Abstract Phenolic compounds are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and in the microorganisms. Cinnamic acid and its hydroxylated derivative-ferulic acid, are phenolic compounds. Ferulic acid possesses antioxidant potential, as well as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It prevents the harmful effects of radiation both as an ultraviolet absorber and as a free radical scavenger; it is not cytotoxic. Although ferulic acid has beneficial properties, it is hardly used in cosmetic preparations and has been rarely studied in the literature. Herein, we review the literature on ferulic acid, to provide information which can contribute to further research on the compound.

Abstract The consumption of cosmetics has been increasing every year and is expected to reach $675 billion by 2020 at an estimated growth rate of 6.4% per year. Exposure to skin irritants is the major cause of non-immunological inflammation of the skin. Therefore, the safety evaluation of cosmetic preservatives should be increased. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity as the viability endpoint and the eye irritation potential of preservatives used in cosmetics. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using MTT and NRU in human keratinocytes (HaCaT), human dermal fibroblasts, adult (HDFa), and human hepatoma cells (HepG2). The eye irritation potential was evaluated using the Hen’s Egg Test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM). The evaluated preservatives were methylparaben (MP), propylparaben (PP), phenoxyethanol (PE), and a mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (CMI/MI). All preservatives showed cytotoxic potential within the permitted concentrations for use in cosmetic products. In the HET-CAM test, PE and CMI/MI, MP, and PP were classified as severe, moderate, and poor irritants, respectively. Our results indicate that proper safety evaluations are required to ensure the beneficial properties of preservatives on cosmetic products without exceeding exposure levels that would result in adverse health effects for consumers.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de reduzir os danos causados pela exploração madeireira na floresta amazônica, novas meta-heurísticas vem sendo implementadas e testadas para garantir a sustentabilidade desse segmento econômico. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo comparar alternativas para o dimensionamento de estradas e para alocação de pátios de estocagem de madeira. Em uma unidade de manejo florestal, o deslocamento da exploração de árvores para os pátios de estocagem de madeira foi avaliado em duas diferentes áreas. Para determinar a relação exploração de árvores / pátios de estocagem de madeira, pontos georreferenciados foram gerados igualmente espaçados a cada 50 m. Na área 1, o modelo de Programação Linear Inteira (ILP) e o Algoritmo Evolutivo Multiobjetivo (MOEA) foram comparados. Na área 2, apenas o MOEA foi considerado. Em ambas as áreas, esses modelos também foram comparados com o planejamento executado na unidade de manejo florestal. Soluções foram geradas para identificar a melhor alternativa de manejo. Em ambas as áreas, o MOEA apresentou maior eficiência quanto ao tempo de processamento, bem como na redução do número de pátios de estocagem de madeira e no dimensionamento das estradas. A abordagem evolutiva multiobjetivo auxilia o processo de tomada de decisão, devido à apresentação de alternativas baseadas em soluções Pareto-ótimas, tornando a escolha mais flexível e bem fundamentada.

ABSTRACT To reduce the damage caused by logging in the Amazon rainforest, new metaheuristics have been implemented and tested to ensure the sustainability of this economic segment. Therefore, this study aimed to compare alternatives for road sizing and log deck allocation. In a forest management unit, the skidding to log decks was evaluated in two different areas. To determine the skidding/log deck relation, georeferenced points were generated equally spaced every 50 m. In area 1, the Integer Linear Programming (ILP) model and the Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA) were compared. In area 2, only the MOEA was considered. In both areas, these models were also compared to the current planning used in the forest management unit. Solutions were then generated to identify the best management alternative. In both areas, the MOEA showed greater efficiency regarding the processing time, as well as the reduction of log decks number and the road sizing. The multi-objective evolutionary approach assists the decision-making process, due to the presentation of alternatives based on Pareto-optimal solutions, making the choice more flexible and well supported.

ABSTRACT Volumetric equations is one of the main tools for quantifying forest stand production, and is the basis for sustainable management of forest plantations. This study aimed to assess the quality of the volumetric estimation of Eucalyptus spp. trees using a mixed-effects model, artificial neural network (ANN) and support-vector machine (SVM). The database was derived from a forest stand located in the municipalities of Bom Jardim de Minas, Lima Duarte and Arantina in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The volume of 818 trees was accurately estimated using Smalian’s Formula. The Schumacher and Hall model was fitted by fixed-effects regression and by including multilevel random effects. The mixed model was fitted by adopting 14 different structures for the variance and covariance matrix. The best structure was selected based on the Akaike Information Criterion, Maximum Likelihood Ratio Test and Vuong’s Closeness Test. The SVM and ANN training process considered diameter at breast height and total tree height to be the independent variables. The techniques performed satisfactorily in modeling, with homogeneous distributions and low dispersion of residuals. The quality analysis criteria indicated the superior performance of the mixed model with a Huynh-Feldt structure of the variance and covariance matrix, which showed a decrease in mean relative error from 13.52% to 2.80%, whereas machine learning techniques had error values of 6.77% (SVM) and 5.81% (ANN). This study confirms that although fixed-effects models are widely used in the Brazilian forest sector, there are more effective methods for modeling dendrometric variables.

