Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do óleo volátil de Alpinia zerumbet (OVAz) na expressão do gene da caveolina-1 e na fibrose muscular. Os ratos foram imobilizados para induzir a fibrose do músculo gastrocnêmio, e foram tratados com OVAz. A qualidade do colágeno foi avaliada com histologia e à expressão do gene caveolina-1 (CAV-1) foi avaliada usando qPCR. A análise histomorfológica indicou uma redução significativa no perímetro, largura e intensidade do colágeno nos grupos tratados. Os resultados dos níveis de expressão sugeriram diminuição nos grupos de lesão e em dois grupos de tratamento (0,0115 µg/g e 0,009 µg/g). No entanto, com a menor concentração (0,0065 µg/g), não foi observada diferença significativa, apresentando níveis semelhantes aos encontrados em tecido saudável. O uso do OVAz foi eficaz para reverter as alterações do colágeno causadas pela fibrose, e sua menor concentração apresentou uma possível tendência de aumento na expressão do CAV-1. Portanto, os resultados mostraram que o OVAz tem potencial para ser uma alternativa não invasiva e de baixo custo para auxiliar no tratamento da fibrose muscular.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of the volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet (VOAz) on caveolin-1 gene expression and muscular fibrosis. The rats were immobilized to induce fibrosis of the gastrocnemius muscle, and they were treated with VOAz. Collagen quality was assessed by histology and the expression of the caveolin-1 (CAV-1) gene was evaluated using qPCR. Histomorphological analysis indicated a significant reduction in the perimeter, width, and intensity of collagen in the treated groups, thus showing that the oil was effective in regulating the quality of collagen at the three concentrations. The results of expression levels suggested a decrease in the lesioned group and in two treatment groups (0.0115 µg/g and 0.009 µg/g). However, with the lowest concentration (0.0065 µg/g), no significant difference was observed, with levels similar to those found in healthy tissue. Therefore, the results showed that VOAz has the potential to be a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to aid in the treatment of muscular fibrosis.

ABSTRACT Sweet potato is among the most important food crops in the world. Due to its high genetic diversity, this species has cultivars that can respond in different ways depending on mineral fertilization. Among the nutrients, phosphorus is related to physiological and biochemical processes that can influence the final quality of the product. This study aimed to assess the influence of P doses on the quality and bioactive compounds of sweet potato cultivars - Paraná, BRS Amélia, and BRS Cuia. The pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, soluble sugars, and the bioactive compounds - flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids - were evaluated. The P doses influenced sweet potato cultivars. The dose of 120 kg ha-1 promoted increments in the parameters pH, SS, TA, and SS/TA ratio for the cultivar BRS Cuia. The same dose promoted an increase in total soluble sugars for the cultivar BRS Amélia. P dose of 240 kg ha-1 promoted higher levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins in the cultivar Paraná, and there was an increase in carotenoid content at the dose of 60 kg ha-1.

RESUMO A batata-doce está entre as culturas alimentícias mais importantes do mundo. Por apresentar alta diversidade genética, essa espécie possui cultivares que podem responder de maneiras diferentes em função da adubação mineral. Dentre os nutrientes, o fósforo está relacionado com processos fisiológicos e bioquímicos que podem influenciar na qualidade final do produto. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência de doses de P na qualidade e compostos bioativos de cultivares de batata-doce - Paraná, BRS Amélia e BRS Cuia. Foram avaliados o pH, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), relação SS/AT, açúcares solúveis e os compostos bioativos - flavonoides, antocianinas e carotenoides. As doses de P influenciaram as cultivares de batata-doce. A dose de 120 kg ha-1 promoveu incrementos nos parâmetros pH, SS, AT e relação SS/AT para a cultivar BRS Cuia. A mesma dose promoveu incrementos nos açúcares solúveis totais para a cultivar BRS Amélia. A dose de 240 kg ha-1 promoveu maiores teores de flavonoides e antocianinas na cultivar Paraná, e houve aumento no teor de carotenoides na dose de 60 kg ha-1.

