RESUMO

Fish are excellent bioindicators and can reveal the presence of plastic in the environment. Diagnosing the composition and abundance of polymers in the fish diet makes it possible to evaluate their point sources and possible trophic transfers. We aimed to use the gastrointestinal contents of Poecilia reticulata in subtropical urban streams to detect the occurrence, shape, color, size, and chemical composition of polymers. For this, the diet of 240 individuals was analyzed using the volumetric method, and the microplastics (MPs; < 5 mm) recorded were characterized using Raman spectroscopy. Individuals predominantly consumed organic detritus and aquatic macroinvertebrates, with higher proportions of Diptera. A total of 111 plastic particles (< 0.5 to 12 mm) were recorded, and a subset of 14.4% was subjected to a micro-Raman spectrometer (830 nm excitation). The occurrence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) with phthalocyanine dye was recorded. Some fragments could not be identified by Raman, but they contained indigo blue dye. Poecilia reticulata had a predominantly detritivorous diet with a record of plastic consumption, reflecting environmental pollution. Our results demonstrate that individuals of P. reticulata have ingested MPs in urban streams. This reinforces the need for future studies on the relationship between the presence of MPs in fish and the level of pollution in streams, comparisons with species of different feeding habits, and the potentially harmful effects on the entire biota.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae), known as jenipapeiro, has therapeutic and nutritional potential. This integrative review aimed to gather information on botanical characteristics, popular uses, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of G. americana. The methodology employed to obtain the data integrated literature published between 2000 and 2023 and consultation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 articles and 11 patents were selected. The data showed iridoids as the majority in the species. The patents registered with WIPO indicate its use as a dye, insecticide, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. The main biological activities found were antimicrobial and antioxidant. The need for additional studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of action of the chemical components found can be highlighted, in addition to new research aimed at ethnopharmacology.

RESUMO

Thechemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the Ecuadorian Andes were studied. One hundred and twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.8%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (44.1%) had the major percentages. The most abundant compounds were camphor (21.6%), myrcene (19.5%), and 1,8-cineole (13.4%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS,and FRAP assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and reduction of ferric ion capacity through FRAP assay. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed against four pathogenic bacteria and a fungus. The essential oil exhibited activity against all microorganism strains under test, particularly against Candida albicansand Staphylococcus aureuswith MICs of 2.43-12.10 µg/mL.

Se estudió la composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial procedente de las partes aérea (hojas y flores) de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivadas en los Andes ecuatorianos. Se identificaron 126 compuestos en el aceite esencial. Los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (45,8%) y los monoterpenos oxigenados (44,1%) tuvieron el mayor porcentaje. Los compuestos más abundantes fueron alcanfor (21,6%), mirceno (19,5%) y 1,8-cineol (13,4%). La actividadantioxidante se examinó mediante ensayos DPPH, ABTS y FRAP. El aceite esencial tuvo un efecto eliminador moderado y una reducción de la capacidad de iones férricos mediante el ensayo FRAP. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial contra cuatro bacterias y un hongo patógenos. El aceite esencial mostró actividad contra todas las cepas de microorganismos bajo prueba, particularmente contra Candida albicansy Staphylococcus aureuscon CMI de 2,43-12,10 µg/mL.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The aim of this study was to optimize by response surface design, the extraction of the leaf essential oil (EO) from Minthostachys mollis [HBK] Griseb., grown in Ecuador, using steam distillation. The factors used were extraction time (XTIE) of 60, 105 and 150 min and plant material/water ratio (XRMA) of 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5. The optimal combination was reached with XRMA 1:5 and XTIE 150 min, obtaining a process yield of 0.67%. The chemical composition of the EO analyzed by GC - MS was determined, where the main compounds were carvacryl acetate (44.01%), carvacrol (16.51%) and menthone (8.20%). The anti oxidant capacity of EO was evaluated using the FRAP and ABTS methodologies, with an IC 50 243.21 µmol Fe 2+ /g and 0.12 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of EO was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Salmonella enterica , Escherich ia coli and Staphylococcus aureus .

