Red and brown seaweeds extracts: A source of biologically active compounds.

The biological activities of Porphyra sp., Gracilaria gracilis, Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissima extracts prepared by enzymatic and ball milling-assisted methods and hot water were evaluated. Enzyme-assisted methods allowed the highest extraction yields. Alcalase-assisted extraction (EAA) was the most effective in the recovery of polyphenolic compounds and Porphyra sp. had the highest content. The efficiency of flavonoids extraction was highly dependent on the used method. Globally, Porphyra sp. and EAA extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant and chelating activities. The highest α-amylase inhibitory activity was determined in HW Porphyra sp. extract while EAA A. esculenta extract had the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The highest ACE inhibitory activity was obtained in EAA from S. latissima. None of the extracts showed antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria. The results showed that Porphyra sp. and S. latissima are potentially useful as ingredient in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

A selective emissive chromogenic and fluorogenic seleno-coumarin probe for Cu2+ detection in aprotic media.

A new selenium containing coumarin (compound 7) was designed and synthesized from the amide linkage between coumarin-519 (6) and 2-(butylselanyl)ethanamine (5). The molecular structure of 7 was accurately characterized, and its photophysical properties in acetonitrile, ethanol and chloroform solutions were studied by absorption, stationary and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopies. Changes in the solvent polarity affected the Stokes shift, quantum yields and lifetime of the excited states. The spectroscopic behavior of compound 7 was evaluated in the presence of different monovalent, divalent and trivalent metallic cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, Hg+, Ag+, Al3+, Fe3+, Ga3+ and Cr3+) in acetonitrile solution. Among the tested cations, 7 exhibited high selective interaction with Cu2+, which was evidenced by the not expected absorption hypsocromic shift (usually coumarin-519 gives red-shifted complexes) and intense chelation-enhanced fluorescence quenching (CHEQ). We performed spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric titrations of 7 upon addition of Cu2+. From these data, the minimal detectable and quantifiable amounts were calculated and found to be 0.2 and 0.4 µmol L-1 by absorption and 0.6 and 1.0 µmol L-1 by emission, respectively. The 7-Cu2+ compound presented the 1 : 1 stoichiometry and the stability constant values of absorption and emission were found to be log ß = 5.78 and log ß = 6.32 respectively. Taking into account the high selectivity of the 7-Cu2+ compound in organic solvent systems, and considering the role of copper in organic transformations, it can be regarded as a promising fluorescent sensor for studies concerning the determination of oxidation-dependent transient entities in organic reactions like those involving cuprates. Additionally, it can be used for the detection and quantification of this metal cation in vitro in aprotic biological systems.

Microbiome dynamic modulation through functional diets based on pre- and probiotics (mannan-oligosaccharides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

AIMS: This study used high-throughput sequencing to evaluate the intestinal microbiome dynamics in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed commercial diets supplemented with either pre- or probiotics (0·6% mannan-oligosaccharides and 0·5% Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively) or the mixture of both. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 57 fish whole intestinal mucosa and contents bacterial communities were characterized by high-throughput sequencing and analysis of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, as well as the relationship between plasma biochemical health indicators and microbiome diversity. This was performed at 7, 14 and 30 days after start feeding functional diets, and microbiome diversity increased when fish fed functional diets after 7 days and it was positively correlated with plasma cholesterol levels. Dominant phyla were, in descending order, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria. However, functional diets reduced the abundance of Gammaproteobacteria to favour abundances of organisms from Firmicutes and Fusobacteria, two phyla with members that confer beneficial effects. A dynamic shift of the microbiome composition was observed with changes after 7 days of feeding and the modulation by functional diets tend to cluster the corresponding groups apart from CTRL group. The core microbiome showed an overall stability with functional diets, except genus such as Escherichia-Shigella that suffered severe reductions on their abundances when feeding any of the functional diets. CONCLUSIONS: Functional diets based on pre- or probiotics dynamically modulate intestinal microbiota of juvenile trout engaging taxonomical abundance shifts that might impact fish physiological performance. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study shows for the first time the microbiome modulation dynamics by functional diets based on mannan-oligosaccharides and S. cerevisiae and their synergy using culture independent high-throughput sequencing technology, revealing the complexity behind the dietary modulation with functional feeds in aquatic organisms.