Abstract Introduction: Optimized allocation of medical resources to patients with COVID-19 has been a critical concern since the onset of the pandemic. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the authors used data from a Brazilian tertiary university hospital to explore predictors of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and hospital mortality in patients admitted for COVID-19. Our primary aim was to create and validate prediction scores for use in hospitals and emergency departments to aid clinical decisions and resource allocation. Results: The study cohort included 3,022 participants, of whom 2,485 were admitted to the ICU; 1968 survived, and 1054 died in the hospital. From the complete cohort, 1,496 patients were randomly assigned to the derivation sample and 1,526 to the validation sample. The final scores included age, comorbidities, and baseline laboratory data. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were very similar for the derivation and validation samples. Scores for ICU admission had a 75% accuracy in the validation sample, whereas scores for death had a 77% accuracy in the validation sample. The authors found that including baseline flu-like symptoms in the scores added no significant benefit to their accuracy. Furthermore, our scores were more accurate than the previously published NEWS-2 and 4C Mortality Scores. Discussion and conclusions: The authors developed and validated prognostic scores that use readily available clinical and laboratory information to predict ICU admission and mortality in COVID-19. These scores can become valuable tools to support clinical decisions and improve the allocation of limited health resources.

Abstract Long-term-ecological-research (LTER) faces many challenges, including the difficulty of obtaining long-term funding, changes in research questions and sampling designs, keeping researchers collecting standardized data for many years, impediments to interactions with local people, and the difficulty of integrating the needs of local decision makers with “big science”. These issues result in a lack of universally accepted guidelines as to how research should be done and integrated among LTER sites. Here we discuss how the RAPELD (standardized field infrastructure system), can help deal with these issues as a complementary technique in LTER studies, allowing comparisons across landscapes and ecosystems and reducing sampling costs. RAPELD uses local surveys to understand broad spatial and temporal patterns while enhancing decision-making and training of researchers, local indigenous groups and traditional communities. Sampling of ecological data can be carried out by different researchers through standardized protocols, resulting in spatial data that can be used to answer temporal questions, and allow new questions to be investigated. Results can also be integrated into existing biodiversity networks. Integrated systems are the most efficient way to save resources, maximize results, and accumulate information that can be used in the face of the unknown unknowns upon which our future depends.

Abstract This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of a new intracanal drug based on Pentaclethra macroloba extract, a plant of Amazonian origin, against Enterococcus faecalis using macrodilution test and intratubular evaluation with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the pure extract of Pentaclethra macroloba andits association with calcium hydroxide and ultracall were determined. Then, thirty-three dentin cylinders were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis, to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the medications on the dentinal tubules with CLSM. The data was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. The extract in association with calcium hydroxide showed a lower CBM, and in the intratubular test all tested medications were effective against E. faecalis (P >0.05). The new intracanal drug based on P. macroloba extract has an antimicrobial effect against E. faecalis and further studies are needed for its clinical use.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a eficácia antimicrobiana de uma nova droga intracanal à base de extrato de Pentaclethra macroloba, uma planta de origem amazônica, contra Enterococcus faecalis por meio do teste de macrodiluição e avaliação intratubular em Microscopia Confocal de Varredura a Laser (CLSM). Foram determinadas a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e a concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) do extrato puro de Pentaclethra macroloba, sua associação com hidróxido de cálcio e ultracall. Em seguida, trinta e três cilindros de dentina foram preparados e inoculados com E. faecalis, para avaliar o efeito antimicrobiano de medicamentos nos túbulos dentinários em CLSM. Os dados foram analisados por meio dos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Dunn. O extrato em associação com hidróxido de cálcio apresentou menor CBM. E no teste intratubular, todas as medicações testadas foram efetivas contra E. faecalis (P >0,05). A nova droga intracanal à base de extrato de P. macroloba tem efeito antimicrobiano contra E. faecalis e mais estudos são necessários para seu uso clínico.

Resumo Os terpenóides, também chamados terpenos ou isoprenóides, são uma família de produtos naturais encontrados em todos os organismos vivos. Muitas plantas são produtoras destes metabolitos secundários, que constituem uma grande parte dos óleos essenciais. Uma das características mais importantes é que os compostos são voláteis, têm odor e podem ser utilizados numa variedade de aplicações em diferentes segmentos industriais ou na medicina tradicional. O Brasil tem uma flora rica e diversificada que pode ser utilizada como fonte de pesquisa para a obtenção de novas moléculas. Dentro desta flora, vale a pena mencionar a Caatinga como um bioma exclusivamente brasileiro que possui plantas adaptadas a uma série de condições climáticas e, portanto, um armazém de compostos a serem descritos. As infecções fúngicas são doenças cada vez mais comuns, devido a isso existe uma grande procura de novos agentes com baixa toxicidade e efeitos secundários. Os cientistas devem procurar novas moléculas que exibam atividade antifúngica para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos contra as infecções fúngicas. Esta revisão visa analisar dados científicos dos principais estudos publicados que descrevem o uso de terpenóides e as suas aplicações biológicas como antifúngicos. isoprenóides vivos secundários essenciais voláteis tradicional portanto descritos comuns antifúngicos

