Larvicidal activity of diterpenes from Xylopia langsdorfiana St. Hilaire & Tulasne (Annonaceae) against Aedes aegypti linn. (diptera: culicidae).

Mosquitoes of the Aedes genus are responsible for transmitting many vector-borne viral diseases worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of people die annually from vector-borne diseases, including West Nile fever, dengue, tick-borne diseases, yellow fever, chikungunya, Rift Valley fever, and Zika. Billions of people are at the risk of infection on all continents, which is a cause of international concern. Therefore, new vector-control methods are essential for mitigating these illnesses. The bioactive hydrocarbons isolated from Xylopia langsdorfiana St. Hilaire & Tulasne are trachylobanes, a rare class of diterpenes found in the n-hexane fraction of the stem and leaf ethanolic extracts. These were tested against Ae. aegypti fourth-instar larvae over 48 h of exposure, with LC50 values ranging from 19.84 to 72.9 µg/mL, comparable to that of the positive control. The findings highlight the potential of Xylopia langsdorfiana St. Hilaire & Tulasne metabolites for controlling the main vectors of arthropod-borne viruses.

Anthropic interference in mangrove areas of the Mundaú-Manguaba estuarine lagoon complex (CELMM), Alagoas (Brazil) as a case study / Interferência antrópica em áreas de manguezal do complexo estuarino lagunar Mundaú-Manguaba (CELMM), Alagoas, Brasil: um estudo de caso

ABSTRACT: The mangrove is a coastal ecosystem that is present in different parts of the world. It provides various ecosystem services from food supply to the influence of climate change. Due to the development of society, this ecosystem has been subjected to significant impacts from anthropogenic activities. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the environmental impacts caused in mangrove areas that have undergone modifications as a result of anthropic activities (agricultural cultivation, deforestation, civil construction) compared with those of conserved mangrove areas. This research took place through the analysis of the temporal sequence of aerial images (Google Earth) and soil quality analysis through field collections to evaluate the chemical and biological indicators in the different land use systems. As these are permanent changes that affect the type of soil and its coverage, significant differences were obtained between the chemical and biological characteristics of the four environments, with different usage systems. The mangrove has been negatively impacted by inadequate management and land occupation. Continuity of anthropic intervention in the mangrove will promote the disappearance of this ecosystem in the long term. Among the chemical and biological attributes used for the analyses that were performed, aluminum and edaphic organisms were the ones that allowed the greatest contribution of distinction from the degree of disturbance in areas of agricultural cultivation, deforestation and civil construction/mangrove transition.

RESUMO: O manguezal é um ecossistema costeiro, presente em diversas partes do mundo, provedor de diversos serviços ecossistêmicos desde a provisão de alimentos a influência das mudanças climáticas. Devido ao desenvolvimento da sociedade, este ecossistema tem sido submetido a significativos impactos proveniente das atividades antropogênicas. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os impactos ambientais ocasionados em áreas de mangue que sofreram modificações resultantes de atividades antrópicas (cultivo agrícola, desmatamento, construção civil) comparando com área de mangue conservado. Esta pesquisa se deu através da análise da sequência temporal de imagens aéreas (Google Earth), e análise da qualidade do solo mediante coletas em campo para avaliação dos indicadores químicos e biológicos nos diferentes sistemas de uso do solo. Por se tratarem de alterações permanentes e que afetaram o tipo do solo e a cobertura do mesmo, foram obtidas diferenças significativas entre as características químicas e biológicas dos quatro ambientes, com os diferentes sistemas de uso. O manguezal tem sofrido impactos negativos pelo manejo inadequado e ocupação do solo. A continuidade da intervenção antrópica no mangue dará prosseguimento ao desaparecimento deste ecossistema a longo prazo. Dentre os atributos químicos e biológicos utilizados para as análises realizadas, o alumínio e os organismos edáficos foram os que permitiram maior contribuição para descriminação do grau de perturbação das áreas de cultivo agrícola, desmatada e transição construção civil/manguezal.

