Analysis of cognitive performance and polymorphisms of SORL1, PVRL2, CR1, TOMM40, APOE, PICALM, GWAS_14q, CLU, and BIN1 in patients with mild cognitive impairment and cognitively healthy controls.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer disease risk polymorphisms have been studied in patients with dementia, but have not yet been explored in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in our population; nor have they been addressed in relation to cognitive variables, which can be predictive biomarkers of disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cognitive performance and presence of polymorphisms of the genes SORL1(rs11218304), PVRL2(rs6859), CR1(rs6656401), TOMM40(rs2075650), APOE (isoforms ε2, ε3, ε4), PICALM(rs3851179), GWAS_14q(rs11622883), BIN1(rs744373), and CLU(rs227959 and rs11136000) in patients with MCI and healthy individuals. METHODOLOGY: We performed a cross-sectional, exploratory, descriptive study of a prospective cohort of participants selected by non-probabilistic sampling, evaluated with neurological, neuropsychological, and genetic testing, and classified as cognitively healthy individuals and patients with MCI. Cognition was evaluated with the Neuronorma battery and analysed in relation to the polymorphic variants by means of measures of central tendency, confidence intervals, and nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: We found differences in performance in language and memory tasks between carriers and non-carriers of BIN1, CLU, and CR1 variants and a trend towards poor cognitive performance for PICALM, GWAS_14q, SORL1, and PVRL2 variants; the APOE and TOMM40 variants were not associated with poor cognitive performance. DISCUSSION: Differences in cognitive performance associated with these polymorphic variants may suggest that the mechanisms regulating these genes could have an effect on cognition in the absence of dementia; however, this study was exploratory and hypotheses based on these results must be explored in larger samples.

The effect of composition, microfluidization and process parameters on formation of oleogels for ice cream applications.

The use of oleogels is an innovative and economical option for the technological development of some food products, among them ice creams. The aim of this study was to establish the best processing conditions to obtain an emulsion which form oleogels with the lowest ζ-potential and average droplet size (ADS) for use as ice cream base. Using surface response methodology (SRM), the effects of three numerical factors (microfluidization pressure, oil and whey protein concentration, WP) and four categorical factors (oil type, temperature, surfactant, and type of WP) on formation of emulsions were assessed. The response variables were ζ, ADS, polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity (η), hardness, cohesiveness and springiness. Additionally, a numerical optimization was performed. Two ice creams containing milk cream and oleogel, respectively were compared under the optimization conditions. Results suggest oleogels obtained from the microfluidization of whey and high oleic palm oil are viable for the replacement of cream in the production of ice cream.

Analysis of cognitive performance and polymorphisms of SORL1, PVRL2, CR1, TOMM40, APOE, PICALM, GWAS_14q, CLU, and BIN1 in patients with mild cognitive impairment and cognitively healthy controls. / Análisis de desempeños cognitivos y polimorfismos en SORL, PVRL2, CR1, TOMM40, APOE, PICALM, GWAS_14q, CLU y BIN1 en pacientes con trastorno neurocognitivo leve y en sujetos cognitivamente sanos.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer disease risk polymorphisms have been studied in patients with dementia, but have not yet been explored in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in our population; nor have they been addressed in relation to cognitive variables, which can be predictive biomarkers of disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cognitive performance and presence of polymorphisms of the genes SORL1(rs11218304), PVRL2(rs6859), CR1(rs6656401), TOMM40(rs2075650), APOE (isoforms ɛ2, ɛ3, ɛ4), PICALM(rs3851179), GWAS_14q(rs11622883), BIN1(rs744373), and CLU (rs227959 and rs11136000) in patients with MCI and healthy individuals. METHODOLOGY: We performed a cross-sectional, exploratory, descriptive study of a prospective cohort of participants selected by non-probabilistic sampling, evaluated with neurological, neuropsychological, and genetic testing, and classified as cognitively healthy individuals and patients with MCI. Cognition was evaluated with the Neuronorma battery and analysed in relation to the polymorphic variants by means of measures of central tendency, confidence intervals, and nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: We found differences in performance in language and memory tasks between carriers and non-carriers of BIN1, CLU, and CR1 variants and a trend toward poor cognitive performance for PICALM, GWAS_14q, SORL1, and PVRL2 variants; the APOE and TOMM40 variants were not associated with poor cognitive performance. DISCUSSION: Differences in cognitive performance associated with these polymorphic variants may suggest that the mechanisms regulating these genes could have an effect on cognition in the absence of dementia; however, this study was exploratory and hypotheses based on these results must be explored in larger samples.

Multiwall carbon nanotubes/polycaprolactone scaffolds seeded with human dental pulp stem cells for bone tissue regeneration.