In vitro modulation of Drimys winteri bark extract and the active compound polygodial on Salmo salar immune genes after exposure to Saprolegnia parasitica.

The rapid development of the aquaculture industry has global concerns with health management and control strategies to prevent and/or treat diseases and increase sustainability standards. Saprolegniosis is a disease caused by Saprolegnia parasitica, and is characterized by promoting an immunosuppression in the host. This study evaluated in vitro the extract and one active compound (polygodial) of Drimys winteri, a Chilean medicinal tree as a potential early immunostimulatory aid in Saprolegniosis control. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) head kidney cells (ASK-1) were incubated with both extract and pure polygodial before exposure to S. parasitica mycelium, and the expression of the immune-related genes interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), interferon α (IFNα), and major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) was evaluated. Both evidenced immunomodulatory capacities by increasing gene expressions. This immunomodulation related to a mitigatory action counteracting the immunosuppressing effects of S. parasitica. Despite that most immune-related genes were up-regulated, the down-regulation of MHCII, characteristic of S. parasitica infection, was lessened by pre-incubation with the compounds. This study provides the first insight on the potential of D. winteri bark extract as a possible immunomodulatory and defensive strategy against this oomycete infection in fish.

Silica Coating of Nonsilicate Nanoparticles for Resin-Based Composite Materials.

This study was designed to develop and characterize a silica-coating method for crystalline nonsilicate ceramic nanoparticles (Al2O3, TiO2, and ZrO2). The hypothesis was that the coated nonsilicate nanoparticles would stably reinforce a polymeric matrix due to effective silanation. Silica coating was applied via a sol-gel method, with tetraethyl orthosilicate as a silica precursor, followed by heat treatment. The chemical and microstructural characteristics of the nanopowders were evaluated before and after silica coating through x-ray diffraction, BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Coated and noncoated nanoparticles were silanated before preparation of hybrid composites, which contained glass microparticles in addition to the nanoparticles. The composites were mechanically tested in 4-point bending mode after aging (10,000 thermal cycles). Results of all chemical and microstructural analyses confirmed the successful obtaining of silica-coated nanoparticles. Two distinct aspects were observed depending on the type of nanoparticle tested: 1) formation of a silica shell on the surface of the particles and 2) nanoparticle clusters embedded into a silica matrix. The aged hybrid composites formulated with the coated nanoparticles showed improved flexural strength (10% to 30% higher) and work of fracture (35% to 40% higher) as compared with composites formulated with noncoated nanoparticles. The tested hypothesis was confirmed: silanated silica-coated nonsilicate nanoparticles yielded stable reinforcement of dimethacrylate polymeric matrix due to effective silanation. The silica-coating method presented here is a versatile and promising novel strategy for the use of crystalline nonsilicate ceramics as a reinforcing phase of polymeric composite biomaterials.

Immunohistochemical subtypes predict the clinical outcome in high-risk node-negative breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant FEC regimen: results of a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with high-risk node-negative breast cancer (BC). In this setting, prognostic factors predicting for treatment failure might help selecting among the different available cytotoxic combinations. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2008, 757 consecutive patients with node-negative BC treated in our institution with adjuvant FEC (5FU, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy were identified. Data collection included demographic, clinico-pathological characteristics and treatment information. Molecular subtypes were derived from estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status and Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) grade. Disease-free survival (DFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier Method, and prognostic factors were examined by multivariate Cox analysis. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 70 months, the 5-year DFS, DDFS and OS were 90.6 % (95 % confidence interval (CI): 88.2-93.1), 92.8 % (95 % CI: 90.7-95) and 95.1 % (95 % CI, 93.3-96.9), respectively. In the multivariate analysis including classical clinico-pathological parameters, only grade 3 maintained a significant and independent adverse prognostic impact. In an alternative multivariate model where ER, PR and grade were replaced by molecular subtypes, only luminal B/HER2-negative and triple-negative subtypes were associated with reduced DFS and DDFS. CONCLUSIONS: Node-negative BC patients receiving adjuvant FEC regimen have a favorable outcome. Luminal B/HER2-negative and triple-negative subtypes identify patients with a higher risk of treatment failure, which might warrant more aggressive systemic treatment.

Tuberculosis screening in patients receiving biological therapy.

AIM: Biological therapies are a risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). Portuguese recommendations recommend universal baseline screening for TB before starting biologics (2006) and annually thereafter if screened negative (2012 update). The gain with re-screening remains unknown. We aimed to i)identify the risk of latent TB infection at baseline screening among patients candidates to initiate biologics ii)present follow-up results for patients receiving different biological therapies and analyse intolerance or toxicity related to preventive therapy, conversions of immunodiagnostic tests under biological therapy and development of active TB. METHODS: Patients screened for TB at a reference centre before starting biological therapy between 2008-2012 were identified. Medical files were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, screening and follow-up results and information on biological therapy were collected. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: unavailable information on initiation of biological therapy. RESULTS: 183 patients were included in the study, with 115 starting biological therapy. The baseline screening was positive in 52(45,2%) patients - 50(96,2%) were proposed for preventive treatment (2 had abnormal liver enzymes). Mild hepatotoxicity occurred in 4(8%) patients without need to interrupt TB prophylaxis. No cases of active TB occurred during follow-up in patients with positive baseline screening. Among the 63(54,8%) patients who screened negative, 2(3,2%) developed active TB (under infliximab and adalimumab) more than one year after initiation of biologics. 26(41,3%) patients were re-screened at the TB centre. 5(19,2%) had tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion and one concomitantly undetermined IGRA. No IGRA conversions were observed. The follow-up period was 4,0 years. TB baseline screening's negative predictive value (NPV) was 96,8% (95%CI: 89,0% to 99.5%). A low rate of re-screening was observed. CONCLUSION: The rate of latent TB at baseline screening was higher than expected. Preventive treatment was well tolerated. No patients with positive baseline screening developed active TB. Efforts should be made to raise awareness concerning the risk of TB exposure, specially considering that the active TB cases were compatible with new infection. The rate of re-screening suggests a low awareness regarding current recommendations Nation-wide studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of the re-screening strategy and to clarify what risk groups most benefit from it.

UNICANCER-PEGASE 07 study: a randomized phase III trial evaluating postoperative docetaxel-5FU regimen after neoadjuvant dose-intense chemotherapy for treatment of inflammatory breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive disease requiring a multimodal treatment. We evaluated the benefit of adding docetaxel-5-fluorouracil (D-5FU) regimen after preoperative dose-intense (DI) epirubicin-cyclophosphamide (EC) and locoregional treatment in IBC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PEGASE 07 was a national randomized phase III open-label study involving 14 hospitals in France. Women with nonmetastatic IBC were eligible and randomly assigned to receive either four cycles of DI EC (E 150 mg/m(2) and C 4000 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks with repeated hematopoietic stem cell support), then mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, and radiotherapy (arm A) or the same treatment followed by four cycles of D-5FU (D 85 mg/m(2), day 1 and 5FU 750 mg/m(2)/day continuous infusion, days 1-5 every 3 weeks) administered postradiotherapy (arm B). Patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors received hormonal therapy. Disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary end point. Secondary end points included tolerance, pathological complete response (pCR) rate, and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Between January 2001 and May 2005, 174 patients were enrolled and treated (87 in each arm). Median follow-up was similar in both arms: 59.6 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 58.4-60.3] in arm A and 60.5 months (95% CI 58.3-61.4) in arm B. The estimated 5-year DFS rates were not different: 55% (95% CI 43.9-64.7) in arm A and 55.5% (95% CI 44.3-65.3) in arm B [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.94 (0.61-1.48); P = 0.81]. Identical results were observed for 5-year OS: 70.2% (95% CI 59.1-78.8) in arm A and 70% (95% CI 58.8-78.7) in arm B [HR = 0.93 (0.55-1.60); P = 0.814]. Following DI EC induction, in-breast and global (breast plus nodes) pCR were 28.9% and 20.1%, respectively. Estrogen receptor and pCR status were independently associated with survival. CONCLUSION: The addition of D-5FU after preoperative DI EC and standard local therapy did not improve DFS in IBC. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02324088.

Atividade fungitóxica in vitro dos óleos essenciais de Lippia sidoides Cham., Cymbopogon citratus(D. C. ) Stapf. e de seus constituintes majoritários no controle de Rhizoctonia solani e Sclerotium rolfsii / Fungitoxicity in vitro of essential oils from Lippia sidoides Cham., Cymbopogon citratus (D. C. ) Stapf. and their major constituents in the control of Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial fungitóxicos dos óleos essenciais de Cymbopogon citratus, Lippia sidoides, e de seus constituintes majoritários, sobre o crescimento micelial dos fitopatógenos Rhizoctonia solani e Sclerotium rolfsii. A caracterização química do óleo de L. sidoides demonstrou a presença do carvacrol (33,27%) e o 1,8-cineol (24,41%) como seus componentes majoritários. Enquanto que o citral (77,6%) foi o constituinte majoritário do óleo essencial de C. citratus. A avaliação do potencial fungitóxico dos óleos essenciais e de seus constituintes majoritários foi realizada por meio de ensaios in vitro, avaliando a inibição do crescimento micelial dos microrganismos. Ambos os óleos essenciais inibiram totalmente o crescimento micelial de R. solani na concentração de 400 µg mL-1. O crescimento micelial de S. rolfsii foi inibido pelo óleo essencial de C. citratus na concentração de 300 µg mL-1 e pelo óleo essencial de L. sidoides na concentração de 400 µg mL-1. Em relação aos constituintes majoritários, o 1,8-cineol não apresentou efeito fungitóxico nas concentrações avaliadas. No entanto, o carvacrol e o citral foram mais efetivos que os óleos essenciais havendo ausência de crescimento micelial de R. solani e de S. rolfsii nas concentrações de 200 µg mL-1 e 225 µg mL-1, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the fungitoxic potentials of the essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus, Lippia sidoides, and of its major constituents, on the mycelial growth of phytopathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii. The chemical characterization of L. sidoides oil showed the presence of carvacrol (33.27%) and of 1,8-cineole (24.41%) as its major components, whereas citral (77.6%) was the major constituent of C. citratus essential oil. The evaluation of the fungitoxic potential of the essential oils and of its major constituents was performed through in vitro assays, the microorganisms mycelial growth inhibition. Both essential oils totally inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani at 400 µg mL-1. Regarding the major constituents, the 1,8-cineole did not show fungitoxic effect at the concentrations evaluated. However, the carvacrol and the citral were more effective than the essential oils and there was no mycelial growth of R. solani and of S. rolfsii at the concentrations of 200 µg mL-1 and 225 µg mL-1, respectively.

Avaliação de extratos de quebra- pedra (Phyllanthus sp) frente à patógenos causadores de infecções no trato urinário / Evaluation of Phyllanthus sp extracts in face of Pathogen Causers of Urinary Treat Infections

RESUMO O trato urinário normalmente é estéril, no entanto, pode ser contaminado por agentes etiológicos provenientes da microbiota intestinal, dentre os mais comuns pode-se destacar a Escherichia coli. Os microrganismos estão se tornando cada vez mais resistentes a múltiplos antimicrobianos. É notória, portanto, a necessidade de encontrar novas substâncias com propriedades antimicrobianas. Portanto, foram avaliados diferentes extratos de Phyllanthus sp, frente a microrganismos causadores de infecções no trato urinário e comparadas as técnicas de hole-plate e disco difusão. Para ambas as técnicas avaliadas, o extrato de 72 horas mostrou melhor atividade antimicrobiana, na técnica de disco difusão, a bactéria mais sensível foi o Staphylococcus saprophyticcus, que apresentou CMI (Concentração Mínima Inibitória) de 15,84 mg/mL. Com a utilização da técnica de hole-plate, a bactéria mais sensível observada foi Staphylococcus aureus, com valor de CMI igual ao reportado anteriormente. Foi observado que os extratos alcoólicos obtiveram maior eficiência em relação às infusões, que a técnica de hole-plate revelou ser mais eficiente que a técnica de disco difusão e que os cocos Gram positivos foram mais susceptíveis quando comparadas aos bacilos Gram negativos e fungos.

ABSTRACT Commonly, the urinary treat is sterile, but it can also be contaminated by etiological agents from the intestinal treat, of which the Escherichiacoli is the most common one. These microorganisms are increasingly becoming more resistant to multiple antibiotics. It became necessary to find new substances with antimicrobial properties, so the purpose of this paper is to evaluate different Phyllanthus sp extracts- in face of microorganisms which cause the urinary treat infections- and compare it to the hole-plate and disk diffusion techniques. The 72 hours extraction showed better antimicrobial activity in both methods. Using disk diffusion, the most sensitive bacterium was the Staphylococcus saprophyticcus, with the MIC of 15,84 mg/mL. While using the technique of hole-plate, the most sensitive bacterium was the Staphylococcus aureus, with the same MIC of the previous cited bacterium. This study showed that the alcoholic extracts were more efficient than the infusions. It can also be observed that the hole-plate technique seems to be more efficient than the disk diffusion one, and the Gram positive cocci bacteria were more sensitive than the Gram negative bacilli and fungi.

Evaluation of the biodegradability of petroleum in microcosm systems by using mangrove sediments from Camamu Bay, Bahia, Brazil.

We investigated the biodegradability of oil in mangrove sediment from Camamu Bay and measured its effect on the bacterial community. Microcosms of mangrove sediment were contaminated with 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5% (w/v) oil, and the microbial activity was compared to that in uncontaminated sediment. The evolution of CO2 and gas chromatography showed the mineralization of oil compounds, which could reach 100%. Bacterial diversity was determined by polymerase chain reaction using a set of primers for the V3 and V6-V8 regions of 16S rDNA. The band profile obtained by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of the amplicons that were obtained for the V3 region showed a negative correlation between band number and oil concentration, whereas that of the V6-V8 region showed a positive correlation between band numbers and oil concentration. The latter also gave similar results for microcosms that were contaminated with 2 and 5% oil. These results demonstrate the mangrove sediment's capacity to recover from oil contamination (in vitro) and suggest that native mangrove microorganisms contain enzymes necessary for the catabolism of oil.

A multifunctional bichromophoric nanoaggregate for fluorescence imaging and simultaneous photogeneration of RNOS and ROS.

We report the design, preparation, and properties of a nanoaggregate formed in phosphate buffer solution by a porphyrin-ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) conjugate and a nitric oxide photodonor tailored to fit the ß-CD cavity. The small nanoassembly with a diameter of about 13 nm exhibits the typical red fluorescence of the porphyrin chromophore. The empty cavity of the ß-CD unit in the nanoaggregate is able to accommodate the NO photodonor, thereby forming a supramolecular bichromophoric aggregate with diameter of about 16 nm. This nanoconstruct preserves the fluorescence of the porphyrin core and is able to generate nitric oxide and singlet oxygen under illumination with visible light. The nanoassembly internalizes in melanoma cells, can be mapped therein by fluorescence microscopy, and induces a significant level of cell mortality, probably due to the combined action of reactive nitrogen oxide species (RNOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Unusual 5f magnetism in the U2Fe3Ge ternary Laves phase: a single crystal study.

Magnetic properties of the intermetallic compound U(2)Fe(3)Ge were studied on a single crystal. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal Mg(2)Cu(3)Si structure, an ordered variant of the MgZn(2) Laves structure (C14). U(2)Fe(3)Ge displays ferromagnetic order below the Curie temperature T(C) = 55 K and presents an exception to the Hill rule, as the nearest inter-uranium distances do not exceed 3.2 Å. Magnetic moments lie in the basal plane of the hexagonal lattice, with the spontaneous magnetic moment M(s) = 1.0 µ(B)/f.u. at T = 2 K. No anisotropy within the basal plane is detected. In contrast to typical U-based intermetallics, U(2)Fe(3)Ge exhibits very low magnetic anisotropy, whose field does not exceed 10 T. The dominance of U in the magnetism of U(2)Fe(3)Ge is suggested by the (57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy study, which indicates very low or even zero Fe moments. Electronic structure calculations are in agreement with the observed easy-plane anisotropy but fail to explain the lack of an Fe contribution to the magnetism of U(2)Fe(3)Ge.

BAYPAN study: a double-blind phase III randomized trial comparing gemcitabine plus sorafenib and gemcitabine plus placebo in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sorafenib is an oral anticancer agent targeting Ras-dependent signaling and angiogenic pathways. A phase I trial demonstrated that the combination of gemcitabine and sorafenib was well tolerated and had activity in advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) patients. The BAYPAN study was a multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized phase III trial comparing gemcitabine/sorafenib and gemcitabine/placebo in the treatment of APC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patient eligibility criteria were locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, no prior therapy for advanced disease and a performance status of zero to two. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). The patients received gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) i.v., weekly seven times followed by 1 rest week, then weekly three times every 4 weeks plus sorafenib 200 mg or placebo, two tablets p.o., twice daily continuously. RESULTS: Between December 2006 and September 2009, 104 patients were enrolled on the study (52 pts in each arm) and 102 patients were treated. The median and the 6-month PFS were 5.7 months and 48% for gemcitabine/placebo and 3.8 months and 33% for gemcitabine/sorafenib (P = 0.902, stratified log-rank test), respectively. The median overall survivals were 9.2 and 8 months, respectively (P = 0.231, log-rank test). The overall response rates were similar (19 and 23%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The addition of sorafenib to gemcitabine does not improve PFS in APC patients.

Systemic arterial air embolism after percutaneous lung biopsy.

Systemic arterial air embolism is a rarely encountered but much feared complication of percutaneous lung biopsy. We present a comprehensive review of iatrogenic air embolism post-lung biopsy, a complication that is often suboptimally managed. This review was inspired by our own institutional experience and we use this to demonstrate that excellent outcomes from this complication can be seen with prompt treatment using hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, after initial patient stabilization has been achieved. Pathophysiology, clinical features, and risk factors are reviewed and misconceptions regards venous versus arterial air embolism are examined. An algorithm is provided for radiologists to ensure suspected patients are appropriately managed with more favourable outcomes.

Inibição e inativação in vitro de Salmonella spp. com extratos de plantas com indicativo etnográfico medicinal ou condimentar / In vitro inhibition and inactivation activity of Salmonella spp. by plant extracts with spicy or medicinal ethnographic indicative

Determinou-se in vitro a intensidade de atividade de inibição bacteriana e a intensidade de atividade de inativação bacteriana, por meio de testes de diluição e suspensão em sistema de tubos múltiplos, de diferentes extratos, aquosos ou alcoólicos/hidroalcoólicos, de 86 plantas com indicativo etnográfico medicinal ou condimentar acessadas na região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, frente a Salmonella spp., ou S. enteritidis ATCC nº 13076, ou S. cholera-suis ATCC nº10708, ou S. gallinarum CPVDF-SAA/RS/BR, em doses-desafio de <10(7)UFC.mL-1. Cinquenta plantas apresentaram alguma atividade seletiva antissalmonela, e 37 nenhuma atividade. Discute-se a validade da ferramenta etnográfica na prospecção de fatores de proteção antibacteriana em plantas, bem como a influência da inibição/inativação na preditividade do diagnóstico bacteriológico.

