Abstract Estuaries are important features for global biogeochemical understanding, due to their highly coupled interaction between sediment and water. In those places, the land-sea transect sometimes has a gradient of physical and chemical characteristics, influencing the availability of nutrients and consequently primary production. This study aimed to observe the benthic aerobic respiration and sediment-water nutrient fluxes in a freshwater to marine transect in the Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon Complex (CIELC) on the southeastern Brazilian Coast. This area contains the most pristine mangrove at the limit between tropical and subtropical zones, providing an ideal observatory for ecological research programs. Intact sediment cores were incubated in laboratory to determine fluxes of O2, TCO2, and dissolved nutrients. Three different sites with different salinities were sampled during the four seasons of the year. Sediment characteristics of the sites were compared, showing higher organic matter in the lowest saline (LS) site and higher phytopigments in the highest saline (HS) site, as expected. Benthic aerobic respiration, O2 and CO2 fluxes, ranged from −0.4 to −3.2 mmol m−2h−1 and 0.1 to 1.5 mmol m−2h−1, respectively, and exhibited statistically significant variations between seasons and in a salinity gradient. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen and silicate, ranging from −228.7 to 544.8 μmol m−2h−1 and −205.8 to 4,173.5 μmol m−2h−1, respectively, were generally released from the sediment, whereas phosphate ranged from −25.2 to 29.6 μmol m−2h−1 with more variation in time and space. The LS site was characterized as a nitrogen sink and a silicate and phosphate releaser, and the HS site was characterized as a nitrogen producer and a phosphorus consumer. However, seasonal and spatial variations were observed, and the interaction between space and time factors was always highly significant, indicating that the metabolic behavior of the benthic compartment depends on both trophic and physicochemical conditions.

Abstract The Baixada Maranhense Environmental Protection Area of the Brazilian state of Maranhão encompasses a biologically rich region that includes the basins of four principal rivers, the Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré, and Turiaçu, which form a complex of wetlands. The present study provides a comprehensive inventory of the fish fauna of the rivers that drain the Baixada Maranhense based on the identification of voucher specimens that were deposited in a scientific collection. Expeditions were conducted between 2014 and 2020. The inventory identified a total of 100 fish species representing 79 genera, 34 families, and 11 orders, which are found in both freshwater and estuarine environments. Six (Potamotrygon orbignyi, Leporinus piau, Moenkhausia loweae, Serrasalmus spilopleura, Pachypops fourcroi and Peckoltia greedoi) of the 100 taxa identified here are considered to be new records for one or more of the basins surveyed during this study, based on the existing data, while four – Colossoma macropomum, Megaleporinus macrocephalus, Cichla sp. and Cichla kelberi – are not native. The most speciose orders were the Siluriformes and Characiformes, while the most diverse families were the Loricariidae, Characidae, Auchenipteridae, Cichlidae, and Serrasalmidae. These data are consistent with the findings of most of the previous studies of freshwater ecosystems in the Neotropical region, in particular those of the rivers of Maranhão. The results of the present study represent an important advance in the understanding of the diversity of the fish fauna of the Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré, and Turiaçu rivers, which are still poorly studied, and have likely had their diversity underestimated up to now.

Resumo A Área de Proteção Ambiental da Baixada Maranhense do estado brasileiro do Maranhão abrange uma região biologicamente rica que engloba as bacias de quatro rios principais, Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré e Turiaçu, formando um complexo de áreas inundáveis. O presente estudo fornece um inventário abrangente da ictiofauna de rios que drenam a Baixada Maranhense a partir da identificação de espécimes com material testemunho depositados em coleção científica. As expedições foram realizadas entre 2014 e 2020. O inventário identificou um total de 100 espécies de peixes representando 79 gêneros, 34 famílias e 11 ordens que são encontradas em ambientes de água doce e estuarinos. Dos 100 táxons identificados, seis (Potamotrygon orbignyi, Leporinus piau, Moenkhausia loweae, Serrasalmus spilopleura, Pachypops fourcroi e Peckoltia greedoi) são considerados novo registros para uma ou mais das drenagens aqui levantadas, em comparação com os dados existentes, enquanto quatro: Colossoma macropomum, Megaleporinus macrocephalus, Cichla sp. e Cichla kelberi não são nativos. As ordens mais especiosas foram Siluriformes e Characiformes, enquanto as famílias mais diversas foram Loricariidae, Characidae, Auchenipteridae, Cichlidae e Serrasalmidae. Esses dados corroboram a maioria dos outros estudos de ecossistemas de água doce da região Neotropical, em particular o dos rios do Maranhão. Os resultados do presente estudo representam um avanço importante no conhecimento da diversidade da fauna de peixes dos rios Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré e Turiaçu, que ainda são pouco estudados e provavelmente com uma diversidade subestimada.

