Morphological-anatomical and chemical features of Copernicia alba fruits and seeds, a palm from Brazilian Pantanal.

Copernicia alba (Arecaceae) is a palm tree regionally known as carandá that forms large populations and produces abundant fruits, an important food source for the local fauna in Brazilian wetlands. The fruits present morphological variations regarding color, shape and dimensions. In this study fruits of different shapes were collected and processed following routine techniques in plant morphology, and biochemistry analysis of endosperm. (hemicellulose) The fruits isdark, of the berry type, with partially fibrous pericarp, rich in phenolic compounds; the ruminated seed coat also contains phenols; the endosperm, formed of cells with highly thickened, not lignified hemicellulosic walls, stores xyloses, proteins and lipids. The embryo is short and straight. Xylose is the leading sugar of xylan, which can be liberated by hydrolysis with specific enzymes, such as xylanases. This sugar is of interest in several industrial sectors, such as the production of biofuels and xylitol for foods. Excepting depth of seed rumination, C. alba fruits do not have relevant differences in anatomy and classes of substances detected. The fruit yield showed differences associated with its shape, indicating the best utilization. Considering fruit anatomical features and tissue composition, we highlight that the seeds of C. alba have the potential as a new functional food source.

Botanical sources and heavy metals contents of honey produced by Apis mellifera in an ecotone region of the state of Bahia, Brazil.

The present study investigated by palynological and chemical analysis (Flame Atomic Absortion Spectrometry) about the botanical origin and the heavy metals content (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury) of monthly honey samples of Apis mellifera L. over two years. The pollen types Apiaceae, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, M. tenuiflora and Myrcia indicated the main floristic sources used by bees. M. tenuiflora was the most frequent of the pollen types, and because it predominates in different months in each year, which may indicate more than one species of the genus being foraged by the beehive. The climatic influence (rainfall and temperature) on the pollen diversity was investigated and was not statistically supported. The chemical analysis showed that the heavy metal content of the samples were below their respective limits of quantification, and, therefore, the samples can be considered safe for human consumption.

Proton pump inhibitor and community pharmacies: Usage profile and factors associated with long-term use.

AIM: To characterize the usage profile and the factors associated with the prolonged use of proton pump inhibitor drugs in a community pharmacy. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional, prospective and observational study involving interviews with 410 patients who acquired PPI for their own use from community pharmacies. To characterize the factors associated with the prolonged use of PPI, a multivariate logistic regression model was used. RESULTS: Pantoprazole (42.7%) and omeprazole (31%) were the most acquired PPIs, prescribed mainly by gastroenterologists (49.5%). They are used in the morning, especially for gastrointestinal symptoms, however, they had been consumed for more than 5 years in 30% of cases. The factors associated with prolonged use are old age (OR 1.03 CI95% 1.01-1.05), body mass index (OR 1.07 CI95% 1.01-1.12), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (OR 3.18 CI95% 1.20-8.43) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (OR 3.5 95% CI 1.39-8.88). CONCLUSION: PPIs are adequate in terms of indication and form of use, however, prolonged use associated with old age, being overweight and use of anti-inflammatories and antidepressants is frequent.

Assessment of the Cu(II) and Pb(II) removal efficiency of aqueous solutions by the dry biomass Aguapé: kinetics of adsorption.

Plant-based materials are promising adsorbents for treating liquid effluents. This study describes the kinetic and equilibrium parameters that best represent the copper(II) and lead(II) removal process by Eichhornia crassipes (Aguapé) dry biomass from aqueous solution, using a batch adsorption system. The plants were washed, dried, and reduced to small particles. The adsorption kinetics were assessed by varying the metal concentrations in 5, 10, and 20 mg L-1 and a control treatment (without metals) with a mixture contact time of between 5 and 720 min. Equilibrium data were fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Kinetic assay revealed fast adsorption: kinetic equilibrium was attained within 2 h with a removal efficiency of ~ 60%. The results demonstrated a fast recovery cycle of metals using the biosorbent. The biomass of E. crassipes is low cost with potential for use as a biosorbent to remove metals from solutions.

