Biological activities of endophytic fungi isolated from Annona muricata Linnaeus: a systematic review.

This systematic review integrates the data available in the literature regarding the biological activities of the extracts of endophytic fungi isolated from Annona muricata and their secondary metabolites. The search was performed using four electronic databases, and studies' quality was evaluated using an adapted assessment tool. The initial database search yielded 436 results; ten studies were selected for inclusion. The leaf was the most studied part of the plant (in nine studies); Periconia sp. was the most tested fungus (n = 4); the most evaluated biological activity was anticancer (n = 6), followed by antiviral (n = 3). Antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities were also tested. Terpenoids or terpenoid hybrid compounds were the most abundant chemical metabolites. Phenolic compounds, esters, alkaloids, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, aromatic compounds, and peptides were also reported. The selected studies highlighted the biotechnological potentiality of the endophytic fungi extracts from A. muricata. Consequently, it can be considered a promising source of biological compounds with antioxidant effects and active against different microorganisms and cancer cells. Further research is needed involving different plant tissues, other microorganisms, such as SARS-CoV-2, and different cancer cells.

Environmental and Seasonal Effects on Gerridae Assemblages (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) from a Stream in Brazilian Savannah.

Our aim here was to assess the seasonal (dry, ebb, and rainy seasons), spatial (upstream, intermediate, and downstream), and environmental effects on the dynamics of Gerridae assemblages (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) in a Cerrado stream, in central-western Brazil. We sampled the insects on the water line between May 2011 and April 2014 with an 18 cm diameter sieve. We used the scanning method in 100 m of stream in each sampled locality. We sampled 3690 individuals of 19 species. There was a seasonal difference in abundance, which was a result of a lower abundance in the rainy season, but this did not differ between different environments. The estimated species richness was lower upstream and in the rainy season. Species composition was different between the upstream and downstream portions. It was also different among all seasons, with the greatest difference occurring between the rainy and dry seasons. The abiotic factors were responsible for structuring the assemblages in different seasons. The observed differences among seasons in abundance, richness, and species composition have implications for conservation since changes in the structure of the vegetation in the stream edges change the hydrological cycle of streams, and consequently the diversity of the Gerridae assemblages. There was variation in richness and composition between such small distances (upstream and downstream). This shows how sensitive this system can be, and how important elements of the stream's trophic, with the Gerromorpha, can be easily altered.

Evaluation of Exposure to Toluene and Xylene in Gasoline Station Workers.

The main volatile organic compounds found at gasoline stations are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX). They cause several harmful effects on human health. Regulatory Norm 7 (1978) provides that, in Brazil, biological monitoring of toluene and xylene is carried out by measuring the urinary metabolites hippuric acid (HA) and methylhippuric acid (MHA), respectively. The objective of this study was to assess the exposure to toluene and xylene and to identify related signs and symptoms in gasoline station workers. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with workers occupationally exposed to fuels. These gasoline station workers were divided into two groups: 94 workers exposed mainly by inhalation (convenience store workers (CSWs)) and 181 workers exposed by inhalation and dermal route (filling station attendants (FSAs)). A comparison group was formed by 119 workers not occupationally exposed to fuels (office workers (OWs)). Workers exposed to fuels had higher average levels of these exposure biomarkers (HA and MHA), which were also higher in convenience store workers than in filling station attendants. In addition, individuals exposed to the solvents present in gasoline had altered mood/depression, cramps, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, irritability/nervousness, weakness, weight loss, and other symptoms more frequently and had higher urinary levels of HA and MHA compared to the comparison group. Gasoline station workers showed high levels of HA and MHA, reflecting high occupational exposure to the solvents toluene and xylene present in gasoline, demonstrating that changes in the current legislation and in the work environment are necessary to ensure better health protection for these workers.

