Evaluation of antimicrobial consumption in the neonatal population undergoing antimicrobial stewardship programmes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in neonatal sepsis treatment contributes to consumption misuse, and the optimization of prescription programmes is encouraged as a way of reducing this inappropriate use. AIM: To evaluate the impact of intervention programmes for adequate antimicrobial use (antimicrobial stewardship programmes) in consumption measurements of such drugs in neonatology. METHODS: The search for articles was performed in electronic databases and by manual search for citations in publications initially identified. Electronic databases searched were BVS (Virtual Health Library), Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science. There was no date or period limit for inclusion of articles. The PICO question was defined as populations of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units undergoing an intervention programme to optimize antimicrobial therapy in relation to neonates not exposed to the programme and the outcome obtained in antimicrobials consumption. FINDINGS: The initial search in databases resulted in 1223 articles. Articles were screened and 16 original studies related to subject were selected, which conducted a quantitative approach to antimicrobials consumption for the population of interest. Most articles used days of therapy (DOT) as the main measure of antimicrobial consumption and have had a high-quality rating by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. All studies were carried out in local hospitals at a single centre and most were in high-income countries. CONCLUSION: Of all studies identified by the search, few evaluated antimicrobial consumption in neonatology. New studies are needed, and DOT was shown to be the most adequate metric to measure consumption.

Crude glycerin in the supplementation of crossbred heifers in tropical pastures.

Crude glycerin (CG) is a biodiesel byproduct that has been tested as an alternative feed additive for use in beef production. After being absorbed, it is used in the liver to produce glucose, an important precursor of intramuscular fat in ruminants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CG (439 g/kg glycerol) on the performance and meat quality of crossbred heifers finished in Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu. Thirty-six heifers with an initial BW of 301.5 ±â€¯23.02 kg were used. They were supplemented for 154 days with the following levels of CG: mineral mixture (without CG), 33.3, 66.6 and 99.9 g/kg CG in the DM of the supplement. Supplement or pasture DM intakes, slaughter BW and carcass traits were not influenced (P > 0.05) by increasing levels of CG. The total fat content of the meat, the vaccenic (18:1 n-7t) and conjugated linoleic acid (18:2 c9-t11) increased with the addition of CG in the diet (P < 0.05). Crude glycerin can be included up to 99.9 g/kg of the total diet without changing the performance of crossbred heifers finished in the tropical pasture.

Optimization performance of an AnSBBR applied to biohydrogen production treating whey.

The present study investigated the influence of the influent concentration of substrate, feeding time and temperature on the production of biohydrogen from cheese whey in an AnSBBR with liquid phase recirculation. The highest hydrogen yield (0.80 molH2.molLactose(-1)) and productivity (660 mLH2 L(-1) d(-1)) were achieved for influent concentrations of 5400 mgDQO L(-1). No significant difference was noted in the biological hydrogen production for the feeding time conditions analyzed. The lowest temperature tested (15 °C) promoted the highest hydrogen yield and productivity (1.12 molH2 molLactose(-1) and 1080 mLH2 L(-1) d(-1)), and for the highest temperature (45 °C), hydrogen production did not occur. The indicator values for the hydrogen production obtained with this configuration were higher than those obtained in other studies using traditional configurations such as UASBr and CSTR. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the majority of the analyzed clones were similar to Clostridium. In addition, clones phylogenetically similar to the Lactobacilaceae family, notably Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and clones with similar sequences to Acetobacter indonesiensis were observed in small proportion in the reactor.

Conformação de úbere de caprinos da raça saanen: parâmetros estéticos ou funcionais? / Udder conformation of saanen goats: aesthetic or functional parameters?

