Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 impact on the cardiorespiratory fitness in young and middle-aged populations.

The goal of the present study was to compare pulmonary function test (PFT) and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) performance in COVID-19 survivors with a control group (CG). This was a cross-sectional study. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19, without severe signs and symptoms, were evaluated one month after the infection. Healthy volunteers matched for sex and age constituted the control group. All volunteers underwent the following assessments: i) clinical evaluation, ii) PTF; and iii) CPET on a cycle ergometer. Metabolic variables were measured by the CareFusion Oxycon Mobile device. In addition, heart rate responses, peak systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and perceived exertion were recorded. Twenty-nine patients with COVID-19 and 18 healthy control subjects were evaluated. Surviving patients of COVID-19 had a mean age of 40 years and had higher body mass index and persistent symptoms compared to the CG (P<0.05), but patients with COVID-19 had more comorbidities, number of medications, and greater impairment of lung function (P<0.05). Regarding CPET, patients surviving COVID-19 had reduced peak workload, oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide output (V̇CO2), circulatory power (CP), and end-tidal pressure for carbon dioxide (PETCO2) (P<0.05). Additionally, survivors had depressed chronotropic and ventilatory responses, low peak oxygen saturation, and greater muscle fatigue (P<0.05) compared to CG. Despite not showing signs and symptoms of severe disease during infection, adult survivors had losses of lung function and cardiorespiratory capacity one month after recovery from COVID-19. In addition, cardiovascular, ventilatory, and lower limb fatigue responses were the main exercise limitations.

The correlation of different methods for the assessment of bone quality in vivo: an observational study.

Different methods for the assessment of bone quality were evaluated in this study. Sixty alveolar bone areas were investigated. Peri-apical and panoramic radiographs were obtained with an aluminium scale to assess optical density. The Lekholm and Zarb (L&Z) classification was determined through radiographic analysis and the surgeon's tactile perception. A trephine was used to obtain a bone biopsy for assessment by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometry. Primary stability of the implants was assessed using insertion torque (IT) and the implant stability quotient (ISQ). The optical density on peri-apical radiographs was correlated with IT, ISQ, and micro-CT (BV, BV/BT, Tb.Th, Tb.N, BS/BV, Tb.Pf, and SMI) (rho ≤ 0.471, P ≤ 0.028). Panoramic radiography showed a correlation only with bone surface (BS) and bone surface/volume ratio (BS/TV) (rho ≤ 0.290, P ≤ 0.031). IT showed a correlation with ISQ, histometry, and micro-CT (BV, BS/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, BS/BV, Tb.Pf, Tb.Sp, BV/BT) (rho ≤ 0.550, P ≤ 0.022). ISQ did not show any correlation with micro-CT. The L&Z classification showed correlations with the optical density obtained in the peri-apical radiographs, histometry, osteocyte count, IT, and micro-CT (BS/BV, Tb.Sp, Tb.Pf, BV, BS/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N) (rho ≤ 0.344, P ≤ 0.042). The L&Z bone classification and IT are reliable methods, peri-apical radiographs and ISQ are acceptable, and panoramic radiography is not a reliable method for the assessment of bone quality.

Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 impact on the cardiorespiratory fitness in young and middle-aged populations

The goal of the present study was to compare pulmonary function test (PFT) and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) performance in COVID-19 survivors with a control group (CG). This was a cross-sectional study. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19, without severe signs and symptoms, were evaluated one month after the infection. Healthy volunteers matched for sex and age constituted the control group. All volunteers underwent the following assessments: i) clinical evaluation, ii) PTF; and iii) CPET on a cycle ergometer. Metabolic variables were measured by the CareFusion Oxycon Mobile device. In addition, heart rate responses, peak systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and perceived exertion were recorded. Twenty-nine patients with COVID-19 and 18 healthy control subjects were evaluated. Surviving patients of COVID-19 had a mean age of 40 years and had higher body mass index and persistent symptoms compared to the CG (P<0.05), but patients with COVID-19 had more comorbidities, number of medications, and greater impairment of lung function (P<0.05). Regarding CPET, patients surviving COVID-19 had reduced peak workload, oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide output (V̇CO2), circulatory power (CP), and end-tidal pressure for carbon dioxide (PETCO2) (P<0.05). Additionally, survivors had depressed chronotropic and ventilatory responses, low peak oxygen saturation, and greater muscle fatigue (P<0.05) compared to CG. Despite not showing signs and symptoms of severe disease during infection, adult survivors had losses of lung function and cardiorespiratory capacity one month after recovery from COVID-19. In addition, cardiovascular, ventilatory, and lower limb fatigue responses were the main exercise limitations.