Antisepsys and profilatic antimicrobial therapy in prevention of surgical site infection of horses / [Antissepsia e terapia antimicrobiana profilática no controle infeccioso do foco cirúrgico em equinos

The efficacy of an antisepsis protocol comprising chlorhexidine gluconate and ethyl alcohol in combination with prophylactic antimicrobial therapy in controlling surgical site infection in horses was studied. To that purpose, seven mixed breed horses received potassium penicillin and gentamicin at least 30 minutes prior to surgery. The surgical site was scrubbed with chlorhexidine gluconate and rinsed with ethyl alcohol. Samples were collected at four time points: (A) - before and (B) - immediately following shaving of the hair coat, (C) - at the end of antisepsis procedures, and (D) - at the end of the surgical procedure. Duration of surgery was recorded. Samples were cultured in three different culture mediums: Mitis Salivarus (Streptococcus sp.), Staphylococcus 110 (Staphylococcus sp.), and Mac Conkey (Enterobacteria). A high level of bacterial growth was observed in all culture mediums at (A) and (B), with no bacterial growth in (C). Staphylococcus sp. growth was observed in (D) in a single patient whose surgical procedure lasted for 120 minutes. Shaving of the hair coat reduced microbial flora on the surface of the skin. Antisepsis in combination with prophylactic antimicrobial therapy was effective in controlling surgical site infection in elective procedures with an average duration of 90 minutes.(AU)

Objetivou-se averiguar a eficácia do protocolo de antissepsia com clorexidina degermante e álcool etílico hidratado 70%, em associação com terapia antimicrobiana profilática, no controle microbiano do foco cirúrgico de equinos submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos. Foram utilizados 07 cavalos adultos de raças variadas, onde ambos receberam o mesmo tratamento (terapia antimicrobiana profilática e antissepsia com clorexidina degermante 2% e álcool etílico hidratado 70%), coletando-se amostras em quatro tempos distintos [(A - antes da tricotomia), (B - imediatamente após tricotomia), (C - ao término da antissepsia), (D - ao término do procedimento cirúrgico)]. O tempo de cada procedimento cirúrgico foi contabilizado. Foram utilizados três meios de cultura diferentes, cada um com especificidade para um tipo de crescimento bacteriano. Constatou-se alta incidência de crescimento bacteriano nos três meios utilizados nos tempos de coleta A e B. Para o tempo C, não foi observado crescimento bacteriano. No tempo D averiguou-se crescimento bacteriano do tipo Staphylococcus sp. em um único paciente, cujo tempo cirúrgico foi de 120 minutos de duração. Desta forma, a tricotomia reduziu a carga microbiana na superfície da pele. A antissepsia associada à terapia antimicrobiana profilática mostrou-se eficaz no controle microbiano do foco cirúrgico em procedimentos eletivos, com duração média de 90 minutos.(AU)

A importância dos exames neurológico e radiográfico no diagnóstico de lesões cervicais em equino: relato de caso / Fundamentals of neurological and radiographic examination on diagnosis of cervical lesions of a horse: case report

As lesões vertebrais cervicais são relativamente comuns nos equinos. No entanto, são poucas as descrições a respeito desse tema na literatura. Acredita-se que esse fato se deva, em parte, às limitações relacionadas ao diagnóstico. Em virtude de um traumatismo cervical, o animal pode apresentar sinais clínicos de paresia e paraplegia até tetraparesia ou tetraplegia, que podem culminar em estado comatoso e, eventualmente, em morte. Esses sinais clínicos podem ser detectados no exame físico, porém, quando associado à imaginologia (avaliação radiográfica), permite a obtenção de diagnóstico mais preciso da lesão. Consequentemente, um prognóstico mais adequado pode ser estabelecido para o paciente. Em face do exposto, apresenta-se o caso de uma égua Mangalarga, de quatro anos de idade, com sinais de tetraplegia pós-trauma, aumento de tônus muscular e paralisia espástica, com hiperreflexia, nos quatros membros. Por meio dos exames neurológicos realizados na paciente, em associação com as imagens radiográficas convencionais e contrastadas, foi possível estabelecer o diagnóstico do quadro. O animal apresentava lesões envolvendo as duas primeiras vértebras cervicais, atlas (C1) e áxis (C2), e a quinta e a sexta vértebra (C5-C6), destacando fratura de C1, deslocamento do dente de C2 e subluxação entre C5 e C6, com compressão ventrodorsal da medula espinhal. Confirmadas as suspeitas neurológicas e mediante prognóstico desfavorável, o animal foi submetido à eutanásia, com consentimento do proprietário. As lesões observadas nas imagens radiográficas foram confrontadas e confirmadas na necropsia.(AU)

