Outdoor airborne allergens: Characterization, behavior and monitoring in Europe.

Aeroallergens or inhalant allergens, are proteins dispersed through the air and have the potential to induce allergic conditions such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Outdoor aeroallergens are found predominantly in pollen grains and fungal spores, which are allergen carriers. Aeroallergens from pollen and fungi have seasonal emission patterns that correlate with plant pollination and fungal sporulation and are strongly associated with atmospheric weather conditions. They are released when allergen carriers come in contact with the respiratory system, e.g. the nasal mucosa. In addition, due to the rupture of allergen carriers, airborne allergen molecules may be released directly into the air in the form of micronic and submicronic particles (cytoplasmic debris, cell wall fragments, droplets etc.) or adhered onto other airborne particulate matter. Therefore, aeroallergen detection strategies must consider, in addition to the allergen carriers, the allergen molecules themselves. This review article aims to present the current knowledge on inhalant allergens in the outdoor environment, their structure, localization, and factors affecting their production, transformation, release or degradation. In addition, methods for collecting and quantifying aeroallergens are listed and thoroughly discussed. Finally, the knowledge gaps, challenges and implications associated with aeroallergen analysis are described.

Vitamin D and musculoskeletal health: outstanding aspects to be considered in the light of current evidence.

Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption and bone mineralisation, promotes maintenance of muscle function, and is crucial for musculoskeletal health. Low vitamin D status triggers secondary hyperparathyroidism, increases bone loss, and leads to muscle weakness. The primary physiologic function of vitamin D and its metabolites is maintaining calcium homeostasis for metabolic functioning, signal transduction, and neuromuscular activity. A considerable amount of human evidence supports the well-recognised contribution of adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations for bone homeostasis maintenance and prevention and treatment strategies for osteoporosis when combined with adequate calcium intake. This paper aimed to review the literature published, mainly in the last 20 years, on the effect of vitamin D and its supplementation for musculoskeletal health in order to identify the aspects that remain unclear or controversial and therefore require further investigation and debate. There is a clear need for consistent data to establish realistic and meaningful recommendations of vitamin D status that consider different population groups and locations. Moreover, there is still a lack of consensus on thresholds for vitamin D deficiency and optimal status as well as toxicity, optimal intake of vitamin D, vitamin D supplement alone as a strategy to prevent fractures and falls, recommended sun exposure at different latitudes and for different skin pigmentations, and the extra skeletal effects of vitamin D.

Correction: Martins et al. Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review. Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15, 210.

The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...].

Differential Quercus spp. pollen-particulate matter interaction is dependent on geographical areas.

Particulate matter (PM) and pollen interaction, either airborne or at the respiratory mucosa needs further clarification, as allergic reaction intensification can be related to the PM physical characteristics and toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the physical-chemical properties of PM that can adhere to the pollen wall during its transport or inhalation, using Quercus spp. as a model, in three Portuguese cities with different geographical locations, meteorological influence and urbanization levels. Possible sources were evaluated through air masses trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model and correlation with meteorological factors. The sampling was performed using a 7-days Hirst-type volumetric sampler, and the pollen grains were observed using a Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyser for PM analysis. A secondary electron image of each pollen grain was taken, to determine the adhered particles characteristics and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectra were obtained for individual particles. A total of 484 pollen grains was observed, with 7683 particles counted and 1914 EDS spectra analyzed. The particle's equivalent diameter ranged from 0.3-16 µm, with most having a diameter < 3 µm. For the three cities, there were significant differences in the number of particles per pollen and the % area occupied by the particles. Particles adhered were mainly Si-rich, but variations in other dominant groups were observed. For Évora and Guarda, Ca-rich, SO-rich were second and third more representative, while Porto were Organic and Cl-rich. Metals&Oxides were found in all cities with the highest number in Porto. P-rich particles were only found in Évora. Sea salt particles were observed in Évora, coincide with air mass trajectories possible carrying them from the Mediterranean Sea. In conclusion, the PM physical characteristics are similar between the studied cities, however, the dominant chemical composition is different, certainly impacting the exposome influence and pollen-allergy intensification towards the same pollen type and concentration.

Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review.

