The GPER1 agonist G1 reduces brain injury and improves the qEEG and behavioral outcome of experimental ischemic stroke.

Stroke is one of the principal cerebrovascular diseases in human populations and contributes to a majority of the functional impairments in the elderly. Recent discoveries have led to the inclusion of electroencephalography (EEG) in the complementary prognostic evaluation of patients. The present study describes the EEG, behavioral, and histological changes that occur following cerebral ischemia associated with treatment by G1, a potent and selective G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) agonist in a rat model. Treatment with G1 attenuated the neurological deficits induced by ischemic stroke from the second day onward, and reduced areas of infarction. Treatment with G1 also improved the total brainwave power, as well as the theta and alpha wave activity, specifically, and restored the delta band power to levels similar to those observed in the controls. Treatment with G1 also attenuated the peaks of harmful activity observed in the EEG indices. These improvements in brainwave activity indicate that GPER1 plays a fundamental role in the mediation of cerebral injury and in the behavioral outcome of ischemic brain injuries, which points to treatment with G1 as a potential pharmacological strategy for the therapy of stroke.

Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection among blood donors in the state of Pará, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected pathology worldwide, considered a public health problem due to the high morbidity and mortality rate and its social impact. Thus, the objective was to estimate the prevalence of reactive serology for T. cruzi in blood donors in the units of the public blood network in the state of Pará (Brazil), as well as to describe the epidemiological profile of these donors. METHODS: This is a retrospective and descriptive study carried out at the Pará State Center for Hematology and Hemotherapy (HEMOPA) between 2016 and 2021, with analysis of secondary data (epidemiological and serological) of inapt blood donors for CD. RESULTS: Among the 533,674 screened samples, the reactivity for anti-T. cruzi was detected in 0.1% (548), of which 0.03% (166) were inconclusive and 0.07% (382) were positive. The hemonucleus of the city of Abaetetuba had the highest seroprevalence (0.6%). Regarding epidemiological characteristics, most blood donors were men (63.7%), aged between 31 and 45 (44.7%), racially mixed (79.2%), high school graduate (45.8%), single/widowed/divorced (62%), first-time donors (69%), spontaneous donations (58%) and from the state's countryside (69.9%). CONCLUSION: Over the years analyzed, we observed an increase in seroprevalence for T. cruzi emphasizing the need to maintain epidemiological control in the region and the application of more accurate serological tests in the screening of donor blood bags.

Parasitic contamination in the soil of public parks from northern Brazil.

Public parks are an important source of contamination by parasites due to the high flow of people and animals. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in the soil of public parks from Belém, northern Brazil, as well as compare the degrees of parasitism in squares analyzed, the frequency of parasites found according to parasitological methods and verify the conditions of squares on collection day. This was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out during October 2020. The forty samples from four squares were analyzed by Hoffman, Faust and Baermman modified methods. The results showed that 72.5% of samples were parasitized and 100% of squares were contaminated with intestinal parasites. Moreover, polyparasitism was predominant in contaminated samples and Baermann-Moraes method was the most sensitive in the detection of helminths. Blastocystis hominis (47.2%) and hookworms (52.5%) were the most found species. Thus, this study showed parasitic contamination in all of the squares analyzed, which may be associated with poor sanitary from the city of Belém and reinforce the adoption of preventive measures to reduce the parasitic contamination on squares.

Parasitic contamination in the soil of beaches from Mosqueiro Island, Pará State, Brazil / Contaminação parasitária no solo de praias da Ilha do Mosqueiro, Estado do Pará, Brasil

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic in the soil of three beaches of Mosqueiro Island, located in the State of Pará, Brazil, as well as to compare the frequency of helminths and protozoa, pathogenic and non-pathogenic parasites according to the beaches analyzed. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted during August and September 2019, in which 155 soil samples were analyzed by Hoffman's method. Results: The results showed that 16.1% of samples were contaminated from 61.3% of collection points. Murubira beach and Farol beach presented the highest prevalence of parasites, however, there was no significant difference between beaches. Also, it was observed a predominance of protozoa (63%) and non-pathogenic parasites (55.6%) in analyzed samples, but there was no statistically significant difference according to the investigated location. Endolimax nana 25.9% (7/27) and hookworms 18.5% (5/27) were the most detected parasites on the beaches. Conclusion: Thus, this study showed parasitic contamination on the beaches from Mosqueiro Island, which may be associated with a lack of sanitation infrastructure and personal hygiene in these places. Therefore, these results reinforce the need to adopt educational and preventive measures to reduce parasitic agents.