Diversos fatores predisponentes são descritos para as afecções mamárias ou distúrbios secundários que comprometem a qualidade e produtividade de leite de fêmeas nas diferentes espécies. As características fenotípicas do úbere são consideradas na avaliação econômica de uma fêmea caprina, tanto pelo potencial de produção como pelo registro genealógico dessa fêmea. A limitação de estudos correlacionando essas características com a saúde do úbere gera a dúvida a respeito do significado da conformação do mesmo à saúde e produtividade da glândula mamária. Sendo assim, este estudo teve como objetivo relacionar os parâmetros da conformação do úbere com a celularidade da glândula mamária aferida pelo teste California Mastitis Test (CMT) e contagem de células somáticas (CCS) em 80 cabras da raça Saanen sem alterações no exame clínico da glândula mamária nem no teste de Tamis. Observou-se que a maioria dos parâmetros fenotípicos de úbere não influenciou a CCS, sendo considerados puramente estéticos. A circunferência e profundidade de úbere demonstraram correlação negativa com a celularidade e, por serem características de herdabilidade moderada a alta, podem ser parâmetros considerados para seleção genética de caprinos.

Several predisposing factors are described for mammary diseases or secondary disorders that compromise the quality and productivity of milk from females in different species. The phenotypic characteristics of the udder are considered in the economic evaluation of a female goat, whether for production potential, or as the genealogical record for these females. The limitation of studies correlating these features with the udder health raises doubt about the meaning of the conformation to the health and productivity of the mammary gland. Therefore, this study aimed to list the parameters of the udder conformation with the cellularity of the mammary gland checked by California Mastitis Test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) in 80 Saanen goats without alterations in the clinical examination of the mammary gland or the Tamis test. It was observed that most of the phenotypic parameters of the udder did not influence the CCS, being considered purely esthetic. The circumference and udder depth showed negative correlation with the cellularity and moderate to high heritability traits can be considered parameters for genetic selection of goats.

Conformação de úbere de caprinos da raça Saanen: parâmetros estéticos ou funcionais? / Udder conformation of Saanen goats: aesthetic or functional parameters?

Diversos fatores predisponentes são descritos para as afecções mamárias ou distúrbios secundários que comprometem a qualidade e produtividade de leite de fêmeas nas diferentes espécies. As características fenotípicas do úbere são consideradas na avaliação econômica de uma fêmea caprina, tanto pelo potencial de produção como pelo registro genealógico dessa fêmea. A limitação de estudos correlacionando essas características com a saúde do úbere gera a dúvida a respeito do significado da conformação do mesmo à saúde e produtividade da glândula mamária. Sendo assim, este estudo teve como objetivo relacionar os parâmetros da conformação do úbere com a celularidade da glândula mamária aferida pelo teste California Mastitis Test (CMT) e contagem de células somáticas (CCS) em 80 cabras da raça Saanen sem alterações no exame clínico da glândula mamária nem no teste de Tamis. Observou-se que a maioria dos parâmetros fenotípicos de úbere não influenciou a CCS, sendo considerados puramente estéticos. A circunferência e profundidade de úbere demonstraram correlação negativa com a celularidade e, por serem características de herdabilidade moderada a alta, podem ser parâmetros considerados para seleção genética de caprinos.(AU)

Several predisposing factors are described for mammary diseases or secondary disorders that compromise the quality and productivity of milk from females in different species. The phenotypic characteristics of the udder are considered in the economic evaluation of a female goat, whether for production potential, or as the genealogical record for these females. The limitation of studies correlating these features with the udder health raises doubt about the meaning of the conformation to the health and productivity of the mammary gland. Therefore, this study aimed to list the parameters of the udder conformation with the cellularity of the mammary gland checked by California Mastitis Test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) in 80 Saanen goats without alterations in the clinical examination of the mammary gland or the Tamis test. It was observed that most of the phenotypic parameters of the udder did not influence the CCS, being considered purely esthetic. The circumference and udder depth showed negative correlation with the cellularity and moderate to high heritability traits can be considered parameters for genetic selection of goats.(AU)

Effect of organic loading rate and fill time on the biohydrogen production in a mechanically stirred AnSBBR treating synthetic sucrose-based wastewater.