Gastroprotective and cicatrizing activity of the Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. leaf hydroalcoholic extract.

Ziziphus joazeiro Mart., popularly known as 'juazeiro', is a species used in popular medicine for the treatment of bronchitis, gastric ulcers, skin wounds, and in the manufacture of cosmetic and food products. The objective of this study is to evaluate the gastroprotective and cicatrizing activity of the Z. joazeiro Mart. leaf hydroalcoholic extract (EHFZJ). The acute pre-clinical toxicity was determined by the single administration of the EHFZJ (2000 mg/kg/p.o.) and by assessing clinical signs of toxicity, according to established criteria by Malone, or mortality. Gastroprotective activity was identified through classical models of acute gastric lesions induced by indomethacin, absolute and acidified ethanol (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/per os) and the physical barrier mechanism (400 mg/kg/per os or intraperitoneally). The cicatrizing activity of the EHFZJ was investigated by measuring the speed of wound closure and the percentage of contraction. The acute pre-clinical toxicity of EHFZJ showed no signs of toxicity and mortality. The EHFZJ demonstrated a gastroprotective effect at the 400 mg/kg dose in the classical models of acute gastric injury induced by indomethacin, absolute and acidified ethanol. The EHFZJ administration (orally) demonstrated significant inhibition, suggesting a possible physical barrier mechanism exists. The EHFZJ showed no significant differences in terms of percentage of contraction or the speed of wound closure during the observation times (0, 3, 7, 11 and 14 days). The results obtained in this study provide evidence of a potential gastroprotective activity for the Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. Leaf hydroalcoholic extract.

Production of fructooligosaccharides by Bacillus subtilis natto CCT7712 and their antiproliferative potential.

AIMS: Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) known for their health properties and ß-(2→6)-levan-type FOSs have shown prebiotic and immunomodulatory activities that overcome those of commercial ß-(2→1)-FOSs, but costs do not favour their use. Moreover, FOSs can reach the bloodstream through the diet, and little is known about their direct effect on cells. The aim of this work was to produce high-content FOSs by Bacillus subtilis natto CCT7712 in a bioreactor using commercial sucrose and to evaluate their antiproliferative effects in OVCAR-3 cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: FOS production reached 173·60 g l-1 , 0·2 vvm aeration and uncontrolled pH. Levan-type FOSs, composed of ß-(2 â†’ 6) links and mainly GF3 (6-nystose), were identified using RMN spectroscopy, FT-IR and ESI-MS. FOSs decreased the viability and proliferation of OVCAR-3 cells, and the effects were associated with an increased pro-inflammatory response by the induction of IL-8 and TNF-α, and the repression of ER-ß genes. The metabolic profiles showed disruption of cellular homeostasis that can be associated with a decrease in proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: The high production of levan-type FOSs from B. subtilis natto CCT7712 in a bioreactor was achieved, and they showed antiproliferative potential in OVCAR-3 cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: FOS could be a good target for future therapeutic studies and commercial use.

How does bone thickness affect the split pattern of sagittal ramus osteotomy?