Resumo Fundamentos Uma metodologia para identificação de pacientes portadores de aneurisma de aorta ascendente (AAAs) sob alto risco de remodelamento aórtico não está completamente definida. Objetivo Esta pesquisa objetiva caracterizar numericamente o fluxo sanguíneo aórtico, relacionando a distribuição do estresse mecânico resultante com o crescimento de AAAs. Métodos Estudo analítico, observacional, unicêntrico, em que um protocolo de fluidodinâmica computacional (CFD - Computacional Fluid Dynamics) foi aplicado a imagens de angiotomografia computadorizada (ATC) de aorta de pacientes portadores de AAAs. Duas ATC de aorta com pelo menos um ano de intervalo foram obtidas. Dados clínicos dos pacientes foram registrados e, a partir das imagens de ATC, foram gerados modelos tridimensionais. Foram realizados estudos do campo de velocidade e estruturas coerentes (vórtices) com o objetivo de relacioná-los ao crescimento ou não do aneurisma e, posteriormente, compará-los com os dados clínicos dos pacientes. O teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi utilizado para avaliar a normalidade da amostra e o teste não-paramétrico Wilcoxon signed-rank foi aplicado para comparações de dados pareados entre os ângulos aórticos. A significância estatística foi fixada em 5%. Resultados Para o grupo que apresentou crescimento do aneurisma, a incidência do jato na parede aórtica gerou áreas de recirculação posterior ao jato, induzindo à formação de vórtices complexos, ocasionando um incremento na pressão média no endotélio aórtico. O grupo sem crescimento do aneurisma apresentou diminuição na pressão média. Conclusão Este estudo piloto mostrou que a CFD baseada em ATC pode, em um futuro próximo, ser uma ferramenta auxiliar na identificação dos padrões de fluxo associados ao processo de remodelamento de AAAs.

Abstract Background A methodology to identify patients with ascending aortic aneurysm (AsAA) under high risk for aortic growth is not completely defined Objetive This research seeks to numerically characterize the aortic blood flow by relating the resulting mechanical stress distribution with AsAA growth. Methods Analytical, observational, single-center study in which a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) protocol was applied to aortic computed tomography angiogram (CTA) images of patients with AsAA. Two CTA exams taken at a minimum interval of one year were obtained. From the CTA-gathered images, three-dimensional models were built, and clinical data were registered. Study of velocity field and coherent structures (vortices) was performed aiming to relate them to the presence or absence of aneurysm growth, as well as comparing them to the patients’ clinical data. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate the normality of the distribution, and the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test, for non-normal distribution, was used to compare the paired data of the aortic angles. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results The incident jet in the aortic wall generated recirculation areas in the posterior region of the jet, inducing complex vortices formation in the group with aneurysm growth, leading to an average pressure increase in the ascending aortic wall between exams. In the group without aneurysm growth, the average pressure decreased. Conclusion This pilot study showed that CFD based on CTA may in the near future be a tool to help identify flow patterns associated with AsAA remodeling process.

Abstract The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of crude ethanolic extract of Celtis iguanaea leaves and their active fractions are reported. The oral treatment with crude ethanolic extract (CEE; 100, 300 or 1000 mg/Kg) inhibited the number of writhings in a dose-dependent manner. The intermediate dose also inhibited formalin-induced nociception in both phases. The oral treatment with dichloromethane fraction (DF; 9 mg/Kg) produced antinociceptive effect in both phases of formalin test; however, the treatment with ethyl acetate fraction (EAF; 16 mg/Kg) reduced pain only in the second phase of this test. The oral treatments with CEE (300 mg/Kg) or DF (9 mg/Kg) reduced the nociception induced by capsaicin and pre-treatment with naloxone did not change these effects. The oral administration of CEE (300 mg/Kg), DF (9 mg/Kg) or ethyl EAF (16 mg/Kg) reduced ear edema, leukocytes migration and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, the oral treatment with CEE (300 mg/Kg) or EAF (16 mg/Kg) reduced the level of Tumor Necrosis Factor - Alpha (TNF-α) in the pleurisy test. In conclusion, the DF showed antinociceptive activity that involves the vanilloid system as well as anti-inflammatory effect and the EAF showed anti-inflammatory activity involving the reduction of TNF-α cytokine.

