Early maturation of corpus luteum in rabbits - effect of sildenafil citrate on luteolytic capacity in the early luteal period

Background: Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 α) binds to the specific receptor (PTGFR) on the corpus luteum (CL) in mammals, inducing regression of the CL structure (luteolysis) and initiating a new cycle. While PGF2 α is effective only on mature CL, the immature CL structure (early luteal phase) resists PGF2 α. In this study, sildenafil citrate, which is used to increase blood flow in the genital organs for treating specific pregnancy issues in women, was administered during the early luteal phase in a rabbit model to test the hypothesis of enhancing blood flow to the CL, thereby promoting earlier maturation and enabling a response to PGF2 α. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in 2 sub-studies: clinical and molecular. A large number of rabbits were initially included in the sub-studies to ensure a sufficient number of pseudo-pregnant rabbits. Ovulation in rabbits was induced with buserelin acetate and was considered as day 0 of the study. The sub-studies were continued with rabbits whose pseudo-pregnancies were confirmed according to progesterone (P4 ) results. As a result, the studies were continued with a total of 41 pseudo-pregnant New Zealand female rabbits, 21 of which were included in the clinical sub-study and 20 in the molecular sub-study. In both sub-studies, on day 3 of the luteal period, rabbits in the treatment group received 5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate and all rabbits received a single dose of exogenous PGF2 α on day 4 to induce luteolysis. In the clinical sub-study, echotexture and intraovarian blood flow changes in the ovaries were determined by ultrasonography (USG) examination. In the molecular sub-study, the expression changes of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (HIF1A) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) related to angiogenesis, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) related to P4 metabolism, Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) related to prostaglandin (PG) mechanism and 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase (HPGD) genes at mRNA level were determined using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in CL tissues obtained with ovariohysterectomy (OVH) at 1 and 12 h after PGF2 α injection. In addition, blood samples were collected for determine P4 levels from all rabbits. In the clinical sub-study; there was no difference between the groups in mean gray values (MGV), whereas there was a significant decrease in both pulsatile index (PI) and resistance index (RI) values at 40 min after PGF2 α injection (P < 0.05). In the molecular sub-study, it was determined that sildenafil citrate had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the expression levels 1 and 12 h after PGF2 α injection. According to the results of the molecular sub-study, no significant effect of sildenafil citrate on the mRNA expression levels in the investigated genes was detected (P > 0.05). However, within each group, differences were found according to OVH time after PGF2 α injection. It was observed that PTGS2 and HPGD mRNA expressions decreased at the 12th h compared to the 1st h, while HIF1A expression increased (P < 0.05). Discussion: According to the results obtained from clinical and molecular sub-studies, it was determined that a single dose of sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg) applied on the 3rd day of the luteal period did not contribute to the maturation process of the CL, did not increase blood flow, and was insufficient to break the resistance of the CL against PGF2 α applied on the 4th day of the luteal period. However, a significant decrease in the PI value at the 40th min after PGF2 α injection suggests that sildenafil citrate has a supportive effect, and that this decrease is also seen in the RI value, suggesting that its effect is insufficient against the vasoconstrictive effect of PGF2 α.

Administration with L-glutamine and L-glutathione protects the nitrergic innervation of the penile tissue of diabetic rats

Erectile dysfunction is caused due to neuropathy, resulting from a high oxidative stress, in this way treatment with antioxidants may be promising. Aim of this work was toinvestigate the effects of the administration of 2% L-glutamine and 1% L-glutathione on the penile tissue of diabetic rats analyzing the nerve fibers that expressing Nitric Oxide Synthase Neuronal (nNOS). Forty-eight male Wistar rats distributed into six groups were used: normoglycemic, diabetic, normoglycemic administered with 2% L-glutamine, normoglycemic administered with 1% L-glutathione, diabetic administered with 2% L-glutamine, and diabetic administered with 1% L-glutathione. After a 120 days experimental period, the animals were euthanized, and the penile tissues were collected and processed for the subsequent immunohistochemical procedure (nNOS) and posterior varicosities morphometry analysis. Diabetic rats administered with L-glutamine and with L-glutathione displayed larger varicosity areas of 14 and 15% compared to the diabetic group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the administration of 2% L-glutamine and 1% L-glutathione in normoglycemic animals promoted a reduction of 3.3% and 2.4% compared to the normoglycemic group (p < 0.05). We concluded that both L-glutamine and L-glutathione administrations exerted a protective effect on the penile nitrergic innervation of diabetic rats, which can have a positive impact on the erectile function and thattheir use in normoglycemic animals should be better investigated.(AU)

Range of factors in the reduction of hyperhydricity associated with in vitro shoots of Salvia santolinifolia Bioss / Gama de fatores na redução da hiperidricidade associada a brotos in vitro de Salvia santolinifolia Bioss

Hyperhydricity is a serious physiological disorder and affects In vitro propagation of many plants and as well of Salvia santolinifolia. The donor material to initiate the in vitro culture was the callus taken from the in vitro shoots produced on Murashig and Skoogs (MS) medium at 4.0 mg/l BA. This callus formed numerous hyperhydric shoots on culturing upon the medium of the same composition. The aim was to systematically evaluate the effect of cytokinins (Benzyladnine (BA) and N6-(-2-isopentenyl) adenine (2iP), culture vessels magnitude, medium solidification, source of nitrogen and calcium chloride for the alleviation of hyperhydricity. In the tissue cultures of S. santolinifolia BA and 2iP induced severe hyperhydricity, when other factors i.e. culture vessels magnitude and a suitable concentration of agar, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), potassium nitrate (KNO3) & calcium chloride (CaCl2.2H2O) were not optimized. After 30 days' culture, we observed 83.82% hyperhydric shoots at increased level (1.5 mg/l 2iP) and 81.59% at decreased levels (1.0 mg/l 2iP). On the other hand, hyperhydricity percentage at decreased (0.4%) and at increased (0.8%) levels of agar were 72.37% and 39.08%, respectively. MS medium modification with NH4NO3 (412 mg/l), KNO3 (475 mg/l) and CaCl2.2H2O (880 mg/l) was found the best medium to reduced hyperhydricity (23.6%).

