Abstract Mucus, produced by Palythoa caribaeorum has been popularly reported due to healing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. However, biochemical and pharmacological properties of this mucus remains unexplored. Therefore, the present study aimed to study its proteome profile by 2DE electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF. Furthermore, it was evaluated the cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of the mucus and from its protein extract (PE). Proteomics study identified14 proteins including proteins involved in the process of tissue regeneration and death of tumor cells. The PE exhibited cell viability below 50% in the MCF-7 and S-180 strains. It showed IC50 of 6.9 μg/mL for the J774 lineage, and also, favored the cellular growth of fibroblasts. Furthermore, PE revealed activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC of 250 μg/mL). These findings revealed the mucus produced by Palythoa caribaeorum with biological activities, offering alternative therapies for the treatment of cancer and as a potential antibacterial agent.

RESUMO: O objetivo do estudo foi realizar a avaliação ultrassonográfica de órgãos do terço médio e caudal da cavidade celomática de serpentes hígidas da família Boidae. Para isto, foram avaliadas 15 serpentes adultas de cinco espécies: Boa constrictor amarali, Boa constrictor constrictor, Eunectes murinus, Epicrates assisi e Epicrates crassus. Os animais foram contidos fisicamente para a realização do exame. Após aplicação de gel acústico sobre as escamas, o transdutor foi posicionado no plano frontal da cavidade celomática. Foram utilizados transdutores microconvexo e linear em 10MHz. O exame ultrassonográfico foi conduzido no sentido craniocaudal, com cortes longitudinais e transversais para avaliar sintopia, ecogenicidade e ecotextura dos órgãos. O fígado se apresentou bilobulado, hiperecoico, ecotextura homogênea, cápsula hiperecoica, com lobo hepático medindo 1,15±0,64cm de largura, e presença de uma veia central hepática, medindo 0,44±0,21cm de diâmetro. A vesícula biliar foi caracterizada como uma estrutura anecoica de paredes ecogênicas e dimensões de 2,91±1,18cm x 1,38±0,84cm(comprimento x largura). O estômago apresentou-se com o aspecto pregueado e linear, ecogênico, com paredes hipoecoicas medindo 0,3±0,07cm de largura. O esplenopâncreasse apresentou como uma estrutura circular e ecogênica, ecotextura homogênea e medindo de 1,18±0,62cm de largura e 1,56±0,88cm de comprimento. Os rins se caracterizaram por estruturas alongadas, lobuladas, hipoecoicas, cápsula ecogênica e uma linha central ecogênica, medindo 1,05±0,7cm de largura. Os testículos foram caracterizados por estruturas fusiformes, hipoecoicas, ecotextura homogênea, medindo 2,31±0,79cm de comprimento e 0,6±0,23cm de largura. Foram visualizados folículos ovarianos em diferentes estágios, de 0,67±0,39cm de largura e 0,73±0,38cm de comprimento. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre espécies de sintopia, ecogenicidade e ecotextura dos órgãos da cavidade celomática. O exame ultrassonográfico demonstrou-se uma técnica segura, não invasiva e eficiente para caracterização dos órgãos da cavidade celomática de serpentes.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was the ultrasonographic evaluation of the organs in the middle third and caudal coelomic cavity of healthy snakes in the Boidae family. For such, 15 adult snakes from five species were evaluated: Boa constrictor amarali, Boa constrictor constrictor, Eunectes murinus, Epicrates assisi and Epicrates crassus. The animals were physically restrained for examination. After the application of acoustic gel over the scales the transducer was positioned in the frontal plane of the coelomic cavity. Microconvex and linear transducers at 10MHz were used. The ultrasound examination was conducted in the craniocaudal direction, with longitudinal and transversal sections to assess syntropy, echogenicity and echotexture of the organs. The liver was bilobulated, hyperechoic, homogeneous echotexture, hyperechoic capsule, with a hepatic lobe measuring 1.15±0.64cm wide, and the presence of a central hepatic vein, measuring 0.44±0.21cm in diameter. The gallbladder was characterized as an anechoic structure with echogenic walls and dimensions of 2.91±1.18cm x 1.38±0.84cm (length x width). The stomach showed a pleated and linear texture, echogenic, with hypoechoic walls measuring 0.3±0.07cm wide. The splenopancreas was a circular and echogenic structure, homogeneous echotexture and measuring 1.18±0.62cm in width and 1.56±0.88cm in length. The kidneys were characterized by elongated, lobulated, hypoechoic structures, an echogenic capsule and an echogenic central line, measuring 1.05±0.7cm in width. The testis were characterized by fusiform, hypoechoic structures, homogeneous echotexture, measuring 2.31±0.79cm in length and 0.6±0.23cm in width. Ovarian follicles were seen in different stages, 0.67±0.39cm wide and 0.73±0.38cm long. No differences were found between species of syntropy, echogenicity and echotexture of the organs of the coelomic cavity. The ultrasound examination proved to be a safe, non-invasive and efficient technique for characterizing the organs of the coelomic cavity of snakes.

