Nongenotoxic effects and a reduction of the DXR-induced genotoxic effects of Helianthus annuus Linné (sunflower) seeds revealed by micronucleus assays in mouse bone marrow.

BACKGROUND: This research evaluated the genotoxicity of oil and tincture of H. annuus L. seeds using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between these preparations and the genotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DXR) was also analysed (antigenotoxicity test). METHODS: Experimental groups were evaluated at 24-48 h post treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (positive control - NEU), DXR (chemotherapeutic), NaCl (negative control), a sunflower tincture (THALS) and two sources of sunflower oils (POHALS and FOHALS). Antigenotoxic assays were carried out using the sunflower tincture and oils separately and in combination with NUE or DXR. RESULTS: For THALS, analysis of the MNPCEs showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250-2,000 mg.Kg-1) and NaCl. A significant reduction in MNPCE was observed when THALS (2,000 mg.Kg-1) was administered in combination with DXR (5 mg.Kg-1). For POHALS or FOHALS, analysis of the MNPCEs also showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250-2,000 mg.Kg-1) and NaCl. However, the combination DXR + POHALS (2,000 mg.Kg-1) or DXR + FOHALS (2,000 mg.Kg-1) not contributed to the MNPCEs reduction. CONCLUSIONS: This research suggests absence of genotoxicity of THALS, dose-, time- and sex-independent, and its combination with DXR can reduce the genotoxic effects of DXR. POHALS and FOHALS also showed absence of genotoxicity, but their association with DXR showed no antigenotoxic effects.

Evaluation of the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. bark in the micronucleus assay.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutagenicity (clastogenicity/aneugenicity) of a glycolic extract of Ziziphus joazeiro bark (GEZJ) by the micronucleus assay in mice bone marrow. Antimutagenic activity was also assessed using treatments associated with GEZJ and doxorubicin (DXR). Mice were evaluated 24-48 h after exposure to positive (N-nitroso-N-ethylurea, NEU - 50 mg.kg(-1) and DXR - 5 mg.kg(-1)) and negative (150 mM NaCl) controls, as well as treatment with GEZJ (0.5-2 g.kg(-1)), GEZJ (2 g.kg(-1)) + NEU and GEZJ (2 g.kg(-1)) + DXR. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in mice treated with GEJZ and GEJZ + DXR compared to the negative controls, indicating that GEZJ was not mutagenic. Analysis of the polychromatic:normochromatic erythrocyte ratio revealed significant differences in the responses to doses of 0.5 g.kg(-1) and 1-2 g.kg(-1) and the positive control (NEU). These results indicated no systemic toxicity and moderate toxicity at lower and higher doses of GEZJ. The lack of mutagenicity and systemic toxicity in the antimutagenic assays, especially for treatment with GEZJ + DXR, suggested that phytochemical compounds in Z. joazeiro bark attenuated DXR-induced mutagenicity and the moderate systemic toxicity of a high dose of Z. joazeiro bark (2 g.kg(-1)). Further studies on the genotoxicity of Z. joazeiro extracts are necessary to establish the possible health risk in humans and to determine the potential as a chemopreventive agent for therapeutic use.

Caries experience in a sample of adolescents and young adults with cleft lip and palate in Brazil.

Objective : To compare the caries experience of adolescents and young adults with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) with a noncleft control group. Design : Thirty CL/P subjects and 30 controls were clinically examined to obtain the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and the decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) indices, gingival bleeding index, plaque index, and active caries lesions. Data concerning oral hygiene, access to fluoridated water, mother's education level, and family income were also collected. Setting : Pro-Smile Center, a reference center for the treatment of facial deformities, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Subjects : Subjects aged 12 to 21 years with CL/P and without associated syndromes were matched to noncleft controls by sex, age, living habits, and use of orthodontic devices. Null Hypothesis Formulated Prior to Data Collection : Caries experience in CL/P adolescents and young adults is similar to that observed in noncleft controls. Statistical Analysis : Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software for Windows Data Editor. The CL/P and control groups were compared using the McNemar test, paired t test and Wilcoxon test. A significance level of 5% was adopted for all tests. Results : There were no significant differences between the groups for oral hygiene and contact with fluoride. Significant differences were found in per capita income, presence of active caries, decayed surfaces, plaque index, and gingival bleeding. Conclusions : The caries experience of CL/P subjects was higher than that of the noncleft individuals.

[Fungic microbiota of normal conjunctiva, sugar-cane and anemophilous fungi of the region of Monte Belo - Minas Gerais]. / Microbiota fúngica da conjuntiva, da cana-de-açúcar e de anemófilos da região canavieira de Monte Belo - Minas Gerais.

