Índice de qualidade de água usando análise fatorial multivariada

The evaluation of environmental effects generated by agricultural production on water quality became essential in Brazil after the creation of policies for the use and conservation of water resources. For such, water quality indices have been considered with the purpose of showing the spatial and temporal variation of water quality in a watershed. The objective of this study was to develop a water quality index (WQI) applying the Multivariate Factorial Analysis (MFA) statistical technique, which could indicate the influence of agricultural activities in the quality of water resources. Water in a predominantly farm watershed was monitored from Sept. 2003 to Sept. 2004. Monthly water collections were carried out at six sample points, and eight parameters were analyzed: nitrate, ammoniacal nitrogen, ammonia, total phosphorus, electrical conductivity, pH, suspended solids and turbidity, which were considered important due to the agricultural management adopted in the region. Results indicated a contamination of agricultural origin along the basin. Factorial analysis showed that ammonia, ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate parameters were the ones that most contributed in determining the WQI.A avaliação dos impactos gerados pela agricultura sobre a qualidade da água tornou-se primordial no Brasil após o estabelecimento das políticas de uso e conservação dos recursos hídricos, razão por que índices de qualidade de água são propostos com o intuito de se mostrar a evolução da qualidade da água no tempo e no espaço. O objetivo primeiro neste estudo, foi desenvolver um índice de qualidade de água (IQA), utilizando-se a técnica estatística da Análise Fatorial Multivariada, avaliando-se a influência das atividades agrícolas na qualidade dos recursos hídricos; realizou-se, para se atingir o proposto, um monitoramento da qualidade da água em uma bacia hidrográfica de uso predominantemente agrícola, no período de set/03 a set/04. Realizaram-se, também, coletas mensais de água em seis pontos, analisando-se oito variáveis (nitrato, nitrogênio amoniacal, amônia, fósforo total, condutividade elétrica, pH, turbidez e sólidos suspensos), julgadas importantes pelo manejo agrícola adotado na região. Os resultados obtidos indicaram uma contaminação de origem agrícola ao longo da bacia, sendo que, pela análise fatorial, amônia, nitrogênio amoniacal e nitrato foram as variáveis que mais contribuíram na determinação do IQA.51752

Development and method validation for determination of 128 pesticides in bananas by modified QuEChERS and UHPLC–MS/MS analysis

AbstractA multiresidue method for the quantification of 128 pesticides in banana is described. It involves the application of a modified QuEChERS procedure followed by UHPLC–MS/MS (Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry) analysis. The method was validated according to the European Union SANCO/12495/2011 guidelines and Brazilian Manual of Analytical Quality Assurance. The validation levels were 10.0; 25.0; 50.0 and 100 μg kg−1. Acceptable values were obtained for the following parameters: linearity, limit of detection – LOD (5.00 μg kg−1) and limit of quantification – LOQ (10.0 μg kg−1), except for fenamiphos and mevinphos (LOD = 7.5 μg kg−1 and LOQ = 25 μg kg−1), trueness (for the levels: 10.0, 25.0, 50.0 and 100 μg kg−1 the recovery assays values were between 70 and 120%) except for methamidophos at 10 μg kg−1 level (67.5%), intermediate precision (<20.0%) and measurement uncertainty tests (<50.0%). These results demonstrate the applicability of this method in the routine practice by the laboratories of Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil that attend the National Control Plan for Residues and Contaminants (PNCRC)

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Martius) supplementation in the diet during gestation and lactation attenuates liver steatosis in dams and protects offspring.