Conventional approaches to bone regeneration rarely use multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) but instead use polymeric matrices filled with hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphates and bioactive glasses. In this study, we prepared composites of MWCNTs/polycaprolactone (PCL) for bone regeneration as follows: (a) MWCNTs randomly dispersed on PCL, (b) MWCNTs aligned with an electrical field to determine if the orientation favors the growing of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs), and (c) MWCNTs modified with ß-glycerol phosphate (BGP) to analyze its osteogenic potential. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of MWCNTs and BGP on PCL, whereas the increase in crystallinity by the addition of MWCNTs to PCL was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. A higher elastic modulus (608 ± 4.3 MPa), maximum stress (42 ± 6.1 MPa) and electrical conductivity (1.67 × 10(-7) S/m) were observed in non-aligned MWCNTs compared with the pristine PCL. Cell viability at 14 days was similar in all samples according to the live/dead assay, but the 21 day cell proliferation, measured by MTT was higher in MWCNTs aligned with BGP. Von Kossa and Alizarin red showed larger amounts of mineral deposits on MWCNTs aligned with BGP, indicating that at 21 days, this scaffold promotes osteogenic differentiation of HDPSCs.

Serological survey of veterinarians to assess the zoonotic potential of three emerging swine diseases in Mexico.

We conducted an immunological assay of blood samples taken from 85 swine-specialist veterinarians attending the Congress of the Mexican Association of Swine Specialist Veterinarians in Mexico in 2011. Serum samples were assayed for Porcine rubulavirus (PorPV), Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and Leptospira spp. antibodies. Using a hemagglutination inhibition test, we registered 2.3% and 27% seropositivity for PorPV and EMCV, respectively. Using viral neutralization tests, we registered 5.8% and 47% seropositivity for PorPV and EMCV, respectively. For Leptospira spp., we registered a seropositivity of 38.8%. The variables (sex, age, years of exposure, number of visited farms, biosecurity level and region) showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the seropositivity for EMCV, PorPV and Leptospira spp. except for number of visited farms on HI seropositivity for EMCV (P < 0.05; odds ratio: 1.38). The data obtained provide information on the epidemiology of emerging diseases with zoonotic potential in occupational risk groups.

Atividade antimicrobiana e indutora de fitoalexinas do hidrolato de carqueja [Baccharis trimera (Less. ) DC. ] / Antimicrobial activity and phytoalexin induction of Baccharis trimera (Less. ) DC. hydrolate

Hidrolato é o líquido resultante da extração de óleo essencial de plantas aromáticas por arraste a vapor apresentando em sua composição importantes metabólitos do vegetal de origem. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade indutora de fitoalexinas, bem como as propriedades antifúngica e antibacteriana do hidrolato de carqueja (Baccharis trimera). Foram testadas as concentrações de 1, 10, 25, 50, 75 e 100%. A atividade indutora de fitoalexinas foi avaliada em mesocótilos estiolados de sorgo e em cotilédones de soja. A atividade antifúngica foi avaliada sobre a germinação de esporos de Pseudocercospora vitis, Cercospora kaki e Hemileia vastatrix. A atividade antibacteriana foi avaliada sobre a multiplicação de Xanthomonas campestris pv. passiflorae, Erwinia carotovora e Bacilllus subtilis. O hidrolato não induziu a produção de fitoalexinas em soja, mas promoveu esta atividade em sorgo a partir da concentração de 50%. Atividade antibacteriana ocorreu para os três isolados a partir da concentração de 75%, com inibição de até 87,9% sobre B. subtilis. O hidrolato não mostrou atividade antifúngica.

Hydrolate is a product resulting from the extraction of a plant essential oil using steam distillation, which presents major metabolites of such plants in its composition. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytoalexin induction and the antifungal and antibacterial activities of the Baccharis trimera hydrolate, in the concentrations of 1, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. Phytoalexin induction was evaluated in etiolated sorghum mesocotyl and in soybean cotyledons. The antifungal activity was evaluated on the spore germination of Pseudocercospora vitis, Cercospora kaki and Hemileia vastatrix, while the antibacterial activity was evaluate on the Xanthomonas campestris pv. passiflorae, Erwinia carotovora and Bacillus subtilis multiplication. The hydrolate did not induce the phytoalexin synthesis in soybean, but it provided activity in sorghum in the concentration of 50% and above. Antibacterial activity occurred for the three isolates tested at the concentrations of 75 and 100%, with inhibition up to 87.9% for B. subtilis. The hydrolate showed no antifungal activity.

Eliciadores proteicos e glicídicos de Adiantum capillus-veneris L. para fitoalexinas em sorgo Sorghum bicolor (L. ) Moench / Proteinaceous and carbohydrate elicitors from Adiantum capillus-veneris inducing phytoalexins in sorghum