Resumo Megaleporinus macrocephalus é uma espécie de peixe anostomatídeo nativa da bacia do rio Paraguai, no bioma Pantanal do oeste do Brasil. No entanto, essa espécie já foi registrada em várias outras drenagens, incluindo as dos rios Alto Paraná, Uruguai, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri e Paraíba do Sul. Este estudo apresenta dois novos registros da ocorrência de M. macrocephalus, nas bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no estado do Maranhão, no nordeste brasileiro. O piaussu é um peixe de grande porte, de interesse comercial, amplamente criado em pisciculturas, e sua ocorrência nos rios Itapecuru e Mearim é provavelmente o resultado de indivíduos que escapam dos tanques quando transbordam durante a estação chuvosa. Análises morfológicas e sequências do gene da subunidade I do citocromo oxidase (COI) confirmaram a identificação taxonômica dos espécimes como M. macrocephalus. As sequências de COI foram 99,66% semelhantes às de M. macrocephalus depositadas no banco de dados BOLDSystems. Esses registros estendem a conhecida distribuição de M. macrocephalus às bacias dos rios Itapecuru e Mearim, no nordeste brasileiro, destacando um novo caso de introdução de espécies exóticas de peixes nas bacias hidrográficas brasileiras.

Abstract The “piaussu”, Megaleporinus macrocephalus is an anostomatid fish species native to the basin of the Paraguay River, in the Pantanal biome of western Brazil. However, this species has now been recorded in a number of other drainages, including those of the upper Paraná, Uruguay, Jacuí, Doce, Mucuri, and Paraíba do Sulrivers. This study presents two new records of the occurrence of M. macrocephalus, in the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the state of Maranhão, in the Brazilian Northeast. The piaussu is a large-bodied fish of commercial interest that is widely raised on fish farms, and its occurrence in the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers is likely the result of individuals escaping from fish tanks when they overflow during the rainy season. Morphological analyses and sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene confirmed the taxonomic identification of the specimens as M. macrocephalus. The COI sequences were 99.66% similar to those of M. macrocephalus deposited in the BOLDSystems database. These records extend the known distribution of M. macrocephalus to the basins of the Itapecuru and Mearim rivers in the Brazilian Northeast, highlighting a new case of introduction of exotic fish species into Brazilian river basins.

Calea uniflora Less., commonly known in Brazil as “erva-de-lagarto” and “arnica-da-praia”, is used in folk medicine to treat internal and external bruises and as anti-inflammatory. However, despite the popular use there is a lack of information in terms of isolation and biological evaluation of its secondary metabolites. Thus, the aims of this study were to identify and characterize compounds of C. uniflora leaves with trypanocidal and leishmanicidal potential. METHODS: Structures of compounds were determined by HRESIMS spectra, and 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Then, they were tested for in vitro leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi intracellular amastigotes, respectively. RESULTS: Four germacranolide-type sesquiterpene lactones were isolated and characterized from dichloromethane fraction: 2α-hydroxy-8β-2’,3’,5’-trihydroxy-angeloyloxycostunolide (1), desacetyleupaserrin (2), 2α-hydroxy-8β-3’-hydroxy-2’,5’-epoxyangeloyloxycostunolide (3) and ovatifolin (4). All compounds are described herein for the first time for C. uniflora and Calea genus. Lactones 1, 2 and 4 demonstrated weak or no inhibition of the T. cruzi amastigotes, whereas compound 3 revealed a moderate effect (36.8%). Regarding the leishmanicidal activity, 4 exhibited a 59.9% inhibitory effect on the growth of L. amazonensis. CONCLUSION: None of the isolated compounds presented promising trypanocidal effect and 4 was the most active compound against L. amazonensis amastigotes.

