In vitro Evaluation of Fungal Susceptibility and Inhibition of Virulence by Diosgenin.

Fungal infections are a public health problem that mainly affects immunosuppressed people, Candida spp. have been responsible for most sources of contamination and invasive fungal infections described around the world. The need arises to find new therapeutic approaches to combat growing infections. Plants and natural products have been considered a valuable source for discovering new molecules with active ingredients. Diosgenin is a sapogenin found in the families of Leguminosae and Dioscoreaceae, it is obtained mainly from the dioscin saponin through the hydrolysis method, it is a phytochemical that has been highlighted in the treatment of various diseases, as well as in combating microbial resistance. The present study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of fungal strains to diosgenin, as well as verify the association with the reference drug and evaluate the inhibition of the virulence factor through morphological changes in the yeast state to the filamentous form of hyphae and pseudohyphae in strains of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei using the broth microdilution method and microculture technique. Antifungal assays revealed that diosgenin was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains. However, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of the strains evaluated, however further studies are recommended to verify its effectiveness against other virulence factors.

In vitro evaluation of the susceptibility of bacterial biofilms to hecogenin acetate.

Biofilms are a bacterial resistance strategy through which microorganisms organize themselves in the form of a colony fixed to a surface that is protected by a polymer matrix. Infectious diseases that result in biofilm formation have been considered a relevant public health problem due to the potential to increase patient morbidity and mortality, in addition to increasing the burden on health services. Such pathologies are treated with the use of antimicrobial drugs, the indiscriminate use of which has contributed to the process of bacterial resistance, demanding the need to invest in new alternatives to combat them. Based on this, the present work aimed to evaluate the anti-biofilm formation and eradication capacity of Hecogenin Acetate, a steroidal sapogenin of natural origin with important antibacterial properties. For this, we used strains of Streptococcus mutans INCQS 00,446 (ATCC 25,175), Enterococcus faecalis INCQS 00,018 (ATCC 14,506), Staphylococcus epidermidis INCQS 00,016 (ATCC 12,228), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25,923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Escherichia coli ATCC 259,223. The formation, formation inhibition and treatment assays were carried out in microdilution plates and revealed using the crystal violet method. Readings were carried out using absorbance at wavelengths of 492 nm. All tests were performed in triplicate and statistical analyzes were performed using Graphpad Prism v.5.0 software. It was observed that the bacterial strains used have a relevant capacity for biofilm formation, with the Gram positive ones identified in the present study as the best former. In the results of the analyzes with bacterial biofilm, it was identified that Hecogenin Acetate had a relevant antibiofilm capacity, and could therefore serve as a basis for further research into the development of new antimicrobial drugs.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of hecogenin acetate and its inhibitory potential of NorA and MepA efflux pumps from Staphylococcus aureus.

Antimicrobial drugs are of great importance in the control of bacterial infections. Its indiscriminate use contributes to the consolidation of bacterial resistance. Its applicability is due to its secondary metabolites, such as saponins, which are compounds with relevant antibacterial action. Hecogenin acetate is a saponin present in plants of the agave genus with analgesic, antioxidant, antinociceptive, cardioactive, anticancer, antifungal and antimicrobial activity. The present work aimed to identify the antibacterial activity of hecogenin acetate against strains of E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus and to investigate the NorA and MepA efflux pump inhibitory activity of S. aureus strains. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was evaluated by broth microdilution. The Antibiotic Activity Modifier effect and the assessment of efflux pump inhibition were evaluated by microdilution with sub-inhibitory concentrations. Hecogenin acetate showed minimal inhibitory concentration without significant relevance. In the evaluation of the potentiating activity of the antibiotic action, a greater antagonistic behavior is noticed. In the analyzes performed with the efflux pump, it was noticed that the hecogenin acetate does not interfere in the efflux pump mechanism of the analyzed bacteria.

Potentiation of Antibiotic Action and Efflux Pump Inhibitory Effect on Staphylococcus aureus Strains by Solasodine.

A worrisome fact is the increase in microbial resistance, which has as its main cause the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Scientific studies have investigated bioactive compounds such as steroidal sapogenins, in the perspective of new beneficial alternatives for the control of bacterial resistance. Therefore, the objective of this work was to verify the antibacterial activity as well as the modifying action of antibiotics associated with solasodine and its ability to inhibit the efflux pump mechanism in strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Tests were performed to verify the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, the action-modifying potential of antibiotics and the inhibitory capacity of the efflux pump NorA and MepA through synergistic effects on the antibiotic and ethidium bromide were evaluated. Solasodine showed significant results for the standard bacteria with an MIC of 512 µg/mL, and when associated with the antibiotics gentamicin and nofloxacin for the multidrug-resistant bacteria S. aureus 10, Escherichia coli 06, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 24, it showed a 50% reduction in MIC. The association of solasodine with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin against S. aureus K2068 (MepA) showed synergism, with a reduction in the MIC of the antibiotic from 64 µg/mL to 40 µg/mL, and also a reduction in the MIC when the antibiotic was used in conjunction with the efflux pump inhibitors. Solasodine may be acting on the mechanism of action of the antibiotic, as it has shown a potentiating effect when associated with antibiotics, inducing a reduction in the MIC against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, this study demonstrated significant results for the potentiating action of solasodine when associated with antibiotics of clinical importance.

Evaluation of the antibacterial and inhibitory activity of NorA and MepA efflux pumps from Staphylococcus aureus by diosgenin.

The increase in bacterial resistance to available antibiotics has driven several researchers to search for new agents with therapeutic properties. Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroidal saponin that has demonstrated several pharmacological properties. In the present study, we report the antimicrobial activity of diosgenin against the standard and multidrug-resistant bacteria of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, in addition to the efflux pump inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains carrying NorA and MepA pumps. For this purpose, the broth microdilution method was used, from which the value of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was obtained, and this was associated with subinhibitory concentration (MIC/8) with antibiotic of clinical use and ethidium bromide for strains carrier by efflux pump. Diosgenin showed antimicrobial activity for standard S. aureus bacteria and potentiating activity in association with gentamicin and ampicillin for P. aeruginosa multidrug-resistant bacteria, it also showed potentiation in association with norfloxacin against the E. coli strain and gentamicin against the S. aureus strain. Antimicrobial activity against efflux pump-bearing strains revealed that saponin did not interfere with the efflux pump mechanism or intervened antagonistically. Thus, saponin has shown to be very promising against bacterial resistance in association with aminoglycoside, fluoroquinolones and beta-lactam, however additional studies should be carried out to better elucidate the mechanism of action of diosgenin.

Comparative Analysis of the Antibacterial Activity and HPLC Phytochemical Screening of the Brazilian Red Propolis and the Resin of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of red propolis and resin and their association with standard antibiotics to evaluate possible differences of activity. We also submitted red propolis and the resin to a HPLC analysis to confirm the botanical origin. The extracts were tested against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus alone and in association with gentamicin and imipenem. The HPLC analysis identified seven compounds with six of them present in both substances. The lowest MIC values obtained in this study were observed against S. aureus. In general, MIC values showed to be lower for red propolis against all species tested in comparison to resin. Despite the synergistic behavior to be similar for both substances, we observed that inhibitory concentrations of drugs were lower when associated with red propolis in comparison to resin.

Control of bacterial and fungal biofilms by natural products of Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. (Rhamnaceae).

The aim of this study is to verify the action of the aqueous leaf extract Ziziphus joazeiro in the eradication of bacterial and fungal biofilms, and to compare these effects with the stem bark extracts, as well as with conventional standard drugs. The presence of secondary metabolites was observed through phytochemical prospection assays. The effect of the aqueous extract on microbial biofilm formation was observed by OD600 nm absorbance and the crystal violet assay. For bacterial and fungal biofilms, chlorhexidine gluconate and fluconazole, respectively, were used as positive controls. Phytochemical characterization showed the presence of secondary metabolite classes common to both extracts such as flavonoids, steroids and saponins. In particular, in the aqueous leaf extract phenols, condensed tannins and alkaloids were observed. Eradication results using the aqueous leaf extract showed an inhibition of the microbial biofilm mass, moreover the biofilms were more sensitive to the bark extract, which presented a greater inhibition number and an action similar to standard drugs. It is important to highlight the leaf extract showed significant eradication at the lowest concentrations for mature yeast biofilms, thus demonstrating its potential to modify microbial resistance susceptibility. Bacterial and fungal biofilm eradication results using the Ziziphus joazeiro aqueous extracts presented a biofilm inhibition effect for both, moreover the results support the ethnopharmacological knowledge surrounding the use of Ziziphus joazeiro stems in the community. In comparison, the bark extract presented a more effective treatment than the leaf extract against biofilms, presenting inhibition levels similar to the used standard drugs.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, modulator and antioxidant activity of essential oil of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants.

The oil presented the α-Terpinene as the major compound with 54.09% presence. Antibacterial activity demonstrated significant MIC against Staphylococcus aureus (256 µg/mL) and moderate against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (512 µg/mL). The modulating effect of antibiotics was significant against P. aeruginosa potentiating the effect of all the antibiotics tested. The IC50 observed for CT LM 23 was clinically relevant (19.3 µg/mL), similar to that obtained for CA INCQS 40006 (25.2 µg/mL). The combined effect with fluconazole also showed significant results, 0.1 and 22.7 µg/mL, for CT LM 23 and CA INCQS 40006, respectively. For CA LM 77 the IC50 was 101.9 µg/mL and for CT INCQS 40042 a value of 53.3 µg/mL. Regarding the modulation, both were considered of clinical relevance, 3.3 and 6.4 µg/mL. OEDA has low antioxidant activity (>1024 µg/mL). Therefore, the popular use against infections was corroborated by this work.

Barreiras e facilitadores do retorno ao trabalho após traumas ortopédicos agudos em membros superiores: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Barriers and facilitators to return to work post-acute orthopedic trauma in upper limbs: an integrative literature review

Resumo Introdução As lesões traumáticas de membro superior frequentemente levam ao afastamento do trabalho. Assegurar a manutenção do papel ocupacional de trabalhador compõe os objetivos do terapeuta ocupacional que atua na área de saúde do trabalhador, por meio de ações de prevenção e reabilitação. Nesse sentido, é importante conhecer os fatores que influenciam no retorno ao trabalho. Objetivo Documentar evidências sobre as barreiras e facilitadores para o retorno ao trabalho de pessoas que sofreram traumas agudos em membros superiores. Método Estudo de revisão bibliográfica pelo método de revisão integrativa. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Scielo, Lilacs, Periódicos Capes e Pubmed. Foram pesquisados artigos publicados no período entre 2005 e 2015, escritos em português, inglês ou espanhol. Resultados A amostra final é composta de 13 artigos. Após a análise qualitativa, os resultados foram agrupados em quatro categorias temáticas para a verificação das barreiras e facilitadores correspondentes: Paciente, Lesão, Reabilitação e Trabalho. A gravidade da lesão, tempo de hospitalização, número de procedimentos cirúrgicos, inserção em programa de reabilitação, reabilitação voltada ao trabalho, suporte sócio familiar e no local de trabalho foram os principais elementos identificados. Conclusão O programa de reabilitação deve ser integrado e multidisciplinar com ações voltadas ao manejo da dor, recuperação funcional e preparo para o retorno ao trabalho. O suporte sócio familiar e no ambiente de trabalho sempre que possível devem ser considerados dentro do programa de reabilitação profissional para garantir o retorno ao trabalho.

Abstract Introduction Traumatic upper limb injuries often lead to work disability. Ensuring the maintenance of the worker occupational role is a goal for occupational therapists in occupational health, using prevention and rehabilitation techniques. Therefore, it is important to know the factors that influence return to work. Objective To document evidence of barriers and facilitators elements of return to work after acute upper limb trauma. Method A review study using the integrative review approach. The search included Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Scielo, Lilacs, Periódicos Capes and Pubmed databases. Articles that mentioned a return to work and upper limb trauma in their abstract, published between 2005 and 2015 and written in Portuguese, English or Spanish, were also used. Results The final sample consists of 13 articles, after qualitative analysis the results were grouped into four categories: Patient, Injury, Rehabilitation, and Work. Injury severity, hospitalization time, number of surgical procedures, insertion in a rehabilitation program, work-related rehabilitation, family and workplace support were the main elements identified. Conclusion The rehabilitation program should be integrated and multidisciplinary with actions aimed at pain management, functional recovery, and preparation for a return to work. Support family member and whenever possible work environment should be considered within the vocational rehabilitation program to ensure the return to work.

GC-MS analysis of the fixed oil from Sus scrofa domesticus Linneaus (1758) and antimicrobial activity against bacteria with veterinary interest.

