Coenzyme Q10 and its effects in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

According to clinical and pre-clinical studies, oxidative stress and its consequences may be the cause or, at least, a contributing factor, to a large number of neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases include common and debilitating disorders, characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of neurons in specific regions of the brain. The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been extensively studied since its discovery in 1957. It is a component of the electron transportation chain and participates in aerobic cellular respiration, generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The property of CoQ10 to act as an antioxidant or a pro-oxidant, suggests that it also plays an important role in the modulation of redox cellular status under physiological and pathological conditions, also performing a role in the ageing process. In several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, CoQ10 has shown beneficial effects in reducing disease progression. However, further studies are needed to assess the outcome and effectiveness of CoQ10 before exposing patients to unnecessary health risks at significant costs.De acordo com estudos clínicos e pré-clínicos, o estresse oxidativo e suas conseqüências podem ser a causa, ou, no mínimo, o fator que contribui para grande número de doenças degenerativas. Estas doenças incluem problemas comuns e debilitantes, caracterizados por perda progressiva e irreversível de neurônios em regiões específicas do cérebro. As doenças degenerativas mais comuns são doença de Parkinson, de Hutington, de Alzheimer e esclerose amiotrófica lateral. A Coenzima Q10 (CoQ10) tem sido intensamente estudada desde sua descoberta, em 1957. É um componente da cadeia de transporte eletrônico e participa da respiração aeróbica celular, gerando energia na forma de trifosfato de adenosina (ATP). A propriedade da CoQ10 de atuar como antioxidante ou pró-oxidante sugere papel importante na modulação do estado redox celular sob condições fisiológicas e patológicas, desempenhando, também, papel no processo de envelhecimento. Em vários modelos animais de doenças neurodegenerativas, a CoQ10 mostrou efeitos benéficos na redução do curso da doença. Entretanto, há necessidade de estudos adicionais para avaliar o efeito e a eficácia da CoQ10 antes de expor os pacientes a riscos de saúde desnecessários e de alto custo

WOOD COLORIMETRY OF NATIVE SPECIES OF MYRTACEAE FROM A ARAUCARIA FOREST

Colorimetric parameters have potential to differentiate tree species through their wood type. Therefore, this can be used to aid the inspection of illegal trade. Thus, considering the need to identify species with precision and speed, this study aimed to explore the potential of these parameters in order to characterize wood of some species of native Myrtaceae from the Araucaria Forest: Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg., Eugenia pyriformis Cambess., Myrcia retorta Cambess., and Plinia Peruviana (Poir.) Govaert. Twelve trees were collected randomly – three per species – for the removal of a disc at diameter at breast height (DBH). We took samples from three regions of the disc (next to the bark, intermediate and next to the pith) and analyzed them in three anatomical sections (transversal, radial and tangential) by the system CIE L*a*b* using a bench colorimeter. We analyzed the data based on the following criteria: test of means in order to differentiate species, quantitative factor analysis (considering the region of the disc and the anatomical section as factors), and principal components analysis (PCA). Then, we used the original spectrum and the values of parameters L*, a* and b* in order to verify the distribution of the species. The analysis determined that the species present different values for the colorimetric parameters. In addition, the factors region of the disc and anatomical section have specific influence for each species. Finally, the PCA indicated that only E. pyriformis differs from the others

NANOFIBRILLATED CELLULOSE, THE SMALL PROMISING FIBER: CHARACTERISTICS AND POTENTIALITIES

Cellulose: an abundant, biodegradable and renewable plant material that is available all around the globe, from which nanofibrillated cellulose (a homogeneous suspension of fibers with nanometer-scale diameters) can be extracted. The nanofibrillated cellulose, in what concerns its range of application, may completely or partially replace other materials due to its particular physical properties. Knowing its characteristics and properties is important in understanding its behavior in various applications. In light of this remarks, the objective of this research was to extract the nanocellulose from bleached eucalyptus pulp through mechanical milling to characterize the resulting nanofibrillated cellulose and compare both. The nanofibrillated cellulose presented a very distinct appearance in relation to the original cellulose pulp when they were analysed in the same concentrations, demonstrating greater water absorption and fibrillar interweaving. The nanofibrillated material showed different responses in comparison to the original in terms of dimensions, thermal stability, crystallinity, viscosity, and degree of polymerization. The nanofibrillated cellulose displays the same chemical composition through infrared analysis and has diameters of around 21.7 nm, smaller than the cellulose diameter of 11.4 μm. The nanofibrillated cellulose also exhibits lower thermal resistance: its decomposition temperature was about 20 ºC lower than that of the original cellulose pulp, and its crystallinity index has decreased. As for viscosity and degree of polymerization, there was reduction of 25% compared to the original material. The results presented hereby indicate that the nanofibrillated cellulose has unique features in relation to the original cellulose pulp, which supports its application as an alternative to existing materials

ANATOMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF WOOD MARKETED AS “TAUARI” (LECYTHIDACEAE) IN PARÁ STATE, BRAZIL