Este trabalho objetivou a purificação parcial, por precipitação com sulfato de amônio (SA) e cromatografia de filtração em gel (CFG), de compostos presentes no decocto de Adiantum capillus-veneris (avenca) eficientes na indução de fitoalexinas em mesocótilos de Sorghum bicolor sorgo. Decocto de A. capillus-veneris a 1% (peso seco/volume) foi precipitado com concentrações de SA variando de 0 a 100% (em intervalos de 20%), e essas frações foram submetidas à CFG. Para o decocto não precipitado foram obtidos nove picos proteicos e um pico glicídico com massas moleculares variando de 0,61 à 0,01 KDa. Para a precipitação fracionada obteve-se: na fração 0-20% dois picos proteicos (menores que 0,01 KDa) e dois glicídicos com concentração de açúcares variando de 4,1 a 17,5 µg mL-1; na fração 20-40% três picos proteicos (111,5 à 0,98 KDa) e cinco glicídicos (11,3 a 73,7 µg de açúcares mL-1); na fração 40-60% dois picos proteicos (111,5 à 0,09 KDa) e dois glicídicos (5,6 a 7, 5 µg de açúcares mL-1); na fração 60-80% seis picos proteicos (menores que 0,02 KDa) e dois glicídicos (16,5 a 51,3 µg de açúcares mL-1); e na fração 80-100% três picos proteicos (menores que 0,09 KDa). Mesocótilos de sorgo foram tratados com as frações provenientes da CFG, além do decocto a 1%, acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM) (125 mg L-1 do i.a. como eliciador de referência) e tampão fosfato de sódio 10 mM pH 6,0. O pico proteico II (0,09 KDa) do decocto não precipitado induziu fitoalexinas, 6,68% superior a ASM. Entre os precipitados, a fração 60-80% de SA induziu 76% mais que ASM. Dessa forma, pôde-se obter frações proteicas e/ou glicídicas indutoras de fitoalexinas em sorgo de maneira superior ao extrato (decocto) do qual é originária, indicando o potencial dessas moléculas para trabalhos futuros sobre indução de resistência.

This study aimed to partially purify the compounds present in decoction of Adiantum capillus-veneris, which are efficient in the induction of phytoalexins in sorghum mesocotyl, by ammonium sulphate (AS) fractionation and gel filtration chromatography (GFC). The decoction of A. capillus-veneris at 1% (weight/volume) was precipitated with AS at the concentration of 0-20%, 20-40%, 40-60%, 60-80% and 80-100%, and these fractions were subjected to GFC. For the decoction not precipitated with AS, nine protein peaks and one carbohydrate peak were obtained with molecular weights ranging from 0.61 to 0.01 KDa. For the AS precipitation, we obtained: for the fraction 0-20%, two protein peaks (0.01 KDa) and two carbohydrate peaks with concentration of sugars ranging from 4.1 to 17.5 µg of sugar mL-1; for the 20-40%, three protein peaks (0.98 to 111.5 KDa) and five carbohydrate peaks (11.3 to 73.7 µg sugar mL-1); for the 40-60%, two protein peaks (0.09 to 111.5 KDa) and two carbohydrate peaks (5.6 to 7.5 µg of sugar mL-1); for the 60-80%, six protein peaks (lower than 0.02 KDa) and two carbohydrate peaks (16.5 to 51.3 µg of sugar mL-1); and for the 80-100%, three protein peaks with molecular weight equivalent to 0.09 KDa. The sorghum mesocotyls were treated with GFC fractions, decoction (1%), acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) (125 mg L-1 a.i. as elicitor reference) and sodium phosphate buffer (10 mM, pH 6.0). The protein peak II (0.09 KDa) from the decoction not precipitated was effective in inducing phytoalexin, exceeding in 6.68% the ASM. Among the fractions, the one with 60-80% of AS increased in 76% the induction of phytoalexin compared to ASM. According to the results, we could obtain protein and/or carbohydrate fractions capable of inducing phytoalexins in sorghum better than the decoction from which they are derived from, showing the potential of these molecules for future research studies on the induction of resistance.

[Neurological signs due to isolated vitamin B12 deficiency]. / Manifestaciones neurológicas por déficit aislado de vitamina B12.

Isolated vitamin B12 deficiency is a common condition in elderly patients but uncommon in patients younger than 30 years, with an average age of onset between 60 and 70 years. This is because the dietary cobalamin, which is normally split by enzymes in meat in the presence of hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the stomach, is not released in the stomachs of elderly patients, usually due to achlorhydria. Although the body may be unable to release cobalamin it does retain the ability to absorb vitamin B12 in its crystalline form, which is present in multivitamin preparations. Other causes are due to drugs that suppress gastric acid production. Neurological signs of vitamin B12 deficiency can occur in patients with a normal haematocrit and red cell indices. They include paresthesia, loss of sensation and strength in the limbs, and ataxia. Reflexes may be slowed down or increased. Romberg and Babinsky signs may be positive, and vibration and position sensitivity often decreases. Behavoural disorders range from irritability and memory loss to severe dementia. The symptoms often do not fully respond to treatment. A case is presented of an isolated vitamin B12 deficiency in 27 year-old female patient who was seen in primary health care. During anamnesis she mentioned low back pain, to which she attributed the loss of strength and tenderness in the right side of the body, as well as the slow and progressive onset of accompanied headache for the previous 4 days.

Plant extracts for controlling the post-harvest anthracnose of banana fruit / Extratos de plantas para controle pos-colheita da antracnose da Banana

In banana, fruit rot is incited by Colletotrichum musae which has been the most serious post-harvest disease of immature and mature fruit. The usual control by fungicides prohibited in many countries reduces their commercial value. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of alternative products to the synthetic fungicides. First, berries naturally infected by anthracnose were immersed into Azadirachta indica and citric extracts at 2 and 4% (v/v) for 3 minutes and stored for 11 days under environmental conditions. Next, other berries were immersed into essential oil emulsions of Allium sativum, Copaifera langsdorfii, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Eugenia caryophyllata at 5% for 3 minutes but stored for 11 days. Berries immersed into distilled water were used as control-treatments. The percentage of disease incidence observed in the control-treatment was similar to the ones observed in the extract of A. indica at 2%. The control-treatment showed disease severity of 75.13% and the percentage of disease control was 20.85%. Fruit immersed into distilled water presented less effectiveness than the ones immersed into citric extracts, which promoted the highest effectiveness. Citric extract at 4% was the most efficient treatment because the disease incidence was 19.44%, the disease severity was 9.34% and the disease control was 90.16%. Less severity and, consequently, more disease control were achieved by immersing the berries into the emulsion of essential oil of A. sativum, followed by treatments with C. langsdorfii, E. caryophyllata and C. zeylanicum.

