental protocols were performed to elucidate the associated mechanisms of action. Methods: The activity was evaluated using induced gastric ulcer models (acetic acid and ethanol-induced gastric lesions in NEM or L-NAME pre-treated mice, and by ischemia/reperfusion). Antioxidant enzymes, serum somatostatin, and gastrin were also evaluated. Results: In chronic gastric ulcers, a single daily oral dose of Sa-FRF or Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg body wt.) for 14 consecutive days accelerated ulcer healing to an extent similar to that seen with an equal dose of cimetidine. The pre-treatment of mice with NEM (N-ethylmaleimide) or L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginine) abolished the protective activity of Sa-FRF, Sa-FDF, Sb-FDF and Sb-FRF or Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF, respectively, which indicates that antioxidant compounds and nitric oxide synthase activity are involved in the gastroprotective. Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg p.o) protected the gastric mucosa against ulceration that was induced by ischemia/reperfusion (72 and 76 %, respectively). It also decreased lipid peroxidation and restored total thiols in the gastric wall of mice that had been treated with ethanol. When administered to rats submitted to ethanol-induced gastric lesions, Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the somatostatin serum levels, while the gastrin serum levels were proportionally decreased. Conclusions: The results indicate significant healing effects and gastroprotective activity for the Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF, which probably involves the participation of SH groups, nitric oxide (NO), the antioxidant system, somatostatin, and gastrin. All are integral parts of the gastrointestinal mucosa's cytoprotective mechanisms against aggressive factors.15Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Low Concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide or Nitrite Induced of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Cell Proliferation in a Ras-Dependent Manner

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), should be able to adapt to dramatic environmental changes inside the infected host after inhalation of air-borne conidia and transition to pathogenic yeasts. Proteins with antioxidant functions may protect fungal cells against reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species generated by phagocytic cells, thus acting as potential virulence factors. Ras GTPases are involved in stress responses, cell morphology, and differentiation in a range of organisms. Ras, in its activated form, interacts with effector proteins and can initiate a kinase cascade. in lower eukaryotes, Byr2 kinase represents a Ras target. the present study investigated the role of Ras in P. brasiliensis after in vitro stimulus with ROS or RNS. We have demonstrated that low concentrations of H2O2 (0.1 mM) or NO2 (0.1-0.25 mu M) stimulated P. brasiliensis yeast cell proliferation and that was not observed when yeast cells were pre-incubated with farnesyltransferase inhibitor. We constructed an expression plasmid containing the Byr2 Ras-binding domain (RBD) fused with GST (RBD-Byr2-GST) to detect the Ras active form. After stimulation with low concentrations of H2O2 or NO2, the Ras active form was observed in fungal extracts. Besides, NO2 induced a rapid increase in S-nitrosylated Ras levels. This alternative posttranslational modification of Ras, probably in residue Cys123, would lead to an exchange of GDP for GTP and consequent GTPase activation in P. brasiliensis. in conclusion, low concentrations of H2O2 or NO2 stimulated P. brasiliensis proliferation through Ras activation.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenacao Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel SuperiorUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Terapia Celular & Mol CTCMol, Dept Bioquim Biol Mol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Terapia Celular & Mol CTCMol, Dept Bioquim Biol Mol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2011/14392-2CNPq: 477764/2009-6Web of Scienc