Anthropogenic pressure on the forest resources of the Brazilian Amazon, partly caused by illegal logging, has contributed to increase the list of endangered Brazilian flora species, as is the case of some representatives of the family Lecythidaceae. In this way, aiming to contribute to the control of the illegal cutting of the trees, the objective of this study was to identify and characterize samples of wood marketed as belonging to the “tauari” group, in order to provide support for species-level identification. Samples were obtained from 15 sawmills in 10 municipalities in the state of Pará in June and July 2016. The species identification was confirmed by comparison with standard samples from the wood collections of Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi and Embrapa Amazônia Oriental. Three samples were identified as not belonging to the “tauari” group: Eschweilera sp. (matamatá-branco), Cedrela sp. (cedro) and Erisma uncinatum (cedrinho). The other 17 samples belonged to the “tauari” group with three distinct species: Couratari stellata, C. oblongifolia and C. guianensis. All species from Lecythidaceae family presented similarity in anatomical structure of wood, at macroscopic and microscopic level. The adoption of a single popular name by logging companies in the state of Pará to designate timber from the “tauari” group masks information about the diversity of species traded and compromises the end use of timber and the trust between buyer and seller.Anthropogenic pressure on the forest resources of the Brazilian Amazon, partly caused by illegal logging, has contributed to increase the list of endangered Brazilian flora species, as is the case of some representatives of the family Lecythidaceae. In this way, aiming to contribute to the control of the illegal cutting of the trees, the objective of this study was to identify and characterize samples of wood marketed as belonging to the “tauari” group, in order to provide support for species-level identification. Samples were obtained from 15 sawmills in 10 municipalities in the state of Pará in June and July 2016. The species identification was confirmed by comparison with standard samples from the wood collections of Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi and Embrapa Amazônia Oriental. Three samples were identified as not belonging to the “tauari” group: Eschweilera sp. (matamatá-branco), Cedrela sp. (cedro) and Erisma uncinatum (cedrinho). The other 17 samples belonged to the “tauari” group with three distinct species: Couratari stellata, C. oblongifolia and C. guianensis. All species from Lecythidaceae family presented similarity in anatomical structure of wood, at macroscopic and microscopic level. The adoption of a single popular name by logging companies in the state of Pará to designate timber from the “tauari” group masks information about the diversity of species traded and compromises the end use of timber and the trust between buyer and seller

Applying colorimetry for wood differentiation of fabaceae species grown in southern brazil

Because of the need for identification of forest species, especially for detection of illegal wood trade, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of colorimetry for differentiation of Inga vera Willd., Muellera campestris (Mart. ex Benth.) M.J. Silva & A.M.G. Azevedo and Machaerium paraguariense Hassl., species of the Fabaceae family, native to the Araucaria Forest in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Discs at breast height were collected from three trees of each species and the colorimetric parameters (L*, a*, b*, C* and h) and visible spectra were evaluated in different radial position of the trunk (near bark, intermediate and near pith) and three different anatomical sections (transversal, radial and tangential surfaces). Mean values of hue angle (h) among the colorimetric parameters resulted in the highest potential for species discrimination. With respect to radial trunk position and anatomical section, parameters a* (green-red) and h were not statistically different, independent of the wood samples evaluated. For other parameters (L*, b* and C*), each species presented distinct results. Principal component analysis with second derivative of visible spectra discriminated all species. Colorimetry associated with chemometrics allowed to distinguish I. vera, M. campestris and M. paraguariense

Evaluation of schistosomiasis mansoni control measures in Sabará, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, 1980-2007

Schistosomiasis control programs in Brazil have helped reduce prevalence and the severe forms of the disease, but have failed to prevent new foci from appearing, especially on the periphery of large cities. The current article aims to assess the prevalence of schistosomiasis and the presence of intermediates hosts for Schistosoma mansoni in the district of Ravena, Municipality of Sabará, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, 27 years after implementing water treatment and specific treatment for infected individuals. Ravena responded positively to schistosomiasis control measures, with a prevalence of 2.5%. However, the district remains a potential risk area, since it displays favorable environmental and ecological factors for maintenance of the disease. For the prevalence rates to continue low, it will be necessary to invest in sanitation and health education, in addition to treatment of infected individuals.Os programas de controle da esquistossomose no Brasil têm contribuído para a redução da prevalência e das formas graves da doença, mas não têm impedido que novos focos apareçam, especialmente nas áreas periféricas dos grandes centros urbanos do país. O presente artigo tem como objetivo avaliar a prevalência da esquistossomose e a presença de hospedeiros intermediários do Schistosoma mansoni no distrito de Ravena, Município de Sabará, Minas Gerais, Brasil, após 27 anos da implantação do sistema de água tratada e do tratamento específico da população infectada. Ravena apresentou uma resposta positiva às intervenções de controle da esquistossomose, apresentando uma prevalência de 2,5%. Porém, é uma área de risco em potencial, pois apresenta fatores ambientais e ecológicos favoráveis à manutenção da doença. Para que os níveis de prevalência continuem baixos, será necessário investir em saneamento, educação em saúde além de tratamento dos infectados.997100

