Secretory structures in Baccharis platypoda DC. inflorescences (Asteraceae) and characterization of the chemical composition of its secretion.

Rocky outcrop environments at high altitudes have nutrient-poor soil, where species are exposed to water scarcity and high solar radiation. Baccharis platypoda DC. occurs in such an environment and has a rigid and transparent secretion that covers the entire inflorescence. We analysed and compared the secretory structures and their chemical composition in female and male inflorescences of B. platypoda, a dioecious species, to explore chemodiversity within this species and assess potential differences between individuals. Our investigation also aims to understand the occurrence of these substances in the genus Baccharis L. Chemical compounds and secretory structures were similar in female and male inflorescences. There are glandular trichomes on the epidermis of the abaxial surface of bracts, and secretory ducts in the axis of the inflorescence, as well as in sepals, petals, and bracts. Histochemical tests were positive for phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proteins, pectin, and lipids, but not for mucilage. Flavonoid content varied between 6.24% and 9.81%, being higher in female inflorescences. Chromatography revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds, some terpenes, and other less frequent classes in both female and male inflorescences. We highlight that trichomes found on these surfaces produce abundant phenolic compounds. These act as natural defence agents, absorbing UV radiation and minimizing oxidative stress to plant cells. The chemical composition of the secretion covering the inflorescences may reflect adaptation and survival mechanisms of these organisms under extreme sun exposure.

Antifungal activity of Annona crassiflora Mart. dichloromethane fraction against strains of C. albicans.

Products derived from medicinal plants with antimicrobial activity are considered a promising alternative in the treatment of fungal infections. In this perspective, this study proposed to evaluate the antifungal activity of the dichloromethane fraction of Annona crassiflora Mart. against C. albicans strains. Tests were carried out to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Fungicide Concentration (MFC), microbial growth kinetics, fungal cell wall and membrane mechanisms of action, antifungal biofilm activity, and cytotoxic effects on human erythrocytes. The extract presented MIC and MFC values that ranged from 256 µg/mL to 1,024 µg/mL, with fungicidal activity in the microbial growth kinetics assay. The mechanism of action did not occur through damage to the cell wall or via binding to ergosterol in the membrane, though the fraction presents activity against biofilm and is not cytotoxic in human erythrocytes. The dichloromethane fraction of Annona crassiflora Mart. presented antifungal activity and reduced biofilm growth, without toxicity against human erythrocytes; however, further studies are needed to define its mechanism of action.

Alpha lipoic acid controls degeneration and ensures follicular development in ovine ovarian tissue cultured in vitro.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of adding alpha lipoic acid (ALA) to the in vitro ovarian tissue culture medium, either fresh or after vitrification/warming. For this purpose, 10 ovaries from five adult sheep were used. Each pair of ovaries gave rise to 16 fragments and were randomly distributed into two groups: fresh (n = 8) and vitrified (n = 8). Two fresh fragments were fixed immediately and considered the control, while another six were cultured in vitro for 14 days in the absence; presence of a constant (100 µM/0-14 day) or dynamic (50 µM/day 0-7 and 100 µM/day 8-14) concentration of ALA. As for the vitrified fragments, two were fixed and the other six were cultured in vitro under the same conditions described for the fresh group. All the fragments were subjected to morphological evaluation, follicular development and stromal density (classical histology), DNA fragmentation (TUNEL), senescence (Sudan Black), fibrosis (Masson's Trichome), and endoplasmic reticulum stress (immunofluorescence). Measurements of the antioxidant capacity against the free radicals 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and estradiol (E2) levels in the culture medium was performed. The results showed that in the absence of ALA, in vitro culture of vitrified ovarian fragments showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in follicular morphology and increased the presence of senescence and tissue fibrosis (P < 0.05). Dynamic ALA maintained E2 levels unchanged (P > 0.05) until the end of vitrified ovarian tissue culture and controlled the levels of ABTS and DPPH radicals in fresh or vitrified cultures. Therefore, it is concluded that ALA should be added to the vitrified ovarian tissue in vitro culture medium to reduce the damage that leads to loss of ovarian function. To ensure steroidogenesis during in vitro culture, ALA should be added dynamically (different concentrations throughout culture).