Em pós-colheita, a podridão dos frutos causada por Colletotrichum musae é a doença mais importante da banana (Musa spp.), sendo presente em frutos verdes e maduros, tornando o produto pouco apresentável e inadequado à comercialização. Considerando-se os efeitos prejudiciais à saúde do tradicional método químico de controle e a proibição da utilização de fungicidas em muitos países, objetivou-se no presente trabalho avaliar bioprodutos com atividade antimicrobiana, considerados alternativos para o controle de antracnose em banana em pós-colheita. Os experimentos foram realizados com frutos de banana naturalmente infectados com Colletotrichum musae, submetidos à imersã, em extratos da planta Azadirachta indica e extratos cítricos (Ecolife), nas concentrações de 2 e 4% (v/v), permanecendo por 11 dias em condições ambientes. A emulsão composta de óleos essenciais das plantas Allium sativum, Copaifera langsdorfii, Cinnamomum zeylanicum e Eugenia caryophyllata também foi avaliada quanto a sua eficácia no controle do patógeno, permanecendo em condição ambiente por 11 dias. Frutos tratados com água destilada constituíram o tratamento controle. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que frutos submetidos ao extrato aquoso de A. indica na concentração de 2% (88,89%) não diferiu do tratamento controle (100% de incidência da doença). O extrato cítrico a 4% promoveu percentuais de incidência, severidade e controle de 19,44; 9,34 e 90,16%, respectivamente, sendo o mais eficiente. Menor percentual de severidade e o maior percentual de controle da doença nos frutos foram proporcionados pela emulsão óleos essenciais de A. sativum, seguidos pelos tratamentos com C. langsdorfii, E. caryophyllata e C. zeylanicum.

Patogenesia do óleo essencial e homeopatias de Eucalyptus citriodora em plantas de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris) / Pathogenesis of essential oil and homeopathies of Eucalyptus citriodora in bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris)

A homeopatia baseia-se no princípio da cura pelos semelhantes, e na experimentação no indivíduo sadio, doses mínimas e medicamento único. O uso de tratamentos a base de soluções dinamizadas aplicadas em vegetais aumentou nas ultimas décadas, sendo assim necessária a experimentação patogenésica para aplicação de todos os princípios homeopáticos e consolidação da Matéria Vegetal Homeopática. O ensaio patogenésico com plantas de feijão tratadas diariamente via pulverização e irrigação utilizando óleo essencial de Eucalyptus citriodora em diluições (0,5 e 1%) e dinamizados (12 e 30CH) revelaram sintomas externos semelhantes aos provocados por Pseudocercospora griseola, agente causal da mancha angular em feijoeiro. O estudo patogenésico com E. citriodora levanta a possibilidade deste ser utilizado no controle da mancha angular de acordo com o princípio homeopático da cura pela similitude.

Homeopathy is based on the principle of cure by similarity and on the prescription of minimal doses and single medicine to healthy individuals. In plants, performing treatments on the basis of drug dynamisation has increased in the recent decades. In these treatments, it is necessary to conduct a pathogenetic experimentation in order to apply homeopathic principles and to consolidate homeopathic plant material. Through a pathogenetic test with bean plants treated daily by pulverization and irrigation, using diluted and dynamized essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora - (dilutions: 0.5 and 1%) (oil dynamisation: 12 and 30CH) -, there appeared external symptoms similar to those symptoms caused by Pseudocercospora griseola, i.e., the causal agent of angular leaf spot of bean. The pathogenetics study with E. citriodora raises the possibility of its application to control angular leaf spot in bean plants in accordance with the homeopathic principle of cure by similarity.

Atividade antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais no controle de alguns fitopatógenos fúngicos in vitro e no tratamento de sementes / Antimicrobial activity of essential oils on the in vitro control of some fungal phytopathogens and on seed treatment

Este trabalho verificou o efeito dos óleos essenciais (OE) extraídos de Eremanthus erythropappus (candeia), Cymbopogon martinii (palmarosa) e de Rosmarinus officinalis (alecrim) no crescimento micelial de alguns fitopatógenos fúngicos e no tratamento de sementes de milho, soja e feijão. No teste in vitro, alíquotas de 20, 40, 60, 100, 200, 500 e 1000 μL de cada um dos óleos essenciais foram distribuídas na superfície do meio de cultura. Posteriormente, discos de meio de cultura com micélio de Alternaria carthami, Alternaria sp. e Rhizoctonia solani foram transferidos para o centro de cada placa. O crescimento foi mensurado e calculada a taxa de inibição do crescimento micelial (ICM). Para verificar o efeito dos OE na germinação das sementes utilizou-se a aplicação deles por fumigação. Foi avaliada a percentagem de sementes germinadas e a incidência de patógenos nas sementes. Sobre o crescimento micelial, o óleo de palmarosa inibiu completamente todos os patógenos fúngicos, independentemente da concentração. Já os óleos de candeia e alecrim foram melhores quando foram adicionadas alíquotas superiores a 200 μL. Os óleos influenciaram diferentemente a germinação e a sanidade das sementes de milho, soja e feijão.

