Inhibition of the morphological transition of Candida spp. by riparins I-IV.

Candida spp. is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing superficial to invasive infections. Morphological transition is one of the main virulence factors of this genus and, therefore, is an important variable to be considered in pharmacological interventions. Riparins I, II, III, and IV are alkamide-type alkaloids extracted from the unripe fruit of Aniba riparia, whose remarkable pharmacological properties were previously demonstrated. This work aimed to evaluate in silico and in vitro the inhibitory effects of Riparins on the morphological transition of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei. Molecular docking was applied to analyze the inhibitory effects of riparins against proteins such as N-acetylglucosamine, CYP-51, and protein kinase A (PKA) using the Ramachandran plot. The ligands were prepared by MarvinSketch and Spartan software version 14.0, and MolDock Score and Rerank Score were used to analyze the affinity of the compounds. In vitro analyses were performed by culturing the strains in humid chambers in the presence of riparins or fluconazole (FCZ). The morphology was observed through optical microscopy, and the size of the hyphae was determined using the ToupView software. In silico analysis demonstrated that all riparins are likely to interact with the molecular targets: GlcNAc (>50%), PKA (>60%), and CYP-51 (>70%). Accordingly, in vitro analysis showed that these compounds significantly inhibited the morphological transition of all Candida strains. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that riparins inhibit Candida morphological transition and, therefore, can be used to overcome the pathogenicity of this genus.

In vitro Evaluation of Fungal Susceptibility and Inhibition of Virulence by Diosgenin.

Fungal infections are a public health problem that mainly affects immunosuppressed people, Candida spp. have been responsible for most sources of contamination and invasive fungal infections described around the world. The need arises to find new therapeutic approaches to combat growing infections. Plants and natural products have been considered a valuable source for discovering new molecules with active ingredients. Diosgenin is a sapogenin found in the families of Leguminosae and Dioscoreaceae, it is obtained mainly from the dioscin saponin through the hydrolysis method, it is a phytochemical that has been highlighted in the treatment of various diseases, as well as in combating microbial resistance. The present study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of fungal strains to diosgenin, as well as verify the association with the reference drug and evaluate the inhibition of the virulence factor through morphological changes in the yeast state to the filamentous form of hyphae and pseudohyphae in strains of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei using the broth microdilution method and microculture technique. Antifungal assays revealed that diosgenin was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains.

Benefícios do uso da bola suíça em gestantes na assistência ao parto de baixo risco / Benefits of using the Swiss ball in pregnant women in low-risk birth care

Objetivo: Identificar as evidências científicas sobre os benefícios do uso da bola suíça em gestantes na assistência ao parto de baixo risco. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados Medline/PubMed, LILACS via BVS e biblioteca Scielo para responder à questão norteadora: Quais os benefícios do uso da bola suíça em gestantes na assistência ao parto de baixo risco? As buscas ocorreram entre março e abril de 2022, utilizando os descritores "gestantes", "terapia por exercício", "trabalho de parto", "parto normal". Após os cruzamentos desses descritores, identificaram-se 230 artigos, que ao aplicar os critérios de elegibilidade, restaram dez estudos, avaliados e elegíveis para a revisão. Na extração dos dados elaborou-se um instrumento para coleta. Resultados: 10 estudos foram elegíveis após seleção. Destes, a maior parte (8) desenvolvidos no Brasil (1) China e (1) em Taiwan. O periódico de maior frequência das publicações foi Acta Paulista de Enfermagem (3). Quanto ao ano de publicação o ano com menos publicações foi 2012 (1), seguido 2013 (2), 2019 (2). Quanto ao delineamento o tipo ensaio clinico prevaleceu nas publicações (5). Conclusão: esta revisão aponta benefícios do uso da bola suíça como instrumento de trabalho que pode favorecer a assistência ao parto de baixo risco evidenciando ser uma alternativa viável para profissionais nesse campo de atuação.(AU)