AIM: To evaluate the incidence of fungi in the ocular conjunctiva of sugar-cane cutting workers as well in a sugar-cane plantation environment. PLACE: Monte Belo - MG, Eye Clinic, Laboratory of Physiology and Biology of Microorganisms of Unifenas, Alfenas - MG. METHODS: Swabs were made from the ocular conjunctiva of one hundred workers of both sexes and material was collected from leaves, stalk, and the environmental air from the sugar-cane plantation. These were inoculated in specific mold media. After incubation at 25 degrees C for a period of fifteen days, the plates were analyzed and colony forming units (ufc) were identified using conventional mycological techniques. RESULTS: Of one hundred workers involved in this research, 64 presented one or more genera of fungi, 54 (84.38%) being identified in males and 10 (15.62%) identified in females. The separation of the workers by age range showed that the prevalence of observed fungi by age was not uniform. The highest incidences were found in advanced age ranges, the increase of positivity by age being considered statistically significant (p<0.05). The lowest prevalence (50%) was found in the 11-20-year-old interval, which presents the lowest number of examined persons. The highest positivity was verified in the 61-79 year interval. In 60 workers (93.75%) only one genus was isolated; in 3 (4.69%) two genera, and in only one worker (1.56%) three genera were isolated. The most prevalent isolated fungi were Fusarium sp (43.76%) and Geotrichum sp (23.44%), followed by Cladosporium sp (9.38%), Penicillium sp (7.81%), Mucor sp (9.38%) and Oidium sp (7.81%). The most common genus founded in leaves, stalk and air were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Cladosporium and Rhizopus. CONCLUSION: The environmental conditions, the socioeconomic status and the general and personal poor hygienic conditions, together with lack of information about prophylactic standards, surely led to the high incidence of ocular conjunctiva fungus isolation (67%). The incidence was much higher in males (84.38%) as (15.62%) in females. The anemophilious fungi and those isolated from stalk and leaves were similar to those already described in the literature. The isolated filamentous fungi were much more numerous than yeast, there being some correlation between these and the conjunctiva isolates.

Bacteriostatic effect of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis) against Streptococcus mutans.

This study evaluated the inhibitory activity of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis against the cariogenic microorganism, Streptococcus mutans. For such purpose, a minimum inhibition concentration test of copaiba oil against S. mutans was performed, using the serial dilution in broth technique, with a negative control, a positive control (0.12% chlorhexidine) and a 10% copaíba oil solution as a test. A minimum bactericidal concentration test with tubes presenting microbial inhibition was also conduced. In the minimum inhibitory concentration test, copaiba oil showed inhibition of bacterial growth at all concentrations tested up to 0.78 µL/mL of the 10% copaiba oil solution in the broth. In addition, the negative control had no inhibition, and the 0.12% chlorhexidine solution was effective up to 6.25 µL/mL in the broth. Copaiba oil showed a bacteriostatic activity against S. mutans at low concentrations, and could be a an option of phytotherapic agent to be used against cariogenic bacteria in the prevention of caries disease.

Avaliação microbiológica de salames industrializados e artesanais comercializados na cidade de Alfenas ­ MG / Microbiological evaluation of industrialized and artisanal salamis marketed in the city of Alfenas - MG

Os produtos embutidos estão sendo cada vez mais consumidos pela população, devido sua praticidade e durabilidade, além disso, serem muito saborosos. Visando a saúde pública, todos os alimentos devem passar por uma rigorosa inspeção, para garantir que o alimento chegue à mesa do brasileiro com toda garantia e qualidade. Foram pesquisadas cinco marcas de salames provenientes de supermercados e feiras livres da cidade de Alfenas ­ MG, analisadas em duplicata, com duas repetições, sendo essas repetições feitas em intervalos e lotes diferentes para observação da qualidade do produto. Os dados obtidos foram surpreendentes, onde 60% das amostras analisadas apresentaram-se impróprias para o consumo por albergarem Salmonella sp.

Disparity between Multilocus Enzyme Electrophoresis, Microsatellite Markers and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis in epidemiological tracking of Candida albicans.

Various molecular systems are available for epidemiological, genetic, evolutionary, taxonomic and systematic studies of innumerable fungal infections, especially those caused by the opportunistic pathogen C. albicans. A total of 75 independent oral isolates were selected in order to compare Multilocus Enzyme Electrophoresis (MLEE), Electrophoretic Karyotyping (EK) and Microsatellite Markers (Simple Sequence Repeats - SSRs), in their abilities to differentiate and group C. albicans isolates (discriminatory power), and also, to evaluate the concordance and similarity of the groups of strains determined by cluster analysis for each fingerprinting method. Isoenzyme typing was performed using eleven enzyme systems: Adh, Sdh, M1p, Mdh, Idh, Gdh, G6pdh, Asd, Cat, Po, and Lap (data previously published). The EK method consisted of chromosomal DNA separation by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis using a CHEF system. The microsatellite markers were investigated by PCR using three polymorphic loci: EF3, CDC3, and HIS3. Dendrograms were generated by the SAHN method and UPGMA algorithm based on similarity matrices (S(SM)). The discriminatory power of the three methods was over 95%, however a paired analysis among them showed a parity of 19.7-22.4% in the identification of strains. Weak correlation was also observed among the genetic similarity matrices (S(SM)(MLEE)xS(SM)(EK)xS(SM)(SSRs)). Clustering analyses showed a mean of 9+/-12.4 isolates per cluster (3.8+/-8 isolates/taxon) for MLEE, 6.2+/-4.9 isolates per cluster (4+/-4.5 isolates/taxon) for SSRs, and 4.1+/-2.3 isolates per cluster (2.6+/-2.3 isolates/taxon) for EK. A total of 45 (13%), 39 (11.2%), 5 (1.4%) and 3 (0.9%) clusters pairs from 347 showed similarity (S(J)) of 0.1-10%, 10.1-20%, 20.1-30% and 30.1-40%, respectively. Clinical and molecular epidemiological correlation involving the opportunistic pathogen C. albicans may be attributed dependently of each method of genotyping (i.e., MLEE, EK, and SSRs) supplemented with similarity and grouping analysis. Therefore, the use of genotyping systems that give results which offer minimum disparity, or the combination of the results of these systems, can provide greater security and consistency in the determination of strains and their genetic relationships.

Determinação da Atividade Antimicrobiana do Extrato Hidroalcoólico da PlantaPlectranthus ornatus Codd (Boldo Chinês) / Determination of the antimicrobial activity in the hydroalcoholic extract of the plant Plectranthus ornatus Codd (Bilberry Chinese)

A planta Plectranthus ornatus Codd é originária dos países do Mediterrâneo e Oriente Próximo. Na medicina popular é indicada para males do fígado e problemas de digestão. É utilizada no tratamento para o controle da gastrite, na dispepsia, azia, mal-estar gástrico e ressaca. Este trabalho objetiva a avaliação antimicrobiana do extrato de P. ornatus, utilizando-se 15 microrganismos padronizados. Os testes antimicrobianos foram realizados em ágar Mueller Hinton pela técnica de poços. Foram utilizados os testes de microdiluição em caldo, para a determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e semeadura, em placas contendo ágar Mueller Hinton para a concentração microbicida mínima (CMM). Os testes de microdiluição em caldo demonstraram que o extrato nas concentrações de 20,31; 325 e 650 mg/mL inibiu o crescimento bacterianode Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes e Enterococcus faecalis, respectivamente. Para o fungo Saccharomyces cerevisiae os testes de microdiluição demonstraram inibi- ção do crescimento na concentração de 1.300 mg/mL. Para as demais cepas testadas, o extrato não demonstrou atividade. Em decorrência da crescente resistência múltipla microbiana aos antibióticos, pesquisas para o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentosque sejam economicamente viáveis e com margem de segurança efetiva têm ganhado espaço na comunidade científica.

Plectranthus ornatus Codd is a plant from Mediterranean and Near East countries. It is indicated for liver illnesses and digestion problems in popular medicine. It is used in the treatment for the control of gastritis, dyspepsia, heartburn, gastric discomfort, and hangover. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity in extracts of P. ornatus using 15 standardized micro-organisms. Antimicrobial tests were performed on Mueller Hinton agar through the technique of wells. Broth microdilution tests were used for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and seeding on plates containing Mueller Hinton agar for the determination of the minimum microbicide concentration (MMC). The broth microdilution tests demonstrated that the extract inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis at the concentrations of 20.31, 325, and 650 mg/mL, respectively. The microdilution tests showed growth inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a concentration of 1,300 mg/mL. The extract did not show inhibitory activity on the other tested strains. As a result of increased multiple resistances to antibiotics,microbial research in the development of new drugs that are economically viable and offer an effective safety margin have won space in the scientific community.

Ação da radiação ultravioleta na redução da microbiota do caldo de cana para produção de cachaça / Effect of ultraviolet radiation on microbial reduction of sugarcane juice for the production of cachaça

O processo fermentativo para produção de cachaça é influenciado pela qualidade da matéria-prima. Uma matéria-prima que contenha alta carga microbiana resultará em uma fermentação ineficiente, cujo resultado é refletido na qualidade final da cachaça. Objetivou-se nesta investigação avaliar a ação da radiação ultravioleta como desinfetante alternativo na desinfecção do caldo de cana para produção de cachaça. Confeccionou-se uma câmara de tratamento do caldo de cana com uma parte inferior e cinco tampos para instalação das lâmpadas germicidas por radiação ultravioleta. A câmara foi instalada na saída da moenda. A eficiência do tratamento foi avaliada através de análises microbiológicas do caldo de cana em cinco tempos de tratamento. O delineamento estatístico do experimento foi o inteiramente casualizado. As análises microbiológicas apresentaram um P valor de 64,63%. As análises de acidez, porcentagem de álcool e pH do vinho irradiado e não irradiado apresentaram um P valor maior que 0,05% As cachaças produzidas com caldo de cana irradiado e não irradiado apresentaram valores que estão de acordo com a legislação vigente. Concluiu-se que as características físico-químicas do caldo de cana foram influenciadas pela radiação U.V. sobre os micro-organismos presentes no mesmo, eliminando uma pequena parte destes, estatisticamente não significativas.

The fermentation process for the production of cachaça (the most popular alcoholic distilled beverage) in Brazil is influenced by the quality of the raw material. Thus any raw material containing a high microbial load results in an ineffective fermentation, which is reflected on the final quality of the cachaça. This study evaluated the action of ultraviolet radiation as an alternative disinfectant for cachaça-producing sugarcane juice. The experiment was carried out at the TUCANINHA cachaça-producing unit in the city of São João Batista do Glória, MG. A 10.0m × 43cm × 13cm aluminum plate treatment chamber was made with five 2.0 × 43cm × 14cm heads for germicidal UV lamps. The chamber was installed at the outlet of the mill for the passage of the UV-treated sugarcane juice in a continuous flow system. The effectiveness of the treatment was assayed by microbiological analyses of the cane juice at five treatment times. The statistical design was completely randomized, with five treatments and three replications, with a P value of 64.63%. Two types of fermented wines were analyzed: those from UV radiation-treated broth and the ones from untreated broth, consideration two treatments and 10 repetitions. The tests for acidity, alcohol percentage, and pH showed a P value higher than 0.05%. The cachaças produced with irradiated and non-irradiated sugarcane juice showed values in accordance with the current legislation. It was concluded that the physical and chemical characteristics of the sugarcane juice was influenced for the action of the U.V. radiation on the cane juice microorganisms. Only a small amount of microorganisms were eliminated, what demonstrates that ultraviolet radiation is not effective to eliminate the microbiota of sugarcane juice.

Bacteriostatic effect of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis) against Streptococcus mutans

This study evaluated the inhibitory activity of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis against the cariogenic microorganism, Streptococcus mutans. For such purpose, a minimum inhibition concentration test of copaiba oil against S. mutans was performed, using the serial dilution in broth technique, with a negative control, a positive control (0.12 percent chlorhexidine) and a 10 percent copaíba oil solution as a test. A minimum bactericidal concentration test with tubes presenting microbial inhibition was also conduced. In the minimum inhibitory concentration test, copaiba oil showed inhibition of bacterial growth at all concentrations tested up to 0.78 µL/mL of the 10 percent copaiba oil solution in the broth. In addition, the negative control had no inhibition, and the 0.12 percent chlorhexidine solution was effective up to 6.25 µL/mL in the broth. Copaiba oil showed a bacteriostatic activity against S. mutans at low concentrations, and could be a an option of phytotherapic agent to be used against cariogenic bacteria in the prevention of caries disease.

Este estudo avaliou a atividade inibitória do óleo de copaíba (Copaifera officinalis contra o microrganismo cariogênico, Streptococcus mutans. Para isso, foi realizado um teste de concentração mínima inibitória do óleo de copaíba contra S. mutans, utilizando a técnica de diluição seriada em caldo, com um controle negativo, um controle positivo (clorexidina a 0,12 por cento) e uma solução de óleo de copaíba 10 por cento como teste. Também foi conduzido um teste de concentração mínima bactericida com os tubos que apresentaram inibição microbiana. No teste de concentração inibitória mínima, o óleo de copaíba mostrou inibição do crescimento bacteriano em todas as concentrações testadas até 0,78 µL/mL da solução a 10 por cento do óleo de copaíba no caldo. Além disso, o controle negativo não teve nenhuma inibição, e a solução de clorexidina 0,12 por cento foi eficaz até 6,25 µL/mL no caldo. O óleo de copaíba mostrou uma atividade bacteriostática contra S. mutans em baixas concentrações, apresentando-se assim como uma opção de fitoterápico a ser utilizado contra bactérias cariogênicas na prevenção de cáries.

Teste de sensibilidade ao quefir de cepas de Candida sp. isoladas de vulvovaginites / Test of sensitivity to kefir of Candida spp. strainsisolated from vulvovaginitis

A candidíase vulvovaginal é uma inflamação da mucosa genital que se desenvolve em decorrência de infecção por leveduras do gênero Candida, as quais são habitantes normais do canal vaginal. O quefir é um probiótico que se apresenta em grãos ou grumos, formado por diversos microrganismos, como por exemplo, várias espécies de Lactobacillus e leveduras, que vivem em um complexo sistema de simbiose adsorvidos em uma matriz de polissacarídeos secretados pelo mesmo. O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de isolar e identificar leveduras de vulvovaginites recorrentes e testar in vitro a ação do quefir sobre estes microrganismos. Para o isolamento e identificação utilizou-se CHROMagar-Candida e confirmação bioquímica. O antibiograma foi realizado pela técnica de poços. Das 44 amostras coletadas, 40,91% foram positivas para Candida sp., as quais mostraram prevalência das espécies não-albicans (52,63%) sobre as espécies de C. albicans. No antibiograma, houve uma sensibilidade de 68,42% de ambas as populações à suspensão de quefir, enquanto para o mesmo, veiculado em base não-iônica, houve redução do espectro de ação. Concluiu-se que a suspensão foi mais eficaz em relação à sua associação com base não iônica, o que torna inviável a veiculação desta formulação.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an inflammation of the genital mucosa that develops as a result of infection by Candida yeast species, which are normal inhabitants of the vagina. Kefir is a fermented-milk probiotic produced in the form of grains or flakes, by a symbiotic complex of microorganisms, among them several species of lactic-acid bacteria and yeasts, which live encapsulated in a matrix of polysaccharides secreted by the former. This study was conducted to isolate and identify yeasts from recurrent vulvovaginitis and test in vitro the action of kefir on these microorganisms. For the isolation and identification of Candida organisms, CHROMagar-Candida and biochemical confirmation were employed. Overall antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the agar well diffusion technique. Of the 44 samples, 40.91% were positive for Candida spp., which showed a prevalence of non-albicans species (52.63%) over the species C. albicans. In the antibiogram (in vitro susceptibility test), there was a sensitivity of 68.42% of both populations to the suspension of kefir alone, while for kefir carried in a non-ionic cream base, the spectrum of action was reduced. It was concluded that the suspension was more effective alone than when combined with a non-ionic base, making it impractical to use this formulation.

Análise micológica e toxicológica em amendoim e derivados / Mycological and toxicological analysis of peanuts and derivatives

The filamentous fungi Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus nomius produce toxins, which are secondary metabolites called aflatoxins. These toxin-producing species grow rapidly on peanuts and cereals in favorable conditions of temperature and humidity. Their toxins can either cause acute effects, and even be lethal or accumulate in the organism, resulting in liver cancer in the long term. Based on the health risks of aflatoxins in food, a research was conducted on peanuts and derivatives sold in Alfenas, MG, Brazil, to evaluate the presence of Aspergillus sp. and aflatoxins. The samples were randomly collected at ?popular stores?, from November 2008 to May 2009, to assess the occurrence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The mycological analysis revealed the presence of fungi in 50% of the samples: Penicillium sp. (53.85%), A. flavus (19.23%), A. niger (15.38%) and A. fumigatus (11.54%), and 63.64% of these showed the presence of aflatoxins : B1 (43.14%), B2 (25.49%), G1 (23.53%) and G2 (7.84%). It is concluded that the results reported here are a cause for concern, given the harmfulness of these cumulative and carcinogenic toxins.

As espécies Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus e Aspergillus nomius produzem micotoxinas, que são metabólitos secundários denominados de aflatoxinas. Desenvolvem-se rapidamente em amendoins e cereais produzindo esta toxina, quando em condições favoráveis de temperatura e umidade. Essas toxinas podem produzir efeitos agudos, letais ou não, ou efeito cumulativo no organismo, que a longo prazo, podem causar, principalmente, lesões carcinogênicas hepáticas. Sabendo-se dos riscos à saúde, devido à presença de aflatoxinas nos alimentos, foi realizada uma pesquisa em amendoins e derivados comercializados na cidade de Alfenas ? MG, Brasil, para avaliar a presença de aflatoxinas e de fungos do gênero Aspergillus sp. Amostras foram coletadas aleatoriamente em lojas populares no período de novembro de 2008 a maio de 2009 e avaliada a ocorrência de aflatoxinas B1, B2, G1 e G2, utilizando-se a técnica de Cromatografia de Camada Delgada (CCD). Na análise micológica foi constatada a presença de fungos em 50% das amostras, das espécies: Penicillium sp. (53,85%), A. flavus (19,23%), A. niger (15,38%), A. fumigatus (11,54%). Obteve-se como resultado para a presença de aflatoxinas 63,64 %, sendo: B1 (43,14%), B2 (25,49%), G1 (23,53%), G2 (7,84%). Concluiu-se que os números encontrados são preocupantes, tendo em vista a periculosidade desta substância

Efeito do extrato hidroalcoólico de Pyrostegia venusta na mutagênese "in vivo", e avaliação antimicrobiana, e interferência no crescimento e diferenciação celular "in vitro" / Effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Pyrostegia venusta on "in vivo" mutagenesis and antimicrobial evaluation and interference on the "in vitro" cellular growth and differentiation

Analisa-se a atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica, o crescimento, a diferenciação celular e a ação mutagênica do extrato hidroalcoólico de Pyrostegia venusta (cipó- de-são-joão) em Herpetomonas samuelpessoai. As atividades antimicrobianas foram analisadas por intermédio de métodos de difusão em ágar e macrodiluição. O crescimento e a diferenciação celular de H. samuelpessoai foram realizados em meio quimicamente definido a 28ºC/48 h e analisados quantitativa (câmara de Neubauer) e qualitativamente (formas pró/para/opistomastigota) após coração panótica. A avaliação mutagênica foi realizada pelo teste do micronúcleo em eritroblastos de camundongos Swiss albinus após tratamentos via gavagem (1.000-2.000mg/kg) e decorridos os tempos de 24-48 h. Os resultados mostraram: a) ausência de atividade antimicrobiana para todas as cepas testadas, isto é, B. cereus, B. stearothermophilus, B. subtilis, E. aerogenes, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, M. luteus, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. pyogenes, S. salivarius, C. albicans, C. neoformans e S. cerevisiae, independentemente das concentrações (72,6-145,2 mg/mL); b) ausência de efeitos sobre o crescimento e a diferenciação celular de H. samuelpessoai; c) ausência de efeitos potencialmente clastogênico e/ou aneugênico, independentemente de sexo, tempo e dosagem. Esses dados sugerem que o extrato de Pyrostegia venusta é seguro, podendo ser administrado por via tópica e oral, uma vez que não apresenta potencial carcinogênico/mutagênico. Pelas condições propostas o mesmo não deve ser usado como antimicrobiano.