Sun exposure, skin lesions and vitamin D production: evaluation in a population of fishermen.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to UVR provides benefits related to vitamin D synthesis, but also causes harms, since UVB is considered a complete carcinogen. There is no definition of the level of sun exposure and the proportion of exposed body required for proper synthesis of vitamin D in the skin without causing it damage. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the sun exposure index, vitamin D levels and clinical changes in the skin caused by constant sun exposure in the fishermen population. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional, observational and analytical study. The sample consisted of fishermen and was calculated in 174 individuals. The questionnaire was applied, the dermatological examination was carried out and the examinations of calcidiol, parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphorus were requested. Data were expressed as percentages. The comparative analysis was done through the Chi-square test, and the correlations were established through the Pearson's linear coefficient. Results: We observed that there was vitamin D deficiency in a small part of the cases (11.46%), and the frequency of diagnosis of skin cancer was 2.7% of the cases surveyed. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The difficulty in categorizing the sun exposure index. CONCLUSION: The fact that fishermen expose themselves to the sun chronically and have been exposed to the sun for more than 15 years, between 21 and 28 hours a week, and without photoprotection, were indicative factors for protection against vitamin D deficiency. Chronic exposure to sun and high vitamin levels D may be indicative of protection of this population against skin cancer.

Bioavailability of heavy metals in mangrove soil in Alagoas, Brazil / Biodisponibilidade de metais pesados em solo de mangue em Alagoas, Brasil

The mangrove forest is an important transitional ecosystem consisted of terrestrial and marine environment located in tropical and subtropical regions with average temperatures above 20 °C. In Alagoas, the mangrove forests are found on the entire coastline from Maragogi to Piaçabuçu. In the last 20 years, due to the pollution of water resources, studies of coastal aquatic ecosystems have been developed. The objective of this study was to analyze the physicochemical properties and determine the levels of heavy metals in mangrove sediments of the Mundaú-Manguaba estuary lagoon complex (MMELC) and Meirim River in Alagoas. Zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and chromium were chosen due to their relationship with sewer, agricultural, and industrial wastes. 22 soil samples were collected in the MMELC and in the Meirim River. The samples were submitted to soil routine analyses of Embrapa. The heavy metals were extracted by the Mehlich-1 method and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations of these metals in thesediment samples followed the order Mn > Zn >Pb > Cr> Cu >Cd in MMELC and Zn > Mn >Pb > Cr> Cu >Cd in Meirim River. All proposed heavy metals were found in sediments, however, the cadmium levels were above the normal levels proposed by Environment National Council (CONAMA) and Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. The study shows that the analysis of sediment can contribute to environmental monitoring actions and development of public policies aimed to controlling the sustainable use of natural resources of the studied areas.

O manguezal é um importante ecossistema de transição entre o ambiente marinho e terrestre, localizado em regiões tropicais e subtropicais com temperaturas médias acima de 20°C. Em Alagoas podemos encontrar florestas de mangue em praticamente todo o litoral desde Maragogi até Piaçabuçu. Nosúltimos 20 anos, a poluição dos recursos hídricos tem levado ao estudo dos ecossistemas aquáticos costeiros, que são importantes para preservação e equilíbrio da vida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as propriedades físico-químicas e determinar os teores ambientalmente disponíveis de metais nos sedimentos do mangue existente na foz CELMM (e do rio Meirim em Alagoas. Foram escolhidos os metais zinco, cobre, chumbo, cádmio e crômio por estarem ligados aos despejos de esgotos, projetos agropecuários, e fontes industriais. Foram coletadas 22 amostras de solo nos estuários do CELMM e do rio Meirim. As amostras foram submetidas as análises de rotina para solos da Embrapa. As concentrações médias desses metais nas amostras de sedimento seguiram a ordem Mn > Zn >Pb > Cr> Cu >Cd in CELMM e Zn > Mn >Pb > Cr> Cu >Cd no Rio Meirim. Os metais foram extraídos pelo método Mehlich-1 e analisados por meio de espectrometria de absorção atômica. Foram encontrados nos sedimentos todos os metais propostos na pesquisa com destaque para os teores de cádmio detectados em valores absolutos acima de valores considerados normais pelo Conselho Nacional doMeio Ambiente e pelo Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment em alguns pontos do estuário do rio Meirim. O estudo mostra que a análise dos sedimentos pode, portanto, contribuir para ações de monitoramento ambiental, subsidiando a implantação e desenvolvimento de políticas públicas que visem controlar o usoracional e sustentável dos recursos naturais das áreas do estudas.