This study examined the influence of bone thickness on the split pattern of sagittal ramus osteotomy at 62 sites using Dolphin 3D software. Four measurements of thickness were obtained from the preoperative computed tomography scans: measurement A was made 1.5mm above the lingula, using the coronal and sagittal planes; measurement B was made at the same height as measurement A and 1mm from the anterior border of the ramus; measurement C was obtained 5mm distal to the last molar and 5mm below the upper border of the mandible; measurement D was made in the area between the first and second molars, 6mm above the mandibular border. Three-dimensional postoperative images were used to classify the split pattern into types, based on the classification of Plooij et al. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn post-hoc test. Thirty-five sagittal splits were type I, one was type II, 19 were type III, and seven were type IV. Type I presented the greatest thickness, whereas type IV presented the lowest. There was a statistically significant difference in thickness only for measurement A, when types I and IV were compared. The results indicate that thinner mandibular rami are more prone to bad splits.

Serum evaluation of leptin, IL-6, IGF-1 and estrogen in obese bitches with early stages of mammary carcinoma / Avaliação sérica de leptina, IL-6, IGF-1 e estrógeno em cadelas com excesso de peso e portadoras de carcinomas mamários em estágio inicial

The aim of this study was to relate the serum concentration IL-6, IGF-1, leptin and estrogen in non-castrated bitches with or without overweight and early stage mammary carcinomas. Forty-three bitches were divided into four groups, two groups without mammary carcinomas with and without overweight, and two groups with mammary carcinomas with and without overweight. Overweight bitches, with or without mammary carcinomas, were statistically different from bitches by ideal weight, in relation to ECC, IMCC and body fat percentages (P< 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between ECC and IMCC (P< 0.0001), ECC and % GC (P< 0.0001), and IMCC and % GC (P< 0.0001). A positive correlation was found between serum leptin and IL-6 (P= 0.0451) and leptin and IGF-1 (P= 0.05). A positive correlation (P= 0.0053) between ECC and leptin was found in the analysis of body evaluation methods and serum concentrations, and a negative correlation between ECC and IL-6 (P= 0.0435). Among the fat percentage and the leptin concentration, there was a positive correlation (P= 0.0016), as found between the IMCC and leptin (P= 0, 0209). In this study, no association was observed between excessive weight and the presence of early stage mammary carcinomas.(AU)

Este estudo teve por objetivo relacionar a concentração sérica de IL-6, IGF-1, leptina e estrógeno, em cadelas não castradas com ou sem excesso de peso, e carcinomas mamários em estágio inicial. Quarenta e três cadelas foram divididas em quatro grupos, sendo dois de cadelas sem carcinomas mamários, com e sem excesso de peso, e dois de cadelas com carcinomas mamários, com e sem excesso de peso. Cadelas com excesso de peso, com ou sem carcinomas mamários, foram estatisticamente diferentes de cadelas em peso ideal, em relação às avaliações corporais de ECC, IMCC e percentual de gordura corpórea (P<0,0001). Foi observada uma correlação positiva entre ECC e IMCC (P<0,0001), ECC e %GC (P<0,0001), e IMCC e %GC (P<0,0001). As análises de estrógeno, leptina, IL-6 e IGF-1 não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos. Demonstrou-se correlação positiva entre as concentrações séricas de leptina e IL-6 (P=0,0451) e leptina e IGF-1 (P=0,05). Encontrou-se correlação positiva entre ECC e leptina (P=0,0053) e negativa entre ECC e IL-6 (P=0,0435). Entre o percentual de gordura e leptina encontrou-se correlação positiva (P=0,0016), assim como entre IMCC e leptina (P=0,0209). Neste estudo, não se observou associação entre excesso de peso e a presença de carcinomas mamários em estadio inicial.(AU)

Quality of life in mucopolysaccharidoses: construction of a specific measure using the focus group technique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perceptions of patients, their caregivers, and their healthcare providers to the development of a new specific instrument for assessment of the quality of life (QoL) in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) using a qualitative focus group (FG) design. FGs were held in two Brazilian states (Rio Grande do Sul and Rio de Janeiro). RESULTS: Three versions of the new instrument were developed, each for a different age group: children (age 8-12 years), adolescents (age 13-17), and adults (age ≥ 18). The FGs mostly confirmed the relevance of items. All FGs unanimously agreed on the facets: School, Happiness, Life Prospects, Religiosity, Pain, Continuity of Treatment, Trust in Treatment, Relationship with Family, Relationship with Healthcare Providers, Acceptance, and Meaning of Life. The overall concept of QoL (as proposed by the WHO-World Health Organization) and its facets apply to this patient population. However, other specific facets-particularly concerning clinical manifestations and the reality of the disease-were suggested, confirming the need for the development of a specific QoL instrument for MPS.