The use of natural products in dermatology is increasingly being pursued due to sustainability and ecological issues, and as a possible way to improve the therapeutic outcome of chronic skin diseases, relieving the burden for both patients and healthcare systems. The legalization of cannabis by a growing number of countries has opened the way for researching the use of cannabinoids in therapeutic topical formulations. Cannabinoids are a diverse class of pharmacologically active compounds produced by Cannabis sativa (phytocannabinoids) and similar molecules (endocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids). Humans possess an endocannabinoid system involved in the regulation of several physiological processes, which includes naturally-produced endocannabinoids, and proteins involved in their transport, synthesis and degradation. The modulation of the endocannabinoid system is a promising therapeutic target for multiple diseases, including vascular, mental and neurodegenerative disorders. However, due to the complex nature of this system and its crosstalk with other biological systems, the development of novel target drugs is an ongoing challenging task. The discovery of a skin endocannabinoid system and its role in maintaining skin homeostasis, alongside the anti-inflammatory actions of cannabinoids, has raised interest in their use for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases, which is the focus of this review. Oral treatments are only effective at high doses, having considerable adverse effects; thus, research into plant-based or synthetic cannabinoids that can be incorporated into high-quality, safe topical products for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions is timely. Previous studies revealed that such products are usually well tolerated and showed promising results for example in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. However, further controlled human clinical trials are needed to fully unravel the potential of these compounds, and the possible side effects associated with their topical use.

Global Perspective of the Vitamin D Status of African-Caribbean Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency remains a global public health issue, particularly in minority ethnic groups. This review investigates the vitamin D status (as measured by 25(OH)D and dietary intake) of the African-Caribbean population globally. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by searching key databases (PUBMED, Web of Science, Scopus) from inception until October 2019. Search terms included 'Vitamin D status' and 'African-Caribbean'. A random effects and fixed effects meta-analysis was performed by combining means and standard error of the mean. RESULT: The search yielded 19 papers that included n = 5670 African-Caribbean participants from six countries. A meta-analysis found this population to have sufficient (>50 nmol/L) 25(OH)D levels at 67.8 nmol/L, 95% CI (57.9, 7.6) but poor dietary intake of vitamin D at only 3.0 µg/day, 95% CI (1.67,4.31). For those living at low latitudes 'insufficient' (as defined by study authors) 25(OH)D levels were found only in participants with type 2 diabetes and in those undergoing haemodialysis. Suboptimal dietary vitamin D intake (according to the UK recommended nutrient intake of 10 µg/day) was reported in all studies at high latitudes. Studies at lower latitudes, with lower recommended dietary intakes (Caribbean recommended dietary intake: 2.5 µg/day) found 'sufficient' intake in two out of three studies. CONCLUSIONS: 25(OH)D sufficiency was found in African-Caribbean populations at lower latitudes. However, at higher latitudes, 25(OH)D deficiency and low dietary vitamin D intake was prevalent.

Current and Future Therapies for Psoriasis with a Focus on Serotonergic Drugs.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease, with a pathogenesis resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is driven by the interaction between innate and adaptive immune cells and keratinocytes, in a complex process mediated by cytokines and other signaling molecules. This leads to an inflammatory process with increased proliferation of epidermal cells, neo-angiogenesis, and infiltration of white cells in the skin, which cause the characteristic psoriasis plaques. Several studies have suggested that the neurotransmitter serotonin, a key mediator between the skin and the neuroendocrine system, also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Psoriasis often needs long-term treatment, which can be a burden. Thus, the choice of the treatment is crucial to increase the patients' adherence and quality of life. This review addresses the currently available systemic and topical treatments for psoriasis, used by themselves or combined with phototherapy. It particularly focuses on the importance of advanced drug delivery systems as a way to increase the drug penetration and retention in the skin, while also enhancing its solubility and stability. Finally, we discuss the role of the serotonin system in psoriasis, and summarize what is known about the effects of antidepressants, in particular specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors, on the physical symptoms of this disease.

Flavonoid-Enriched Plant-Extract-Loaded Emulsion: A Novel Phytocosmetic Sunscreen Formulation with Antioxidant Properties.