SURVIVAL ANALYSIS AND GROWTH OF Cordia trichotoma , BORAGINACEAE, LAMIALES, IN MATO GROSSO DO SUL STATE, BRAZIL

A avalia\ue7\ue3o da sobreviv\ueancia e do crescimento de um vegetal pode refletir sua habilidade competitiva na comunidade vegetal. Cordia trichotoma \ue9 uma \ue1rvore nativa comum no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, e uma das mais promissoras para plantio. O presente trabalho monitorou o percentual de sobreviv\ueancia e crescimento de Cordia trichotoma em condi\ue7\uf5es diferentes no quesito capina e quanto ao recebimento ou n\ue3o de aduba\ue7\ue3o. O trabalho teve in\uedcio em setembro de 2008 e t\ue9rmino em mar\ue7o de 2010. A coleta e semeadura foram realizadas em \ue1rea urbana do munic\uedpio de Mundo Novo e a \ue1rea para plantio definitivo, para mensura\ue7\ue3o da sobreviv\ueancia e crescimento das mudas, no munic\uedpio de Japor\ue3, fazenda Santa Clara. As mudas foram plantadas e divididas em duas categorias de acordo com o uso de adubo, podendo ter ou n\ue3o coroamento resultando em quatro grupos distintos: bloco adubo terra nua (ATN), bloco sem adubo terra nua (BTN), bloco adubo e coroado (AC) e bloco sem adubo e coroado (BC). Os resultados indicaram alta sobreviv\ueancia de Cordia trichotoma no sistema de transplante de canteiro para sacos de mudas. O bloco BC apresentou maior percentual de sobreviv\ueancia, por\ue9m, menor incremento em altura. J\ue1 os blocos AC, ATN e BTN revelaram o mesmo padr\ue3o de sobreviv\ueancia, al\ue9m de m\ue9dia de crescimento semelhante. Entretanto, podem existir diferen\ue7as nutricionais e qu\uedmicas na composi\ue7\ue3o do solo sugerindo an\ue1lises setoriais em estudos futuros.The evaluation of a plant survival percentage and growth may reflect its competitive ability in plant community. Cordia trichotoma is a common native tree in Mato Grosso do Sul State and one of the most promising for planting. This study monitored the survival percentage and growth of Cordia trichotoma under different conditions such as weeding and receiving or not fertilization. The experiment started in September 2008 and it was concluded in March 2010. The seeds collection and sowing were held in urban area of Mundo Novo Municipality and the area for permanent planting to measure seedlings survival and growth was set at Japor\ue3 Municipality, Fazenda Santa Clara. Seedlings were planted in two categories: the use or not of fertilizer and crowing resulting in four distinct groups: block fertilizer bare earth (ATN), bare land block without fertilizer (BTN), fertilizer and crown block (AC) and without fertilizer and crowned block (BC). The results indicated high survival of Cordia trichotoma in the seedling transplant system from bed to bags. The BC block showed the highest percentage of survival, but the smaller increments in height. The AC, ATN and BTN blocks presented the same survival pattern and similar average growth. However, there may be differences in nutritional and chemical composition of the soil suggesting sector analysis for future studies

Extracellular Vesicles Released by <em>Leishmania</em>: Impact on Disease Development and Immune System Cells

Leishmania spp. release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing parasite molecules, including several antigens and virulence factors. These EVs can interact with the host cells, such as immune cells, contributing to the parasite–host relationship. Studies have demonstrated that Leishmania-EVs can promote infection in experimental models and modulate the immune response. Although the immunomodulatory effect has been demonstrated, Leishmania-EVs can deliver parasite antigens and therefore have the potential for use as a new diagnostic tool and development of new therapeutic and vaccine approaches. This review aims to bring significant advances in the field of extracellular vesicles and Leishmania, focusing on their role in the cells of the immune system

Antimicrobial resistance of isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae in a hospital of the Brazilian public system

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the predominant bacterial agent that affects the human population with pneumonia. This disease is an important cause of death in the elderly and the children under five years old. in this study, 29 strains of invasive S. pneumoniae were isolated from 29 patients of pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis in the laboratory of the Municipal Hospital in Paulinia, Brazil, from May 2006 to October 2007. Patients' age ranged from 8 months old to 60 years old. These strains of S. pneumoniae were isolated from blood, pleural fluid and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients. After typing of encapsulated strains of S. pneumoniae through quellung reaction, their resistance to antimicrobial agents was gauged through Disc Diffusion Technique followed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Among the 29 strains analyzed, 23 were methicillin-sensitive and six were methicillin-resistant and penicillin intermediate resistant. No strain presented full resistance to penicillin. Serotyping was performed only in two samples, which belonged to serotype 18. Our data may alert ambulatory regarding the incidence of pneumococcal strains resistant to the most common drugs due to inappropriate use of antimicrobials and also collaborate to the elaboration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines specific to each region.NEPASHosp Municipal Paulinia, Setor Microbiol, Paulinia, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Farm Bioquim, Diadema, SP, BrazilFac Med ABC, Dept Morfol Fisiol, Lab Escrita Cientif, Santo Andre, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, Fac Filosofia & Ciencias, Dept Fonoaudiol, Marilia, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Farm Bioquim, Diadema, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Evaluation of the interest of women assisted by the Centro de Atenção à Mulher (CAM) of Rio do Sul in intimate aesthetic surgeries

Introduction: The term female genital surgery encompasses several techniques to improve the female vulvar area, both aesthetically and functionally. Feelings of emotional distress are common in women who seek such surgeries, significantly impacting their self-esteem, sexuality, hygiene and vulvar functionality. The objective is to To evaluate the interest of women assisted in a Women Care Center in intimate surgery. Methods: Observational study carried out at the Women Care Center (CAM) in Rio do Sul-SC. For data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire developed by the authors was used. Data were processed and grouped in Microsoft Excel, and descriptive data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. Results: The findings indicated a great general interest in performing intimate aesthetic surgeries. Of the 100 women interviewed, 32 were interested in performing some intimate aesthetic surgery. Conclusion: Due to the importance given to intimate cosmetics in physical, psychosocial, sexual and everyday interference, with a major impact on the quality of life of these people, adequate resources must be allocated to a greater supply of such procedures in the Unified Health System for the population of Brazil

Avaliação do interesse das mulheres assistidas pelo centro de atenção à mulher de Rio do Sul em cirurgias estéticas íntimas