RESUMO: Em cadelas os tumores mamários são os mais frequentes e correspondem a aproximadamente metade dos tumores em cães. Este estudo teve os objetivos de determinar os fatores de risco envolvidos na ocorrência de tumores mamários em cadelas e avaliar as características macroscópicas destas neoformações, utilizando 386 cadelas do evento “Outubro Rosa Pets” nos municípios de Uberlândia e Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brasil, em 2015 (n=194), 2016 (n=105) e 2017 (n=87). Para a determinação dos fatores de risco utilizou-se o teste de Regressão logística binária (P<0,05). A ocorrência de tumores mamários foi de 23,6% (91/386). Os fatores de risco significativos identificados foram aumento da idade (P<0,001), sobrepeso (P=0,048) e não-castração (P<0,001) com a chance de, respectivamente, 1,6, 2,3 e 9,3 vezes de desenvolvimento de tumores mamários. Nas cadelas com tumores mamários (n=91), constatou-se a presença de 153 lesões, sendo que 39 cadelas apresentaram duas ou mais lesões (42,8%). A maioria das lesões localizaram-se nas mamas abdominais caudais (M4) e inguinais (M5) (60,13%; 92/153). Em relação ao tamanho das lesões, observou-se que 78% das cadelas eram T1 (<3cm), 16,5% T2 (3-5cm) e 5,5% T3 (>5cm). Pelo menos 15,4% (14/91) das cadelas apresentaram um dos linfonodos regionais aumentados. Conclui-se que a ocorrência dos tumores mamários na população avaliada foi de 23,6% e que a idade, sobrepeso e não ovariohisterectomia são fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de tumores mamários.

ABSTRACT: Mammary tumors in female dogs are the most frequent and corresponds to half of the canine tumors. The objectives of this study were to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of mammary tumors in female dogs and to evaluate the macroscopic characteristics of these neoformations, using 386 dogs from the “Outubro Rosa Pets” events done within the cities of Uberlândia and Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in 2015 (n=194), 2016 (n=105) and 2017 (n=87). For the determination of risk factors, the binary logistic regression test (P<0.05) was performed. The occurrence of mammary tumors was 23.6% (91/386). The significant risk factors identified were increased age (P<0.001), overweight (P=0.048) and non-castration (P<0.001) with a chance of, respectively, 1.6, 2.3 and 9.3 times for the development of mammary tumors. In dogs with mammary tumors (n=91), 153 lesions were present, of which 39 female dogs had two or more lesions (42.8%). Most of the lesions were at the caudal abdominal (M4) and inguinal (M5) mammary glands (60.13%, 92/153). Relative to the size of the lesions, it was observed that in 78% of the female dogs the lesions were determined asT1 (<3cm), 16.5% were T2 (3-5cm) and 5.5% T3 (>5cm). At least 15.4% (14/91) of the dogs had one of the regional lymph nodes increased. In conclusion, the occurrence of mammary tumors in the evaluated population was 23.6% and that age, overweight and non-realization of ovariohysterectomy are risk factors associated with the development of mammary tumors.