Plant species diversity in a Neotropical wetland: patterns of similarity, effects of distance, and altitude

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Pantanal is an extensive wetland with heterogeneous habitats, primarily due to the river-floodplain system and plants with differential adaptations and reproductive strategies. Factors such as altitude, distance among plant formations, and flood pulse must be considered to better understand its diversity. Aiming to assess the influence of biogeographic patterns in this system, we analyzed the floristic composition of six areas along the Paraguay River, including residual relieves, verifying the pattern of similarity, and effects of distance and altitude. We recorded 356 species in 87 families, mostly perennial (75%), and some annuals (15%) and pluriannuals (5%). Herbaceous plants were the most represented (48%), followed by arboreal (23%), shrubby (15%) and epiphytic (14%) habits, only 12% being endemic to Brazil. The studied areas showed low floristic similarity, but higher resemblance of species between neighboring areas, and no relation with altitude. The upper Paraguay River is diverse, with high spatial variability of species, predominantly perennial. The river-floodplain connectivity may be a determinant factor in species richness and occurrence of endemic species.

Plant species diversity in a Neotropical wetland: patterns of similarity, effects of distance, and altitude.

The Brazilian Pantanal is an extensive wetland with heterogeneous habitats, primarily due to the river-floodplain system and plants with differential adaptations and reproductive strategies. Factors such as altitude, distance among plant formations, and flood pulse must be considered to better understand its diversity. Aiming to assess the influence of biogeographic patterns in this system, we analyzed the floristic composition of six areas along the Paraguay River, including residual relieves, verifying the pattern of similarity, and effects of distance and altitude. We recorded 356 species in 87 families, mostly perennial (75%), and some annuals (15%) and pluriannuals (5%). Herbaceous plants were the most represented (48%), followed by arboreal (23%), shrubby (15%) and epiphytic (14%) habits, only 12% being endemic to Brazil. The studied areas showed low floristic similarity, but higher resemblance of species between neighboring areas, and no relation with altitude. The upper Paraguay River is diverse, with high spatial variability of species, predominantly perennial. The river-floodplain connectivity may be a determinant factor in species richness and occurrence of endemic species.

Metapopulation dynamics of the mistletoe and its host in savanna areas with different fire occurrence.

Mistletoes are aerial hemiparasitic plants which occupy patches of favorable habitat (host trees) surrounded by unfavorable habitat and may be possibly modeled as a metapopulation. A metapopulation is defined as a subdivided population that persists due to the balance between colonization and extinction in discrete habitat patches. Our aim was to evaluate the dynamics of the mistletoe Psittacanthus robustus and its host Vochysia thyrsoidea in three Brazilian savanna areas using a metapopulation approach. We also evaluated how the differences in terms of fire occurrence affected the dynamic of those populations (two areas burned during the study and one was fire protected). We monitored the populations at six-month intervals. P. robustus population structure and dynamics met the expected criteria for a metapopulation: i) the suitable habitats for the mistletoe occur in discrete patches; (ii) local populations went extinct during the study and (iii) colonization of previously non-occupied patches occurred. The ratio of occupied patches decreased in all areas with time. Local mistletoe populations went extinct due to two different causes: patch extinction in area with no fire and fire killing in the burned areas. In a burned area, the largest decrease of occupied patch ratios occurred due to a fire event that killed the parasites without, however, killing the host trees. The greatest mortality of V. thyrsoidea occurred in the area without fire. In this area, all the dead trees supported mistletoe individuals and no mortality was observed for parasite-free trees. Because P. robustus is a fire sensitive species and V. thyrsoidea is fire tolerant, P. robustus seems to increase host mortality, but its effect is lessened by periodic burning that reduces the parasite loads.

Second floor, please: the fish fauna of floating litter banks in Amazonian streams and rivers

Floating litter banks are an ephemeral habitat consisting of branches, twigs, flowers, seeds, and fruits that are trapped on the stream water surface by a variety of retention mechanisms. These heterogeneous materials form a deep layer of dead plant matter that is colonized by a variety of organisms, including fish that forage on the aquatic macroinvertebrates found in this unique habitat. In this study, we aimed to characterize which fish species occupy the floating litter banks and their trophic characteristics, as well as determine if fish assemblage composition and species richness can be predicted by the size of the floating litter banks. Fish sampling was conducted in five rivers located in the Amazon basin. Of the 31 floating litter banks sampled that contained fish, 455 individuals were recorded and were distributed within 40 species, 15 families and five orders. Siluriformes were the most representative order among the samples and contained the largest number of families and species. The fish fauna sampled was mainly composed of carnivorous species that are typically found in submerged litter banks of Amazonian streams. The fish assemblage composition in the kinon can be predicted by the volume of the floating litter banks using both presence/absence and abundance data, but not its species richness. In conclusion, kinon banks harbor a rich fish assemblage that utilizes this habitat for shelter and feeding, and may function as a refuge for the fishes during the peak of the flooding season.