This study aimed at analyzing the antibacterial and antifungic activity, the cell growth and differentiation in Herpetomonas samuelpessoai and the mutagenic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Pyrostegia venusta (flame vine; ?cipó-de-são-joão? in Brazil). Antimicrobial activities were determined by agar diffusion and macrodilution techniques. Cellular growth and differentiation of H. samuelpessoai were assessed in a chemically defined medium at 28ºC/48 hours and quantitatively (Neubauer chamber) and qualitatively (pro-/para-/opistomatigote forms) analyzed after panoptic staining. Mutagenesis was evaluated by the micronucleus test in erythroblasts of Swiss albinus mice after treatment by gavage (1000-2000mg/kg) and 24-48 hours. The results showed (i) absence of antimicrobial activity for all the strains tested: B. cereus, B. stearothermophilus, B. subtilis, E. aerogenes, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, M. luteus, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. pyogenes, S. salivarius, C. albicans, C. neoformans and S. cerevisiae, independently of the concentrations (72.6-145.2mg/mL; (ii) absence of effects on the cellular growth and differentiation in H. samuelpessoai; and (iii) absence of potentially clastogenic and/or aneugenic effects, independently of sex, time and dose. These data suggest that the Pyrostegia venusta extract can safely be used topically and orally, once they do not exhibit carcinogenic/mutagenic effects, but under the conditions of this experiment it should not be used as antimicrobial agent.

Gingko biloba leaves extract on growth and morphology of trypanosomatids / Efecto del extracto de las hojas de Gingko biloba en el crecimiento y la morfología de tripanosomátidos

Gingko biloba has been one of the most used medicinal plants all over the world in the past years. In this study, our group has studied the effect of a hydroethanolic extract from the aerial parts of this plant on the growth and morphological differentiation of trypanosomatids. Herpetomonas samuelpessoai and Herpetomonas sp were used in this study. The extract was obtained in a Soxhlet apparatus (50 oC, 2 hours). This extract was aseptically added to Roitman’s medium in different concentrations (4, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/ml). The growth rate was determined using a Newbauer chamber to count numbers of cells after the extract inoculation (24 and 72 hours later). Smears stained by the Panotic method was used to determine the percentages of pro, para and opisthomastigote forms. The extract inhibited Herpetomonas sp growth in concentrations higher than 20 mg/ml. H. samuelpessoai has been inhibited in doses higher than 40 mg/ml. No morphological differentiation was observed in Herpetomonas sp cell. However, morphological differentiations could be noticed in H. samuelpessoai cell using doses higher than 40 mg/ml. These alterations are probably related to the cell division process, since cells with 3 or 4 nucleus were observed. Also, cytoplasmatic expansions, representing unsuccessful process of cell division were frequently found out. Further ultrastructural analysis using a transmission electron microscope showed cells with homogeneous nucleus or the absence of it. Protozoan protein profile was also analyzed. It was possible to notice changes in both trypanosomatids used in this study. H. samuelpessoai has shown over expression and accumulation of proteins which its degradation is essential to continue the cell differentiation. Also, it is possible to suggest that this extract acts through the modulation of the genetic expression and may be harmful to human cells if not purified.

Gingko biloba es una de las plantas medicinales más utilizadas en todo el mundo en los últimos años. En este estudio, nuestro grupo ha estudiado el efecto de un extracto hidroetanólico de la parte aérea de esta planta sobre el crecimiento y la diferenciación morfológica de tripanosomátidos. Herpetomonas samuelpessoai y Herpetomonas sp se utilizaron en este estudio. El extracto se obtuvo en un aparato Soxhlet (50° C/2 horas). Este extracto se agregó asépticamente a medio Roitman en diferentes concentraciones (4, 20, 40, 60, 80 y 100 mg /ml). La tasa de crecimiento se determinó utilizando una cámara de Newbauer para contar el número de células después de la inoculación de extracto (24 y 72 horas más tarde). Frotis teñidos por el método Panotic se utilizó para determinar los porcentajes de pro, para y las formas opistomastigota. El extracto inhibió el crecimiento Herpetomonas sp en concentraciones superiores a 20 mg /ml. H. samuelpessoai se ha inhibido en dosis superiores a 40 mg /ml. No se observó diferenciación morfológica en la celda Herpetomonas sp. Sin embargo, las diferenciaciones morfológicas se pudo observar en la celda H. samuelpessoai con dosis superiores a 40 mg /ml. Estas alteraciones son probablemente relacionado con el proceso de división celular, ya que las células con 3 o 4 núcleos se observaron. Además, las expansiones citoplasmáticas, lo que representa el proceso fallido de la división celular se encontraron con frecuencia hacia fuera. Un análisis más detallado ultraestructural usando microscopio electrónico de transmisión mostró células con núcleo homogéneo o la ausencia de ella. El perfil de proteínas por Protozoarios también se ha analizado. Fue posible notar cambios tanto en tripanosomátidos utilizados en este estudio. H. samuelpessoai ha demostrado a lo largo de expresión y la acumulación de proteínas que su degradación es esencial para continuar con la diferenciación celular. Además, es posible sugerir que este extracto...

Ozonoterapia como tratamento adjuvante na ferida de pé diabético / Ozonetherapy as adjuvant in the treatment of diabetic foot

O diabetes mellitus é doença crônica que afeta mais de 120 milhões de pessoas no mundo, muitas delas acometidas por úlceras no pé, podendo levar à amputação do mesmo, o que acarreta acentuados prejuízos para o paciente e o sistema de saúde. A ozonoterapia apresenta-se como promissora alternativa coadjuvante no tratamento dessas lesões, pois é bioxidativa com efeitos antimicrobianos e promotora de neoangiogênese. Causa, ainda, aumento local no número médio de fibroblastos, melhora a capacidade de transporte de oxigênio (O2) por parte dos eritrócitos, além de estimular o sistema imunológico. O caso clínico relatado refere-se ao tratamento de uma paciente diabética, aterosclerótica, com história de úlcera infectada associada à osteomielite em quarto pododactilo direito, com perfusão sanguínea, incompatível com cicatrização. Foram realizadas revascularizações e debridamentos cirúrgicos sucedidos de infecções recorrentes. A ozonoterapia tópica com hidro-ozononoterapia, bagging (mistura gasosa de O3/O2) e curativos com óleo de girassol e creme ozonizados foram introduzidos como adjuvante na terapia convencional. Seguindo o tratamento, observou-se redução do exudato purulento, formação rápida de tecido de granulação, reparação de grande área da ferida e alívio da dor. Houve um episódio de recorrência de infecção, o qual foi tratado cirurgicamente com resposta terapêutica semelhante. A cicatrização total se deu em cerca de 90 dias.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that attacks more than 120 million people in the world, many of them having foot ulcers which may lead to foot amputation, what causes great damages to the patient and the health care system. Ozone therapy is a promising coadjuvant alternative for the treatment of such lesions, due to its bioxidative, antimicrobial effects, and its role in neoangiogenesis. It also increases the average number of fibroblasts, improves oxygen transport by erythrocytes, and stimulates the immune system. The present case reports treatment of a patient with diabetes and atherosclerosis, with a history of an infected ulcer associated to osteomyelitis in the right fourth toe, and blood perfusion incompatible with cicatrization. Surgical debridements and revascularization had been followed by recurrent infections. Topic ozone, hydro-ozone therapy, bagging (gaseous mixture of O3/O2) and dressings with ozonated sunflower oil and cream were introduced as coadjuvant to the conventional therapy. The treatment showed reduction of the purulent exsudate, rapid formation of granulation tissue, reparation of a large area of the wound, and relief of pain. There was an episode of infection recurrence, which was surgically treated and resulted in similar therapeutic response. Complete healing occurred in approximately 90 days.

Cicatrizing and antimicrobial properties of an ozonised oil from sunflower seeds.

The ozonised sunflower oil, Bioperoxoil, was tested for its antimicrobial activity against some pathological strains in vitro together with its healing potential against Staphylococcus aureus in vivo. Bioperoxoil was tested against S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Candida albicans, S. typhimurium and Escherichia coli suspensions using the agar diffusion method. Healing experiments were carried out with Wistar rats through topical application of 3.5 mg/ml of the ozonised oil up to the 7th day after inoculation with S. aureus. Bioperoxoil showed anti-inflammatory effects against all strains tested, with MIC values ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 mg/ml. Bioperoxoil also demonstrated protective effects on skin connective tissue and to enhance wound healing during the treatment, as compared to a neomycin-clostebol association used as a positive control. The overall results indicated a significant antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties for Bioperoxoil, as compared to other antimicrobial agents commercially available.

Use of licit and illicit drugs at the University of Alfenas.

UNLABELLED: This paper reports the study of drug consumption carried out within the population of undergraduate students from 2 colleges of Alfenas, in the state of Minas Gerais state. Both licit and illicit drugs were studied, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, crack, inhalants, glue, tranquilizers, stimulants, and others. METHODOLOGY: The research included a wide bibliographical search and the application of a questionnaire to approximately 23% of the students (total of 6500 students). RESULTS: A total of 1500 students participated in this investigation. The results demonstrated that there was a significant consumption of both licit and illicit drugs. The pattern of drug consumption in the research sample was similar to other investigations conducted in Brazil and in other countries. DISCUSSION: It was observed that 55% of the university students use drugs. However, the most surprising finding was that most of the students (88%) answered "yes" to the inquiry, "Have you already tried any type of drug, including alcohol and cigarettes?" The students revealed that they had taken drugs even prior to the admission to the university. The results suggest clearly that the university environment does not necessarily represent the starting point for student drug consumption.