A hiperidricidade é um distúrbio fisiológico sério e afeta a propagação in vitro de muitas plantas e também da Salvia santolinifolia. O material doador para iniciar a cultura in vitro foi o calo retirado dos brotos in vitro produzidos em meio Murashig e Skoogs (MS) a 4,0 mg / l BA. Esse calo formou numerosos rebentos hiperídricos em cultura no meio da mesma composição. O objetivo foi avaliar sistematicamente o efeito das citocininas (Benziladnina (BA) e N6 - (- 2-isopentenil) adenina (2iP), magnitude dos vasos de cultura, solidificação do meio, fonte de nitrogênio e cloreto de cálcio para o alívio da hiperidricidade. culturas de tecidos de S. santolinifolia BA e 2iP induziram hiperidricidade severa, quando outros fatores, como magnitude dos vasos de cultura e uma concentração adequada de ágar, nitrato de amônio (NH4NO3), nitrato de potássio (KNO3) e cloreto de cálcio (CaCl2.2H2O), não foram otimizados. Após 30 dias de cultura, observamos 83,82% de brotos hiperídricos em níveis aumentados (1,5 mg / l 2iP) e 81,59% em níveis reduzidos (1,0 mg / l 2iP). Por outro lado, a porcentagem de hiperidricidade diminuiu (0,4%) e em níveis aumentados (0,8%) de ágar foram 72,37% e 39,08%, respectivamente. A modificação do meio MS com NH4NO3 (412 mg / l), KNO3 (475 mg / l) e CaCl2.2H2O (880 mg / l) foi encontrada melhor hiperidricidade média a reduzida (23,6%).

Range of factors in the reduction of hyperhydricity associated with in vitro shoots of Salvia santolinifolia Bioss / Gama de fatores na redução da hiperidricidade associada a brotos in vitro de Salvia santolinifolia Bioss

Hyperhydricity is a serious physiological disorder and affects In vitro propagation of many plants and as well of Salvia santolinifolia. The donor material to initiate the in vitro culture was the callus taken from the in vitro shoots produced on Murashig and Skoogs (MS) medium at 4.0 mg/l BA. This callus formed numerous hyperhydric shoots on culturing upon the medium of the same composition. The aim was to systematically evaluate the effect of cytokinins (Benzyladnine (BA) and N6-(-2-isopentenyl) adenine (2iP), culture vessels magnitude, medium solidification, source of nitrogen and calcium chloride for the alleviation of hyperhydricity. In the tissue cultures of S. santolinifolia BA and 2iP induced severe hyperhydricity, when other factors i.e. culture vessels magnitude and a suitable concentration of agar, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), potassium nitrate (KNO3) & calcium chloride (CaCl2.2H2O) were not optimized. After 30 days' culture, we observed 83.82% hyperhydric shoots at increased level (1.5 mg/l 2iP) and 81.59% at decreased levels (1.0 mg/l 2iP). On the other hand, hyperhydricity percentage at decreased (0.4%) and at increased (0.8%) levels of agar were 72.37% and 39.08%, respectively. MS medium modification with NH4NO3 (412 mg/l), KNO3 (475 mg/l) and CaCl2.2H2O (880 mg/l) was found the best medium to reduced hyperhydricity (23.6%).(AU)

A hiperidricidade é um distúrbio fisiológico sério e afeta a propagação in vitro de muitas plantas e também da Salvia santolinifolia. O material doador para iniciar a cultura in vitro foi o calo retirado dos brotos in vitro produzidos em meio Murashig e Skoogs (MS) a 4,0 mg / l BA. Esse calo formou numerosos rebentos hiperídricos em cultura no meio da mesma composição. O objetivo foi avaliar sistematicamente o efeito das citocininas (Benziladnina (BA) e N6 - (- 2-isopentenil) adenina (2iP), magnitude dos vasos de cultura, solidificação do meio, fonte de nitrogênio e cloreto de cálcio para o alívio da hiperidricidade. culturas de tecidos de S. santolinifolia BA e 2iP induziram hiperidricidade severa, quando outros fatores, como magnitude dos vasos de cultura e uma concentração adequada de ágar, nitrato de amônio (NH4NO3), nitrato de potássio (KNO3) e cloreto de cálcio (CaCl2.2H2O), não foram otimizados. Após 30 dias de cultura, observamos 83,82% de brotos hiperídricos em níveis aumentados (1,5 mg / l 2iP) e 81,59% em níveis reduzidos (1,0 mg / l 2iP). Por outro lado, a porcentagem de hiperidricidade diminuiu (0,4%) e em níveis aumentados (0,8%) de ágar foram 72,37% e 39,08%, respectivamente. A modificação do meio MS com NH4NO3 (412 mg / l), KNO3 (475 mg / l) e CaCl2.2H2O (880 mg / l) foi encontrada melhor hiperidricidade média a reduzida (23,6%).(AU)

A Physiological behavior and tolerance of Lactuca sativa to lead nitrate and silver nitrate heavy metals / Comportamento fisiológico e tolerância de Lactuca sativa aos metais pesados nitrato de chumbo e nitrato de prata

This study goal to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of lead (Pb) and silver (Ag) on germination, initial growth and anatomical alterations of Lactuca sativa L. Plants use various mechanisms to reduce the impacts caused by anthropic action, such as xenobiotic elements of soils and water contaminated by heavy metals. These metals were supplied as lead nitrate and silver nitrate and the following treatments were established: control for both metals, maximum dose of heavy metals, for arable soils, allowed by the National Council of the Environment (Ag = 25 mg. Kg-1, Pb = 180 mg. Kg-1), double (Ag = 50 mg. Kg-1, Pb = 360 mg. Kg-1) and triple (Ag = 75 mg. Kg-1, Pb = 540 mg. Kg -1) of this dosage. Vigor and germination tests of the seeds and possible anatomical changes in the leaves and roots of lettuce plants were performed. The species showed a high capacity to germinate under Pb and Ag stress, and the germination was never completely inhibited; however, the germination decreased with increasing Pb concentrations, but not under Ag stress. The use of increasing doses of metals reduced seed vigor and increased chlorophyll content. An increase in biomass was also observed in plants from treatments submitted to Pb. The phytotoxic effects of metals were more pronounced at 15 days after sowing. Anatomically, L. sativa was influenced by metal concentrations, and had a reduction of up to 79.9% in root epidermis thickness at the highest Pb concentration, although some structures did not suffer significant changes. The results suggest that L. sativa presents tolerance to high concentrations of heavy metals, showing possible mechanisms to overcome the stress caused by these metals. In this research lettuce possibly used the mechanism of exclusion of metals retaining Pb and Ag in the roots preserving the photosynthetic apparatus in the aerial part of the plants. In general, the chemical element Pb was more toxic than Ag, in these experimental conditions.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes concentrações de chumbo (Pb) e prata (Ag) na germinação, crescimento inicial e alterações anatômicas de Lactuca sativa L. As plantas utilizam vários mecanismos para reduzir os impactos causados pela ação antrópica, como elementos xenobióticos de solos e água contaminada por metais pesados. Esses metais foram fornecidos como nitrato de chumbo e nitrato de prata e foram estabelecidos os seguintes tratamentos: controle para ambos os metais, dose máxima de metais pesados, para solos cultiváveis, permitida pelo Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente (Ag = 25mg.Kg-1, Pb = 180mg.Kg-1), dobro (Ag = 50mg.Kg-1, Pb = 360mg.Kg-1) e triplo (Ag = 75mg.Kg-1, Pb = 540 mg.Kg -1) desta dosagem. Foram realizados testes de vigor e germinação das sementes e possíveis alterações anatômicas nas folhas e raízes das plantas de alface. A espécie apresentou alta capacidade de germinar sob estresse de Ag e Pb, e a germinação nunca foi completamente inibida; entretanto, a germinação diminuiu com o aumento das concentrações de Pb, mas não sob estresse de Ag. O uso de doses crescentes dos metais, reduziu o vigor das sementes e aumentou o teor de clorofila. Também foi observado aumento da biomassa nas plantas a partir dos tratamentos submetidos ao Pb. Os efeitos fitotóxicos dos metais foram mais acentuados aos 15 dias após a semeadura. Anatomicamente, L. sativa foi influenciada pelas concentrações de metais, e teve uma redução de até 79,9% na espessura da epiderme radicular na maior concentração de Pb, embora algumas estruturas não tenham sofrido alterações significativas. Os resultados sugerem que L. sativa apresenta tolerância a altas concentrações de metais pesados, mostrando possíveis mecanismos para superar o estresse causado por esses metais. Nesta pesquisa a alface possivelmente utilizou o mecanismo de exclusão de metais retendo Pb e Ag nas raízes preservando o aparato fotossintético na parte aérea das plantas. De forma geral o elemento químico Pb se mostrou mais tóxico que Ag, nestas condições experimentais.

Development of the prickly pear cactus Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. (Cactaceae) in vitro in response to the replacement of potassium nitrate for a commercial kno 3 fertilizer / Desenvolvimento da palma Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. (Cactaceae) in vitro em resposta à substituição de nitrato de potássio (P.A.) por fertilizante comercial KNO 3

In micropropagation, potassium nitrate (KNO3), an ACS reagent grade chemical, used in the preparation of growing mediums is expensive and its procurement depends on bureaucratic procedures, as it is controlled by the Brazilian Army. This research to assessed the effect of replacing the ACS KNO3 for a commercially available fertilizer (KNO3- based) on the micropropagation of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cv. Elephant Ear. Treatments used six different fertilizer concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 g L-¹) and a control consisting of 1.9 g L-¹ KNO3, as shown in the MS salts. The survival, size and number of sprouts and the value of fresh biomass were evaluated. After seedling acclimation, we assessed the survival, number of sprouts, length, and number of roots, racket formation, average fresh biomass mass, macronutrient absorption and morphological changes of the seedlings. Explants inoculated with fertilizers at concentrations of 0.0; 2.0 and 2.5 g L-¹ did not grow. The response of explants at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.5 g L-¹ of the fertilizer were the same as those developed in a KNO3 medium, and at a concentration of 1.0 g L-¹, in all variables, the means were higher than those of the control medium. Therefore, it showed the feasibility of using fertilizers in the in vitro cultivation of the prickly pear cactus, which may remove bureaucratic barriers and reduce product costs by 99.12%.

Na micropropagação, o nitrato de potássio (KNO3), reagente puro para análise (P.A.), utilizado no preparo dos meios de cultura, possui custo elevado e a sua aquisição depende de trâmites burocráticos, por se tratar de substância controlada pelo Exército Brasileiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do KNO3 P.A. por fertilizante comercial (com fonte de KNO3), encontrado livremente no comércio, na micropropagação de palma (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cv Orelha de Elefante. Os tratamentos foram de seis concentrações do fertilizante (0; 0,5; 1; 1,5; 2 e 2,5 g L-¹) e um controle constituído de 1,9 g L-¹ de reagente KNO3, conforme mostrado nos sais MS. Avaliou-se a sobrevivência, tamanho e número de brotações do explante, e o valor da biomassa fresca. Após a aclimatização das mudas avaliou-se a sobrevivência, número de brotações, comprimento da parte aérea, número de raízes, formação da raquete, massa média da biomassa fresca, absorção de macronutrientes e alterações morfológicas das mudas. Os explantes inoculados em meio com fertilizantes nas concentrações de 0,0; 2,0 e 2,5 g L-¹ não se desenvolveram. A resposta dos explantes nas concentrações de 0,5 e 1,5 g L-¹ do fertilizante foram iguais aos desenvolvidos em meio contendo KNO3, e na concentração de 1,0 g L-¹, em todas as variáveis, as médias foram superiores em relação as do controle. Dessa forma, constatou-se a viabilidade do uso do fertilizante no cultivo in vitro da palma, o que propiciou a eliminação dos entraves burocráticos e redução no custo de 99,12% na compra do produto.

Development of the prickly pear cactus Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. (Cactaceae) in vitro in response to the replacement of potassium nitrate for a commercial kno 3 fertilizer / Desenvolvimento da palma Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. (Cactaceae) in vitro em resposta à substituição de nitrato de potássio (P.A.) por fertilizante comercial KNO 3

In micropropagation, potassium nitrate (KNO3), an ACS reagent grade chemical, used in the preparation of growing mediums is expensive and its procurement depends on bureaucratic procedures, as it is controlled by the Brazilian Army. This research to assessed the effect of replacing the ACS KNO3 for a commercially available fertilizer (KNO3- based) on the micropropagation of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cv. Elephant Ear. Treatments used six different fertilizer concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 g L-¹) and a control consisting of 1.9 g L-¹ KNO3, as shown in the MS salts. The survival, size and number of sprouts and the value of fresh biomass were evaluated. After seedling acclimation, we assessed the survival, number of sprouts, length, and number of roots, racket formation, average fresh biomass mass, macronutrient absorption and morphological changes of the seedlings. Explants inoculated with fertilizers at concentrations of 0.0; 2.0 and 2.5 g L-¹ did not grow. The response of explants at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.5 g L-¹ of the fertilizer were the same as those developed in a KNO3 medium, and at a concentration of 1.0 g L-¹, in all variables, the means were higher than those of the control medium. Therefore, it showed the feasibility of using fertilizers in the in vitro cultivation of the prickly pear cactus, which may remove bureaucratic barriers and reduce product costs by 99.12%.(AU)

Na micropropagação, o nitrato de potássio (KNO3), reagente puro para análise (P.A.), utilizado no preparo dos meios de cultura, possui custo elevado e a sua aquisição depende de trâmites burocráticos, por se tratar de substância controlada pelo Exército Brasileiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do KNO3 P.A. por fertilizante comercial (com fonte de KNO3), encontrado livremente no comércio, na micropropagação de palma (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cv Orelha de Elefante. Os tratamentos foram de seis concentrações do fertilizante (0; 0,5; 1; 1,5; 2 e 2,5 g L-¹) e um controle constituído de 1,9 g L-¹ de reagente KNO3, conforme mostrado nos sais MS. Avaliou-se a sobrevivência, tamanho e número de brotações do explante, e o valor da biomassa fresca. Após a aclimatização das mudas avaliou-se a sobrevivência, número de brotações, comprimento da parte aérea, número de raízes, formação da raquete, massa média da biomassa fresca, absorção de macronutrientes e alterações morfológicas das mudas. Os explantes inoculados em meio com fertilizantes nas concentrações de 0,0; 2,0 e 2,5 g L-¹ não se desenvolveram. A resposta dos explantes nas concentrações de 0,5 e 1,5 g L-¹ do fertilizante foram iguais aos desenvolvidos em meio contendo KNO3, e na concentração de 1,0 g L-¹, em todas as variáveis, as médias foram superiores em relação as do controle. Dessa forma, constatou-se a viabilidade do uso do fertilizante no cultivo in vitro da palma, o que propiciou a eliminação dos entraves burocráticos e redução no custo de 99,12% na compra do produto.(AU)

Venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps attenuates inflammatory pain in mouse cutaneous wound healing model

Arthropod venoms are potential sources of bioactive substances, providing tools for the validation of popular use and new drugs design. Ants belonging to the genus Dinoponera are used in the folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. It was previously demonstrated that the venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps (DqV), containing a mixture of polypeptides, elicit antinociceptive effect in mice models of chemical, mechanical and thermal nociception. The aim of this study was to evaluate DqV antiinflammatory and antihypernociceptive effects in a mice model of traumatic cutaneous wound. Colonies of D. quadriceps were collected in the 'Serra de Maranguape' (State of Ceará, northeastern Brazil), a small mountain range located on the coastal zone, and the venom secreted by the ant glands was extracted with capillary tubes, further lyophilized and maintained at -20 ± 1ºC until use. Wounds were performed in the dorsum of Swiss mice. Animals received intravenous (i.v.) injection of DqV (50 µg kg-1 day-1) during 3 days for evaluation of inflammatory parameters present in the wounds: hypernociception, leukocyte infiltrate, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite/nitrate content. Data was tested by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc test. DqV reduced (2.7 folds) hypernociception at 48 hours, leukocyte infiltration by 65% at 6 hours and myeloperoxidase activity by 60% at 0.5 hour after wound induction. In conclusion, the venom extracted from D. quadriceps glands attenuates inflammation and hypernociception in mice cutaneous wounds.(AU)

Growth and proximate composition of Pleurotus ostreatuscultivated on green bocaiuva pulp substrates with different nitrogen sources

The aim of this work was to evaluate the growth and the proximate compositionof the mycelium-based bocaiuva pulp with the edible mushroom Pleurotusostreatuson green bocaiuva flour added with different sources of nitrogen (urea, ammonium nitrate and sulfate ammonia). Growth was monitored by kinectics. At the end, the proximate composition of the best three treatments (dehydrated green bocaiuva pulp and water, T1; dehydrated green bocaiuva pulp and ammonium nitrate, T3; and green bocaiuva pulp/wheat bran and ammonium nitrate, T7) was determined. Ammonium nitrate was the nitrogen source that showed the greatest growth in both substrates (T3:8.33 cm and T7:7.67 cm) in relation to the other treatments (4.67 to 7.17 cm), with emphasis on the green bocaiuva pulp. The substrate with green bocaiuva pulp and water was the one that showed the highest growth (7.50 cm), which was close to the treatment with mixed substrate and ammonium nitrate (7.67 cm). The treatment with the green bocaiuva pulp and ammonium nitrate (T3) was highlighted due to its significant increase in proteins (9.42 g 100 g-1) and fibers (5.21 g 100 g-1), and decrease in carbohydrates (9.52 g 100 g-1), in comparison to the other treatments T7 (8.94, 2.16, and 5.99 g 100 g-1, respectively) and T1 (2.78, 4.33, and 2.28 g 100 g-1, respectively). The product obtained from the growth of P. ostreatusin green bocaiuva pulp presents promising perspectives to be utilized as raw material for the development of new food products with added nutritional value.