Maternal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid does not cause constriction of fetal ductus arteriosus: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is recommended routinely in pregnancy to promote fetal development. DHA has anti-inflammatory activity, but its effects on the fetal heart and circulation are unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether maternal DHA supplementation in the third trimester affects maternal prostaglandin levels and fetal ductus arteriosus flow dynamics. METHODS: This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial with parallel groups conducted between 2018 and 2021. Pregnant women aged over 18 years with a normal fetus at 27-28 weeks' gestation showing no cardiac/extracardiac anomalies or ductal constriction were eligible for the trial. Women consuming substances with a known inhibitory effect on prostaglandin metabolism, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and polyphenol-rich foods, were excluded. The intervention group received oral supplementation of omega-3 with 450 mg/day of DHA for 8 weeks and the placebo group received capsules of soy lecithin for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, assessment of polyphenol and omega-3 consumption, fetal morphological ultrasound examination, fetal Doppler echocardiographic examination and blood sample collection were performed at the start of the study and the latter two were repeated at follow-up. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level and echocardiographic parameters were compared between the intervention and placebo groups and between baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 24 participants were included in each group. After 8 weeks, there were no significant differences between the intervention and placebo groups in maternal serum PGE2 level or Doppler echocardiographic parameters of ductal flow. No case of ductus arteriosus constriction was observed. The expected intragroup changes in cardiac morphology, as a result of advancing gestation, were present. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal DHA supplementation in the third trimester at a clinically recommended dose did not result in inhibition of PGE2 or constriction of the ductus arteriosus. These findings should be confirmed in postmarket surveillance studies with larger patient numbers in order to test the full safety profile of DHA and provide robust clinical reassurance. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Parkia from Cerrado: phytochemical bioprospection, toxicity and in vitro bioactivities of bark and flower extracts.

Parkia platycephala is the only species of the genus Parkia that is endemic to the brazilian Cerrado and the tree symbol of the state of Tocantins, but there are still few studies regarding its bioprospecting. In this study, we aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, toxicity and bioactivities of the bark and flower of Parkia platycephala. Hot sequential extractions (Soxhlet) were performed using methanol and hydroethanolic solution (70%), after degreasing the sample (hexane). The presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids and alkaloids was detected in the preliminary screening. Trilinolein, (Z)-9-octadecenamide, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose were detected by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In the Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (LC-PDA) analysis, it was detected exclusively ferulic acid (bark) and ellagic acid (flower). The ethanolic extract of the bark (IC50=10.69 ± 0.35 µgmL-1) has an antioxidant potential (DPPH• radical) higher than that of the rutin standard (IC50=15.85 ± 0.08 µgmL-1). All extracts showed excellent anticholinesterase potential (Ellman), with emphasis on the ethanol extract of the flower (IC50 =5.34 ± 0.12 µgmL-1). Regarding toxicity (Artemia salina), the methanolic extract of the bark and the ethanolic extract of the flower presented high and moderate levels, respectively. Such results limit the concentrations of biological activities in this study, however, the antioxidant and anticholinesterase indices fall short of toxicity. The results demonstrated promising antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of both the bark and the flower of Parkia platycephala.

Dark Matter Constraints from Isomeric

We describe a first measurement of the radiation from a ^{178m}Hf sample to search for dark matter. The γ flux from this sample, possessed by Los Alamos National Laboratory nuclear chemistry, was measured with a Ge detector at a distance of 1.2 m due to its high activity. We search for γ's that cannot arise from the radioactive decay of ^{178m}Hf but might arise from the production of a nuclear state due to the inelastic scattering with dark matter. The limits obtained on this γ flux are then translated into constraints on the parameter space of inelastic dark matter. Finally, we describe the potential reach of future studies with ^{178m}Hf.

