Evaluation of the antifungal effect of plant extracts on oral Candida spp. - a critical methodological analysis of the last decade.

INTRODUCTION: In 2022, the World Health Organization published a report encouraging researchers to focus on Candida spp. to strengthen the global response to fungal oral infections and antifungal resistance. In the context of innovative research, it seems pertinent to investigate the antifungal potential of natural extracts of plants and the methodology involved in the recent reports. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the current state of in vitro research on the evaluation of the ability of plant extracts to inhibit Candida spp. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bibliographic search has been developed to on a 10-year period to identify which plant extracts have an antifungal effect on the Candida spp. found in the oral cavity. RESULTS: A total of 20 papers were reviewed and fulfilled all the selection criteria and were included in the full data analysis. DISCUSSION: Plants have been tested in a wide range of states - whole extracts, extraction of particular components such as flavonoids or polyphenols, or even using the plant to synthesize nanoparticles. Of forty-five plants tested, five of them did not show any effect against Candida spp., which weren't part of the same family. There is a wide range of plant that exhibit antifungal proprieties. CONCLUSION: Many plants have been tested in a wide range of states - whole extracts, extraction of components such as flavonoids or polyphenols, or even using the plant to synthetize nanoparticles. The combination of plants, the addition of plants to a traditional antifungal and the interference with adhesion provided by some plants seem to be promising strategies. Nonetheless, on contrary to drugs, there is a critical lack of standardization on methodologies and protocols, which makes it difficult to compare data and, consequently, to conclude, beyond doubts, about the most promising plants to fight Candida spp. oral infections.

The need for European harmonization of Nutrivigilance in a public health perspective: a comprehensive review.

According to the European Union regulation, some countries have established a pre-market notification system for food supplements while others have not. As this regulation is unfulfilled, a notified and marketed food supplement ingredient in one country may be forbidden in another. Even though food supplements shall not be placed on the market if unsafe, some products may still expose the consumers to risks. The risk is increased by easier access due to worldwide dissemination fostered by the internet and free movement of goods in the European Union. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed and the Emerging Risks Exchange Network are described. To date, the European Union legislation does not include a provision to establish a dedicated vigilance system for food supplements (Nutrivigilance). Six European Union countries have nevertheless set up national systems, which are presented. The present lack of European Union data collection harmonization, does not allow easy cooperation between countries. This article advocates for creating a coordinated European Nutrivigilance System to detect and scrutinize adverse effects of food supplements. This, to help in directing science-based risk assessments and reinforce the science-based decision of policy makers to improve public health safety.