Resumo Devido ao aumento da incidência da radiação ultravioleta na superfície da Terra causada pelo esgotamento do ozônio estratosférico, a pele humana se torna mais suscetível à danos, como eritema, queimaduras solares e câncer, principalmente em países tropicais. Assim, em todo o mundo os esforços de conscientização estão aumentando, assim como o uso de produtos de proteção solar. No entanto, filtros UV sintéticos têm sido associados a efeitos deletérios, como a fotossensibilização. Os produtos de origem natural foram usados por culturas antigas para diversos fins, incluindo a proteção da pele contra a radiação solar. Contudo, até hoje há uma dúvida se é uma fotoproteção real ou apenas um simples bronzeamento da pele. O fato é que as espécies vegetais apresentam mecanismos de autoproteção e produzem metabólitos secundários para se proteger da radiação UV. Porém, as substâncias de origem vegetal podem proteger a pele humana? A presente revisão discute o efeito paradoxal dos filtros químicos UV e a influência dos metabólitos secundários de origem vegetal nos testes de fotoproteção in vitro e in vivo.

Abstract Due to increased UV radiation on the Earth’s surface, caused by depletion of the stratospheric ozone, people have become more susceptible to different types of skin damage, such as erythema, sunburns, and cancer; this is especially of concern in tropical countries. Thus, efforts to improve awareness as well as the use of sunscreen are increasing worldwide. However, synthetic UV filters have been associated with deleterious effects such as photosensitization. Natural products have been used by ancient cultures for several purposes, including protecting the skin from the sun. However, there is still doubt today whether photoprotection is a real phenomenom or whether it is simply tanning of the skin. Plants have self-protective mechanisms and produce secondary metabolites that can protect themselves from UV radiation. Yet, can phytochemical compounds protect human skin? This review discusses the paradoxical effect of chemical UV filters and the influence of phytochemicals in in vitro and in vivo tests of photoprotection.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar modelos lineares e não lineares clássicos e generalizados com adição de covariáveis, para modelagem da relação hipsométrica e do crescimento em altura das árvores dominantes e codominantes de clones de eucalipto. Foram ajustados dois modelos lineares e dois não lineares para estimativa da relação hipsométrica e quatro modelos não lineares para classificação de sítio. Com relação à hipsometria, para o modelo que propiciou as melhores estatísticas, utilizou-se a técnica de inclusão de covariáveis para o ajuste, visando obter melhor precisão das estimativas. A seleção e a qualidade de ajuste dos modelos se deram com base no erro padrão percentual “SYX (%)”, critério de informação de Akaike (AIC), critério de informação Bayesiano (BIC) e no teste de razão da máxima verossimilhança (TRMV), além da análise gráfica dos resíduos. Para a manipulação, ajuste e processamento dos dados foi utilizado o software R. De acordo com as análises estatísticas dos modelos, para a relação hipsométrica, o logístico com quatro parâmetros mostrou-se superior em relação aos outros modelos ajustados. O modelo logístico com adição de covariáveis obteve uma melhor precisão em comparação ao modelo logístico clássico. Para a estimativa do crescimento em altura das árvores dominantes e codominantes, o modelo logístico com três parâmetros obteve as melhores estatísticas de precisão, sendo, então, utilizado para a construção das curvas de índice de sítio.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to evaluate linear and nonlinear, classical and generalized models with the addition of covariates for modeling the hypsometric relation and the height growth of dominant and codominant trees of eucalypt clones. Two linear models and two nonlinear models were fitted to estimate the hypsometric relationship and four nonlinear models to classify the site. Regarding the hypsometry, it was used the technique of inclusion of covariates in the model that provided the best statistics in order to obtain more precise estimates. The selection and quality of the fittings was based on the standard error “SYX (%)”, Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and the test of maximum likelihood (LRATIO), in addition to the graphical analysis of the residuals. For handling, fitting and processing the data, it was used software ‘R’. According to the statistical analysis of the models, for the hypsometric relation the four parameters logistic model was proved to be superior when compared to the other adjusted models. The logistic model obtained better accuracy compared to the classical model. In relation to the estimates of height growth in dominant and codominant trees, the three parameter logistic model obtained the best statistical precision, and therefore it was used for the construction of site index curves.

ABSTRACT Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a native fruit of the American tropics with commercial applications for its taste, flavor and aroma. Numerous pharmacological uses have been described for it, such as the antiseptic effect of its leaves, the use of the fresh fruit and tea from its leaves for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes mellitus, and others. However, considering its rich composition, the guava also is a potential source of antioxidants to be used in the development of new formulations for cosmetic and/or dermatological applications, the main focus of this research. Herein, we describe the study of the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant activity of a guava extract prepared with non-toxic solvents aiming its use at biological applications. High performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were employed to identify the major components, while thermoanalytical measurements and hot stage microscopy were used to assess the chemical stability of guava fruit extract. The antioxidant activity was also evaluated assessing the SOD-like activity and ABTS free radical scavenger. The results show that the extract is a rich source of phenolic compounds, such as quercetin, kaempferol, schottenol, among many others. All of the components found in guava extract exhibit biological effects according to the literature data, mainly antioxidant properties.

