Data set of the toxic effects of divaricatic acid depside on Biomphalaria glabrata and Schistosoma mansoni cercariae.

In this study, the molluscicidal and antiparasitic activities of divaricatic acid was evaluated, targeting the mollusc Biomphalaria glabrata and cercariae of the helminth Schistosoma mansoni. Divaricatic acid showed high toxicity against both adult snails (5.5 µg/mL) and embryos (20 µg/mL after 6 h of exposure). Similar activity was observed in S. mansoni cercariae after only a short exposure time. The divaricatic acid proved to be a promising substance for the control of the snail B. glabrata, an intermediate host of schistosomiasis, as well as the cercariae of the pathogen.

Radiosensitizer effect of usnic acid on Biomphalaria glabrata embryos.

PURPOSE: Some phytochemicals have shown the potential of being radiomodifiers, especially phenolic compounds, such as lichenic secondary metabolites. To evaluate the phytochemical usnic acid as a radiomodifier, embryonic cells of molluscs have been used due to their ease of collection, high sensitivity to physical and chemical agents, well-known embryology and low cost for analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to assess the radiosensitizing action of usnic acid on Biomphalaria glabrata embryos. Samples were irradiated with 4 Gy of gamma rays from a 60Co source (dose rate 2.906 Gy/h). An acute toxicity test was performed using B. glabrata embryos in the blastula stage, in order to determine the toxicity of usnic acid and to establish the lethal Concentration for 50% (LC50). Subsequently, the radiomodifing capacity of usnic acid was estimated using assays with B. glabrata embryos. RESULTS: Irradiation increased the number of non-viable embryos compared to unirradiated controls. Additionally, it was observed that embryos exposed to a non-toxic concentration of usnic acid (0.6 µg/mL) before irradiation showed a further enhancement in non-viable embryos when compared with exposure to ionizing radiation alone. CONCLUSION: The results presented here indicate that usnic acid makes cells more sensitive to the damaging effects of radiation.

Laboratory assessment of divaricatic acid against Biomphalaria glabrata and Schistosoma mansoni cercariae.

In this study, the molluscicidal and antiparasitic activities of divaricatic acid was evaluated, targeting the mollusc Biomphalaria glabrata and cercariae of the helminth Schistosoma mansoni. In addition, the environmental toxicity of divaricatic acid was assessed by bioassay using the microcrustacean Artemia salina. Divaricatic acid showed high toxicity against both adult snails (5µg/mL) and embryos (20µg/mL after 6h of exposure). Similar activity was observed in Schistosoma mansoni cercariae after only a short exposure time (10µg/mL after 30min of exposure). The divaricatic acid did not show toxicity in the acute test using Artemia salina at concentrations equal to or below 200µg/mL. The divaricatic acid proved to be a promising substance for the elimination of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata, an intermediate host of schistosomiasis, as well as the cercariae of the pathogen, while being non-toxic to the Artemia salina at the same concentrations. This is the first experimental observation of the molluscicidal and cercaricide activity of divaricatic acid.

Gallic acid as the major antioxidant in pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb. ) fruit peel / Ácido gálico como principal antioxidante da casca do fruto do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb. )

ABSTRACTIn this study, ethanol-water extracts of pequi fruit peel were fractionated in order to identify and quantify the major antioxidant present in it. The fractions were subjected to liquid-liquid phase extraction and silica-gel column chromatography, and antioxidant activity was monitored using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging assay. The purity of the fractions was evaluated using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The substance with antioxidant property was identified through the analysis in a liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy fragmentation and was quantified using HPLC. After the Silica-gel fractionation, it was identified a fraction with high antioxidant activity and purity, which contained gallic acid as the main compound. The gallic acid was found at the amount of 26.54 ± 1.13 mg/g of the dry mass of the pequi fruit peel. Because the quantifications were performed using crude ethanol-water extract, it was suspected that gallic acid was present in a free form. Thus, pequi fruit peel may serve as an attractive alternative of feedstock for natural antioxidant production. Moreover, the results obtained in this study emphasize the value of the pequi plant, and suggests improved opportunities for families that use this fruit`s products.