Abstract Terpenoids, also named terpenes or isoprenoids, are a family of natural products found in all living organisms. Many plants produce terpenoids as secondary metabolites, and these make up a large part of essential oils. One of most important characteristic is that the compounds are volatile, have odor and can be used in a variety of applications in different industrial segments and traditional medicine. Brazil has a rich and diverse flora that can be used as a source of research for obtaining new molecules. Within the Brazilian flora, it is worth mentioning the Caatinga as an exclusively Brazilian biome where plants adapt to a specific series of weather conditions and therefore become a great storehouse of the terpenoid compounds to be described herein. Fungal infections have become increasingly common, and a great demand for new agents with low toxicity and side effects has thus emerged. Scientists must search for new molecules exhibiting antifungal activity to develop new drugs. This review aims to analyze scientific data from the principal published studies describing the use of terpenes and their biological applications as antifungals. Terpenoids isoprenoids organisms metabolites oils volatile medicine herein common emerged drugs antifungals

In this study, we evaluated the catalytic properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) doped with Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3 for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye using a photo-Fenton process at pH 2.5, 7.0, and 9.0. The HA NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, fluorescence spectrometry, and point of zero charge experiments. Upon using unmodified HA NPs, 1.33 mL of H2O2 30% (v/v), and ultraviolet radiation (125 W Hg lamp), the discoloration values achieved at pH 2.5, 7.0, and 9.0 were 88.4, 44.8, and 58.1%, respectively. For the HA NPs modified with Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3, the composition Ca2.5FeII2.5FeIII5(PO4)6(OH)2 yielded the best results during the photo-Fenton-based process, and discolorations of 100, 100, and 95.2% were achieved at pH 2.5, 7.0, and 9.0, respectively. To confirm the effectiveness of the Ca2.5FeII2.5FeIII5(PO4)6(OH)2 NPs, the total organic carbon (TOC) and toxicity effects on Lactuca sativa L. were evaluated, and reproducibility tests were performed. The TOC removal of the Ca2.5FeII2.5FeIII5(PO4)6(OH)2 NPs was ca. 90% and the toxicity of the MB dye was eliminated after 120 min of reaction; moreover, the NPs retained their physical stability and activity and were reused for 11 consecutive degradation experiments.

The cariogenic processes are mainly caused by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and consist of the demineralization of the tooth that occurs when the acid production overcomes the natural repair or if a problem occurs in the last one. In this work, we performed the synthesis of twenty-one 1,4-naphthoquinones tethered to 1,2,3-1H-triazoles (8a-8k and 9a-9j), antibacterial evaluation against the S. mutans in vitro and the acute toxicity of the better ones in vivo. We observed strong inhibition results in the disc diffusion test ranging, the halos of inhibitions, from 18.66 (± 0.57) to 29 (± 2.64) mm, and good values in the minimum inhibitory concentration (5 to 50 μg), for the compounds 9e, 9h, 9i and 9j: Furthermore, they do not have a cytotoxic effect at the concentrations tested. Besides that, in the in vivo test, they show some slight alteration in the histopathological analyses and the biochemistry. Thus, we found four potential candidates to become instruments for the treatment of cavities.

Resumo Hymenaea martiana é uma espécie popularmente conhecida no Nordeste do Brasil como “jatobá” e usada na medicina popular para tratar a dor e a inflamação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória de H. martiana. No presente estudo, foram avaliados os efeitos do extrato etanólico bruto (Hm-EtOH) e da fração acetato de etila (Hm-AcOEt) em modelos de nocicepção e inflamação em camundongos. Foram utilizados estímulos químicos (contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético e teste da formalina) e estímulo térmico (teste da placa quente) para avaliação da atividade antinociceptiva, enquanto no perfil anti-inflamatório foi utilizado o teste do edema de pata induzido por carragenina e migração de leucócitos para a cavidade peritoneal. A presença do flavonoide astilbina nas amostras foi caracterizada através de análise por CLAE-DAD-EM. Hm-EtOH e o Hm-AcOEt (100, 200 e 400 mg.kg-1, i.p.) reduziram significativamente o número de contorções abdominais e diminuíram o tempo de lambida da pata no teste da formalina. No teste da placa quente, houve aumento do tempo de latência dos animais. Hm-EtOH e Hm-AcOEt inibiram significativamente o aumento do edema após a administração de carragenina, bem como inibiram a migração de leucócitos no teste de peritonite. A análise por CLAE-DAD-EM de Hm-EtOH e Hm-AcOEt revelou a presença do flavonoide astilbina nas amostras. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, tanto Hm-EtOH quanto o Hm-AcOEt possuem atividades antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória, o que pode estar relacionado à presença do flavonoide. Os resultados reforçam o uso popular desta planta.