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de parasitos intestinais no solo de três praias da Ilha de Mosqueiro, localizada no estado do Pará, Brasil, além de comparar a frequência de helmintos e protozoários, parasitos patogênicos e não patogênicos de acordo com as praias analisadas. Metdodos: Este é um estudo transversal, analítico, realizado durante agosto e setembro de 2019, no qual 155 amostras do solo foram analisadas pelo método de Hoffman. Resultados: Os resultados revelaram que 16,1% das amostras estavam contaminadas em 61,3% dos pontos de coleta. As praias do Murubira e do Farol apresentaram a maior prevalência de parasitos, porém não houve diferença significativa entre os diferentes locais de coleta. Além disso, foi observada a predominância de protozoários (63%) e parasitas não patogênicos (55.6%) nas amostras analisadas, mas não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os locais investigados. Endolimax nana 25,9% (7/27) e Ancilostomídeos 18,5% (5/27) foram os parasitas mais detectados nas praias. Conclusao: Desse modo, este estudo mostrou contaminação parasitária nas praias da Ilha de Mosqueiro, o que pode estar associada à falta de infraestrutura de saneamento e higiene pessoal nesses locais. Além disso, esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de se adotar medidas educacionais e preventivas para a redução desses agentes parasitários.

Prevalence of contamination by intestinal parasites in vegetables (Lactuca sativa L. and Coriandrum sativum L.) sold in markets in Belém, northern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have recorded a high prevalence of intestinal parasites in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) destined for human consumption. This study determined the prevalence of contamination by intestinal parasites in these two plants sold in two street markets and two supermarkets in the city of Belém, northern Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 200 plant samples were analyzed (100 of each species). The samples were collected randomly between August and October 2018, examined by the spontaneous sedimentation method with two washes, and stored for 24 h. The analysis found that 89% (89/100) of the lettuce samples and 86% (86/100) of the coriander samples were contaminated. Polyparasitism was more frequent in lettuce, but monoparasitism predominated in the coriander. A total of 226 intestinal parasites were found in the lettuce, with a predominance of non-pathogenic parasites in the supermarket samples and more pathogenic parasites in the samples from street markets. In the coriander samples, 172 intestinal parasites were identified, with a predominance of pathogenic parasites in samples from both types of market. In the case of the protozoans, the most prevalent species was Endolimax nana, followed by Blastocystis hominis, in both vegetables. In the helminths, hookworms predominated in the lettuce, and Trichuris trichiura in the coriander. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the need for the monitoring of parasite contamination in vegetables destined for human consumption. Public health initiatives should include educational campaigns on the importance of disinfecting vegetables prior to consumption. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Anatomical, Histochemical and Biological Studies of Clusia grandiflora Splitg. (Clusiaceae)

Abstract Clusia grandiflora belongs to an important botanical family which is known for its medicinal value, however there are few reports in literature about the species, highlighting the relevance of this study. Anatomical studies with leaves and stems were performed using traditional techniques. In this investigation it was identified particularities of the species such as the presence of vascular system arranged in an opened arc-shaped with the flexed ends towards the inside of the arch with accessory bundles in the petiole. In histochemical studies, performed with different reagents, alkaloids, phenols substances, carbohydrates and lipids were located. The cytotoxic activity of the extracts was performed by tetrazole salt and showed promising results for ethanolic extracts of stems (IC50 human colon cells of 24.30 μg/ mL) and leaves (IC50 ascites gastric cells of 44.15 μg/ mL), without cell membrane disruption of erythrocytes. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by tryptic soy agar and minimal inhibitory concentration assays and showed positive results for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, with better result for adventitious roots (32 μg/ mL and 16 μg/ mL, respectively), stems (64 μg/ mL and 32 μg/ mL, respectively) and leaves (64 μg/ mL and 32 μg/ mL, respectively) ethanolic extracts. Thus, these studies were able to characterize the species and show its potential as promising source of active substances.