Resumo: Objetivo: Analisar o efeito do catch-up de estatura na idade escolar na massa óssea em adolescentes em uma coorte brasileira de nascimento. Métodos: Estudo de coorte, utilizando dados dos três momentos (nascimento, aos 7/9 anos e 18/19 anos) da pesquisa Coortes-RPS. Catch-up de estatura foi definida a partir da diferença entre o Z-score do escolar e Z-score do nascimento. Para a análise da massa óssea em adolescentes foi utilizado o índice Z-score da coluna lombar medido pela densitometria por dupla emissão de raio X. Para análise proposta, foi construído modelo teórico usando os gráficos acíclicos direcionados e pareado por escore de propensão do tipo vizinho mais próximo utilizando o software STATA versão 14.0. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: Das 297 crianças, 24,58% realizaram o catch-up estatural. Massa óssea abaixo do esperado para a idade foi de 5,39%. O Z-score médio da coluna lombar foi −0,34 (± 1,01). Após ajuste, não foi observado efeito entre catch-up de estatura na idade escolar e massa óssea no adolescente (Coef = 0,598; IC 95% −0,117-1,313; p = 0,101). Conclusão: Mesmo com os gráficos acíclicos direcionados e o método de inferência causal por ajuste do escore de propensão, o catch-up de estatura parece não afetar a massa óssea em adolescentes, resultado talvez relacionado ao tamanho da amostra.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the effect of height catch-up at school age on the bone mass of adolescents of a Brazilian birth cohort. Methods: A cohort study using data obtained from the three moments (birth, 7/9 years and 18/19 years of age) of the Cohorts-RPS study. Height catch-up was defined based on the difference between the schoolchild's z-score and birth z-score. The adolescents' bone mineral mass was analyzed using the z-score index for the lumbar spine measured by dual emission X-ray absorptiometry. A theoretical model was developed for the proposed analysis using directed acyclic graphs paired through the nearest-neighbor matching propensity score using the STATA software, version 14.0. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: Of the 297 studied children, 24.5% achieved height catch-up. The bone mass below the expected for age was observed in 5.39% of the subjects. The mean lumbar spine z-score was −0.34 (±1.01). After the adjustment, no effect was observed between height catch-up at school age and bone mass in adolescents (Coeff = 0.598; 95% CI −0.117 to 1.313; p = 0.101). Conclusion: Even using the directed acyclic graphs and the causal inference method by adjusting the propensity score, the height catch-up did not seem to affect bone mass in adolescents, a result perhaps related to the sample size.

Abstract Biflorin (6,9-dimethyl-3-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl) benzo[de]chromene-7,8-dione) is a promising substance that has been increasingly studied in the past decades due to its diverse pharmacological properties (i.e. antitumor, antioxidant, antiinflamatory, antimicrobial activity etc.). Aiming the comprehension of its antitumoral activity we investigated the cell proliferation and cytotoxicity habilities of biflorin against mice splenocytes Balb/c. Biflorin was able to stimulate mice splenocytes Balb/c in 48 h of incubation at a concentration of 20.2 µM. Its immunostimulation promoted the production of cytokines such as: TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-17, inducing the immune profile toward a Th1 response. Moreover, an original method which led to an excellent yield with less processing time compared to the methods described in the literature was developed to obtain biflorin, from sawdust of Capraria biflora L., Scrophulariaceae. This method shows a great potential of increasing the production of this pharmacological active compound.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de forragem e o potencial de utilização do capim faixa-branca submetido a frequências de desfolhação. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de quatro frequências de desfolhação: muito alta (25cm), alta (35cm), média (45cm) e baixa (55cm), avaliados em duas épocas do ano (maior e menor insolação), entre 2015 e 2016. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e medidas repetidas no tempo. A produção diária de folhas foi menor na frequência muito alta em relação às outras frequências. A redução das frequências de desfolhação aumentou a produção diária de colmo, senescência diária de folhas, produção total diária e acúmulo líquido diário de forragem e diminuiu o potencial de utilização da forragem. No período de maior insolação, a produção diária de colmos, o acúmulo líquido diário de forragem e o potencial de utilização de forragem foram maiores e a senescência diária de folhas foi menor. A frequência de desfolhação muito alta não proporcionou um bom desenvolvimento da planta, enquanto a frequência baixa apresentou elevada produção de colmos. As frequências de desfolhação alta e média são mais indicadas para a desfolhação do capim faixa-branca, promovendo uma melhor proporção de folhas em relação a colmos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of forage and the potential of utilization of digit grass subjected to four defoliation frequencies: very high (25cm), high (35cm), medium (45cm), and low (55cm), evaluated at two times of the year (higher and lower insolation), from January 2015 to January 2016. A randomized-block design with four replicates was adopted and measures repeated over time. The daily production of leaves was lower at the very high frequency in relation to the other frequencies. The reduction in defoliation frequency increased the daily production of stems, the daily leaf senescence, the total daily forage production, and the daily forage accumulation, and decreased the potential of forage utilization. At the time of higher insolation, the daily production of stems, the daily forage accumulation, the potential of utilization of forage were higher, and the daily leaf senescence was lower. The very high frequency of defoliation did not provide a good development of the plan, while the lower frequency displayed a high production of stems. The high and medium frequencies of defoliation are more indicated to the defoliation of digit grass, enabling a better proportion of leaves in relation to stems.