Association study between ceftriaxone and a synthetic amide against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing numerous nosocomial infections. The present research aimed to analyze the anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa potential of 2-Chloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)acetamide (A8). The antibacterial potential of A8 was evaluated from the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Association using the checkerboard method. MIC and MBC values were 512 µg/mL for all P. aeruginosa strains evaluated, demonstrating predominantly bactericidal activity. Furthermore, when A8 was associated with the drug ceftriaxone, pharmacological additivity and indifference were evidenced. In this sense, the synthetic amide was interesting, since it demonstrates the potential to become a possible candidate for an antimicrobial drug.

Indigenous communities and influenza: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have documented that specific Indigenous groups have been disproportionately affected by previous pandemics. The objective of this paper is to describe the protocol to be used in a review and meta-analysis of the literature on Indigenous groups and influenza. Using this protocol as a guide, a future study will provide a comprehensive historical overview of pre-COVID impact of influenza on Indigenous groups by combining data from the last five influenza pandemics and seasonal influenza up to date. METHODS/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: The review will include peer-reviewed original studies published in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. Records will be identified through systematic literature search in eight databases: Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Academic Search Ultimate, SocINDEX, ASSIA, and Google Scholar. Results will be summarized narratively and using meta-analytic strategies. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, there is no systematic review combining historical data on the impact of both seasonal and pandemic influenza on Indigenous populations. By summarizing results within and across Indigenous groups, different countries, and historical periods, as well as research in six different languages, we aim to provide information on how strong the risk for influenza is among Indigenous groups and how consistent this risk is across groups, regions, time, and seasonal versus the specific pandemic influenza strains. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021246391.

The comparative efficacy and safety of biologics and small molecules for treating patients with ulcerative colitis in Portugal: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The use of biological drugs to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) represents a clear added value; nevertheless, many patients do not have a sustained response to these drugs. Small molecules were recently approved for the treatment of UC in Portugal. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the different therapies, including biological and small molecules, in patients prior exposed to biological treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed on January 6, 2022, identifying all the relevant reports about the efficacy and safety of biologics (adalimumab, golimumab, infliximab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab) and small molecules (upadacitinib, filgotinib, tofacitinib) in the treatment of UC in Portugal. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations. Results were presented in median Odds Ratio and Surface Under the Cumulative RAnking (SUCRA) score for each treatment. RESULTS: Treatment of UC is divided into two phases: induction and maintenance. Upadacitinib 45 mg was the most efficacious therapy in achieving clinical remission and response and endoscopic improvement in the induction phase. Concerning the maintenance phase, upadacitinib 30 mg performed better than ustekinumab formulations in clinical remission and response, and endoscopic improvement. Regarding safety, there were no significant differences between all the drugs included in the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This network meta-analysis showed that upadacitinib reflects better efficacy compared to the available treatments for bio-exposed patients with moderate to severe UC. The safety profile is comparable to the other drugs.

Effect of carvacrol antioxidant capacity on oocyte maturation and embryo production in cattle.

Carvacrol (C10H14O), an efficient phenolic antioxidant substance for several cell types, may become a useful antioxidant for female germ cells and embryo culture. This study investigates the effects of carvacrol supplementation on bovine oocytes in in vitro maturation (IVM) and embryo production. In total, 1222 cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured in TCM-199+ alone (control treatment) or supplemented with carvacrol at the concentrations of 3 µM (Carv-3), 12.5 µM (Carv-12.5), or 25 µM (Carv-25). After IVM, the oocytes were subjected to in vitro fertilization and embryo production, and the spent medium post-IVM was used for evaluating the levels of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiozoline-6-sulphonic acid quantification). A greater (P < 0.05) antioxidant potential was observed in the spent medium of all carvacrol-treated groups compared with the control medium. Moreover, the addition of carvacrol to the maturation medium did not affect (P > 0.05) blastocyst production on days 7 and 10 of culture; however, the total number of cells per blastocyst was reduced (P < 0.05) in two carvacrol-treated groups (Carv-3 and Carv-25). In conclusion, carvacrol demonstrated a high antioxidant capacity in the spent medium after oocyte maturation; however, although embryo production was not affected, in general, carvacrol addition to IVM medium reduced the total number of cells per blastocyst. Therefore, due to the high antioxidant capacity of carvacrol, new experiments are warranted to investigate the beneficial effects of lower concentrations of carvacrol on embryo production in cattle and other species.

Coriandrum sativum L. essential oil obtained from organic culture shows antifungal activity against planktonic and multi-biofilm Candida.

This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical profile of essential oil obtained from the leaves of Coriandrum sativum L., and its antifungal activity against Candida spp. The research consisted of an in vitro study including collecting the vegetable product, analysis of its macronutrients, extraction, and chemical analysis of the essential oil, and assaying antifungal activity through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), with growth inhibition kinetics, and the product's effects on multi-species Candida biofilm. Nitrogen (47.08 g Kg-1), phosphorus (5.3 g Kg-1) and potassium (50.46 g Kg-1) levels were within the normal range. The major constituents were octanal, decanal, dec-(2E)-enal, and dodecanal. The MIC and MFC of the product evaluated against 11 tested Candida strains ranged from 31.25 to 250 µg/mL. There was inhibition of fungal growth during 24 hours of exposure at the 3 concentrations tested (250, 125, and 62.5 µg/mL). The concentration of 80 mg/mL promoted the greatest reduction in multispecies biofilm (70% reduction in biofilm). Coriandrum sativum L. essential oil extract is principally constituted of alcohols and aldehydes and presents fungicidal activity against Candida spp. in its in planktonic and biofilm forms.

Oocyte in vitro maturation with eugenol improves the medium antioxidant capacity and total cell number per blastocyst.

This study investigates the impact of eugenol (EU) supplementation on bovine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and antioxidant capacity, as well as in vitro embryo production and quality after conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 1077 cumulus oocyte complexes were cultured in TCM-199+ without EU supplementation (control treatment) or supplemented with EU at the concentrations of 10 µM (EU-10), 20 µM (EU-20), or 40 µM (EU-40). After IVM, the oocytes were subjected to IVF and embryo culture. The addition of EU at 40 µM to the IVM medium improved (P < 0.05) the antioxidant capacity and cleavage rate when compared to the control treatment. Moreover, a positive correlation (r = 0.61, P < 0.03) was observed between cleavage rate and EU concentration. The addition of EU at concentrations of 10 and 20 µM decreased (P < 0.05) the calreticulin (CALR) levels in expanded blastocysts when compared to the control treatment and EU-40 treatment. However, the EU-10 and EU-20 treatments had a greater (P < 0.05) mean total cell number (TCN) per expanded blastocyst when compared to the control treatment and EU-40 treatment. In conclusion, the addition of EU to the enriched culture medium during IVM of bovine oocytes improved the antioxidant capacity of the spent medium, as well as the cleavage rate and embryonic quality (i.e., TCN/expanded blastocyst), and reduced the endoplasmic reticulum stress (i.e., CALR levels) in the embryos. Thus, we recommend enriching the IVM medium with 10 µM EU for in vitro bovine embryo production.

First Leptophobic Dark Matter Search from the Coherent-CAPTAIN-Mills Liquid Argon Detector.