The in vitro intensity of bacterial inhibition activity of diverse extracts (aquous, alcoholic, or hydroalcoholic) from 86 plants with medicinal and spicy ethnographic indicative, from Porto Alegre City, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were determinated in Salmonella spp. (S. enteritidis ATCC n.13076, S. cholera-suis ATCC n. 10708, or S. gallinarum CPVDF-SAA/RS/BR) in challenge dose <10(7)CFU.mL-1. Extracts of fifty plants presented some anti-Salmonella selective activity, while the other 36 extracts presented no activity. It is discussed the validity of ethnographic search instruments in the prospection of anti-bacterial protection factors in plants, as well the influence of inhibition/inactivation results in the predictivity of bacteriological diagnostic.

Atividade anti-estafilócica em extratos de plantas com indicativo medicinal ou condimentar / Anti-staphylococci activity in extracts from plants presenting medicinal and spice indicative

O gênero Staphylococcus permanece em evidência no contexto das doenças transmissíveis considerando-se os portadores humanos e animais como a sua principal fonte de infecção. Por sua vez, a pesquisa de fatores de proteção antibacteriana em recursos naturais como plantas com indicativo medicinal ou condimentar vem sendo recomendado como prioridade pelas Conferências Mundiais de Saúde. A presente revisão descreve a triagem in vitro, através de testes de diluição em sistema de tubos múltiplos, de atividade anti-estafilococo de diferentes extratos de 80 plantas com indicativo etnográfico medicinal, condimentar ou aromático, acessadas na região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, RS. Demonstrou-se atividade seletiva em 39 espécies, enquanto as demais 41 não apresentaram atividade.

The genus Staphylococcus remains in evidence regarding transmissible diseases since human and animal carriers are its main infection source. Studies on antibacterial protection factors in natural resources, such as plants presenting medicinal or spice indicative, have been recommended by World Health Conferences as a priority. Dilution tests in multiple tube system were used in this review to describe the in vitro sorting of anti-staphylococci activity of different extracts from 80 plants presenting medicinal, spice or aromatic ethnographic indicatives at the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Selective activity was observed for 39 species, whereas the remaining 41 species did not show activity.

Evaluation of composts and liming materials in the phytostabilization of a mine soil using perennial ryegrass.

A microcosm experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) or garden waste compost (GWC), and liming materials in the rehabilitation of a soil affected by mining activities, and to study the use of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) for phystostabilization. The performance of the amendments was assessed by soil chemical parameters, total and bioavailable metals (Cu, Pb and Zn), soil enzymatic activities, and plant relative growth and mineral composition. In general, both composts corrected soil acidity and increased the total organic matter content of the soil, although with a better performance in the case of MSWC, especially when considering total N and available P and K levels in the amended soil. The application of both composts and liming materials led to a decrease in the mobile fractions of Cu, Pb and Zn, but mobilisable fractions of Cu and Zn increased with MSWC application. Plant biomass increased more than three times in the presence of 50 Mg MSWC ha(-1) and with the combined use of 25 or 50 Mg MSWC ha(-1) and CaO, but no significant differences were observed when GWC was applied. Plant tissue analysis showed that the treatments did not significantly reduce Cu, Pb and Zn uptake by the plant. Dehydrogenase, and the enzymes related to the N-cycle, urease and protease, had increased activities with increasing MSWC application rate. Conversely, the enzymatic activities of both enzymes related to the C-cycle, cellulase and beta-glucosidase, were only positively affected by GWC application, a compost obtained from raw materials rich in C. Principal component analyses evidenced this clear separation between the effect of MSWC on soil enzymes related to the N-cycle and of GWC on soil enzymes related to the C-cycle. This study indicates that MSWC (50 Mg ha(-1), limed or unlimed) can be used successfully in the remediation of a highly acidic metal-contaminated soil, allowing the establishment of perennial ryegrass.

High prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase-mediated resistance challenging antimicrobial therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Brazilian teaching hospital.

The prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production among Pseudomonas aeruginosa nosocomial isolates from a Brazilian teaching hospital was determined. A total of 512 P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered from 245 patients during a 10-month period. Ninety-four (38.4%, 95% CI 32.2-44.8%) isolates were MBL producers. Most resistance to beta-lactams was mediated by MBL. Forty-one (16.7%) were resistant to all drugs except polymyxin B and 33 (80.5%) of these were MBL producers. Clonal dissemination, documented by DNA macrorestriction, played a major role for the spread of MBL isolates. The blaSPM-1 gene was demonstrated by PCR in 14 randomly selected MBL isolates. The extremely high prevalence of MBL production found challenges the choice of therapeutics for P. aeruginosa, and measures to control horizontal dissemination of MBL producers are urgently required.

Estudio comparativo del manejo de las escalas de valoración del desarrollo psicomotor del niño, utilizadas por fisioterapeutas de la región de Lisboa y Vale do Tejo (Portugal) y fisioterapeutas extremeños / Comparative study of the management of psychomotor development assessment scales of the child, used by hysiotherapists in the Lisbon and Vale do Tejo (Portugal) region and by inhabitants of Extremadura

El objetivo principal de nuestro estudio es identificar cuáles son las formas y los modelos de exploración (escalas validadas o no validadas) más usados por los fisioterapeutas de la muestra, que trabajan o que han trabajado a lo largo de su carrera profesional, con niños con edades comprendidas entre 0-5 años con alteraciones del desarrollo psicomotor y realizar una comparación de ambas submuestras. El tipo de estudios es descriptivo transversal y se realizó durante los meses de mayo a noviembre del año 2002. La muestra del estudio está compuesta a su vez por dos submuestras: 36 fisioterapeutas de la Región de Lisboa y Vale do Tejo (Portugal) y la otra por 23 fisioterapeutas de Extremadura (Cáceres y Badajoz) que tienen por actividad diaria el tratamiento de niños con alteraciones del desarrollo psicomotor, con edades comprendidas entre 0-5 años. El instrumento utilizado para la recogida de datos fue mediante un cuestionario, compuesto por preguntas cerradas, abiertas y de respuesta múltiple, usando para esta última una escala Likert. El 87 % de los fisioterapeutas de la submuestra extremeña conoce la escala de Bobath, un 78 % la Valoración Clínica Factorial de M. Le Métayer y un 83 % la valoración según Vojta. La utilización de estas escalas es de un 22 % Bobath, 26 % M. Le Métayer y 2 % Vojta. Por otro lado, el 92 % de los fisioterapeutas de la submuestra portuguesa conoce la escala de Bobath y la usan siempre como protocolo de valoración en un 50 %, siendo las escalas de M. Le Métayer y Vojta prácticamente desconocidas. En cuanto a las escalas con validez internacional, la más conocida pero nada utilizada entre los fisioterapeutas ambas submuestras es The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) siendo otras escalas, como Posture and Fine Motor Assessment of Infants (PFMAI) y Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), grandes desconocidas para los fisioterapeutas que conforman el las muestra del estudio

The primary objective of our study is to identify as they are the forms and the models of exploration (validated or not validated scales) more used by physiotherapists of our sample that works or that they have worked throughout their professional race, with children with ages between 0-5 years with alterations of the psicomotor development and thus to make a comparison of both samples.The study is of cross-sectional descriptive type and it was made during the months of May to November of year 2002. The sample that conform the study is compound of two subsamples: 36 physiotherapists of the Region of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo (Portugal) and the other by 23 physiotherapists of Extremadura (Cáceres and Badajoz) that they have by daily activity the treatment of children with alterations of the psicomotor development, with ages between 0-5 years. The instrument used for the collection of data was a questionnaire, made up of closed, opened questions and of multiple answer, using for a this last Likert scale. The 87 % of physiotherapists of Extremadura know the scale Bobath, a 78 % the Factorial Clinical Valuation of M. Le Métayer and % the valuation according to Vojta. The use of these scales is a 22 % Bobath, 26 % M. Le Métayer and 2 % Vojta. On the other hand, 92 % of physiotherapists of the Portuguese sample know the scale Bobath always and use this like valuation protocol a 50 %, being the scales of M. Le Métayer and Vojta practically strangers.The most well-known scales validated internationally but nothig used in Spain and Portugal is Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) being other scales like PFMAI (Posture Scale and Motor Fine Assessment of Infants) and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) great strangers for physiotherapists who conform the sample of the study