To identify the scientific evidence on the benefits of using the Swiss ball in pregnant women in low-risk childbirth care. Methods: Integrative literature review, carried out in Medline/PubMed, LILACS via VHL and Scielo library databases to answer the guiding question: What are the benefits of using the Swiss ball in pregnant women in low-risk childbirth care? The searches took place between March and April 2022, using the descriptors "pregnant women", "exercise therapy", "labor", "normal delivery". After crossing these descriptors, 230 articles were identified, which, when applying the eligibility criteria, left ten studies, evaluated and eligible for the review. In the data extraction, a collection instrument was elaborated. Results: 10 studies were eligible after selection. Of these, most (8) developed in Brazil (1) China and (1) Taiwan. The journal with the highest frequency of publications was Acta Paulista de Enfermagem (3). As for the year of publication, the year with the fewest publications was 2012 (1), followed by 2013 (2), 2019 (2). As for the design, the clinical trial type prevailed in the publications (5). Conclusion: this review points out the benefits of using the Swiss ball as a work tool that can favor low-risk childbirth care, showing that it is a viable alternative for professionals in this field.(AU)

Objetivo: Identificar la evidencia científica sobre los beneficios del uso del balón suizo para gestantes en la atención al parto de bajo riesgo. Métodos: Revisión bibliográfica integradora, realizada en las bases de datos Medline/PubMed, LILACS vía BVS y biblioteca Scielo para responder a la pregunta guía: ¿Cuáles son los beneficios del uso del balón suizo para gestantes en la atención al parto de bajo riesgo? Las búsquedas se realizaron entre marzo y abril de 2022, utilizando los descriptores "pregnant women", "exercise therapy", "labour", "normal delivery". Tras cruzar estos descriptores, se identificaron 230 artículos y, una vez aplicados los criterios de elegibilidad, quedaron diez estudios, que fueron evaluados y elegibles para la revisión. Para extraer los datos, se elaboró una herramienta de recogida de datos. Resultados: Tras la selección, 10 estudios fueron elegibles. De ellos, la mayoría (8) se realizaron en Brasil (1) China y (1) Taiwán. La revista más frecuentemente publicada fue Acta Paulista de Enfermagem (3). En cuanto al año de publicación, el año con menos publicaciones fue 2012 (1), seguido de 2013 (2), 2019 (2). En cuanto al diseño, el tipo de ensayo clínico prevaleció en las publicaciones (5). Conclusión: Esta revisión señala los beneficios del uso del balón suizo como herramienta de trabajo que puede favorecer la atención al parto de bajo riesgo, mostrándose como una alternativa viable para los profesionales de este ámbito.(AU)

Chemical composition and antimicrobial potential of Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart. and Syagrus cearensis Noblick (Arecaceae).

This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic effects of the fixed oils of Acrocomia aculeata (FOAA) and Syagrus cearenses (FOSC) against the bacterial strains and the fungi strains of the genus Candida spp. The method of serial microdilution using different concentrations was used for measuring the individual biological activity of the fixed oils. The fixed oil of A. aculeata showed the presence of oleic acid (24.36%), while the oil of S. cearensis displayed the content of myristic acid (18.29%), compounds detected in high concentration. The combination FOAA + Norfloxacin, and FOSC + Norfloxacin showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus strains, demonstrating possible synergism and potentiation of the antibiotic action against multidrug-resistant strains. The combination FOAA + Fluconazole displayed a significant effect against Candida albicans (IC50 = 15.54), C. krusei (IC50 = 78.58), and C. tropicalis (IC50 = 1588 µg/mL). Regarding FOSC + Fluconazole, it was also observed their combined effect against the strains of C. albicans (IC50 = 3385 µg/mL), C. krusei (IC50 = 26.67 µg/mL), and C. tropicalis (IC50 = 1164 µg/mL). The findings of this study showed a significant synergism for both fixed oils tested when combined with the antibiotic.

Antibiotic-Potentiating Activity of the Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi Essential Oil against MDR Bacterial Strains.

Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus are the primary bacteria that cause clinical infections, such as urinary and intestinal infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, and sepsis. Bacterial resistance is an innate natural occurrence in microorganisms, resulting from mutations or the lateral exchange of genetic material. This serves as evidence for the association between drug consumption and pathogen resistance. Evidence has demonstrated that the association between conventional antibiotics and natural products is a promising pharmacological strategy to overcome resistance mechanisms. Considering the large body of research demonstrating the significant antimicrobial activities of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, the present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antibiotic-enhancing effects of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi essential oil (STEO) against the standard and multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The STEO was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type vacuum rotary evaporator. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the STEO was assessed by the microdilution method to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The antibiotic-enhancing activity of the essential oil was assessed by determining the MIC of antibiotics in the presence of a sub-inhibitory concentration (MIC/8) of the natural product. The GC-MS analysis revealed alpha-pinene (24.3%), gamma-muurolene (16.6%), and myrcene (13.7%) as major constituents of the STEO. The STEO potentiated the enhanced antibacterial activity of norfloxacin and gentamicin against all the strains and increased the action of penicillin against the Gram-negative strains. Therefore, it is concluded that although the STEO does not exhibit clinically effective antibacterial activity, its association with conventional antibiotics results in enhanced antibiotic activity.

Synthesis of chalcones and their antimicrobial and drug potentiating activities.

The increased resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs makes it necessary to search for new active compounds, such as chalcones. Their simple chemical structure makes them molecules easy to synthesize. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and potentiating activity of antibiotics and antifungals by synthetic chalcones against strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The synthesis of chalcones was carried out by Claisen-Schimidt aldol condensation. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) were also performed. Microbiological tests were performed by the broth microdilution method, using gentamicin, norfloxacin and penicillin as standard drugs for the antibacterial assay, and fluconazole for the antifungal assay. Three chalcones were obtained (1E,4E)-1,5-diphenylpenta-1,4-dien-3-one (DB-Acetone), (1E,3E,6E,8E)-1,9-diphenylnone-1,3,6,8-tetraen-5-one (DB-CNM), (1E,4E)-1,5-bis (4-methoxyphenyl) penta-1,4-dien-3-one (DB-Anisal). The compound DB-Acetone was able to inhibit P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 at a concentration of 1.4 × 102 µM (32 µg/mL), while DB-CNM and DB-Anisal inhibited the growth of S. aureus ATCC 25923 at 17.88 × 102 µM and 2.71 × 101 µM (512 µg/mL and 8 µg/mL) respectively. In the combined activity, DB-Anisal was able to potentiate the effect of the three antibacterial drugs tested against E. coli 06, norfloxacin (128 for 4 µg/mL ±1) against P. aeruginosa 24 and penicillin (1,024 for 16 µg/mL ±1) against S. aureus 10. In antifungal assays, chalcones were not able to inhibit the growth of fungal strains tested. However, both showed potentiating activity with fluconazole, ranging from 8.17 x 10-1 µM (0.4909 µg/mL) to 2.35 µM (13.96 µg/mL). It is concluded that synthetic chalcones have antimicrobial potential, demonstrating good intrinsic activity against fungi and bacteria, in addition to potentiating the antibiotics and antifungal tested. Further studies are needed addressing the mechanisms of action responsible for the results found in this work.

Epidemiological model for the construction of scenarios of the dissemination of COVID-19 in Codó-MA / Modelo epidemiológico para construção de cenários da disseminação da COVID-19 em Codó-MA / Modelo epidemiológico para la construcción de escenarios de la diseminación del COVID-19 en Codó-MA

