Search

Background: The Atlantic Forest is one of the most diverse and threatened phytogeographical domains in the world. Despite that, it includes regions with poor floristic knowledge, even in protected areas. Although the importance of protected areas in conserving the Atlantic Forest hotspot is undisputed, it is necessary to recognise the floristic richness of these areas to propose effective conservation actions. In this sense, online databases have proved to be a promising tool for compiling species lists with relevant biodiversity information. This study is based on the list of vascular plants of the "Parque Estadual da Pedra Selada", published in the "Catálogo de Plantas das Unidades de Conservação do Brasil". It summarises the species richness, endemism and conservation status of this protected area. New information: The published list of vascular plants was based on data obtained from herbarium collections available in online databases. A total of 303 species have been recorded for the "Parque Estadual da Pedra Selada," of which 297 are native to Brazil, 78 are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and seven are endemic to the State of Rio de Janeiro. More than 60% of the species are woody, and more than 40% are trees. Eight threatened species (Endangered – EN and Vulnerable – VU), of which five are endemic to the State of Rio de Janeiro, are housed in this protected area. One species was classified as Data Deficient (DD). Our results increase the knowledge of the Atlantic Forest flora in the State of Rio de Janeiro and support effective conservation planning for this protected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persea is a genus of Lauraceae with about 101 accepted species from the Americas and another two from the Macaronesian Islands and the Azores. The New World species occur in subtropical to tropical regions from sea level to ca. 4000 m. Recent field work in southeastern Brazil, as well as the study of 1432 collections of Brazilian Persea, revealed a new species that we describe here as Persea quarciticola. The new species belongs to Persea subg. Eriodaphne. It is restricted to the 'morros de sal' (mountains of quartz) of Vargem Alta, Espírito Santo, between 600 and 800 m. We provide a complete description of the new species, including illustrations, a distribution map, and discussion on its putative relationships within the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Justicia has more than 600 species distributed in both hemispheres, in the tropics and temperate regions, and it is used in the treatment of numerous pathologies. This study presents a review of the biological activities of plant extracts and isolated chemical constituents of Justicia (ACANTHACEAE), identified in the period from May 2011 to August 2022. We analyzed over 176 articles with various biological activities and chemical compound descriptions present in the 29 species of Justicia. These have a variety of applications, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial, with alkaloids and flavonoids (e.g., naringenin) the most frequently identified secondary metabolites. The most observed species were Justicia gendarussa Burm., Justicia procumbens L., Justicia adhatoda L., Justicia spicigera Schltdl, and Justicia pectoralis Jacq. The frontier molecular orbitals carried out using density functional theory (M062X and basis set 6-311++G(d,p) indicate reactive sites for naringenin compound and a chemical reaction on phytomedicine activity. The energy gap (206.99 kcal/mol) and dimer solid state packing point to chemical stability. Due to the wide variety of pharmacological uses of these species, this review points toward the development of new phytomedicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances have been made in the search for new multi-target modulators to control pain and inflammation. Therefore, compound 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methanone (LQFM202) was synthesised and evaluated. First, in vitro assays were performed for COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzymes. Subsequently, adult female Swiss albino mice treated orally with LQFM202 at doses of 25–200 mg/kg were subjected to acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced pain, carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia, carrageenan- or zymosan-induced paw oedema, or pleurisy. LQFM202 inhibited COX-1, COX-2, and LOX-5 (IC50 = 3499 µM, 1565 µM, and 1343 µM, respectively). In acute animal models, LQFM202 (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) decreased the amount of abdominal writhing (29%, 52% and 48%, respectively). Pain in the second phase of the formalin test was reduced by 46% with intermediate dose. LQFM202 (100 mg/kg) reduced the difference in nociceptive threshold in all 4 h evaluated (46%, 37%, 30%, and 26%, respectively). LQFM202 (50 mg/kg) decreased the carrageenan-oedema from the second hour (27%, 31% and 25%, respectively); however, LQFM202 (100 mg/kg) decreased the carrageenan-oedema in all hours evaluated (35%, 42%, 48% and 50%, respectively). When using zymosan, LQFM202 (50 mg/kg) decreased the oedema in all hours evaluated (33%, 32%, 31% and 20%, respectively). In the carrageenan-pleurisy test, LQFM202 (50 mg/kg) reduced significantly the number of polymorphonuclear cells (34%), the myeloperoxidase activity (53%), TNF-α levels (47%), and IL-1β levels (58.8%). When using zymosan, LQFM202 (50 mg/kg) reduced the number of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells (54% and 79%, respectively); and the myeloperoxidase activity (46%). These results suggest antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of LQFM202. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anuario do Instituto de Geociencias is the property of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Geociencias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Malignant cerebral tumors have poor prognosis and the blood–brain barrier is a major hindrance for most drugs to reach those tumors. Lipid nanoparticles (LDE) that bind to lipoprotein receptors may carry anticancer drugs and penetrate the cells through those receptors that are overexpressed in gliomas. The aim was to investigate the in vivo uptake of LDE by human cerebral tumors. Methods: Twelve consecutive patients (4 with glioblastomas, 1 meduloblastoma, 1 primary lymphoma, 2 with non-cerebral metastases and 4 with benign tumors) scheduled for tumor excision surgery were injected intravenously, 12 h before surgery, with LDE labeled 14C-cholesterol oleate. Fragments of tumors and of normal head tissues (muscle, periosteum, dura mater) discarded by the surgeon were submitted to lipid extraction and radioactive counting. Results: Tumor LDE uptake (range: 10–283 d.p.m./g of tissue) was not lower than that of normal tissues (range: 20–263 d.p.m./g). Malignant tumor uptake was threefold greater than benign tumor uptake (140 ± 93 vs 46 ± 18 d.p.m./g, p < 0.05). Results show that LDE can concentrate in brain malignant tumors and may be used to carry drugs directed against those tumors. Conclusion: As LDE was previously shown to markedly decrease drug toxicity this new therapeutic strategy should be tested in future trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the first step towards solving the taxonomic problems in the genus Sanchezia (Acanthaceae), neglected for more than 50 years, new synonymies are proposed in this study. Based on an extensive morphological revision, 11 names are synonymized, as follows: S. stenomacra under S. aurea; S. cyathibractea under S. macrocnemis; S. bicolor, S. flava, S. megalia and S. speciosa under S. oblonga; S. capitata and S. stenantha under S. ovata; S. lutea under S. parviflora; S. skutchii under S. putumayensis; and S. arborea and S. decora under S. scandens. With these nomenclatural changes, the number of accepted names within Sanchezia decreases from 55 to 44. Lectotypes are designated for Ancylogyne macrocnemis and S. ovata. Diagnostic characters are provided to identify the treated species, and their taxonomic problems are discussed, highlighting the need for a taxonomic revision of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Ocotea from the Brazilian state of Bahia, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 55 species, 21 of them being described and illustrated for the first time. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters and 36 states, which allowed to distinguish the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Lauraceae from the Reserva Natural Vale, Linhares, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 20 species belonging to 11 genera. The venation patterns of 12 species are described and illustrated for the first time here. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters with 38 states, which allowes to distinguish the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes mineralogical, geochemical, and geochronological aspects, along with the effect of hydrothermal/metasomatic overprints, to identify the presence of primary phosphate as well as depositional and paleoenvironmental conditions in marble and calcsilicate sequences recrystallized under transitional amphibolite-granulite metamorphic conditions in the Tanque Novo-Ipirá Complex within the Salvador-Curaçá Orogen, northeastern São Francisco Craton, state of Bahia, Brazil. Petrographic studies have identified up to 10 vol.% disseminated apatite and whole-rock P2O5 contents up to 3.2 wt.%. Post-depositional events affected the lithofacies to varying degrees. Late hydrothermalism did not modify the rare earth element and yttrium (REEY) patterns considerably. When normalized to Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS), these lithofacies are marked by flat pattern REEY, true negative Ce anomalies, and positive Y and Gd. The highly variable Eu anomalies were inherited from the source composition but may have been affected by interaction with fluids. U-Pb LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) ages indicate a maximum depositional age of 2128 Ga, as well as Paleoproterozoic and Neoarchean sources. Samples with anomalous phosphorus show Y/Ho ratios >30 and Ce/Ce* anomalies between 0.53 and 1.0 with an average of 0.70, suggesting a sub-oxic environment for phosphate precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Lauraceae from the Brazilian state of Bahia, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 56 species belonging to 14 genera (excluding Ocotea), 30 of them described and illustrated for the first time. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters and 36 states, which allowed to distinguish the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Ocotea from the Reserva Natural Vale, Linhares, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 31 species, 13 of them being described and illustrated for the first time. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters and 36 states, which allowed to distinguish the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first treatment of this series, twenty‐one species of 12 genera of Lauraceae (excluding Ocotea) were reported for the Reserva Natural Vale. In the present treatment, thirty‐two species of Ocotea are reported from the area. Descriptions, an identification key, commentary and illustrations of the species are presented. Pistillate flowers of Ocotea aniboides and O. kostermansiana are described for the first time, and lectotypes are designated for six names: Aydendron nitidum, Ocotea glaziovii, O. kostermansiana, Oreodaphne maranhana, Oreodaphne pallida, and Oreodaphne spectabilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Florae Lusitanicae et Brasiliensis specimen, published in 1788, is revisited here after encountering three manuscripts that proved to be directly related to the new genera described by Domenico Vandelli. One of them is a bound folio of watercolor drawings with 133 plates containing sketches of branches, inflorescences and/or fruits of each species, as well as drawing of dissections of their flowers and/or fruits. Those drawings had been copied from original material collected and sent to Portugal from Brazil by Joaquim Vellozo de Miranda. Vandelli used them as the basis for his descriptions of new Brazilian