Malachite Green Dye Decoloration over Au/TiO2-Nanotubes Photocatalyst under Simulate Visible-Light Irradiation.

Au nanoparticles were supported on TiO2 nanotubes by a novel vapor phase impregnation approach (VPI) using gold dimethyl-acetylacetonate as a precursor. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of these materials in the photodecoloration of malachite green dye, with the vision to correlate the chemical, structural, morphological, and optical properties with its photocatalytic performance. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS), electronic microscopy (HAADF-STEM and HRTEM), and UV-vis spectroscopy. The techniques mentioned above made it possible to detect the presence of small gold nanoparticles (around 3.1 nm), with a high apparent dispersion even at high metal loading for all analyzed systems. According to the XPS results, the Au nanoparticles remain reduced (Au°), and they have a high electronic interaction with TiO2, which eventually originates an electronic exchange between them and consequently a decrease in the band gap energy. In addition, the surface plasmonic resonance observed through UV-vis spectroscopy of the Au nanoparticles are factors that can be related to the high decoloration observed in these photocatalysts, specifically in the 15 wt% Au material, which achieves maximum photodecoloration of malachite green dye at 93%.

Lecithin-sodium caseinate self-assembled complexes as emulsifying agents in oil-in-water emulsion: Acidic medium approach.

Surfactant-polyelectrolyte complexes (SPECs) based on lecithin and sodium caseinate were produced and the effects of such binding on the physical, chemical and emulsifying properties were evaluated and compared with the two ingredients in isolation. Negative, neutral, and positive charged SPECs were obtained. Zeta potential values and size distributions of the SPECs were dependent on the mass ratio between compounds. Electrostatic association decreased the polydispersity index in comparison with pure compounds solutions. Analysis of interfacial properties showed that solutions containing SPECs promoted a greater reduction of surface tension and interfacial tension with sunflower oil when compared with pure compounds solutions. Emulsions produced with SPECs in 10:1 lecithin:sodium caseinate ratio proved to be more stable than emulsions prepared with pure compounds. Thus, the complexation improved the emulsifying properties of lecithin and sodium caseinate establishing SPECs as potential natural emulsifiers.

Effects of tadalafil to prevent injury on corpus cavernosum after vascular or nervous peri-prostatic bundle injury. Experimental model in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of tadalafil (TD) in preventing histological alterations of the corpus cavernosum caused by isolated lesions of cavernous nerve (ILCN) and artery (ILCA) in rats. METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned in five groups: G1: control; G2: bilateral ILCN; G3: bilateral ILCA; G4: ILCN+TD; G5: ILCA+TD. The cavernous bodies were submitted to histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Nerve density was significantly higher in G2 and G4 compared to control (22.62±2.84 and 19.53±3.47 vs. 15.72±1.82; respectively, p<0.05). Smooth muscle density was significantly lower in G2 and G3 in comparison to G1 (12.87±1.90 and 18.93±1.51 vs. 21.78±1.81, respectively; p<0.05). A significant decrease in the sinusoidal lumen area was observed in G2 compared to controls (5.01±1.62 vs. 9.88±3.66, respectively; p<0.05) and the blood vessel density was increased in G2 and G3 (29.32±4.13 e 20.80±2.47 vs. 10.13±2.71, p<0.05). Collagen density was higher in G3 compared to G1 (93.76±15.81 vs. 64.59±19.25; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Histomorphometric alterations caused by ILCN were more intense than those produced by vascular injury, but the collagen analyses showed more fibrosis in animals with ILCA. TD was effective in preventing the majority of the alterations induced by the periprostatic bundle injury.

Effects of tadalafil to prevent injury on corpus cavernosum after vascular or nervous peri-prostatic bundle injury. Experimental model in rats

Purpose:To evaluate the effects of tadalafil (TD) in preventing histological alterations of the corpus cavernosum caused by isolated lesions of cavernous nerve (ILCN) and artery (ILCA) in rats.Methods:Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned in five groups: G1: control; G2: bilateral ILCN; G3: bilateral ILCA; G4: ILCN+TD; G5: ILCA+TD. The cavernous bodies were submitted to histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis.Results:Nerve density was significantly higher in G2 and G4 compared to control (22.62±2.84 and 19.53±3.47 vs. 15.72±1.82; respectively, p<0.05). Smooth muscle density was significantly lower in G2 and G3 in comparison to G1 (12.87±1.90 and 18.93±1.51 vs. 21.78±1.81, respectively; p<0.05). A significant decrease in the sinusoidal lumen area was observed in G2 compared to controls (5.01±1.62 vs. 9.88±3.66, respectively; p<0.05) and the blood vessel density was increased in G2 and G3 (29.32±4.13 e 20.80±2.47 vs. 10.13±2.71, p<0.05). Collagen density was higher in G3 compared to G1 (93.76±15.81 vs. 64.59±19.25; p<0.05).Conclusions:Histomorphometric alterations caused by ILCN were more intense than those produced by vascular injury, but the collagen analyses showed more fibrosis in animals with ILCA. TD was effective in preventing the majority of the alterations induced by the periprostatic bundle injury.(AU)

Effects of tadalafil to prevent injury on corpus cavernosum after vascular or nervous peri-prostatic bundle injury. Experimental model in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of tadalafil (TD) in preventing histological alterations of the corpus cavernosum caused by isolated lesions of cavernous nerve (ILCN) and artery (ILCA) in rats. Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned in five groups: G1: control; G2: bilateral ILCN; G3: bilateral ILCA; G4: ILCN+TD; G5: ILCA+TD. The cavernous bodies were submitted to histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis. Results: Nerve density was significantly higher in G2 and G4 compared to control (22.62±2.84 and 19.53±3.47 vs. 15.72±1.82; respectively, p<0.05). Smooth muscle density was significantly lower in G2 and G3 in comparison to G1 (12.87±1.90 and 18.93±1.51 vs. 21.78±1.81, respectively; p<0.05). A significant decrease in the sinusoidal lumen area was observed in G2 compared to controls (5.01±1.62 vs. 9.88±3.66, respectively; p<0.05) and the blood vessel density was increased in G2 and G3 (29.32±4.13 e 20.80±2.47 vs. 10.13±2.71, p<0.05). Collagen density was higher in G3 compared to G1 (93.76±15.81 vs. 64.59±19.25; p<0.05). Conclusions: Histomorphometric alterations caused by ILCN were more intense than those produced by vascular injury, but the collagen analyses showed more fibrosis in animals with ILCA. TD was effective in preventing the majority of the alterations induced by the periprostatic bundle injury.

Influência de Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. no comportamento de Subulina octona (Bruguière, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae) / Influence of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. on the behaviour of Subulina octona (Bruguière, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae)

Subulina octona é um molusco terrestre com ampla distribuição no continente americano. É herbívoro, sendo encontrado em culturas agrícolas e jardins. Atua como hospedeiro intermediário de parasitos que acometem homens e animais, sendo considerado uma praga de interesse médico-veterinário e agrícola. O período de atividade é nos meses chuvosos e quentes, sendo seu comportamento com maior atividade no período noturno. Furcreae foetida é uma planta naturalizada que apresenta em seu metabolismo secundários saponinas esteroídicas que possuem atividade citotóxica seletiva. O uso de extratos vegetais tem sido motivo de pesquisas para o controle de moluscos pragas. Com isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do extrato de F. foetida no repertório comportamental e no horário de atividade de S. octona. Através do esmagamento por compressão das folhas de F. foetida obteve-se a seiva que foi filtrada e diluída em água destilada nas concentrações de 0,5 e 5%. Para verificar os efeitos do extrato de F. foetida no comportamento de S. octona utilizou-se 90 moluscos que foram divididos em 3 grupos: 1 controle e 2 tratados (T1 e T2 - 0,5 e 5% respectivamente). O extrato da seiva de F. foetida apresentou atividade de repelência e alterou o comportamento de S.octona. A análise química da seiva da planta foi realizada via marcha fitoquímica proposta por Matos (1988). O comportamento dos moluscos foi avaliado por meio de observações diretas pelos métodos grupo focal e scan. Para analisar se houve diferença significativa entre o horário de atividade utilizou-se o teste de Kruskall-Wallis e a frequência dos atos comportamentais foi avaliada pelo teste de comparação de amostras pareadas de Mann-Whitney, ambos com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Cada grupo foi composto por 10 indivíduos com três repetições. Foi possível perceber que a seiva alterou a frequência de realização do comportamento agregativo e deslocamento vertical, evidenciando sua ação repelente para S. octona.

Subulina octona is a terrestrial snail widely distributed in the Americas. It is a herbivore found in agricultural crops and gardens, able to acts as intermediate host of parasites that afflict humans and animals, being considered a pest of veterinary and agricultural interest. It is more active during rainy and hot months, speciallyat night. Furcreae foetida is a naturalized plant whose secondary metabolism produces steroidal saponins, which have selective cytotoxic activity. The use of plant extracts has been studied for control of snail pests. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the sap of F. foetida on the behavioral repertoire and timing of activity of S. octona. Leaves of F. foetida were crushed to obtain the sap, which was filtered and diluted in distilled water at concentrations of 0.5 and 5%. To verify the effects of F. foetida sap on the behavior of S. octona, 90 snails were used, divided into three groups: one control group and two treated groups (T1 and T2 – 0.5 and 5% respectively). The extract of F. foetida sap presented repellent activity and altered the behavior of S. octona. The chemical analysis of the sap was performed by the phytochemical technique proposed by Matos (1988). The snails’ behavior was evaluated by direct observations by the focus group and scanning methods. To analyze the existence of significant differences in the timing of activity, the Kruskall-Wallis test was used, and the frequency of the behavioral acts was evaluated by the Mann-Whitney test of paired samples, both with confidence interval of 95%. Each group was composed of 10 individuals with three repetitions. The sap altered the frequency of aggregation behavior and vertical movement, indicating its repellent action on S. octona.

Influência de Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. no comportamento de Subulina octona (Bruguière, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae) / Influence of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. on the behaviour of Subulina octona (Bruguière, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae)

Subulina octona é um molusco terrestre com ampla distribuição no continente americano. É herbívoro, sendo encontrado em culturas agrícolas e jardins. Atua como hospedeiro intermediário de parasitos que acometem homens e animais, sendo considerado uma praga de interesse médico-veterinário e agrícola. O período de atividade é nos meses chuvosos e quentes, sendo seu comportamento com maior atividade no período noturno. Furcreae foetida é uma planta naturalizada que apresenta em seu metabolismo secundários saponinas esteroídicas que possuem atividade citotóxica seletiva. O uso de extratos vegetais tem sido motivo de pesquisas para o controle de moluscos pragas. Com isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do extrato de F. foetida no repertório comportamental e no horário de atividade de S. octona. Através do esmagamento por compressão das folhas de F. foetida obteve-se a seiva que foi filtrada e diluída em água destilada nas concentrações de 0,5 e 5%. Para verificar os efeitos do extrato de F. foetida no comportamento de S. octona utilizou-se 90 moluscos que foram divididos em 3 grupos: 1 controle e 2 tratados (T1 e T2 - 0,5 e 5% respectivamente). O extrato da seiva de F. foetida apresentou atividade de repelência e alterou o comportamento de S.octona. A análise química da seiva da planta foi realizada via marcha fitoquímica proposta por Matos (1988). O comportamento dos moluscos foi avaliado por meio de observações diretas pelos métodos grupo focal e scan. Para analisar se houve diferença significativa entre o horário de atividade utilizou-se o teste de Kruskall-Wallis e a frequência dos atos comportamentais foi avaliada pelo teste de comparação de amostras pareadas de Mann-Whitney, ambos com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Cada grupo foi composto por 10 indivíduos com três repetições. Foi possível perceber que a seiva alterou a frequência de realização do comportamento agregativo e deslocamento vertical, evidenciando sua ação repelente para S. octona.(AU)

Subulina octona is a terrestrial snail widely distributed in the Americas. It is a herbivore found in agricultural crops and gardens, able to acts as intermediate host of parasites that afflict humans and animals, being considered a pest of veterinary and agricultural interest. It is more active during rainy and hot months, speciallyat night. Furcreae foetida is a naturalized plant whose secondary metabolism produces steroidal saponins, which have selective cytotoxic activity. The use of plant extracts has been studied for control of snail pests. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the sap of F. foetida on the behavioral repertoire and timing of activity of S. octona. Leaves of F. foetida were crushed to obtain the sap, which was filtered and diluted in distilled water at concentrations of 0.5 and 5%. To verify the effects of F. foetida sap on the behavior of S. octona, 90 snails were used, divided into three groups: one control group and two treated groups (T1 and T2 0.5 and 5% respectively). The extract of F. foetida sap presented repellent activity and altered the behavior of S. octona. The chemical analysis of the sap was performed by the phytochemical technique proposed by Matos (1988). The snails behavior was evaluated by direct observations by the focus group and scanning methods. To analyze the existence of significant differences in the timing of activity, the Kruskall-Wallis test was used, and the frequency of the behavioral acts was evaluated by the Mann-Whitney test of paired samples, both with confidence interval of 95%. Each group was composed of 10 individuals with three repetitions. The sap altered the frequency of aggregation behavior and vertical movement, indicating its repellent action on S. octona.(AU)

Influência de Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. sobre a sobrevivência, crescimento e reprodução de Subulina octona (Brugüiére, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae) / Influence of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. on the survival, growth and reproduction of Subulina octona (Brugüiére, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae)

Subulina octona is a terrestrial mollusc found in gardens andplantations which may act as intermediate host for helminths and as vector for various pathogens. Furcraeafoetida is a naturalized plant, commonly used as ornament or as hedge. It has steroidal saponins on its secondarymetabolism, which are promising substances for mollusc control. The use of vegetal molluscicides has beenstudied for pest control since they are not as aggressive for both men and the environment and they may bea less toxic alternative for controlling these animals. This study aimed to analyze the influence of F. foetida onthe survival, growth and reproduction of S. octona. In order to assess the effect of the aqueous extract of thesap of F. foetida, the direct contact and indirect contact bioassays were used on S octona eggs, immatures andadults in laboratory conditions. Phytochemical analysis of F. foetida sap indicated presence of saponin in theleaves. The aqueous extract of F. foetida sap influenced on the survival and hatching of eggs in direct contact(without subtract) and indirect contact (with subtract); on the other hand, it had no influence on the growthor reproduction of S. octona. Immature and adult mortality rates were 100% in direct contact assays, and therewas significant difference for indirect contact assays regarding blank and negative control groups, which makesF. foetida sap a promising option for S. octona control.

Subulina octona é um molusco terrestre encontrado em jardins e culturas agrícolas, pode atuar comohospedeiro intermediário de helmintos e como vetor de vários patógenos. Furcraea foetida é uma planta naturalizada,muito usada para a ornamentação e cerca viva. Possui em seu metabolismo secundário saponinasesteroidais que são substâncias promissoras no controle de moluscos. O uso de moluscicidas de origem vegetaltem sido estudado para o controle de pragas, pois agridem menos o ambiente e ao homem, podendo ser uma alternativa menos tóxicas para o controle desses animais. O presente trabalho como objetivo avaliar a influênciade F. foetida sobre a sobrevivência, crescimento e reprodução de S. octona. Para avaliar o efeito do extratoaquoso da seiva de F. foetida, foram utilizados o teste de contato direto e contato indireto sobre ovos, jovense adultos de S. octona em condições de laboratório. A análise fitoquímica da seiva de F. foetida acusou a presençade saponina nas folhas. O extrato aquoso da seiva de F. foetida influenciou na sobrevivência e eclosão deovos no contato direto (sem substrato) e contato indireto (com substrato), por outro lado, não influenciou nocrescimento e na reprodução de S. octona. A mortalidade de jovens e adultos foi de 100% para os tratamentosdo experimento com contato direto e houve diferença significativa para os tratamentos do experimento comcontato indireto em relação ao controle branco e o negativo. Tornando a seiva de F. foetida, promissora para.

Uso de extrato aquoso de pimenta malagueta (Capsicum frutescens L. ) em testes de sobrevivência sobre Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822) (Mollusca, Gastropoda) / Effect of use of aqueous chilli pepper (Capsicum frutescens l. ) on survival of Achatina fulica(Bowdich, 1822) (Mollusca, Gastropoda) molluscicidal activity

Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822) é um molusco pulmonado terrestre originário do Leste-Nordesteda África, que se disseminou por todo o mundo, como praga agrícola e hospedeiro de váriasdoenças de interesse médico-veterinário, foi introduzido no Brasil por volta de 1980 por criadores doParaná, visando substituir o escargot Helix aspersa (Müller, 1774), embora exista relato da introduçãodesse molusco na Região Sudeste por volta da década de 1970. Com o insucesso na comercializaçãodessa espécie, foi solto no ambiente sem qualquer cuidado, causando assim um desequilíbrio nafauna nativa. Produtos sintéticos foram usados para tentar conter esse molusco, mas sem êxito, alémde serem inviavelmente mais caros. O uso de produtos naturais vem sendo estudado há vários anostentando chegar a uma substância que não agrida o meio ambiente e outras espécies. Com isso Capsicumfrutescens L. (Solanaceae) conhecida popularmente como pimenta malagueta, possui algumassubstâncias como alcaloides, compostos fenólicos e taninos, que sugere-se que possuam uma supostataxa moluscicida. Nesse trabalho utilizou-se do método direto, que consiste da aplicação do extratoaquoso diretamente sobre os moluscos. O experimento foi realizado no Laboratório de Zoologia dosInvertebrados do CES-JF, além da triagem fitoquímica concomitante para identificação dos principaiscompostos presentes no extrato aquoso. Este trabalho objetivou-se em testar o extrato aquoso deC. frutescens sobre a sobrevivência de indivíduos de 30 e 120 dias de idade, utilizando-se de noveconcentrações, 10g/L, 9g/L, 8g/L, 7g/L, 6g/L, 5g/L, 4g/L, 3g/L e 2g/L, o acompanhamento deu-sedurante 30 dias.

Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822)is a terrestrial pulmonary mollusk originating in East-Northeast Africa, which spreads throughout theworld as an agricultural pest and host of several zoonoses of medical and veterinary interest, includingthe nematodes Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus. costaricensis. It was introducedin Brazil around 1980, replacing the Helix aspersa escargot (Müller, 1774), but there is another reportof the introduction of the mollusk in the Southeast Region in 1970’s. With the failure to commercializethis species, it was released in the environment without care, thu s causing an imbalance in nativefauna. Synthetic products were used to control this mollusk, but without success, besides being unviableand more expensive. The use of ecological products have been studied for several years and havereached an area that does not please the environment or any other species. Thus, Capsicum frutescensL. popularly known as chilli pepper, has several compounds like alkaloids, phenolic compoundsand tannins, which have a molluscicide potential. In this work, the direct method was applied, whichconsists of the application of the aqueous extract on the mollusks. The experiment was conductedin the Laboratory of Zoology of the Invertebrates of the CES-JF, and a phytochemical screening wascarried out to identify the main non-aqueous extract compounds. The aim of this work was to test theaqueous extract of C. frutescens on the survival of individuals of 30 and 120 days of age, using nineconcentrations, 10g/L, 9g/L, 8g/L, 7g/L and 6g/L. 5g/L, 4g/L, 3g/L and 2g/L. Follow-up occurred for 30days. The results were efficient in snails of 30 days of age, causing 100% mortality, no group control.In individuals of 120 days of age concentrations 10g/L, 9g/L, 8g/L, 7g/L acted as molluscicide, causing100 % of mortality. There are no concentrations.

Uso de extrato aquoso de pimenta malagueta (Capsicum frutescens L. ) em testes de sobrevivência sobre Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822) (Mollusca, Gastropoda) / Effect of use of aqueous chilli pepper (Capsicum frutescens l. ) on survival of Achatina fulica(Bowdich, 1822) (Mollusca, Gastropoda) molluscicidal activity.

Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822) é um molusco pulmonado terrestre originário do Leste-Nordesteda África, que se disseminou por todo o mundo, como praga agrícola e hospedeiro de váriasdoenças de interesse médico-veterinário, foi introduzido no Brasil por volta de 1980 por criadores doParaná, visando substituir o escargot Helix aspersa (Müller, 1774), embora exista relato da introduçãodesse molusco na Região Sudeste por volta da década de 1970. Com o insucesso na comercializaçãodessa espécie, foi solto no ambiente sem qualquer cuidado, causando assim um desequilíbrio nafauna nativa. Produtos sintéticos foram usados para tentar conter esse molusco, mas sem êxito, alémde serem inviavelmente mais caros. O uso de produtos naturais vem sendo estudado há vários anostentando chegar a uma substância que não agrida o meio ambiente e outras espécies. Com isso Capsicumfrutescens L. (Solanaceae) conhecida popularmente como pimenta malagueta, possui algumassubstâncias como alcaloides, compostos fenólicos e taninos, que sugere-se que possuam uma supostataxa moluscicida. Nesse trabalho utilizou-se do método direto, que consiste da aplicação do extratoaquoso diretamente sobre os moluscos. O experimento foi realizado no Laboratório de Zoologia dosInvertebrados do CES-JF, além da triagem fitoquímica concomitante para identificação dos principaiscompostos presentes no extrato aquoso. Este trabalho objetivou-se em testar o extrato aquoso deC. frutescens sobre a sobrevivência de indivíduos de 30 e 120 dias de idade, utilizando-se de noveconcentrações, 10g/L, 9g/L, 8g/L, 7g/L, 6g/L, 5g/L, 4g/L, 3g/L e 2g/L, o acompanhamento deu-sedurante 30 dias. (AU)

Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822)is a terrestrial pulmonary mollusk originating in East-Northeast Africa, which spreads throughout theworld as an agricultural pest and host of several zoonoses of medical and veterinary interest, includingthe nematodes Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus. costaricensis. It was introducedin Brazil around 1980, replacing the Helix aspersa escargot (Müller, 1774), but there is another reportof the introduction of the mollusk in the Southeast Region in 1970s. With the failure to commercializethis species, it was released in the environment without care, thu s causing an imbalance in nativefauna. Synthetic products were used to control this mollusk, but without success, besides being unviableand more expensive. The use of ecological products have been studied for several years and havereached an area that does not please the environment or any other species. Thus, Capsicum frutescensL. popularly known as chilli pepper, has several compounds like alkaloids, phenolic compoundsand tannins, which have a molluscicide potential. In this work, the direct method was applied, whichconsists of the application of the aqueous extract on the mollusks. The experiment was conductedin the Laboratory of Zoology of the Invertebrates of the CES-JF, and a phytochemical screening wascarried out to identify the main non-aqueous extract compounds. The aim of this work was to test theaqueous extract of C. frutescens on the survival of individuals of 30 and 120 days of age, using nineconcentrations, 10g/L, 9g/L, 8g/L, 7g/L and 6g/L. 5g/L, 4g/L, 3g/L and 2g/L. Follow-up occurred for 30days. The results were efficient in snails of 30 days of age, causing 100% mortality, no group control.In individuals of 120 days of age concentrations 10g/L, 9g/L, 8g/L, 7g/L acted as molluscicide, causing100 % of mortality. There are no concentrations.(AU)

Influência de Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. sobre a sobrevivência, crescimento e reprodução de Subulina octona (Brugüiére, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae) / Influence of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw. on the survival, growth and reproduction of Subulina octona (Brugüiére, 1789) (Mollusca, Subulinidae).

Subulina octona is a terrestrial mollusc found in gardens andplantations which may act as intermediate host for helminths and as vector for various pathogens. Furcraeafoetida is a naturalized plant, commonly used as ornament or as hedge. It has steroidal saponins on its secondarymetabolism, which are promising substances for mollusc control. The use of vegetal molluscicides has beenstudied for pest control since they are not as aggressive for both men and the environment and they may bea less toxic alternative for controlling these animals. This study aimed to analyze the influence of F. foetida onthe survival, growth and reproduction of S. octona. In order to assess the effect of the aqueous extract of thesap of F. foetida, the direct contact and indirect contact bioassays were used on S octona eggs, immatures andadults in laboratory conditions. Phytochemical analysis of F. foetida sap indicated presence of saponin in theleaves. The aqueous extract of F. foetida sap influenced on the survival and hatching of eggs in direct contact(without subtract) and indirect contact (with subtract); on the other hand, it had no influence on the growthor reproduction of S. octona. Immature and adult mortality rates were 100% in direct contact assays, and therewas significant difference for indirect contact assays regarding blank and negative control groups, which makesF. foetida sap a promising option for S. octona control.(AU)

Subulina octona é um molusco terrestre encontrado em jardins e culturas agrícolas, pode atuar comohospedeiro intermediário de helmintos e como vetor de vários patógenos. Furcraea foetida é uma planta naturalizada,muito usada para a ornamentação e cerca viva. Possui em seu metabolismo secundário saponinasesteroidais que são substâncias promissoras no controle de moluscos. O uso de moluscicidas de origem vegetaltem sido estudado para o controle de pragas, pois agridem menos o ambiente e ao homem, podendo ser uma alternativa menos tóxicas para o controle desses animais. O presente trabalho como objetivo avaliar a influênciade F. foetida sobre a sobrevivência, crescimento e reprodução de S. octona. Para avaliar o efeito do extratoaquoso da seiva de F. foetida, foram utilizados o teste de contato direto e contato indireto sobre ovos, jovense adultos de S. octona em condições de laboratório. A análise fitoquímica da seiva de F. foetida acusou a presençade saponina nas folhas. O extrato aquoso da seiva de F. foetida influenciou na sobrevivência e eclosão deovos no contato direto (sem substrato) e contato indireto (com substrato), por outro lado, não influenciou nocrescimento e na reprodução de S. octona. A mortalidade de jovens e adultos foi de 100% para os tratamentosdo experimento com contato direto e houve diferença significativa para os tratamentos do experimento comcontato indireto em relação ao controle branco e o negativo. Tornando a seiva de F. foetida, promissora para. (AU)

Intralesional meglumine antimoniate for the treatment of localised cutaneous leishmaniasis: a retrospective review of a Brazilian referral centre.