Abstract: The production of textiles generates a large amount of liquid residues considered to be environmentally problematic and which, if discarded without due treatment, may cause eutrophication of water sources, the intoxication of living beings, and the blocking of light penetration. Some methods have been applied for the treatment of this type of waste, with the prominence of biological and physicochemical techniques. The combination of two or more techniques enhances the treatment’s efficiency. This work investigated the use of bacteria derived from the leachate produced by the textile industry itself, fed with vinasse, a by-product of the alcohol industry, with subsequent application of Fenton’s reaction. The biological method, optimized in terms of aeration and quantity of nutrients for the bacteria, combined with the physicochemical method optimized in terms of the amount of reagents, was efficient for the discoloration of the effluent in approximately 100 %, for toxicity reduction, for the degradation of organic matter in 80 %, and with acceptable acidity for disposal after only eight days of treatment. The method was considered of great efficiency and low application cost, without the production of hazardous waste.

Abstract: Tapioca starch (TS) is produced from Cassaca roots and it is differentiated from other starches because it contains about 17–20% amylase and low amount of residual substances. Propranolol (POP) is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent and it is in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of TS in the development of POP tablets by means of direct compression. Its evaluation was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), uniformity of weight, drug content, disintegration, friability, hardness, dissolution test and drug release kinetics. The TS granules were spherical with mean diameter of 10.09 ± 1.85 µm. The XRD, FTIR and NMR suggested physical interaction between TS and POP. The tablets presented average diameter of 1.1 ± 0.0 cm, 0.24 ± 0.02 cm thickness and average weight of 0.544 ± 0.003 g. The hardness of tablets was 10.98 ± 0.31 N and the percentage of friability was 25.74 ± 0.08%. POP was released after 45 min and the release kinetics properly fitted the Hixson-Crowell equation.

Abstract We present two pollen diagrams from the semi-arid Caatinga of the Catimbau National Park, in Pernambuco and from a Mauritia palm forest in the Caatinga/Cerrado ecotone of southern Piauí, NE Brazil, spanning the last 10,000 cal. yrs BP and the last 1,750 cal yrs BP, respectively. These two records contain a signature of the local vegetation and permit the correlation of the pollen signal with regional climatic changes. The Catimbau record shows Zizyphus sp., a typical Caatinga taxon, in all three pollen zones indicating regional Caatinga vegetation and the predominance of local arboreal taxa adapted to high humidity from 10,000 to ca. 6,000 cal. yrs BP with a gradual tendency towards drier conditions revealed by a deposition hiatus between 6,000 to ca. 2,000 cal. yrs BP. This abrupt loss of sediments in both localities is interpreted as a consequence of the establishment of modern semi-arid climates. The subsequent return of humidity is signaled by increased sedimentation rates and 14C date inversions in agreement with high precipitation, revealed by σ18O ratios in speleothems from NE Brazil. Modern sediments deposited in the last 500 years reflect local conditions with the maintenance of humidity by geological faulting and surfacing water tables.

Resumo Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de hipotireoidismo congênito em crianças com TSH em papel filtro (TSH-f) entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL na triagem neonatal. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu crianças triadas de 2003 a 2010, com TSH-f entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL, acompanhadas nos dois primeiros anos de vida quando não houve normalização do TSH sérico. O diagnóstico de hipotireoidismo congênito foi definido como TSH sérico igual ou superior a 10 µUI/mL e início de tratamento com levotiroxina até os dois anos. Resultados: Dos 380.741 nascidos vivos triados, 3.713 (1,04%) apresentaram TSH-f entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL e, desses, 339 (9,13%) tinham hipotireoidismo congênito. Desses, 76,11% dos casos foram diagnosticados nos primeiros três meses de vida e 7,96% entre um e dois anos. Conclusão: O estudo mostra que 9,13% das crianças com TSH-f entre 5 e 10 µUI/mL desenvolveram hipotireoidismo e que em cerca de um quarto delas o diagnóstico só se confirmou após o terceiro mês de vida. Com base nesses achados, sugere-se, para descartar o hipotireoidismo congênito, o uso do ponto de corte de TSH-f de 5 µUI/mL e o acompanhamento em longo prazo dos lactentes cujo TSH sérico não tenha se normalizado.