Influência do tempo e do meio de transporte no isolamento de fungos patogênicos de biópsias de pele / Effects of time delay and transportation on isolation of pathogenic fungi from skin biopsies

FUNDAMENTOS: Não está definido como o meio de transporte e o intervalo de tempo até o processamento final interferem no isolamento de fungos patogênicos em material obtido de biópsias de pele. OBJETIVOS: Determinar o efeito da inoculação tardia de biópsias de pele, transportadas em diferentes meios líquidos, na taxa de isolamento de fungos patogênicos. MÉTODOS: De 47 pacientes com lesões cutâneas suspeitas de micoses invasivas obtiveram-se 278 biópsias das lesões. Cada biópsia foi transportada em frascos com caldo Sabouraud com cloranfenicol ou solução salina de cloreto de sódio e inoculada em ágar Sabouraud após 48-72 horas (precoce) ou após 72 horas até sete dias (tardio), constituindo-se quatro grupos de estudo. RESULTADOS: As medianas das taxas de isolamento dos quatro grupos de esporotricose foram 100 por cento e de paracoccidioidomicose foram 84 por cento e 50 por cento nos grupos precoces/solução salina ou caldo Sabouraud e 64 por cento e 84 por cento nos grupos tardios/solução salina ou caldo Sabouraud, respectivamente (p=0,88). Baixas taxas de contaminação resultaram em especificidade diagnóstica de 82 por cento para doenças não fúngicas. CONCLUSÕES: Biópsias de pele podem ser transportadas em caldo Sabouraud ou solução salina por períodos de até sete dias, à temperatura ambiente, sem afetar a viabilidade dos fungos.

BACKGROUND: It is not clear how culture media used during transport and the interval between the biopsy procedure and final processing can affect the successful isolation of fungi. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of late inoculation of skin biopsies, transported in different sterile fluids, on the isolation rate of pathogenic fungi. METHODS: A total of 278 punch biopsy specimens were collected from 47 patients with suspected lesions of invasive mycoses. Each biopsy was transported in vials with Sabouraud medium with chloramphenicol or saline solution and finally inoculated on Sabouraud agar and 2 percent chloramphenicol after a 48-72-hour (early) or after 72-hour-7-day (late) interval, comprising four groups of study. RESULTS: The medians of isolation rate of the four sporotrichosis groups were 100 percent. For paracoccidioidomycosis, the medians ranged from 50 percent to 84 percent, with no statistically significant difference among the groups (p=0.88). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that skin biopsies can be transported in Sabouraud medium or saline solution within a 7-day interval from specimen collection up to final inoculation, at room temperature, maintaining viability and growth rate of fungus in culture.

In vitro effect of restorative, cementing and lining materials on Streptococcus mutans / Efeito in vitro de materiais restauradores, cimentantes e forradores sobre Streptococcus mutans

One of the principles of dental practice is the prevention of caries in the margins of restorations. Since Streptococcus mutans are the main cariogenic species, the antibacterial activity of dental materials is clinically relevant. The purpose of this paper was to verify the action of different dental materials on S. mutans by means of the agar diffusion test. Test specimens were made from eleven materials (Vidrion C™ , Vidrion F™ , Vidrion N™ , Vidrion R™ , Vitremer™ , Vitrebond™, Maxxion R™ , zinc phosphate cement, IRM™ , Panavia F™ , and the Filtek Z-250™ ) for microbiological testing both immediately (t0) and 24h(t1) after curing. Plates containing BHI agar were incubated at 35.5°C for 24h, and the halos of bacterial growth inhibition around the test specimens were measured and analyzed. At t0, the inhibition halos were induced by Vitremer™ , MaxxionR™ , IRM™ , Panavia F™ and Vitrebond™ .Vitrebond™ exhibited a statistically higher antibacterial activity than the others (p<0.001), and was the only material that kept its activity even after 24h subsequent to curing (t!). The glass-ionomer cement Vitrebond™ inhibits the bacterial growth and is potentially capable of decreasing the risk of secondary caries when used as a cavity liner; the other materials did not either inhibit of keep inhibiting the growth of S. mutans at 24h after curing.

Ocorrência de Salmonella sp em cortes de frango e suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos utilizados na terapia humana / Occurrence of Salmonella in chicken cuts and susceptibility to antimicrobials used in human therapy

O presente estudo teve por objetivo isolar e identificar Salmonella sp em cortes de frango e avaliar o perfil de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos mais utilizados na terapia humana. A metodologia empregada no isolamento das cepas de Salmonella sp e os testes de sensibilidade foram realizados conforme as metodologias oficiais. Foram identificadas cinco cepas de Salmonella sp de acordo com a identificação bioquímica e sorológica. Das cinco cepas de Salmonella sp isoladas, 33,33% destas apresentaram 100% de resistência aos antimicrobianos: tetraciclina, amicacina, cloranfenicol, sulfazotrim e cefoxicitina e 8,33% das bactérias apresentaram sensibilidade aos antibilógicos tobramicina e ampicilina. Conforme a RDC Anvisa 12/2001, 8% dos cortes de frango analisados apresentaram-se contaminados por Salmonella sp e, portanto, foram considerados impróprios para o consumo humano. Apesar do pequeno percentual de ocorrência de Salmonella sp, faz-se necessária à adoção de medidas higiênico-sanitárias mais criteriosas no abate e conservação, uma vez que, uma única ave contendo Salmonella sp é suficiente para contaminar outras durante o processamento.