Bancos de folhiço flutuantes são habitats efêmeros constituídos de troncos e galhos de árvores, flores, sementes e frutos retidos por uma variedade de mecanismos. Estes materiais formam uma camada espessa de matéria vegetal morta, que é colonizada por diferentes organismos, incluindo peixes que se alimentam de macroinvertebrados aquáticos presentes neste habitat. Nosso objetivo foi caracterizar as espécies e características tróficas dos peixes que ocupam esses bancos de folhiço flutuantes, bem como determinar se a composição da assembleia de peixes e a riqueza de espécies podem ser previstas pelo tamanho dos bancos. A amostragem dos peixes foi realizada em cinco rios da bacia amazônica. Dos 31 bancos de folhiço flutuantes amostrados que continham peixes, foram registrados 455 indivíduos distribuídos em 40 espécies, 15 famílias e cinco ordens. Siluriformes foi a ordem mais representativa, com o maior número de espécies e famílias. A fauna de peixes coletados foi composta principalmente por espécies carnívoras, que geralmente são encontrados em bancos de folhiço submersos de igarapés amazônicos. A composição das assembleias de peixes do 'kinon' pode ser prevista pelo volume desses bancos de liteira flutuante, tanto utilizando dados de presença/ausência quanto de abundância, mas não de riqueza de espécies. Em conclusão, os bancos de folhiço flutuante abrigam uma rica assembleia de peixes, que utilizam esse habitat como local de abrigo e de alimentação, e podem funcionar como refúgio para a ictiofauna dos bancos de folhiço submerso durante a estação chuvosa.

N-trans-feruloyltyramine and flavonol glycosides from the leaves of Solanum sordidum

Chemical investigation of the leaves of Solanum sordidum Sendtn., Solanaceae, resulted in the isolation and identification of sitosterol, stigmasterol, 3β-O-β-glycopyranosyl stigmasterol, 3β-O-β-glycopyranosyl sitosterol, kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6)-α-glycopyranoside, rutin, and N-trans-feruloyltyramine. The structures of these compounds were established by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectrometric data and comparison with data in the literature. The evaluation of antioxidant activity showed an IC50 of 159.5 ppm for the chloroformic fraction and IC50 of 77.5 ppm for the hydromethanolic fraction.

Efeito de extratos de cogumelos na indução de fitoalexinas e no controle de oídio da soja em casa de vegetação / Mushrooms extracts effect on the induction of phytoalexins and on the control of soybean powdery mildew in greenhouse

O oídio (Erysiphe diffusa) tornou-se uma das principais doenças que afeta a cultura da soja (Glycine max), podendo causar redução significativa no rendimento da cultura. Esse trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito dos extratos aquosos de Agaricus blazei, Lentinula edodes e Pycnoporus sanguineus no controle do oídio em casa-devegetação e na indução de fitoalexinas em cotilédones de soja. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições. Como controle utilizou-se fungicida (enxofre ­ 3g/L) e testemunha - sem aplicação. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: extratos aquosos de Agaricus blazei, Lentinula edodes e Pycnoporus sanguineus na concentração de 20 %v/v sendo estes aplicados aos 61 e 68 dias após a semeadura. Avaliou-se a incidência e severidade aos 59, 65, 69, 73 e 77 dias após a semeadura em todos os folíolos de cada planta. Com os dados da severidade, calculouse a área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD). Para a incidência, detectou-se diferença significativa entre o fungicida e os demais tratamentos. Para severidade e AACPD, observou-se que os extratos diferiram da testemunha, sendo que L. edodes mostrou ser mais eficiente que os demais tratamentos. Para o bioensaio de fitoalexinas foi aplicado sobre cada cotilédone de soja uma alíquota de 75 µL de cada extrato aquoso nas concentrações de 1%, 2%, 4% e 10%. Após 20 horas, os mesmos foram transferidos para erlenmeyers contendo 15 mL de água destilada esterilizada e deixados em agitação por 1 h para extração da fitoalexina formada. A absorbância foi determinada a 285 nm em espectrofotômetro. Observou-se um maior acúmulo de fitoalexina nas maiores concentrações dos extratos aquosos.

