Resumo O óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) (óleo da árvore do chá) foi eficaz em estudos anteriores, no tratamento da infestação por ácaros Demodex em humanos. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o tempo do efeito acaricida, in vitro, desse fitoterápico sobre Demodex canis. Para o exame parasitológico, amostras foram coletadas da pele de um cão e examinadas por microscopia óptica. Apenas amostras com ácaros íntegros e com evidente movimentação de quelíceras e tarsos foram selecionadas. Vinte e uma amostras foram direcionadas para teste com o óleo, em sete concentrações diferentes: 100%; 50%; 25%; 12,5%; 6,25%; 5,0% e 3,13%. Três amostras foram testadas com o controle positivo, amitraz, e três com o controle negativo, xampu neutro. O intervalo entre o momento em que a solução foi adicionada e o instante em que cessou o movimento do último ácaro definiu o tempo de sobrevivência na amostra. Os tempos nas diferentes concentrações e nos controles foram comparados. Quanto mais alta a concentração do óleo, mais rapidamente ocorreu seu efeito letal. Os tempos de sobrevivência nos controles foram maiores que nas diferentes concentrações do óleo de melaleuca.

Abstract The essential oil of the Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) (tea tree oil) has been effective in previous studies, in the treatment of infestation by Demodex mites in humans. The present study aimed at evaluating the in vitro acaricidal effect of this herbal medicine on Demodex canis. For the parasitological examination, samples were collected from a dog’s skin and examined using optical microscopy. Only samples with intact mites and with evident movement of chelicerae and tarsi were selected. Twenty-one samples were tested with the oil, in seven different concentrations: 100%; 50%; 25%; 12.5%; 6.25%; 5.0% and 3.13%. Three samples were tested with the positive control amitraz, and three with the negative control neutral shampoo. The interval between the time the solution was added and the moment the movement of the last mite ceased defined the survival time in the sample. By comparing the times at different concentrations and controls, the results showed that the higher the concentration of the oil, the more quickly its lethal effect occurred, and that the survival times in the controls were longer than in the different concentrations of melaleuca oil.

Resumo Objetivos: determinar a composição em ácidos graxos do leite maduro de nutrizes e sua distribuição segundo algumas variáveis maternas. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico observacional, transversal realizado a partir da avaliação do perfil de ácidos graxos do leite humano maduro. Amostras de leite materno maduro foram obtidas de 106 nutrizes, a partir da 5ª semana pós-parto, por meio de ordenha manual. A extração da gordura do leite foi realizada através do método de Bligh e Dyer, e metiladas com metóxido de sódio 0,25 mol/L em metanol dietil - éter. O perfil de ácidos graxos do leite foi determinado por um Cromatógrafo a Gás equipado com detector por ionização de chamas. Resultados: dentre os ácidos graxos saturados, foram observados valores mais elevados para os ácidos graxos palmítico (C16:0), esteárico (C18:0), mirístico (C14:0) e láurico (C12:0), respectivamente. Entre os ácidos graxos mono-insaturados, verificou-se maior contribuição dos ácidos graxos oleico (C18:1) e palmitoleico (C16:1), respectivamente. O total de ácidos graxos essenciais (linoleico e α- linolênico) foi de 14,94%. Conclusões: foi observado baixo teor de ácidos graxos essenciais no leite materno das nutrizes do presente estudo, que são importantes para o crescimento e desenvolvimento do lactente, sugerindo-se a necessidade de implementação de estratégias de educação nutricional direcionadas a gestantes e nutrizes que devem ser orientadas a consumir alimentos mais saudáveis.

Abstract Objectives: to determine the fatty acid composition of mature milk of nursing mothers and its distribution according to some maternal variables. Methods: this is a cross-sectional observational epidemiological study based on the eva-luation of the fatty acid profile of mature human milk. Samples of mature breast milk were taken from 106 nursing mothers, by manual milking and who were after the 5th postpartum week. The milk fat extraction was carried out by using the Bligh and Dyer method and methy-lated with 0.25 mol/L sodium methoxide in methanol diethyl ether. The fatty acid of the milk profile was determined by a Gas Chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. Results: among the saturated fatty acids, the highest values were observed for palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), myristic (C14:0) and lauric (C12:0) fatty acids, respectively. Among the monounsaturated fatty acids, there was a higher contribution of oleic (C18:1) and palmi-toleic (C16:1) fatty acids, respectively. The total essential fatty acids (linoleic and α-linolenic) was 14.94%. Conclusions: a low content of essential fatty acids in the breast milk of the nursing mothers was observed in the present study, which are important for infant growth and deve-lopment. We suggest the need to implement nutrition education strategies aimed for pregnant women and nursing mothers who should be advised to eat healthier foods.

