Maria de Fátima Vitória de Moura

Genotoxic analysis in aquatic environment under influence of cyanobacteria, metal and radioactivity

The micronucleus (MN) and nuclear abnormality (NA) tests were employed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of the Lucrecia dam (RN, Brazil) located in a semi-arid region and influenced by crop irrigation and irregular rainfall. The analyses of these water samples demonstrated the presence of several cyanobacteria as well as metals and radioactivity. The Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was used for micronucleus and nuclear abnormality assays and analysis of metal concentrations in gills and liver samples. Genotoxic assays in source water fish showed a significant increase in the frequency of nuclear damage (MN and NA) in relation to the negative control group. In conclusion, the results obtained with water surface and biological samples from the Lucrecia dam suggest that this important water resource contains a number of chemical and microbiological pollutants with genotoxic potential and that these substances may be compromising the species inhabiting this ecosystem. Particular care must be taken to prevent further degradation of this water supply. Capsule: A battery of assay was successfully applied to assess the water quality of Lucrecia dam from a Northeastern region of Brazil.

Classification of Brazilian Coffee Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Calibration

This work describes the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and chemometric techniques calibration for the classification of coffee samples from different lots and producers acquired in supermarkets and roasting industries in some Brazilian cities. Seventy-three samples of finely ground roasted coffee were acquired in the market and 91 samples of roasted ground Arabica beans were analyzed in the full NIR spectral range (800–2500 nm) using a diffuse reflectance accessory coupled to an MB160 Bomem spectrophotometer. Two classification models were constructed: Soft Independent Modeling Class Analogy (SIMCA) and PLS Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). All findings reveal that NIR spectroscopy, coupled with either SIMCA or PLS-DA multivariate models, can be a useful tool to differentiate roasted coffee grains and to replace sensory tests.

Synthesis, characterization and thermogravimetric study of zinc group halides adducts with imidazole

Abstract The synthesis, characterization and thermogravimetric study of the adducts ZnCl 2 ·2Imi, ZnBr 2 ·2Imi, CdCl 2 ·Imi, CdCl 2 ·2Imi, CdBr 2 ·2Imi, CdBr 2 ·3Imi, CdI 2 ·2.5Imi, HgCl 2 ·2Imi, HgBr 2 ·1.5Imi and HgI 2 ·1.5Imi (Imi = imidazole) is reported. The following sequence of thermal stability is observed for the synthesized adducts: Zn>Hg>Cd. It is also verified that larger cations, as well as larger anions, result in a smaller number of imidazole molecules in the coordination sphere of the considered cation and that hard acids exhibit stronger bonds to imidazole than soft acids, and this fact is reflected in the thermal stability sequence. ZnCl 2 ·2Imi behaves as a non-electrolyte in acetonitrile and ethanol, whereas ZnBr 2 ·2Imi is a non-electrolyte in acetonitrile and a 1:1 electrolyte in ethanol. CdI 2 ·2.5Imi is a non-electrolyte in acetonitrile and a 1:2 electrolyte in ethanol.

Compatibility study between ferulic acid and excipients used in cosmetic formulations by TG/DTG, DSC and FTIR

Ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) is a phytochemical constituent from the polyphenols group commonly found in whole grains, spinach, parsley, grapes and rhubarb. It has been widely applied in skin care formulations as photoprotective agent and delayer of cutaneous photoaging processes. This work aims to establish a protocol to the development of cosmetic formulations using thermoanalytical techniques (TG/DTG and DSC) and Pearson’s correlation by FTIR data, in order to evaluate the compatibility between ferulic acid and excipients used in skin care formulations. The results obtained from the thermoanalytical techniques indicated compatibility between ferulic acid and the following excipients: passion fruit seed oil, Carbopol® Ultrez 30, EDTA, Crodabase CR2®, Crodamol™ GTCC and Dow Corning® RM 2051. Nevertheless, the analysis also demonstrated the possibility of some interaction between ferulic acid and the following excipients: glyceryl stearate, Rapithix® A-60 and Optiphen®. To validate these results, it was demonstrated by Pearson’s correlation that passion fruit seed oil, Carbopol® Ultrez 30, EDTA, Crodabase CR2®, Crodamol™ GTCC, Dow Corning® RM 2051, glyceryl stearate and Rapithix® A-60 do not have any incompatibility that may compromise ferulic acid properties. Finally, it was also proved a meaningful incompatibility between ferulic acid and Optiphen® using Pearson’s correlation. Thus, it is not recommended to use Optiphen® in the development of cosmetic formulations to carry ferulic acid.