Mebendazole induces apoptosis via C-MYC inactivation in malignant ascites cell line (AGP01).

The objective of study was to examine the role of MBZ on malignant ascites cells and the involvement of C-MYC. Comet assay was used to assess the genotoxic effects of MBZ in AGP01 cells and human lymphocytes; differential staining by ethidium bromide and acridine orange, caspase 3/7 and flow cytometry assay was done to access the mechanisms of apoptosis and cell cycle analysis of MBZ in AGP01 cells. C-MYC amplification, C-MYC mRNA and C-MYC protein expression were evaluated by FISH, RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. In addition, cytotoxicity of MBZ was evaluated in AGP01 and AGP01 shRNA MYC by MTT. MBZ significantly increased the damage index and no produced in human lymphocytes. MBZ caused remarkable cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and G2/M phases at 0.5µM and 1.0 µM, respectively and induced significantly apoptosis in higher concentrations. Additionally, MBZ (0.5 µM and 1.0 µM) increased caspase 3 and 7 activities. MBZ decreased signals, C-MYC mRNA and C-MYC protein expression in AGP01 cells. MBZ induced lower cell viability in AGP01 cells compared AGP01 shRNA MYC in the same concentration. Therefore, our results show the evidence of C-MYC gene as one of the pathways by which MBZ induces cell death in gastric cancer cells.

Detection of intestinal parasites in public transport buses in Belém, Pará State, Northern Brazil

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in public transport buses in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil, as well as to compare the frequency of these enteroparasites according to the bus lines, collection sites within the vehicles, and presence of pathogenic and nonpathogenic parasites in the samples. This is a cross-sectional analytical study carried out between February and April 2019, in which 320 samples were analyzed, from 5 bus lines, 8 buses each, collected from 8 different surfaces inside the vehicles, according to Graham's method. Subsequently, the statistical test was performed to evaluate the differences between the variables, considering p ? 0.05. The results indicated that 7.8% of the samples were parasitized and the right handrail presented the highest prevalence of parasites, namely 2.2%. The pathogenic parasites corresponded to 26.7% and the non-pathogenic 73.3%. The non-pathogenic parasite most commonly found was Entamoeba coli totaling 50%, whereas the only pathogenic parasite was Giardia intestinalis in 26.7%. Thus, the presence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic parasites reflects the precarious hygiene of users of this type of transport, presenting a public health issue which needs to be addressed.

Small benzothiazole molecule induces apoptosis and prevents metastasis through DNA interaction and c-MYC gene supression in diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma cell line.

Chemo-resistance has been reported as a relevant barrier for the efficiency of gastric cancer treatment. Therefore, the development of effective and safe drugs for cancer chemotherapy is still a challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anticancer potential of (E)-2-(((2-(benzo[d]thiazo-2-yl)hydrazono)methyl)-4-nitrophenol) (AFN01) against gastric cancer cell lines. Our results showed promising anticancer activity against gastric cancer cells ACP-02 (IC50 = 1.0 µM) and mild activity against other cell lines including non-malignant gastric cell MNP-01 (IC50 = 3.4 µM). This compound significantly induced S phase cell cycle arrest, prevented cell migration and triggered apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, AFN01 was significantly more genotoxic against tumoral cell ACP-02, when compared to non-malignant cells, such as MNP-01 and healthy peripheral mononuclear blood cells. AFN01 also synergistically interacts with doxorubicin suppressing cell proliferation and c-MYC gene expression in gastric cancer cell line model, with remarkable c-MYC overexpression. Although further pre-clinical and clinical studies are required to explore its safety and efficiency, AFN01 may represent a promising lead anticancer agent for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Isolation of a larvicidal compound from Piper solmsianum C.DC. (Piperaceae).