RESUMOExtratos hidroetanólicos da casca do fruto do pequi foram fracionados a fim de identificar e quantificar o principal antioxidante presente. Frações do extrato foram submetidas ao particionamento líquido-líquido e fracionamento em coluna de sílica gel. As atividades antioxidantes das frações foram monitoradas usando ensaio de redução do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila e a pureza das frações foi avaliada em cromatografia de camada delgada e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). A substância com propriedades antioxidantes foi identificada através da análise em sistema de cromatografia líquida associada à espectrometria de massas e foi quantificada em HPLC. Após o fracionamento identificou-se uma fração com alta atividade antioxidante e pureza, contendo ácido gálico como o composto principal. Ácido gálico foi encontrado em concentrações de 26,54 ± 1,13 mg/g de massa seca. Devido às quantificações terem sido realizadas no extrato hidroetanólico bruto, acredita-se que o ácido gálico esteja presente na forma livre. Assim, a casca do fruto pequi pode servir como interessante alternativa de matéria prima para a produção desse antioxidante natural. Além disso, esse resultado enfatiza o valor da planta do pequi e sugere oportunidades para as famílias que utilizam produtos de pequi.

Maternal high-fat diet consumption modulates hepatic lipid metabolism and microRNA-122 (miR-122) and microRNA-370 (miR-370) expression in offspring.

Maternal consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy and lactation is closely related to hepatic lipid accumulation, insulin resistance and increased serum cytokine levels in offspring and into their adulthood. MicroRNA (miRNA) have been implicated in cholesterol biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism. We evaluated the modulation of hepatic fatty acid synthesis (de novo), ß-oxidation pathways, and miRNA-122 (miR-122) and miRNA-370 (miR-370) expression in recently weaned offspring (day 28) of mouse dams fed a HFD (HFD-O) or a standard chow (SC-O) during pregnancy and lactation. Compared with SC-O mice, HFD-O mice weighed more, had a larger adipose tissue mass and were more intolerant to glucose and insulin (P< 0·05). HFD-O mice also presented more levels of serum cholesterol, TAG, NEFA and hepatic IκB kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation compared with SC-O mice (P< 0·05). Protein levels of fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase were similar in HFD-O and SC-O mice, whereas expression levels of SCD1 mRNA and protein were more abundant in HFD-O mice than in SC-O mice (P< 0·05). Interestingly, mRNA expression levels of the ß-oxidation-related genes ACADVL and CPT1 were decreased in HFD-O mice (P< 0·05). Furthermore, the expression of miR-122 was reduced but that of miR-370 was increased in HFD-O mice compared with that in SC-O mice (P< 0·05). Changes in hepatic lipid metabolism were accompanied by increased mRNA content of AGPAT1 and TAG deposition in HFD-O mice (P< 0·05). Taken together, the present results strongly suggest that maternal consumption of a HFD affects the early lipid metabolism of offspring by modulating the expression of hepatic ß-oxidation-related genes and miRNA that can contribute to metabolic disturbances in adult life.

Low-dose gamma irradiation of food protein increases its allergenicity in a chronic oral challenge.

Few chronic food protein models have described the relationship between allergenicity and the molecular structure of food protein after physical processing. The effect of γ-radiation on the structure of food protein was measured by fluorescence, circular dichroism and microcalorimetry. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally sensitized and then given non-irradiated and irradiated Con-A by daily gavage for 28days. The tendency to form insoluble amorphous aggregates and partially unfolded species was observed after irradiation. The administration of non-irradiated and irradiated samples at low-dose significantly increased weight loss as well as plasma levels of eotaxin in animals repeatedly exposed to Con-A. Significant lymphocytic infiltrate filling completely the stroma of microvilli and tubular glands was observed in the small intestinal of the group given Con-A irradiated at a low dose. This phenotype was not observed in animals treated with Con-A irradiated at a high dose.

HTR1B and HTR2C in autism spectrum disorders in Brazilian families.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disabilities characterized by multiple genetic etiologies and a complex presentation. Several studies suggest the involvement of the serotonin system in the development of ASD, but only few have investigated serotonin receptors. We have performed a case-control and a family-based study with 9 polymorphisms mapped to two serotonin receptor genes (HTR1B and HTR2C) in 252 Brazilian male ASD patients of European ancestry. These analyses showed evidence of undertransmission of the HTR1B haplotypes containing alleles -161G and -261A at HTR1B gene to ASD (P=0.003), but no involvement of HTR2C to the predisposition to this disease. Considering the relatively low level of statistical significance and the power of our sample, further studies are required to confirm the association of these serotonin-related genes and ASD.

Clinical pharmacokinetics of lyophilized recombinant human erythropoietin-alpha following single-dose subcutaneous administration in premature newborns.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine pharmacokinetic parameters after subcutaneous administration of a single dose (400 IU/kg) of lyophilized recombinant human erythropoietin-alpha (rhEPOalpha) to preterm newborns. The parameters determined were: maximum concentration (C(max)), time to reach maximum concentration (T(max)), absorption half-life (t(l/2abs)), volume of distribution (Vd), elimination half-life (t(l/2el)), clearance (C(L)), constant of elimination (k(el)) and area under the 0-72 h curve (AUC(0-72). METHODS: The study group comprised 20 premature newborns (eight males and 12 females) delivered in the Teaching Hospital, University of São Paulo. The inclusion criteria were birth weight < 1500 g or gestational age < or = 34 weeks, and clinical and hemodynamic stability. Serum erythropoietin (EPO) concentration was determined before and 1, 4, 6, 12, 24,48 and 72 h after subcutaneous administration of 400 IU/kg rhEPOalpha, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in serum EPO concentration between t72 and t0 (p = 0.001). Mean values (range) of the pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: C(max), 739.8 (188.0-1390.0) mIU/ml; T(max), 7.7 (4.0-12.0) h; t(l/2abs), 2.9 (0.8-4.8) h, V(d), 0.705 (0.23-1.73) 1/kg; t(l/2e1), 14.9 (8.7-36.1) h; C(L), 0.032 (0.014-0.066) 1/h; k(el), 0.0475 (0.0200-0.0700); and AUC(0-72), 19058.2 (7648.0-34701.5) mIU/ml per h. The Spearman test showed no correlation between the pharmacokinetic parameters analyzed and the characteristics of the population studied. CONCLUSIONS: Studies evaluating the effectiveness of therapy with recombinant human erythropoietin in premature newborns have used various doses, administered at intervals between 24 and 48 h. The kinetics of absorption measured in our study supports the use of 400 IU/kg within an interval of no less than 72 h, together with therapeutic control of the drug and evaluation of the erythropoietic response.

Serum vitamin A levels in patients with ocular lesions attributable to non-complicated malaria in the Brazilian Amazon region.

In order to evaluate the association between serum vitamin A levels and ocular lesions attributable to non-complicated malaria, 200 patients seen consecutively at the Malaria Outpatient Clinic of FUNASA, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil were included in this study. Ophthalmologic examination consisted of indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy under medicamentous mydriasis, biomicroscopy with a portable slit lamp and measurement of central visual acuity. Vitamin A serum concentration was determined by HPLC, and deficiency was defined as serum values equal to or lower than 0.35 micromol/l. Serum vitamin A values between 0.36 and 0.70 micromol/l were considered as marginal levels. Hypovitaminosis A (

Toxicological evaluation of the hydro-alcohol extract of the dry leaves of Peumus boldus and boldine in rats.

The hydro-alcohol extract of the dry leaves of Peumus boldus and boldine, showed abortive and teratogenic action and changes in the blood levels of bilirubin, cholesterol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea in rats. The long term administration of the extract and boldine did not cause histological modification during a period of 90 days.

Growth changes induced by gamma radiation on Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848).

Doses of 60Co gamma radiation with 2.5; 5; 7.5; 10; 15; 20; 25; 30; 35; 40; 45; 50; 55; 60; 80; 160; 320 and 640 Gy were applied to 1, 080 snails Biomphalaria straminea, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, divided in groups containing 30 mollusks. In addition, 60 non irradiated snails were kept as control. Fifty percent of the population was kept in colonies (allowing cross fertilization) while the other half was maintained in sexual isolation (allowing self fertilization) and during one month their growth was observed through the daily measurement of the shell diameter. Results showed that after 20 Gy doses the growth in shell diameter of irradiated snails was greater than that of the control group after 30 days. At this dose the snail size was the greatest, among all isolated groups. The 80 Gy doses also induced the final shell diameter of isolated snails to be greater then that observed in the control groups. As this effect was most evident among the isolated snails, a possible hormonal role may have been involved in the observed phenomena, which is under investigation with the objective of identifying any future applications that this could have to schistosomiasis control.

Características clínicas de transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo em crianças e adolescentes / Clinical features of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents

OBJETIVO: Descrever o quadro clínico, evoluçäo, comorbidade, subtipo de transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC) e incidencia de patologia familiar em uma amostra clínica de crianças e adolescentes com TOC.CASUISTICA E METODOS: Foram avaliados prospectivamente 40 pacientes menores de 18 anos, do Serviço de Psiquiatria da Infancia e Adolescencia(SEPIA), com TOC, no periodo de junho de 1995 até agosto de 1998, através da entrevista K-SADs, versäo E -IV e escala de sintomas Y-BOCS. Dados de incidencia de patologia familiar foram obtidos por anamnese clínica. Dados de evoluçäo säo referentes ao período em que estiveram em seguimento no SEPIA e, retrospectivamente, desde o início dos sintomas pela história clínica. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (77,5 por cento), com idade média de início de 10,04 anos. Houve predomínio de subtipo misto de obsessöes e compulsöes, com tipo de sintomas em geral múltiplos e mutáveis ao longo do tempo. Comorbidade foi muito freqüentes nesta amostra (10 por cento). Houve 22,5 por cento de familiares com TOC ou SOC (sintomas obsessivo-compulsivos; subclínico). A evoluçäo foi na maioria crônica flutuante. CONCLUSOES: Trata-se de uma amostra clínica em que os pacientes foram selecionados de uma populaçäo rica em casos psiquiatricos gerais mais graves, por ser um centro de referencia para este atendimento. Portanto há vies quanto ao grau de acometimento e talvez isto tenha influenciado para diferenças em relaçäo a dados de literatura sobre TOC infantil

