Simultaneous removal of brominated and chlorinated species during the production of oils by e-waste plastics catalytic hydropyrolysis

The production of added-value chemicals via pyrolysis of plastic wastes, such as those from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), needs addressing their usual contamination with halogens (mainly Br and Cl). This work compares the conversion via pyrolysis and hydropyrolysis of a real WEEE plastic, having a complex composition, in two different reactor configurations: down-flow (DF) and up-flow (UF). Likewise, the effects of incorporating a Pd/Al2O3 catalyst and using two different pressures (1 and 6 bar) have been assessed. With the DF mode, pyrolysis at 1 bar leads to an oil yield above 80 wt% and a total halogen content of about 600 ppm (vs 1600 ppm in the water-washed WEEE plastic). Under DF catalytic hydropyrolysis at 6 bar, this high oil yield is maintained while its dehalogenation degree is improved (142 ppm). Operating with the up-flow configuration, under 6 bar and H2 presence, leads to some reduction in the oil yield (about 70 wt%) but significantly decreases the oil halogen content (55 ppm Cl and total elimination of Br). These results have been related to the slower pyrolysis and longer residence time in the thermal zone of the UF configuration, which favours the halogen-trapping effect of the char fraction, and the pressure-enhanced hydrodehalogenation activity of the catalyst. This study highlights the environmental benefits of the proposed process, emphasizing the lower halogen content in the resulting oils and promoting a more sustainable approach to plastic waste valorisation.

Anti-Müllerian hormone in female dromedary camel and its association with super-ovulatory response in embryo donors

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has a conserved role in regulating the reproductive cycle in several species. Its circulating concentration reflects the size of the growing primordial follicle reserve and is a reliable predictor of superovulation response in embryo/oocyte donors. This study investigated the possible application of AMH measurement in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) multiple ovulation embryo transfer programs. In experiment 1, the follicular cycle of synchronized and naturally cycling camels (n = 12) was monitored. Blood was collected at 6 timepoints in 2 consecutive cycles corresponding to emergence, mid-cycle, and dominance in both group and hormonal fluctuations were evaluated for repeatability of measurements within and between cycles. In experiment 2, the correlation between circulating AMH concentrations prior to initiation of superovulation and the outcome of superovulation was evaluated. The results were compared between donors with higher (n = 7) and lower than median (n = 8) AMH values. Mean AMH concentrations in synchronized and non-synchronized camels were 1.46 ± 0.15 and 0.95 ± 0.09, respectively. Intercycle and intracycle values of AMH showed high repeatability in camels of both groups (>96.4% and >92.74%, respectively) with significant correlations between values at different stages of the ovarian cycle (Emergence and mid-cycle: R2 = 0.82; emergence and. dominance: R2 = 0.86; Mid-cycle and dominance: R2 = 0.93, P < 0.05). Total follicles, CLs, and recovered embryos were highly correlated with AMH values prior to superovulation (R2 = 0.64, R2 = 0.77, and R2 = 0.64, respectively, P < 0.05). A greater number of developed follicles prior to mating (17.00 ± 2.09 vs. 7.62 ± 1.06), CLs (12.58 ± 1.36 vs. 5.12 ± 0.93), transferable (10.85 ± 1,31 vs. 3.37 ± 0.82), and spherical embryos (8.14 ± 1.07 vs. 2.62 ± 0.7) were observed in camels with higher than median concentrations of AMH (P < 0.05). Fluctuations in estradiol and progesterone did not affect variations in mean AMH values (r2 < 0.19 and r2 < 0.24, respectively, P > 0.05). In conclusion, highly consistent AMH values in dromedary camels are a reliable predictor of superovulation response and outcome in dromedary camels.

Inventory construction to track cognitive profiles compatible with intellectual disability, ADHD, and dyslexia in children between 6 to 11 years old

Introduction

The most frequent complaints from children referred to psychiatry and psychologist are related to academic and attentional impairments, or developmental delay, which are shared by many conditions.

Objectives

To develop an inventory that evaluates cognitive functions of children between 6 to 11 years old to track cognitive profiles compatible with Intellectual Disability, ADHD, and dyslexia to assist in differential diagnosis.