taxa. Examinations of the drawings have allowed the identification of 21 new genera (most of them to the species level) out of 25, thus clarifying the taxonomic status of several taxa that had remained unresolved since the 1788 publication date. A significant nomenclatural discovery is that Tapanhuacanga Vand. has now been shown to be Psyllocarpus laricoides Mart. & Zucc. Therefore, Tapanhuacanga has priority over Psyllocarpus, which has required 12 new combinations undertaken here. Three new synonymies, typification of five genera and 18 lectotypifications are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty‐five species belonging to 14 genera of Lauraceae are recorded in the Reserva Natural Vale. In the present treatment, twenty‐one species are reported: Aiouea (3), Aniba (2), Beilschmiedia (1), Cassytha (1), Cryptocarya (3), Endlicheria (1), Licaria (2), Mezilaurus (1), Nectandra (4), Persea (1), Rhodostemonodaphne (1), and Urbanodendron (1). Descriptions, identification keys, comments and illustrations of the species are presented. The species of Ocotea will be treated in part II of this series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new plant species from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil, Aniba subbullata, is described and illustrated. Its putative relationships within the genus are discussed, and an identification key is provided for distinguishing it from previously known species in that state. We also provide illustrations and comments on micromorphological features of leaves of this new species, particularly of the abaxial surface, comparing them to those of congeneric species and showing that they are useful for its recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rev Rene is the property of Rev Rene and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus popularly referred to as craveiro is considered as a calming agent in different local preparations. The present study attempted to examine antidepressant-like effect of dichloromethane fraction (DF) and role of monoamine oxidase (MAO), tryptophan, and tyrosine hydroxylase. Based on the research focus, tail suspension (TS), forced swimming (FS), and open field (OF) tests were conducted after oral administration of DF (125, 250, or 500mg/Kg). Ex vivo assay of MAO was also conducted to evaluate inhibitory effect of DF (250 mg/Kg). Administration of DF elicits antidepressant-like response in the TS and FS. However, DF 500mg/Kg did not alter mice performance in these models. The data obtained in the OF showed a reduction in total crossing and rearing activity; these effects suggest motor interference in TS and FS performance. Mice pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA) (100mg/kg, i.p. -- serotonin biosynthesis inhibitor) for 4 consecutive days or acute administration ofα--methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) (100mg/kg, i.p. --catecholamine synthesis inhibitor) blocked anti-immobility effect of DF in the FS. In ex vivo assay of MAO, DF did not inhibit catabolic activity of MAO. Our findings support antidepressant-like activity of DF and suggest an effect that depends on monoamine biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rem: Revista Escola de Minas is the property of Rem: Escola de Minas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract   A flexible way of building modular communication stacks relies on the use of protocol composition. This paper describes a protocol composition framework that simplifies the task of deriving the worst-case response time of a protocol composition from the protocol implementation. In order to derive the worst-case response time of a protocol composition, one needs to capture its event-graph: the event-graph consists of the set of all events processed by each component and the relation between those events. The framework, called RT-Appia, takes a pragmatic approach: instead of requiring the use of domain specific code analysis tools, or dedicated compilers, it simply requires protocol programmers to make explicit which events are processed and produced by each layer, and how these events are related. An interesting aspect of the approach is that the same data structures that are used to simplify the task of computing the worst-case response time of the protocol composition are also used to optimize the performance and to debug the resulting implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a forthcoming systematic treatment of Brazilian species of Cryptocarya, almost all known herbarium collections were examined, and as a result, eight validly published species names are recognized. Types are cited for accepted names and synonyms. Several lectotypes and an epitype are newly designated. One new combination is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the relationship between food patch size and feeding party size with comparative data from two populations of muriquis ( Brachyteles arachnoides) in the 37,797-ha forest at the Parque Estadual de Carlos Botelho (PECB), São Paulo, and the 800-ha forest at the Estação Biológica de Caratinga (EBC), Minas Gerais. Precipitation was more abundant and less seasonal at PECB than EBC, and the density of large trees (>25.0 cm) was higher at PECB (206 ha [sup -1] ) than at EBC (132 ha [sup -1] ). At both sites, the size of feeding parties is positively related to the size of food patches. As predicted, food patches at PECB are significantly larger than those at EBC for both fruit and leaf sources. Contrary to expectations, feeding parties were larger at EBC than PECB. The higher population density of muriquis and sympatric primates at EBC may make large associations more advantageous to these muriquis than to muriquis living at lower population densities in PECB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the technical proposal in botany to conserve the name of the plant specie Spermacoce capitata (Rubiaceae). It highlights discripancies on the taxonomic synonyms under Spermacoce capitata which threatened the species rank. It notes that the specie refers to a Surinamese plant collected by biologist Daniel Rolander and designated as lectotype.