This study aimed to verify the effect of essential oils (EO) extracted from Eremanthus erythropappus ("candeia") Cymbopogon martinii ("palmarosa") and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) on the mycelial growth of some fungal phytopathogens, as well as on the treatment of corn, soybean and bean seeds. In the in vitro test, aliquots of 20, 40, 60, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 μL of each essential oil were distributed on the surface of the culture medium. Then, discs of culture medium with mycelium of Alternaria carthami, Alternaria sp and Rhizoctonia solani were transferred to the center of each plate. Growth was measured and the mycelial growth inhibition rate (MGI) was calculated. To verify the effect of EO on seed germination, application of oils was by means of fumigation. Percentage of germinated seeds and their incidence of pathogens were evaluated. For mycelial growth, "palmarosa" oil completely inhibited all fungal pathogens, regardless of the concentration. On the other hand, "candeia" and rosemary oils were better when aliquots higher than 200 μL were added. The oils differently influenced the germination and health of corn, soybean and bean seeds.

Efeito in vitro do óleo essencial e extrato aquoso de Ocimum gratissimum colhido nas quatro estações do ano sobre fitopatógenos / In vitro effect on phytopathogens of essential oil and aqueous crude extract of Ocimum gratissimum harvested in the four seasons

O trabalho foi desenvolvido para verificar o efeito do óleo essencial e do extrato bruto de alfavaca-cravo (Ocimum gratissimum), coletado nas quatro estações do ano, no crescimento micelial in vitro dos fungos Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Phytophthora sp. e Alternaria alternata. Para avaliar o efeito do óleo essencial no crescimento micelial dos fungos, alíquotas de 20 ?L, 40 ?L e 60 ?L de óleo esterilizado foram distribuídas na superfície de meio BDA (batata-dextrose-ágar) antes da repicagem dos fungos. O extrato bruto aquoso (EBA) foi filtrado e incorporado em BDA nas concentrações de 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% e 50%. Os resultados indicaram que houve inibição total do crescimento micelial dos fungos nas diferentes alíquotas de óleo essencial. O EBA das plantas colhidas no outono proporcionou os melhores resultados, sendo que nesta estação do ano o EBA na concentração de 5% foi suficiente para promover 100% de inibição do crescimento micelial dos fitopatógenos A. alternata e S. rolfsii.

The present >work aimed to evaluate the effects of the essential oil and crude extract of wild basil (Ocimum gratissimum), harvested in different seasons, on the in vitro mycelia growth of Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Phytophthora sp. and Alternaria alternata. To evaluate the effect of the essential oil, sterilized oil aliquots of 20 ?L, 40 ?L and 60 ?L were distributed on the surface of potato-dextroseagar (PDA). The aqueous crude extracts (ACE) were filtrated and incorporated in PDA at 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 50%. The results showed total inhibition of mycelial growth in the different aliquots of essential oil. The ACE collected from plants in autumn had better results; in this season the ACE at 5% was enough to provide 100% of mycelia growth inhibition of A. alternata and S. rolfsii.

Avaliação do potencial da planta Adiantum capillus-veneris (L) no controle de fitopatógenos / Evaluation of the potential of the medicinal plant Adiantum capillus veneris (L) for the control of phytopathogens

O uso de compostos secundários de plantas medicinais, com propriedades antimicrobianas, pode ser uma alternativa para o controle de fitopatógenos. Diante disso, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana de derivados obtidos da planta Adiantum capillus-veneris (avenca) contra fungos e bactérias fitopatogênicos. Os derivados, obtidos do pó de folhas de avenca secas ao ar, foram preparados por infusão, maceração e decocção, autoclavados ou não, nas concentrações de 0,1%, 0,25%, 0,5%, 1%, 1,25%, 2,5%, 5%, 10% e 20%. Foram avaliadas a germinação de esporos dos fungos Phakopsora euvitis e Pseudocercospora vitis, o crescimento micelial dos fungos Colletotrichum musae e Sclerotium rolfsii e a multiplicação das bactérias Erwinia sp. e Bacillus subtilis. O extrato obtido por maceração não autoclavado foi o que apresentou maior efeito sobre P. euvitis e P. vitis com reduções de 75% e 99% na germinação de esporos na concentração de 20%, respectivamente. O menor crescimento micelial de C. musae e S. rolfsii foi obtido pelo macerado autoclavado, com redução de 39% e 83%, respectivamente. Para Erwinia sp., o maior efeito inibitório foi obtido com o macerado autoclavado que, na concentração de 25%, inibiu 99% a multiplicação bacteriana. Para B. subtilis, não houve inibição significativa. Esses resultados indicam o potencial de derivados de avenca para o controle de fitopatógenos.