Carboxymethylcellulose and psyllium effects in sand output of horses with asymptomatic sand accumulation / [Efeitos da carboximetilcelulose e do psyllium sobre a eliminação de areia de cavalos com sablose assintomática]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Psyllium (PSY) and Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) administration on fecal elimination of sand in horses with asymptomatic sand accumulations. Eight horses were selected from sandy areas and randomly divided into 2 groups of four animals. The subjects were treated either with CMC or PSY. The presence of intestinal sand was confirmed through radiography and glove sedimentation test. The study was performed in two phases, with a 7-day interval. In phase I, all the animals received 8 liters of warm water; in phase II, the CMC group received 8 liters of water + 1g/kg of CMC, whereas the PSY group received 8 liters of water + 1g/kg of PSY. All administrations were performed through nasogastric intubation and fractionated in 2 equal volume administrations with an interval of two hours. General and specific physical examination of the digestive system were performed in conjunction with abdominal ultrasonography before the administrations and after 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours, aiming to evaluate intestinal motility and presence of sand. All the feces eliminated by the animals within the 72 hours following the administrations were quantified, diluted and sedimented in order to calculate the sand output (g/kg of feces). All the animals were also subjected to radiographic examination to quantify sand accumulation prior to phase I and after 72 hours of phases I and II. No adverse effects were observed after the treatments. It was possible to notice higher sand elimination in both groups during the phase I, whereas no difference was observed in sand elimination rates between the groups in phase II. The radiographic scores presented differences between the initial timepoint and 72h in phases I and II for both groups. Based on the sand elimination rates and radiographic score, this study demonstrated that sand output was greater after administration of water alone, compared to CMC and Psyllium, leading to the inference that removal of the sandy environment and prevention of sand re-ingestion are effective measures for the elimination of sand from the colon of horses with asymptomatic sand accumulations.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da administração do psyllium (PSY) e da carboximetilcelulose (CMC) sobre a eliminação fecal de areia em equinos com sablose assintomática. Oito equinos com confirmação radiográfica de sablose assintomática foram divididos em dois grupos (grupo CMC e grupo PSY). O estudo foi realizado em duas fases, com intervalo de sete dias. Na fase 1, todos os animais receberam 8L de água; na fase 2, o grupo CMC recebeu 8L de água + 1g/kg de CMC e o grupo PSY recebeu 8L de água + 1g/kg de PSY. Antes da administração de cada solução e após seis, 12, 24, 36 e 48 horas, foram realizados exame físico e ultrassonografia abdominal. Todas as fezes eliminadas em 72 horas foram avaliadas para quantificar a eliminação de areia (g/kg de fezes). Antes da fase 1 e após 72 horas das fases 1 e 2, o exame radiográfico foi realizado para quantificar o escore de acúmulo de areia. Houve maior eliminação de areia após a administração de água em comparação com a administração de CMC, e não se observou diferença entre a CMC e o PSY. Uma redução significativa nos escores radiográficos de acúmulo de areia foi observada após a administração de água, bem como a manutenção dos escores após a administração da CMC e do PSY. Com base na produção de areia e no escore radiográfico, este estudo sugere que a remoção do ambiente arenoso, impedindo a reingestão de areia, é uma medida eficaz para a eliminação da areia do cólon de cavalos com acúmulos de areia assintomáticos.(AU)

Efeito da suplementação com óleo de avocado (Persea americana Mill) na temperatura superficial corpórea de equinos antes e após exercício em esteira / [Effect of supplementation with avocado oil (Persea americana Mill) on body surface temperature of horses before and after exercise on treadmill]

Oito equinos foram distribuídos em delineamento randomizado cruzado, sendo um grupo sem suplementação (GC) e outro grupo suplementado com óleo de avocado (GOAv) por um período de sete semanas. Ao fim da sexta semana, os animais foram submetidos a teste padrão de exercício progressivo (TPEP) e, após sete dias, a teste de baixa intensidade e longa duração (BILD). Após o primeiro ciclo, houve período de descanso "washout" de 30 dias para troca de grupos para o segundo ciclo, que seguiu o protocolo do primeiro. A termorregulação foi avaliada com base na temperatura retal e na temperatura superficial corpórea, obtidas por termografia, de 15 regiões de interesse. A temperatura retal e as imagens termográficas foram obtidas antes, um minuto e 15 minutos após o exercício. Não houve diferença entre os grupos GC e GOAv em nenhum momento. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo revelaram que a suplementação de 5% da matéria seca (MS) com óleo de avocado por seis e sete semanas não influenciou na termorregulação com base na temperatura superficial corpórea dos equinos submetidos ao teste padrão de exercício progressivo (TPEP) e ao exercício de baixa intensidade e longa duração (BILD), respectivamente.(AU)

Eight equines were distributed in a randomized crossover design, one control group (CG) without supplementation and another group supplemented (SG) with avocado oil for a period of six weeks. At the end of the sixth week, the animals were submitted to standard exercise test (SET) and after seven days to the low intensity test (LIT). After the first cycle, there was a 30-day washout rest period to exchange groups for the second cycle, which followed the protocol of the first one. Thermoregulation was evaluated based on rectal temperature and body surface temperature of 15 regions of interest obtained by thermography. Rectal temperature and thermographic images were obtained before, one minute and 15 minutes after exercise. There was no difference between the CG and SG at any time. The results obtained in this study revealed that the supplementation of 5% of dry matter with avocado oil for six and seven weeks did not influence the thermoregulation based on the body surface temperature of the horses submitted to SET and LIT, respectively.(AU)