RESUMO: No Brasil, pelo menos 16 espécies de plantas tóxicas podem afetar o sistema nervoso central dos bovinos. Recentemente no estado do Piauí, no Nordeste do Brasil, Brunfelsia uniflora foi relatada como causadora de sinais nervosos em jumentos, bovinos e pequenos ruminantes. Para avaliar a toxicidade de B. uniflora, 20 camundongos foram distribuídos em quatro grupos de cinco animais recebendo diferentes extratos da planta. Os extratos de alcalóides, flavonóides, saponinas ou solução salina (grupo controle) foram administrados por gavagem. Após a administração dos extratos, em dose única (5g kg-1), todos os animais foram observados diariamente. Os camundongos que receberam os extratos de B. uniflora apresentaram sinais clínicos moderados a graves, incluindo piloeração, vocalização e convulsões. Todos os camundongos que receberam extrato de saponinas morreram entre 10 e 20 minutos após. A avaliação bioquímica sérica dos animais que receberam saponinas, revelou discretos aumentos nos níveis de proteína total e diminuição nos níveis de magnésio e cloro. Conclui-se que, as saponinas presentes nas folhas de B. uniflora induzem efeitos neurológicos tóxicos agudos e, morte em camundongos.

ABSTRACT: In Brazil, at least 16 poisonous plant species can affect the central nervous system of livestock. Recently in the state of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, Brunfelsia uniflora was reported as a cause of nervous signs in donkeys, cattle, and small ruminants. In order to assess the toxicity of B. uniflora extracts, 20 Swiss mice were distributed into four groups (n=5) receiving by gavage alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, or saline (control group). After administration of the extracts in a single dose (5g kg-1), all mice were observed daily for clinical signs. Mice that received the extracts showed moderate to severe clinical signs, including piloerection, vocalization, and seizures. All mice dosed with saponins died between 10 and 20min after administration. Serum biochemical evaluation of animals that received saponins revealed slight increases in total protein levels and decreased magnesium and chlorite levels. In conclusion, saponins of B. uniflora leaves induced acute toxic neurological effects and death in mice.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine serum retinol and some mineral (zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper) levels in seven Mangalarga Marchador colts aged 329.48 days, reared on pasture in the city of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil, during the dry season. Equines were evaluated for four periods of 45 days during the total study period of five months. The foals had access to Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania pasture, while water and mineral salt lick were provided ad libitum. Blood samples were taken to determine serum retinol and levels of minerals, along with pasture samples to quantify beta-carotene in the grass. The results indicated that retinol levels varied (2.87 to 1.97 µg/dL) and remained below the standard levels. The levels of zinc, iron, calcium, and phosphorus did not vary significantly with average values of 36.79 µg/dL, 77.32 µg/dL, 10.33 mg/dL, and 9.99 mg/dL, respectively. However, zinc and calcium remained below standard concentrations of 60-120 µg/dL and 10.8-13.5 mg/dL, respectively, since the beginning of the study. On the other hand, copper and magnesium levels decreased over time (97.76 to 77.56 mg/dL and 2.86 to 2.21 µg/dL, respectively), but showed normal levels for horses during the research. Beta-carotene in grass showed a downward trend over time from 38.53 to 0.09 mg/kg of dry matter. The results also indicated a significant relationship between serum retinol and serum copper levels. Vitamin A supplementation is necessary whenever foals are fed pastures during the dry season.

Resumo Neste trabalho, foram analisadas 251 amostras de alimentos quanto aos teores de gordura total, ácidos graxos TRANS, saturados, monoinsaturados e poli-insaturados de produtos amplamente consumidos pela população, principalmente aqueles com alegação “zero TRANS”. De acordo com a Resolução RDC 360/2003 da ANVISA, é obrigatória a declaração dos níveis de ácidos graxos TRANS na rotulagem dos alimentos embalados quando os teores forem superiores a 0,2 g na porção do alimento. Produtos com valores inferiores a 0,2 g podem ser notificados na rotulagem como “zero TRANS”. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a quantidade de gorduras saturadas e TRANS em diversos grupos de alimentos industrializados, e a adequação, frente à legislação brasileira, da declaração dessas gorduras nos respectivos rótulos. Para as análises, foram utilizados os métodos oficiais de análise de gorduras AOAC 996.01 (modificado) e de ésteres metílicos de ácidos graxos AOAC 996.06. Conforme os resultados obtidos, alguns produtos apresentaram, em 100 g, teores de ácidos graxos TRANS superiores aos recomendados para ingestão total diária em diversos países (2 g/dia). Vários produtos estão conforme a legislação (0,2 g de gordura TRANS por porção), o que não implica necessariamente em zero absoluto, dando a falsa ideia ao consumidor de não estar ingerindo gordura TRANS, independentemente da quantidade consumida. Em apenas 12 amostras, não se detectou gordura TRANS em 100 g de produto analisado. Ressalte-se, ainda, que, muitas vezes, a quantidade consumida é maior do que a porção sugerida, acarretando uma ingestão significativa de ácidos graxos TRANS. Os resultados obtidos nesta avaliação oferecem subsídios para modificações na legislação em vigor, exigindo a declaração de ácidos graxos TRANS na rotulagem.

