Fish oil (FO) is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, with well-established beneficial effects in inflammatory diseases when FO is orally administered. This study investigated the effects of a topically applied FO preparation (FOP) on phenol-induced ear edema and evaluated the percutaneous penetration of FOP in ear tissue. After applying phenol, groups of mice received an application of FOP on the ear. After 1 h, ear tissue was collected to determine the percent inhibition of edema, determine myeloperoxidase activity, and perform photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). Treatment with FOP did not reduce edema, but reduced myeloperoxidase activity. The FOP decreased the area of bands that characterize inflamed tissue and penetrated into the tissue. These results indicated an inhibitory effect of FOP on leukocyte recruitment in phenol-induced ear edema. These data support the applicability of PAS as a non-destructive method for evaluating the inflammatory response, percutaneous penetration and antiinflammatory activity of compounds.

A new Neotropical species of Pirhosigma Giordani Soika, 1978 is described, Pirhosigma transfluvium Ferreira & Oliveira. The male of Pirhosigma limpidum Giordani Soika, 1978 is reported for the first time. An illustrated identification key is presented for all currently recognized species of Pirhosigma.

The Neotropical eumenine wasp genus Stenosigma Giordani Soika, 1978 is revised. Stenosigma mariae Ferreira & Hermes sp. nov. and S. panamensis Ferreira & Hermes sp. nov. are proposed as new. An updated identification key for species, new distributional records, and additional information on the species currently recognized within the genus are presented.

Males of Minixi brethesi (Bertoni, 1927) and Minixi tricoloratum (Zavattari, 1911) are described for the first time. The synonymy of Alphamenes insignis loquax Giordani Soika, 1978 under Alphamenes richardsi Giordani Soika, 1978 is proposed. A new way to separate females of Alphamenes usitatus (Fox) from similar species is presented. An updated identification key is presented for the described species of Alphamenes Van der Vecht, 1977.

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