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in children with filter-paper blood-spot TSH (b-TSH) between 5 and 10 µIU/mL in the neonatal screening. Methods: This was a retrospective study including children screened from 2003 to 2010, with b-TSH levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL, who were followed-up during the first two years of life when there was no serum TSH normalization. The diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism was defined as serum TSH ≥10 µIU/mL and start of levothyroxine treatment up to 2 years of age. Results: Of the 380,741 live births, 3713 (1.04%) had filter paper TSH levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL and, of these, 339 (9.13%) had congenital hypothyroidism. Of these, 76.11% of the cases were diagnosed in the first three months of life and 7.96% between 1 and 2 years of age. Conclusion: The study showed that 9.13% of the children with b-TSH levels between 5 and 10 µIU/mL developed hypothyroidism and that in approximately one-quarter of them, the diagnosis was confirmed only after the third month of life. Based on these findings, the authors suggest the use of a 5 µIU/mL cutoff for b-TSH levels and long-term follow-up of infants whose serum TSH has not normalized to rule out congenital hypothyroidism.

RESUMO A criopreservação de tecido somático derivado da pele de catetos consiste numa alternativa para a conservação da biodiversidade por meio da associação com a transferência nuclear. Nesse contexto, a manipulação de tecidos da pele é uma etapa crucial para o sucesso dessa biotécnica. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo, foi caracterizar o sistema tegumentar auricular periférico de catetos, visando aprimorar a conservação tecidual. Para tanto, fragmentos auriculares de oito animais foram avaliados quanto às camadas teciduais, aos componentes, à atividade proliferativa e à viabilidade metabólica, usando-se as colorações hematoxilina-eosina e tricrômico de Gomori, quantificação de AgNORs e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Assim, tamanhos de 104,2µm e 222,6µm foram observados para epiderme e derme, com uma proporção volumétrica de 36,6% e 58,7%, respectivamente. Além disso, na epiderme, foram evidenciadas as camadas basal (22,5µm), intermediárias (53,5µm) e córnea (28,2µm), com valores médios de 65,3 células epidermais, 43,4 melanócitos e 14,8 halos perinucleares. Já a derme apresentou 127 fibroblastos, com 2,5 AgNORs/nucléolo. Adicionalmente, a atividade metabólica foi de 0,243. Em conclusão, o sistema tegumentar auricular periférico de catetos possui algumas marcantes variações em relação a outros mamíferos, quanto ao número de camadas e espessura da epiderme, quantidade de células epidermais, melanócitos e parâmetros proliferativos.

ABSTRACT The cryopreservation of somatic tissue derived from skin of collared peccaries is an alternative for biodiversity conservation through association with nuclear transfer. In this context, tissue manipulation of skin is a critical step for the success of this biotechnique. Therefore, the aim was to characterize the peripheral ear integumentary system derived from collared peccaries, directing to improve tissue conservation. Thus, ear fragments of eight animals were evaluated for tissue layers, components, proliferative activity and metabolic viability, using hematoxylin-eosin and Gomori Trichrome, AgNORs quantification and transmission electronic microscopy. Hence, sizes of 104.2 µm and 222.6 µm were observed in the epidermis and dermis, with a volumetric ratio of 36.6% and 58.7%, respectively. Moreover, basal layer (22.5 µm), intermediate (53.5 µm) and cornea (28.2 µm), with mean values of 65.3 epidermal cells, 43.4 melanocytes and 14.8 perinuclear halos were evidenced in the epidermal. Already the dermis has 127 fibroblasts with 2.5 AgNORs/nucleolus. Additionally, the metabolic activity was 0.243. In conclusion, the peripheral ear integumentary system derived from collared peccaries possessed some important variations compared to other mammals, as the number of layers and thickness of the epidermis, number of epidermal cells, melanocytes and proliferative parameters.

