Chemical constituents and antifungal potential of Attalea geraensis Barb. Rodr. (Arecaceae) palm leaves, a species native to the Cerrado of Brazil.

Fungal diseases, especially those that affect the root systems of plants, caused by Rhizoctonia and Macrophomina are limiting factors for achieving high crop yields. Alternatives to controlling fungi with chemical products drive the search for new options for bioactive compounds from plants. Attalea geraensis, a palm tree from the Brazilian Cerrado, is rich in flavonoids with antifungal actions. The objective of this work is to identify the chemical classes present in the ethanolic extract of green leaves of A. geraensis and determine the antifungal potential of the extract against isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. and Rhizoctonia solani JG Kühn. Phytochemical prospection, flavonoid dereplication, and antifungal activity were carried out of the ethanolic extract of the green leaves of A. geraensis harvested in the Cerrado area of Brazil. Steroids, triterpenes, saponins, and anthraquinones are described here for the first time for the leaves of A. geraensis. The flavonoids quercetin, isorhamnetin, 3,7-dimethylquercetin, quercetin 3-galactoside, 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-{[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy}-4H-chromen-4-one, rhamnazin 3-galactoside, keioside, and rhamnazin 3-rutinoside were identified. Of these, only quercetin and isorhamnetin had already been identified in the leaves of A. geraensis. The results show a fungistatic potential for the species. The diversity of flavonoids present in the leaves of A. geraensis may be the result of a synergistic action between fungus and plant or there could be an antagonistic effect between flavonoids and the other identified chemical classes.

In silico prediction of prolactin molecules as a tool for equine genomics reproduction.

The prolactin hormone is involved in several biological functions, although its main role resides on reproduction. As it interferes on fertility changes, studies focused on human health have established a linkage of this hormone to fertility losses. Regarding animal research, there is still a lack of information about the structure of prolactin. In case of horse breeding, prolactin has a particular influence; once there is an individualization of these animals and equines are known for presenting several reproductive disorders. As there is no molecular structure available for the prolactin hormone and receptor, we performed several bioinformatics analyses through prediction and refinement softwares, as well as manual modifications. Aiming to elucidate the first computational structure of both molecules and analyse structural and functional aspects related to these proteins, here we provide the first known equine model for prolactin and prolactin receptor, which obtained high global quality scores in diverse software's for quality assessment. QMEAN overall score obtained for ePrl was (- 4.09) and QMEANbrane for ePrlr was (- 8.45), which proves the structures' reliability. This study will implement another tool in equine genomics in order to give light to interactions of these molecules, structural and functional alterations and therefore help diagnosing fertility problems, contributing in the selection of a high genetic herd.

Biological screening of extracts from leaf and stem bark of Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae) / Triagem biológica de extratos das folhas e caules de Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract This work describes the preliminary evaluation of cytotoxic, antimicrobial, molluscicidal, antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities from leaf (LECF) and stem bark alcoholic extracts (BECF) of the species Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae), popularly known as capixingui or tapixingui. BECF presented significant toxicity (LC50 = 89.6 μg/ml) in the Artemia salina Leach, 1819 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) bioassay, whereas LECF did not show activity (LC50 > 1000 μg/ml). From DPPH method, the values of IC50 for the LECF and BECF were 61.2 μg/ml and 62.2 μg/ml, respectively, showing that C. floribundus has an expressive antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by microdilution technique and only BECF was active against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 39.6 μg/ml). The extracts did not present molluscicidal activity against snail Biomphalaria glabrata Say, 1818 (Gastropoda: Planorbidae). Both extracts revealed the presence of several components with an inhibiting capacity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme on the bioautographic assay. C. floribundus showed to be a promising species considering that it exhibited good biological activity in the most assays performed.