This study investigated the feasibility to produce biohydrogen of a mechanically stirred anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (AnSBBR) treating sucrose-based synthetic wastewater. The bioreactor performance (30 °C) was evaluated as to the combined effect of fill time (2, 1.5, and 1 h), cycle length (4, 3, and 2 h), influent concentration (3,500 and 5,250 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD) L(-1)) and applied volumetric organic load (AVOLCT from 9.0 to 27.0 g COD L(-1) d(-1)). AVOLs were varied according to influent concentration and cycle length (t C). The results showed that increasing AVOLCT resulted in a decrease in sucrose removal from 99 to 86 % and in improvement of molar yield per removed load (MYRLS.n) from 1.02 mol H2 mol carbohydrate(-1) at AVOLCT of 9.0 g COD L(-1) d(-1) to maximum value of 1.48 mol H2 mol carbohydrate(-1), at AVOLCT of 18.0 g COD L(-1) d(-1), with subsequent decrease. Increasing AVOLCT improved the daily molar productivity of hydrogen (MPr) from 15.28 to 49.22 mol H2 m(-3) d(-1). The highest daily specific molar productivity of hydrogen (SMPr) obtained was 8.71 mol H2 kg TVS(-1) d(-1) at an AVOLCT of 18.0 g COD L(-1) d(-1). Decreasing t C from 4 to 3 h decreased sucrose removal, increased MPr, and improved SMPr. Increasing influent concentration decreased sucrose removal only at t C of 2 h, improved MYRLS,n and MPr at all t C, and also improved SMPr at t C of 4 and 3 h. Feeding strategy had a significant effect on biohydrogen production; increasing fill time improved sucrose removal, MPr, SMPr, and MYRLS,n for all investigated AVOLCT. At all operational conditions, the main intermediate metabolic was acetic acid followed by ethanol, butyric, and propionic acids. Increasing fill time resulted in a decrease in ethanol concentration.

Assessment of different solutions and incubation times in the hypoosmotic swelling test of frozen/thawed semen in Piau boars

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of several solutions and incubation times in the hypoosmotic swelling test in predicting the in vitro quality of the frozen/thawed semen of Piau boars. Four samples of frozen semen from five different Piau boars were used. For the assessment of the hypoosmotic test, three incubation times were used (5, 30 and 60 min) in three different hypoosmotic solutions (BTS at 75 mOsm/Kg, sucrrose at 100 mOsm/Kg and fructose and sodium citrate at 100 mOsm/Kg), thus, samples were submitted to each hypoosmotic solution in three incubation times. The means of sperm motility spermatic vigor and live sperm by supravital staining for the assessed samples were respectively, 37.5 ± 7.2%, 2.8 ± 0.3 and 37.4 ± 7.8% in thawing and 15.5 ± 7.6%, 1.7 ± 0.5 and 22.6 ± 6.6% after 120 mm of thermoresistance test (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the mean values obtained for reactive sperm in the different incubation times and hypoosmotic solutions, and also no interaction between time ans solutions. The results obtained in the resent study demonstrated that quality of frozen/thawed semen, besides offering aliernatives for hypoosmotic solutions and different incubation times in performing the hypoosmotic test to predict the sperm plasmatic membrane quality in boats.

Assessment of different solutions and incubation times in the hypoosmotic swelling test of frozen/thawed semen in Piau boars

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of several solutions and incubation times in the hypoosmotic swelling test in predicting the in vitro quality of the frozen/thawed semen of Piau boars. Four samples of frozen semen from five different Piau boars were used. For the assessment of the hypoosmotic test, three incubation times were used (5, 30 and 60 min) in three different hypoosmotic solutions (BTS at 75 mOsm/Kg, sucrrose at 100 mOsm/Kg and fructose and sodium citrate at 100 mOsm/Kg), thus, samples were submitted to each hypoosmotic solution in three incubation times. The means of sperm motility spermatic vigor and live sperm by supravital staining for the assessed samples were respectively, 37.5 ± 7.2%, 2.8 ± 0.3 and 37.4 ± 7.8% in thawing and 15.5 ± 7.6%, 1.7 ± 0.5 and 22.6 ± 6.6% after 120 mm of thermoresistance test (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the mean values obtained for reactive sperm in the different incubation times and hypoosmotic solutions, and also no interaction between time ans solutions. The results obtained in the resent study demonstrated that quality of frozen/thawed semen, besides offering aliernatives for hypoosmotic solutions and different incubation times in performing the hypoosmotic test to predict the sperm plasmatic membrane quality in boats.(AU)

Maturation of mononuclear phagocytes in the lungs of young calves--in vitro study.