The bioprospection of zootherapeutic products can be a source of new drugs and to the creation of new strategies of natural resources conservation and management of endangered species. This fact is supported by ethnobiological studies indicating that the usage of zootherapeutic products can be replaced by the use of natural products isolated from plants and domestic animals. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has increased the need for research for new active principles. Ethnoveterinary studies in Brazil have shown that Sus scrofa domesticus fat is used for diseases associated with bacterial pathogens. The objective of this study was to identify the chemical composition and to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the fixed oil of Sus scrofa domesticus (OFSC) when used alone or associated with antibiotics. In the analysis of the oil composition, there were 4 constituents identified, with oleic acid being the major constituent. The OFSC did not present antibacterial activity when tested alone; however, it showed synergism in the modulating activity when associated with antibiotics Amikacin and Amoxicillin.

Antibacterial and antibiotic modifying activity evaluation of ruminants' body fat used as zootherapeutics in ethnoveterinary practices in Northeast Brazil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Northeast Brazilian ethnoveterinary studies associated with the medicinal use of zootherapies have shown that ruminants' body fat such as sheep (Ovis aries), goats (Capra hircus) and cows (Bos taurus) are used in diseases affecting domestic animals. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the fixed oils from these ruminants in isolation and in association with antibiotics. RESULTS: Ovis aries (OFOA), Capra hircus (OFCH) and Bos taurus (OFBT) fixed oils were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with hexane as the solvent. Through the use of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) the methyl esters from the ruminants' fixed oils were obtained and the fatty acids present in these oils were indirectly determined. The OFOA, OFCH and OFBT antibacterial and antibiotic modifying activities against standard and multi-resistant bacterial strains were carried out using the broth microdilution test. The fixed oils from these species did not present antibacterial activity when tested in isolation, obtaining Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) values ≥ 1024 µg/mL. However, when associated with antibiotics, OFBT and OFCH showed a synergistic activity for the Amicacin, Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin and Oxytetracycline antibiotics. CONCLUSION: The OFOA promoted a synergistic action for the same antibiotics with the exception of Norfloxacin.

Efeitos da suplementação de ômega 3 na resistência à insulina em mulheres com síndrome do ovário policístico: revisão sistemática / Effects of omega 3 supplementation on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: systematic review

Introdução: A síndrome do ovário policístico (SOP) é uma disfunção hormonal que acomete mulheres em idade reprodutiva podendo causar infertilidade, alterações no ciclo menstrual, hirsutismo, presença de cistos nos ovários, amenorreia e distúrbios metabólicos. Dentre as alterações metabólicas, resistência à insulina (RI) está presente em 70,5% das brasileiras com SOP. Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente a literatura para descrever os efeitos da suplementação de ômega-3 na RI em mulheres com SOP. Materiais e métodos: As buscas pela informação foram realizadas na base de dados PubMed e LILACS utilizando os descritores "síndrome do ovário policístico"; "ácidos graxos ômega-3" e "resistência à insulina", em português e inglês. Resultados: Foram encontrados sessenta estudos e após o crivo metodológico seis foram selecionados para compor esta revisão. Ao total dos ensaios clínicos incluídos nesta revisão, 326 mulheres com faixa etária correspondente a 18-45 anos foram avaliadas com variações de índice de massa corporal entre 25 e 45 kg/m2. A variação de tempo de acompanhamento entre os estudos foi de 2 a 6 meses. Discussão: Em todos os estudos incluídos nesta revisão, a homeostase da glicose sérica foi avaliada pelo índice HOMA. Apenas 1 estudo avaliou o índice quantitativo de verificação da sensibilidade à insulina (QUICK1); 2 estudos avaliaram hemoglobina glicada e índice de sensibilidade à insulina (ISI de Matsuda). A avaliação da insulinemia de jejum foi realizada em 4 estudos. Metade dos estudos incluídos suplementou os pacientes com 1.000 mg de ômega-3 ao dia, enquanto 25% dos estudos utilizou a dosagem de 2000 mg/dia 25% utilizou 4000 mg/dia. A maioria das pesquisas encontradas (67%) descreveu efeito positivo entre a suplementação de ômega-3 e melhora da RI de mulheres com SOP, utilizando os diferentes métodos de dosagem da homeostase da glicose sérica. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o consumo de ômega-3 pode ter efeito positivo sobre a RI.