The aim of this study was to develop a phytocosmetic sunscreen emulsion with antioxidant effect, containing a blend of flavonoid-enriched plant extracts. In vitro sun protection factor, antioxidant activity, skin irritation, photostability, cutaneous permeation, and retention of flavonoids were evaluated. Thermodynamically stable emulsions were obtained and tested for sensorial analysis after loading the blend of extracts. The selected emulsion was stable when stored at low temperatures (5 C), for which after 120 days the concentration of quercetin and rutin were above their limit of quantification, i.e., 2.8 ± 0.39 µg/mL and 30.39 ± 0.39 µg/mL, respectively. Spreadability, low rupture strength and adhesiveness were shown to be similar to a conventional topical product. Higher brittleness, pseudo-plastic, and viscoelastic behaviors were also recorded for the developed phytocosmetic sunscreen. The product presented a critical wavelength of 387.0 nm and ultraviolet rays A and B (UVA/UVB) rate of 0.78, confirming that the developed formulation shows capacity for UVA/UVB protection, protecting skin against damages caused by Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Rutin was shown to permeate the skin barrier and was also quantified in the stratum corneum (3.27 ± 1.92 µg/mL) by tape stripping and retention test (114.68 ± 8.70 µg/mL). The developed flavonoid-enriched phytocosmetic was shown to be non-irritant to skin by an in vitro assay. Our results confirm the antioxidant activity, sun protection, and physical properties of the developed phytocosmetic for topical application.

Near-ground effect of height on pollen exposure.

The effect of height on pollen concentration is not well documented and little is known about the near-ground vertical profile of airborne pollen. This is important as most measuring stations are on roofs, but patient exposure is at ground level. Our study used a big data approach to estimate the near-ground vertical profile of pollen concentrations based on a global study of paired stations located at different heights. We analyzed paired sampling stations located at different heights between 1.5 and 50 m above ground level (AGL). This provided pollen data from 59 Hirst-type volumetric traps from 25 different areas, mainly in Europe, but also covering North America and Australia, resulting in about 2,000,000 daily pollen concentrations analyzed. The daily ratio of the amounts of pollen from different heights per location was used, and the values of the lower station were divided by the higher station. The lower station of paired traps recorded more pollen than the higher trap. However, while the effect of height on pollen concentration was clear, it was also limited (average ratio 1.3, range 0.7-2.2). The standard deviation of the pollen ratio was highly variable when the lower station was located close to the ground level (below 10 m AGL). We show that pollen concentrations measured at >10 m are representative for background near-ground levels.

In vitro SPF and Photostability Assays of Emulsion Containing Nanoparticles with Vegetable Extracts Rich in Flavonoids.

The aim of study was to determine the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) and the photostability profile of a topical formulation composed of nanoparticles loaded with vegetable extracts and to assess its physicochemical properties. Chitosan/tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles loaded with flavonoids-enriched vegetable extracts (Ginkgo biloba L., Dimorphandra mollis Benth, Ruta graveolens, and Vitis vinifera L.) were produced and characterized for their morphology, mean particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. A final topical formulation was obtained by dispersing chitosan/TPP nanoparticles in an o/w emulsion. Results showed that nanoparticles dispersion exhibited yellowish color, spherical shape, and uniform appearance. Extract-loaded chitosan/TPP nanoparticles showed a mean particle size of 557.11 ± 3.1 nm, polydispersity index of 0.39 ± 0.27, zeta potential of + 11.54 ± 2.1 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 75.89% of rutin. The recorded texture parameters confirm that the developed formulation is appropriate for skin application. The SPF obtained was 2.3 ± 0.4, with a critical wavelength of 387.0 nm and 0.69 UVA/UVB ratio. The developed formulation exhibited photostability, allowing the release of flavonoids from nanoparticles while retaining rutin into the skin in a higher extension.

Effect of O3 and NO2 atmospheric pollutants on Platanus x acerifolia pollen: Immunochemical and spectroscopic analysis.

In the present study, the effects of two important oxidizing atmospheric pollutants (O3 and NO2) on the allergenic properties and chemical composition of Platanus x acerifolia pollen were studied. Pollen samples were subjected to O3 and/or NO2 under in vitro conditions for 6h at atmospheric concentration levels (O3: 0.061ppm; NO2: 0.025ppm and the mixture of O3 and NO2: 0.060 and 0.031ppm respectively). Immunoblotting (using Pla a 1 and Pla a 2 antibodies), infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques were used. Immunochemical analysis showed that pollen allergenicity changes were different according to the pollutant tested (gas or mixture of gasses) and that the same pollutant gas may interact in a different manner with each specific allergen. The spectroscopy results showed modifications in the FTIR spectral features of bands assigned to proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides of the pollen exposed to the pollutants, as well as in the XPS spectra high-resolution components C 1s, N 1s, and O 1s. This indicates that while airborne, the pollen wall suffers further modifications of its components induced by air pollution, which can compromise the pollen function.

Guava: phytochemical composition of a potential source of antioxidants for cosmetic and/or dermatological applications

ABSTRACT Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a native fruit of the American tropics with commercial applications for its taste, flavor and aroma. Numerous pharmacological uses have been described for it, such as the antiseptic effect of its leaves, the use of the fresh fruit and tea from its leaves for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes mellitus, and others. However, considering its rich composition, the guava also is a potential source of antioxidants to be used in the development of new formulations for cosmetic and/or dermatological applications, the main focus of this research. Herein, we describe the study of the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant activity of a guava extract prepared with non-toxic solvents aiming its use at biological applications. High performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were employed to identify the major components, while thermoanalytical measurements and hot stage microscopy were used to assess the chemical stability of guava fruit extract. The antioxidant activity was also evaluated assessing the SOD-like activity and ABTS free radical scavenger. The results show that the extract is a rich source of phenolic compounds, such as quercetin, kaempferol, schottenol, among many others. All of the components found in guava extract exhibit biological effects according to the literature data, mainly antioxidant properties.

Characterisation of particulate matter on airborne pollen grains.

A characterization of the physical-chemical composition of the atmospheric PM adsorbed to airborne pollen was performed. Airborne pollen was sampled using a Hirst-type volumetric spore sampler and observed using a Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalyser for PM analysis. A secondary electron image was taken of each pollen grain and EDS spectra were obtained for individually adsorbed particles. All images were analysed and the size parameters of the particles adsorbed to pollen was determined. The measured particles' equivalent diameter varied between 0.1 and 25.8 µm, mostly in the fine fraction. The dominant particulates identified were Si-rich, Organic-rich, SO-rich, Metals & Oxides and Cl-rich. Significant daily differences were observed in the physical-chemical characteristics of particles adsorbed to the airborne pollen wall. These differences were correlated with weather parameters and atmospheric PM concentration. Airborne pollen has the ability to adsorb fine particles that may enhance its allergenicity.

Global mass spectrometry and transcriptomics array based drug profiling provides novel insight into glucosamine induced endoplasmic reticulum stress.

We investigated the molecular effects of glucosamine supplements, a popular and safe alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for decreasing pain, inflammation, and maintaining healthy joints. Numerous studies have reported an array of molecular effects after glucosamine treatment. We questioned whether the differences in the effects observed in previous studies were associated with the focus on a specific subproteome or with the use of specific cell lines or tissues. To address this question, global mass spectrometry- and transcription array-based glucosamine drug profiling was performed on malignant cell lines from different stages of lymphocyte development. We combined global label-free MS-based protein quantitation with an open search for modifications to obtain the best possible proteome coverage. Our data were largely consistent with previous studies in a variety of cellular models. We mainly observed glucosamine induced O-GlcNAcylation/O-GalNAcylation (O-HexNAcylation); however, we also observed global and local changes in acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation. For example, our data provides two additional examples of "yin-yang" between phosphorylation and O-HexNAcylation. Furthermore, we mapped novel O-HexNAc sites on GLU2B and calnexin. GLU2B and calnexin are known to be located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and involved in protein folding and quality control. The O-HexNAc sites were regulated by glucosamine treatment and correlated with the up-regulation of the ER stress marker GRP78. The occupancy of O-HexNAc on GLU2B and calnexin sites differed between the cytosolic and nuclear fractions with a higher occupancy in the cytosolic fraction. Based on our data we propose the hypothesis that O-HexNAc either inactivates calnexin and/or targets it to the cytosolic fraction. Further, we hypothesize that O-HexNAcylation induced by glucosamine treatment enhances protein trafficking.