Growth and proximate composition of Pleurotus ostreatuscultivated on green bocaiuva pulp substrates with different nitrogen sources

The aim of this work was to evaluate the growth and the proximate compositionof the mycelium-based bocaiuva pulp with the edible mushroom Pleurotusostreatuson green bocaiuva flour added with different sources of nitrogen (urea, ammonium nitrate and sulfate ammonia). Growth was monitored by kinectics. At the end, the proximate composition of the best three treatments (dehydrated green bocaiuva pulp and water, T1; dehydrated green bocaiuva pulp and ammonium nitrate, T3; and green bocaiuva pulp/wheat bran and ammonium nitrate, T7) was determined. Ammonium nitrate was the nitrogen source that showed the greatest growth in both substrates (T3:8.33 cm and T7:7.67 cm) in relation to the other treatments (4.67 to 7.17 cm), with emphasis on the green bocaiuva pulp. The substrate with green bocaiuva pulp and water was the one that showed the highest growth (7.50 cm), which was close to the treatment with mixed substrate and ammonium nitrate (7.67 cm). The treatment with the green bocaiuva pulp and ammonium nitrate (T3) was highlighted due to its significant increase in proteins (9.42 g 100 g-1) and fibers (5.21 g 100 g-1), and decrease in carbohydrates (9.52 g 100 g-1), in comparison to the other treatments T7 (8.94, 2.16, and 5.99 g 100 g-1, respectively) and T1 (2.78, 4.33, and 2.28 g 100 g-1, respectively). The product obtained from the growth of P. ostreatusin green bocaiuva pulp presents promising perspectives to be utilized as raw material for the development of new food products with added nutritional value.(AU)

Plant density and nitrogen topdressing of high-altitude main-season corn / Densidade de plantas e doses de nitrogênio em cobertura no milho safra em elevada altitude

An appropriate combination of plant density with nitrogen (N) fertilization can optimize corn growth an increase grain yields. This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen topdressing rates and plant density levels on the agronomic performance of corn. The early hybrid DKB 240 YG, with high yield potential and stability, was evaluated in two summer crops in Mauá da Serra, Paraná (950 m asl), in a Cfb climate, on a Rhodic Eutrudox. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete blocks and subdivided plots with four replications. The plant densities (60,000; 75,000; 90,000 and 105,000 plants ha-¹) were assessed in the plots and the nitrogen (ammonium nitrate 32% N) topdressing rates (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg ha-¹)in the subplots. The stem diameter, plant height, ear insertion height and grain yield were evaluated. The stem diameter, plant height, ear insertion height and grain yield were influenced by the interaction between plant density and nitrogen topdressing under the tested high-altitude edaphoclimatic conditions. The stem diameter of corn plants decreased due to the increase in plant density where as nitrogen topdressing attenuated this reduction. Maximum plant height was observed at a density of 75,000 plants ha-¹ associated with a topdressing of 169 kg ha-¹ of N, and highest ear insertion at 60,000 plants ha-¹ and 168 kg ha-¹ of N. Corn yield was highest at a density of 105,000 plants ha-¹ associated with a topdressing of 185 kg N ha-¹ of N.

A adequada combinação entre densidade de plantas e adubação nitrogenada (N) pode favorecer o crescimento e incrementar a produtividade de grãos do milho. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de níveis da adubação nitrogenada em cobertura associado a densidades de plantas sobre o desempenho agronômico do milho. O experimento foi conduzido em duas safras de verão em Mauá da Serra – PR (950 m), clima do tipo Cfb, em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, com o híbrido precoce de alto potencial produtivo e estabilidade no plantio DKB 240 YG. Utilizou-se blocos completos casualizados e parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Nas parcelas, alocaram-se as densidades de plantas (60.000, 75.000, 90.000 e 105.000 plantas ha-¹) e, nas subparcelas, as doses de N (nitrato de amônio 32% N) em cobertura (0, 60, 120, 180 e 240 kg ha-¹). Foram avaliados o diâmetro de colmo, a altura de plantas e de inserção da espiga e a produtividade de grãos. O diâmetro do colmo, a altura de plantas, de inserção da espiga e a produtividade de grãos são influenciadas pela interação entre densidade de plantas e níveis de N em cobertura sob condições edáficas e meteorológicas em elevada altitude. O diâmetro de colmo do milho diminui pelo acréscimo na densidade de plantas e o N em cobertura atenua essa redução. A altura máxima das plantas foi observada na densidade de 75.000 plantas ha-¹ associada a cobertura de 169 kg ha-¹ de N e a maior inserção de espigas com 60.000 plantas ha-¹ e 168 kg ha-¹ de N. A produtividade do milho foi maior na densidade de 105.000 plantas ha-1 associada a uma cobertura de 185 kg ha-¹ de N.

Plant density and nitrogen topdressing of high-altitude main-season corn / Densidade de plantas e doses de nitrogênio em cobertura no milho safra em elevada altitude

An appropriate combination of plant density with nitrogen (N) fertilization can optimize corn growth an increase grain yields. This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen topdressing rates and plant density levels on the agronomic performance of corn. The early hybrid DKB 240 YG, with high yield potential and stability, was evaluated in two summer crops in Mauá da Serra, Paraná (950 m asl), in a Cfb climate, on a Rhodic Eutrudox. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete blocks and subdivided plots with four replications. The plant densities (60,000; 75,000; 90,000 and 105,000 plants ha-¹) were assessed in the plots and the nitrogen (ammonium nitrate 32% N) topdressing rates (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg ha-¹)in the subplots. The stem diameter, plant height, ear insertion height and grain yield were evaluated. The stem diameter, plant height, ear insertion height and grain yield were influenced by the interaction between plant density and nitrogen topdressing under the tested high-altitude edaphoclimatic conditions. The stem diameter of corn plants decreased due to the increase in plant density where as nitrogen topdressing attenuated this reduction. Maximum plant height was observed at a density of 75,000 plants ha-¹ associated with a topdressing of 169 kg ha-¹ of N, and highest ear insertion at 60,000 plants ha-¹ and 168 kg ha-¹ of N. Corn yield was highest at a density of 105,000 plants ha-¹ associated with a topdressing of 185 kg N ha-¹ of N.(AU)