Introdução: O termo cirurgia genital feminina engloba várias técnicas com o objetivo de melhorar a área vulvar feminina estética e funcionalmente. Sentimentos de sofrimento emocional são comuns nas mulheres que buscam tais cirurgias, impactando significativamente em sua autoestima, sexualidade, higiene e funcionalidade vulvar. O objetivo é avaliar Avaliar o interesse das mulheres assistidas em um Centro de Atenção à Mulher em cirurgias íntimas. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal ocorrido no Centro de Atenção à Mulher (CAM) de Rio do Sul-SC. Para coleta dos dados, foi utilizado um questionário semiestruturado elaborado pelos autores. Os dados foram tratados e agrupados no programa Microsoft Excel e realizadas as análises descritivas dos dados utilizando o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Resultados: Os achados indicaram que houve um grande interesse geral na realização de cirurgias de estética íntima. Das 100 mulheres entrevistadas, 32 apresentavam interesse em realizar algum tipo de cirurgia de estética íntima. Conclusão: Devido à importância dada à estética íntima na interferência física, psicossocial, sexual e cotidiana, com importante impacto na qualidade de vida dessas pessoas, é imperativo que recursos adequados sejam alocados para maior fornecimento de tais procedimentos no Sistema Único de Saúde para a população do Brasil

Ulcer healing and mechanism(s) of action involved in the gastroprotective activity of fractions obtained from Syngonanthus arthrotrichus and Syngonanthus bisulcatus

Abstract Background Syngonanthus arthrotrichus and Syngonanthus bisulcatus, currently known for Comanthera aciphylla (Bong.) L.R.Parra & Giul. and Comanthera bisulcata (Koern.) L.R. Parra & Giul, popularly known in Brazil as “sempre-vivas,” are plants from the family Eriocaulaceae. They are found in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. The species are known to be rich in flavonoids to which their gastroprotective activity has been attributed. In this research, experimental protocols were performed to elucidate the associated mechanisms of action. Methods The activity was evaluated using induced gastric ulcer models (acetic acid and ethanol-induced gastric lesions in NEM or L-NAME pre-treated mice, and by ischemia/reperfusion). Antioxidant enzymes, serum somatostatin, and gastrin were also evaluated. Results In chronic gastric ulcers, a single daily oral dose of Sa-FRF or Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg body wt.) for 14 consecutive days accelerated ulcer healing to an extent similar to that seen with an equal dose of cimetidine. The pre-treatment of mice with NEM (N-ethylmaleimide) or L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginine) abolished the protective activity of Sa-FRF, Sa-FDF, Sb-FDF and Sb-FRF or Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF, respectively, which indicates that antioxidant compounds and nitric oxide synthase activity are involved in the gastroprotective. Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg p.o) protected the gastric mucosa against ulceration that was induced by ischemia/reperfusion (72 and 76 %, respectively). It also decreased lipid peroxidation and restored total thiols in the gastric wall of mice that had been treated with ethanol. When administered to rats submitted to ethanol-induced gastric lesions, Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF (100 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the somatostatin serum levels, while the gastrin serum levels were proportionally decreased. Conclusions The results indicate significant healing effects and gastroprotective activity for the Sa-FRF and Sb-FRF, which probably involves the participation of SH groups, nitric oxide (NO), the antioxidant system, somatostatin, and gastrin. All are integral parts of the gastrointestinal mucosa’s cytoprotective mechanisms against aggressive factors

Expressed sequence tag analysis of the human pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast phase: Identification of putative homologues of Candida albicans virulence and pathogenicity genes

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a thermodimorphic fungus, is the causative agent of the prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis. We present here a survey of expressed genes in the yeast pathogenic phase of P. brasiliensis. We obtained 13,490 expressed sequence tags from both 5' and 3' ends. Clustering analysis yielded the partial sequences of 4,692 expressed genes that were functionally classified by similarity to known genes. We have identified several Candida albicans virulence and pathogenicity homologues in P. brasiliensis. Furthermore, we have analyzed the expression of some of these genes during the dimorphic yeast-mycelium-yeast transition by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Clustering analysis of the mycelium-yeast transition revealed three groups: (i) RBT, hydrophobin, and isocitrate lyase; (ii) malate dehydrogenase, contigs Pb1067 and Pb1145, GPI, and alternative oxidase; and (iii) ubiquitin, delta-9-desaturase, HSP70, HSP82, and HSP104. the first two groups displayed high mRNA expression in the mycelial phase, whereas the third group showed higher mRNA expression in the yeast phase. Our results suggest the possible conservation of pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms among fungi, expand considerably gene identification in P. brasiliensis, and provide a broader basis for further progress in understanding its biological peculiarities.Univ São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Pret, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilInst Pasteur, Unite Genet Mol Levures, Paris, FranceUniv Vale do Paraiba, UNIVAP, Vale Do Paraiba, BrazilUniv Mogi das Cruzes, Nucleo Integrado Biotecnol, Mogi Das Cruzes, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc