ABSTRACT A semi-batch bubble reactor has been developed to produce fatty acid ethyl ester (biodiesel) by acid-catalyzed esterification of oleic acid with superheated ethanol vapor. In this paper, the effects of reaction temperature (110, 130 and 150°C), ethanol volumetric flow rate (1.35, 2.50 and 3.65 mL/min) and vapor bubble size on the reactor performance were evaluated. The results demonstrated that temperature and volumetric flow rate have significant effects on the chemical reaction, gas phase solubility and mass transfer limitations. In addition, the free fatty acid conversion velocity was increased by approximately 56% when a microporous stainless-steel tube was employed to generate and distribute the vapor bubbles inside the reactor, which allowed the process to reach 95% conversion in approximately 40 minutes for the operating temperature of 150°C and volumetric flow rate of 2.5 mL/min.

ABSTRACT Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are globally widespread parasitic diseases which have been responsible for high mortality rates. Since drugs available for their treatment are highly hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic, adherence to therapy has been affected. Thus, the search for new, more effective and safer drugs for the treatment of these diseases is necessary. Natural products have stood out as an alternative to searching for new bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential. In this study, the chemical composition and antiparasitic activity of the essential oil from Protium ovatum leaves against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi and the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis were evaluated. The essential oil was promising against trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi (IC50= 28.55 μg.mL-1) and L. amazonensis promastigotes (IC50 = 2.28 μg.mL-1). Eighteen chemical constituents were identified by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in the essential oil, whose major constituents were spathulenol (17.6 %), caryophyllene oxide (16.4 %), β-caryophyllene (14.0 %) and myrcene (8.4 %). In addition, the essential oil from P. ovatum leaves had moderate cytotoxicity against LLCMK2 adherent epithelial cell at the concentration range under analysis (CC50 = 150.9 μg.mL-1). It should be highlighted that this is the first report of the chemical composition and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and anti-Leishmania amazonensis activities of the essential oil from Protium ovatum leaves.

Resumo O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a ação do extrato hidroalcólico do ritidoma de Hymenaea stigonocarpa frente a um composto mutagênico, utilizando como sistema teste as células meristemáticas de raízes de A. cepa. Os grupos tratamentos avaliados foram: Controle Negativo (CN) – água destilada; Controle Positivo (CP) – paracetamol na concentração de 0,008 mg/mL, Controle Jatobá (CJ) – fração aquosa de jatobá-do-cerrado na concentração de 0,5 ou 1,0 ou 1,5 mg/mL, e Tratamento Simultâneo (TS) – fração aquosa de jatobá-do-cerrado na concentração de 0,5 ou 1,0 ou 1,5 mg/mL associada a solução de paracetamol na concentração de 0,008 mg/mL. Todos os grupos foram analisados nos tempos de 24 e 48 h. Para cada grupo tratamento cinco bulbos de cebolas (cinco repetições) foram utilizados. As radículas foram fixadas em Carnoy e as lâminas preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento. Analisaram-se células em todo ciclo celular, totalizando 5.000 para cada grupo tratamento em cada tempo de exposição. Os índices mitóticos obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística do Qui-quadrado (p<0,05). A partir dos resultados verificou-se que o grupo TS, nas três concentrações, potencializou o efeito antiproliferativo significativo as células do sistema teste quando comparado ao CP, CN e TJ nas três concentrações. Ainda, o TS nas três concentrações reduziu de forma significativa o número de aberrações celulares quando comparado com o número de células aberrantes obtidas para o CP, demonstrando ação antimutagênica as células do sistema teste A. cepa.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of Hymenaea stigonocarpa bark hydroalcoholic extract against a mutagenic compound using A. cepa meristematic root cells as a test system. The treatment groups were: Negative Control (NC) – distilled water; Positive Control (PC) – paracetamol at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL, Jatoba Control (JC) – aqueous fraction jatobá-do-cerrado at 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL, and Simultaneous Treatment (ST) - jatobá-do-cerrado aqueous fraction at a concentration of 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL associated with paracetamol solution at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL. All groups were analyzed at 24 and 48 h. Five onion bulbs (five replications) were used for each treatment group. The root tips were fixed in Carnoy and slides prepared by the crush technique. Cells were analyzed throughout the cell cycle, totaling 5,000 for each treatment group at each exposure time. Mitotic indices were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test (p<0.05). From the results it was found that the ST group, at the three concentrations, significantly potentiated the antiproliferative effect of the test system cells when compared to PC, NC and TJ at the three concentrations. Furthermore, the three ST concentrations significantly reduced the number of cell aberrations when compared to the number of aberrant cells obtained for the PC, demonstrating antimutagenic action on the A. cepa test system cells.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of Carbopol gel formulations containing pilocarpine on the morphology and morphometry of the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats. METHODS: Thirty-one female Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control Groups I (n=7, rats in persistent estrus; positive controls) and II (n=7, castrated rats, negative controls) and the experimental Groups, III (n=8) and IV (n=9). Persistent estrus (Group I) was achieved with a subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate on the second postnatal day. At 90 days postnatal, rats in Groups II, III and IV were castrated and treated vaginally for 14 days with Carbopol gel (vehicle alone) or Carbopol gel containing 5% and 15% pilocarpine, respectively. Next, all of the animals were euthanized and their vaginas were removed for histological evaluation. A non-parametric test with a weighted linear regression model was used for data analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: The morphological evaluation showed maturation of the vaginal epithelium with keratinization in Group I, whereas signs of vaginal atrophy were present in the rats of the other groups. Morphometric examinations showed mean thickness values of the vaginal epithelium of 195.10±12.23 μm, 30.90±1.14 μm, 28.16±2.98 μm and 29.84±2.30 μm in Groups I, II, III and IV, respectively, with statistically significant differences between Group I and the other three groups (p<0.0001) and no differences between Groups II, III and IV (p=0.0809). CONCLUSION: Topical gel formulations containing pilocarpine had no effect on atrophy of the vaginal epithelium in the castrated female rats.