The influences of age in calves' immune system are described in their first phase of life. We hypothesized that variations that occur in the main mechanisms of lung innate response can help to identify periods of greater susceptibility to the respiratory diseases that affect calves in the first stage of their life. This study aimed to evaluate the innate immune system. Nine healthy calves were monitored for 3 mo and 8 immunologic evaluations were performed. Bronchoalveolar lavage samples were recovered by bronchoscopy. The alveolar macrophages in samples were identified by protein expression of cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) and underwent functional evaluation of phagocytosis (Staphylococcus aureus stained with propidium iodide and Escherichia coli). Data was assessed by one-way ANOVA (unstacked and parametric) and the Mann-Whitney test (nonparametric). Functional alterations in CD14-positive phagocytes were observed, with punctual higher intensity of phagocytosis in the third week and its decrease starting at 45 d of life. A gradual increase in phagocytosis rate was observed starting at this date. It is concluded that from 45 d of life on, alveolar macrophages have less phagocytic capacity but more cells perform this function. We suggest that this occurs because lung macrophages of calves start to maintain their immune response without passive immunity influence. Until 90 d of life, calves did not achieve the stability to conclude the maturation of local innate immune response.

Richness of endophytic fungi isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. (Cactaceae) and preliminary screening for enzyme production.

Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. (forage cactus) is farmed with relative success in the semi-arid region of the Brazilian northeast for commercial purposes, particularly as forage and food. Endophytic microorganisms are those that can be isolated inside plant tissues and can be a new source to production of enzymes with different potentialities. The objective of this study was to describe the richness of endophytic fungi from O. ficus-indica and to detect the capacity of these species to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. Forty-four endophytic fungi species were isolated. Among them, the most commonly found were Cladosporium cladosporioides (20.43%) and C. sphaerospermum (15.99%). Acremonium terricola, Monodictys castaneae, Penicillium glandicola, Phoma tropica and Tetraploa aristata are being reported for the first time as endophytic fungi for Brazil. The majority of isolated fungi exhibited enzymatic potential. Aspergillus japonicus and P. glandicola presented pectinolytic activity. Xylaria sp. was the most important among the other 14 species with positive cellulase activity. All 24 isolates analysed were xylanase-positive. Protease was best produced by isolate PF103. The results indicate that there is a significant richness of endophytic fungi in O. ficus-indica, and that these isolates indicate promising potential for deployment in biotechnological processes involving production of pectinases, cellulases, xylanases and proteases.

Teste de ligação de espermatozoides de suínos da raça Piau à membrana perivitelina da gema do ovo / Sperm-binding assay in Piau swine breeds to the hen’s egg perivitelline membrane

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização do teste de ligação de espermatozoides à membrana perivitelina da gema do ovo de galinha como uma alternativa de predizer a qualidade espermática pós-descongelamento em suínos da raça Piau. Foram utilizadas cinco partidas de sêmen congelado de um varrão, as quais foram subdivididas em quatro tratamentos, de acordo com o meio (BTS ou B-TALP) e as concentrações espermáticas utilizadas (20 ou 40 x 106 espermatozoides/mL). Além disso, utilizaram-se 25 partidas de sêmen congelado de cinco varrões (cinco partidas de cada animal), sendo que 10 μL de sêmen na concentração de 20 x 106 espermatozoides/mL foram incubados em meio BTS ou B-TALP. No experimento 1, o número médio de espermatozoides aderidos/mm2 variou de 157,0 ± 81,3 a 249,4 ± 119,3 (P > 0,05). No experimento 2, o número médio de espermatozoides ligados/mm2 foi de 339,3 ± 255,5 e 275,4 ± 164,0, respectivamente, para os meios BTS e B-TALP, sem diferença entre eles (P > 0,05). Concluiu-se que a concentração espermática, assim como os meios de incubação utilizados, não interferiu na capacidade de adesão de espermatozoides à membrana perivitelina da gema do ovo em animais da raça Piau.

The objective of this study was to verify the use of sperm-binding assay in Piau swine breeds to the hen’s egg perivitelline membrane as an alternative to predict semen post-thawing fertilizing capability. It were used five matches of frozen semen from a boar, and the matches divided into four treatments, according to media (BTS or B-TALP) or sperm concentration (20 or 40 x 106 sperm/ml). Moreover, Twenty five frozen semen samples were used from five males (five semen samples from each male), using 10 μL of sperm with the concentration of 20 x 106 spermatozoa/mL and incubated BTS or B-TALP. In experiment 1, the average number of sperm-binding/mm2 varied from 157.0 ± 81.3 to 249.4 ± 119.3 (P > 0.05). In experiment two, The average number of sperm-binding/mm2 was 339.3 ± 255.5 and 275.4 ± 164.0, respectively for BTS and B-TALP media, with no difference between themselves (P > 0.05). It was concluded that sperm concentration, as well as the incubation media used did not affect the sperm adhesion to hen’s egg perivitelline membrane in Piau breed animals.

Teste de ligação de espermatozoides de suínos da raça Piau à membrana perivitelina da gema do ovo / Sperm-binding assay in Piau swine breeds to the hens egg perivitelline membrane

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização do teste de ligação de espermatozoides à membrana perivitelina da gema do ovo de galinha como uma alternativa de predizer a qualidade espermática pós-descongelamento em suínos da raça Piau. Foram utilizadas cinco partidas de sêmen congelado de um varrão, as quais foram subdivididas em quatro tratamentos, de acordo com o meio (BTS ou B-TALP) e as concentrações espermáticas utilizadas (20 ou 40 x 106 espermatozoides/mL). Além disso, utilizaram-se 25 partidas de sêmen congelado de cinco varrões (cinco partidas de cada animal), sendo que 10 μL de sêmen na concentração de 20 x 106 espermatozoides/mL foram incubados em meio BTS ou B-TALP. No experimento 1, o número médio de espermatozoides aderidos/mm2 variou de 157,0 ± 81,3 a 249,4 ± 119,3 (P > 0,05). No experimento 2, o número médio de espermatozoides ligados/mm2 foi de 339,3 ± 255,5 e 275,4 ± 164,0, respectivamente, para os meios BTS e B-TALP, sem diferença entre eles (P > 0,05). Concluiu-se que a concentração espermática, assim como os meios de incubação utilizados, não interferiu na capacidade de adesão de espermatozoides à membrana perivitelina da gema do ovo em animais da raça Piau. (AU)

The objective of this study was to verify the use of sperm-binding assay in Piau swine breeds to the hens egg perivitelline membrane as an alternative to predict semen post-thawing fertilizing capability. It were used five matches of frozen semen from a boar, and the matches divided into four treatments, according to media (BTS or B-TALP) or sperm concentration (20 or 40 x 106 sperm/ml). Moreover, Twenty five frozen semen samples were used from five males (five semen samples from each male), using 10 μL of sperm with the concentration of 20 x 106 spermatozoa/mL and incubated BTS or B-TALP. In experiment 1, the average number of sperm-binding/mm2 varied from 157.0 ± 81.3 to 249.4 ± 119.3 (P > 0.05). In experiment two, The average number of sperm-binding/mm2 was 339.3 ± 255.5 and 275.4 ± 164.0, respectively for BTS and B-TALP media, with no difference between themselves (P > 0.05). It was concluded that sperm concentration, as well as the incubation media used did not affect the sperm adhesion to hens egg perivitelline membrane in Piau breed animals. (AU)

The role of the SLAM-SAP signaling pathway in the modulation of CD4+ T cell responses

The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), present on the surface of hematopoietic cells, can regulate some events of the immune responses. This modulatory action is associated with the capacity of SLAM to interact with an intracytoplasmic adapter, such as SLAM-associated protein (SAP). SLAM is constitutively expressed in most of these cells, is rapidly induced after antigenic or inflammatory stimuli, and participates in the immunological synapse. Defects in the function of the SLAM-SAP pathway contribute to immunological abnormalities, resulting in autoimmune diseases, tumors of the lymphoid tissues and inadequate responses to infectious agents. Initially, the role of SLAM was investigated using an anti-SLAM monoclonal antibody (α-SLAM mAb) identified as an agonist of the SLAM-SAP pathway, which could induce the production of interferon-γ and could redirect the immune response to a T helper 1 (Th1) cell profile. However, in this review we postulate that the SLAM-SAP pathway primarily induces a Th2 response and secondarily suppresses the Th1 response.