El objetivo del estudio fue optimizar, mediante un diseño de superficie respuesta, la extracción d el aceite esencial (AE) de hojas de Minthostachys mollis [HBK] Griseb. del Ecuador, mediante destilación por arrastre de vapor. Los factores fueron el tiempo de extracción (XTIE) de 60, 105 y 150 min, y relación de material vegetal/ agua destilada (XRMA) d e 1:3, 1:4 y 1:5. La combinación óptima se logró con XTIE 150 min y XRMA 1:5 para un rendimiento de 0,67%. Se determinó la composición química del AE por GC - MS donde los compuestos mayoritarios fueron acetato de carvacrilo (44,01%), carvacrol (16,51%) y me ntona (8,20%). Se evaluó la capacidad antioxidante del AE por las metodologías FRAP y ABTS, con CI 50 de 243,21 µmol Fe 2+ /g y 0,12 mg/mL, respectivamente. Además, se demostró la actividad antimicrobiana contra Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Salmonella enterica , Es cherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus .

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study aimed to assess the in vitro effects of re-irradiation on enamel and dentin properties, simulating head and neck cancer radiotherapy retreatment. Forty-five human permanent molars were classified into five groups: non-irradiated; irradiated 60 Gy, and re-irradiated with doses of 30, 40, and 50 Gy. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed for analysis. Raman spectroscopy assessed intensity, spectral area, and specific peaks comparatively. Statistical analysis involved Kolmogorov-Smirnov and One-Way ANOVA tests, with Tukey's post-test (significance level set at 5%). Significant changes in irradiated, non-irradiated, and re-irradiated enamel peaks were observed, including phosphate (438 nm), hydroxyapatite (582 nm), phosphate (960 nm), and carbonate (1070 nm) (p < 0.05). Re-irradiation affected the entire tooth (p > 0.05), leading to interprismatic region degradation, enamel prism destruction, and hydroxyapatite crystal damage. Dentin exhibited tubule obliteration, crack formation, and progressive collagen fiber fragmentation. EDX revealed increased oxygen percentage and decreased phosphorus and calcium post-reirradiation. It is concluded that chemical and morphological changes in irradiated permanent teeth were dose-dependent, exacerbated by re-irradiation, causing substantial damage in enamel and dentin.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Coastal wetland ecosystems are of utmost importance in regulating the mobility and distribution of elements in water and sediments, being the flooding by tidal events a recurrent process that strongly controls the hydrodynamics of the system. The aim of this work is to assess the control of the tidal regime and anthropogenic influence on the dynamics of some trace metals in water and sediments in the Punta Lara Natural Reserve situated in the Río de la Plata littoral. For that purpose, relationship between tidal flows, surface water and groundwater was evaluated. Also, hydrochemistry was analyzed based on the study of major ions and trace metals, being the presence of high concentrations of elements in groundwater, such as Fe and Mn, probably favoured by redox processes associated with organic matter decomposition in the water - sediment interaction. Sediments in the wetland register deficient to minimal enrichment in most of the studied trace metals despite the numerous contributions that the Río de la Plata receives in relation to dissolved and particulate trace metals from diverse anthropogenic contributions. Despite that, there is a moderate enrichment in Pb and Cr in the surface sediments of the wetland. The data analyzed within the natural reserve in relation to the chemical composition of the water and sediments of the coastal wetland showed the strong influence of the tidal regime over the area.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Propolis extracts have been widely studied due to their popularity in traditional medicine, presenting incredible biodiversity. This study aimed to analyze propolis extracts' phytochemical, physicochemical, and biological activities from four different biogeographic zones of the Huila region (Colombia). The raw material samples were collected by the scraping method and the ethanolic extracts (EEPs) were obtained by cold maceration with ethanol (96%). The physicochemical and sensory characterization was carried out according to the protocols recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and the main components of the EEPs were identified by LC-HRMS analysis. The determination of total phenols and flavonoids was carried out using colorimetric techniques. The antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and cell cycle regulation analyses in L929 and HGnF cells were evaluated using DPPH, Alamar