RESUMOEste trabalho realizou um levantamento sobre o uso de plantas medicinais na cidade de Picos-PI, identificou as plantas cultivadas no horto pertencente ao Laboratório Fitoterápico de Picos (LAFIPI), e analisou o uso de fitoterápicos dispensados pelo Programa Farmácia Viva no triênio 2008-2010. Do total dos 750 entrevistados, 37,6% foram homens e 62,4 % mulheres, dentre os quais a maioria não concluiu o segundo grau (69,2%) e 77,2% possuíam renda mensal de até dois salários mínimos. Com relação ao consumo de plantas medicinais, 76,3% afirmaram utilizá-las para tratar doenças, principalmente por considerá-las mais saudáveis (84,8%). A indicação do uso foi orientada, sobretudo, por familiares (82,2%), embora a maioria adquira as plantas em feiras livres (32,8%). Das 127 plantas relatadas, as mais citadas foram erva-cidreira, boldo e hortelã, sendo as folhas a parte mais utilizada (42,3%), predominantemente por infusão (39,4%). As aplicações mais lembradas foram para tratar dores em geral (17%), distúrbios respiratórios (16,5%) e digestivos (16%). As espécies mais cultivadas no horto são chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) e erva cidreira (Lippia alba). O lambedor de chambá foi o fitoterápico mais procurado pela população entre 2008 e 2010. Esse estudo descreveu, pela primeira vez, o uso tradicional de plantas medicinais no município de Picos e demonstrou, também de forma inédita, a relevância de investimentos do Programa Farmácia Viva no município de Picos e sua inclusão no Programa Saúde da Família como forma de disponibilizar à população de baixa renda fitoterápicos produzidos localmente a custos reduzidos.

ABSTRACTThis study performed a research about the use of medicinal plants in Picos city, identifying the plants grown in the garden belonging to the Laboratory of Phytotherapics in Picos (LAFIPI) and analying the use of phytotherapics distributed by the Farmácia Viva Project between 2008-2010. From the total of 750 interviewed participants, 37.6% were men and 62.4 % women. Most of them do not have secondary education (69.2%) and 77.2% had an income of up until two minimum wages. Regarding consumption of medicinal plants, 76.3 % used them to treat diseases, mainly because they considered them to be healthier (84.8%). The indication of use of the plants was mainly suggested by relatives (82.2%), even though the majority of the participants acquires plants in open markets (32.8%). From the 127 plants mentioned, the most cited ones were balm, boldo and mint, and leaves were the most utilized parts (42.3%), predominantly by infusion (39.4%). The most common reasons for the usewere to treat pain in general (17%), and respiratory (16.5%) and digestive disorders (16%). The most cultivated species in the garden were chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) and erva cidreira (Lippia alba). The "chambá licker" was the most herbal medicine searched by the population between 2008 and 2010. This investigation described, for the first time, the traditional use of medicinal plants in Picos and demonstrated,alsounprecedentedly, the relevance of investments in the Farmácia Viva Project in Picos city and its inclusion in the Family Health Program as a strategyin order to provide locally producedphytotherapics for low-income population at low costs.