Localización biométrica de los puntos motores en el músculo tríceps braquial de individuos brasileños / Biometric location of motor points in the brachial triceps muscle of Brazilian individuals

RESUMEN: El músculo tríceps braquial, es el motor primario para el movimiento de extensión de codo, por lo que una lesión que afecte su función perjudicaría enormemente la calidad de vida de los afectados. El conocimiento de su inervación y la localización biométrica de sus puntos motores, es una herramienta útil en terapias de electro estimulación muscular. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el número y localización de los puntos motores de este músculo. Para ello, se utilizaron 30 miembros superiores de individuos brasileños, a los cuales se les realizó una disección detallada del compartimiento posterior del brazo. Se registró el número de ramos, puntos motores y localización biométrica de cada uno de los ramos destinados a las cabezas del músculo triceps braquial. Se utilizó como punto de referencia una Línea biepicondilar, trazada entre los epicóndilos humerales. En todos los casos este músculo estaba inervado por el nervio radial. El promedio de puntos motores (PM) para la cabeza larga del músculo (CL) fue de 3,9 ± 1,4; 4,8 ± 1,2 para la cabeza medial (CM) y 4,1 ± 1,4 para la cabeza lateral (CLat). Los puntos motores se concentraron preferentemente en el tercio medio del brazo, tanto a nivel general, como también por cada cabeza. Los datos biométricos aportados complementarán el conocimiento de la inervación de este músculo y favorecerá una mejor comprensión y elección de tratamientos frente a una patología.

SUMMARY: The triceps brachii muscle is the primary motor for elbow extension movement, so a lesion that affects its function would greatly harm the quality of life of those affected. The knowledge of its innervation and the biometric localization of its motor points is a useful tool in electro-stimulation muscular therapies. The objective of the study was to determine the number of branches and location of the motor points of this muscle. To this end, 30 superior members of Brazilian individuals were used, to whom a detailed dissection of the posterior compartment of the arm was performed. The number of branches, motor points and biometric location of each of the branches destined for the three heads of the brachial triceps muscle was recorded. A biepicondilar line, traced between the humeral epicondyles, was used as a reference point. In all cases, this muscle was innervated by the radial nerve. The average motor points for the long head of the muscle (LH) was 3.9 + 1.4; for the medial head (MH) was 4.8 + 1.2 and for the lateral head (LatH) was 4.1+1.4. The motor points were concentrated mainly in the middle third of the arm, both at a general level, and also for each head. The biometric data provided will complement the knowledge of the innervation of this muscle and will favor a better understanding and choice of treatments for a pathology.

Evaluation of vancomycin MIC creep in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Vancomycin is currently the primary option treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, an increasing number of MRSA isolates with high MICs, within the susceptible range (vancomycin MIC creep), are being reported worldwide. Resorting to a meta-analysis approach, this study aims to assess the evidence of vancomycin MIC creep. METHODS: We searched for studies in the PubMed database. The inclusion criteria for study eligibility included the possibility of retrieving the reported data values of vancomycin MIC and information concerning the applied MIC methodology. RESULTS: The mean values of vancomycin MICs, of all 29 234 S. aureus isolates reported in the 55 studies included in the meta-analysis, were 1.23 mg/L (95% CI 1.13-1.33) and 1.20 mg/L (95% CI 1.13-1.28) determined by Etest and broth microdilution method, respectively. No significant differences were observed between these two methodologies. We found negative correlation between pooled mean/pooled proportion and time strata. CONCLUSIONS: We have found no evidence of the MIC creep phenomenon.

Mixed pollen load and late-acting self-incompatibility flexibility in Adenocalymma peregrinum (Miers) L.G. Lohmann (Bignonieae: Bignoniaceae).