Although intralesional meglumine antimoniate (MA) infiltration is considered an option for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) therapy and is widely used in the Old World, there have been few studies supporting this therapeutic approach in the Americas. This study aims to describe outcomes and adverse events associated with intralesional therapy for CL. This retrospective study reviewed the experience of a Brazilian leishmaniasis reference centre using intralesional MA to treat 31 patients over five years (2008 and 2013). The median age was 63 years (22-86) and the median duration time of the lesions up to treatment was 16 weeks. In 22 patients (71%), intralesional therapy was indicated due to the presence of contraindications or previous serious adverse events with systemic MA. Other indications were failure of systemic therapy or ease of administration. Intralesional treatment consisted of one-six infiltrations (median three) for a period of up to 12 weeks. The initial (three months) and definitive (six months) cure rates were 70.9% and 67.7%, respectively. Most patients reported mild discomfort during infiltration and no serious adverse events were observed. In conclusion, these results show that the intralesional MA efficacy rate was very similar to that of systemic MA treatment, and reinforce the need for further studies with adequate design to establish the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic approach.

Allelopathic interference of boldo (Peumus boldus Molina, Monimiaceae) infusion on seeds of lettuce and cucumber / Interferência alelopática do chá de boldo-do-chile (Peumus boldus Molina, Monimiaceae) sobre sementes de alface e pepino

Boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) is a tree of the Monimiaceae family. It is used by the people to treat several diseases, and presents diverse products such as: a bactericide, an insecticide and an allelopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the allelopatic activity of the boldo infusion on the germination and initial development of lettuce and cucumber seeds. The bioassay was conducted in an environmental temperature controlled laboratory, through a completely randomized design method with five repetitions. The boldo infusion was obtained in the local commerce, and prepared with boiling distillated water, diluted to the proportions of 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The control was only distillated water. The evaluation parameters used were germination percentage, germination speed index (measured each 24 hours) and root length (measured with a caliper rule on the last day of the experiment). Regarding germination percentage, we found significant values only using 100% treatment of cucumber seeds. The germination of lettuce seeds was inhibited throughout all of the treatments with boldo infusion. The germination speed index of cucumber seeds was influenced throughout all of the treatments. The root length of cucumber seeds was inhibited with all treatments and significantly different if compared with the control. Boldo infusion presented allelopathic activity on the seeds of lettuce and cucumber, showing the presence of bioactive molecules which can serve to subsidize new studies.

O boldo-do-chile é uma planta arbórea pertencente à família Monimiaceae. É utilizado pela população para diversas enfermidades e apresenta atividade bactericida, inseticida e alelopática. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de atividade alelopática do chá de boldo-do-chile sobre a germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de sementes de alface e pepino. O bioensaio foi conduzido em laboratório sob temperatura ambiente, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições. O chá de boldo-do-chile foi adquirido no comércio local, preparado com água destilada fervente, diluído nas proporções de 25, 50, 75 e 100%. Apenas água destilada foi utilizada para controle. A porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação e comprimento da raiz foram utilizados como parâmetros de avaliação alelopática. Para a porcentagem de germinação, foram verificados valores significativos na germinação de sementes de pepino no tratamento 100%. A germinação de sementes de alface sofreu inibição total em todos os tratamentos com chá de boldo-do-chile. O índice de velocidade de germinação de sementes de pepino submetidas ao chá de boldo-do-chile sofreu influência significativa em todos os tratamentos em relação ao controle. As sementes de pepino submetidas ao chá de boldo-do-chile sofreram inibição no comprimento da raiz em todos os tratamentos avaliados, apresentando valores significativos em comparação ao controle. O chá de boldo-do-chile apresentou atividade alelopática sobre as sementes de alface e pepino, demonstrando a presença de moléculas bioativas que servem de subsídio para novos estudos.

Allelopathic interference of boldo (Peumus boldus Molina, Monimiaceae) infusion on seeds of lettuce and cucumber / Interferência alelopática do chá de boldo-do-chile (Peumus boldus Molina, Monimiaceae) sobre sementes de alface e pepino

Boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) is a tree of the Monimiaceae family. It is used by the people to treat several diseases, and presents diverse products such as: a bactericide, an insecticide and an allelopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the allelopatic activity of the boldo infusion on the germination and initial development of lettuce and cucumber seeds. The bioassay was conducted in an environmental temperature controlled laboratory, through a completely randomized design method with five repetitions. The boldo infusion was obtained in the local commerce, and prepared with boiling distillated water, diluted to the proportions of 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The control was only distillated water. The evaluation parameters used were germination percentage, germination speed index (measured each 24 hours) and root length (measured with a caliper rule on the last day of the experiment). Regarding germination percentage, we found significant values only using 100% treatment of cucumber seeds. The germination of lettuce seeds was inhibited throughout all of the treatments with boldo infusion. The germination speed index of cucumber seeds was influenced throughout all of the treatments. The root length of cucumber seeds was inhibited with all treatments and significantly different if compared with the control. Boldo infusion presented allelopathic activity on the seeds of lettuce and cucumber, showing the presence of bioactive molecules which can serve to subsidize new studies.(AU)