Abstract Hymenaea martiana is a species popularly known in Northeastern Brazil as “jatobá” and used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of H. martiana. In the present study, we carried out an investigation about the effects of the crude ethanolic extract (Hm-EtOH) and the ethyl acetate fraction (Hm-AcOEt) in models of nociception and inflammation in mice. Chemical (acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin) and thermal stimuli (hot plate) were used for the evaluation of antinociceptive activity, while for the anti-inflammatory profile paw edema induced by carrageenan was used, along with leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. The presence of the flavonoid astilbin in the samples was characterized through HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt (100, 200 and 400 mg.kg-1, i.p.) significantly reduced the number of abdominal contortions and decreased the paw licking time in the formalin test. In the hot plate, the extract increased the latency time of animals. Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt inhibited significantly the increase in the edema after the administration of carrageenan. Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt inhibited leukocyte migration in the peritonitis test. HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt revealed the presence of the flavonoid astilbin in the samples. According to the results of this study, both Hm-EtOH and Hm-AcOEt have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, which could be related with the presence of flavonoid in the extracts. The results reinforce the popular use of this plant.

Resumo Embora atualmente exista um conjunto de estudos sobre aspectos ecológicos de algumas espécies de répteis e de anfíbios que ocorrem nas planícies costeiras arenosas brasileiras (incluindo os chamados habitats de “restinga” e de “campo nativo”), há relativamente poucas informações sobre a composição de espécies geralmente associada a esses ambientes. Durante 31 anos (1988-2019) de estudos herpetológicos realizados em restingas por nossa equipe de pesquisa do Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados (Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) nós estudamos comunidades de répteis e de anfíbios e realizamos diferentes estudos com métodos semelhantes em 70 localidades de dez diferentes Estados ao longo da costa brasileira. Nossas pesquisas resultaram em registros de 87 espécies de répteis (cinco tartarugas, dois crocodilianos, seis anfisbênios, 36 lagartos e 39 serpentes) de 24 famílias, e 77 espécies de anfíbios anuros de nove famílias. Estudamos vários tópicos de história natural sobre anuros e répteis, que resultaram na publicação de alguns estudos ecológicos específicos, especialmente em relação a algumas espécies, abrangendo ecologia populacional e de comunidades, forrageamento e dieta, horário de atividade de espécies, termorregulação, reprodução, uso do microhabitat e parasitismo por ecto e endoparasitas. Nossos resultados ao longo dessas três décadas também contribuíram para a descrição de quatro novas espécies de lagartos (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis e G. itabaianensis). Nossos estudos constituem uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento da ecologia de répteis e de anfíbios anuros nesses ecossistemas, bem como para a conservação dos ecossistemas de restinga. A lista de espécies apresentada neste estudo, com base em nossos registros de herpetofauna das planícies costeiras arenosas, fornece para muitas localidades ao longo da costa brasileira o conhecimento necessário sobre a ocorrência de espécies, incluindo a presença de espécies endêmicas e/ ou ameaçadas de extinção, que podem ser úteis para muitas ações de conservação.