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal dysfunction that affects women of childbearing age and can cause infertility, changes in the menstrual cycle, hirsutism, ovarian cysts, amenorrhea, and metabolic disorders. Among the metabolic changes insulin resistance (IR) is present in 70.5% of Brazilians with PCOS. Objective:To systematically review the literature to describe the effects of omega-3 supplementation on IR in women with PCOS. Materials and methods: Information searches were performed in the PubMed and LILACS database using the descriptors "polycystic ovarian syndrome"; "fatty acids omega-3" and "insulin resistance", in Portuguese and English. Results: Sixty studies were found and six were selected to compose this review. In the total of the clinical trials included in this review, 326 women aged 18-45 years were evaluated with variations in body mass index between 25 and 45 kg/m2. The variation in follow-up time between the studies was from 2 to 6 months. Discussion: In all studies included in this review, serum glucose homeostasis was assessed by the HOMA index. Only 1 study evaluated the quantitative index of insulin sensitivity (QUICK1); 2 studies evaluated glycated hemoglobin and insulin sensitivity index (Matsuda ISI). The evaluation of fasting insulinemia was performed in 4 studies. Half of the included studies supplemented patients with 1000 mg omega-3 daily, while 25% of the studies used the dosage of 2000 mg / day 25% used 4000 mg / day. Most of the researches (67%) described a positive effect between omega-3 supplementation and improvement of IR in women with PCOS, using the different dosing methods for serum glucose homeostasis. Conclusion: It is concluded that omega-3 consumption may have a positive effect on IR.

Body fat modulated activity of Gallus gallus domesticus Linnaeus (1758) and Meleagris gallopavo Linnaeus (1758) in association with antibiotics against bacteria of veterinary interest.

In the Northeast of Brazil, ethnoveterinary studies have shown that the body fat from Gallus gallus domesticus and Meleagris gallopavo are used for diseases that affect domestic animals. The objective of this study was to identify the chemical composition and to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the Gallus gallus domesticus (OFGG) and Meleagris gallopavo (OFMG) fixed oils in isolation and in association with antibiotics. The OFGG and OFMG from the poultry's body fat were extracted using hexane as a solvent in Soxhlet. Their composition was indirectly determined using fatty acid methyl esters. The OFGG and OFMG antibacterial and modulatory activities against standard and multi-resistant bacterial strains were performed through the broth microdilution test. In the OFGG chemical composition, 4 constituents were identified. The saturated fatty acid (AGS) and unsaturated fatty acid (AGI) percentages were 35.1% and 64.91% respectively, with linoleic acid being the major component. In the OFMG, 3 constituents were identified. The AGS percentage was 27.71% and 72.29% for AGI, with oleic acid as the most abundant component. The oils did not present antibacterial activity when tested in isolation, presenting Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) > 512 µg/mL. However, when associated with antibiotics the OFGG showed synergistic activity with the antibiotics Amikacin, Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin and Oxytetracycline, while the OFMG promoted a synergistic action with the antibiotics Amikacin, Amoxicillin and Norfloxacin.

Orofacial antinociceptive effect of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poiret.

Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poiret, popularly known in Brazil as "jurema-preta" is widely used against bronchitis, fever, headache and inflammation. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential has already been reported. To assess the orofacial antinociceptive effect of M. tenuiflora, ethanolic extracts of M. tenuiflora (leaves, twigs, barks and roots) were submitted to in vitro tests of antioxidant activity. The extract with the highest antioxidant potential was partitioned and subjected to preliminary chemical prospecting, GC-MS, measurement of phenolic content and cytotoxicity tests of the fraction with the highest antioxidant activity. The nontoxic fraction with the highest antioxidant activity (FATEM) was subjected to tests of acute and chronic orofacial nociception and locomotor activity. The possible mechanisms of neuromodulation were also assessed. The EtOAc fraction, obtained from the ethanolic extract of M. tenuiflora barks, was the one with the highest antioxidant potential and nontoxic (FATEM), and Benzyloxyamine was the major constituent (34.27%). FATEM did not alter the locomotor system of mice and reduced significantly the orofacial nociceptive behavior induced by formalin, glutamate, capsaicin, cinnamaldehyde or acidic saline compared to the control group. FATEM also inhibited formalin- or mustard oil-induced temporomandibular nociception. In addition, it also reduced mustard oil-induced orofacial muscle nociception. However, FATEM did not alter hypertonic saline-induced corneal nociception. Neuropathic nociception was reversed by treatment with FATEM. The antinociceptive effect of FATEM was inhibited by naloxone, L-NAME and glibenclamide. FATEM has pharmacological potential for the treatment of acute and neuropathic orofacial pain and this effect is modulated by the opioid system, nitric oxide and ATP-sensitive potassium channels. These results lead us to studies of isolation and characterization of bioactive principles.

Toxocara eggs in an 18th century Franciscan from Portugal. The challenge of differentiating between parasitism and chance in Paleoparasitology.