Summary In this study 251 food samples widely consumed by the population, especially those claiming to be “zero TRANS”, were analys5ed for their total fat contents and for their “TRANS”, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents. According to the RDC Resolution 360/2003 of ANVISA, the TRANS fatty acid content of a food must be printed on the label when the level is greater than 0.2 g per food portion. Products containing less than 0.2 g/ per portion can be reported on the label as “zero TRANS.” The aim of this study was to evaluate the amounts of saturated and “TRANS” fats in many groups of processed foods, and the adequacy of the disclosure of these amounts on the product label, considering the Brazilian legislation. The official AOAC methods were used for the analyses specifically nº 996.01 (modified) for the total fat analysis and nº 996.06 for the analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters. According to the results obtained, 100g portions of some of the products contained more than 2g of “TRANS” fatty acids, which is the limit recommended by several countries for the daily intake of “TRANS” fatty acids. Many products were in compliance with the law (up to 0.2 g TRANS fat per serving), which does not necessarily imply absolute zero, giving the consumer the false impression of not ingesting any “TRANS” fat regardless of the amount of product consumed. Only 12 samples really showed 0g of “TRANS” fat per 100g of product analysed. It should also be pointed out that frequently the amount of product consumed is more than the suggested serving, resulting in a significant intake of “TRANS” fatty acids. The results presented here provide subsidies for the reshaping of current Brazilian legislation demanding the printing of the “TRANS” fatty acid content on the food label.

The composition of essential oils from flowers of Solanum stipulaceum Roem & Schult collected in May and September was studied for the first time. Effects of g-radiation on volatile constituents were investigated by gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detector (FID). In addition, the antileukemic activity was studied by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay against human cell lines HL-60 and THP-1. The main constituents of the essential oil of flowers collected in May were β-caryophyllene (25.8%), γ-gurjunene (11.9%), and β-gurjunene (8.2%), whereas the essential oil of flowers collected in September was mainly composed of β-caryophyllene (26.5%), caryophyllene oxide (11.0%), and γ-gurjunene (10.0%). The main components of essential oil from flowers collected in September were not significantly affected by γ-radiation at lower doses than 10.0 kGy. No cytotoxic activity in leukemic cell lines was observed for non-irradiated samples. However, irradiated samples exhibited slightly cytotoxic activity.

Leaves of Echinodorus macrophyllus (Kunth) Micheli, Alismataceae, were exposed to different doses of γ-radiation (0.00, 1.00, 3.00, 5.00, 10.00, and 20.00 kGy) and the chemical composition of their essential oils was investigated. The extractive process of the essential oil was more favored when the leaves were irradiated. The essential oil components were identified by correlation between GC-FID data and retention parameters obtained from the Kováts method. Moreover, GC-MS analyses of the essential oils were correlated with fragmentation profiles in the NIST standard mass fragmentation data bank. The essential oil of E. macrophyllus contains biologically active constituents of different chemical classes. Acyclic monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes showed increase in concentration when the leaves were exposed to γ-radiation. On the other hand, the component concentrations of some chemical classes were lightly decreased, i.e., for bicyclic monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, carboxylic esters, and carotenoid derivatives.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Arrabidaea chica (Humb. & Bonpl.) B. Verl., Bignoniaceae, extracts on Ehrlich solid tumor development in Swiss mice. Leaves of A. chica were extracted with two distinct solvents, ethanol and water. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts indicated different classes of secondary metabolites like as anthocyanidins, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Ethanol (EE) and aqueous (AE) extracts at 30 mg/kg reduced the development of Ehrlich solid tumor after ten days of oral treatment. The EE group presented increase in neutrophil count, α1 and β globulin values, and decrease of α2 globulin values. Furthermore, EE reduced the percentage of CD4+ T cells in blood but did not alter the percentage of inflammatory mononuclear cells associated with tumor suggesting a direct action of EE on tumor cells. Reduced tumor development observed in AE group was accompanied by a lower percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes in blood. At the tumor microenvironment, this treatment decreased the percentage of CD3+ T cells, especially due to a reduction of CD8+ T subpopulation and NK cells. The antitumor activity presented by the AE is possibly related to an anti-inflammatory activity. None of the extracts produced toxic effects in animals. In conclusion, the ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. chica have immunomodulatory and antitumor activities attributed to the presence of flavonoids, such as kaempferol. These effects appear to be related to different mechanisms of action for each extract. This study demonstrates the potential of A. chica as an antitumor agent confirming its use in traditional popular medicine.