Abstract Although currently there is already a set of studies regarding ecological aspects of some particular reptile and amphibian species living in Brazilian sandy coastal plains (including the so-called “restinga” and “campo nativo” habitats), there is comparatively few information on the species composition usually associated to these environments. During 31 years (1988-2019) of herpetological studies carried out in sandy coastal plains environments by our research team of the Laboratory of Vertebrate Ecology (Department of Ecology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, in Rio de Janeiro Brazil) we have surveyed reptile and amphibian communities and performed different studies with similar methods in 70 sites from 10 different states along the Brazilian coast. Our surveys resulted in records of 87 species of reptile (five turtles, two crocodylians, six amphisbaenians, 36 lizards and 39 snakes) from 24 families, and 77 species of anuran amphibians from nine families. We have studied multiple natural history topics for anurans and reptiles which resulted in the publication of some specific ecological studies, especially regarding some species, encompassing population and community ecology, foraging and feeding habits, species activity, thermoregulation, reproduction, use of microhabitats, and parasitism by ecto and endoparasites. Our results along these three decades have also contributed for the description of four new lizard species (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis and G. itabaianensis). Our studies constitute an important contribution to the knowledge of the ecology of anuran amphibians and reptiles in these ecosystems, as well as to the conservation of sandy coastal plains environment. The checklist presented in this study, based on our records of sandy coastal plains herpetofauna, provides for many localities along the Brazilian coast, the needed knowledge on species occurrence, including the presence of endemic and/or endangered species, which can be of value for many conservation actions.

Abstract This work reports the evaluation of the microstructure, morphology, and catalytic behavior of α-Al2O3 synthesized via combustion method for esterification reaction of oleic acid in soybean oil with ethanol to produce biodiesel. The reaction was evaluated with 2 wt% of catalyst at 160 °C for 3 h when the molar ratio of fatty acid:ethanol was 1:12. To enhance the catalytic performance of α-Al2O3, its sulfation was done by a different method using mechanical milling. The microcatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourie transform infrared spectroscopy, granulometric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed α-Al2O3 as the major phase, presence of SO4 2- groups, the contribution of the sulfation process to morphology with reduction of agglomerates, and particle size from 18.98 to 15.30 mm. The yield of ester was enhanced from 80% (α-Al2O3 as a catalyst) to 93% (SO4 2-/α-Al2O3 as a catalyst), which showed the milling as a fast method for synthesis of a highly efficient acid catalyst to produce biodiesel.

Abstract Sunflower is one of the most important oilseeds in the world, whose achenes are valued in several industrial chains, mainly for the extraction and processing of its oil. Although there is some information in the literature, the nitrogen (N) requirements for sunflower in semiarid conditions under irrigation are not yet clear. The experimental design used randomized blocks, with treatments in subdivided plots with four replications during two agricultural seasons. The N doses (e.g., 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha−1) were assigned to the plots, and to the four sunflower cultivars used (e.g., Aguará 06, Altis 99, Multissol and BRS 122), which were planted in the subplots. The N doses for the maximum achene yields for the Multissol and BRS 122 cultivars were 81.8 and 86.6 kg ha−1, respectively, while N doses of 120 kg ha−1 produced the maximum achene yields for the Altis 99 and Aguará 06 cultivars in the 2016 crop season. In 2017, the Multissol and BRS 122 cultivars were given N doses of 100.7 and 92.8 kg ha−1, respectively, and the Altis 99 and Aguará 06 cultivars were each given an N dose of 120 kg ha−1 of N. The fertirrigated doses of maximum economic efficiency of N were 60 and 70 kg ha−1 for the Multissol and BRS 122 cultivars, respectively. For the oil yields, the maximum N doses of 78.0 and 86.7 kg ha−1 for the BRS 122 and Aguará 06 cultivars and for the Multissol and Altis 99 cultivars at an N dose of 120 kg ha−1 were used for the 2016 harvest. In 2017, the BRS 122 and Multissol cultivars received N doses of 88.6 and 99.1 kg ha−1, respectively, and the Altis 99 and Aguará 06 cultivars received N doses of 120 kg ha−1. The use of fertigation allowed greater efficiency for the N doses in the sunflower cultivars in the semiarid region.