Resumo Este trabalho descreve a avaliação preliminar das atividades citotóxica, antimicrobiana, moluscicida, antioxidante e anticolinesterásica de extratos alcoólicos das folhas (LECF) e das cascas do caule (BECF) da espécie Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae), popularmente conhecida como capixingui ou tapixingui. No bioensaio com Artemia salina Leach, 1819 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda), BECF apresentou toxicidade significante (LC50 = 89,6 µg/ml), enquanto que LECF não apresentou atividade (LC50 > 1000 µg/ml). A partir do método de DPPH, os valores de IC50 para o LECF e BECF foram 61,2 µg/ml e 62,2 µg/ml, respectivamente, evidenciando que C. floribundus tem uma atividade antioxidante expressiva. A susceptibilidade antimicrobiana foi avaliada pela técnica de microdiluição e apenas BECF foi ativo contra Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 39,6 mg/ml). Os extratos não apresentaram atividade moluscicida contra o caramujo Biomphalaria glabrata Say, 1818 (Gastropoda: Planorbidae). Ambos os extratos revelaram a presença de componentes com capacidade inibidora da enzima acetilcolinesterase no ensaio bioautográfico. C. floribundus mostrou ser uma espécie promissora considerando que exibiu boa atividade biológica na maioria dos ensaios testados.

Biological screening of extracts from leaf and stem bark of Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae).

This work describes the preliminary evaluation of cytotoxic, antimicrobial, molluscicidal, antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities from leaf (LECF) and stem bark alcoholic extracts (BECF) of the species Croton floribundus Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae), popularly known as capixingui or tapixingui. BECF presented significant toxicity (LC50 = 89.6 µg/ml) in the Artemia salina Leach, 1819 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) bioassay, whereas LECF did not show activity (LC50 > 1000 µg/ml). From DPPH method, the values of IC50 for the LECF and BECF were 61.2 µg/ml and 62.2 µg/ml, respectively, showing that C. floribundus has an expressive antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by microdilution technique and only BECF was active against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 39.6 µg/ml). The extracts did not present molluscicidal activity against snail Biomphalaria glabrata Say, 1818 (Gastropoda: Planorbidae). Both extracts revealed the presence of several components with an inhibiting capacity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme on the bioautographic assay. C. floribundus showed to be a promising species considering that it exhibited good biological activity in the most assays performed.

Ingestion of a RPE activation key: Why do these accidents still happen?

AIM: To draw attention and increase professional awareness about the potentially serious complications that may occur when these misfortunes happen and to what actions could be implemented to avoid such accidents. METHODS: The present case report is of an accidental ingestion of a rapid maxillary expander (RPE) activation key in a cardiac patient and the subsequent diagnostic confirmation with radiographs and the management of this accident thereafter. RESULTS: On the third day after the accidental ingestion of the RPE key, the patient's parents reported that the key was expelled in the stools without further complication. CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion of foreign bodies is a potential complication during orthodontic treatment. These types of accidents may cause serious consequences to the patient, especially if there is a pre-existing systemic condition, such as heart disease or respiratory problems.

Changes in gene expression and catalase activity in Oryza sativa L. under abiotic stress.

Different rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes were subjected to high salinity and low temperature (150 mM NaCl and 13°C, respectively) for 0, 6, 24, 48, or 72 h. We evaluated the simultaneous expression of the genes OsCATA, OsCATB, and OsCATC, correlated gene expression with enzyme activity, and verified the regulation of these genes through identification of cis-elements in the promoter region. The hydrogen peroxide content increased in a tolerant genotype and decreased in a sensitive genotype under both stress conditions. Lipid peroxidation increased in the tolerant genotype when exposed to cold, and in the sensitive genotype when exposed to high salinity. Catalase activity significantly increased in both genotypes when subjected to 13°C. In the tolerant genotype, OsCATA and OsCATB were the most responsive to high salinity and cold, while in the sensitive genotype, OsCATA and OsCATC responded positively to saline stress, as did OsCATA and OsCATB to low temperature. Cis-element analysis identified different regulatory sequences in the catalase promoter region of each genotype. The sensitive genotype maintained a better balance between hydrogen oxyacid levels, catalase activity, and lipid peroxidation under low temperature than the resistant genotype. OsCATA and OsCATB were the most responsive in the salt-tolerant genotype to cold, OsCATA and OsCATC were the most responsive to saline stress, and OsCATA and OsCATB were the most responsive to chilling stress in the sensitive genotype. There were positive correlations between catalase activity and OsCATB expression in the tolerant genotype under saline stress and in the sensitive genotype under cold stress.

Examining the transplacental passage of apixaban using the dually perfused human placenta.

UNLABELLED: Essentials Apixaban is a novel oral anticoagulant that has not been studied in pregnant patients. Our objective was to determine the rate and extent of the placental transfer of apixaban. Apixaban rapidly crosses the ex vivo term human placenta from maternal to fetal circulation. Fetal apixaban levels in vivo are estimated to be 35-90% of the corresponding maternal levels. SUMMARY: Background Apixaban is a novel oral anticoagulant that is increasingly being prescribed to women of reproductive age. However, information regarding its placental transfer is non-existent. Objective To determine the rate and extent of placental transfer of apixaban, using the human placenta ex vivo. Methods Placentae collected after Caesarean or vaginal delivery of healthy term infants were perfused in the respective maternal and fetal circulation. At the start of the experiment, apixaban was added to the maternal circulation at a concentration of 150 ng mL(-1) , and samples from maternal and fetal reservoirs were collected over 3 h. Results There was a rapid decline of apixaban in the maternal compartment, followed by emergence in the fetal compartment with a median fetal-to-maternal drug concentration ratio of 0.77 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.76-0.81) and fetal concentration of 39.0 ng mL(-1) (IQR, 36.8-40.6) after 3 h (n = 5). The perfusion results were subsequently adjusted to account for differences in the concentration of plasma proteins in maternal and fetal blood, as apixaban remains highly bound to albumin and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein. After the adjustment, the predicted fetal-to-maternal ratio of total (bound plus unbound) apixaban concentrations in vivo ranged from 0.35 to 0.90. Conclusions We conclude that unbound apixaban rapidly crosses from the maternal to fetal circulation. We further predict that total apixaban concentrations in cord blood in vivo are 35-90% of the corresponding maternal levels, suggesting that apixaban could have a possible adverse effect on fetal and neonatal coagulation.

Genistein induces apoptosis and autophagy in human breast MCF-7 cells by modulating the expression of proapoptotic factors and oxidative stress enzymes.

Breast cancer is one of the common tumors occurring in woman and despite treatment, the prognostic is poor. Genistein, a soy isoflavone, has been reported to have chemopreventive\chemotherapeutic potential in multiple tumor types. Here, we investigated the genistein antiproliferative effect in MCF-7 breast cancer, underlying the molecular mechanisms involved in this effect. MCF-7 cancer and CCD1059sK fibroblast cells were treated with estradiol (10 nM) or genistein (0.01-100 µM) for 24, 48, and 72 h and the cell proliferation was investigated by MTT; membrane cell permeability was evaluated by LDH and PI incorporation; apoptosis was investigated by externalization of phosphatidylserine by FACS; and presence of autophagy was detected by LC3A/B immunostaining. The expression of apoptotic proteins and antioxidant enzymes was evaluated by qPCR. The results demonstrate that genistein (100 µM) for 72 h of treatment selectively reduced MCF-7 cell proliferation independent of estrogen receptor activation, while no cytotoxicity was observed in fibroblast cells. Further experiments showed that genistein induced phosphatidylserine externalization and LC3A/B immunopositivity in MCF-7 cells, indicating apoptosis and autophagy cell death. Genistein increased in three times proapoptotic BAX/Bcl-2 ratio and promoted a parallel downregulation of 20 times of antiapoptotic survivin. In addition, genistein promoted a decrease of 5.5, 9.3, and 3.6 times of MnSOD, CuZnSOD, and TrxR mRNA expression, respectively, while the GPx expression was increased by 6.5 times. These results suggest that the antitumor effect of genistein involved the modulation of antioxidant enzyme and apoptotic signaling expression, which resulted in apoptosis and progression of autophagy.

Inhibition of initial adhesion of oral bacteria through a lectin from Bauhinia variegata L. var. variegata expressed in Escherichia coli.

AIMS: The aim of the present work was to study the in vitro effect of native and recombinant Bauhinia variegata var. variegata lectins in inhibiting early adhesion of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus sobrinus to experimentally acquired pellicle. METHODS AND RESULTS: Native lectin from B. variegata (BVL) was purified by affinity chromatography of extract of seeds. The recombinant lectin (rBVL-I) was expressed in E. coli strain BL21 (DE3) from a genomic clone encoding the mature B. variegata lectin gene using the vector pAE-bvlI. Recombinant protein deposited in inclusion bodies was solubilized and subsequently purified by affinity chromatography. The rBVL-I was compared to BVL for agglutination of erythrocytes and initial adherence of oral bacteria on a saliva-coated surface. The results revealed that rBVL-I acts similarly to BVL for agglutination of erythrocytes. Both lectins showed adhesion inhibition effect on Step. sanguis, Step. mutans and Step. sobrinus. CONCLUSION: We report, for the first time, the inhibition of early adhesion of oral bacteria by a recombinant lectin. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our results support the proposed biotechnological application of lectins in a strategy to reduce development of dental caries by inhibiting the initial adhesion and biofilm formation.

FAS and ErbB2 expression in early local recurrent oral cancer.

BACKGROUND: Local failure occurs in 13.9-62.6% and it is a well known indicator of poor prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), despite aggressive treatments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of histopathology and molecular biomarkers in predicting the development of early local recurrence. METHODS: This study included a total of 69 patients. There were 23 patients with early recurrent OSCC and 46 patients without local recurrence with the same clinical stage and tumor site, in a pair-matched study design. Their charts were retrospectively analyzed. All surgical specimens of the primary tumors were evaluated according to the system proposed by Anneroth et al. and immunohistochemical for ErbB2 and FAS were performed. RESULTS: A significant correlation of early local recurrence with grade of histological malignancy (more than 15 points) was observed (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.03). Early local recurrence was also significantly associated with weak FAS expression and strong intracytoplasmic ErbB2 staining (Mantel-Haenszal chi-square, P = 0.0038 and P = 0.0068, respectively). Histological grade of malignancy (more than 15 points) was also correlated with reduced survival (log-rank, P = 0.06). Among the histopathological parameters, keratinization, pattern of invasion and inflammation were important for overall survival (log-rank, P < 0.0001). Regarding the biomarkers, only FAS was significantly associated with overall survival (log-rank, P = 0.0002). Moreover, a positive correlation of FAS and membrane ErbB2 expression with keratinization was noticed. CONCLUSION: Histopathological characteristics and the expression of FAS and ErbB2 carry prognosis importance in local recurrence and overall survival in OSCC.

Phylogenetic comparison of the carboxy-terminal region of glycoprotein C (gC) of bovine herpesviruses (BoHV) 1.1, 1.2 and 5 from South America (SA).