O boldo-do-chile é uma planta arbórea pertencente à família Monimiaceae. É utilizado pela população para diversas enfermidades e apresenta atividade bactericida, inseticida e alelopática. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de atividade alelopática do chá de boldo-do-chile sobre a germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de sementes de alface e pepino. O bioensaio foi conduzido em laboratório sob temperatura ambiente, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições. O chá de boldo-do-chile foi adquirido no comércio local, preparado com água destilada fervente, diluído nas proporções de 25, 50, 75 e 100%. Apenas água destilada foi utilizada para controle. A porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação e comprimento da raiz foram utilizados como parâmetros de avaliação alelopática. Para a porcentagem de germinação, foram verificados valores significativos na germinação de sementes de pepino no tratamento 100%. A germinação de sementes de alface sofreu inibição total em todos os tratamentos com chá de boldo-do-chile. O índice de velocidade de germinação de sementes de pepino submetidas ao chá de boldo-do-chile sofreu influência significativa em todos os tratamentos em relação ao controle. As sementes de pepino submetidas ao chá de boldo-do-chile sofreram inibição no comprimento da raiz em todos os tratamentos avaliados, apresentando valores significativos em comparação ao controle. O chá de boldo-do-chile apresentou atividade alelopática sobre as sementes de alface e pepino, demonstrando a presença de moléculas bioativas que servem de subsídio para novos estudos.(AU)

Parasite load and risk factors for poor outcome among children with visceral leishmaniasis. A cohort study in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 2010-2011.

Clinical and laboratory risk factors for death from visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are relatively known, but quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) might assess the role of parasite load in determining clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors, including parasite load in peripheral blood, for VL poor outcome among children. This prospective cohort study evaluated children aged ≤ 12 years old with VL diagnosis at three times: pre-treatment (T0), during treatment (T1) and post-treatment (T2). Forty-eight patients were included and 16 (33.3%) met the criteria for poor outcome. Age ≤ 12 months [relative risk (RR) 3.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.89-6.52], tachydyspnoea (RR 3.46; 95% CI 2.19-5.47), bacterial infection (RR 3.08; 95% CI 1.27-7.48), liver enlargement (RR 3.00; 95% CI 1.44-6.23) and low serum albumin (RR 7.00; 95% CI 1.80-27.24) were identified as risk factors. qPCR was positive in all patients at T0 and the parasite DNA was undetectable in 76.1% of them at T1 and in 90.7% at T2. There was no statistical association between parasite load at T0 and poor outcome.

Assessment of the quality of life of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 2009-2010. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) may manifest as single or multiple skin lesions, causing significant aesthetic impact and affecting the patient's quality of life (QoL). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of CL on the QoL. METHODS: The QoL of 20 patients with CL was assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). RESULTS: For 70% of patients CL had a moderate/large impact on their QoL, with 'Work and School' being the most affected domain. This is the first study to use the DLQI to assess the impact of CL. CONCLUSION: CL has a moderate to large negative effect on QoL.

Efeito da tadalafila na prevenção de alterações do corpo cavernoso após lesão vasculo-nervosa do feixe peri prostático. Estudo experimental em ratos / Effect of tadalafil in the prevention of alterations of the cavernous body after vascular nervous lesion of prostatic peribeam: experimental study in rats

O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o impacto no corpo cavernoso causado pela lesão isolada do nervo e artéria cavernosa, assim como determinar o efeito da tadalafila (IPDE-5) na remodelação tecidual, utilizando um modelo experimental de ratos. 50 ratos machos, da raça Whistar, pesando entre 250 e 350 gramas, foram aleatoriamente divididos, de forma randomizada em cinco grupos. Grupo 1 (G1): controle cirúrgico - CCir (n=10), submetidos apenas a exposição do feixe vásculo nervoso peri prostático. Grupo 2 (G2): Lesão Nervosa Isolada - LNI (n=10), os animais foram submetidos a lesão seletiva do nervo cavernoso bilateralmente. Grupo 3 (G3): Lesão Vascular Isolada - LVI (n=10), os animais foram submetidos a lesão seletiva da artéria cavernosa bilateralmente. Grupo 4 (G4): Lesão Nervosa Isolada + Tadalafila - LNI+T (n=10), os animais foram submetidos a lesão do nervo cavernoso bilateralmente e receberam tadalafila na dose de 5mg/Kg/dia. Grupo 5 (G5): Lesão Vascular Isolada + Tadalafila - LVI+T (n=10), os animais foram submetidos a lesão seletiva da artéria cavernosa bilateralmente e receberam tadalafila na dose de 5mg/Kg/dia. A tadalafila foi administrada pelo período de 45 dias, quando os animais foram sacrificados e o corpo cavernoso foi removido em bloco para análise histomorfométrica. A organização e composição microestrutural do corpo cavernoso foram avaliadas por histomorfometria, imunohostoquímica e métodos bioquímicos...