Resumen El girasol es una de las oleaginosas más importantes del mundo, cuyos aquenios son valorados en varias cadenas industriales, principalmente para la extracción y procesamiento de su aceite. Aunque existe alguna información en la literatura, los requerimientos de nitrógeno (N) para el girasol en condiciones semiáridas bajo riego aún no están claros. El diseño experimental utilizó bloques al azar, con tratamientos en parcelas subdivididas con cuatro repeticiones durante dos temporadas agrícolas. Las dosis de N (por ejemplo, 0, 30, 60, 90 y 120 kg ha-1) se asignaron a las parcelas, y a los cuatro cultivares de girasol utilizados (por ejemplo, Aguará 06, Altis 99, Multissol y BRS 122), que se plantaron en las subparcelas. Las dosis de N para los máximos rendimientos de aquenio para los cultivares Multissol y BRS 122 fueron de 81,8 y 86,6 kg ha-1, respectivamente, mientras que las dosis de N de 120 kg ha-1 produjeron los máximos rendimientos de aquenio para los cultivares Altis 99 y Aguará 06 en la temporada de cultivo 2016. En 2017, los cultivares Multissol y BRS 122 recibieron dosis de N de 100,7 y 92,8 kg ha-1, respectivamente, y los cultivares Altis 99 y Aguará 06 recibieron una dosis de N de 120 kg ha-1 cada uno. Las dosis de fertirrigación de máxima eficiencia económica de N fueron de 60 y 70 kg ha-1 para los cultivares Multissol y BRS 122, respectivamente. Para los rendimientos de aceite, en la cosecha de 2016 se utilizaron las dosis máximas de N de 78,0 y 86,7 kg ha-1 para los cultivares BRS 122 y Aguará 06 y para los cultivares Multissol y Altis 99 con una dosis de N de 120 kg ha-1. En 2017, los cultivares BRS 122 y Multissol recibieron dosis de N de 88,6 y 99,1 kg ha-1, respectivamente, y los cultivares Altis 99 y Aguará 06 recibieron dosis de N de 120 kg ha-1. El uso de la fertirrigación permitió una mayor eficiencia de las dosis de N en los cultivares de girasol de la región semiárida.

Abstract The effect of microwave heating on the expansion of vermiculite was studied at a level of 700 W for 4 min exposure time and compared with raw vermiculite. In this study, the characterization of vermiculite from a mine in the northeast region of Brazil was performed using thermogravimetry, N2-adsorption, cation exchange capacity, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Following the microwave heating, the vermiculite was characterized using XRD, IR spectroscopy, and SEM. Microwave irradiation of the vermiculite sample caused structural changes such as loss of crystallinity and disorder, as revealed by the XRD patterns, but did not cause expansion. Results from SEM and IR spectroscopy showed that the microwave heating did not cause profound alterations to the morphology, clay structure, and chemical composition of the vermiculite.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a genotoxicidade do extrato glicólico liofilizado de sementes de Theobroma cacao Linné (TCL), usando o ensaio do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. A interação entre TCL e doxorrubicina (DXR) foi também analisada. Grupos experimentais foram avaliados 24-48 h após tratamento com N-Nitroso-N-etilureia (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0,5-2 g/kg), e TCL (2 g/kg) em combinação com DXR (ensaio antigenotóxico). As análises de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMNs) não mostraram diferenças significantes entre todas as doses de tratamento do TCL e o controle NaCl. Camundongos experimentalmente tratados com DXR e NEU induziram significativamente EPCMNs. Contudo, uma redução significante de EPCMNs foi também observada quando TCL foi administrada em combinação com o agente quimioterapêutico DXR. As análises da relação EPC/ENC (eritrócito policromático/eritrócito normocromático) revelaram ausência de diferenças significantes entre o controle NaCl, todas as doses de TCL e DXR. Contudo, houve diferenças significantes na relação EPC/ENC entre o controle positivo NEU e todos os outros tratamento. A relação ECP/ENC observada após o tratamento com TCL e DXR mostrou diferenças significantes e valores intermediários aos controles (NaCl e NEU). Este estudo sugere ausência de genotoxicidade e citotoxicidade de TCL, independentemente da dose, sexo e tempo. TCL reduziu os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos por DXR, sugerindo potencial efeitos antigenotóxicos.

Abstract This study evaluated the genotoxicity of lyophilized glycolic extract of Theobroma cacao Linné seeds (TCL), using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between TCL and doxorubicin (DXR) was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24-48 h after treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0.5-2 g/kg), and TCL (2 g/kg) in combination with DXR (antigenotoxic assays). Analysis of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) showed no significant differences between all the treatment doses of TCL and NaCl control. Mice experimentally treated with DXR and NEU significantly induced MNPCEs. However, a significant reduction of MNPCEs was also observed when TCL was administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent DXR. The analysis of the PCE/NCE ratio revealed no significant differences between the NaCl control, all doses of TCL, and DXR. However, there were significant differences in the PCE/NCE ratio between positive NEU control and all other treatments. The PCE/NCE ratio observed after treatment with TCL and DXR showed significant differences and intermediate values to controls (NaCl and NEU). This study suggests absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TCL, regardless of dose, sex, and time. TCL reduced genotoxic effects induced by DXR, suggesting potential antigenotoxic effects.