The use of secondary compounds of medicinal plants, with antimicrobial properties, can be an alternative for the control of phytopathogens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of derivatives obtained from the medicinal plant Adiantum capillus-veneris (maidenhair fern) against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. The derivatives, obtained from the powder of shadow-dried maidenhair fern leaves, were prepared by infusion, maceration and decoction, autoclaved and non-autoclaved, in the concentration of 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20%. The germination of Phakopsora euvitis and Pseudocercospora vitis spores, the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum musae and Sclerotium rolfsii, and the multiplication of Erwinia sp. and Bacillus subtilis bacteria were evaluated. The extract obtained by non-autoclaved maceration presented the best effect against P. euvitis, with reduction of 75% on uredospores germination in the concentration of 20%. Against P. vitis, the derivative obtained by non-autoclaved maceration was more effective, presenting 99% of reduction on conidia germination in the concentration of 20%. The smallest mycelial growth of C. musae and S. rolfsii was obtained by autoclaved maceration with 39% and 83% reduction, respectively. For Erwinia sp., the greatest inhibitory effect was obtained with the 25% autoclaved maceration that inhibited the bacterial growth at 99%. For B. subtilis, there was no significant inhibition. These results indicate the potential of maidenhair fern derivatives for the control of phytopathogens.

Efeito de extrato bruto e óleo essencial de Achillea millefolium em desenvolvimento in vitro de Corynespora cassiicola e proteção de pepino à mancha de corinespora / Effect of crude extract and essential oil of Achillea millefolium L. on the in vitro development of Corynespora cassiicola and protection of cucumber against corinespora leaf spot

Medidas de controle de doenças por meio do uso de extratos e óleos essenciais vêm sendo investigadas como alternativa aos fungicidas convencionais. Este trabalho objetivou estudar o efeito antimicrobiano de extratos brutos aquosos e óleo essencial de Achillea millefolium no crescimento micelial (CM), na esporulação e na germinação de conídios de Corynespora cassiicola bem como a atividade de peroxidase em plantas de pepino. Para isto, o extrato bruto aquoso (EBA) (1; 5; 10; 20 e 25%) foi incorporado ao meio de cultura BDA (batata-dextrose-ágar) e o óleo essencial (OE) (20, 40, 60, 100 e 200 mL) foi distribuído sobre a superfície do meio de cultura. Disco de micélio foi repicado para os diferentes meios e o crescimento micelial avaliado, diariamente, por 7 dias. Para os ensaios in vivo, plantas de pepino foram pulverizadas com EBAs nas concentrações 1, 10 e 25%, Saccharomyces cereviseae 20% e água, aos quatro e dois dias antes e concomitantemente à inoculação com C. cassiicola. Foi avaliada a severidade da doença e a atividade da enzima peroxidase. Para EBA, não houve inibição do crescimento micelial, da germinação e da esporulação em todas as concentrações testadas. Entretanto, nos tratamentos com OE, houve inibição de até 63% do crescimento micelial. Na esporulação e germinação, a inibição foi de 100% e 98%, respectivamente, na alíquota de 200 ?L para OE. No controle da doença, o tratamento mais efetivo foi EBA a 25% quando realizado concomitante à inoculação. No intervalo de tempo avaliado, não se constatou atividade da enzima peroxidase.

The control of diseases by using crude extracts (CE) and essential oils (EO) are being investigated as an alternative to conventional fungicides. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts and essential oil of Achillea millefolium on mycelial growth, sporolution and spores germination of Corynespora cassiicola, as well as peroxidase activity in cucumber plants. For this, crude extract (1; 5; 10; 20 and 25%) was incorporated into potato dextrose agar medium (PDA), and essential oil (20, 40, 60, 100 and 200 mL) was distributed over the surface of the PDA. The mycelial growth was measured daily for 7 days. In the in vivo test, cucumber plants were sprayed with crude extracts at concentrations 1; 10 and 25%, and Saccharomyces cereviseae 20% (control), 4 and 2 days before and the same time as inoculation with C. cassiicola. The severity of disease and peroxidase activity were evaluated. For crude extract, neither mycelial growth nor spore germination and sporulation was inhibited at any of the tested concentrations. In the treatments with essential oil there was inhibition up to 63% of the mycelial growth. In the sporulation and spores germination the inhibition was 100% and 98%, respectively, for 200uL of EO. In the control of the disease the mosteffective treatment was the crude extract 25% when carried out at the same time as the inoculation. In the evaluated period, no peroxidase activity was found.

Indução de fitoalexinas em soja e sorgo por preparações de Saccharomyces boulardii / Induction of phytoalexins in soybean and sorghum by Saccharomyces boulardii

O gênero Saccharomyces tem sido usado como indutor de resistência ou para controle biológico em muitos patossistemas. Neste trabalho objetivou-se a indução de fitoalexinas em mesocótilos de sorgo e cotilédones de soja pela levedura Saccharomyces boulardii na forma do produto comercial Floratil (Merck) (com 2 x 106 células/mg produto comercial - pc) e massa de células obtidas de meio líquido YEPG (primeiramente com 14 dias de cultivo e, posteriormente, com 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias) ambos em concentrações de 0,005; 0,05; 0,5; 5; 15 e 25 mg/mL, além de filtrado desse meio nas concentrações de 0,01; 0,1; 1; 5; 10 e 20%. Como tratamentos controle utilizou-se água e S. cerevisiae (25 mg/mL de pc) para soja e água e acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM) (125 mg i.a./L) para sorgo. Em soja os três produtos apresentaram efeito dose-dependente, com ajustes de equações de 1° grau e R2 de 0,64; 0,94 e 0,98 não tendo efeito do tempo de cultivo da levedura na indução de fitoalexinas. Em sorgo apenas o filtrado e Floratil tiveram efeito dose-dependente com equação de 1° grau e R2 de 0,63 e 0,94 respectivamente e obteve-se nos diferentes dias de cultivo R2 de 0,62 com a massa de células somente. Portanto, pode-se evidenciar o potencial indutor de fitoalexinas dos produtos a base de S. boulardii para ensaios com indução de resistência em patossistemas envolvendo sorgo e soja.