ABSTRACT The present paper surveys the more recent techniques related to the swing-by maneuver, where a spacecraft changes its energy and angular momentum by passing close to celestial bodies. It is focused on the literature related to extensions of this maneuver, with emphasis in the powered version, where an impulse is applied to the spacecraft near the closest approach. Several mathematical models are considered, including the patched-conics approximation for analytical studies, and the restricted three-body problem for the numerical simulations. The main goal is to show the models and the main conclusions available in the literature for those maneuvers. Some key results are shown to discuss important aspects of this maneuver, including the analysis of the energy variation of the spacecraft, the behavior of the trajectories and other applications.

RESUMEN Presentamos una resenã de los resultados recientes sobre la maniobra de columpio, en la cual una nave espacial cambia su energía y momento angular al pasar cerca de un cuerpo celeste. Nos concentramos en la literatura sobre las extensiones de esta maniobra, con énfasis en la versión con potencia aplicada, en la cual se le impone a la nave un impulso durante el máximo acercamiento. Se consideran varios modelos matemáticos, incluyendo la aproximación de la cónica parcial para estudios analíticos y el problema restringido de los tres cuerpos para las simulaciones numéricas. Nuestro objetivo principal es mostrar los modelos y las conclusiones disponibles en la literatura para estas maniobras. Con los principales resultados discutimos aspectos interesantes de la maniobra, incluyendo el análisis de la variación de la energía de la nave y el comportamiento de las trayectorias.

The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye and ibuprofen drug was studied in the presence of zinc oxide, synthetized by the protein sol-gel route. The catalyst, calcined at 1000 ºC, presented a tendentious morphology to filaments characteristic of ZnO crystalline, characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confirmed by the presence of Zn energy band in X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The result of ultraviolet (UV) light photodegradation of this work is comparable to others that made use of more complex routes, considering the degradation of 97% of methylene blue dye solution and the solution of the ibuprofen drug reached 60% of degradation after 1 h of light incidence. In this research, it is possible to report good degradation results, and the research differential is a material made with a simple and less aggressive route, capable of generating a stable and efficient material.

RESUMO Estudos de proveniência em rios amazônicos concentram-se principalmente em sedimentos suspensos, enquanto os processos que controlam a produção e distribuição de sedimentos de fundo ainda são pouco conhecidos. Sedimentos de fundo do Lago Verde foram estudados com o objetivo principal de determinar a proveniência sedimentar. Utilizamos técnicas de difração de raios-X em pó (DRX), espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformação de Fourier (FTIR), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e catodoluminescência para analisar argilas e minerais pesados em 22 amostras. O Lago Verde tem forma em L, profundidade máxima de 5.5 m, com predomínio da fração lama sobre areia no centro do lago. Quartzo e feldspato foram dominantes na fração leve, e zircão, turmalina, cianita, rutilo e estaurolita na fração pesada. A fração argila foi dominada por caulinita, cuja morfologia e grau de cristalinidade indicam origem detrítica relacionada com ação intempérica. A Formação Alter do Chão (FAC), substrato do Lago Verde, é indicada como principal fonte dos sedimentos arenosos e minerais pesados, dada a semelhança mineralógica e percentual. A caulinita foi derivada da FAC, mas não como única fonte. Os rios Amazonas e Tapajós têm uma pequena contribuição para a proveniência da caulinita. A origem primária dos minerais pesados na FAC indica o embasamento da Bacia do Amazonas como rochas fonte, e esta formação funciona com fonte de sedimentos para o Lago Verde, a partir dos processos de intemperismo e erosão, sob condições tropicais atuais. A presença de Aulacoseira granulata e Aulacoseira ambigua indicou o papel importante dos processos erosivos atuais na produção de sedimentos.

ABSTRACT Studies on provenance of minerals in Amazonian rivers focus mostly on suspended sediments, while processes that control bottom-sediment production and distribution are still little known. We determined the provenance of the bottom sediments of Green Lake, a micro-basin draining into the Tapajós River, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. We used X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and, cathodoluminescence techniques to analyze clay, light and heavy minerals of 22 samples. The lake is L-shaped, with 5.5 m maximum depth, and predominance of mud over sand in the center. Quartz and feldspar were dominant in the light fraction, while zircon, tourmaline, kyanite, rutile, and staurolite were dominant in the heavy fraction. The clay fraction was dominated by kaolinite, with morphology and degree of crystallinity indicative of a detrital origin related to weathering. The Alter do Chão Formation (ACF) is suggested as the main source of sand sediments and heavy minerals, due to their mineralogical and percentage similarity. The provenance of kaolinite was mainly the ACF, with a minor contribution of the Amazon and Tapajós rivers. The primary origin of the heavy minerals in the ACF indicates the basement of the Amazonas Basin as source rock and this formation as a source of sediments for Green Lake through weathering and erosion processes under current tropical conditions. The presence of Aulacoseira granulata and Aulacoseira ambigua indicates the importance of current erosive processes on sediment production.