The powdery mildew (Erysiphe diffusa) became one of the main diseases that effects soybean (Glycine max) crops. The aim was to evaluate the effect of Agaricus blazei, Lentinula edodes and Pycnoporus sanguineus aquous extracts on the control of powdery mildew in greenhouse and on the induction of phytoalexins in soybean cotyledons. The control treatments consisted of fungicide (Sulphur ­ 3 g/L) and control without application. The treatments were applied at 61 and 68 days after sowing (DAS). The incidence and severity was evaluated at 59, 65, 69, 73 and 77 DAS in all the folioles of each plant. With the severity values, the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was estimated. To the incidence, a significative difference was detected between the fungicide and the other treatments. For severity and the AUDPC, the extracts and the fungicide differed from the control and L. edodes was the most efficient treatment. For the phytoalexins production was applied 75 mL to each soybean cotyledon of each aqueous extract at 1%, 2%, 4% and 10% concentrations. After 20 hours, they were transferred to erlenmayer flask containing 15 mL of sterile distilled water and remained stirring for 1 h for extraction of phytoalexin. The absorbance was measured at 285 nm in a spectrophotometer. The highest accumulation of the phytoalexins was observed on highests concentrations of the aqueous extracts.

Hêliconias como alternativa econômica para comunidades amazônicas / Heliconias of the Baixo Juruá Extractive Reserve: economical potential for Amazonian traditional population

Reservas extrativistas (RESEX) são espaços territoriais destinados à exploração sustentável e conservação dos recursos naturais renováveis, por populações extrativistas. Além disso, tem como finalidade implantar alternativas de renda que contribuam para a melhoria das condições de vida das famílias locais. Dentre as variadas possibilidades de renda pelas comunidades que compõem as RESEX, destacamos neste trabalho o uso das helicônias. As espécies de Heliconia são um dos mais vistosos grupos de plantas herbáceas das florestas tropicais. Entretanto seu uso como fonte de renda é desconhecido pelas comunidades que compõem a RESEX. Registramos 11 espécies de Heliconia na RESEX do Baixo Juruá com uso potencial como plantas ornamentais: H. acuminata, H. densiflora, H. hirsuta, H. lasiorachis, H. stricta, H. chartacea, H. juruana, H. marginata, H. psittacorum, H. spathocircinata e H. tenebrosa. Atualmente o mercado de plantas ornamentais está em expansão no Brasil, mas a Amazônia parece não estar acompanhando este processo, demonstrando falta de iniciativa política. A economia na forma do extrativismo praticada dentro das reservas florestais na Amazônia, mesmo acarretando alguns impactos diretos sobre a fauna e a flora, ajuda a manter as funções ecológicas originais da floresta evitando perdas futuras de biodiversidade regional. Adicionalmente, garante a continuidade das populações tradicionais no campo, com efeito direto na economia local e regional.

Extractive Reserves (Reservas Extrativistas-RESEX, in portuguese) are defined as territorial spaces destined for auto-sustainable exploration and conservation of renewable natural resources for the traditional population. Moreover, they are an alternative source of income for improving life conditions of the local families. Amongst the possibilities of income for the communities that make up the RESEX, which we discuss, is the use of Heliconia understorey herbs. The Heliconia genus is one of the colorful groups of tropical forest non-timber plants. However, as an income source, it is unknown to the RESEX communities. We registered 11 species of Heliconia in the Baixo Juruá Extractive Reserve with potential as ornamental plants: H. acuminata, H. densiflora, H. hirsuta, H. lasiorachis, H. stricta, H. chartacea, H. juruana, H. marginata, H. psittacorum, H. spathocircinata and H. tenebrosa. Currently in Brazil, the commercialization of ornamental plants is expanding, but the Amazonian region seems not to be following this trend, demonstrating perhaps lack of political initiative. Even though it causes some impact on fauna an flora, the practice of extractive economy inside the forest reserves in Amazonia helps keep the ecological functions of the forest intact, preventing future losses of regional biodiversity. Additionally, it guarantees the continuity of traditional populations in the natural areas, with direct effect on the local and regional economy.

Rapid assessment of fruit-color selection by birds using artificial fruits at local scale in Central Amazonia / Utilização de frutos artificiais para avaliar seleção de cores por aves em escala local na Amazônia Central

Modeling clays have been used in several ecological experiments and have proved to be an important tool to variables control. The objective of our study was to determine if fruit color in isolated and grouped displays influences the fruit selection by birds in the field using artificial fruits. Data were collected in six plots distributed homogeneously in 3 km long trails with a minimum distance of 0.5 km. We used a paired experimental design to establish our experiments, so that all treatments were available to the local bird community in each plot. Overall, red was more pecked than brown and white. Isolated red and brown displays were significantly more pecked than others display. Even though our study was conducted in small spatial scales, artificial fruits appeared to be efficient in register fruit consumption attempts by bird. Although inconclusive about selective forces that sharp the dynamics of fruit color polymorphisms and choice by frugivorous birds, our findings corroborate recent studies wherein birds showed preferences by high- over low-contrast fruit signals.