Background and objectives: due to the increase in the number of cases of the new coronavirus in the city of Codó-MA, there was a need to carry out a study on the spread of COVID-19 in the municipality in order to have a better knowledge and understanding of the problem. A study was carried out on the spread of COVID-19 in the city of Codó-MA, comparing the quantitative data on the number of cases in 2020 and 2021 between May and July and using the epidemiological model Susceptible-Infectious-Isolated-Recovered (SIQR). Methods: we collected daily data from the epidemiological bulletins made available by the Municipal Health Department of Codó (SEMUS-Codó), we chose the SIQR compartmental model to carry out the simulations, we assumed hypotheses and estimated the parameters in order to design the scenarios. We simulated scenarios such as social distancing of healthy individuals and social isolation of infected individuals. Results: in early 2020, cases increased more frequently than in early 2021, and approximately 20% of those infected were in social isolation. According to projections, more than 80% of cases of COVID-19 were not accounted for in Codó. In 2021, there was greater underreporting than in 2020, approximately 82% and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: from the results, the authors conclude that the social isolation of those infected is a more efficient method to contain an epidemic than the total blockade of the population and that the high number of underreported cases is because most of these cases are asymptomatic.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: devido ao aumento do número de casos do novo coronavírus na cidade de Codó-MA, viu-se a necessidade para fazer um estudo sobre a propagação da COVID-19 no município para a ter melhor conhecimento e entendimento do problema. Foi realizado um estudo sobre a disseminação da COVID-19 na cidade de Codó-MA, sendo comparados os dados quantitativos dos números de casos nos anos de 2020 e 2021 entre os meses de maio e julho e utilizando o modelo epidemiológico Suscetíveis-Infecciosos-Isolados-Recuperados (SIQR). Métodos: coletamos os dados diários dos boletins epidemiológicos disponibilizados pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Codó (SEMUS- Codó), escolhemos o modelo compartimental SIQR para a realização das simulações, supomos hipóteses e estimamos os parâmetros para podermos projetar os cenários. Simulamos cenários, tais como distanciamento social dos indivíduos sadios e isolamento social dos indivíduos infectados. Resultados: no início de 2020, os casos aumentaram com mais frequência do que no início de 2021, e aproximadamente 20% dos infectados estavam em isolamento social. De acordo com as projeções, mais de 80% dos casos de COVID-19 não foram contabilizados em Codó. Em 2021, houve maior subnotificação do que em 2020, aproximadamente 82% e 85%, respectivamente. Conclusão: a partir dos resultados, os autores concluem que o isolamento social dos infectados é um método mais eficiente para conter uma epidemia do que o bloqueio total da população e que o alto número de casos subnotificados são porque a maioria desses casos são assintomáticos.(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos debido al incremento en el número de casos del nuevo coronavirus en la ciudad de Codó-MA, surgió la necesidad de realizar un estudio sobre la propagación del COVID-19 en el municipio con el fin de tener un mejor conocimiento y comprensión de el problema. Se realizó un estudio sobre la propagación del COVID-19 en la ciudad de Codó-MA, comparando datos cuantitativos del número de casos en 2020 y 2021 entre mayo y julio y utilizando el modelo epidemiológico Susceptible-Infeccioso-Aislado-Recuperado (SIQR). Métodos: recolectamos datos diarios de los boletines epidemiológicos que pone a disposición la Secretaría Municipal de Salud de Codó (SEMUS-Codó), elegimos el modelo compartimental SIQR para realizar las simulaciones, asumimos hipótesis y estimamos los parámetros para poder diseñar los escenarios. Simulamos escenarios como el distanciamiento social de personas sanas y el aislamiento social de personas infectadas. Resultados: a principios de 2020, los casos aumentaron con más frecuencia que a principios de 2021, y aproximadamente el 20% de los infectados se encontraban en aislamiento social. Según proyecciones, en Codó no se contabilizaron más del 80% de los casos de COVID-19. En 2021 hubo mayor subregistro que en 2020, aproximadamente 82% y 85%, respectivamente. Conclusión: de los resultados, los autores concluyen que el aislamiento social de los contagiados es un método más eficiente para contener una epidemia que el bloqueo total de la población y que el alto número de casos subregistrados se debe a que la mayoría de estos casos son asintomáticos.(AU)

Antifungal effect of the liposome encapsulation of the Trans- Caryophylene and its association with fluconazole.