Resumo Este artigo reporta as atividades in vitro antiproliferativa, atiprotozoárica, anti-herpética e antimicrobiana de 32 extratos orgânicos provenientes de 14 esponjas marinhas e 14 corais coletados no litoral nordestino brasileiro. Os extratos etanólicos das esponjas Amphimedon compressa e Tedania ignis, e o extrato acetônico de Dysidea sp. demonstraram resultados promissores em relação aos efeitos antiproliferativos frente as linhagens celulares A549, HCT-8, PC-3 pelo método da sulforrodamina B, mas sem especificidade. Em relação à atividade antiprotozárica, os extratos etanólico de Amphimedon compressa e acetônico e etanólico de Dysidea sp. apresentaram atividade contra Leishmania amazonensis e Trypanosoma cruzi através do método de expressão de β-galactosidase em células THP-1. Na investigação preliminar de atividade antiviral frente ao vírus Herpes simplex tipo 1 (cepa KOS), os extratos etanólicos das esponjas Amphimedon compressa, Haliclona sp. e Chondrosia collectrix inibiram mais de 50% da replicação viral. O extrato etanólico da esponja Haliclona sp. demonstrou resultados promissores para atividade anti-herpética com altos índices de seletividade para as cepas KOS (IS >50) e 29R (IS>79) frente ao VHS-1 e cepa 333 (IS>108) frente ao VHS-2. O extrato etanólico da esponja Amphimedon compressa exibiu uma pequena atividade contra Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli pelo método de difusão em disco. De acordo com os resultados apresentados, os extratos das esponjas Amphimedon compressa, Tedania ignis e Dysidea sp. serão selecionados para futuros estudos de isolamento e identificação dos compostos bioativos para as atividades antiproliferativa e antiprozoárica. O extrato etanólico de Haliclona sp. será investigado por possuir atividade relevante anti-herpética.

Abstract This paper reports the in vitro antiproliferative effects, antiprotozoal, anti-herpes and antimicrobial activities of 32 organic extracts of 14 marine sponges and 14 corals collected in northeast Brazilian coast. The ethanolic extracts of the sponges Amphimedon compressa and Tedania ignis, and the acetone extract of Dysidea sp. showed relevant results concerning the antiproliferative effects against A549, HCT-8, and PC-3 cell lines by sulforhodamine B assay, but also low specificity. Concerning the antiprotozoal screening, the ethanolic extract of Amphimedon compressa and the acetone and ethanolic extracts of Dysidea sp. were the most active against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi expressing β-galactosidase in THP-1 cells. In the preliminary anti-HSV-1 (KOS strain) screening, the ethanolic extracts of the sponges Amphimedon compressa, Haliclona sp. and Chondrosia collectrix inhibited viral replication by more than 50%. The most promising anti-herpes results were observed for the ethanolic extract of Haliclona sp. showing high selective indices against HSV-1, KOS and 29R strains (SI> 50 and >79, respectively), and HSV-2, 333 strain (IS>108). The results of the antibacterial screening indicated that only the ethanolic extract of Amphimedon compressa exhibited a weak activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli by the disk diffusion method. In view of these results, the extracts of Amphimedon compressa, Tedania ignis and Dysidea sp. were selected for further studies aiming the isolation and identification of the bioactive compounds with antiproliferative and/or antiprotozoal activities. The relevant anti-herpes activity of the ethanolic extract of Haliclona sp. also deserves special attention, and will be further investigated.

Chemotherapy treatment of leishmaniasis is based on the use of pentavalent antimonials, but these drugs present low efficacy and high toxicity. In the search for new antileishmanial agents, essential oils (EOs) from four Croton species (C. argyrophylloides, C. jacobinensis, C. nepetifolius and C. sincorensis) were evaluated against Leishmania infantum chagasi, L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis. EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Spathulenol, β-caryophyllene, β-caryophyllene oxide, 1,8-cineole and methyl eugenol were the major constituents. The evaluation of antioxidant activity by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) method showed that all EOs have moderate antioxidant activity. All oils were similarly active against L. i. chagasi, and C. nepetifolius EO showed the best result against L. amazonensis, with median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 9.87 μg mL-1, similar to amphotericin B (IC50 = 7.38 μg mL-1). The oils presented low cytotoxicity in macrophages. The in silico analysis revealed that spathulenol and 1,8-cineole were active against the enzyme Leishmania infantum trypanothione reductase (LiTR), showing excellent interaction energies, making them promising agents for leishmaniasis control.