Atualmente o uso de massa de modelar tem sido amplamente utilizado para testar várias hipóteses ecológicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar se cores de frutos artificiais dispostos isoladamente nos ramos, ou em agregação, influenciaram a escolha das aves. Coletamos os dados em seis parcelas distribuídas homogeneamente em uma trilha de 3 km. Nós usamos desenho experimental pareado, de modo que todos os tratamentos estavam disponíveis para a comunidade local de aves em cada parcela. Os frutos artificiais vermelhos foram mais bicados do que marrons e brancos. Separando-se nos dois diferentes arranjos, vermelhos e marrons isolados foram significativamente mais bicados de que os outros arranjos. Embora nosso estudo tenha sido realizado em pequena escala espacial, frutos artificiais foram eficientes em registrar tentativas de consumo pelas aves. Embora não conclusivo a respeito da pressão seletiva que molda a dinâmica de polimorfismos nas cores dos frutos, bem como dos padrões de escolha pelos frugívoros, nosso trabalho corrobora recentes estudos onde aves preferiram frutos com maior contraste em relação à coloração de fundo imposta pela vegetação.

[Ophthalmological findings in HIV infected patients in the post-HAART (Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy) era, compared to the pre-HAART era]. / Achados oftalmológicos em infectados pelo HIV na era pós-HAART e comparação com série de pacientes avaliados no período pré-HAART.

BACKGROUND: To determine the frequency of the ophthalmological findings in Human Immunodeficience Virus (HIV) infected patients in the post-HAART (Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy) era and to compare it to data from the Federal University of São Paulo in the pre-HAART era10,11. METHODS: Charts from 200 consecutive patients examined from May 2000 to February 2001 were reviewed. RESULTS: From the total of 200 patients, 84 (42%) presented ophthalmological findings related to HIV infection in the first ocular examination: 36 (18%) with Cytomegalovirus retinitis (9 active and 27 inactive), 22 (11%) with ocular toxoplasmosis, (9 active and 13 inactive), 15 (7.5%) with retinal detachment (10 secondary to CMV retinitis, 3 to ocular toxoplasmosis and 2 not determined), 8 (4%) with cataract (5 secondary to CMV retinitis, 1 to ocular toxoplasmosis and 2 not determined), 8 (4%) with cotton wool spots, 6 (3%) with acute retinal necrosis (4 active and 2 inactive) and 3 (1.5%) with intersticial keratitis. All patients with acute retinal necrosis showed T CD4 cells under 100 cells/microL. CONCLUSION: The authors identified in the post-HAART era, rise on number of patients with normal ophthalmologic exam and decreased number of cases of CMV retinitis and ocular toxoplasmosis when compared to the pre-HAART era.

Achados oftalmológicos em infectados pelo HIV na era pós-HAART e comparação com série de pacientes avaliados no período pré-HAART / Ophthalmological findings in HIV infected patients in the post-HAART (Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy) era, compared to the pre-HAART era

OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência das manifestações oftalmológicas de pacientes infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) no período pós-HAART (terapia anti-retroviral com drogas altamente eficazes) e correlacioná-la com a literatura e com a experiência da Universidade Federal de São Paulo no período pré-HAART10,11. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados os prontuários de 200 pacientes sucessivos atendidos no setor de Uveítes/AIDS desta Instituição, no período de maio de 2000 a fevereiro de 2001. RESULTADOS: Dos 200 pacientes, 84 (42 por cento) apresentaram alterações oftalmológicas relacionadas à infecção pelo HIV na primeira consulta. Os diagnósticos oftalmológicos foram: 36 (18 por cento) com retinite por citomegalovírus (CMV) (nove com doença ativa e 27 com lesão cicatrizada), 22 (11 por cento) com retinite por toxoplasmose (nove com doença ativa e 13 com lesão cicatrizada), 15 (7,5 por cento) com descolamento de retina (10 secundários à CMV, três a toxoplasmose e dois não determinados), oito (4 por cento) com catarata (cinco secundários à descolamento de retina e uveíte pelo CMV, um por uveíte secundário à toxoplasmose, e dois indeterminados), oito (4 por cento) com exsudatos algodonosos, entre outros. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos no período pós-HAART aumento do número de pacientes com exame oftalmológico normal e tendência à dimimuição dos casos de retinite por CMV, quando comparados aos casos examinados no período pré-HAART.