RESUMO O presente estudo analisou e comparou o consumo diário de alimentos de origem animal em onze comunidades dos rios do Baixo Amazonas, Trombetas, e Purus, representando três diferentes sistemas de manejo e níveis de conservação na Amazônia brasileira. Todos os alimentos de origem animal foram pesados em pelo menos 10% das famílias das comunidades estudadas, durante uma semana em cada período do ciclo hidrológico, entre 2006 e 2008. O peixe foi o alimento mais importante, sendo consumido seis dias por semana, com uma taxa média de 169 kg.pessoa-1.ano-1. Carne de caça foi o segundo alimento em importância, com 37 kg.pessoa-1.ano-1. A taxa anual de consumo de peixe é uma das mais altas do mundo e é quase o dobro do mínimo recomendado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Os padrões alimentares refletem ambos o isolamento das comunidades dos grandes centros urbanos e a melhor preservação dos ambientes locais em função da existência de áreas protegidas. A degradação ambiental pode assim ter efeitos sobre a saúde e segurança alimentar das populações locais. Este estudo enfatiza a necessidade da implementação de políticas públicas e iniciativas de manejo participativo.

ABSTRACT The present study analyzed and compared the daily consumption of foods of animal origin in eleven communities of the Lower Amazon, Trombetas and Purus Rivers, representing three different management systems and levels of conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. All food items of animal origin were weighed by at least 10% of the families in the study communities during a week in each period of the flood cycle between 2006 and 2008. Fish was the most important food, and was consumed during six days of the week, with an average rate of 169 kg.person-1.year-1. Game was second in importance, with 37 kg.person-1.year-1. This yearly rate of fish consumption is one of the highest in the world and is almost double the minimum recommended by the World Health Organization. The dietary patterns reflect both the isolation of the communities from large urban centers and the better preservation of the local environments due to the existence of protected areas. Environmental degradation may thus have effects on the health and food security of local populations. The study emphasizes the need for the implementation of public policies and participative management initiatives.

A dieta de cinco espécies de Hemiodontidae (Hemiodus argenteus (Pellegrin, 1908), H. atranalis (Fowler, 1940), H. immaculatus (Kner, 1858), H. microlepis (Kner, 1858) e H. unimaculatus (Bloch, 1794)) na área de influência do reservatório de Balbina, rio Uatumã, norte do Brasil, foi investigada. Os peixes foram coletados bimestralmente entre abril de 2005 e fevereiro de 2007, em quatro locais, dois no reservatório (a montante da barragem) e dois no rio (a jusante da barragem). A dieta foi avaliada usando-se dois métodos: freqüência de ocorrência e volume relativo, combinados no Índice Alimentar (IAi). A amplitude do nicho alimentar foi baixa entre as cinco espécies analisadas. Hemiodus unimaculatus apresentou a maior amplitude de nicho, enquanto H. argenteus apresentou o menor. Detrito foi um item importante na dieta de todas as espécies analisadas, sendo predominante em H. argenteus e H. microlepis. Para H. unimaculatus, além dos detritos, as algas filamentosas também tiveram grande participação na alimentação da espécie. Já em H. atranalis e H. immaculatus, o item detrito também teve relativa importância na dieta, porém os itens microcrustáceos e vegetais foram, respectivamente, mais abundantes. Apesar da ampla variedade trófica, ocorreu o consumo preferencial de determinados itens, representados, principalmente, por detritos, matéria vegetal e microcrustáceos. A ampla diversidade trófica pode explicar o relativo sucesso das espécies desta família em ambientes represados.

The diet of five species of Hemiodontidae (Hemiodus argenteus (Pellegrin, 1908), H. atranalis (Fowler, 1940), H. immaculatus (Kner, 1858), H. microlepis (Kner, 1858) e H. unimaculatus (Bloch, 1794)) from the area of influence of the Balbina Reservoir, Uatumã River, northern Brazil, was investigated. Fish were collected bimonthly from April 2005 to February 2007 in four places, two in the reservoir (upstream the dam) and two in the river (downstream the dam). A total of 318 stomachs were analyzed. The diet was evaluated using two methods: frequency of occurrence and relative volume, both combined in the Alimentary Index (IAi). The breadth of the alimentary niche was low among the five analyzed species. Hemiodus unimaculatus presented the largest niche breadth, while H. argenteus showed the smallest. Detritus was an important item in the diet of all species, being predominant in Hemiodus argenteus, H. microlepis and H. unimaculatus. Hemiodus atranalis ingested mainly microcrustaceans and H. immaculatus consumed a larger proportion of vegetables. Despite the consumption of certain preferential items the ingestion of a wide variety of items occurs for all the species showing a broad trophic diversity in the diet of this family, which could explain its relative success in reservoirs in the Amazon.