Cervical vertebral lesions are relatively common in equine patients, but its diagnosis seems challenging for the clinician. Clinical signs most commonly associated with this clinical feature are paresis, paraplegia, tetraparesis, tetraplegia, which may lead the patient to a comatose state, and even death. Fortunately, these clinical signs can be perceived during physical examination. All of which, alongside imaging techniques, may allow a precise diagnose of the location of lesions and prediction of a prognosis for the patient. We present a case report of a Mangalarga mare, with four years of age, presenting signs of post-traumatic tetraplegia with spastic paralysis with increased muscular tonus and hyperreflexia in all four limbs. A thorough neurological examination of the patient associated with conventional and contrast medium radiographic imaging of the cervical region identified lesions at the atlas (C1) and axis (C2, and fifth (C5) and sixth (C6) cervical vertebrae. Fracture of the atlas vertebrae, dislocation of the axis' dens as well as subluxation of C5-C6 causing ventrodorsal medullary compression of the spinal cord were diagnosed radiographically. Due to the extent of the lesions the animal was euthanatized with the owner's consent. All lesions identified radiographically were posteriorly confirmed during post-mortem examination.(AU)

Associação de plasma sanguíneo ao tratamento de envenenamento botrópico em equino: relato de caso / Plasma blood associated with the treatment of bothropic poisoning in equine: case report

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo relatar um caso de envenenamento botrópico em um equino, fêmea, seis anos de idade, da raça Quarto de Milha, pesando 460kg, que foi atendido no hospital veterinário da FCAV/Unesp, Campus de Jaboticabal, SP. No exame clínico, observou-se aumento bilateral de narina, com extrema sensibilidade ao toque, presença das marcas da presa da serpente na região rostral de focinho, mucosas róseas com petéquias. No exame de sangue, pôde-se detectar alteração no tempo de coagulação sanguínea (>30 minutos). O animal permaneceu internado, sendo instituída a seguinte terapia: soro antiofídico polivalente, transfusão de plasma sanguíneo equino, fluidoterapia intensa, flunixin meglumine e sulfa associado ao trimetoprim. A associação da transfusão de plasma sanguíneo equino ao tratamento convencional foi de extrema importância para correção da coagulopatia causada pelo acidente ofídico. A égua apresentou melhora clínica e resolução do quadro de envenenamento após cinco dias da internação.(AU)

This study aims to report a case of blood plasma association with the treatment of bothrops poisoning in an equine, female, six years of age, Quarter Horses, weighing 460 kg, which was served in the veterinary hospital of the FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal/SP. Clinical examination showed bilateral increase in nostrils, with great sensitivity to touch, presence of snake prey marks the rostral region of the snout, mucous rosy and with petechiae. Blood samples showed changes in blood clotting time (> 30 minutes). The animal remained in hospitalization with the following treatment: polyvalent antivenom, blood plasma transfusion, intensive fluid therapy, flunexim meglumine and sulfa associated with trimethoprim. The association of transfusion equine blood plasma to conventional treatment was extremely important for correction of coagulopathy caused by snakebite. The mare showed clinical improvement and resolution of poisoning symptoms after five days of hospitalization.(AU)

Associação De Técnicas Para Reconstrução De Deformidade Nasal / Association Of Techniques For Prosthetic Reconstruction Of Nasal Deformity

