Propolis is a natural resinous product collected by honey bees from different parts of plants in different geographic areas. The chemical composition of propolis is quite complex and varied, being directly related to the location, harvest season, species of bees and vegetation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of ten brown propolis samples produced by the honey bees (Apis mellifera) obtained from the region of Japira (PR) and six geopropolis samples produced by two species of meliponíneos: three samples of Melipona quadrifasciata anthioides (Mandaçaia) and three of Melipona rufiventris (Uruçu-amarela), obtained from different regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). The samples of propolis and geopropolis were evaluated and compared for the total phenol content, the total flavonoid content and the antiradical capacity performed by the DPPH, ABTS and the iron reducing capacity (FRAP). In addition, the comparison of UV-Vis spectral data profiles and antimicrobial activity against strains of Staphylococcus aureus were performed. The results obtained through the study of ethanolic extracts of brown propolis and geopropolis confirm the complexity and chemical difference of propolis. In addition, the multivariate analysis helped to discriminate propolis from different bee species, indicating that the chemical profile and antioxidant capacity of the extracts are influenced by the bee species.

RESUMO -A composição do mel de abelha nativa é pouco conhecida, embora a análise das suas propriedades físico-químicas esteja associada com os méis de abelhas africanas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar análises físico-químicas, determinar o teor de fenólicos e flavonoides totais e a atividade antioxidante de 10 méis de meliponíneos (8 de Scaptotrigona sp. e 2 de Tetragonisca angustula) e compará-los a 10 méis de laranja (Apis mellifera). Verificou-se que os méis de A. mellifera apresentaram menor teor de fenólicos totais em comparação aos méis de meliponíneos, enquanto o teor em flavonoides foi levemente superior para os méis de abelha africanizada. Os méis de meliponíneos apresentaram os melhores resultados para atividade antioxidante in vitro. Os resultados de teor de proteína, cor, acidez livre e umidade, quando investigados através da análise multivariada (PCA e Cluster), permitiu a discriminar entre as diferentes espécies de abelhas.Palavras-Chave: análises físico-químicas; atividade antioxidante; abelhas sem ferrão.ABSTRACT -Honeys from stingless bees have several characteristics that set them apart from the honey from Apis mellifera. Native bee honey composition is not very well known, but the analysis of their physicochemical properties has been associated with the African honey bees. In this study, we carried out physicochemical analysis, determination of phenolics and total flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of 10 mellipone honeys (8 from Scaptotrigona sp. and 2 from Tetragonisca angustula) and 10 orange honeys (Apis mellifera) in order to compare honeys from different bee species and different regions. Honeys from A. mellifera had lower total phenolic content compared to the honey of stingless bees, while the flavonoid content was slightly higher for the africanized honey bee. Honey of stingless bees showed better results for antioxidant activity in vitro. Results for protein content, color, free acidity and moisture, when investigated through multivariate analysis (PCA and Cluster), allowed to discriminate between the different bee species.

The complex interactions between primary production, soil and soil organisms (in particular Lumbricidae and Enchytraeidae) during organic matter decomposition have developed over evolutionary time under specific habitat conditions. Thus, in order to study these processes, four forest sites in Germany (two in southern Hesse, two in eastern Saxony) and two sites in Central Portugal were selected to study both the oligochaete fauna and litter decomposition (almost all of them with a pH <4). Here, the results of the first part of this his work, i.e. the abundance and the species composition of the oligochaete fauna, are described. All samplings were performed using standard ISO-methods, with different temporal intensity. In detail, nine common Central European earthworm species were found at the six study sites plus one unidentified species at a Portuguese site. Abundance was usually low (< 10 Ind/m 2); higher numbers (72.5 and 17.5 Ind/m 2) were detected only at the two Saxonian sites. In total, 53 enchytraeid species were found; 43 of them already described. At four sites densities fell within the expected range for German deciduous forests (20 000-80000 Ind/m 2). Finally, notes on the taxonomy and biogeography of several potworm species are given.

Avaliação das Substâncias Fenólicas em Rizomas de Três Espécies de Renealmia L. f.: Quantificação, Atividade Antioxidante e Histolocalização Resumo: A histolocalização das substâncias fenólicas foi feita por técnicas usuais em Anatomia Vegetal. A determinação do teor de fenóis totais e do teor de flavonoides foram realizadas por métodos espectrofotométricos. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelos métodos DPPH, ABTS e FRAP. Todos os extratos avaliados apresentaram capacidade antioxidante; entretanto, os melhores resultados foram para os extratos de R. nicolaioides. Correlação positiva foi encontrada entre o conteúdo total de fenólicos e os ensaios de capacidade antioxidante. Os resultados são inéditos para o gênero em questão e contribuem para novas pesquisas sobre substâncias fenólicas e suas atividades antioxidantes.