O estudo da dieta de peixes e sua interação com o ambiente fornecem importantes informações ecológicas e comportamentais das espécies frente às variações nas condições ambientais e de disponibilidade de alimento. Este estudo teve por objetivo determinar a alimentação de Bryconops caudomaculatus e Bryconops alburnoides e avaliar suas diferenças sazonais na área de influência da UHE Balbina, rio Uatumã, Amazonas. As coletas foram realizadas bimestralmente de abril/2005 a fevereiro/2007, utilizando-se redes de espera com malhas variando de 12 a 60 mm entre nós opostos. Foram utilizados dois métodos na determinação da dieta: freqüência de ocorrência e volume relativo, sendo ambos combinados no Índice Alimentar (IAi). A similaridade da dieta entre as espécies foi analisada aplicando-se o índice de Morisita. Ambas as espécies apresentaram a dieta diversificada. Bryconops alburnoides ingeriu 12 itens e B. caudomaculatus 10, com uma similaridade de 59% entre os itens ingeridos. Os insetos terrestres para B. alburnoides e os imaturos para B. caudomaculatus foram os itens que mais se destacaram nas dietas, portanto foram consideradas insetívoras. Fatores ambientais influenciaram na sazonalidade da composição da dieta de B. alburnoides, apesar dos insetos imaturos serem mais preponderantes na dieta da espécie, houve uma ingestão significativa de insetos terrestres nos períodos de maior pluviosidade.

The study of fish diet and its interaction with the environment provides important data on ecology and behavior, as fish face varying environmental and food availability conditions. The aim of the present study was to determine the diet of Bryconops caudomaculatus and Bryconops alburnoides, as well as to assess its seasonal variation, within the area influenced by Balbina Hydroelectric Dam (BHD), in the Uatumã River (Amazon Basin, Brazil). Collections were carried out every two months from April 2005 to February 2007, using gill nets with mesh sizes ranging from 12 to 60 mm between opposite knots. Two methods were used for determining diet: frequency of occurrence and relative volume, which were used to calculate the alimentary index (IAi). Diet similarity between species was analyzed by applying the Morisita index. Bryconops alburnoides ingested 12 items and B. caudomaculatus 10, with a 59% similarity between ingested items. Terrestrial insects for B. alburnoides and immature insects for B. caudomaculatus were the main items in their diets, and therefore, they were considered insectivorous. The seasonal composition of the diet of B. alburnoides was influenced by environmental factors, and in spite of the dominance of immature insects, it had a significant number of terrestrial insects during the heavy rainfall periods.

A doença de Whipple (DW) é distúrbio multissistêmico raro causado pelo bacilo Tropheryma whipplei. O envolvimento do sistema nervoso central é um aspecto clássico da doença, sendo observado em 20 a 40% dos pacientes. Relatamos o caso de homem de 62 anos com DW que desenvolveu manifestações neurológicas durante sua evolução, com o objetivo de discutir os sinais e sintomas mais comuns e destacar os critérios diagnósticos e propostas terapêuticas mais recentes.

Whipple's disease (WD) is an uncommon multisystem condition caused by the bacillus Tropheryma whipplei. Central nervous system involvement is a classical feature of the disease observed in 20 to 40% of the patients. We report the case of a 62 yeards old man with WD that developed neurological manifestations during its course, and discuss the most usual signs and symptoms focusing on recent diagnostic criteria and novel treatment regimens.

Nós analisamos o conteúdo estomacal de 116 indivíduos pertencentes a sete espécies de peixes, no intuito de investigar as mudanças sazonais na estratégia alimentar e como interações tróficas entre as espécies afetam a estrutura de comunidade em um riacho de Mata Atlântica no Sudeste do Brasil. Oligosarcus hepsetus e Pimelodus sp. consumiram menos itens durante o inverno. Phalloceros caudimaculatus mudou o hábito alimentar de detrito durante o verão para algas durante o período de inverno. Esses exemplos são relacionados às variações na disponibilidade de alimento e na seletividade alimentar das espécies. Os mais altos valores de sobreposição alimentar, para a maioria das espécies, medidos pelo índice de Schoener, foram observados no verão, quando as espécies tenderam a ser mais generalistas. A variação no padrão alimentar pode influenciar a estrutura das comunidades de peixes.

We analyzed the stomach contents of 116 individuals belonging to seven fishes species in order to investigate seasonal changes in feeding strategy and how trophic interactions between species affect community structure in an Atlantic rainforest stream in Southeastern Brazil. Oligosarcus hepsetus and Pimelodus sp. consumed fewer items during the winter. Phalloceros caudimaculatus switched feeding habits from detritus during summer to algae during winter. These examples are related to variations in food availability and species feeding selectivity. The highest diet overlap values, for most species, as measured using Schoener's index, were observed in summer, along with a species tendency to be more generalist. Feeding pattern variation may influence the fish community structure.