TECENDO INSTRUMENTOS METODOLÓGICOS DE INVENTÁRIO TURÍSTICO E CULTURAL PARA AS COMUNIDADES QUILOMBOLAS DA REGIÃO TURÍSTICA DAS SERRAS GERAIS – TOCANTINS

O Projeto de Inovação Pedagógica Tecendo Instrumentos Metodológicos de Inventário Turístico e Cultural para as Comunidades Quilombolas da Região Turística das Serras Gerais – Tocantins, possibilitou aos acadêmicos do Curso de Turismo Patrimonial e Socioambiental uma formação teórico-prática que permita, de acordo com as diretrizes do Projeto Político Pedagógico do Curso (PPC): “Desenvolver pesquisas, inventários, monitoramentos e manejos de atividades turísticas de modo a garantir que o desenvolvimento dessa atividade aconteça de acordo com os princípios da sustentabilidade [...]”, destacando ainda ser uma das competências, atitudes e habilidades básicas de formação do graduando em turismo. Nesse sentido, o projeto se apresentou como uma inovação pedagógica que tece as metodologias de inventário turístico e cultural, enquanto formação teórico-prática do turismólogo, ao articular o ser-fazer profissional, mas também os saberes e fazeres da sua trajetória pessoal, tecida como uma narrativa que tem como foco a articulação do patrimônio cultural e natural das comunidades tradicionais ao desenvolvimento de um turismo inclusivo, participativo e responsável que contribua para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem do graduando em turismo enquanto participante ativo na construção do seu conhecimento e de metodologias participativas que possam contribuir diretamente com o levantamento de informações contextualizadas que possam alimentar as bases de dados dos inventários do Estado do Tocantins

La renovación de la palabra en el bicentenario de la Argentina : los colores de la mirada lingüística

El libro reúne trabajos en los que se exponen resultados de investigaciones presentadas por investigadores de Argentina, Chile, Brasil, España, Italia y Alemania en el XII Congreso de la Sociedad Argentina de Lingüística (SAL), Bicentenario: la renovación de la palabra, realizado en Mendoza, Argentina, entre el 6 y el 9 de abril de 2010. Las temáticas abordadas en los 167 capítulos muestran las grandes líneas de investigación que se desarrollan fundamentalmente en nuestro país, pero también en los otros países mencionados arriba, y señalan además las áreas que recién se inician, con poca tradición en nuestro país y que deberían fomentarse. Los trabajos aquí publicados se enmarcan dentro de las siguientes disciplinas y/o campos de investigación: Fonología, Sintaxis, Semántica y Pragmática, Lingüística Cognitiva, Análisis del Discurso, Psicolingüística, Adquisición de la Lengua, Sociolingüística y Dialectología, Didáctica de la lengua, Lingüística Aplicada, Lingüística Computacional, Historia de la Lengua y la Lingüística, Lenguas Aborígenes, Filosofía del Lenguaje, Lexicología y Terminología

VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad

Acta de congresoLa conmemoración de los cien años de la Reforma Universitaria de 1918 se presentó como una ocasión propicia para debatir el rol de la historia, la teoría y la crítica en la formación y en la práctica profesional de diseñadores, arquitectos y urbanistas. En ese marco el VIII Encuentro de Docentes e Investigadores en Historia del Diseño, la Arquitectura y la Ciudad constituyó un espacio de intercambio y reflexión cuya realización ha sido posible gracias a la colaboración entre Facultades de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño de la Universidad Nacional y la Facultad de Arquitectura de la Universidad Católica de Córdoba, contando además con la activa participación de mayoría de las Facultades, Centros e Institutos de Historia de la Arquitectura del país y la región. Orientado en su convocatoria tanto a docentes como a estudiantes de Arquitectura y Diseño Industrial de todos los niveles de la FAUD-UNC promovió el debate de ideas a partir de experiencias concretas en instancias tales como mesas temáticas de carácter interdisciplinario, que adoptaron la modalidad de presentación de ponencias, entre otras actividades. En el ámbito de VIII Encuentro, desarrollado en la sede Ciudad Universitaria de Córdoba, se desplegaron numerosas posiciones sobre la enseñanza, la investigación y la formación en historia, teoría y crítica del diseño, la arquitectura y la ciudad; sumándose el aporte realizado a través de sus respectivas conferencias de Ana Clarisa Agüero, Bibiana Cicutti, Fernando Aliata y Alberto Petrina. El conjunto de ponencias que se publican en este Repositorio de la UNC son el resultado de dos intensas jornadas de exposiciones, cuyos contenidos han posibilitado actualizar viejos dilemas y promover nuevos debates. El evento recibió el apoyo de las autoridades de la FAUD-UNC, en especial de la Secretaría de Investigación y de la Biblioteca de nuestra casa, como así también de la Facultad de Arquitectura de la UCC; va para todos ellos un especial agradecimiento