Mixed cross and self-pollen load on the stigma (mixed pollination) of species with late-acting self-incompatibility system (LSI) can lead to self-fertilized seed production. This "cryptic self-fertility" may allow selfed seedling development in species otherwise largely self-sterile. Our aims were to check if mixed pollinations would lead to fruit set in LSI Adenocalymma peregrinum, and test for evidence of early-acting inbreeding depression in putative selfed seeds from mixed pollinations. Experimental pollinations were carried out in a natural population. Fruit and seed set from self-, cross and mixed pollinations were analysed. Further germination tests were carried out for the seeds obtained from treatments. Our results confirm self-incompatibility, and fruit set from cross-pollinations was three-fold that from mixed pollinations. This low fruit set in mixed pollinations is most likely due to a greater number of self- than cross-fertilized ovules, which promotes LSI action and pistil abortion. Likewise, higher percentage of empty seeds in surviving fruits from mixed pollinations compared with cross-pollinations is probably due to ovule discounting caused by self-fertilization. Moreover, germinability of seeds with developed embryos was lower in fruits from mixed than from cross-pollinations, and the non-viable seeds from mixed pollinations showed one-third of the mass of those from cross-pollinations. The great number of empty seeds, lower germinability, lower mass of non-viable seeds, and higher variation in seed mass distribution in mixed pollinations, strongly suggests early-acing inbreeding depression in putative selfed seeds. In this sense, LSI and inbreeding depression acting together probably constrain self-fertilized seedling establishment in A. peregrinum.

Isolation, selection and evaluation of antagonistic yeasts and lactic acid bacteria against ochratoxigenic fungus Aspergillus westerdijkiae on coffee beans.

UNLABELLED: In this study, yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from coffee fruits and identified via biochemical and molecular approaches. The isolates represented the Pichia, Debaryomyces, Candida, Clavispora, Yarrowia, Sporobolomyces, Klyveromyces, Torulaspora and Lactobacillus genera. Four isolates, namely Pichia fermentans LPBYB13, Sporobolomyces roseus LPBY7E, Candida sp. LPBY11B and Lactobacillus brevis LPBB03, were found to have the greatest antagonist activity against an ochratoxigenic strain of Aspergillus westerdijkiae on agar tests and were selected for further characterization. Applications of P. fermentans LPBYB13 in coffee cherries artificially contaminated with A. westerdijkiae showed efficacy in reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) content up to 88%. These results highlight that P. fermentans LPBYB13 fulfils the principle requirements of an efficient biological control of aflatoxigenic fungi in coffee beans and may be seen as a reliable candidate for further validation in field conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Studies based on microbial ecology and antagonistic interactions are important for the development of new strategies in controlling aflatoxin contamination of crops and are relevant to further biotechnological applications. This study shows that coffee fruit is a potential source for the isolation of microbial strains with antifungal ability. A new yeast strain, Pichia fermentans LPBYB13, showed efficacy in reducing growth and ochratoxin A production of Aspergillus westerdijkiae in coffee beans. Our results should encourage the use of this yeast strain on a large scale for biocontrol of aflatoxigenic fungi in coffee beans.

Phenotypic and genotypic diversity in a multinational sample of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate rapid, molecular-based drug susceptibility testing (DST) for extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), we assembled a phenotypically and genotypically diverse collection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from patients evaluated for drug resistance in four high-burden countries. METHODS: M. tuberculosis isolates from India (n = 111), Moldova (n = 90), the Philippines (n = 96), and South Africa (n = 103) were selected from existing regional and national repositories to maximize phenotypic diversity for resistance to isoniazid, rifampin (RMP), moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, amikacin, kanamycin, and capreomycin. MGIT™ 960 was performed on viable isolates in one laboratory using standardized procedures and drug concentrations. Genetic diversity within drug resistance phenotypes was assessed. RESULTS: Nineteen distinct phenotypes were observed among 400 isolates with complete DST results. Diversity was greatest in the Philippines (14 phenotypes), and least in South Africa (9 phenotypes). Nearly all phenotypes included multiple genotypes. All sites provided isolates resistant to injectables but susceptible to fluoroquinolones. Many patients were taking drugs to which their disease was resistant. DISCUSSION: Diverse phenotypes for XDR-TB-defining drugs, including resistance to fluoroquinolones and/or injectable drugs in RMP-susceptible isolates, indicate that RMP susceptibility does not ensure effectiveness of a standard four-drug regimen. Rapid, low-cost DST assays for first- and second-line drugs are thus needed.