Aplicação da análise exploratória de dados na discriminação geográfica do quiabo do Rio Grande do Norte e Pernambuco

Samples of okra from Caruaru and Vitoria of Santo Antao, in the State of Pernambuco, and Ceara-Mirim, Macaiba and Extremoz in the State of Rio Grande do Norte have been analysed. Two different methods were applied in the data treatment allowing to geographically discriminate samples from different origins: Principal Component Analysis - PCA and Hierarquical Cluster Analysis - HCA.

Synthesis, characterization and thermal (tg-dsc) study of yttrium methanesulfonate coordination compounds with pyridine N-oxide and 2-,3- and 4-picoline N-oxides

The synthesis, characterization and thermal (TG and DSC) study of the coordination compounds Y(MS)3A(py-NO)2AH2O, Y(MS)3A(2-picNO)3, Y(MS)3A(3-picNO)2 and La(MS)3A(4-picNO)2 are reported (MS = methanesulfonate, py-NO = pyridine N-oxide, and 2-picNO, 3-picNO and 4-picNO are 2-, 3- and 4-picoline N-oxides, respectively). The observed thermal stability trend is: 2-picNO ≈ 4-picNO< 3-picNO< py-NO. Release of ligand molecules (endothermic) is followed by thermal degradation of the ligands (exothermic) with an increase in the exothermic values from 2-picNO to 4-picNO.

Synthesis, characterization and thermal degradation kinetics of cadmium halide adducts with imidazole

The synthesis, characterization and a nonisothermal thermal degradation kinetic study performed for the adducts CdCl2·Imi, CdCl2·2Imi, CdBr2·2Imi and CdBr2·3Imi (Imi = imidazole) are reported. For cadmium bromide the maximum number of imidazole molecules per cadmium cation to produce a stable (from a thermodynamic point of view) compound is three, at least for compounds prepared at room temperature and pressure. The kinetic study performed by the Coats–Redfern and Száko methods using thermogravimetric data shows that for all compounds the activation energy values associated with the release of imidazole molecules decreases as the thermal degradation process proceeds.The synthesis, characterization and a nonisothermal thermal degradation kinetic study performed for the adducts CdCl2·Imi, CdCl2·2Imi, CdBr2·2Imi and CdBr2·3Imi (Imi = imidazole) are reported. For cadmium bromide the maximum number of imidazole molecules per cadmium cation to produce a stable (from a thermodynamic point of view) compound is three, at least for compounds prepared at room temperature and pressure. The kinetic study performed by the Coats–Redfern and Szako methods using thermogravimetric data shows that for all compounds the activation energy values associated with the release of imidazole molecules decreases as the thermal degradation process proceeds.

Ilustração da influência da razão de aquecimento nos resultados de termogravimetria

The effects of the heating rate on a TG curve of a sample have been widely discussed in the literature. This paper shows the influence of heating rate (b) in thermogravimetry results when stoichiometry determinations are studied. For this purpose the compound Sm(CH3SO3)3.2(3-picNO) was considered b of 2,5; 5; 10; 20 and 40°C min-1 in dynamic air atmosphere were obtained. The results are in agreement with proposed stoichiometry for b equal to 2,5 and 5°C min-1. However, using a higher b the same results were not obtained resulting in false stoichiometry determinations.

Determinação da Propriedade Antioxidante e Teores de Minerais Presentes nas Folhas de Azadirachta Indica A. Juss