Methods

In study 1 (identification of the relevant constructs, operational definition, and items development), data were collected from parents of children and professionals who serve this population; articles, verification of screening instruments and identification of cognitive impairments by the DSM-5. In study 2, an analysis of judges with professionals was carried out, as well as a verification of the items’ clarity by the target population; In study 3, we looked for evidence of validity and precision indicators with a sample of 272 parents and 178 teachers of 72 children diagnosed with one of the three disorders and 207 that had no suspect of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Results

For the parent version, the four-factor solution was the most appropriate, with the following Scales: Attention, Executive Functions, Intelligence and Oral Language. The final version for parents was composed of 60 items, with excellent internal consistency indices (coefficients> 0.90).

Conclusions

ROC curves expressed good sensitivity and specificity of the scales for each disorder. Future studies have to expand the sample size of children diagnosed with one of the three disorders so that new analyzes can be performed and the results can be generalizable to the population.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Advancing in the institutionalization of Evidence-Informed Policy in Brazil

EVIPNet Brazil was launched in 2007, coordinated by the Ministry of Health. Its expansion has promoted the institutionalization of a national knowledge translation platform, and has also been active at the local level. Local Health Evidence Labs were implemented to institucionalize working groups linked to EVIPNet. In this multiple case study, we discuss the advances in the institutionalization of Evidence-Informed Policy-making in Brazil, based on a mapping of the Health Evidence Labs' institutional capacity to acquire, evaluate, adapt and apply evidence and analyzed organizational arrangements and implementation barriers. The coordinators of 15 responded to a self-assessment questionnaire from the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation. The main products reported are evidence briefs and deliberative dialogues focused on regional problems, training activities and different kinds of rapid responses. Health Evidence Labs have the resources to acquire and evaluate research evidence, but have a low capacity to adapt and apply evidence, indicating that they do not have all the factors (skills, structures, processes, and organizational culture) to promote and use research results in decision-making. The lower capacity to 'adapt' and 'apply' evidence may be related to low development of exchange process with external experts. Governance is joined between managers of the departments with technical bodies; the service provision occurs to attend internal and external demands; financing is public or utilizing public research calls. The implementation barriers described are the staff turnover, inadequate funding arragements for develop knowledge translation products, paid access to evidence databases, lack of a repository for their production, and lack of monitoring and evaluation. Brazil has improved in the institutionalization of evidence-informed policy but still some important barriers to achieve a complete national knowledge translation platform.

Key messages

Brazil has institutionalized evidence-informed policy from the structuring of EVIPNet Brazil Network. To achieve the network sustainability, it is vital to consider the alignment of organizational elements with an emphasis on governance, financing, and its monitoring.

218 Urine samples as a noninvasive source of induced pluripotent cells in the swine model

Noninvasive collection of cells used for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) generation would simplify its use for regenerative and reproductive purposes in veterinary medicine, although it is still unpublished in species other than humans. This study aimed to derive urine progenitor cells (UPCs) invitro from urine samples collected from swine, and then to reprogram them into iPSCs. For that, urine samples were collected from three females, and cells were isolated and cultured from each following the human UPCs protocol (Steichen et al. 2017 Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 21, 7.1-21.7.22; https://doi.org/10.1002/cphg.26). Approximately 200mL of urine samples were collected in sterile flasks and centrifuged at 300×g; the pellet was washed in Dulbecco's PBS, resuspended, and cultured in 45% Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)-high glucose, 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 50% Renal Epithelial Cell Growth basal medium (REBM) supplemented with 1% glutamine, 1% nonessential amino acids (NEAA), penicillin/streptomycin (P/S), and REGM supplements hEGF, insulin, hydrocortisone, GA-1000, FBS, transferrin, triiodothyronine, epinephrine (Lonza), and 10ngmL−1 basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The UPCs first colonies were observed approximately 1 week after and resembled epithelial-like cells. At passage 2, one cell line was transduced with murine OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and C-MYC cDNAs (OSKM) using a lentiviral vector. After 5 days, cells were plated onto mouse embryonic fibroblasts and cultured in knockout DMEM/F12, 20% knockout serum replacement, NEAA, L-glutamine, 2-mercaptoethanol, and P/S supplemented with 10ngmL−1 bFGF. Efficiency of reprogramming was 8.45%, measured by analysing the number of typical iPSC colonies relative to the transduced cells plated, after ~12 days. Three clonal lines (C1, C4, and C6) were maintained invitro and characterised regarding pluripotency markers for at least 30 passages. All three lines were positive for alkaline phosphatase activity in passages 15 and also 22. Immunocytochemistry analysis revealed that C6 (passage 22) was positive for the pluripotency genes OCT4 (1:100, SC), SOX2 (1:500, AB), SSEA1 (1:50, SC), TRA1- 81 (1:50, Millipore), and NANOG (1:100, AB), whereas C1 and C4 (passages 23 and 22, respectively) were positive only for OCT4, SOX2, and SSEA1. The expression of exogenous and endogenous pluripotency factors (OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG) was evaluated by qRT-PCR, comparing the three clonal lines at passages 16/17 and 21/22 and comparing different passages (10, 11, 14, 17, and 22) on C1 line. No statistical difference was observed between cell lines when compared in different passages, perhaps because of the great variation between lines. However, analysis of C1 line over time showed that pluripotency genes increased and exogenous vector expression decreased during early passages (±10 passages); however, after passage 17, OCT4 and NANOG decreased whereas SOX2 and exogenous vector expression increased. In conclusion, it was possible to reprogram UPCs into iPSCs and maintain them in culture for at least 30 passages; however, iPSCS were dependent on exogenous factors. These results represent the partial reprogramming of UPCs to iPSCs in animals for the first time, enabling the generation of invitro disease models using a noninvasive method. Financial support for this study was received from FAPESP (2019/02811-2, 2015/26818-5), CNPq (433133/2018-0), and CAPES.

