The oil from the macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) fruit, a native palm in Brazil, has a real potential for the industrial production of biodiesel. This report describes an experimental work devoted to monitor the chemical behavior of the fatty acid methyl esters from oil of the macaúba fruit kernel and the leaching of metal elements into the biodiesel put in contact with the ASTM A283 grade C and API X65 carbon steels, used to build fuel storage tanks and biodiesel pipelines. The mean values of esters contents points that the analytical precision from atomic absorption measurements was not enough to support a statistically reliable interpretation of the chemical leaching of metals into the biodiesel; a more accurate set of data must be obtained with more sensitive chemical analytical techniques. From the Mössbauer data, the surface of the non - galvanized steels in contact with this biodiesel for up to 105 days tend to be somehow protected against most oxidative reactions even in direct contact with air, although few amount magnetite (Fe3O4) was detected.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether cilostazol has a protective effect on acute ischemia and reperfusion of hind limbs of rats through study of biochemical variables in blood and urine. METHODS: Forty six animals were randomized and divided into two groups. Group I received a solution of cilostazol (10 mg/Kg) and group II received saline solution 0.9% (SS) by orogastric tube after ligature of the abdominal aorta. After four hours of ischemia the animals were divided into four subgroups: group IA (Cilostazol): two hours of reperfusion. Group IIA (SS): two hours of reperfusion. Group IB (Cilostazol): six hours of reperfusion. Group IIB (SS) six hours of reperfusion. After the reperfusion period, was held to collect urine and blood for biochemical measurements. The biochemical parameters studied were: urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and myoglobin in blood and urea, creatinine, myoglobin in urine. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Cilostazol had no protective effect on ischemic acute reperfusion of hind limbs of rats in this model.

Foram avaliados, por meio de mensurações cefalométricas, os resultados decorrentes da ressecção unilateral total do arco zigomático em ratos Wistar. As ressecções foram realizadas com um mês de idade e os animais foram sacrificados com três meses de idade. O crânio e as hemimandíbulas foram submetidos, respectivamente às incidências radiográficas axial e lateral e, com base nestas, foram feitas mensurações por meio de um sistema de computador, comparando-se um lado com o outro, e os valores obtidos foram submetidos a análise estatística. Houve diferença significante na amplitude da fossa temporal mas não houve diferença significante para as demais mensurações da maxila. Houve diferença significante, a menor para a altura do corpo e comprimento da base da mandíbula no lado operado.

The results obtained after total unilateral resection of the zygomatic arch in Wistar rats were evaluated by means of cephalometric measurements. The resection of the right zygomatic arch was carried out in one-month-old rats, and the animals were sacrificed two months later. The skull and hemimandibles were submitted to axial and lateral radiographic incidences. Based on the obtained radiographs, measurements were carried out by means of a computer system, which compared both sides of the specimens. The obtained values were submitted to statistical analysis. There was significant difference as to the extent of the temporal fossa, but there was no significant difference as to other measures of the maxilla. There was significant difference between both sides regarding the height of the body and the length of the base of the mandible.