Sun exposure, skin lesions and vitamin D production: evaluation in a population of fishermen

Abstract: Background: Exposure to UVR provides benefits related to vitamin D synthesis, but also causes harms, since UVB is considered a complete carcinogen. There is no definition of the level of sun exposure and the proportion of exposed body required for proper synthesis of vitamin D in the skin without causing it damage. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the sun exposure index, vitamin D levels and clinical changes in the skin caused by constant sun exposure in the fishermen population. Methods: It is a cross-sectional, observational and analytical study. The sample consisted of fishermen and was calculated in 174 individuals. The questionnaire was applied, the dermatological examination was carried out and the examinations of calcidiol, parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphorus were requested. Data were expressed as percentages. The comparative analysis was done through the Chi-square test, and the correlations were established through the Pearson's linear coefficient. Results: We observed that there was vitamin D deficiency in a small part of the cases (11.46%), and the frequency of diagnosis of skin cancer was 2.7% of the cases surveyed. Study Limitations: The difficulty in categorizing the sun exposure index. Conclusion: The fact that fishermen expose themselves to the sun chronically and have been exposed to the sun for more than 15 years, between 21 and 28 hours a week, and without photoprotection, were indicative factors for protection against vitamin D deficiency. Chronic exposure to sun and high vitamin levels D may be indicative of protection of this population against skin cancer.

Gustatory Stimulations and Their Capacity Influence Buffering of the Saliva

Objective: To evaluate the influence of gustatory stimuli on the buffering capacity of saliva. Material and Methods: The buccal ph of 18 male volunteers aged 18-35 years was measured after a mouthwash with 20 ml of water as a control, and in individual disposable cups they collected the saliva for two minutes. Then, each of chewed bubble gum with sugar for two minutes, discarding the gum and made new collection of saliva, for two minutes in other disposable cups individualized. After collection, each volunteer was again subject to regular brushing with toothpaste and waited another ten minutes. The same procedure was repeated with all other substances. Salivary buffer capacity was determined by Ericsson technique. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Scott-Knott grouping test and Mann-Whitney test at 5% probability. Estimates of Pearson correlations were calculated in order to determine possible associations between the variables. Results: It was not found statistically significant differences between the initial pH variation and after eating food (p>0.05), or between gustatory stimulation and variation of salivary buffer capacity (p>0.05). Conclusion: There is no influence of gustatory stimulus aroma and flavor on the variation of salivary buffer capacity.

Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd and Cr) in Oysters: Crassostrea rhizophorae of Mangrove Areas of Alagoas (Brazil)

Abstract Mangroves are tropical and subtropical flooded forests that generally develop in estuarine areas over unstable sediments protected from the action of waves in the intertidal zone with an environment characterized by a great diversity of fauna and flora. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the levels of heavy metals that are absorbed by mangrove oysters, in estuarine systems in the Alagoas coast by determining the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd and Cr. Two areas, which consisted of both a collection during the rainy season and the dry season, were selected for sampling of mangrove oysters. In each collection, seven samples were collected, at seven different points, where each sample contained four oysters. In the laboratory the oysters were dried at 105°C for 72 hours and then macerated. It was then digested with 10 ml of a solution comprising a combination of 4:1 nitric acid and hydrochloric acid, initially in 1h at 40°C, followed by 3 hours at 140°C. In General, the medians followed the order Zn > Fe > Mn > Cu > Cr > Cd in MMELC and Zn > Cu > Fe > Mn > Cr > Cd in Meirim River. It is concluded that the Crassostrea rhizophorae oysters from the studied environments presented concentrations of all the metals proposed in the research and demonstrates its accumulating and bioindicator character.

Phytotherapy in pediatrics: the production of knowledge and practices in Primary Care.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the use of phytotherapy as a therapy adopted in the context of Primary Care to Childhood. METHOD: Observational and analytical field research, with quantitative-qualitative approach. A semi-structured survey was used on socio-demographic and ethnopharmacological variables, audio interview and daily observation. RESULTS: The production of knowledge about phytotherapy constitutes a family heritage, but incorporated data resulting from the daily experiences shared by the community. The main factors were: easy access to this resource, high costs of conventional treatment, difficulty in accessing medical services and belief in the power of plants. The attributed meanings were: prevention and treatment of injuries, rescue of memory and of experiences, factor integrative with nature and aggregative among members of the community. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Rescuing this tradition brings a new meaning to health care.