An overview of anti-diabetic plants used in Gabon: Pharmacology and toxicology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The management of diabetes mellitus management in African communities, especially in Gabon, is not well established as more than 60% of population rely on traditional treatments as primary healthcare. The aim of this review was to collect and present the scientific evidence for the use of medicinal plants that are in currect by Gabonese traditional healers to manage diabetes or hyperglycaemia based here on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles of plants with anti-diabetic activity. There are presented in order to promote their therapeutic value, ensure a safer use by population and provide some bases for further study on high potential plants reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnobotanical studies were sourced using databases such as Online Wiley library, Pubmed, Google Scholar, PROTA, books and unpublished data including Ph.D. and Master thesis, African and Asian journals. Keywords including 'Diabetes', 'Gabon', 'Toxicity', 'Constituents', 'hyperglycaemia' were used.

RESULTS

A total of 69 plants currently used in Gabon with potential anti-diabetic activity have been identified in the literature, all of which have been used in in vivo or in vitro studies. Most of the plants have been studied in human or animal models for their ability to reduce blood glucose, stimulate insulin secretion or inhibit carbohydrates enzymes. Active substances have been identified in 12 out of 69 plants outlined in this review, these include Allium cepa and Tabernanthe iboga. Only eight plants have their active substances tested for anti-diabetic activity and are suitables for further investigation. Toxicological data is scarce and is dose-related to the functional parameters of major organs such as kidney and liver.

CONCLUSION

An in-depth understanding on the pharmacology and toxicology of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is lacking yet there is a great scope for new treatments. With further research, the use of Gabonese anti-diabetic plants is important to ensure the safety of the diabetic patients in Gabon.

Abstract P5-22-19: Nipple sparing mastectomy in unselect patients: Experience of an academic center in the south of Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) consists in the complete excision of the breast gland, mantaining the subcutaneous tissue, skin and nipple-areola complex (NAC). Recently, the NSM was developed as a therapeutic option not just for the patients that need risk-reducing surgery, but also for patients that have tumors not involving the NAC.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the overall survival, disease-free survival and local recurrence of the patients that underwent NSM. The only exclusion criteria for NSM was lesion at the NAC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study that evaluate the number of cases of NSM performed between 2003 and 2015 in a private sector in the south of Brazil.

RESULTS: A total of 224 patients underwent NSM during the period of 2003-2015. The mean age was 47 years. From the total, 43 patients underwent risk-reducing NSM and 181 therapeutic NSM (64 unilateral and 117 bilateral). In those cases of bilateral procedures all of them underwent risk-reducing surgery on the contralateral breast (there were no bilateral cancers). Of this 181 cases, 108 (59%) have familiar history of breast cancer, considering first, second and third-degree relatives. Twenty six patients (14%) have history of previous breast cancer diagnosed. In this group of 181 patients with therapeutic NSM, 29 (16%) developed any unfavorable outcomes, 13 (7%) local recurrence, 4 (2%) ipsilateral node recurrence, 3 (1,6%) contralateral recurrence and 9 (5%) distant metastasis. None of the local recurrences occurred at the NAC, neither the cited unfavorable outcomes occurred in the risk-reducing setting. In a median follow-up of 47,7 months, the overall survival was 95% (8 deaths related to breast cancer) and the disease-free survival was 83,7%.

CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival rates of 95% at 47 months of follow-up is similar to the literature rates, that range from 93 to 97% in 5 years, depending on study's inclusion criterias. In our study, 14% of patients had previous breast cancer and 59% of patients treated for breast cancer by NSM had positive familiar history of breast cancer. This results in an unselected group of patients confirms the safety of this therapeutic method as an option for breast cancer patients.

Citation Format: Frasson A, Zerwes F, Souza A, Rossato N, Miranda I, Trindade V, Vollbrecht B, Santos M, Viegas J. Nipple sparing mastectomy in unselect patients: Experience of an academic center in the south of Brazil [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-22-19.

Spontaneous Resolution of a Ruptured Dissecting PICA Aneurysm

Spontaneous dissecting aneurysms (SDAs) seldom involve the intradural vertebral artery VA, the posterior cerebral, basilar or postero inferior cerebellar arteries (PICAs), where they produce subarachnoid haemorrhage and/or ischaemia.

These lesions may develop spontaneously or occasionally after minor trauma and occur in young people in whom there is no underlying abnormality to explain the appearance of the dissection in most cases.

Spontaneous dissecting aneurysm of the PICA is rare and its natural history is not well understood. Surgery or endovascular treatment for PICA dissection remain controversial because they suggest vessel occlusion. Only in a few cases is the bypass between the occipital artery and the PICA possible with trapping of the dissected segment. Reinforcement of the arterial wall does not seem efficient and the surgical approach per se with sole exclusion of the aneurysm may be disastrous.

We describe two cases of SDA of PICA that presented with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), treated conservatively, with spontaneous cure of the lesions, angiographically confirmed at mid-time follow-up of five and four months. These favourable spontaneous thromboses, like 11 other similar case reported in the literature, did not show any rebleed. The possibility of a benign clinical course of this lesion exists; clinical and angiographic management of the patient before a decision for a aggressive treatment is proposed.

Abstract P104: Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) Modulation in Hypertension Program by Maternal Intrauterine Malnutrition

Intrauterine malnutrition (IM) during the early stages of development can alter the function of organs and tissues and can predict a lifetime of increased risk for adverse health outcomes, such as diabetes and hypertension. The kidney plays a key role in the development of hypertension programmed by IM, with the participation of the RAS. Our objectives were to study ACE activity and angiotensin peptides levels in tissues. Pregnants Wistar rats were separated into two groups: control group (C), fed ad libitum, and malnourished group (D) submitted to food restriction (diet 50% of the amount of feed consumed by the group C). After birth the offspring were kept as experimental groups C and D, respectively. At 4 months of age, the animals were sacrificed, heart and kidney tissues were collected to quantify angiotensin peptides and ACE activity. The offspring born with low birth weight. Kidney ACE activity was higher in group D compared to group C (299 ±86.7 vs. 253.4 ±84.82 mU/mg, p<0.05), differing from Heart (D versus C: 0.15 ± 0.08 vs. 0.24 ±0.09 mU/mg). Group D presented high blood pressure values compared to group C (140.6 ±2.8 vs. 124,3±2.6 mmHg). Kidney and heart Ang II levels were increased in group D being significant when compared to group C (238.26 ±25.1 vs. 161.85 ±45.6 pmol/g and 397.89±74.9 vs. 223.33±48.7 pmol/g, p<0.05, respectively). The same was observed for Ang I. The vasodilator peptide Ang1-7 levels in group D from kidney and heart were lower in comparison with group C, thus emphasizing an enabling environment for hypertension (220.74 ± 48.74 vs. 288.09 ± 47 pmol/g and 152.1±41.2 pmol/g vs. 228.93±41.2 pmol/g, p<0.05, respectively). Our results indicate that perturbed maternal nutritional status alters tissue RAS resulting in higher blood pressure in the offspring, demonstrated by increased renal ACE activity and Ang II levels, with reduced Ang 1-7. The increase of Ang I and II in the heart, despite low ACE activity in this tissue suggests the activation of RAS alternative pathways. This study describes for the first time that low levels of Ang 1-7 contributed to the early development of hypertension.

Endophytic bacteria from banana cultivars and their antifungal activity

Endophytic microorganisms consist of fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes that play important roles in the process of plant adaptation to the environment. Currently, the natural associations between microorganisms and plant species are being explored for a large number of biotechnological applications. In this study, 122 endophytic bacteria were isolated from 5 cultivars of Musa spp from the state of Amazonas (Brazil). Four strains were selected because they exhibited antagonistic activities against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp cubense and Colletotrichum guaranicola, with inhibitions ranging from 19 to 30% and 27 to 35%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA regions of these bacteria with antifungal activity showed that they are phylogenetically related to 3 different species of Bacillus - B. amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis subsp subtilis, and B. thuringiensis.