The phytochemical investigation of the alkaloid-rich fraction obtained from the leaves of Guatteria pogonopus Mart. (Annonaceae) allowed the isolation and identification for the first time in this species of: (+)-nornuciferine (1), a mixture of 1 and (+)-anonaine (2), (+)-isocorydine (3), (+)-nuciferine (4), (+)-roemerine (5), (-)-tetrahydropseudocolumbamine (6), a mixture of 6, liriodenine (9) and lysicamine (10), a mixture of 1,2,9-trimethoxy-10-hydroxyaporphine (7) and bulbocapnine (8), 9, 10, and (+)-N-methyllindicarpine (11). Compounds 6, 7, 8, and 11 have not been previously reported in the family Annonaceae. Furthermore, the formerly synthetic 1,2,9-trimethoxyaporfin-10-ol (7) is described for the first time as a natural aporphine alkaloid herein. The chemical structures were established by 1D and 2D NMR as well as in comparison with data previously reported in the literature. The cytotoxic activity of the alkaloids was evaluated against tumor (B16-F10, HepG2, HL-60, and K562) and non-tumor (PBMC) cell lines. Alkaloid 1 presented significant activity against HepG2 cell lines with IC50 of 9.60 µmol L-1 while the mixture of 6, 9 and 10 displayed strong cytotoxic activity against HL-60 and K562 cell lines with IC50 values of 3.41 an 8.50 µmol L-1, respectively.

RESUMO: A saúde do neonato está diretamente relacionada às condições gestacionais e eficiência placentária. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: (1) avaliar parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de potros nascidos de éguas com placentite ao nascimento e com 24h de vida e (2) verificar se a patologia placentária exerceu influência no grau de maturidade através da resposta hemato-bioquímica destes neonatos. De acordo com os resultados histopatológicos placentários (controle e placentite) e grau de maturidade neonatal (maturo e imaturo), os potros foram divididos em três grupos: grupo controle (n=22); e potros nascidos de éguas com placentite classificados como (2) maturos (n=26) e (3) imaturos (n=10). Foi avaliado hematócrito e concentrações sanguíneas de fibrinogênio, proteína plasmática total, leucócitos totais, lactato, glicose, creatinina, uréia, albumina, bilirrubinas, triglicerídeos, colesterol, cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatina quinase (CK), fosfatase alcalina (FA) e gama glutamiltranferase (GGT). As características placentárias foram significativamente diferentes entre os graus de maturidade neonatal (P=0.001). Éguas com placentite aguda produziram mais potros imaturos (n=8/10; 80%). No nascimento, os potros imaturos apresentaram maiores concentrações de fibrinogênio (P=0,003), creatinina (P=0,021), colesterol total (P=0,0014), AST (P=0,001), GGT (P=0,002), bilirrubina indireta (P=0,010) e total (P=0,001) e menor concentração de albumina (P=0,002). Os potros nascidos de éguas com placentite apresentaram hiperlactatemia com 24h de vida (P=0,002). A placentite aguda exerceu influência na maturidade neonatal, permitindo uma maturação fetal acelerada, porém, incompleta. Mensurações dos níveis sanguíneos de lactato, fibrinogênio, creatinina, colesterol total, AST, GGT, bilirrubinas e albumina, associado à avaliação clínica, física e comportamental, podem contribuir como indicadores de maturidade neonatal.