In the presente study was evaluated in vitro antimicrobial activity of the extract of the stem bark and fruit juca against microorganisms of the oral cavity. This was an experimental laboratory study in which was evaluated the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts 7.5% in dilutions ranging from 1:1 to 1:512, using the technique of agar diffusion. Standard strains used were: Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Streptococcus oralis (ATCC 10557, Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 7469), Candida albicans (INCQS 40040) and Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 7073). Chlorhexidine 0.12 % was used as a positive control. The results of the agar diffusion showed that when assessed against L. casei, extract of the fruit was more effective, with MICs 9.3 mg/mL compared to stem bark was 37.5 mg/mL. When the fruit extract were tested against S. oralis and S. mutans MIC values were the same and twice, respectively , when compared with values obtained with the extract of the stem bark . With respect to C. albicans, the MIC value for the extract of the fruit and stem bark was 18.7 mg/mL. While against S. salivarius extract of the stem bark had MIC value of 37.5 mg/mL and the extract of the fruit was inactive. It can be concluded that the extract of the stem bark of juca showed satisfactory antimicrobial activity against pathogens of the oral cavity and superior to the extract of the fruit.In the present study was evaluated in vitro antimicrobial activity of the extract of the stem bark and fruit jucá against microorganisms of the oral cavity. This was an experimental laboratory study in which was evaluated the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts 7.5% in dilutions ranging from 1:1 to 1:512, using the technique of agar diffusion. Standard strains used were: Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Streptococcus oralis (ATCC 10557), Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 7469), Candida albicans (INCQS 40040) and Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 7073). Chlorhexidine 0.12 % was used as a positive control. The results of the agar diffusion showed that when assessed against L. casei, extract of the fruit was more effective, and with MICs 9.3 mg/mL compared to stem bark was 37.5 mg/mL. When the fruit extract were tested against S. oralis and S. mutans MIC values were the same and twice, respectively , when compared with values obtained with the extract of the stem bark . With respect to C. albicans, the MIC value for the extract of the fruit and stem bark was 18.7 mg/mL. While against S. salivarius extract of the stem bark had MIC value of 37.5 mg/mL and the extract of the fruit was inactive. It can be concluded that the extract of the stem bark of jucá showed satisfactory antimicrobial activity against pathogens of the oral cavity and superior to the extract of the fruit.Xylophragma Sprague species (family Bignoniaceae Juss.) are climbing plants belonging to the tribe Bignonieae Juss. and some species have a wide spectrum of traditional medicinal uses including remedies for the treatment of infections. This paper reports the bioguided fractionation of an ethanol extract of X. myrianthum (Cham.) Sprague stems (EEXMS) for antiviral effects against human herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1), dengue virus 2 (DENV-2), murine encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and vaccinia virus (VACV) that afforded XM-1 as an active compound. Spectroscopic analyses allowed the identification of XM-1 as arjunic acid whose occurrence in the Bignoniaceae and anti-DENV-2 activities are reported for the first time. X. myrianthum is revealed herein as a source of an antiviral compound and fractions.Herbal constitute a form of complementary therapy on health needs. Their use has grown in population in several countries, including Brazil, where the federal government encourages the use of herbal treatments in the public health system. Given the current scenario of the search for natural treatments, this study aimed to characterize the use of herbal medicines in the districts of Barra Mansa and Volta Redonda/RJ. The expectation is that the information gathered will assist municipal actions for the implementation of herbal medicine in public health. It was observed that most herbal medicines marketed is sold by prescription. The acquisition focuses on monodrogas anxiolytic action, with the Passiflora incarnata L. present in 14,29 % of the marketed formulations. The inserts of the highest-selling herbal medicines contain legal wording regulated by ANVISA. Among the users interviewed, 70% reported using herbal medicines, mostly female (68%), without having a specific economic pattern, aged 19 and 30 years, with a degree of complete or incomplete higher education. Of these, 31% use herbal or prescription for self medication and believe that herbal medicines are not toxic, can make good health.Several studies have discussed bromeliads as breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti L., a dengue vector. The toxicity of crude extracts of Aechmea fasciata (Lindley) Baker (Bromeliaceae) and Neoregelia compacta (Mez) LB Smith (Bromeliaceae) on A. aegypti larvae was evaluated in this study. Leaves of N. compacta were ground up with ethanol and distilled water, hexane and ethyl acetate to produce hydro alcoholic, hexane and ethyl acetate extracts. Flowers and leaves of A. fasciata were macerated in ethyl acetate to obtain an ethyl acetate extract. The bioassays were performed with application of these extracts to the breeding medium of L3 larvae of A. aegypti. In this study, larval and pupal viability, emergence and mortality were evaluated. The results from the bioassays indicated that these extracts were highly toxic: LD50=39.4µg/mL for A. fasciata and LD50= 23 µg/ mL for N. compacta. The data suggest that, within the search for larvicidal phytoproducts, these bromeliads are sources of active bioproducts for dengue vector mosquito control.