Qualidade de vida do idoso institucionalizado: realidade vivida na rede nacional de cuidados continuados integrados do Algarve / Quality of life of institutionalized elderly: reality experienced in the national network of integrated continuous care from Algarve

A Qualidade de Vida do idoso institucionalizado é uma temática cada vez mais debatida na sociedade contemporânea. Se por um lado se constata um acréscimo no recurso às instituições por parte dos idosos, por outro surge a necessidade de avaliar sua Qualidade de Vida. Na presente investigação, os objetivos do estudo passam por caracterizar os idosos institucionalizados e identificar as necessidades dos mesmos quanto à condição de idoso na instituição, fundamentando-nos na sua percepção de Qualidade de Vida. Neste projeto participaram 105 idosos internados nas unidades da Rede de Cuidados Continuados Integrados do Algarve. No estudo descritivo, de caráter transversal e de metodologia quantitativa, os dados foram obtidos através da aplicação de dois questionários: sociodemográfico e de caracterização da instituição; e através da aplicação da escala de Qualidade de Vida WHOQOL-BREF. No estudo original, as variáveis foram agrupadas em três categorias: Idoso, Instituição e Idoso na Instituição. Neste artigo apresentamos apenas os resultados referentes à categoria de Idoso na Instituição. Os resultados obtidos revelam diferenças estatisticamente significativas no que se refere à condição física do idoso, presença de suporte social, qualidade das visitas, participação do suporte social nos cuidados, possibilidade de obter períodos temporários de ausência da instituição e grau de autonomia. A condição física do idoso e o grau de autonomia demonstraram ser aspectos fundamentais na boa percepção de Qualidade de Vida do idoso. De igual modo, o suporte social/familiar é um fator importante para o idoso institucionalizado e deve ser preservado, rumo à adequada reintegração social e familiar. (AU)

The quality of life of the institutionalized elderly is an increasingly debated topic in contemporary society. If, on one hand, it turns out an increase in the use of institutions by the elderly, on the other emerges the need to assess the quality of life of this population. In this research study, the objectives are to characterize the institutionalized elderly and identify their needs face to the condition of elderly at the institution, basing ourselves in their perception of quality of life. This project involved 105 elderly patients hospitalized in units of the Integrated Continuous Care Network from Algarve. In the descriptive study, of transversal character and quantitative methodology, the data harvest was done through two questionnaires: sociodemographic and of the institution’s characterization; and also by the application of the Quality of Life scale WHOQOL-BREF. In the original study, the variables were grouped into three categories: Elderly, Institution and Elderly at the Institution. In this paper we present only the results for the category Elderly at the Institution. The results show statistically significant differences regarding to the physical condition of the elderly, presence of social support, quality of visits, participation of social support in the care, ability to obtain temporary periods of absence from the institution and degree of autonomy. The physical condition of the elderly and the degree of autonomy proved to be key issues in the perception of good quality of life for the elderly. Similarly, social/familial support is an important factor for the institutionalized elderly and should be preserved, towards proper social and family reintegration. (AU)

Qualidade de vida do idoso institucionalizado: realidade vivida na rede nacional de cuidados continuados integrados do Algarve / Quality of life of institutionalized elderly: reality experienced in the national network of integrated continuous care from Algarve

A Qualidade de Vida do idoso institucionalizado é uma temática cada vez mais debatida na sociedade contemporânea. Se por um lado se constata um acréscimo no recurso às instituições por parte dos idosos, por outro surge a necessidade de avaliar sua Qualidade de Vida. Na presente investigação, os objetivos do estudo passam por caracterizar os idosos institucionalizados e identificar as necessidades dos mesmos quanto à condição de idoso na instituição, fundamentando-nos na sua percepção de Qualidade de Vida. Neste projeto participaram 105 idosos internados nas unidades da Rede de Cuidados Continuados Integrados do Algarve. No estudo descritivo, de caráter transversal e de metodologia quantitativa, os dados foram obtidos através da aplicação de dois questionários: sociodemográfico e de caracterização da instituição; e através da aplicação da escala de Qualidade de Vida WHOQOL-BREF. No estudo original, as variáveis foram agrupadas em três categorias: Idoso, Instituição e Idoso na Instituição. Neste artigo apresentamos apenas os resultados referentes à categoria de Idoso na Instituição. Os resultados obtidos revelam diferenças estatisticamente significativas no que se refere à condição física do idoso, presença de suporte social, qualidade das visitas, participação do suporte social nos cuidados, possibilidade de obter períodos temporários de ausência da instituição e grau de autonomia. A condição física do idoso e o grau de autonomia demonstraram ser aspectos fundamentais na boa percepção de Qualidade de Vida do idoso. De igual modo, o suporte social/familiar é um fator importante para o idoso institucionalizado e deve ser preservado, rumo à adequada reintegração social e familiar.