A adequada combinação entre densidade de plantas e adubação nitrogenada (N) pode favorecer o crescimento e incrementar a produtividade de grãos do milho. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de níveis da adubação nitrogenada em cobertura associado a densidades de plantas sobre o desempenho agronômico do milho. O experimento foi conduzido em duas safras de verão em Mauá da Serra PR (950 m), clima do tipo Cfb, em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, com o híbrido precoce de alto potencial produtivo e estabilidade no plantio DKB 240 YG. Utilizou-se blocos completos casualizados e parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Nas parcelas, alocaram-se as densidades de plantas (60.000, 75.000, 90.000 e 105.000 plantas ha-¹) e, nas subparcelas, as doses de N (nitrato de amônio 32% N) em cobertura (0, 60, 120, 180 e 240 kg ha-¹). Foram avaliados o diâmetro de colmo, a altura de plantas e de inserção da espiga e a produtividade de grãos. O diâmetro do colmo, a altura de plantas, de inserção da espiga e a produtividade de grãos são influenciadas pela interação entre densidade de plantas e níveis de N em cobertura sob condições edáficas e meteorológicas em elevada altitude. O diâmetro de colmo do milho diminui pelo acréscimo na densidade de plantas e o N em cobertura atenua essa redução. A altura máxima das plantas foi observada na densidade de 75.000 plantas ha-¹ associada a cobertura de 169 kg ha-¹ de N e a maior inserção de espigas com 60.000 plantas ha-¹ e 168 kg ha-¹ de N. A produtividade do milho foi maior na densidade de 105.000 plantas ha-1 associada a uma cobertura de 185 kg ha-¹ de N.(AU)

Comparative study between fructose 1-6 bisphosphate and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate in liver preservation in rats submitted to total cold ischemia

Purpose. To compare Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate (FBP) to Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) in liver preservation at cold ischemia.. Methods. Male rats (Sprague-Dawley: 280-340g) divided into three groups (n=7): Control; Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP); Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK). Animals underwent laparotomy-thoracotomy for perfusion of livers with saline. Livers were removed and deposited into solutions. Mitochondria were isolated to determine State 3 (S3), State 4 (S4), Respiratory Control Ratio (RCR) and Swelling (S). Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH) were determined in solution. At tissue, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitrate (NOx) were determined. All parameters were analyzed at 0.6 and 24 hours of hypothermic preservation. Statistics analysis were made by Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05).. Results. Regarding ALT, there was a difference between FBP-6h/HTK-6h, lower in HTK. Regarding AST, there was a significant difference between FBP-24h/HTK-24h, lower in FBP. Regarding NOx, there was a difference between 0h and 6h, as well as 0h and 24h for both solutions. Regarding S3, there was a significant difference in 24h compared to Control-0h for both solutions, and a significant difference between FBP-6h/FBP-24h. Regarding S4, there was a difference between Control-0h/HTK-24h and FBP-24h/HTK-24h, higher in HTK. There was a difference between Control-0h/FBP-24h for Swelling, higher in FBP.. Conclusion. Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate showed better performance at nitrate and aspartate aminotransferase compared to histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate.(AU)

Comparative study between fructose 1-6 bisphosphate and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate in liver preservation in rats submitted to total cold ischemia

Purpose To compare Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate (FBP) to Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) in liver preservation at cold ischemia. Methods Male rats (Sprague-Dawley: 280-340g) divided into three groups (n=7): Control; Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP); Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK). Animals underwent laparotomy-thoracotomy for perfusion of livers with saline. Livers were removed and deposited into solutions. Mitochondria were isolated to determine State 3 (S3), State 4 (S4), Respiratory Control Ratio (RCR) and Swelling (S). Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH) were determined in solution. At tissue, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitrate (NOx) were determined. All parameters were analyzed at 0.6 and 24 hours of hypothermic preservation. Statistics analysis were made by Mann-Whitney test (p 0.05). Results Regarding ALT, there was a difference between FBP-6h/HTK-6h, lower in HTK. Regarding AST, there was a significant difference between FBP-24h/HTK-24h, lower in FBP. Regarding NOx, there was a difference between 0h and 6h, as well as 0h and 24h for both solutions. Regarding S3, there was a significant difference in 24h compared to Control-0h for both solutions, and a significant difference between FBP-6h/FBP-24h. Regarding S4, there was a difference between Control-0h/HTK-24h and FBP-24h/HTK-24h, higher in HTK. There was a difference between Control-0h/FBP-24h for Swelling, higher in FBP. Conclusion Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate showed better performance at nitrate and aspartate aminotransferase compared to histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate.(AU)

Venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps attenuates inflammatory pain in mouse cutaneous wound healing model

Arthropod venoms are potential sources of bioactive substances, providing tools for the validation of popular use and new drugs design. Ants belonging to the genus Dinoponera are used in the folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. It was previously demonstrated that the venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps (DqV), containing a mixture of polypeptides, elicit antinociceptive effect in mice models of chemical, mechanical and thermal nociception. The aim of this study was to evaluate DqV antiinflammatory and antihypernociceptive effects in a mice model of traumatic cutaneous wound. Colonies of D. quadriceps were collected in the ‘‘Serra de Maranguape’’ (State of Ceará, northeastern Brazil), a small mountain range located on the coastal zone, and the venom secreted by the ant glands was extracted with capillary tubes, further lyophilized and maintained at -20 ± 1ºC until use. Wounds were performed in the dorsum of Swiss mice. Animals received intravenous (i.v.) injection of DqV (50 µg -1kg day-1) during 3 days for evaluation of inflammatory parameters present in the wounds: hypernociception, leukocyte infiltrate, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite nitrate-1 content. Data was tested by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s post-hoc test. DqV reduced (2.7 folds) hypernociception at 48 hours, leukocyte infiltration by 65% at 6 hours and myeloperoxidase activity by 60% at 0.5 hour after wound induction. In conclusion, the venom extracted from D. quadriceps glands attenuates inflammation and hypernociception in mice cutaneous wounds.

Venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps attenuates inflammatory pain in mouse cutaneous wound healing model

Arthropod venoms are potential sources of bioactive substances, providing tools for the validation of popular use and new drugs design. Ants belonging to the genus Dinoponera are used in the folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. It was previously demonstrated that the venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps (DqV), containing a mixture of polypeptides, elicit antinociceptive effect in mice models of chemical, mechanical and thermal nociception. The aim of this study was to evaluate DqV antiinflammatory and antihypernociceptive effects in a mice model of traumatic cutaneous wound. Colonies of D. quadriceps were collected in the ‘‘Serra de Maranguape (State of Ceará, northeastern Brazil), a small mountain range located on the coastal zone, and the venom secreted by the ant glands was extracted with capillary tubes, further lyophilized and maintained at -20 ± 1ºC until use. Wounds were performed in the dorsum of Swiss mice. Animals received intravenous (i.v.) injection of DqV (50 µg -1kg day-1) during 3 days for evaluation of inflammatory parameters present in the wounds: hypernociception, leukocyte infiltrate, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite nitrate-1 content. Data was tested by two-way ANOVA and Bonferronis post-hoc test. DqV reduced (2.7 folds) hypernociception at 48 hours, leukocyte infiltration by 65% at 6 hours and myeloperoxidase activity by 60% at 0.5 hour after wound induction. In conclusion, the venom extracted from D. quadriceps glands attenuates inflammation and hypernociception in mice cutaneous wounds.(AU)

Biomarcadores enzimáticos e histológicos em brânquias de Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ucididae) indicativos de impactos ambientais em uma região portuária do nordeste do Brasil / [Enzymatic and histological biomarkers in Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ucididae) gills indicative of environmental impacts in a port region of northeastern Brazil]

Objetivou-se neste estudo analisar biomarcadores histológicos e bioquímicos em brânquias de U. cordatus indicativos de impactos na Baía de São Marcos. Caranguejos foram coletados em quatro áreas na Baía de São Marcos: A1= Ilha dos Caranguejos (com baixo impacto); A2= Coqueiro, A3= Porto Grande, A4= Cajueiro (áreas potencialmente impactadas). Mediram-se os dados biométricos de cada exemplar de caranguejo. Amostras de brânquias foram submetidas à técnica histológica padrão e homogeneizadas em tampão fosfato, e o sobrenadante foi utilizado para análise das enzimas glutationa-S-transferase (GST) e catalase (CAT). A biometria indicou que os caranguejos de A1 são significativamente (P<0,05) maiores e mais pesados do que os caranguejos das áreas A2, A3 e A4. As alterações branquiais (rompimento das células pilastras, deformação do canal marginal, deslocamento da cutícula e necrose) foram significativamente (P˂0,05) mais frequentes em caranguejos de A2, A3 e A4 do que nos caranguejos de A1. As atividades enzimáticas da GST e CAT nos caranguejos apresentaram diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre as áreas de coletas, com padrão similar ao observado para as alterações branquiais. Os biomarcadores analisados mostraram que os caranguejos estão sob diferentes níveis de impactos (A4>A3>A2>A1) ao longo da Baía de São Marcos.(AU)

The objective of this study was to analyze histological and biochemical biomarkers in U. cordatus gills indicative of impacts in São Marcos Bay. Crabs were collected from four areas in São Marcos Bay: A1=Ilha dos Caranguejos (with low impact); A2=Coqueiro, A3=Porto Grande, A4=Cajueiro (potentially impacted areas). The biometric data of each specimen was measured. Gill samples were submitted to standard histological technique and homogenized in phosphate buffer, and the supernatant was used for analysis of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity. Biometric data indicated that crabs found in A1 are significantly (P<0.05) larger and heavier than crabs found in A2, A3 and A4 areas. Gill alterations (rupture of pilaster cells, Dilation of the marginal channel, Cuticle Rupture and necrosis) were significantly (P˂0.05) more frequent in the crabs in A2, A3 and A4 than crabs in A1. The enzymatic activities of GST and CAT showed significant difference (P<0.05) between the sampling areas, similar to that observed for gill alterations. The biomarkers analyzed showed that the crabs are under different impact levels (A4> A3> A2> A1) along the São Marcos Bay.(AU)

Biomarcadores enzimáticos e histológicos em brânquias de Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ucididae) indicativos de impactos ambientais em uma região portuária do nordeste do Brasil / [Enzymatic and histological biomarkers in Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ucididae) gills indicative of environmental impacts in a port region of northeastern Brazil]

Objetivou-se neste estudo analisar biomarcadores histológicos e bioquímicos em brânquias de U. cordatus indicativos de impactos na Baía de São Marcos. Caranguejos foram coletados em quatro áreas na Baía de São Marcos: A1= Ilha dos Caranguejos (com baixo impacto); A2= Coqueiro, A3= Porto Grande, A4= Cajueiro (áreas potencialmente impactadas). Mediram-se os dados biométricos de cada exemplar de caranguejo. Amostras de brânquias foram submetidas à técnica histológica padrão e homogeneizadas em tampão fosfato, e o sobrenadante foi utilizado para análise das enzimas glutationa-S-transferase (GST) e catalase (CAT). A biometria indicou que os caranguejos de A1 são significativamente (P<0,05) maiores e mais pesados do que os caranguejos das áreas A2, A3 e A4. As alterações branquiais (rompimento das células pilastras, deformação do canal marginal, deslocamento da cutícula e necrose) foram significativamente (P˂0,05) mais frequentes em caranguejos de A2, A3 e A4 do que nos caranguejos de A1. As atividades enzimáticas da GST e CAT nos caranguejos apresentaram diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre as áreas de coletas, com padrão similar ao observado para as alterações branquiais. Os biomarcadores analisados mostraram que os caranguejos estão sob diferentes níveis de impactos (A4>A3>A2>A1) ao longo da Baía de São Marcos.(AU)