Os óleos essenciais são princípios odoríferos armazenados em células especiais da planta. O óleo essencial no gênero Hyptis é usado como anestésico, antiespasmódico, anti-inflamatório e pode induzir aborto em doses elevadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da sazonalidade no teor e composição do óleo essencial de Hyptis marrubioides. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (inverno, primavera, verão e outono) e seis repetições, totalizando 60 plantas. O óleo essencial foi extraído por hidrodestilação, em aparelho de Clevenger. A análise qualitativa do óleo essencial foi por cromatografia em fase gasosa (CG/EM). Na estação do verão, as folhas das plantas de H. marrubiodes apresentaram os maiores teores de óleo essencial. Nas demais estações, os teores de óleo essencial obtidos foram semelhantes entre si. Os componentes majoritários no óleo essencial foram os monoterpenoides α-tujona e β-tujona. As concentraηões relativas dos picos correspondentes à β-tujona não apresentaram diferenças consideráveis nas quatro estações. Os sesquiterpenoides oxigenados (cedrol e cariofilenol) e não-oxigenados (α-copaeno, α-cariofileno, germacreno D e cadaleno) foram encontrados em menores quantidades no óleo essencial, entretanto observam-se diferenças quantitativas ao longo das estações.

Essential oils are odorous principles stored in special plant cells. The essential oil in the Hyptis genus is traditionally used as an anesthetic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and can induce abortion in high doses. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the influence of seasons in essential oil content and chemical composition of species H. marrubioides. A completely randomized complete design was used with four treatments (winter, spring, summer and autumn) and six replications, totaling 60 plants. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation with a Clevenger apparatus. The qualitative analysis of the essential oil was performed by gas chromatography (GC/MS). In summer, plant leaves showed higher essential oil content. In the other seasons, essential oil content was similar. The major compounds in the essential oil were monoterpene α-thujone and β-thujone. The peak relative concentrations of β-thujone did not show considerable difference among the seasons. The oxygenate sesquiterpenoids (cedrol and caryophyllenol) and not oxygenate (α-copaene, α-caryophyllene, germacrene D and cadalene), were found in lower quantity in the essential oil; however, quantitative differences were observed over the seasons.

Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho realizar uma caracterização dos sucos de uva de cinco cultivares de videira americana Vitis labrusca (Folha de Figo, Alwood, Concord, BRS-Rúbea e Isabel) segundo suas características visuais, olfativas e gustativas, utilizando um método descritivo por um painel de degustadores da Embrapa Uva e Vinho (EMBRAPA/CNPUV) de Bento Gonçalves e da Associação Brasileira de Enologia (ABE), constituído por doze degustadores. De acordo com os resultados, os sucos das cultivares Isabel e Folha de Figo foram superiores aos demais, segundo a análise de componentes principais (ACP), principalmente pelas variáveis limpidez, equilíbrio olfativo, intensidade e corpo gustativo, persistência olfato-gustativa e julgamento geral (notas). O suco Folha de Figo foi superior ao Isabel quanto à tonalidade, sendo o primeiro caracterizado como vermelho-violáceo. A cultivar Folha de Figo é a mais utilizada na região para a produção de suco, podendo os produtores utilizarem também a cultivar Isabel, que mostrou potencial nas condições edafo-climáticas do sul de Minas Gerais.

The present work was designed to accomplish the characterization of the different grape juices of five grapevine cultivars of Vitis labrusca (Folha de Figo, Alwood, Concord, BRS-Rúbea e Isabel) according to their visual, smell and taste characteristics utilizing a descriptive method by a panel of tasters of Embrapa Grape and Wine (EMBRAPA/CNPUV) of Bento Gonçalves, and of the Brazilian Enology Association (ABE) consisting of 12 tasters. According to the results, the juices of the cultivars Isabel and Folha de Figo were higher than the others, analyzed statistically according to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), mainly by the visual cleanliness variables, olfatory equilibrium, gustative body and quality, olfato-gustative persistence and general judgement (scores) and the juice of Folha de Figo was higher than Isabel according to visual shade, the former being characterized as violet-red. Folha de Figo is the most used cultivar for grape juices. Isabel would be also used, with a great potential in the environmental conditions of the south of Minas Gerais estate.