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of the major vectors of arboviruses. These diseases have re-emerged and the insecticides used nowadays are toxic to mammals and environment and have only been effective in the short-term. In this context, natural products are an alternative. The genus Piper has many active compounds against arthropods, including neolignans. The present study evaluated the larvicidal potential of the n-hexanic extract of Piper solmsianum and eupomatenoid-6, identified by GC-MS and NMR techniques, from this extract against Ae. aegypti. The crude extract (100 µg/mL) killed 80% and 98.3% of larvae in the first and third day, respectively. Eupomatenoid-6 exhibited LD50 of 19.33 µM and LD90 of 28.68 µM and was then assayed in human fibroblast cells (MRC5), showing an IC50 of 39.30 µM with estimated LD50 of 42.26 mmol/kg. Our results indicate eupomatenoid-6 as a potent insecticide with relatively low toxicity for mammals.

Genetic diversity of human papillomavirus types 35, 45 and 58 in cervical cancer in Brazil.

In Brazil, most studies of intra-type variants of human papillomavirus (HPV) have focused on HPV16 and HPV18, but other high-risk HPV types have not been studied. Here, we report the prevalence of lineages and variants of HPV35, HPV45 and HPV58 in cervical cancers from the Amazonian and Southeast Brazilian regions. The most frequent sublineages were A1 for HPV35, B2 for HPV45, and A2 for HPV58. The Southeast region had a higher frequency of the B2 sublineage of HPV45, and for HPV35, the genetic and nucleotide sequence diversity were higher in the Southeast region, suggesting that regional factors are influencing the diversity and lineage prevalence.

The anthelmintic drug mebendazole inhibits growth, migration and invasion in gastric cancer cell model.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of MBZ on a human malignant ascites cell line derived from a primary gastric cancer tumor. Our data reveal that MBZ showed high cytotoxicity in vitro, displaying an IC50 of 0.39 µM and 1.25 µM in ACP-02 and ACP-03, respectively. The association between MBZ and 5-FU increased slightly the cytotoxicity when compared to MBZ and 5-FU alone. Furthermore, MBZ disrupted the microtubule structure of AGP-01 cells and inhibited significantly the invasion and migration of these cells. Activity of active MMP-2 significantly decreased at all tested concentration of MBZ compared to negative control. These results support the indication of MBZ in combination with chemotherapeutic agents as a possible adjuvant therapy for the management/treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer since MBZ is a drug of low cost with acceptable safety profile and reduced toxicity to normal cells. However, clinical trials must be performed in o to evaluate its efficacy in gastric cancer patients.

Effects on DNA repair in human lymphocytes exposed to the food dye tartrazine yellow.

Tartrazine is a food additive that belongs to a class of artificial dyes and contains an azo group. Studies about its genotoxic, cytotoxic and mutagenic effects are controversial and, in some cases, unsatisfactory. This work evaluated the potential in vitro cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and effects on DNA repair of human lymphocytes exposed to the dye. We assessed the cytotoxicity of tartrazine by 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide test and the response of DNA repair through comet assay (alkaline version). We used different concentrations of the dye, ranging from 0.25-64.0 mM. The results demonstrated that tartrazine has no cytotoxic effects. However, this dye had a significant genotoxic effect at all concentrations tested. Although most of the damage was amenable to repair, some damage remained higher than positive control after 24 h of repair. These data demonstrate that tartrazine may be harmful to health and its prolonged use could trigger carcinogenesis.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 6-hydroxy-benzo[d][1,3]oxathiol-2-one Schiff bases as potential anticancer agents.

With the aim of discovering new anticancer agents, we have designed and synthesized novel 6-hydroxy-benzo[d][1,3]oxathiol-2-one Schiff bases. The synthesis started with the selective nitration at 5-position of 6-hydroxybenzo[d][1,3]oxathiol-2-one (1) leading to the nitro derivative 2. The nitro group of 2 was reduced to give the amino intermediate 3. Schiff bases 4a-r were obtained from coupling reactions between 3 and various benzaldehydes and heteroaromatic aldehydes. All the new compounds were fully identified and characterized by NMR (1H and 13C) and specifically for 4q by X-ray crystallography. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated against cancer cell lines (ACP-03, SKMEL-19 and HCT-116) by using MTT assay. Schiff bases 4b and 4o exhibited promising cytotoxicity against ACP-03 and SKMEL-19, respectively, with IC50 values lower than 5 µM. This class of compounds can be considered as a good starting point for the development of new lead molecules in the fight against cancer.