Peanut skin extract reduces lipid oxidation in cooked chicken patties.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of peanut skin extract and its effect on the color and lipid oxidation of cooked chicken patties over 15 d of refrigerated storage. The extract was obtained using 80% ethanol and evaluated in terms of total phenolic content, reducing power based on the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) reagent, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The patties were made with ground thigh fillets, chicken skin, and 2% salt. They were homogenized and divided into the following two groups: a control treatment without antioxidants and a peanut skin treatment with 70 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg per patty. Analyses of the fatty acid profiles, instrumental colors (L*, a*, and b*) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were performed on d 1, 8, and 15 of storage at 1±1ºC. The peanut skin extract resulted in a phenolic content of 32.6±0.7 mg GAE/g dry skin, an antioxidant activity (FRAP) of 26.5±0.8 6 µmol Trolox equivalent/g dry skin, and an efficient concentration (EC50) of 46.5 µg/mL. The total unsaturated fatty acid was approximately 73%, and 39% of this fatty acid content was monounsaturated. The peanut skin extract slowed the decrease in the a* values (P<0.05) but reduced the L* and b* values compared to the control samples during storage (P<0.05). Lipid oxidation was minimized by the peanut skin extract (P<0.05), which resulted in a maximum value of 0.97 malondialdehyde (MDA)/kg compared to values that were close 19 mg MDA/kg patties in the control sample at the end of storage period. Thus, it can be concluded that although peanut skin extract causes little color change, it can be applied as a natural antioxidant to cooked chicken patties because it efficiently inhibits lipid oxidation in this product during refrigerated storage.

Acute oral toxicity of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq. ) Sargent leaf extract (Ulmaceae) in rats and mice / Toxicidade oral aguda do extrato de folhas de Celtis iguanaea (Jacq. ) Sargent em ratos e camundongos

RESUMO Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent is popularly used to treat urinary infections, kidneys, breast, body aches, rheumatism, asthma, cramps, poor digestion and as a diuretic medicine. This study aims to determine the acute toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent in rodents. After the collection processes, identification, drying and grinding, the lyophilized powder of the leaves produced, by infusion, the aqueous extract and it was dissolved in saline 0.9%. The administration was made by gavage at a dose of 2000 mg kg-1to rats and mice of both genders. The oral toxicity was determined according to the OECD 423 guide. Signs of toxicity were observed for 15 days and classified from 0 to 4 respectively as missing, rare, mild, moderate and severe. The weight of the animals and the physiological parameters such as food intake and excrements production were observed. All animal tissue samples were collected for histological analysis. The extract was included in Type 5 (substance with LD50 higher than 2000 mg kg-1 and less than 5000 mg kg-1), being considered of low toxicity, but the histopathologycal findings suggested nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. The absolute weight of the kidneys and the heart of the male rats and mice increased, but there was no significant raise in the relative weight of the animals’ organs.

RESUMO Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent é uma planta usada popularmente para tratar infecções do trato urinário, rim, mama, dores no corpo, reumatismo, asma, cólicas, má digestão e também é usada como diurético. Este trabalho objetivou determinar a toxicidade aguda do extrato aquoso de folhas de Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent em roedores. Após os processos de coleta, identificação, secagem e moagem, o pó liofilizado das folhas da planta foi utilizado para produzir o seu extrato aquoso por infusão e então dissolvido em solução salina a 0.9 %. A administração foi feita por gavagem na dose de 2000 mg kg-1 em ratos e camundongos de ambos os sexos. A toxicidade oral foi determinada de acordo com o guia 423 da OECD. Sinais de toxicidade foram observados por 15 dias e tabulados de 0 a 4, respectivamente, como ausentes, raros, leves, moderados e graves. Foi acompanhado o peso dos animais e parâmetros fisiológicos tais como alimentação e excreções. Amostras do tecido de todo o animal foram coletadas para análise histológica. A toxicidade encontrada para o extrato foi incluída na classe 5 (substâncias com DL50 superior a 2000 mg kg-1 e menor que 5000 mg kg-1) sendo considerada baixa, porém, as observações histopatológicas sugerem nefrotoxicidade e cardiotoxicidade. O peso absoluto dos rins e coração de ratos e camundongos machos aumentou, porém, não houve aumento significativo no peso relativo dos órgãos dos animais.

Revisão das Propriedades Medicinais de Cajanus cajanna Doença Falciforme / Review of Medicinal Cajanus cajan of properties in Sickle Cell Disease

RESUMO Este artigo descreve a ocorrência, características botânicas, fitoquímicas e a composição nutricional do feijão guandu [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp], e sua relação no processo de inibição da falcização na doença falciforme, um distúrbio genético que acomete as hemácias, gerando hemólise e anemia crônica. Dois constituintes químicos estariam mais relacionados aos efeitos inibitórios na falcização de células falciformes: L-fenilalanina e o ácido p-hidroxibenzóico. Estudos químico-biológicos detalhados com o feijão guandu no Brasil poderão esclarecer melhor os mecanismos pelos quais ocorre a inibição da falcização das hemácias e a diminuição do estresse oxidativo, ajudando no tratamento de pessoas com DF.

ABSTRACT This article describes the occurrence, botanical characteristics, phytochemical and nutritional composition of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp], and their relationship in the process inhibition of sickling in sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells, causing hemolysis and chronic anemia. Two chemical components would be related to the inhibitory effect on sickling of sickle cells: the L-phenylalanine and the p- hydroxybenzoic acid. In Brazil, detailed studies with pigeonpea chemical-biological may clarify the mechanisms by which the inhibition of sickling of red blood cells occurs, reducing oxidative stress and thus helping treating people affected by this disease.

Survey of tuberculosis drug resistance among Tibetan refugees in India.

SETTING: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem among Tibetans living in exile in India. Although drug-resistant TB is considered common in clinical practice, precise data are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of drug-resistant cases among new and previously treated Tibetan TB patients. DESIGN: In a drug resistance survey in five Tibetan settlements in India, culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) for first-line drugs were performed among all consecutive new and previously treated TB cases from April 2010 to September 2011. DST against kanamycin (KM), ethionamide, para-aminosalicylic acid and ofloxacin (OFX) was performed on multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) isolates. RESULTS: Of 307 patients enrolled in the study, 264 (193 new and 71 previously treated) were culture-positive and had DST available. All patients tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (n = 250) were negative. Among new TB cases, 14.5% had MDR-TB and 5.7% were isoniazid (INH) monoresistant. Among previously treated cases, 31.4% had MDR-TB and 12.7% were INH-monoresistant. Of the MDR-TB isolates, 28.6% of new and 26.1% of previously treated cases were OFX-resistant, while 7.1% of new cases and 8.7% of previously treated cases were KM-resistant. Three patients had extensively drug-resistant TB. CONCLUSIONS: MDR-TB is common in new and previously treated Tibetans in India, who also show additional complex resistance patterns. Of particular concern is the high percentage of MDR-TB strains resistant to OFX, KM or both.

Beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate supplementation impairs peripheral insulin sensitivity in healthy sedentary Wistar rats.

AIM: Investigate, in healthy sedentary rats, the potential mechanisms involved on the effects of beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation upon the glycaemic homeostasis, by evaluating the insulin sensitivity in liver, skeletal muscle, and white adipose tissue. METHODS: Rats were supplemented with either beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate (320 mg kg(-1)  BW) or saline by gavage for 4 weeks. After the experimental period, the animals were subjected to the glucose tolerance test (GTT) and plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration measurements. The soleus skeletal muscle, liver and white adipose tissue were removed for molecular (western blotting and RT-PCR) and histological analysis. RESULTS: The beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate supplemented rats presented: (i) higher ratio between the area under the curve (AUC) of insulinaemia and glycaemia during glucose tolerance test; (ii) impairment of insulin sensitivity on liver and soleus skeletal muscle after insulin overload; (iii) reduction of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4) total and plasma membrane content on soleus; (iv) increased hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) mRNA and protein expression on white adipose tissue and plasma NEFA levels and (v) reduction of fibre cross-sectional area of soleus muscle. CONCLUSION: The data altogether indicate that beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate supplementation impairs insulin sensitivity in healthy sedentary rats, which, in the long-term, could lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Second-line drug susceptibility breakpoints for Mycobacterium tuberculosis using the MODS assay.