The quality of life of the institutionalized elderly is an increasingly debated topic in contemporary society. If, on one hand, it turns out an increase in the use of institutions by the elderly, on the other emerges the need to assess the quality of life of this population. In this research study, the objectives are to characterize the institutionalized elderly and identify their needs face to the condition of elderly at the institution, basing ourselves in their perception of quality of life. This project involved 105 elderly patients hospitalized in units of the Integrated Continuous Care Network from Algarve. In the descriptive study, of transversal character and quantitative methodology, the data harvest was done through two questionnaires: sociodemographic and of the institution’s characterization; and also by the application of the Quality of Life scale WHOQOL-BREF. In the original study, the variables were grouped into three categories: Elderly, Institution and Elderly at the Institution. In this paper we present only the results for the category Elderly at the Institution. The results show statistically significant differences regarding to the physical condition of the elderly, presence of social support, quality of visits, participation of social support in the care, ability to obtain temporary periods of absence from the institution and degree of autonomy. The physical condition of the elderly and the degree of autonomy proved to be key issues in the perception of good quality of life for the elderly. Similarly, social/familial support is an important factor for the institutionalized elderly and should be preserved, towards proper social and family reintegration.

Changes in the IgE-reacting protein profiles of Acer negundo, Platanus x acerifolia and Quercus robur pollen in response to ozone treatment.

This study aims to investigate the effects of O3 in protein content and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding profiles of Acer negundo, Platanus x acerifolia and Quercus robur pollen. Pollen was exposed to O3 in an environmental chamber, at half, equal and four times the limit value for the human health protection in Europe. Pollen total soluble protein was determined with Coomassie Protein Assay Reagent, and the antigenic and allergenic properties were investigated by SDS-PAGE and immunological techniques using patients' sera. O3 exposure affected total soluble protein content and some protein species within the SDS-PAGE protein profiles. Most of the sera revealed increased IgE reactivity to proteins of A. negundo and Q. robur pollen exposed to the pollutant compared with the non-exposed one, while the opposite was observed in P. x acerifolia pollen. So, the modifications seem to be species dependent, but do not necessarily imply that increase allergenicity would occur in atopic individuals.

Organic matter characterization of sediments in two river beaches from northern Portugal for forensic application.

In a forensic investigation, the analysis of earth materials such as sediments and soils have been used as evidence at a court of law, relying on the study of properties such as color, particle size distribution and mineral identification, among others. In addition, the analysis of the organic composition of sediments and soils is of particular value, since these can be used as complementary independent evidence to the inorganic component. To investigate the usefulness of organic indicators in sediment characterization and discrimination, seventy-seven samples were collected during a period of one year in two river beaches located at the southern bank of the Douro River estuary in the North of Portugal. Isotopes of total carbon, pollen and plant wax-marker analyses were performed. In both beaches, an increase of the organic matter concentrations was noticeable, moving landward, related with the higher cover of associated plant material. The results obtained showed that the combination of all the techniques adopted showed a clear discrimination between samples from the two beaches, and also showed a differentiation of samples in relation to distance from the river in both beaches. The results also show that seasonality in these beaches was not a determining factor for discrimination, at the times considered. In addition, the effects of time was not marked.