Weight evaluation of Tabapuã cattle raised in northeastern Brazil using random-regression models / Avaliação do peso de bovinos Tabapuã criados no Nordeste do Brasil utilizando-se modelos de regressão aleatória

The objective of this study is to compare random-regression models used to describe changes in evaluation parameters for growth in Tabapuã bovine raised in the Northeast of Brazilian. The M4532-5 random-regression model was found to be best for estimating the variation and heritability of growth characteristics in the animals evaluated. Estimates of direct additive genetic variance increased with age, while the maternal additive genetic variance demonstrated growth from birth to up to nearly 420 days of age. The genetic correlations between the first four characteristics were positive with moderate to large ranges. The greatest genetic correlation was observed between birth weight and at 240 days of age (0.82). The phenotypic correlation between birth weight and other characteristics was low. The M4532-5 random-regression model with 39 parameters was found to be best for describing the growth curve of the animals evaluated providing improved selection for heavier animals when performed after weaning. The interpretation of genetic parameters to predict the growth curve of cattle may allow the selection of animals to accelerate slaughter procedures.

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa comparar diferentes modelos de regressão aleatória e determinar o mais adequado para descrever mudanças nos parâmetros de avaliação do crescimento de bovinos da raça Tabapuã criados no Nordeste brasileiro. O modelo de regressão aleatória M4532-5 foi definido como sendo o de melhor ajuste para descrição das estimativas de variância e herdabilidades das características de crescimento dos animais avaliados. As estimativas de variância genética aditiva direta aumentaram em função da idade, já as de variância genética aditiva materna mostraram crescimento do nascimento até próximo aos 420 dias. As correlações genéticas entre as quatro primeiras características foram positivas e de magnitudes moderada a alta. A maior correlação genética foi observada entre o peso ao nascer e aos 240 dias (0,82). A correlação fenotípica entre peso ao nascimento e demais características foi baixa. O modelo de regressão aleatória M4532-5 com 39 parâmetros apresentou-se como aquele de melhor ajuste para descrever a curva de crescimento dos animais avaliados. Resposta à seleção para obtenção de animais mais pesados será eficiente quando realizada em idades posteriores ao desmame. Ao se avaliar a curva de crescimento de bovinos por meio da interpretação dos parâmetros genéticos estimados, é possível selecionar animais com maior precocidade de abate.

A Comparative, Prospective and Randomized Evaluation of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass With and Without the Silastic Ring: A 2-Year Follow Up Preliminary Report on Weight Loss and Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: Currently, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most widely used bariatric surgeries. Banding the pouch forms a banded gastric bypass operation, an accepted and frequently used variant. Placing a silastic ring around the pouch to band the gastric bypass operation increases the restriction mechanism. However, the ubiquitous use of the banded gastric bypass remains controversial. One of the controversies is the effect of the silastic ring on patients' perception of their well being after surgery because of the frequency of vomiting. A prospective, blindly randomized, comparative trial was undertaken to resolve this controversy. METHOD: Four hundred subjects scheduled for gastric bypass surgery were randomized into two arms of the trial, 200 with a silastic ring (WR) and 200 without (NR). After 2-year follow-up, the variables associated with the scores of Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) were analyzed. RESULTS: The initial median weight (125 kg), BMI (47), and age (36 years) were the same in both the NR and WR groups. The median excess weight loss, weight regain, and incidence of vomiting were 71, 10.5, and 7.75%, respectively, in the NR group vs. 75.4 and 1.1, and 24.4% in the WR group. The mean QOL score was 79% in the NR group vs. 80% in the WR group. CONCLUSION: After 2-year follow-up, silastic ring placement in the RYGB resulted in greater weight loss and weight stability and a threefold greater incidence of vomiting. There was no difference in the scores in the quality of life analysis.