OBJECTIVE: To establish breakpoint concentrations for the fluoroquinolones (moxifloxacin [MFX] and ofloxacin [OFX]) and injectable second-line drugs (amikacin [AMK], kanamycin [KM] and capreomycin [CPM]) using the microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay. SETTING: A multinational study conducted between February 2011 and August 2012 in Peru, India, Moldova and South Africa. DESIGN: In the first phase, breakpoints for the fluoroquinolones and injectable second-line drugs (n = 58) were determined. In the second phase, MODS second-line drug susceptibility testing (DST) as an indirect test was compared to MGIT™ DST (n = 89). In the third (n = 30) and fourth (n = 156) phases, we determined the reproducibility and concordance of MODS second-line DST directly from sputum. RESULTS: Breakpoints for MFX (0.5 µg/ml), OFX (1 µg/ml), AMK (2 µg/ml), KM (5 µg/ml) and CPM (2.5 µg/ml) were determined. In all phases, MODS results were highly concordant with MGIT DST. The few discrepancies suggest that the MODS breakpoint concentrations for some drugs may be too low. CONCLUSION: MODS second-line DST yielded comparable results to MGIT second-line DST, and is thus a promising alternative. Further studies are needed to confirm the accuracy of the drug breakpoints and the reliability of MODS second-line DST as a direct test.

Pollen and stomata morphometrics and polyploidy in Eriotheca (Malvaceae-Bombacoideae).

Approximately 70% of the angiosperm species are polyploid, an important phenomenon in the evolution of those plants. But ploidy estimates have often been hindered because of the small size and large number of chromosomes in many tropical groups. Since polyploidy affects cell size, morphometric analyses of pollen grains and stomata have been used to infer ploidy level. Polyploidy is present in many species of the Cerrado, the Neotropical savanna region in Central Brazil, and has been linked to apomixis in some taxa. Eriotheca gracilipes and Eriotheca pubescens are common tree species in this region, and present cytotypes that form reproductive mosaics. Hexaploid individuals (2n = 6x = 276) are polyembryonic and apomictic, while tetraploid and diploid individuals (2n = 2x = 92, 2n = 4x = 184) are sexual and monoembryonic. We tested whether morphometric analysis can be used to estimate ploidy levels in E. gracilipes and E. pubescens individuals. Pollen material from diploid and hexaploid individuals of E. gracilipes, and tetraploid and hexaploid individuals of E. pubescens, were fixed in 50% FAA, and expanded leaves were dried in silica gel. Pollen grains and stomata of at least five individuals from each population were measured. The results demonstrate that all measures were significantly different among cytotypes. Individuals with higher levels of ploidy (hexaploid) all presented measurements that were higher than those with lower levels (diploid and tetraploid). There was no overlap between ploidy levels in each species at 95% confidence interval. Thus, the size of the pollen grains and stomata are effective parameters for analysis of ploidy levels in E. gracilipes and E. pubescens.

Drug-delivery systems of green tea catechins for improved stability and bioavailability.

Numerous studies in humans, animal models and cell lines have suggested the potential benefits from the consumption of green tea polyphenols, including prevention of cancer and heart diseases. However these potential effects have been strongly limited by green tea catechins low bioavailability, which hinders the development of therapeutic applications. In this review formulations that are being proposed for delivery of green tea catechins are discussed. New delivery systems are presented as valid alternatives to overcome the limitations such as green tea catechins poor stability or intestinal absorption.

Static headspace analysis using polyurethane phases--application to roasted coffee volatiles characterization.