The role of the SLAM-SAP signaling pathway in the modulation of CD4+ T cell responses.

The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), present on the surface of hematopoietic cells, can regulate some events of the immune responses. This modulatory action is associated with the capacity of SLAM to interact with an intracytoplasmic adapter, such as SLAM-associated protein (SAP). SLAM is constitutively expressed in most of these cells, is rapidly induced after antigenic or inflammatory stimuli, and participates in the immunological synapse. Defects in the function of the SLAM-SAP pathway contribute to immunological abnormalities, resulting in autoimmune diseases, tumors of the lymphoid tissues and inadequate responses to infectious agents. Initially, the role of SLAM was investigated using an anti-SLAM monoclonal antibody (α-SLAM mAb) identified as an agonist of the SLAM-SAP pathway, which could induce the production of interferon-γ and could redirect the immune response to a T helper 1 (Th1) cell profile. However, in this review we postulate that the SLAM-SAP pathway primarily induces a Th2 response and secondarily suppresses the Th1 response.

Isolation of cellulolytic fungi from waste of castor (Ricinus communis L.).

This is the first report of isolation of fungi present in fatty and defatted castor bean meal as well as the first of crop's selection to test the cellulolytic potential, in order to verify the diversity and potential of cellulolytic fungi in castor bean waste (Ricinus communis L.). For the screening on solid medium, it was used carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as the sole carbon source. The microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) was used as a substrate for submerged fermentation for production of cellobiohydrolase (FPase) and the CMC to produce endoglucanases (CMCase) and ß-glycosidases (BG). 189 cultures of fungi were isolated, including 40 species of filamentous fungi and three yeasts. The Aspergillus was the most frequent found genus. Regarding the distribution of isolated species from defatted castor bean meal, the A. niger was the most frequent one; and within the fatty castor bean meal, the Emericela variecolor prevailed among other species. Among the 67 fungal cultures tested in the initial screening on solid media to assess the cellulolytic potential, 54 disclosed Cellulolytic Index (CI) ranging from 1.04 to 6.00 mm. The isolates were selected for enzyme production in liquid medium with values above 2.0 CI. They were obtained with A. japonicus URM5620 FPase activity (4.99 U/ml) and BG (0.05 U/ml), and Rhodotorula glutinis URM5724 activity of CMCase 3.58 U/ml. These cases occurred after 168 h of submersion for both species of fungi. In our study, we could conclude that the castor bean is a promising source of fungi capable of producing cellulolytic enzymes.

Capacidade de enraizamento de estacas de Maytenus muelleri Schwacke com a aplicação de ácido indol butírico relacionada aos aspectos anatômicos / Rooting capacity of Maytenus muelleri Schwacke cuttings with indolebutyric acid application related to anatomical aspects