Purpose: Maternal high-fat diet affects offspring and can induce metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). New therapeutic strategies are being investigated as way to prevent or attenuate this condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of açaí supplementation in the maternal high-fat diet on dams and offspring lipid metabolism. Methods: Female Fisher rats were divided in four groups and fed a control diet (C), a high-fat diet (HF), an açaí supplemented diet (CA) and a high-fat diet supplemented with açaí (HFA) 2 weeks before mating, during gestation and lactation. The effects of açaí were evaluated in the male offspring after birth (P1) and weaning (P21). Results: HFA reduced relative liver weight, fat and cholesterol liver content in dams and improved liver steatosis as confirmed by histological analyses. HFA increased serum cholesterol and expression of Srebpf1 and Fasn genes. In offspring, HFA decreased relative liver weight, and serum cholesterol only in P21. An increase in the Sirt1, Srebpf1 and Fasn genes expression was observed in P21. Conclusions: These results suggest that açaí supplementation may attenuate NAFLD in dams and protect offspring from the detrimental effects of lipid excess from a maternal high-fat diet

Atlantic mammal traits: a dataset of morphological traits of mammals in the atlantic forest of south America

Measures of traits are the basis of functional biological diversity. Numerous works consider mean species-level measures of traits while ignoring individual variance within species. However, there is a large amount of variation within species and it is increasingly apparent that it is important to consider trait variation not only between species, but also within species. Mammals are an interesting group for investigating trait-based approaches because they play diverse and important ecological functions (e.g., pollination, seed dispersal, predation, grazing) that are correlated with functional traits. Here we compile a data set comprising morphological and life history information of 279 mammal species from 39,850 individuals of 388 populations ranging from −5.83 to −29.75 decimal degrees of latitude and −34.82 to −56.73 decimal degrees of longitude in the Atlantic forest of South America. We present trait information from 16,840 individuals of 181 species of non-volant mammals (Rodentia, Didelphimorphia, Carnivora, Primates, Cingulata, Artiodactyla, Pilosa, Lagomorpha, Perissodactyla) and from 23,010 individuals of 98 species of volant mammals (Chiroptera). The traits reported include body mass, age, sex, reproductive stage, as well as the geographic coordinates of sampling for all taxa. Moreover, we gathered information on forearm length for bats and body length and tail length for rodents and marsupials. No copyright restrictions are associated with the use of this data set. Please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using the data.Fil: Gonçalves, Fernando. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Bovendorp, Ricardo S.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Beca, Gabrielle. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Bello, Carolina. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Costa Pereira, Raul. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Muylaert, Renata L.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Rodarte, Raisa R.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Villar, Nacho. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Souza, Rafael. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Graipel, Maurício E.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Cherem, Jorge J.. Caipora Cooperativa, Florianopolis; BrasilFil: Faria, Deborah. Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz; BrasilFil: Baumgarten, Julio. Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz; BrasilFil: Alvarez, Martín R.. Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz; BrasilFil: Vieira, Emerson M.. Universidade do Brasília; BrasilFil: Cáceres, Nilton. Universidade Federal de Santa María. Santa María; BrasilFil: Pardini, Renata. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Leite, Yuri L. R.. Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo; BrasilFil: Costa, Leonora Pires. Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo; BrasilFil: Mello, Marco Aurelio Ribeiro. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; BrasilFil: Fischer, Erich. Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul; BrasilFil: Passos, Fernando C.. Universidade Federal do Paraná; BrasilFil: Varzinczak, Luiz H.. Universidade Federal do Paraná; BrasilFil: Prevedello, Jayme A.. Universidade do Estado de Rio do Janeiro; BrasilFil: Cruz-Neto, Ariovaldo P.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Carvalho, Fernando. Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; BrasilFil: Reis Percequillo, Alexandre. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Paviolo, Agustin Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; ArgentinaFil: Duarte, José M. B.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasil. Fundación Oswaldo Cruz; BrasilFil: Bernard, Enrico. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; BrasilFil: Agostini, Ilaria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazú; ArgentinaFil: Lamattina, Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste; Argentina. Ministerio de Salud de la Nación; ArgentinaFil: Vanderhoeven, Ezequiel Andres. Ministerio de Salud de la Nación; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste; Argentin