RESUMO Este trabalho objetivou apresentar a caracterização da morfologia do testículo de cutia (Dasyproctaprymnolopha) macho, com o intuito de colaborar com o conhecimento da morfofisiologia reprodutiva da espécie. Foram utilizados testículos de 47 animais, com idade entre um e dois anos, pesos homogêneos (2,08 ± 0,23kg), oriundos do Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Piauí. As estruturas foram dissecadas, descritas, e fragmentos foram processados para a microscopia de luz, sendo, posteriormente avaliada a atividade gonadal. Observou-se que os testículos são órgãos elipsoides alongados, podendo ser encontrados na região inguinal ou na cavidade abdominal, não apresentando um escroto bem delimitado. Verificou-se também parênquima com característica histológica padrão para o órgão em mamíferos, com a identificação de oito tipos de associações celulares, caracterizando os estádios do ciclo do epitélio seminífero, com menor e maior frequência dos estádios 3 e 5, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT This study meant to characterize the morphology of the testicle from (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) agouti males, in order to collaborate with the knowledge of reproductive morphophysiology of the specie. Testicles were used from 47 animals aged between 1 and 2 years, homogeneous weight (2.08±0.23kg), coming from the Centre for the Study and Conservation of Wild Animals of Agricultural Sciences Center of the Federal University of Piauí. The structures were dissected, described and fragments were processed for light microscopy, and, subsequently, gonadal activity was evaluated. Testes were observed to be elongated ellipsoidal bodies that can be found in the groin or in the abdominal cavity, not having a clearly defined scrotum. We also could see parenchymal with standard histological characteristic for the mammalian body, with the identification of eight types of cell associations, characterized epithelium Seminiferous stages of the cycle, with lower and higher frequency of stages 3 and 5, respectively.

ABSTRACT Trembleya phlogiformis DC., Melastomataceae, is a shrub whose leaves are used as a dye for dyeing wool and cotton. The present article aimed to carry out the morphological description of the species, to study the chemical composition of volatile oils from the leaves and flowers and the seasonal variability from the leaves during a year. Macroscopic characterization was carried out with the naked eye and with a stereoscopic microscope. Volatile oils were isolated by hydrodistillation in Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The major components of the volatile oil of T. phlogiformis flowers were: n-heneicosane (33.5%), phytol (12.3%), n-tricosane (8.4%) and linoleic acid (6.1%). It was verified the existence of a large chemical variability of the volatile oils from the leaves of T. phlogiformis over the months, with the majority compound (oleic alcohol, ranging from 5.7 to 26.8%) present in all samples. A combination of Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis showed the existence of three main clusters, probably related to the seasons. The results suggested that the volatile oils of T. phlogiformis leaves possess high chemical variability, probably related to variation associated with rainfall and the variation in the behavior of specimens throughout the year. This research provides insights for future studies on the volatile oils obtained from the T. phlogiformis leaves and flowers, mainly related to biological markers of applications monitored in the leaves and flowers of this species.

Abstract Hortia oreadica Groppo, Kallunki & Pirani, Rutaceae, known as “para-tudo”, “quina”, and “quina-do-campo”, is used in traditional medicine locally to treat stomach pain and fevers. The aims of this study were: analyze the chemical composition of essential oils from leaves, flowers and fruits of H. oreadica and verify the seasonal variation of the chemical components of essential oils from leaves. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger type apparatus and analyzed by GC/MS. The major components found in the samples of the essential oils were the amorpha-4,7(11)-diene (29.27% – flowers, 20.26% – fruits, 27.66–37.89% – leaves), bicyclogermacrene (23.28% – flowers, 20.64% – fruits, 14.71% to 31.37% – leaves). This work represents the first study of the chemical composition of essential oils from leaves, flowers and fruits and seasonal variation in the essential oils from leaves of H. oreadica.

Abstract Inflammatory bowel diseases, which include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are characterized by chronic and relapsed gut inflammation. Caulerpa mexicana is a type of green marine algae that can be found in tropical areas, such as the Brazilian Coastland. These macrophytes exhibit in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties such as the ability to reduce both cell migration to different sites and edema formation induced by chemical irritants. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the C. mexicana methanolic extract on the treatment of colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate. Acute experimental colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by treatment with 3% dextran sodium sulfate orally for 14 days. During this 14-day period, C. mexicana methanolic extract (2 mg/kg/day) was given intravenously on alternate days. Treatment with the methanolic extract significantly attenuated body weight loss and severe clinical symptoms. This was associated with a remarkable amelioration of colonic architecture disruption and a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of C. mexicana methanolic extract on colorectal sites may be a useful therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel diseases.