Atividade biológica de extratos acetato de etila, etanólico e aquoso de timbó (Lonchocarpus floribundus) sobre carrapato bovino / Biological activity of ethylic acetate, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of timbo (Lonchocarpus floribundus) on cattle tick

Ethylic acetate, ethanolic and aqueous roots extracts of Lonchocarpus floribundus were used to evaluate their biological activity on cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Adult ticks were collected in artificially infested cattle, separated into groups of ten individuals, weighed and immersed separately in the extracts of L. Floribundus roots at concentrations of 5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg mL-1. For biological evaluation 14-21-day-old larvae were used, which were immersed in the extracts at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg mL-1. After treatment, each group was placed in a Petri dish and maintained at 27 ± 1 ºC and 80 ± 5% relative humidity. The extracts evaluated were not effective to induce mortality of over 50%-engorged female. The ethylic acetate and ethanolic extracts induced 100% mortality of larvae. The ethanolic extract was more toxic (median lethal concentration, LC50, of 2.1 mg mL-1) than the ethylic acetate extract (LC50 = 4.1 mg mL-1). For the ethanolic extract it was estimated a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.0 mg mL-1 and it was more toxic than the other extracts on this parameter. Among the three extracts evaluated, the ethylic acetate and ethanolic extracts showed the highest potential for the control of reproduction of R. (B.) microplus, reaching 100% at concentration of 5 mg mL-1. The L. Floribundus root extracts showed biological activity on cattle tick.

Os extratos acetato de etila, etanólico e aquoso de raízes de Lonchocarpus floribundus foram utilizados, a fim de avaliar a atividade biológica sobre carrapato bovino. Carrapatos adultos foram coletados em bovinos infestados artificialmente, separados em grupos de dez indivíduos, pesados e imersos, separadamente, nos extratos de raízes de L. Floribundus, nas concentrações de 5, 25, 50, 75 e 100 mg mL-1. Para a avaliação em larvas, foram utilizados indivíduos de 14 a 21 dias, os quais foram imersos nos extratos nas concentrações de 1, 5, 10, 15 e 20 mg mL-1. Após o tratamento, cada grupo foi colocado em placa de Petri e incubado a 27 ± 1 ºC e umidade relativa de 80 ± 5%. Os extratos avaliados não foram eficazes para induzir, acima de 50%, a mortalidade de fêmeas ingurgitadas. Os extratos acetato de etila e etanólico induziram 100% de mortalidade de larvas. Entretanto, quanto aos valores de concentração letal mediana (CL50), o extrato etanólico (CL50 = 2,1 mg mL-1) foi mais tóxico que o extrato acetato de etila (CL50 = 4,1 mg mL-1). O extrato etanólico estimou concentração inibitória mediana (CI50) de 3,0 mg mL-1 e foi mais tóxico que os demais extratos quanto a este parâmetro de avaliação. Entre os três extratos avaliados, os extratos acetato de etila e etanólico apresentaram os melhores resultados quanto ao controle de reprodução de R. (B.) microplus, atingindo 100% na concentração de 5 mg mL-1. Os extratos de raízes de L. Floribundus apresentaram atividade biológica sobre carrapato bovino.

In vitro exposure of Acer negundo pollen to atmospheric levels of SO2 and NO2: effects on allergenicity and germination.

In the last years, a rising trend of pollen allergies in urban areas has been attributed to atmospheric pollution. In this work, we investigated the effects of SO(2) and NO(2) on the protein content, allergenicity, and germination rate of Acer negundo pollen. A novel environmental chamber was assembled to exposure pollen samples with SO(2) or NO(2) at two different levels: just below and two times the atmospheric hour-limit value acceptable for human health protection in Europe. Results showed that protein content was lower in SO(2)-exposed pollen samples and slightly higher in NO(2)-exposed pollen compared to the control sample. No different polypeptide profiles were revealed by SDS-PAGE between exposed and nonexposed pollen, but the immunodetection assays indicated higher IgE recognition by all sera of sensitized patients to Acer negundo pollen extracts in all exposed samples in comparison to the nonexposed samples. A decrease in the germination rate of exposed in contrast to nonexposed pollen was verified, which was more pronounced for NO(2)-exposed samples. Our results indicated that in urban areas, concentrations of SO(2) and NO(2) below the limits established for human protection can indirectly aggravate pollen allergy on predisposed individuals and affect plant reproduction.