In 2005, an adult male was excavated in the cloister of the former Convent of the Holy Spirit, in the Franciscan Province of Holy Mary of Arrábida, Lisbon district. From the anterior part of the sacrum, a darker organic agglomeration was collected and studied for intestinal parasites. Samples were rehydrated with Lycopodium tablets in a Na3PO4 5% solution for 72h, followed by the swirl technique. Organic material was concentrated at 2500rpm. At least 20 slides of each sample were examined using a light/polarized microscope. A control sample from outside the pelvis revealed no biological remains. A sample collected inside the pelvic girdle was positive for pollen grains, other plant remains and Toxocara eggs, perhaps T. cati (2766 eggs/gram sediment). This finding, although exciting, cannot be explained in a simple way because humans are not definitive hosts for Toxocara species. Ingestion of feces-contaminated food or water, geophagy, or true infection are hypotheses considered in this study, which demonstrates the difficulty of interpreting the presence of animal parasites in human remains. This is the first time Toxocara eggs are found associated with human remains.

Anti-Trypanosoma, anti-Leishmania and cytotoxic activities of natural products from Psidium brownianum Mart. ex DC. and Psidium guajava var. Pomifera analysed by LC-MS.

Neglected diseases are those that are prevalent in developing countries, even with a rich biodiversity. These diseases still persist because of the lack of scientific studies, government negligence or failures of the public health system. This study aims to identify the composition of extracts and fractions from Psidium brownianum and Psidium guajava through LC-MS, to evaluate its in vitro anti-parasitic and cytotoxic activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania brasiliensis and L. infantum epismastigote and promastigote forms, as well as mammalian cells. The results showed the presence of chemical constituents in the two Psidium species as quercetin, myricetin and gallic acid derivatives. The P. brownianum extract and fractions showed low toxicity at all tested concentrations and all samples were effective at the concentration of 1000µg/mL against the parasites, with the extract being the most efficient against the L. infantum promastigote form. The ethanolic extract, and the flavonoid and tannic fractions, from P. guajava showed low toxicity for the fibroblasts. All samples showed effectiveness at the highest concentration tested and the extract was more effective against the promastigote forms tested. The results showed that the species Psidium brownianum and Psidium guajava demonstrated an anti-parasitic activity against the T. cruzi, L. brasiliensis and L. infantum parasite cell lines indicating these species as an alternative therapy given their efficacy in the in vitro assays performed, opening the possibility for new biological studies to further this knowledge through in vivo assays.

Spouted bed as an efficient processing for probiotic orange juice drying.

This study evaluated the influence of spouted bed drying temperature and maltodextrin dextrose equivalent on the probiotic microbial survival during drying and storage period and on physicochemical properties of fermented probiotic orange juice in powder. Probiotic orange juice was spouted bed dried at 60, 70, 80 and 90°C using maltodextrin with a different dextrose equivalent (10, 20, 30 and 39). After drying, the microbial was higher when lower drying temperatures were applied. During the storage, the highest drying temperatures (80 and 90°C) negatively affected the microorganism survival. On the other hand, at the lowest drying temperature (60°C), the product presented higher Aw, what negatively affected the microbial survival during storage. The temperature of 70°C was the best to preserve the microbial viability during storage. Physicochemical parameters were improved when temperature increased and dextrose equivalent decreased.

Seasonal variation of Brazilian red propolis: Antibacterial activity, synergistic effect and phytochemical screening.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the dry and rainy season on the antibacterial activity and chemical composition of the Brazilian red propolis. The samples were collected in rainy (RP-PER) and dry (RP-PED) seasons and analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The extracts were tested alone and in association with antibiotics against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The HPLC analysis identified luteolin and quercetin as the main compounds. Seasonal variation was observed according to concentrations of the compounds. The MIC values against E. coli ranged from 128 µg/mL to 512 µg/mL (EC 06 and EC ATCC). The red propolis showed MIC values of 512 µg/mL against both strains of P. aeruginosa used in our study (PA03 and PA24) and against strains of Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus the MICs ranged from 64 µg/mL to ≥1024 µg/mL (SA10). A synergistic effect was observed when we combined the RP-PED with gentamicin against all the strains tested. When we combined the RP-PED with Imipenem, we only observed synergistic effect against P. aeruginosa. According to our synergistic activity results, the utilization of red propolis collected in the drier periods can be used as an adjuvant against multiresistant bacterial infections.