Phytotherapy in pediatrics: the production of knowledge and practices in Primary Care / Fitoterapia en pediatría: la producción de saberes y prácticas en la Atención Básica / Fitoterapia em pediatria: a produção de saberes e práticas na Atenção Básica

ABSTRACT Objective: To demonstrate the use of phytotherapy as a therapy adopted in the context of Primary Care to Childhood. Method: Observational and analytical field research, with quantitative-qualitative approach. A semi-structured survey was used on socio-demographic and ethnopharmacological variables, audio interview and daily observation. Results: The production of knowledge about phytotherapy constitutes a family heritage, but incorporated data resulting from the daily experiences shared by the community. The main factors were: easy access to this resource, high costs of conventional treatment, difficulty in accessing medical services and belief in the power of plants. The attributed meanings were: prevention and treatment of injuries, rescue of memory and of experiences, factor integrative with nature and aggregative among members of the community. Final considerations: Rescuing this tradition brings a new meaning to health care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evidenciar el uso de la fitoterapia como terapia adoptada en el contexto de la Atención Básica a la Infancia. Método: Investigación analítica y de campo observacional, con abordaje cuantitativo-cualitativo. Se utilizó un cuestionario semiestructurado relativo a las variables socio-demográficas y etnofarmacológicas, entrevista grabada en audio y observación en el cotidiano. Resultados: La producción de conocimiento sobre la fitoterapia se constituye en una herencia familiar, pero ha incorporado los datos resultantes de las experiencias cotidianas compartidas por la comunidad. Los factores mantenedores de estas prácticas fueron: fácil acceso a ese recurso, altos costos del tratamiento convencional, dificultad de acceso a los servicios médicos creencia en el poder de las plantas. Los sentidos atribuidos fueron: prevención y tratamiento de agravios, rescate de la memoria y de vivencias, factor integrativo con la naturaleza y agregativo entre los miembros de la comunidad. Consideraciones finales: Rescatar esta tradición trae un nuevo sentido a los cuidados de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Evidenciar o uso da fitoterapia como terapêutica adotada no contexto da Atenção Básica à Infância. Método: Pesquisa de campo observacional e analítica, com abordagem quantitativo-qualitativa. Utilizou-se questionário semiestruturado relativo às variáveis socio-demográficas e etnofarmacológicas, entrevista gravada em áudio e observação no cotidiano. Resultados: A produção de conhecimento sobre a fitoterapia constitui-se numa herança familiar, mas incorporou dados resultantes das experiências cotidianas compartilhadas pela comunidade. Os fatores mantenedores dessas práticas foram: fácil acesso a esse recurso, altos custos do tratamento convencional, dificuldade de acesso a serviços médicos e crença no poder das plantas. Os sentidos atribuídos foram: prevenção e tratamento de agravos, resgate da memória e de vivências, fator integrativo com a natureza e agregativo entre membros da comunidade. Considerações finais: Resgatar essa tradição traz um novo sentido aos cuidados de saúde.

Biologia floral e sistema de reprodução de Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) na região de Petrolina-PE / Floral biology and reproductive system of Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) in Petrolina-PE, Brazil

Aspectos da biologia da polinizaçäo e do sistema de reproduçäo de Annona squamosa L. foram estudados em Petrolina-PE, nordeste do Brasil, no período de junho de 1999 a fevereiro de 2000, entre 6:00 e 18:00h. As flores de A. squamosa säo hermafroditas, axilares, com cálice e corola carnosos, formando uma câmara floral, que funciona como abrigo, fonte alimentar e/ou local de acasalamento para os visitantes florais. As flores apresentam características da síndrome de cantarofilia, tais como pétalas carnosas, de coloraçäo clara e emissäo de odores fortes e desagradáveis. A antese é crepuscular, iniciando por volta das 17 horas e a duraçäo das flores é de aproximadamente dois dias. As flores se apresentam em fase feminina nas primeiras 20 horas e em fase masculina nas 20 horas seguintes, caracterizando a dicogamia. Carpophilus hemipterus, Carpophilus sp e Haptoncus ochraceus (Nitidulidae) säo os principais visitantes, sendo considerados como polinizadores desta anonácea. A espécie é autocompatível, contudo, os testes de germinaçäo indicam que as sementes obtidas por polinizaçäo cruzada apresentam maior viabilidade do que as resultantes de geitonogamia