Gamma (60)Co DL(50/30) of Biomphalaria glabrata (SAY, 1818).

The variation of resistance to (60)Co gamma-rays of Biomphalaria glabrata was studied. A population of 480 mollusks was observed during 30 days - distributed in 8 groups of snails isolated and 8 groups of snails in colonies - after exposure (30 snails per group per dose) to increasing doses of gamma radiation. Doses of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 160, 320 and 640 Gy from a Gamma-cell (60)Co irradiator, were applied to the test groups and two groups control (non-irradiated) of snails - isolated and colony - were kept apart. After have been exposed, the snails were drew back to the aquaria where they were maintained before. The survival was estimated on a daily score of the alive animals in each group-dose, starting after the irradiation exposure day. As a result, the survival self-fertilization forms (DL(50/30) = 218.2 Gy) was found greater than in cross-fecundation forms. These data point to a low radio-resistance on the cross-fertilization forms - the sexual reproductive form - which is most found in nature. The lower radio-resistance of the cross-fertilization forms suggests the presence of some sex-linked hormonal factor related to this phenomenon.

Natal teeth: review of the literature and report of an unusual case.

An unusual case of a newborn with 12 erupted teeth is presented. Epidemiological, etiological, and therapeutical aspects of this developmental disturbance of dentition is reviewed in order to establish guidelines for the dentist and neonatologist to manage this problem with minimal damage to the future teeth and the patient.

Fecundity changes induced by low-doses of gamma radiation on Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848).

A population of 420 snails Biomphalaria straminea, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, received gamma-rays obtained from a 60Co source in low-doses (0/2,5/5/7,5/10/15/20 and 25 Gy); half population was kept in colonies (allowing cross fertilization) and the other half was maintained in sexual isolation (allowing self fertilization). Results showed that 15 Gy stimulates the fertility of both groups but the colonies were more sensitive and at this dose its fertility overpasses the control group dose. The possible hormonal role played in the observed phenomena is under investigation.

Cadmium in hair of children living near a lead smelter in Brazil.

In a cross-sectional study, concentrations of cadmium in hair (CdH) were determined for 263 children aged 1-9 years, living less than 900 m from a lead smelter in Santo Amaro, Brazil. The mean CdH level was significantly higher when individuals with the following characteristics were considered: female, racial group "dark" or "medium", and children of lead workers. The mean CdH value did not vary significantly according to nutritional status or iron status or hair type. Hair Cd levels increased significantly in relation to an increase in cadmium concentration in soil. An increase of 0.024 ppm in mean CdH level was estimated for each 1 ppm increase in the cadmium concentration in soil. However, children with the habit of pica had only a slight increase in CdH levels, when compared with those without the habit. The marked variations observed in CdH levels suggest the possibility of using them as an epidemiological index in situations of intense environmental pollution.

[First observations on the topical use of Primin, Plumbagin and Maytenin in patients with skin cancer]. / Primeiras observações do uso tópico da primina, plumbagina e maitenina em pacientes portadores de cáncer de pele

Eleven cases of patients bearing basic cellular carcinoma, and one case of patient bearing Kaposi's sarcomatosis, all treated with antibiotics isolated by Goncalves de Lima and Co-workers at the Instituto de Antibióticos, are presented by the authors. Primin, an antibiotic extracted from a vegetal named Miconia sp. (Herb. I.A.-1903) with a 2-metoxi-6-n-pentil-p benzoquinone structure, presented a strong antineoplastic action in the cases treated. Plumbagin isolated from Plumbago scandens in local use, was responsible for a complete healing of the injuries treated. Maytenin extracted from Maytenus sp. (Herb. I.A.-1750) showed less activity than the two previous mentioned, but with a low irritant action and late antineoplastic properties. The authors are going on these experiments. They believe that these antibodies, in local use, may advantageously substitute the surgery and the radiotherapy, meanly in those external ear tumidities and back of the nose, owing to a hurtful action in cartilage, provoked by radiotherapy.