Gene polymorphisms and increased DNA damage in morbidly obese women.

Obesity is characterized by increased adipose tissue mass resulting from a chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Furthermore, there is a clearly defined relationship among fat mass expansion, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation; leading to ROS-related pathological events. In the past years, genome-wide association studies have generated convincing evidence associating genetic variation at multiple regions of the genome with traits that reflect obesity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the relationships among the gene polymorphisms ghrelin (GHRL-rs26802), ghrelin receptor (GHSR-rs572169), leptin (LEP-rs7799039), leptin receptor (LEPR-rs1137101) and fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO-rs9939609) and obesity. The relationships among these gene variants and the amount of DNA damage were also investigated. Three hundred Caucasian morbidly obese and 300 eutrophic (controls) women were recruited. In summary, the results demonstrated that the frequencies of the GHRL, GHSR, LEP and LEPR polymorphisms were not different between Brazilian white morbidly obese and eutrophic women. Exceptions were the AA-FTO genotype and allele A, which were significantly more frequent in obese women than in the controls (0.23% vs. 0.10%; 0.46 vs. 0.36, respectively), and the TT-FTO genotype and the T allele, which were less frequent in morbidly obese women (p<0.01). Furthermore, significant differences in the amount of genetic lesions associated with FTO variants were observed only in obese women. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the analyzed SNPs were not closely associated with morbid obesity, suggesting they are not the major contributors to obesity. Therefore, our data indicated that these gene variants are not good biomarkers for predicting risk susceptibility for obesity, whereas ROS generated by the inflammatory status might be one of the causes of DNA damage in obese women, favoring genetically related diseases as obesity comorbidities.

Gonad development and reproduction of the ballyhoo half beak, Hemiramphus brasiliensis from the coastal waters of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

The gonad development and reproductive aspects of Hemiramphus brasiliensis from the coastal waters of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil were verified. This paper presents data on the length-weight relationship, sex ratio, length at first sexual maturity, gonad development, reproductive period and fecundity of H. brasiliensis. Females of this species predominated in the sampled population and were larger in size than the males. The length at the first sexual maturation of males was 20.8 cm and that of females was 21.5 cm. The macroscopic characteristics of the gonads indicated four maturation stages. Histological studies of gonads of H. brasiliensis showed six phases of oocyte development and four phases of spermatocyte development. The batch fecundity of this species is 1153 (± 258.22) oocytes for 50 g body weight of female. The microscopic characteristics of gonad development indicate that H. brasiliensis is a multiple spawner, with active reproductive period during the months of January to June and October. The reproductive period of this species is independent of the rainy period of the region.

Reproductive aspects of the flyingfish, Hirundichthys affinis from the Northeastern coastal waters of Brazil.

The epipelagic flyingfish, Hirundichthys affinis is a major artisanal fishery resource from the Northeastern coastal waters of Brazil. However, biological information about this species has been poorly documented. This paper presents data on the length-weight relationship, sex ratio, length at first sexual maturity, gonadal development and fecundity of H. affinis sampled from the coastal waters of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The total body length and weight for both sexes ranged from 23.4 to 29.4 cm and from 89 to 188g, respectively. The allometric coefficient of males was 2.208 and that of females was 2.985, indicating negatively allometric growth. The sex ratio was 1M:1.6F thus differing from the expected ratio of 1:1 (χ2 = 18.63). The total length at first sexual maturity was estimated at 27.3 cm for males and 27.1 cm for females. The macroscopic characteristics of the gonads indicated four maturation stages. Histological studies of gonads of H. affinis showed seven phases of oocyte development and four phases of spermatocyte development. The mean absolute fecundity was 9092 vitelogenic oocytes. Spawning occurred during the months of March to July. The microscopic descriptions of the stages of gonad maturation indicate that the study area is an important spawning ground of H. affinis.