Deregulation of apoptosis-related genes is associated with PRV1 overexpression and JAK2 V617F allele burden in Essential Thrombocythemia and Myelofibrosis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) are Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) characterized by clonal myeloproliferation/myeloaccumulation without cell maturation impairment. The JAK2 V617F mutation and <it>PRV1 </it>gene overexpression may contribute to MPN physiopathology. We hypothesized that deregulation of the apoptotic machinery may also play a role in the pathogenesis of ET and PMF. In this study we evaluated the apoptosis-related gene and protein expression of BCL2 family members in bone marrow CD34⁺hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and peripheral blood leukocytes from ET and PMF patients. We also tested whether the gene expression results were correlated with JAK2 V617F allele burden percentage, <it>PRV1 </it>overexpression, and clinical and laboratory parameters.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>By real time PCR assay, we observed that <it>A1, MCL1, BIK and BID</it>, as well as <it>A1, BCLW </it>and <it>BAK </it>gene expression were increased in ET and PMF CD34⁺cells respectively, while pro-apoptotic <it>BAX </it>and anti-apoptotic <it>BCL2 </it>mRNA levels were found to be lower in ET and PMF CD34⁺cells respectively, in relation to controls. In patients' leukocytes, we detected an upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes <it>A1, BCL2, BCL-X_L</it>and <it>BCLW</it>. In contrast, pro-apoptotic <it>BID </it>and <it>BIM_EL</it>expression were downregulated in ET leukocytes. Increased BCL-X_Lprotein expression in PMF leukocytes and decreased BID protein expression in ET leukocytes were observed by Western Blot. In ET leukocytes, we found a correlation between JAK2 V617F allele burden and <it>BAX, BIK and BAD </it>gene expression and between <it>A1, BAX </it>and <it>BIK </it>and <it>PRV1 </it>gene expression. A negative correlation between <it>PRV1 </it>gene expression and platelet count was observed, as well as a positive correlation between <it>PRV1 </it>gene expression and splenomegaly.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results suggest the participation of intrinsic apoptosis pathway in the MPN physiopathology. In addition, <it>PRV1 </it>and JAK2 V617F allele burden were linked to deregulation of the apoptotic machinery.</p

UMA NOVA ÁGORA: A DEMOCRACIA, SEUS OBSTÁCULOS E POSSIBILIDADES

Using as theoretical framework Manuel Castells, a study was made about democracy in the social movements in a time of internet. With the technological transformation that is in the contemporary world, there must be an examination as to the institutes that surround society and law. Thus, the theme is focused on democracy, doing an investigation about its appearance in Athens and its development. After this step, the social movements were evaluated, as well as its form and utility before and after the technological evolution, in order to focus on transformation as the way to manifest, once internet becomes a vital tool for such riots. Finally, the new kind of democracy that is born of social movements was analyzed, highlighting the Occupy Wall Street and its peculiarities. After exploring this point, it was seen that the longed-for democracy in such movements brings formal and material obstacles.Utilizando como marco teórico Manuel Castells será hecho un estudio con relación a la democracia en los movimientos sociales en la época de internet. Con la transformación tecnológica que hay en el mundo contemporáneo es necesario que haya un análisis de los institutos que circundan la sociedad y el Derecho. Así, el tema estará centrado en la democracia, haciendo una investigación de su origen en Atenas y su desarrollo. Después de ese paso serán evaluados los movimientos sociales, su forma y utilidad antes y después de la evolución tecnológica, con el objetivo de centrarse en las transformaciones en cuanto la manera de manifestarse, dado que la internet se torna un instrumento vital para tales manifestaciones sociales. Por fin, será analizado la nueva especie de democracia que nace de los movimientos sociales, dando destaque al Occupy Wall Street y sus peculiaridades. Después de explorar este punto será visto que la democracia deseada en tales movimientos aporta consigo obstáculos formales y materiales.Utilizando como marco teórico Manuel Castells, foi feito um estudo quanto à democracia nos movimentos sociais na época da internet. Com a transformação tecnológica que se encontra no mundo contemporâneo, é necessário que haja uma análise quanto aos institutos que circundam a sociedade e o Direito. Assim, o tema está centrado na democracia, fazendo uma investigação quanto ao seu surgimento em Atenas e seu desenvolvimento. Depois deste passo, foram avaliados os movimentos sociais, sua forma e utilidade, antes e depois da evolução tecnológica, com o objetivo de centrar nas transformações quanto à maneira de se manifestar, uma vez que a internet se torna um instrumento vital para tais manifestações sociais. Por fim, foi analisada a nova espécie de democracia que nasce dos movimentos sociais, dando destaque ao Occupy Wall Street e suas peculiaridades. Depois de explorar este ponto, foi visto que a democracia ansiada em tais movimentos traz consigo obstáculos formais e materiais