Saccharomyces yeast compounds have been used as a resistance elicitor or for biological control in many pathosystems. Thus, the aim of this research was to verify the induction of phytoalexins in sorghum mesocotyls and soybean cotyledons by using Saccharomyces boulardii in the form of the commercial product Floratil (Merck) (with 2 x 106 cells/mg) and yeast-cell mass obtained from liquid culture in YEPG medium (with 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days old), both at concentrations of 0.005, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 15 and 25 mg/mL, as well as the filtrate of this medium in concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, 5, 10 and 20%. The control treatments consisted of distilled water and S. cerevisiae (25 mg of commercial product per mL) for the soybean tests and distilled water and acibenzolar-S-methyl (125 mg of active ingredient per L) for the sorghum tests. In soybeans the three tested S. boulardii products presented a dose-dependent effect with R2 of 0.64, 0.94 and 0.98 for the culture filtrate, cell suspension and commercial product of S. boulardii, respectively, with no effect of culture time of yeasts on phytoalexin induction. In sorghum, only the culture filtrate and Floratil presented a dose-dependent effect, with R2 of 0.63 and 0.94, respectively, and the cell suspension of S. boulardii showed dependence of culture time with R2 of 0.62. Thus, S. boulardii and its derivates induce phytoalexins and have potential to be used as an elicitor for assays with induction resistance in pathosystems involving sorghum and soybean plants.

Controle de crestamento bacteriano comum (Xanthomonas axonopodis Ppv. phaseoli) e alterações bioquímicas em feijoeiro induzidas por Pycnoporus sanguineus / Control of bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli) and biochemical analyses of bean resistance treated with Pycnoporus sanguineus extracts

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar as atividades antibacteriana e indutora de resistência de extratos de Pycnoporus sanguineus para controle do crestamento bacteriano comum, causado por Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli, em feijoeiro. In vitro foram utilizados extratos aquosos de basidiocarpo, micélio e filtrado de cultura de P. sanguineus nas concentrações de 1, 5, 10, 15 e 20%, além das testemunhas água, acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM - 125 mg i.a. L-1) e antibiótico (22,5 mg L-1 de oxitetraciclina + 225 mg L-1 de estreptomicina). In vivo foram realizadas avaliações de severidade e atividade de peroxidase, polifenoloxidase, ß-1,3 glucanase e fenilalanina amônia-liase, com o uso de extrato aquoso de micélio e de basidiocarpo e filtrado de cultura de P. sanguineus a 5% e 10%. Verificou-se atividade antibacteriana apenas para o filtrado de cultura em concentrações acima de 15% e para o extrato de basidiocarpo nas concentrações de 1 a 20%. In vivo, os resultados indicaram o potencial de extratos de basidiocarpos de P. sanguineus para o controle de X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli em feijoeiro, com redução média de 56% na severidade, o que pode ter ocorrido tanto por atividade antimicrobiana direta quanto por indução de resistência, envolvendo principalmente a ativação das enzimas de defesa vegetal peroxidase e polifenoloxidase.

The aim of this work was to verify the antimicrobial and resistance induction activities of Pycnoporus sanguineus extracts for the control of common bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli. In vitro assays were performed using aqueous extracts from basidiocarp, mycelium and culture filtrate of P. sanguineus in concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20%, with water, acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM - 125 mg a.i. L-1) and antibiotic (oxytetracycline 22.5 mg L-1 + streptomycin 225 mg L-1) as control treatments. For the in vivo assays the disease severity and the activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, ß-1,3 glucanase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase were evaluated using extracts of mycelium, basidiocarp and culture filtrate of P. sanguineus at 5% and 10%. Antibacterial activity was verified only for culture filtrate in concentrations above 15% and for concentrations of 1% to 20% of basidiocarp extract. The results of the in vivo assays indicated the potential of basidiocarps extracts from P. sanguineus for the control of X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli in beans, with an average severity reduction of 56%, which may have been due either to direct antimicrobial activity or to resistance induction involving mainly the activation of the plant defense enzymes peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase.

