Combined quantification of anisotropy and inhomogeneity of magmatic rock fabrics : an outcrop scale analysis recorded in high resolution

Magmatic mineral distribution patterns in a syntectonic syenite pluton have been recorded at high resolution over several square metres on quarried faces. The anisotropy and inhomogeneity of K-feldspar and mafic mineral distribution patterns have been quantified using two methods originally based on fractal geometry. (1) Map-counting, based on box-counting, illustrates an inhomogeneity on the decimetre to metre scale and highlights diffuse structures that can be related to mafic schlieren or felsic dykes that are not visible on the rock surface. (2) We have developed a mapping of rock fabric anisotropy (MORFA) method that leads to the detection of further magmatic structures that are not visible in the field. With MORFA a magmatic lineation and its variation over large areas is determined, as well as fabrics on the decimetre to 1 m scales, which possibly represent flow or fracture structures in the crystallising magma

Anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic extract of green algae Caulerpa mexicana in a murine model of ulcerative colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases, which include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are characterized by chronic and relapsed gut inflammation. Caulerpa mexicana is a type of green marine algae that can be found in tropical areas, such as the Brazilian Coastland. These macrophytes exhibit in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties such as the ability to reduce both cell migration to different sites and edema formation induced by chemical irritants. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the C. mexicana methanolic extract on the treatment of colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate. Acute experimental colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by treatment with 3% dextran sodium sulfate orally for 14 days. During this 14-day period, C. mexicana methanolic extract (2 mg/kg/day) was given intravenously on alternate days. Treatment with the methanolic extract significantly attenuated body weight loss and severe clinical symptoms. This was associated with a remarkable amelioration of colonic architecture disruption and a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of C. mexicana methanolic extract on colorectal sites may be a useful therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel diseases