Multidrug resistance 1 gene polymorphisms may determine Crohn's disease behavior in patients from Rio de Janeiro

OBJECTIVES: Conflicting data from studies on the potential role of multidrug resistance 1 gene polymorphisms in inflammatory bowel disease may result from the analysis of genetically and geographically distinct populations. Here, we investigated whether multidrug resistance 1 gene polymorphisms are associated with inflammatory bowel diseases in patients from Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: We analyzed 123 Crohn's disease patients and 83 ulcerative colitis patients to determine the presence of the multidrug resistance 1 gene polymorphisms C1236T, G2677T and C3435T. In particular, the genotype frequencies of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients were analyzed. Genotype-phenotype associations with major clinical characteristics were established, and estimated risks were calculated for the mutations. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the genotype frequencies of the multidrug resistance 1 G2677T/A and C3435T polymorphisms between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients. In contrast, the C1236T polymorphism was significantly more common in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis (p = 0.047). A significant association was also found between the multidrug resistance 1 C3435T polymorphism and the stricturing form of Crohn's disease (OR: 4.13; p = 0.009), whereas no association was found with penetrating behavior (OR: 0.33; p = 0.094). In Crohn's disease, a positive association was also found between the C3435T polymorphism and corticosteroid resistance/refractoriness (OR: 4.14; p = 0.010). However, no significant association was found between multidrug resistance 1 gene polymorphisms and UC subphenotypic categories. CONCLUSION: The multidrug resistance 1 gene polymorphism C3435T is associated with the stricturing phenotype and an inappropriate response to therapy in Crohn's disease. This association with Crohn's disease may support additional pathogenic roles for the multidrug resistance 1 gene in regulating gut-microbiota interactions and in mediating fibrosis. Understanding the effects of several drugs associated with multidrug resistance 1 gene variants may aid in the selection of customized therapeutic regimens

A retrospective analysis of clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics of ovarian tumors in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ovarian cancer is sixth most common cancer among women and the leading cause of death in women with gynecological malignancies. Despite the great impact ovarian cancer has on women's health and its great impact in public economy, Brazil still lacks valuable information concerning epidemiological aspects of this disease</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We've compiled clinical data of all ovarian tumors registered at the two public hospitals of reference (1997 - 2007), such as: patients' age at diagnosis, tumor histological type, tumor stage, chemotherapy regimens, chemotherapy responsiveness, disease-free survival, and overall survival.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Women's mean age at diagnosis was 54.67 ± 13.84 for ovarian cancer, 46.15 ± 11.15 for borderline tumors, and 42.01 ± 15.06 for adenomas. Among epithelial ovarian cancer cases, 30.1% were of serous, 13.7% were of mucinous, and 13.7% were of endometrioid type; exceptionally serous carcinoma was diagnosed in women younger than 30 years old. Endometrioid cancer had lower disease-free survival than others (p < 0.05). Cases were predominantly diagnosed as poor prognosis disease (FIGO III and IV, 56.2%). Regarding responsiveness to platinum-based therapy, 17.1% of patients were resistant, whereas 24.6%, susceptible. From these, we found equally responsiveness to platinum alone or its association with paclitaxel or cyclophosphamide.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Our data agreed with other studies regarding mean patients' age at diagnosis, histological type frequency, FIGO stages distribution, and chemotherapy regimens. However, the histological type distribution, with equal contribution of mucinous and endometrioid types seems to be a unique characteristic of the studied highly miscegenated population.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We have enlighten the profile of the studied ovarian cancer population, which might enable the development of more efficient political strategies to control this malignancy that is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.</p

Prevenção à intoxicação por produtos químicos de uso doméstico

..