Taxas de incidência em mulheres com aids no Pará entre os anos 1999 a 2009 e suas relações com faixa etária, densidade e mobilidade demográfica / Incidence rates of aids in women of Pará (Brasil) between 1999 and 2009 and their relation with age, demographic density and populational mobility

Objetivo: este estudo objetivou o seguinte: 1) avaliar a taxa de incidência em mulheres comAIDS no Estado do Pará e no Brasil entre os anos de 1999 a 2009; 2) avaliar no Estado do Pará,se há relação da taxa de incidência com faixa etária, densidade e mobilidade demográfica.Método:1) avaliou-se a taxa de incidência em mulheres com AIDS no Estado do Pará duranteos anos de 1999 a 2009, comparando-as com as taxas brasileiras, de acordo com faixas etárias;2) correlacionou-se a taxa de incidência no Estado com a densidade demográfica, taxa demobilidade populacional e faixa etária. Resultados: as taxas de incidência no Pará forammenores que as do Brasil e revelaram tendência de crescimento ao longo doas anos, enquantoque as taxas de incidência no Brasil permaneceram estáveis durante os últimos sete anos. O picomodal da incidência no Pará foi entre 30 a 39 anos, menor do que o pico modal nacional (40 a49 anos). Além do mais, as taxas de incidência não se correlacionaram com a densidadedemográfica, porém correlacionaram-se com a mobilidade populacional. As mais elevadas taxasde incidência foram encontradas nas regiões Sudeste, Sudoeste e Baixo Amazonas,provavelmente, devido à maior taxa de mobilidade que estas regiões apresentam. Conclusão: asmulheres com faixas etárias mais avançadas são merecedoras em especial de campanhas deprevenção e diagnóstico de HIV/AIDS, visto que a taxa de incidência em mulheres nesta faixaetária tende ao crescimento ao longo dos anos

Objective: the present study aimed to i) evaluate the incidence rate of AIDS in women in theState of Pará and in Brazil in years 1999 to 2009, ii) evaluate in the State of Pará if theincidence rate is related to demographic density, mobility rate and age. Methodology: this studyi) evaluated the incidence rate of AIDS in women in the State of Pará in years 1999-2009,comparing it with the Brazilian rates, according to age; ii) correlated the incidence rate in Paráwith demographic density, mobility rate and age. Results: the incidence rates in Pará werelower than the Brazilian ones and showed a trend to increase with the time, while the Brazilianincidence rates remained stable over the last seven years. The modal peak of incidence in Paráwas between 30 and 39 years, lower than the national modal peak (40 to 49 years). Moreover,the incidence rates did not correlate with demographic density but correlated with populationalmobility. The highest incidence rates were observed in Southeast, Southwest and BaixoAmazonas Mesoregions, probably due to their higher populational mobility. Conclusion:advanced aged women deserve more intensive prevention programs and HIV/AIDS diagnostic,since the incidence rate in these women tends to increase over the years

Promoter polymorphisms and methylation of E-cadherin (CDH1) and KIT in gastric cancer patients from northern Brazil.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to verify genetic and epigenetic alterations in gastric cancer patients from Pará state, northern Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Exon 11 of KIT and two promoter polymorphisms (-160 C/A and -347 G/GA) of the E-cadherin gene (CDH1), and their correlation with the promoter methylation status were analyzed. RESULTS: No genetic alterations in KIT were found. Promoter polymorphisms revealed an increased probability of developing gastric cancer, especially of the diffuse-type, in patients carrying -160 A and -347 GA alleles. Analyses of CDH1 methylation suggested a significant difference between hypermethylated and non-hypermethylated samples, with a positive association between the -160 A allele and hypermethylation. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that -160 A and -347 GA polymorphisms may increase the chance of developing gastric cancer in the studied population and that -160 A polymorphism seems to be related to the hypermethylation pattern of the promoter region of CDH1.