We report the first results of a search for leptophobic dark matter (DM) from the Coherent-CAPTAIN-Mills (CCM) liquid argon (LAr) detector. An engineering run with 120 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and 17.9×10^{20} protons on target (POT) was performed in fall 2019 to study the characteristics of the CCM detector. The operation of this 10-ton detector was strictly light based with a threshold of 50 keV and used coherent elastic scattering off argon nuclei to detect DM. Despite only 1.5 months of accumulated luminosity, contaminated LAr, and nonoptimized shielding, CCM's first engineering run has already achieved sensitivity to previously unexplored parameter space of light dark matter models with a baryonic vector portal. With an expected background of 115 005 events, we observe 115 005+16.5 events which is compatible with background expectations. For a benchmark mediator-to-DM mass ratio of m_{V_{B}}/m_{χ}=2.1, DM masses within the range 9 MeV≲m_{χ}≲50 MeV are excluded at 90% C. L. in the leptophobic model after applying the Feldman-Cousins test statistic. CCM's upgraded run with 200 PMTs, filtered LAr, improved shielding, and 10 times more POT will be able to exclude the remaining thermal relic density parameter space of this model, as well as probe new parameter space of other leptophobic DM models.

Effect of resistance training combined with ß-glucan ingestion on bone of ovariectomized mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance training (RT) combined with prebiotic ß-glucan (BG) ingestion (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. METHODS: Forty-eight mice were divided into six treatments: SHAM group and five OVX groups treated with saline (SAL), alendronate (ALE) (0.1 mg/kg), BG (62.5 mg/kg), RT (climbing a ladder with load) and the combination of BG + RT. All treatments were performed three times per week for 8 weeks starting 38 days after ovariectomy. RESULTS: OVX effectiveness was confirmed by a reduction in uterus mass (p < 0.05). Femur weight was higher in the SHAM group, followed by the ALE and RT groups with intermediate values and the BG + RT, BG and SAL groups with the lowest values (p < 0.05). The bone mineral density (BMDDEXA) results were higher for the SHAM and RT groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). RT provided similar bone mass and resistance to fracture to ALE and SHAM. We found a similar number of osteocytes in the RT and SHAM groups, which was significantly higher than that found in animals receiving BG (p < 0.05). The BG + RT combination increased calcium bone concentration. CONCLUSION: RT promoted benefits on bone health in the OVX model, which were not complemented by the consumption of BG.

Eugenol Improves Follicular Survival and Development During in vitro Culture of Goat Ovarian Tissue.

This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations (10, 20, or 40 µM) of eugenol (EUG 10, EUG 20, or EUG 40), ascorbic acid (50 µg/mL; AA) or anethole (300 µg/mL; ANE 300) on the in-vitro survival and development of goat preantral follicles and oxidative stress in the cultured ovarian tissue. Ovarian fragments from five goats were cultured for 1 or 7 days in Alpha Minimum Essential Medium (α-MEM+) supplemented or not with AA, ANE 300, EUG 10, EUG 20 or EUG 40. On day 7 of culture, when compared to MEM, the addition of EUG 40 had increased the rate of follicular development, as observed by a decrease in the proportion of primordial follicles alongside with an increase in the rate of normally developing follicles. Furthermore, EUG 40 significantly increased both follicular and oocyte diameters. Subsequently, ovarian fragments from three goats were cultured for 1 or 7 days in α-MEM+ supplemented or not with AA, ANE 300 or EUG 40. All tested antioxidants, except ANE 300, were able to significantly decrease the levels of reactive oxygen species in the ovarian tissue, but EUG 40 could most efficiently neutralize free radicals. All ovarian tissues cultured in the presence of antioxidants, especially EUG 40, presented a significant decrease in H3K4me3 labeling, indicating a silencing of genes that play a role in the inhibition of follicular activation and apoptosis induction. When compared to cultured control tissues, both EUG 40 and ANE 300 significantly increased the intensity of calreticulin labeling in growing follicles. The mRNA relative expression of ERP29 and KDM3A was significantly increased when the culture medium was supplemented with EUG 40, indicating a response to ER stress experienced during culture. In conclusion, EUG 40 improved in-vitro follicle survival, activation and development and decreased ROS production, ER stress and histone lysine methylation in goat ovarian tissue.

Antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of essential oil and plant extracts of Myrcia oblongata DC in pathogenic bacteria and Alphitobius diaperinus / Aplicação de óleo e extratos de Myrcia oblongata DC em bactérias patogênicas e controle biológico de Alphitobius diaperinus

The secondary metabolism products of plants have influenced great economic interest, given their chemical diversity and biological activities. Because of this, this study evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity of plant extracts and oil of Myrcia oblongata. Saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were detected. The extracts showed antimicrobial capacity on the tested microorganisms, except for the methanolic extract, which showed no activity for P. mirabilis and S. enteritidis. Regarding the analysis of antioxidant compounds, the hexanic, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities and also higher insecticidal performance on Alphitobius diaperinus larvae, resulting in 80% adult mortality. The results reported here show that there may be a relationship between antioxidant potential and the insecticidal effect of Myrcia oblongata DC. The components present in both the extract and the oil can be used as natural alternative to synthetic compounds in the biological control of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms.

Os produtos do metabolismo secundário das plantas têm despertado grande interesse econômico, dada sua diversidade química e atividades biológicas. Neste sentido, o estudo objetivou avaliar a composição fitoquímica, atividade antimicrobiana, inseticida e antioxidante dos extratos vegetais e óleo de Myrcia oblongata. Foram detectados a presença de saponinas, esteróides, triterpenóides, taninos e flavonóides. Os extratos apresentaram capacidade antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos testados, exceto o extrato metanólico que não demonstrou atividade para P. mirabilis e S. Enteritidis. Quanto a análise de compostos antioxidantes observou-se que os extratos hexânico, acetato de etila e acetona apresentaram maiores atividades antioxidantes e também maior performance inseticida sobre a larva Alphitobius diaperinus e exibindo mortalidade de 80% na fase adulta. Os resultados aqui reportados mostram que pode haver uma relação entre potencial antioxidante e efeito inseticida do óleo de Myrcia oblongata; os componentes presentes tanto no extrato como o oléo podem ser utilizados como alternativa natural aos compostos sintéticos no controle biológico de parasitas e microrganismos patogênicos.

Antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of essential oil and plant extracts of Myrcia oblongata DC in pathogenic bacteria and Alphitobius diaperinus

Abstract The secondary metabolism products of plants have influenced great economic interest, given their chemical diversity and biological activities. Because of this, this study evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity of plant extracts and oil of Myrcia oblongata. Saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were detected. The extracts showed antimicrobial capacity on the tested microorganisms, except for the methanolic extract, which showed no activity for P. mirabilis and S. enteritidis. Regarding the analysis of antioxidant compounds, the hexanic, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities and also higher insecticidal performance on Alphitobius diaperinus larvae, resulting in 80% adult mortality. The results reported here show that there may be a relationship between antioxidant potential and the insecticidal effect of Myrcia oblongata DC. The components present in both the extract and the oil can be used as natural alternative to synthetic compounds in the biological control of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms.

Resumo Os produtos do metabolismo secundário das plantas têm despertado grande interesse econômico, dada sua diversidade química e atividades biológicas. Neste sentido, o estudo objetivou avaliar a composição fitoquímica, atividade antimicrobiana, inseticida e antioxidante dos extratos vegetais e óleo de Myrcia oblongata. Foram detectados a presença de saponinas, esteróides, triterpenóides, taninos e flavonóides. Os extratos apresentaram capacidade antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos testados, exceto o extrato metanólico que não demonstrou atividade para P. mirabilis e S. Enteritidis. Quanto a análise de compostos antioxidantes observou-se que os extratos hexânico, acetato de etila e acetona apresentaram maiores atividades antioxidantes e também maior performance inseticida sobre a larva Alphitobius diaperinus e exibindo mortalidade de 80% na fase adulta. Os resultados aqui reportados mostram que pode haver uma relação entre potencial antioxidante e efeito inseticida do óleo de Myrcia oblongata; os componentes presentes tanto no extrato como o oléo podem ser utilizados como alternativa natural aos compostos sintéticos no controle biológico de parasitas e microrganismos patogênicos.

Antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of essential oil and plant extracts of Myrcia oblongata DC in pathogenic bacteria and Alphitobius diaperinus / Aplicação de óleo e extratos de Myrcia oblongata DC em bactérias patogênicas e controle biológico de Alphitobius diaperinus

The secondary metabolism products of plants have influenced great economic interest, given their chemical diversity and biological activities. Because of this, this study evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity of plant extracts and oil of Myrcia oblongata. Saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were detected. The extracts showed antimicrobial capacity on the tested microorganisms, except for the methanolic extract, which showed no activity for P. mirabilis and S. enteritidis. Regarding the analysis of antioxidant compounds, the hexanic, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities and also higher insecticidal performance on Alphitobius diaperinus larvae, resulting in 80% adult mortality. The results reported here show that there may be a relationship between antioxidant potential and the insecticidal effect of Myrcia oblongata DC. The components present in both the extract and the oil can be used as natural alternative to synthetic compounds in the biological control of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms.

Os produtos do metabolismo secundário das plantas têm despertado grande interesse econômico, dada sua diversidade química e atividades biológicas. Neste sentido, o estudo objetivou avaliar a composição fitoquímica, atividade antimicrobiana, inseticida e antioxidante dos extratos vegetais e óleo de Myrcia oblongata. Foram detectados a presença de saponinas, esteróides, triterpenóides, taninos e flavonóides. Os extratos apresentaram capacidade antimicrobiana sobre os microrganismos testados, exceto o extrato metanólico que não demonstrou atividade para P. mirabilis e S. Enteritidis. Quanto a análise de compostos antioxidantes observou-se que os extratos hexânico, acetato de etila e acetona apresentaram maiores atividades antioxidantes e também maior performance inseticida sobre a larva Alphitobius diaperinus e exibindo mortalidade de 80% na fase adulta. Os resultados aqui reportados mostram que pode haver uma relação entre potencial antioxidante e efeito inseticida do óleo de Myrcia oblongata; os componentes presentes tanto no extrato como o oléo podem ser utilizados como alternativa natural aos compostos sintéticos no controle biológico de parasitas e microrganismos patogênicos.

Antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of essential oil and plant extracts of Myrcia oblongata DC in pathogenic bacteria and Alphitobius diaperinus.

The secondary metabolism products of plants have influenced great economic interest, given their chemical diversity and biological activities. Because of this, this study evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity of plant extracts and oil of Myrcia oblongata. Saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were detected. The extracts showed antimicrobial capacity on the tested microorganisms, except for the methanolic extract, which showed no activity for P. mirabilis and S. enteritidis. Regarding the analysis of antioxidant compounds, the hexanic, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed higher antioxidant activities and also higher insecticidal performance on Alphitobius diaperinus larvae, resulting in 80% adult mortality. The results reported here show that there may be a relationship between antioxidant potential and the insecticidal effect of Myrcia oblongata DC. The components present in both the extract and the oil can be used as natural alternative to synthetic compounds in the biological control of parasites and pathogenic microorganisms.

The use of outdoor gyms is associated with women and low-income people: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence, and the demographic, socio-economic, and health correlates to Outdoor Gyms (OGs) use for adults from a southern Brazilian city. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 431 adults (66.8% women) aged 18-87 years living in the surroundings of four OGs distributed in different regions of the city were randomly selected. Information about OG use for physical activity (PA) practice, and demographic, socio-economic, and health variables were collected by household interviews. Associations between independent variables and OG use were analyzed with results expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: About one-third of participants (30.4%; 95% CI: 26.1-34.7) informed using OGs for PA practice, and 20.4% (95% CI 16.8-24.4) informed using it twice or more times a week (≥2x/week). Adjusted analysis indicated that the OG use ≥2x/week is higher for women (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.11-3.35) and for those with lower family income (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.03-4.13) than men and those with higher family income, respectively. CONCLUSION: About 30% of the population uses OGs for PA practice. Women and low-income people are those who more commonly use OGs for PA practice. The installation of these facilities in public spaces may reduce social inequities related to leisure-time PA.