Fractions of Selaginella convoluta (Arn) Spring (Selaginellaceae) attenuate the nociceptive behavior events in mice / Frações de Selaginella convoluta (Ar) Spring (Selaginellaceae) atenuam a resposta nociceptiva em camundongos

Abstract Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring is a species popularly known as "jericó", and used in folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to investigate in mice the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the hexane (Sc-Hex) and chloroform (Sc-CHCl3) fractions (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) obtained by partition of crude ethanol extract from S. convoluta. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the fractions was performed. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy. The rota-rod test was used to evaluate motor coordination. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the Sc-Hex and the Sc-CHCl3 were positive for the presence of flavonoids, anthracene derivatives, quinones, triterpenes and steroids. Inhibition of writhing was observed for fractions tested. The Sc-Hex at all doses tested was effective in reducing the nociceptive behavior produced by formalin only in the second phase. However, the Sc-CHCl3 decreased the paw licking time in the first and second phases. In the hot plate no significant effect was observed for any fraction. In the rota-rod test, treated mice did not demonstrate any significant motor performance changes. In the carrageenan-induced pleurisy, Sc-CHCl3 (200 mg/kg) reduced cell migration to the pleural cavity. These results reveal the antinociceptive properties of S. convoluta , which support, in part, its traditional use, since the fractions did not presented significant activity in the inflammatory response profile. We further verify that this antinociceptive effect could be by activation of nociceptive peripheral pathway.

Resumo Selaginella convoluta é uma espécie popularmente conhecida como "jericó", e usada na medicina popular como analgésica e anti-inflamatória. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar em camundongos as atividades antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória das frações hexânica (Sc-Hex) e clorofórmica (Sc-CHCl3) (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg) obtidas por partição do extrato etanólico bruto de S. convoluta . A análise fitoquímica preliminar das frações foi realizada. A atividade antinociceptiva foi avaliada pelos testes de contorções abdominais, formalina e placa quente. A atividade anti-inflamatória foi avaliada usando pleurisia induzida por carragenina. O teste do rota-rod foi utilizado para avaliar a coordenação motora. A triagem fitoquímica preliminar mostrou que Sc-Hex e Sc-CHCl3 apresentaram reação positiva para a presença de flavonoides, derivados antracênicos, quinonas, triterpenos e esteroides. A inibição das contorções foi observada para as frações testadas. Sc-Hex em todas as doses testadas foi efetivo na redução do comportamento nociceptivo produzido pela formalina somente na segunda fase. No entanto, Sc-CHCl3 diminuiu o tempo de lambida da pata na primeira e segunda fases. Na placa quente, nenhum efeito significativo foi observado para qualquer fração. No teste do rota-rod os camundongos tratados não demonstraram mudanças significativas na coordenação motora. Na pleurisia induzida por carragenina, Sc-CHCl3 (200 mg/kg) reduziu a migração celular para a cavidade pleural. Estes resultados revelam a propriedade antinociceptiva de S. convoluta, justificando, em parte, seu uso tradicional, uma vez que os extratos não apresentaram atividade significativa no perfil de resposta inflamatória. Verificamos ainda que esse efeito antinociceptivo mostrou-se ligado à ativação da via periférica nociceptiva.

Fractions of Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring (Selaginellaceae) attenuate the nociceptive behavior events in mice.

Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring is a species popularly known as "jericó", and used in folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to investigate in mice the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the hexane (Sc-Hex) and chloroform (Sc-CHCl3) fractions (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) obtained by partition of crude ethanol extract from S. convoluta. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the fractions was performed. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy. The rota-rod test was used to evaluate motor coordination. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the Sc-Hex and the Sc-CHCl3 were positive for the presence of flavonoids, anthracene derivatives, quinones, triterpenes and steroids. Inhibition of writhing was observed for fractions tested. The Sc-Hex at all doses tested was effective in reducing the nociceptive behavior produced by formalin only in the second phase. However, the Sc-CHCl3 decreased the paw licking time in the first and second phases. In the hot plate no significant effect was observed for any fraction. In the rota-rod test, treated mice did not demonstrate any significant motor performance changes. In the carrageenan-induced pleurisy, Sc-CHCl3 (200 mg/kg) reduced cell migration to the pleural cavity. These results reveal the antinociceptive properties of S. convoluta , which support, in part, its traditional use, since the fractions did not presented significant activity in the inflammatory response profile. We further verify that this antinociceptive effect could be by activation of nociceptive peripheral pathway.