A espinheira-santa (Maytenus muelleri - Celastraceae) é a planta medicinal nativa do Sul do Brasil, cujas folhas são tradicionalmente utilizadas pela medicina popular para o tratamento de úlceras e outros problemas gástricos. Existem poucos trabalhos publicados sobre a produção de mudas e técnicas de propagação vegetativa da espécie. A propagação de espinheira-santa por estaquia poderia ser um método eficiente para obtenção de material homogêneo, com características genéticas desejáveis, produzido a partir de plantas matrizes selecionadas. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar os efeitos da aplicação de ácido indol butírico (AIB), em solução e em pó, no enraizamento de estacas de espinheira-santa coletadas nas quatro estações do ano (abril/2005 a janeiro/2006), bem como averiguar, por meio de análises anatômicas e histoquímicas das estacas, a presença de possíveis impedimentos à iniciação do enraizamento adventício. Estacas provenientes de ramos de plantas matrizes de seis anos cultivadas da Estação Experimental do Canguiri, Pinhais, PR, foram coletadas e tratadas com AIB (0, 1500, 3000 mg L-1 ou mg kg-1), em solução alcoólica (50 por cento v/v) e em talco. Aos 365 dias foram avaliadas as porcentagens de estacas enraizadas e mortas, número e comprimento médio de raízes formadas por estaca. Análises anatômicas e histoquímicas com lugol e cloreto férrico foram realizadas. A estação mais promissora para o enraizamento foi o verão/2006 com 62,50 por cento para o tratamento controle, devido à menor lignficação dos ramos no período de intenso crescimento vegetativo. O número médio de raízes formadas por estaca foi de 6,94 (solução) e o comprimento médio de raízes formadas/estaca chegou a 4,82 cm nesta mesma estação. As concentrações de AIB aplicadas não foram eficientes na indução radicial, independentemente do modo de aplicação. Foi detectada a presença de uma camada quase contínua de fibras e braquiesclereídes, a qual constitui barreira anatômica à indução radicial. Os testes histoquímicos revelaram a presença de amido e de compostos fenólicos nas estacas, em todas as estações do ano. A dificuldade ou demora no enraizamento não pode ser justificada pela falta de reservas de amido nos tecidos das estacas, mas pode ser justificada pela presença de compostos fenólicos, possivelmente do grupo dos monofenóis, que causam a degradação do AIA, interferindo negativamente na indução do enraizamento.

"Espinheira-santa" (Maytenus muelleri - Celastraceae) is a medicinal plant native to Southern Brazil, the leaves of which are traditionally used in popular medicine for the treatment of stomach ulcers and other gastric problems. There are few published studies about seedling production and vegetative propagation techniques for this species. The propagation of "espinheira-santa" by cuttings could be an efficient method to obtain homogeneous material, with desirable genetic characteristics, produced from selected mother plants. This paper aimed to study the effects of indolebutyric acid (IBA) application, in solution and in powder, on the rooting of "espinheira-santa" cuttings, collected in four seasons (April/2005 to January/2006), as well as to investigate, by means of cutting anatomical and histochemical analyses, the presence of possible impediments to adventitious rooting initiation. Cuttings from branches of six-year mother plants grown at "Estação Experimental do Canguiri", Pinhais, Paraná State, Brazil, were collected and treated with IBA (0, 1500, 3000 mg L-1 or mg kg-1) in alcoholic solution (50 percent v/v) and in powder. After 365 days, the percentages of rooted and dead cuttings, the number and mean length of roots/cutting were evaluated. Anatomical and histochemical analyses were performed with lugol and ferric chloride. The most promising season for rooting was Summer/2006, with 62.50 percent of rooting for the control treatment, due to the lesser lignification degree of branches in intense vegetative growth period. The mean number of roots/cutting was 6.94 (solution) and the mean length of roots/cutting was 4.82 cm in that same season. The applied IBA concentrations were not efficient in inducing root growth, regardless of the application method. An almost continuous layer of fibers and stone cells was detected, constituting an anatomical barrier for rooting induction. The histochemical tests revealed the presence of starch and phenolic compounds in cuttings, in all seasons. The difficulty or delay in rooting cannot be justified by the absence of starch reserve in the cutting tissues but by the presence of phenolic compounds, possibly of the group of monophenols, which cause IAA degradation, negatively affecting rooting induction.

Antiviral activities of extracts and phenolic components of two Spondias species against dengue virus

In recent years, the search for natural plant products to fight viral diseases has been increasing. In this work, two Spondias species, namely S. mombin and S. tuberosa, found in Ceará state (Brazil), and their main phenolic components were evaluated against dengue virus. In vitro antiviral tests were performed against type-2 dengue virus by the MTT method and standard cytopathic effect reduction assay in C6/36 cells. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated by MTT. The presence of phenolic compounds quercetin, rutin, and ellagic acid in plant extracts was characterized by HPLC analysis. Both Spondias species extracts and components were nontoxic to the cells whereas rutin and quercetin displayed relevant antiviral activity with IC50 of 362.68 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively.