Different types and subtypes of bovine herpesvirus 1 and 5 (BoHV-1 and BoHV-5) have been associated to different clinical conditions of cattle, in such a way that type/subtype differentiation has become an essential tool for understanding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of BoHV infections. In search for a genomic region that would allow a clear distinction between BoHV-1 and BoHV-5, the carboxy-terminal portion of glycoprotein C (gC), corresponding to residues 321-450 (BoHV-1) and 301-429 (BoHV-5) of 23 South American (SA) isolates (Brazil mostly) was amplified and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence alignments revealed levels of genomic similarity ranging from 98.7 to 99.8% among BoHV-1 isolates, 88.3 to 92% between BoHV-1/BoHV-5 and 96 to 99.7% among BoHV-5 isolates. At the amino acid level, sequence similarity varied ranging from 97.5 to 99.5% among BoHV-1, 77.5 to 84.4% between BoHV-1/BoHV-5 and 92.1 to 99.5% (BoHV-5/BoHV-5). The isolates could be clearly separated into BoHV-1.1, BoHV-1.2 and BoHV-5 after phylogenetic analysis. The results suggest that the phylogenetic analysis performed here can be used as a potential molecular epidemiological tool for herpesviruses.

Radionuclide evaluation of hepatic hydrothorax

La cirrosis es una común enfermedad del higado con una gran morbosidad y mortalidad. Tiene varias causas siendo la mas frecuente el alcoholismo y las hepatitis viral C. El hydrothorax Hepático es una manifestación de hipertensión portal entre los pacientes con cirrosis de higado mas avanzadas, cuyo manejo es extremadamente desafiante, aunque frecuentemente ingrato, con resultado malo en la mayoría de los casos. Por consiguiente, un diagnóstico exitoso y eficaz, y un enfoque terapeutico es de vital importancia. El diagnóstico de hydrothorax hepático puede establecerse a través de la administración del intraperitoneal de un radiotracer, que es un simple, fisiológico, y menos invasivo metodo para evaluar a los pacientes con hydrothorax hepático. La migración en la cavidad del pleural confirma la presencia de una comunicación entre el peritoneal y espacios del pleural. Quince pacientes (8 mujeres y 7 hombres) de 32 a 69 años fueron examinadas y trece fueron positivos, mostrando comunicación entre las cavidades predominantemente del lado derecho; dos fueron negativos. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados están de acuerdo con varios autores. Mientras el Scintigrafia es un método simple y fisiológico, menos invasivo con buena sensibilidad y especificidad y da baja radiación al paciente, parece que podría ser recomendado como un chequeo en sospecha clínica de efusión del pleural de origen hepático.

Morphology and viability analysis of Streptomyces clavuligerus in industrial cultivation systems.

The effects of varying inoculum age and production scale upon the morphology and viability of Streptomyces clavuligerus were studied by analyzing visible and fluorescent light images acquired throughout pilot-plant and pre-industrial scale fermentations. Changes in production scale reveal that in 5 m(3) fermentors, the maximum hyphal area obtained is double the value obtained in 0.5 m(3) fermentors. It is probably due to the higher shear stresses acting upon hyphae in the 0.5 m(3) fermentor caused by higher tip speeds observed in these. The morphological quantification based on elongation and branching rates allowed fermentations to be pattern classified into distinct physiological time zones namely elongation, branching, fragmentation, etc. The general pattern observed for fermentations inoculated with late exponential phase inocula was similar to the pattern of fermentations run with stationary phase inocula except that both the elongation and branching periods started earlier in the former case. Using the available staining technique and image acquisition system, the viability seemed to be generally high and constant throughout the time course of all the studied fermentations.

[Supraventricular tachycardia complicated by acute myocardial ischemia induced by atropine injection. Report of a clinical case]. / Taquidisritmia supraventricular complicada por isquemia aguda do miocárdio desencadeada pela injecção de atropina. A propósito de um caso clínico.

The authors report a case of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia complicated by severe myocardial ischemia after IV injection of Atropine in a 37 years old woman, without known coronary artery disease. She had an ECG with sinusal bradycardia (40/min) and she was on the waiting list for to be submitted to surgical intervention on the lumbar spine.

[Odontogenic cysts and their embryological relations]. / Os quistos odontogénicos e as suas relaçoes embriológicas.

In this revision article it is explained by the authors the etiology of the odontogenyc cysts as well as their relationship with the embriology of teeth.