Assessment of the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) / Avaliação das atividades antibacteriana, citotóxica e antioxidante de Morus nigra L. (Moraceae)

Abstract This study was carried out to assess the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of extracts of Morus nigra L. HPLC was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the crude ethanolic extract (Mn-EtOH). The antibacterial effect was assessed through the method of microdilution. The cytotoxicity was tested against human tumour cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also assessed through the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching methods. The presence of phenolic compounds in Mn-EtOH was confirmed using HPLC. The extracts showed activity against most microorganisms tested. The extracts did not show any expressive antiproliferative effect in the assessment of cytotoxicity. The most significant total phenolic content was 153.00 ± 11.34 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g to the ethyl acetate extract (AcOEt). The total flavonoid content was 292.50 ± 70.34 mg of catechin equivalent/g to the AcOEt extract, which presented the best antioxidant activity (IC50 50.40 ± 1.16 μg/mL) for DPPH scavenging. We can conclude that this species shows strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as weak cytotoxic effects.

Resumo Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar as atividades antibacteriana, citotóxica e antioxidante de extratos de Morus nigra L. HPLC foi utilizado para determinar o perfil de compostos fenólicos do extrato etanólico bruto (Mn-EtOH). O efeito antibacteriano foi avaliado através do método de microdiluição. A citotoxicidade foi testada contra linhagens celulares de tumores humanos utilizando o ensaio do brometo de 3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio (MTT). O conteúdo total de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides também foi avaliado por meio dos métodos de Folin-Ciocalteu e cloreto de alumínio, respectivamente. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos foi avaliada por meio do sequestro do radical livre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) e co-oxidação do sistema β-caroteno-ácido linoleico. A presença de compostos fenólicos em Mn-EtOH foi confirmada utilizando HPLC. Os extratos mostraram atividade contra a maioria dos microrganismos testados. Os extratos não mostraram qualquer efeito antiproliferativo expressivo na avaliação da citotoxicidade. O conteúdo fenólico total mais significativo foi de 153,00 ± 11,34 mg de equivalente de ácido gálico/g para o extrato acetato de etila (AcOEt). O conteúdo de flavonoides totais foi de 292,50 ± 70,34 mg de equivalente de catequina/g para o extrato AcOEt, que apresentou a melhor atividade antioxidante (IC50 50,40 ± 1,16 mg/mL) para o sequestro do DPPH. Podemos concluir que esta espécie apresenta forte atividade antibacteriana e antioxidante, bem como fraca atividade citotóxica.

Assessment of the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae).

This study was carried out to assess the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of extracts of Morus nigra L. HPLC was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the crude ethanolic extract (Mn-EtOH). The antibacterial effect was assessed through the method of microdilution. The cytotoxicity was tested against human tumour cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also assessed through the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging and ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching methods. The presence of phenolic compounds in Mn-EtOH was confirmed using HPLC. The extracts showed activity against most microorganisms tested. The extracts did not show any expressive antiproliferative effect in the assessment of cytotoxicity. The most significant total phenolic content was 153.00 ± 11.34 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g to the ethyl acetate extract (AcOEt). The total flavonoid content was 292.50 ± 70.34 mg of catechin equivalent/g to the AcOEt extract, which presented the best antioxidant activity (IC50 50.40 ± 1.16 µg/mL) for DPPH scavenging. We can conclude that this species shows strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as weak cytotoxic effects.

Acaricidal activity of leaves of Morus nigra against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus / Atividade acaricida das folhas de Morus nigra em carrapato Rhipicephalus microplus

The acaricidal activity of crude ethanolic extract and fractions from the leaves of Morus nigra (Moraceae) was carried out on female cattle ticks Rhipicephalus microplus, using the adult immersion test. The mortality and fertility of females exposed to different concentrations of hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions, as well as ethanolic extract of M. nigra with concentrations of 5, 10 and 25mg/ml were evaluated using three treatment groups, two control groups and triplicate tests. The study also identified the main phenolic compounds of the extract and fractions of this species by HPLC. The chloroform fraction of leaves of M. nigra (25mg/mL) showed the best results for this species, obtaining 62.6% of inhibition of oviposition, 39.3% of eggs eclosion average and 65.4% of effectiveness. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, which may be related to biological activity shown by the extracts, which can be used as an alternative control against R. microplus adult tick.(AU)

A atividade acaricida do extrato etanólico bruto e das frações das folhas de Morus nigra (Moraceae) foi avaliada no carrapato Rhipicephalus microplus, utilizando-se o teste de imersão de fêmeas ingurgitadas. Foram avaliadas a mortalidade e a fertilidade das fêmeas ingurgitadas, expostas a diferentes concentrações (5, 10 e 25 mg/mL) das frações hexânica, clorofórmica e acetato de etila, bem como do extrato etanólico. Os testes foram realizados em triplicata. O estudo também identificou os principais compostos fenólicos do extrato e das frações dessa espécie por HPLC. A fração clorofórmica das folhas de M. nigra (25mg/mL) apresentou o melhor resultado para essa espécie, obtendo-se 62,6% de inibição da oviposição, 39,3% da eclosão dos ovos e 65,4% de eficácia. A análise por HPLC revelou a presença de compostos fenólicos, os quais podem estar relacionados com a atividade biológica demonstrada pelos extratos, que podem ser utilizados como auxiliar no controle contra carrapato adulto de R. microplus.(AU)

An AAVP-based solid-phase transducing matrix for transgene delivery: potential for translational applications.

A hybrid vector of adeno-associated virus and phage (termed AAVP) has been introduced as a platform for systemic ligand-directed delivery of transgenes to tumors over the past decade. A series of studies have evaluated the AAVP platform for potential theranostic or purely therapeutic applications in several tumor models. Sufficient ligand-directed tumor targeting consistently resulted in specific molecular-genetic imaging and/or anti-tumor responses to 'suicide' transgene delivery. However, efforts to optimize transduction efficiency are still ongoing. Here, we set out to expand the translational utility of AAVP by combining it with gold (Au) nanoparticles in order to generate a 'transducing matrix' for improved targeted gene delivery in solid phase. Targeted AAVP-based solid-phase transduction is superior to conventional transduction in soluble (aqueous) environments. This transducing matrix is stable and can be further modified with additional attributes (for example, magnetization) for targeted imaging and therapeutic gene delivery. Notably, it spontaneously assembles around cells in vitro to markedly enhance transduction capabilities compared with AAVP alone. This versatile nanoplatform may enable new applications of AAVP for transgene delivery in translational settings including, for example, efforts toward complex tissue patterning.

Fractions of Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring (Selaginellaceae) attenuate the nociceptive behavior events in mice

Abstract Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring is a species popularly known as jericó, and used in folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to investigate in mice the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the hexane (Sc-Hex) and chloroform (Sc-CHCl3) fractions (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) obtained by partition of crude ethanol extract from S. convoluta. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the fractions was performed. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy. The rota-rod test was used to evaluate motor coordination. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the Sc-Hex and the Sc-CHCl3 were positive for the presence of flavonoids, anthracene derivatives, quinones, triterpenes and steroids. Inhibition of writhing was observed for fractions tested. The Sc-Hex at all doses tested was effective in reducing the nociceptive behavior produced by formalin only in the second phase. However, the Sc-CHCl3 decreased the paw licking time in the first and second phases. In the hot plate no significant effect was observed for any fraction. In the rota-rod test, treated mice did not demonstrate any significant motor performance changes. In the carrageenan-induced pleurisy, Sc-CHCl3 (200 mg/kg) reduced cell migration to the pleural cavity. These results reveal the antinociceptive properties of S. convoluta , which support, in part, its traditional use, since the fractions did not presented significant activity in the inflammatory response profile. We further verify that this antinociceptive effect could be by activation of nociceptive peripheral pathway.

Resumo Selaginella convoluta é uma espécie popularmente conhecida como jericó, e usada na medicina popular como analgésica e anti-inflamatória. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar em camundongos as atividades antinociceptiva e anti-inflamatória das frações hexânica (Sc-Hex) e clorofórmica (Sc-CHCl3) (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg) obtidas por partição do extrato etanólico bruto de S. convoluta . A análise fitoquímica preliminar das frações foi realizada. A atividade antinociceptiva foi avaliada pelos testes de contorções abdominais, formalina e placa quente. A atividade anti-inflamatória foi avaliada usando pleurisia induzida por carragenina. O teste do rota-rod foi utilizado para avaliar a coordenação motora. A triagem fitoquímica preliminar mostrou que Sc-Hex e Sc-CHCl3 apresentaram reação positiva para a presença de flavonoides, derivados antracênicos, quinonas, triterpenos e esteroides. A inibição das contorções foi observada para as frações testadas. Sc-Hex em todas as doses testadas foi efetivo na redução do comportamento nociceptivo produzido pela formalina somente na segunda fase. No entanto, Sc-CHCl3 diminuiu o tempo de lambida da pata na primeira e segunda fases. Na placa quente, nenhum efeito significativo foi observado para qualquer fração. No teste do rota-rod os camundongos tratados não demonstraram mudanças significativas na coordenação motora. Na pleurisia induzida por carragenina, Sc-CHCl3 (200 mg/kg) reduziu a migração celular para a cavidade pleural. Estes resultados revelam a propriedade antinociceptiva de S. convoluta, justificando, em parte, seu uso tradicional, uma vez que os extratos não apresentaram atividade significativa no perfil de resposta inflamatória. Verificamos ainda que esse efeito antinociceptivo mostrou-se ligado à ativação da via periférica nociceptiva.

Selection of peptides for serological detection of equine infectious anemia.

Equine infectious anemia caused by equine infectious anemia virus is an important disease due to its high severity and incidence in animals. We used a phage display library to isolate peptides that can be considered potential markers for equine infectious anemia diagnosis. We selected peptides using IgG purified from a pool comprised of 20 sera from animals naturally infected with equine infectious anemia virus. The diagnostic potential of these peptides was investigated by ELISA, Western blot and dot blot with purified IgG and serum samples. Based on the results, we chose a peptide mimetic for glycoprotein gp45 epitopes of equine infectious anemia virus, with potential for use as an antigen in indirect diagnostic assays. Synthesis of this peptide has possible applications for the development of new diagnostic tools for this disease.

Alternative anti-tuberculosis regimen including ofloxacin for the treatment of patients with hepatic injury.

SETTING: Tuberculosis (TB) clinic of a university-based public hospital in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To describe treatment outcomes for TB patients with liver injury who received a 12-month regimen of ethambutol (E, EMB) and ofloxacin (O, OFL), including streptomycin (S, SM) for the first 3 months (3SEO/9EO) under routine clinical care conditions. DESIGN: A retrospective study of a cohort of TB patients prescribed 3SEO/9EO was conducted over a 66-month period. Data were obtained by review of existing medical records. Primary outcomes assessed were cure, treatment failure, treatment default, TB relapse and death. RESULTS: Outcomes were assessed for 40 patients with hepatic injury who met study criteria. Twenty-three (58%) were male and 13 (33%) were human immunodeficiency virus seropositive. Thirty-four (85%) patients were cured. Three patients (7.5%) defaulted from treatment, and three other patients died (7.5%). There were no treatment failures or relapses during 2 years of follow-up. Clinically recognized drug toxicity occurred in five patients (12.5%), and in each case was attributed to SM. CONCLUSION: In this series of TB patients with serious liver injury, 3SEO/9EO was well-tolerated, and it was effective in 85% of patients when used under routine clinical care conditions.

Pulmonary function changes in the acute stage of histoplasmosis, with follow-up. An analysis of eight cases.

We have studied eight patients, six children and two adults, during a microepidemic of soil- and patient-proven histoplasmosis. Pulmonary function tests were performed between the 15th and 23rd days after the onset of symptoms, and repeated between the fifth and sixth, the ninth and tenth and the 15th and 22nd months afterward. Initial abnormalities were mild in seven cases and severe in one. There was a restrictive pattern in three cases and an obstructive pattern in two. The fraction of CO extraction was reduced in five cases and the diffusing capacity for CO was reduced in five of six cases so tested. Hypoxemia was present in three cases. On follow-up, the obstructive defect had disappeared by the sixth month, the restrictive pattern by the tenth month, and the diffusing defect still remained in three cases by the end of follow-up. Hypoxemia remained only in the severe case.

Carcinoide bronquico - relato de dois casos em criancas. / Bronchial carcinoid - report of 2 cases in children

Os autores descrevem dois casos de adenoma bronquico carcinoide em menores de 16 anos: o primeiro paciente era do sexo feminino, de 11 anos, teve diagnostico clinico-radiologico de tuberculose, e o segundo do sexo masculino, de 15 anos, cursou com pneumonia de repeticao e igualmente chegou a receber tratamento especifico.Em ambos os doentes o exame endoscopico evidenciou tumor endobronquico. Os pacientes foram submetidos a cirurgia, visando a diagnostico e terapeutica. A evolucao foi favoravel nos dois casos

Intradermal BCG vaccination complications--analysis of 51 cases.

The authors describe 51 cases of local complications due to intradermal BCG vaccination which occurred among 117 533 children between 1974 and 1979, in the city of Niteroi (Rio de Janeiro State). The ages ranged from 0 to 16 years and the lesions observed were abscesses, enlargement of regional lymph nodes, chronic ulceration, and ulceration associated with enlarged lymph nodes. The patients were treated with isoniazid, except 2 who required surgical drainage, with favourable results in all cases.