Automatized and desktop AC-susceptometer for the in situ and real time monitoring of magnetic nanoparticles' synthesis by coprecipitation.

The main purpose of this work was to design, develop, and construct a simple desktop AC susceptometer to monitor in situ and in real time the coprecipitation synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles. The design incorporates one pair of identical pick-up sensing coils and one pair of Helmholtz coils. The picked up signal is detected by a lock-in SR850 amplifier that measures the in- and out-of-phase signals. The apparatus also includes a stirrer with 45°-angle blades to promote the fast homogenization of the reaction mixture. Our susceptometer has been successfully used to monitor the coprecipitation reaction for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles.

Influence of the association between platelet-rich fibrin and bovine bone on bone regeneration. A histomorphometric study in the calvaria of rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) associated or not with Bio-Oss on bone defects in the calvaria of rats. A critical-size defect of 5-mm diameter was performed in the calvaria of 48 rats. These animals were divided into six groups of eight animals each, according to the treatment received: homogeneous clot, autogenous clot, autogenous PRF, homogeneous PRF, Bio-Oss, or Bio-Oss associated with PRF. The animals were euthanized after 30 or 60 days. Bone regeneration was evaluated by histomorphometric analysis. The highest mean percentages of new bone formation at 30 days (54.05% ± 5.78) and 60 days (63.58% ± 5.78) were observed in the Bio-Oss associated with PRF group; in particular, the percentage of new bone at 30 days was significantly higher than that of all of the other groups (P<0.01). At 60 days, the Bio-Oss associated with PRF (63.58% ± 5.78) and Bio-Oss (57.34% ± 5.78) groups had similar results, and both showed a statistical difference compared to the other groups. PRF had a positive effect on bone regeneration only when associated with Bio-Oss.

Fluorescence analysis of iodinated acetophenone derivatives.

In the present paper the synthesis and optical characterization of iodinated acetophenone, 4-hydroxy-3-iodoacetophenone and 4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodoacetophenone obtained from 4-hydroxyacetophenone, were carried out. The optical features of iodinated molecules were determined by performing the UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence and thermal lens spectroscopies. The results showed that the optical properties of the 4-hydroxyacetophenone is altered when the iodine atom is inserted, as substituent, in the aromatic ring. Although it was determined that the optical feature was changed when one iodine atom was inserted in the aromatic ring (4-hydroxy-3-iodoacetophenone), the results revealed that emission behavior was strongly altered when two iodine atoms (4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodoacetophenone) were acting as substituents: the fluorescence quantum efficiency increases approximately 60%.

Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct shows in vitro activity against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis associated with a reduction in IL-6 and IL-10 but independent of nitric oxide.

Current treatments for different clinical forms of leishmaniasis are unsatisfactory, highly toxic and associated with increasing failure rates resulting from the emergence of resistant parasites. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main aetiological agent of different clinical forms of American tegumentary leishmaniasis, including the mucosal form for which treatment has high failure rates. The aim of this work was to investigate the activity of the Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct, methyl 2-{2-[hydroxy(2-nitrophenyl)methyl])acryloyloxy} benzoate in vitro against isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis obtained from patients with different clinical manifestations of tegumentary leishmaniasis: localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucosal leishmaniasis and disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis. The adduct effectively inhibited the growth of promastigotes of the different isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis (IC(50) ≤ 7·77 µg/ml), as well as reduced the infection rate of macrophages infected with these parasites (EC(50) ≤ 1·37 µg/ml). It is remarkable to state that the adduct was more effective against intracellular amastigotes (P ≤ 0·0045). The anti-amastigote activity correlated with an immunomodulatory effect, since the adduct was able to decrease the production of IL-6 and IL-10 by the infected macrophages. However, its effect was independent of nitric oxide production. This work demonstrates the anti-leishmanial activity of methyl 2-{2-[hydroxy(2-nitrophenyl)methyl])acryloyloxy} benzoate and suggests its potential in the treatment of human infections caused by L. (V.) braziliensis.