Genetic diversity of Mycosphaerella fijiensis in Brazil analyzed using an ERIC-PCR marker

The Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) marker was used to analyze the genetic variability of Mycosphaerella fijiensis, the causative agent of Black Sigatoka disease in banana plants. A total of 123 isolates were used, which were divided into populations based on their original hosts and collection sites in Brazil. A total of 9 loci were amplified, 77.8% of which were found to be polymorphic. The genetic diversity found in the population was 0.20. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) demonstrated that the highest level of genetic variation is within populations. Cluster analysis revealed three main groups in Brazil, with no correlation between geographic and genetic distance.

Variation of surface ozone in Campo Grande, Brazil: meteorological effect analysis and prediction

The effect of meteorological variables on surface ozone (O3) concentrations was analysed based on temporal variation of linear correlation and artificial neural network (ANN) models defined by genetic algorithms (GAs). ANN models were also used to predict the daily average concentration of this air pollutant in Campo Grande, Brazil. Three methodologies were applied using GAs, two of them considering threshold models. In these models, the variables selected to define different regimes were daily average O3 concentration, relative humidity and solar radiation. The threshold model that considers two O3 regimes was the one that correctly describes the effect of important meteorological variables in O3 behaviour, presenting also a good predictive performance. Solar radiation, relative humidity and rainfall were considered significant for both O3 regimes; however, wind speed (dispersion effect) was only significant for high concentrations. According to this model, high O3 concentrations corresponded to high solar radiation, low relative humidity and wind speed. This model showed to be a powerful tool to interpret the O3 behaviour, being useful to define policy strategies for human health protection regarding air pollution.

Phytochemical screening and cytotoxicity studies of Chrysophyllum pruniforme Pierre ex Engl. barks

Background:

Chrysophyllum pruniforme of family sapotaceae is a plant used in traditional medicine in Gabon.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, C. pruniforme barks were subjected to phytochemical screening and cytotoxicity investigations. Different concentrations of aqueous and total phenolic extract were tested on mice and on human erythrocytes.

Results:

Phytochemical screening of C. pruniforme barks revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, reducing sugars, polyphenols and traces of anthraquinones. When tested in vitro, aqueous and the phenolic extracts showed hemolytic activities on human erythrocytes with phenolic compounds being more cytotoxic than aqueous extracts. In vivo study of toxicity, allowed to determine the LD₅₀ at 90 mg/kg for the doses of 50, 150 and 250 mg/kg of body weight.

Conclusion:

These data indicate in one hand that C. pruniforme is rich in phenolic compounds and that the aqueous and total phenolic extracts could be considered as toxic for mice and maybe potentially toxic to humans in the other hand.

Cafeteria diet-induced obesity plus chronic stress alter serum leptin levels

Obesity is a disease that has become a serious public health issue worldwide, and chronic stressors, which are a problem for modern society, cause neuroendocrine changes with alterations in food intake. Obesity and chronic stress are associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. In this study, a rat model was used to evaluate the effects of a hypercaloric diet plus chronic restraint stress on the serum leptin and lipids levels and on the weight of specific adipose tissue (mesenteric, MAT; subcutaneous, SAT and visceral, VAT). Wistar rats were divided into the following 4 groups: standard chow (C), hypercaloric diet (HD), stress plus standard chow (S), and stress plus hypercaloric diet (SHD). The animals in the stress groups were subjected to chronic stress (placed inside a 25 cm × 7 cm plastic tube for 1h per day, 5 days per week for 6 weeks). The following parameters were evaluated: the weight of the liver, adrenal glands and specific adipose tissue; the delta weight; the Lee index; and the serum levels of leptin, corticosterone, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The hypercaloric diet induced obesity in rats, increasing the Lee index, weight, leptin, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. The stress decreased weight gain even in animals fed a hypercaloric diet but did not prevent a significant increase in the Lee index. However, an interaction between the independent factors (hypercaloric diet and stress) was observed, which is demonstrated by the increased serum leptin levels in the animals exposed to both protocols.