Blue, and 7-amino actinomycin D (7-AAD) assays. The propolis samples presented an average yield of 33.1%, humidity between 1.6 and 2.8%, melting point between 54 and 62 °C, ashes between 1.40 and 2.19%, and waxes of 6.6-17.9%, respectively. The sensory characteristics of all samples were heterogeneous, complying with the quality specifications established by international standards. The polyphenolic and total flavonoid content was representative in the samples from Quebradon (255.9 ± 9.2 mg GAE/g, 543.1 ± 8.4 mg QE/g) and Arcadia (543.1 ± 8.4 mg GAE/g, 32.5 ± 1.18 g QE/g) (p < 0.05) that correlated with high antioxidant activity (Quebradon: 37.2 ± 1.2 µmol/g, Arcadia: 38.19 ± 0.7 µmol/g). In the chemical composition analysis, 19 compounds were characterized as phenolic acids and flavonoids, the most representative being chrysoeriol-O-methyl-ether, ellagic acid, and 3,4-O-dimethylcaffeic acid. Regarding biological activity, Quebradon and Arcadia propolis presented low toxicity with IC50 of 2.83 ± 2.3 mg/mL and 4.28 ± 1.4 mg/mL in HGnF cells, respectively, and an arrest of the cell cycle in the G2/M phase of 71.6% and 50.8% compared to the control (11.9%) (p < 0.05). In general, the results of this study contribute to the identification of valid quality criteria to evaluate Colombian propolis, contributing to its study and chemical and biological characterization as a source of raw material for industrial and pharmaceutical use. In addition, Quebradon and Arcadia propolis can be important sources of bioactive molecules for the development of new drugs.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study explores the potential of propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, from Melipona rufiventris species. With its composition encompassing resin, wax, pollen, and soil, propolis holds historical significance in traditional medicine within tropical regions. This research is driven by the scarcity of information surrounding M. rufiventris propolis, prompting an investigation into its chemical constituents, in vivo toxicity, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This exploration could potentially uncover novel applications for this natural product, bolstering both meliponiculture practices and the preservation of native bee populations. The propolis was sampled in Cabo Verde-MG and underwent ethanolic extraction to yield an extract (EEP) for analysis. Chemical assessments (Folin-Ciocalteau, and UHPLC-HRMS) revealed the presence of polyphenols, including flavonoids. The EEP demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and exhibited efficacy against multiresistant strains isolated from complex wounds. Synergistic interactions with commercial antibiotics were also observed. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory evaluations showcased the EEP's potential in reducing NF-kB activation and TNF-α release at non-toxic concentrations. Despite these promising biological activities, the EEP exhibited no antiproliferative effects and demonstrated safety in both the MTS assay and the G. mellonella model. Collectively, these findings highlight the M. rufiventris propolis extract as a valuable reservoir of bioactive compounds with multifaceted potential.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study aimed to determine the nutritional components (macronutrients ans minerals) and α-amylase inhibition capacity of freeze-dried grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam) seeds (S) and pulp/peel (P) portions, at ripe and mid-ripe stages. In vitro digestion was also performed on S and P from grumixama to assess the bioaccessibility of total phenolic compound (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and anthocyanins (TAC), as well as to examine their impact on antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP). The ripening process impacts the bioactive compounds and individual phenolics of S and P portions. The ripe S was source of myricetin and exhibited higher antioxidant activity, while mid-ripe S was high in flavonoids and cinnamic acid with higher antiglycemic potential. Ripe P showed higher soluble fiber, carbohydrate, TAC, and caffeic acid content, whereas mid-ripe P had increased mineral content (calcium, potassium, manganese), catechin, and TPC. After in vitro digestion, the P portion showed a bioaccessibility of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) exceeding 40% at intestinal phase. In contrast, the S portions had better release of TPC and TFC and antioxidant activity at gastric phase. Considering the outstanding nutritional and biological properties of grumixama fruit, freeze-dried S and P portions from both ripening stages possess could be explored as valuable sources of nutrients and antioxidant compounds.

Assuntos