Antiviral activities of extracts and phenolic components of two Spondias species against dengue virus

In recent years, the search for natural plant products to fight viral diseases has been increasing. In this work, two Spondias species, namely S. mombin and S. tuberosa, found in Ceará state (Brazil), and their main phenolic components were evaluated against dengue virus. In vitro antiviral tests were performed against type-2 dengue virus by the MTT method and standard cytopathic effect reduction assay in C6/36 cells. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated by MTT. The presence of phenolic compounds quercetin, rutin, and ellagic acid in plant extracts was characterized by HPLC analysis. Both Spondias species extracts and components were nontoxic to the cells whereas rutin and quercetin displayed relevant antiviral activity with IC50 of 362.68 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively.(AU)

Efeito dos ácidos naftaleno acético e indolilbutírico no enraizamento de estacas de jambolão [Syzygium cumini (L. ) Skeels] / Effect of naphthaleneacetic acid and indolebutyric acid on rooting of jambul [Syzygium cumini (L. ) Skeels] cuttings

O jambolão propaga-se normalmente por sementes o que acarreta variabilidade nas plantas descendentes e um problema quando o objetivo é a formação de pomar comercial. O desenvolvimento de protocolo de propagação vegetativa por meio da estaquia possibilitaria a reprodução de todas as características da planta matriz, uniformidade nas populações e facilidade de propagação. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito dos ácidos naftaleno acético (ANA) e indolilbutírico (AIB) no enraizamento de estacas de jambolão. Estacas da região mediana dos ramos foram confeccionadas com 12 cm de comprimento, cortadas em bisel na base e reto acima da última gema axilar, mantendo-se um par de folhas reduzidas à metade. As bases das estacas foram imersas por 10 segundos em soluções aquosas contendo ANA ou AIB nas concentrações de 0, 500, 1.000 e 1.500 mg L-1. Para o plantio foram utilizadas bandejas plásticas contendo areia de granulometria média. As estacas foram mantidas em casa-de-vegetação com nebulização intermitente e após 120 dias do plantio, foram avaliadas as variáveis: porcentagem de estacas enraizadas, com calos, vivas (não enraizadas e sem calos) e mortas, comprimento das três maiores raízes (cm) e número de raízes formadas por estaca. Os melhores resultados de enraizamento foram verificados com 1.000 mg L-1 para ambos os fitorreguladores testados. A porcentagem de enraizamento foi ligeiramente superior com a utilização de ANA quando comparada ao AIB.

Jambul usually propagates by seeds, which causes variability in the descendant plants and represents a problem in the formation of commercial orchards. The development of a protocol for vegetative propagation by cuttings would enable the reproduction of all features of the Mother plant, uniformity in populations and easy propagation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and indolebutyric acid (IBA) on rooting of jambul cuttings. Twelve-cm-long cuttings from the median region of branches were prepared through bevel cut in the base and right cut above the last axillary bud, keeping one pair of halved leaves. Cutting bases were immersed for 10s in aqueous solutions containing NAA or IBA at 0, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg L-1 concentrations. Plastic trays containing medium sand were used in the planting. The cuttings were kept in a greenhouse under intermittent nebulization and, at 120 days after planting, the following variables were evaluated: percentage of rooted, with calluses, alive (not-rooted and without calluses) and dead cuttings; length of the three largest roots (cm); and number of roots per cutting. The best rooting was observed by using 1000 mg L-1 of both tested plant growth regulators. Rooting percentage was slightly higher under NAA relative to IBA.

Haemophilus ducreyi detection by polymerase chain reaction in oesophageal lesions of HIV patients.

HIV patients frequently have opportunistic oesophageal infections. We report Haemophilus ducreyi genetic material detected by polymerase chain reaction in biopsies of oesophageal lesions in three HIV-1-infected patients. This finding may be an indication of its aetiopathological role in oesophageal lesions of HIV patients.