ABSTRACT: Newborn’s health is directly related to gestational conditions and placental efficiency. The aims of this study were: (1) To evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters of foals born from mares with placentitis at birth and at 24h of age, (2) to verify if placental pathology had any influence on neonatal maturity degree through hematological and biochemical response of those foals. According to placental findings (control and placentitis) and neonatal maturity degree (mature and immature), foals were divided into three groups: (1) Control group (n=22), foals born from mares with placentitis and classified as (2) Mature (n=26), and (3) Immature (n=10). The hematocrit and plasma concentration of fibrinogen, total plasma protein, white blood cells count, lactate, glucose, creatinine, urea, albumin, bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured. Placental features were significantly different between neonatal maturity degree (P=0.001). Mares that had acute placentitis foaled more immature neonates (n=8/10; 80%). Concentrations of fibrinogen (P=0.003), creatinine (P=0.021), total cholesterol (P=0.014), AST (P=0.001), GGT (P=0.002), total (P=0.001) and unconjugated bilirubin (P=0.010) were higher at birth in the Immature group, whereas albumin levels were lower (P=0.002). Foals born from mares with placentitis presented hyperlactatemia at 24h of age (P=0.002). Acute placentitis had an influence on the neonatal maturity, allowing an accelerated but incomplete fetal maturation. The monitoring of lactate, fibrinogen, creatinine, bilirubin, cholesterol, albumin, AST, and GGT levels, associated with clinical, physical, and behavior evaluation may contribute as indicators of neonatal maturity.

Resumo Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar as atividades antibacteriana, citotóxica e antioxidante de extratos de Morus nigra L. HPLC foi utilizado para determinar o perfil de compostos fenólicos do extrato etanólico bruto (Mn-EtOH). O efeito antibacteriano foi avaliado através do método de microdiluição. A citotoxicidade foi testada contra linhagens celulares de tumores humanos utilizando o ensaio do brometo de 3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio (MTT). O conteúdo total de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides também foi avaliado por meio dos métodos de Folin-Ciocalteu e cloreto de alumínio, respectivamente. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos foi avaliada por meio do sequestro do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) e co-oxidação do sistema β-caroteno-ácido linoleico. A presença de compostos fenólicos em Mn-EtOH foi confirmada utilizando HPLC. Os extratos mostraram atividade contra a maioria dos microrganismos testados. Os extratos não mostraram qualquer efeito antiproliferativo expressivo na avaliação da citotoxicidade. O conteúdo fenólico total mais significativo foi de 153,00 ± 11,34 mg de equivalente de ácido gálico/g para o extrato acetato de etila (AcOEt). O conteúdo de flavonoides totais foi de 292,50 ± 70,34 mg de equivalente de catequina/g para o extrato AcOEt, que apresentou a melhor atividade antioxidante (IC50 50,40 ± 1,16 mg/mL) para o sequestro do DPPH. Podemos concluir que esta espécie apresenta forte atividade antibacteriana e antioxidante, bem como fraca atividade citotóxica.

Abstract This study was carried out to assess the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of extracts of Morus nigra L. HPLC was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the crude ethanolic extract (Mn-EtOH). The antibacterial effect was assessed through the method of microdilution. The cytotoxicity was tested against human tumour cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also assessed through the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching methods. The presence of phenolic compounds in Mn-EtOH was confirmed using HPLC. The extracts showed activity against most microorganisms tested. The extracts did not show any expressive antiproliferative effect in the assessment of cytotoxicity. The most significant total phenolic content was 153.00 ± 11.34 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g to the ethyl acetate extract (AcOEt). The total flavonoid content was 292.50 ± 70.34 mg of catechin equivalent/g to the AcOEt extract, which presented the best antioxidant activity (IC50 50.40 ± 1.16 μg/mL) for DPPH scavenging. We can conclude that this species shows strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as weak cytotoxic effects.

RESUMO Os morcegos da subfamília Desmodontinae compreendem as únicas três espécies de mamíferos hematófagos. Entre elas, Diaemus youngii é a espécie com menor número de registros no Brasil, sendo pouco conhecida demográfica e ecologicamente. Nós relatamos o primeiro registro de D. youngii para o estado do Mato Grosso, no centro-oeste do Brasil, e fornecemos registros adicionais para os estados de Rondônia e Tocantins, no norte do Brasil. Os registros ampliam a distribuição conhecida de D. youngii no sul da região amazônica.

ABSTRACT Bats of the subfamily Desmodontinae are the only hematophagous mammals, represented by three species. Among them, Diaemus youngii has the fewest records in Brazil, being poorly known demographically and ecologically. We report the first record of D. youngii for Mato Grosso state, in central-western Brazil, and provide additional records for the states of Rondônia and Tocantins, in northern Brazil, extending the known distribution of D. youngii in the southern Amazon region.