Objetivo: este artigo relata uma técnica de reabilitação por prótese nasal constituída externamente por uma camada de silicone aderida a uma base de resina acrílica. Material e método: o paciente J.A. de 62 anos apresentava perda da estrutura externa do nariz por carcinoma espinocelular. Após moldagem e obtenção do modelo facial, foi feito o enceramento da prótese nasal. O modelo do nariz em cera, após ter sido remodelado no paciente, foi duplicado e um dos modelos incluído em mufla para microondas para eliminação da cera e polimerização da peça em resina acrílica com pigmentação intrínseca. Esta foi reduzida em espessurae realizadas perfurações que serviram de retenção para o silicone que recobriu toda a porção externa da peça. O silicone foi pigmentado e manipulado após seleção prévia da cor da pele do paciente. Depois foi inserido sobre a resina e incluído na mufla, e polimerizado sob pressão em prensa de bancada durante 24 horas. A prótese polimerizada foi provada no paciente, corrigida quanto à caracterização de cor, e após sua aprovação, foi fixada à pele por meio de adesivo à base de hidroxipropil celulose. O paciente foi orientado quanto à higiene diária da prótese e retornou em sessões sucessivas para proservação. Conclusão: a prótese nasal com base interna de resina e superfície externa de silicone, fixada com adesivo a base de hidroxipropil celulose admitiu bons resultados estéticos e boa qualidade.

Purpose: this article reports a technique of rehabilitation with nasal prosthesis made by a layer of silicone and acrylic resin. Material and methods: the patient J.A.S., 62 years old, had his nose lost in order to remove a squamous cell carcinoma. After getting the facial model, the nasal prosthesis was waxed. After being refurbished in the patient, the wax model was duplicated and one of the models was included in microwave oven for removal of wax and polymerization of the acrylic resin base with intrinsic pigmentation. The base thickness was reduced and retention holes were made to retain the silicone that recovered theentire external surface. The silicone was pigmented and manipulatedaccording to the patient?s skin color. The silicone was added over the acrylic resin base and the set was flasked and cured under pressure in a bench press for 24 hours. After color and adaptation adjustments, the nasal prosthesis was fixed to the skin with hydroxypropyl cellulose based adhesive. The patient was instructed to clean the prosthesis daily and to return to successive proservation sessions. Conclusion: the nasal prosthesis made with inner bases of resin and external surface ofsilicone fixed with adhesive admitted esthetic results and great quality.

Toxicity of high salinity tannery wastewater and effects on constructed wetland plants.

The toxicity of high salinity tannery wastewater produced after an activated sludge secondary treatment on the germination and seedling growth of Trifolium pratense, a species used as indicator in toxicity tests, was evaluated. Growth was inhibited by wastewater concentrations >25% and undiluted effluent caused a complete germination inhibition. Constructed wetlands (CWs) with Arundo donax or Sarcocornia fruticosa were envisaged to further polish this wastewater. Selection of plant species to use in CWs for industrial wastewater treatment is an important issue, since for a successful establishment they have to tolerate the often harsh wastewater composition. For that, the effects of this wastewater on the growth of Arundo and Sarcocornia were assessed in pot assays. Plants were subject to different wastewater contents (0/50/100%), and both were resilient to the imposed conditions. Arundo had higher growth rates and biomass than Sarcocornia and may therefore be the preferred species for use in CWs treating tannery wastewater. CWs planted with the above mentioned plants significantly decreased the toxicity of the wastewater, as effluent from the CWs outlet stimulated the growth of Trifolium at concentrations <50%, and seed germination and growth even occurred in undiluted effluent.

Use of constructed wetland systems with Arundo and Sarcocornia for polishing high salinity tannery wastewater.

Treatment of tannery wastewater is problematic due to high and variable concentrations of complex pollutants often combined with high salinity levels. Two series of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (CWs) planted with Arundo donax and Sarcocornia fruticosa were set up after a conventional biological treatment system operating at a tannery site. The aim of the CWs was polishing organics and nitrogen from the high salinity effluent (2.2-6.6 g Cl(-) L(-1)). Both plant species established and grew well in the CW. Arundo, however, had more vigorous growth and a higher capacity to take up nutrients. The CWs were efficient in removing COD and BOD(5) with removal efficiencies varying between 51 and 80% for COD (inlet: 68-425 mg L(-1)) and between 53 and 90% for BOD(5) (inlet: 16-220 mg L(-1)). Mass removal rates were up to 615 kg COD ha(-1) d(-1) and 363 BOD(5) kg ha(-1) d(-1). Removal efficiencies were 40-93% for total P, 31-89% for NH(4)(+) and 41-90% for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen. CW systems planted with salt tolerant plant species are a promising solution for polishing saline secondary effluent from the tannery industry to levels fulfilling the discharge standards.