Metabolite profiles and the risk of developing diabetes

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[Economic damage level for leaf-cutting ants in function of the productivity index of eucalyptus plantations in an Atlantic Forest region]

The production and quality of eucalyptus plantations have been studied in areas with different densities of ant nests, being important to estimate losses caused by leaf-cutting ants. The effects of leaf-cutting ant on wood production in differents productivity sites were studied in eucalyptus plantations in the region of Atlantic Forest, Minas Gerais State, Brazil from 2003 to 2006. Data of plots of the continuous forest inventory and data of leaf-cutting ant monitoring in eucalyptus plantations were obtained. Each unitary increment in the area of Atta spp. nests per hectare reduced the wood production of the eucalyptus forest between 0.04 and 0.13 m³.ha(-1), resulting in a level of economic damage for leaf-cutting ants between 13.4 and 39.2 m².ha(-1), in this region. Moreover, this study innovated when using indices of forest productivity (site index) that promote better adjustment of the models and produce estimate more accurate of the level of economic damage for leaf-cutting ants in cultivated forests, allowing to conclude that the increase of the total area of ant nests reduces the wooden volume of eucalyptus, proportionally to the productive potential of the forest.

In vitro antioxidant, lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of fractions from Cienfuegosia digitata Cav., Sida alba L. and Sida acuta Burn f. (Malvaceae)

In this study polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, lipoxygenase (LOX) and Xanthine Oxidase (XO) inhibitory effects of n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of aqueous acetone extracts from S. alba L., S. acuta Burn f and Cienfuegosia digitata Cav. were investigated. The total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and total tannins were determined by spectrophotometric methods using Folin-ciocalteu, AlCl3 reagents and tannic acid, respectively. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using three methods: inhibition of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydramzyl (DPPH), ABTS radical cation decolorization assay and Iron (III) to iron (II) reduction activity (FRAP). For enzymatic activity, lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities were used. This study shows a relationship between polyphenol contents, antioxidant and enzymatic activities. Present results showed that ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions elicit the highest polyphenol content, antioxidant and enzymatic activities.

Nursing personnel's perceptions of the organizational climate in public and private hospitals in Spain

BACKGROUND

Organizational climate is considered one of the most significant determinants of individual and group behaviour in institutions. The International Council of Nurses has launched a campaign to improve professional recognition, support for personal development, safety and health at work.

AIM

To analyse nursing personnel's organizational climate perceptions using the Work Environment Scale (WES) in two categories of hospitals.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in public and private hospitals. Two sampling approaches were used. At the Public Hospital, the sample was randomly selected (n = 297, 168 nurses and 129 other nursing personnel). At the Private Hospitals, a convenience sampling method was used (n = 66, 14 nurses and 52 other nursing personnel). The study used descriptive and inferential statistic analyses to explain the nursing personnel perception of organizational climate and to explore variations between nurses and other nursing personnel in both categories of hospitals.

RESULTS

Sixty per cent and seventy per cent of WES subscales yielded scores below the midpoint for the perception of work environment in public and private hospitals, respectively. Mean scores for both categories were similar, except for the subscales of Pressure and Control that were higher in Private Hospitals. In the Public Hospital, nurses scored significantly lower than other nursing personnel in Involvement, Innovation and Comfort.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, it is suggested that nurse managers should introduce strategies to set conditions for a better work environment in public and private hospitals.

Seasonal variation of soluble carbohydrates and starch in Echinolaena inflexa, a native grass species from the Brazilian savanna, and in the invasive grass Melinis minutiflora

Echinolaena inflexa (Poir.) Chase is an abundant C3 grass species with high biomass production in the Brazilian savanna (cerrado); Melinis minutiflora Beauv. is an African C4 forage grass widespread in cerrado and probably displacing some native herbaceous species. In the present work, we analysed seasonally the content and composition of soluble carbohydrates, the starch amounts and the above-ground biomass (phytomass) of E. inflexa and M. minutiflora plants harvested in two transects at 5 and 130 m from the border in a restrict area of cerrado at the Biological Reserve and Experimental Station of Mogi-Guaçu (SP, Brazil). Results showed that water soluble carbohydrates and starch amounts from the shoots of both species varied according to the time of the year, whilst in the underground organs, variations were observed mainly in relation to the transects. Marked differences in the pattern of the above-ground biomass production between these two grasses relative to their location in the Reserve were also observed, with two peaks of the invasive species (July and January) at the Reserve border. The differences in carbohydrate accumulation, partitioning and composition of individual sugars concerning time of the year and location in the Reserve were more related to the annual growth cycle of both grasses and possibly to specific physiological responses of M. minutiflora to disturbed environments in the Reserve border.