Fungitoxidade in vitro de extratos vegetais sobre Exserohilum turcicum (Pass) Leonard & Suggs / In vitro fungitoxicity of plant extracts on Exserohilum turcicum (Pass) Leonard & Suggs

A helmintosporiose, causada pelo fungo Exserohilum turcicum, é uma das principais doenças do milho-pipoca cultivado no Brasil. Devido às características da cultura, como porte da planta, extensão da área de plantio e rentabilidade econômica, o emprego de resistência genética e controle químico têm sido as principais formas de controle da doença. O emprego de agrotóxicos na agricultura tem levado riscos à saúde humana e freqüentes danos ao meio ambiente. Assim, na busca de métodos alternativos para o controle da helmintosporiose foi avaliado o efeito fungitóxico dos extratos vegetais das plantas Achillea milefollium (mil-folhas), Cymbopogon citratus (capim-limão), Artemisia camphorata (cânfora) e Rosmarinus officinalis (alecrim) no crescimento micelial de E. turcicum, em dois meios de cultura (BDA - batata-dextrose-ágar; e LCH - lactose caseína hidrolisada). Os extratos de alecrim e cânfora foram os que apresentaram maior inibição do crescimento micelial nos dois meios de cultura, enquanto que os extratos de mil-folhas e capim limão estimularam o crescimento micelial em meio LCH.

Helminthosporiose is caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum and represents one of the main diseases in popcorn grown in Brazil. Due to its characteristics, such as plant size, planting area extension and economic profitability, the use of genetic resistance and chemical control has constituted the main procedure against such disease. The use of pesticides in agriculture has resulted in risks to the human health and frequent damages to the environment. Thus, the fungitoxic effect of plant extracts of Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass), Artemisia camphorata (camphor) and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) on the mycelial growth of E. turcicum was evaluated by using two culture media (PDA - potato dextrose agar, and LCH - lactose-casein hydrolysate) in order to set alternative methods for controlling helminthosporiose. Rosemary and camphor extracts led to higher mycelial growth inhibition in both culture media, whereas yarrow and lemon grass extracts stimulated mycelial growth in LCH medium.

Elevated KiSS-1 expression in the arcuate nucleus prior to the cyclic preovulatory gonadotrophin-releasing hormone/lutenising hormone surge in the ewe suggests a stimulatory role for kisspeptin in oestrogen-positive feedback.

Kisspeptins are encoded by the gene KiSS-1 and regulate gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophin secretion in various species, including humans. Here, we quantify gene expression of KiSS-1 in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) across the ovine oestrous cycle and demonstrate an increase in the caudal division of the ARC during the preovulatory period. These data strongly suggest that kisspeptins are involved in the generation of the preovulatory GnRH and luteinising hormone surge.

Colocalization of kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the ovine brain.

Kisspeptin is a peptide that has been implicated in the regulation of GnRH cells in the brain. Immunohistochemical studies were undertaken to examine the distribution of kisspeptin-immunoreactive (IR) cells in the ovine diencephalon and determine the effect of ovariectomy in the ewe. We report that kisspeptin colocalizes to a high proportion of GnRH-IR cells in the preoptic area, which is a novel finding. A high level of colocalization of kisspeptin and GnRH was also seen in varicose neuronal fibers within the external, neurosecretory zone of the median eminence. Apart from the kisspeptin/GnRH cells, a population of single-labeling kisspeptin-IR cells was also observed in the preoptic area. Within the hypothalamus, kisspeptin-IR cells were found predominantly in the arcuate nucleus, and there was an increase in the number of immunohistochemically identified cell within this nucleus after ovariectomy. Kisspeptin-IR cells were also found in the periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, but the number observed was similar in gonad-intact and ovariectomized ewes. The colocalization of GnRH and kisspeptin within cells of the preoptic area and GnRH neurosecretory terminals of the median eminence suggests that the two peptides might be cosecreted into the hypophyseal portal blood to act on the pituitary gland. Effects of ovariectomy on the non-GnRH, Kisspeptin-IR cells of the hypothalamus suggest that kisspeptin production is negatively regulated by ovarian steroids.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) delays the oestrogen-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in the ovariectomized ewe: further evidence that NPY has a predominant negative effect on LH secretion in the ewe.

Studies in rats suggest that neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays a stimulatory role in the generation of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, via the Y1 receptor. We have investigated this issue using the oestradiol benzoate (EB)-treated ovariectomized (OVX) ewe which is a model for the preovulatory LH surge. A Y1 receptor antagonist (BIBO3304) was infused (25 microg/h) into the third cerebral ventricle (III-V) from 2 h before EB injection for 24 h, and had no effect on the ensuing LH surge. Using in situ hybridization, we then examined expression of NPY mRNA in the arcuate nucleus during the luteal, follicular and oestrous phases of the oestrous cycle, and found that levels were greatest during the luteal phase. Thus, reduced NPY synthesis might be an integral factor in the events leading to the cyclic preovulatory LH surge. This was tested by infusion of NPY (25 microg/h) into the III-V (as above). The NPY infusion delayed the LH surge until the infusion was ceased. High levels of NPY expression during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle may be caused by progesterone. Thus, we determined whether NPY cells possess progesterone receptors (PR) and whether progesterone treatment up-regulates NPY mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus. Immunohistochemistry for NPY and PR was performed in OVX, oestrogen-treated ewes, but no NPY cells of the arcuate nucleus were seen to colocalize PR. In situ hybridization for NPY was performed in OVX and OVX ewes treated with progesterone. There was no significant effect of progesterone treatment on NPY mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus. We conclude that chronically elevated levels of NPY block the preovulatory surge of gonadotropin-releasing hormone/LH secretion in sheep, but high levels of NPY mRNA expression in the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle cannot be explained by an action of progesterone.