This study aims to evaluate the impact on the corpus cavernosum caused by isolated injury of the cavernous nerve and artery, as well as determine the effect of tadalafil (IPDE-5) on tissue remodeling, using a rat experimental model. Fifty (50) male Whistar rats, weighing between 250 and 350 grams, were divided randomly into five groups. Group 1 (G1): surgical control - SCon (n=10) having undergone only exposure of the periprostatic neurovascular bundle. Group 2 (G2): Isolated Nerve Lesion - INL (n=10), the animals were subjected to selective cavernous nerve injury, bilaterally. Group 3 (G3): Isolated Vascular Lesion - IVL (n=10), the animals were subjected to selective cavernous artery injury, bilaterally. Group 4 (G4): Isolated Nerve Lesion + Tadalafil - INL+T (n=10), the animals were subjected to cavernous nerve injury, bilaterally, and received tadalafil in a dosage of 5mg/kg/day. Group 5 (G5): Isolated Vascular Lesion + Tadalafil - IVL+T (n=10), the animals were subjected to selective cavernous artery injury, bilaterally, and received tadalafil in a dosage of 5mg/kg/day. The tadalafil was administered for a 45 day period, then the animals were sacrificed and the corpus cavernosum was removed en bloc for histomorphometric analysis. The organization and microstructural composition of the corpus cavernosum were assessed through histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical methods. Statistical analysis was performed using the Bonferroni multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: Among the groups evaluated, there was no difference between the penile section areas, demonstrating their consistency. The volume of smooth muscle decreased significantly in the group with nerve injury (G2) when compared with the control (12.87±1.90 vs 21.78±1.81 p<0.05), which did not occur in the group with nerve injury treated with tadalafil (G4)...

High frequency of asymptomatic Leishmania spp. infection among HIV-infected patients living in endemic areas for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.

This study aims at estimating the prevalence of Leishmania infection among HIV-infected patients through the use of non-invasive tests. The study was conducted in three Infectious Diseases Services in two large Brazilian cities, both endemic areas for visceral leishmaniasis. Three hundred and eighty-one asymptomatic patients were enrolled whose ages ranged from 19 to 58 years old; 63.5% were men; mean TCD4+ was 380 cells/µl; and mean viral load was 153800 copies/ml. All individuals were tested for Leishmania infection through: ELISA using crude Leishmania infantum (ELISA), ELISA using the recombinant K39 antigen (rK39), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and PCR targeted to kDNA region. The tests' positivity were: 10.8% (ELISA), 3.9% (IFAT), 0.8% (rK39), 6.3% PCR and 20.2% (overall, at least one positive test), with no statistical correlation between positivity and clinical and laboratorial variables. Concordance among tests was low (Kappa <0.20). Prevalence of Leishmania asymptomatic infection was high in this population, reinforcing the need for attention in the evaluation of HIV patients from endemic areas. New efforts are needed to develop more specific and sensitive tests to diagnose Leishmania asymptomatic infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) seems to have a protective role against disease progression in co-infected individuals.

Dornase alfa improves the health-related quality of life among Brazilian patients with cystic fibrosis--a one-year prospective study.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurements provide valuable information about the psychological and social impact of treatment on patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study evaluated the HRQOL of Brazilian patients with CF and assessed the changes in HRQOL domains over 1 year after dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) introduction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-six stable patients with CF and 89 caregivers answered the Portuguese-validated version of the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) at baseline (T(0)), and at 3 (T(1)), 6 (T(2)), 9 (T(3)), and 12 (T(4)) months of follow-up. Eighteen patients were excluded because they did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. The patients were analyzed in two groups: those aged 6-11 years and those aged 14 years and older. ANOVA for observed repeated results and the last observation carried forward (LOCF) method for missing data were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: After 1 year of follow-up, there was significant improvement in respiratory symptoms (T(4) - T(0) = 8.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = [2.1;14.0]; effect size (ES) = 0.35; P < 0.001), Emotional Functioning (T(4) - T(0) = 5.6; 95% CI = [1.1;10.1]; ES = 0.31; P < 0.05), Social Functioning (T(4) - T(0) = 6.0; 95% CI = [1.3;11.7]; ES = 0.31; P < 0.05), Body Image (T(4) - T(0) = 11.9; 95% CI = [4.1;19.7]; ES = 0.42; P < 0.05), and Treatment Burden (T(4) - T(0) = 5.3; 95% CI = [0.3;10.3]; ES = 0.24; P < 0.05) domains in the younger group. A significant improvement in Role Functioning (T(4) - T(0) = 6.1; 95% CI = [1.1;11.1]; ES = 0.40; P < 0.05), Body Image (T(4) - T(0) = 12.6; 95% CI = [3.5;21.7]; ES = 0.46; P < 0.05), and Weight (T(4) - T(0) = 11.7; 95% CI = [1.8;21.6]; ES = 0.40; P < 0.05) was obtained in the older group. The caregivers' CFQ-R showed improvements in the Digestive Symptoms (T(4) - T(0) = 5.5; 95% CI = [1.5;9.4]; ES = 0.30; P < 0.05), Respiratory Symptoms (T(4) - T(0) = 7.6; 95% CI = [3.9;11.4]; ES = 0.48; P < 0.05), and Weight (T(4) - T(0) = 10.1; 95% CI = [1.6;18.6]; ES = 0.26; P < 0.05) domains. CONCLUSION: The introduction of dornase alfa improved the HRQL of the patients with CF during the first year of treatment.