As concentrações plasmáticas das aminas triptamina (TRP), tyramina (TYR) e pheniletilamina (PEA) foram determinadas por cromatografia gasosa (CG) de 20 eqüinos sob efeito de sobrecarga por carboidratos (SC). Após 36h da SC os animais foram aleatoriamente divididos em quatro grupos (n=5) e receberam a cada 12h por via iv: solução salina 10mL (GC), ketoprofeno 2,2mg/kg (GK), fenilbutazona 4,4mg/kg (GF) e flunixin meglumine 1,1mg/kg (GFM). As concentrações das aminas TYR e PEA variaram de 0,18 a 164,2mg/L, com diferenças nos tempos avaliados, mas não entre os tratamentos (p<0,01). A concentração plasmática de TRP apresentou diferenças entre os tempos e também entre os tratamentos. O GC diferiu dos demais nos momentos 48h e 60h e as concentrações nos grupos GK e GFM foram menores que nos grupos GF e GC às 72h (P= 0,0012). Conclui-se que nas doses utilizadas os antiinflamatórios não esteroidais avaliados não interferem nas concentrações de TYR e PEA. Entretanto, o ketoprofeno e o flunixin meglumine foram efetivos em diminuir a concentração plasmática de TRP.

The concentrations of the bioactives amines tryptamine (TRP), tyramine (TYR) and phenylethylamine (PEA) were determined by gas chromatography in plasma samples of 20 horses submitted to carbohydrate overload. Thirty hours after the overload, the horses were randomly distributed in four groups (n=5) and were submitted to four IV treatments every 12 hours: 10ml of saline (GC), ketoprofen 2.2mg/kg (GK), phenylbutazone 4.4mg/kg (GF), and flunixin meglumine 1.1mg/kg (GFM). Blood samples were collected at various times after the overload (0-72 h). Plasma TYR and PEA concentrations ranged from 0.18 to 164.2mg/L, and differed significantly with time (p<0.01), but did not differ in the treatments. Plasma concentrations of TRP differed between times and treatments. The GC was significantly major than other treatments at 48h and 60h after the overload, and the plasma concentration of TRP in groups GK and GFM was significantly lower than in groups GF and GC at 72 h (p=0.0012). We concluded that the anti-inflammatory drugs evaluated do not interfere in the plasma concentration of TYP and PEA. For TRP, ketoprofen and flunixin meglumine was effective to reduce de plasmatic concentration of this amine.

Kefir, a symbiont microorganism suspension, presents benefic effects to health. Some kefir grains were cultivated in brown sugar, allowing to isolate a substance named CSQ. This was evaluated on a biologic essay of mouse foot edema, presenting an inhibitory activity of 30+4 % against carrageenan after the stimulus. It was observed that a cultivation mean containing sucrose, and not the milky mean, lead to the production of different sugar polymeric chains of kefir. The results in vivo suggest that the CSQ exerted an anti-inflammatory activity.

Neste trabalho é descrita a desvulcanização da borracha SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) via oxidação controlada com ácido nítrico. Análises por IV, RMN de ¹H e 13C, CHN, TG, GPC e experimentos de DTP-EM (Decomposição a Temperatura Programada -Espectrometria de Massas) sugerem que o ácido nítrico promove dois processos: (i) a desvulcanização por oxidação das pontes de enxofre e (ii) a oxidação da cadeia carbônica levando à formação de grupos -COOH e -NO2. Em condições mais drásticas de reação, a cadeia polimérica é fortemente oxidada e se fragmenta formando uma fração altamente oxigenada, de baixo peso molecular e solúvel em água.

This work describes the devulcanization of vulcanized SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) based on controlled oxidation with nitric acid. IR, ¹H and 13C-NMR, CHN elemental analyses, TG, GPC and TPD-MS (Temperature Programmed Decomposition-Mass Spectrometry) experiments suggest that nitric acid promotes two processes: (i) devulcanization by oxidation of the sulfide crosslinks and (ii) oxidation of the carbon framework leading to the formation of -COOH and -NO2 groups. Under aggressive conditions (HNO3, reflux) the polymer chain is strongly oxidized and fragmented to a highly oxygenated low molecular weight fraction, which is soluble in water.