Static headspace sorptive extraction using polyurethane foams (HSSE(PU)) followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is proposed for volatile analysis. The application of this novel analytical approach to characterize the volatiles profile from roasted coffee samples, selected as model system, revealed remarkable advantages under convenient experimental conditions. The comparison of HSSE(PU) with other well-established procedures, such as headspace sorptive extraction using polydimethylsiloxane (HSSE(PDMS)) and headspace solid phase microextraction using carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fibers (HS-SPME(CAR/PDMS)), showed that the former presented much higher capacity, sensitivity and even selectivity, where larger abundance and number of roasted coffee volatile compounds (e.g. furans, pyrazines, ketones, acids and pyrroles) could be achieved, under similar experimental conditions. The data presented herein proved, for the first time, that PU foams present great performance for static headspace sorption-based procedures, showing to be an alternative polymeric phase for volatile analysis.

Chemical components of bleached eucalypt kraft pulp effluent COD and treatment removal efficiency during normal mill operation and maintenance shutdowns.

In order to meet increasingly strict Brazilian COD emissions limits, mills must understand the components that contribute to effluent COD, how these vary between normal mill operation and maintenance shutdowns, and how this variation affects treatment efficiency. To this end, primary and secondary effluents from a Brazilian bleached eucalypt kraft pulp mill activated sludge system were analyzed for COD, lignin, extractives, carbohydrates and AOX over a sixth month period that included two general maintenance shutdowns and four months of normal operation. Primary effluent presented significantly different compositions during periods of normal operation and mill shutdowns. During normal operation, the main components of effluent COD (909 mg/l average) were carbohydrates, followed by lignin. However, the lignin fraction was the main component of secondary effluent COD during both normal operation and mill shutdowns. Higher removal efficiencies for COD carbohydrates and AOX were observed during normal operation compared to shutdowns, while no difference in removal efficiencies of lignin and extractives was observed. Carbohydrate removal efficiency was significantly lower in one of the parallel treatment lines. The different removal efficiencies reflect not only variations in effluent composition, but possibly differences in system operational control which should be explored in greater detail.

Avaliação da atividade cicatrizante do óleo de pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm) em feridas cutâneas produzidas experimentalmente em ratos / Evaluation of the healing activity of pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm) oil in cutaneous wounds induced experimentally in rats

O objetivo deste estudo foi demonstrar os efeitos do tratamento tópico do creme à base de óleo de pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm) utilizando 40 ratos (Rattus norvegicus albinus) da linhagem Wistar, machos, com 60 dias de idade. Esses foram divididos em dois grupos: I) composto por 20 ratos com feridas cutâneas tratados com aplicação tópica do creme base com 10% de óleo de pequi; II) com o mesmo número de animais que receberam a aplicação tópica do creme base sem o óleo de pequi. Após antissepsia e anestesia local foi produzida cirurgicamente ferida circular de 1 cm de diâmetro na região dorso lombar. As lesões cutâneas foram avaliadas sob o aspecto clínico, morfométrica e histológico no 3o, 7o, 14o e 21o dias pós-operatório. No grupo tratado com creme à base de óleo de pequi houve aceleração na evolução do processo cicatricial. As feridas dos animais desse grupo apresentaram redução significativa a partir do décimo quarto dia pós-operatório, bem como foram verificados nesse período achados histológicos característicos da etapa final do processo de cicatrização tais como: acentuada quantidade de fibroblastos, fibras colágenas e completo processo de reepitelização, enquanto que as feridas do grupo controle necessitaram de mais tempo para resolução do processo cicatricial.

The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the effects of topical treatment with ointment containing pequi oil (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm), using 40 male 60-day-old mice (Rattus norvegicus albinus) from the Wistar line. These were divided into two groups: I) composed by 20 mice with cutaneous wounds treated by topical application of the ointment based on 10% pequi oil; II) the same number of mice, receiving the topical application of ointment without pequi oil. After antisepsis and local anesthesia, round 1-cm-diameter wounds were made on the lower back region. The wounds were evaluated in regard to clinical, morphometric and histological aspects on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st postoperative days. The group treated with the pequi ointment presented acceleration in the healing process. The animals' wounds of this group showed a meaningful reduction from the 14th postoperative day, when histological characteristics from the ending of the healing process were noted, such as a large amount of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and a complete process of reepithelialization, while the wounds of the control group needed more time for the healing process.