Licopeno é um carotenóide com potente atividade antioxidante encontrado em grande quantidade no tomate e usado no combate a diversas doenças como doenças cardiovasculares e diferentes tipos de cânceres, incluindo o câncer de próstata. O objetivo desse trabalho foi desenvolver uma emulsão contendo extrato de licopeno obtido do tomate salada e avaliar a citotoxicidade do extrato, a estabilidade, o comportamento reológico, atividade antioxidante e permeação do fitocosmético. O cosmético foi desenvolvido utilizando fase oleosa contendo derivados de Karité e submetido à avaliação da estabilidade físico-química, espalhabilidade, análise térmica, comportamento reológico, qualidade microbiológica, citotoxicidade, atividade antioxidante e testes de permeação e retenção cutânea. Os resultados demonstraram que o fitocosmético é estável, apresenta comportamento reológico desejável para uma formulação tópica e é um produto promissor para ser utilizado no combate à aceleração do envelhecimento cutâneo.

Lycopene, a carotenoid and potent antioxidant is found in large quantities in tomatoes. Lycopene combats diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. However, its topical use in emulsion form for the combat of skin aging is under-explored. The aim of the present study was to develop an emulsion containing lycopene extracted from salad tomatoes and evaluate its cytotoxicity, stability, rheological behavior, antioxidant activity and phytocosmetic permeation. The developed cosmetic comprised an oil phase made up of shea derivatives and was evaluated in terms of its physiochemical stability, spreadability, thermal analysis, rheological behavior, microbiological quality, cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, cutaneous permeation and retention. The results demonstrate that this phytocosmetic is stable, exhibits satisfactory rheological behavior for a topical formula and is a promising product for combating skin aging.

As folhas da espécie brasileira Plinia cauliflora foram utilizadas a fim de se obter um extrato hidroalcoólico e frações ativas proporcionando o desenvolvimento de eficazes formulações farmacêuticas antissépticas. A composição química do extrato etanólico 70%, fração aquosa e acetato de etila foi analisada por cromatografia em camada delgada e teor de fenóis. A atividade antimicrobiana foi testada frente a Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus e Candida albicans por difusão em ágar e a concentração inibitória mínima foi determinada por microdiluição. A qualidade microbiológica do extrato foi avaliada para evitar a contaminação das formulações. Foram desenvolvidos um enxaguatório bucal e um creme tópico contendo o extrato sendo que a atividade antisséptica foi ensaiada por difusão em ágar. A estabilidade sensorial e físico-química foram testadas. A cromatografia indicou a presença de terpenos, flavonóides e taninos no extrato e frações, observando-se alto teor de fenóis totais. As amostras vegetais foram ativas contra todos os micro-organismos testados, exceto Lactobacillus acidophilus. Ambas as formulações apresentaram atividade antisséptica e estabilidade. Desta forma, infere-se que as formulações desenvolvidas podem ser utilizadas como antissépticas em infecções de pele, podendo ser mais eficazes no tratamento de candidíase.

The leaves of the Brazilian species Plinia cauliflora were used to obtain active hydroalcoholic extract and fractions enabling the development of efficient antiseptic pharmaceutical formulations. A chemical composition of 70% ethanol extract, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions was analyzed by thin-layer chromatography and for phenol content. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans by the agar diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration was assayed by broth microdilution. Extract microbiological quality was tested to avoid contamination in the formulations. A mouthwash and a topical cream containing the extract were developed and antiseptic activity was assessed by agar diffusion. Sensory and physicochemical stability of the formulations were assayed. Chromatography indicated the presence of terpenes, flavonoids and tannins in the extract and fractions and total phenol content were found to be high. The plant samples were active against all the microorganisms tested, except for Lactobacillus acidophilus. Both topical formulations showed antiseptic activity and stability. Thus, these may be used as antimicrobials in skin infections, but would be more useful in the treatment of candidiasis.

Foram utilizados 15 caprinos sem raça definida com idade variando entre 06 e 36 meses objetivando testar uma técnica cirúrgica para preparo de rufiões por fixação da curvatura caudal da flexwa sigmóide do pênis. Para avaliação dos resultados, os animais eram colocados na presença de fêmeas em estro, a partir do décimo dia da intervenção cirúrgica, durante um período mínimo de seis meses. Os rufiões, quando testados, não apresentaram alteração da libido e mostraram-se incapazes de exteriorizar o pênis, permitindo concluir que a técnica descrita, além de ser rápida e de fácil execução, pode ser utilizada com eficiência na prática de preparo de rufiões caprinos.

In the present study fifteen. undefined breed type bucks, with age varing between six and thirty-six months, were used to test a surgery technique by fixation of the caudal curvature of penis sigmoid flexure for preparation of teaser. To evaluate the results, the teasers buck were placed with goats in oestrus for a minimum period of six months after 10 (ten) days of surgery. During evaluations, the teasers did not present any alteration of the sexual behavior and they were unable to project the penis for outside of the prepuce. There fore, it was concluded that the surgery technique used in these investigation can be easily applied and utilized with effïciency in the preparation of teasers buck.