The objective of this study was to analyze histological and biochemical biomarkers in U. cordatus gills indicative of impacts in São Marcos Bay. Crabs were collected from four areas in São Marcos Bay: A1=Ilha dos Caranguejos (with low impact); A2=Coqueiro, A3=Porto Grande, A4=Cajueiro (potentially impacted areas). The biometric data of each specimen was measured. Gill samples were submitted to standard histological technique and homogenized in phosphate buffer, and the supernatant was used for analysis of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity. Biometric data indicated that crabs found in A1 are significantly (P<0.05) larger and heavier than crabs found in A2, A3 and A4 areas. Gill alterations (rupture of pilaster cells, Dilation of the marginal channel, Cuticle Rupture and necrosis) were significantly (P˂0.05) more frequent in the crabs in A2, A3 and A4 than crabs in A1. The enzymatic activities of GST and CAT showed significant difference (P<0.05) between the sampling areas, similar to that observed for gill alterations. The biomarkers analyzed showed that the crabs are under different impact levels (A4> A3> A2> A1) along the São Marcos Bay.(AU)

Concentrações de nitrato em águas de abastecimento público de 88 municípios da Rede Regional de Atenção à Saúde 13 do estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Concentrations of nitrate in the public water supply of 88 municipalities of the Regional Health Care Network 13 of the São Paulo State, Brazil

Este trabalho apresenta as concentrações de nitrato e suas correlações com as demais variáveis obtidas da análise de 21 parâmetros físico-químicos em 4.347 amostras de águas de abastecimento público de 88 municípios da região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os parâmetros analisados foram temperatura, pH, cloro residual livre, cor aparente, turbidez, condutividade e concentrações de lítio, sódio, amônio, potássio, cálcio, magnésio, fluoreto, clorito, bromato, cloreto, brometo, clorato, nitrato, fosfato e sulfato. Análises de componentes principais, incluindo-se as variáveis condutividade e concentrações de nitrato, cloreto, cálcio e magnésio na água, indicaram um grupo de 15 municípios com concentrações relevantes de nitrato. Foi realizada a análise univariada, e foi sugerido o estabelecimento de estratégias no gerenciamento inicial de contaminações de águas subterrâneas. No planejamento de ações entre os diversos atores envolvidos com a gestão da água subterrânea destinada ao consumo humano da região e no monitoramento de sua qualidade, devem ser considerados os níveis de nitrato, assim como os perfis físico-químicos das águas e a complexidade dos sistemas de abastecimento. Estas ações incluem procedimentos para investigar e mitigar contaminações, para garantir a potabilidade da água consumida pela população.

This paper presents the nitrate concentrations and their correlations with other variables obtained by analyzing 21 physical-chemical parameters in 4,347 samples from public water supply of 88 municipalities in the northeast region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The analyzed parameters were temperature, pH, free residual chlorine, apparent color, turbidity, conductivity, and concentrations of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, chlorite, bromate, chloride, bromide, chlorate, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate. The principal component analysis, involving the conductivity and the concentrations of nitrate, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, showed a group of 15 municipalities with relevant concentrations of nitrate. As for the univariate analysis it is suggested to apply strategies in the initial management of groundwater contaminations. It has been suggested to plan the actions among the various actors involved in the management of groundwater, which is intended for human consumption in the region, and for its quality monitoring. It has to consider not only the nitrate levels but also the water physical-chemical profiles and the complexity of the supply systems. These actions include the contaminants investigation and mitigation for ensuring the potability of the water consumed by the population.

Concentrações de nitrato em águas de abastecimento público de 88 municípios da Rede Regional de Atenção à Saúde 13 do estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Concentrations of nitrate in the public water supply of 88 municipalities of the Regional Health Care Network 13 of the São Paulo State, Brazil

Este trabalho apresenta as concentrações de nitrato e suas correlações com as demais variáveis obtidas da análise de 21 parâmetros físico-químicos em 4.347 amostras de águas de abastecimento público de 88 municípios da região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os parâmetros analisados foram temperatura, pH, cloro residual livre, cor aparente, turbidez, condutividade e concentrações de lítio, sódio, amônio, potássio, cálcio, magnésio, fluoreto, clorito, bromato, cloreto, brometo, clorato, nitrato, fosfato e sulfato. Análises de componentes principais, incluindo-se as variáveis condutividade e concentrações de nitrato, cloreto, cálcio e magnésio na água, indicaram um grupo de 15 municípios com concentrações relevantes de nitrato. Foi realizada a análise univariada, e foi sugerido o estabelecimento de estratégias no gerenciamento inicial de contaminações de águas subterrâneas. No planejamento de ações entre os diversos atores envolvidos com a gestão da água subterrânea destinada ao consumo humano da região e no monitoramento de sua qualidade, devem ser considerados os níveis de nitrato, assim como os perfis físico-químicos das águas e a complexidade dos sistemas de abastecimento. Estas ações incluem procedimentos para investigar e mitigar contaminações, para garantir a potabilidade da água consumida pela população. (AU)

This paper presents the nitrate concentrations and their correlations with other variables obtained by analyzing 21 physical-chemical parameters in 4,347 samples from public water supply of 88 municipalities in the northeast region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The analyzed parameters were temperature, pH, free residual chlorine, apparent color, turbidity, conductivity, and concentrations of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, chlorite, bromate, chloride, bromide, chlorate, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate. The principal component analysis, involving the conductivity and the concentrations of nitrate, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, showed a group of 15 municipalities with relevant concentrations of nitrate. As for the univariate analysis it is suggested to apply strategies in the initial management of groundwater contaminations. It has been suggested to plan the actions among the various actors involved in the management of groundwater, which is intended for human consumption in the region, and for its quality monitoring. It has to consider not only the nitrate levels but also the water physical-chemical profiles and the complexity of the supply systems. These actions include the contaminants investigation and mitigation for ensuring the potability of the water consumed by the population.(AU)