Trans-Caryophyllene (TC), a sesquiterpene, with proven biological activities, which in this work was tested alone, encapsulated in liposomes and associated with Fluconazole in vitro in an attempt to enhance the effect of the drug. Liposomes were characterized from vesicle size, polydispersity index, and Zeta potential, and imaging by scanning electron microscopy. Antifungal assays were performed against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei by microdilution to determine the IC50 values and the viability curve. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was performed by subcultivation in solid medium and the inhibitory effect of the association of TC and Fluconazole and tests to verify morphological changes was performed in micro-cultivation chambers based on concentrations on microdilution plates. The corresponding IC50 data of the substances ranged from 34.4 to 65249 µg/mL, considerably high values compared to the control (Fluconazole). The MFC of all compounds showing fungistatic effect. The performance of the compounds on the cell viability curve was similar in all tested strains, as they showed no antifungal potential when compared to the control (FCZ), when associated with FCZ they showed no significant antifungal activity. The free and liposomal TC also managed to restrict 100% of the fungal dimorphism, in both concentrations, against C. albicans, and against C. tropicalis the isolated TC did not show a significant inhibitory effect; however, against the C. krusei strain inhibited 100% in filamentous growth in both concentrations, which is statistically relevant. The liposomes were homogeneous, with vesicles with diameters of 185.46 nm for the control and 143.8 nm for the liposomal TC, and a surface charge potential of - 42.6 mV. By scanning microscopy, the spherical shapes of the vesicles were verified.

LC-MS Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Turnera subulata Sm.

Fungi of the Candida genus are responsible for invasive candidiasis, which affects people all over the world and has high mortality rates. This is due to their virulence factors, which give them great resistance and pathogenicity. In addition, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains makes it difficult to treat these infections. In this way, natural products have emerged as an alternative to standard drugs, where plants known for their medicinal properties such as Turnera subulata become attractive to research. The present work aimed to analyze the ethanol extract of Turnera subulata leaves against standard strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis using broth microdilution techniques. The identification of the compounds in T. subulata leaves by LC-MS revealed the presence of a wide variety of substances such as carboxylic acids and terpenes, with flavonoids and fatty acids being more evident. The antifungal assays showed that the extract was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains at concentrations with a clinical relevance. However, at higher concentrations, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. It is possible that the T. subulata extract has potential as an inhibitor of fungal virulence factors without affecting the cell viability. Further research should be carried out in order to assess its inhibitory potential for other fungal virulence factors.

From leaves to inflorescences: Gall induction of Iatrophobia brasiliensis Rübsaamen, 1915 on inflorescences of Manihot caerulescens Pohl (Euphorbiaceae) during the dry season

ABSTRACT Gall-inducing insects are highly specialized herbivores as they have the ability to control and redirect the development of host plants to obtain food and shelter. The distribution of galls on plants can be influenced by seasonality and phenological events, which determines the reproductive success of these insects. The species Manihot caerulescens Pohl (Euphorbiaceae) has a great diversity of gall-inducing insects in the Cerrado of Western Bahia. Our study aimed to (1) study the fauna associated with M. caerulescens Pohl (Euphorbiaceae) and (2) evaluate the phenological events of this host plant species. We performed gall collections between July 2018 and June 2020 and monitored 30 individuals of the host species to study the phenology in the Serra da Bandeira, Bahia, Brazil. The emerged insects in the laboratory were mounted on permanent slides and identified. We found galls on the stems, leaves and inflorescences. Stem galls were induced by lepidopterans (Alucitidae), and leaf and inflorescence galls by Iatrophobia brasiliensis Rübsaamen, 1915 (Cecidomyiidae). Further, we showed that I. brasiliensis preferentially induced galls on the leaves, however during the dry season, galls were induced on the inflorescences. Although the induction of galls on the leaves by I. brasiliensis has already been reported in the literature, here for the first time we record the presence of galls on the inflorescences induced by the same gall-inducing species. Our study constitutes an important contribution towards the knowledge of the insect-plant interaction between M. caerulescens and I. brasiliensis in the Cerrado of Bahia.

Incidências da psicanálise no contexto da saúde mental: o sujeito em questão / Incidences of psychoanalysis in the context of mental health: the subject in question

RESUMO: Este trabalho tem o objetivo de discutir as incidências do laço social como instância que comparece em ato no trabalho do psicanalista, no contexto da saúde mental, e assegura um lugar de sujeito para usuários de Centro de Apoio Psicossocial - CAPS. Para o percurso metodológico, foram adotados o método qualitativo, referencial teórico psicanalítico, breve apresentação e discussão de um caso clínico. O resultado aponta para a necessidade de construção do laço social como possibilidade para o emergir do sujeito a partir de uma invenção sustentada em um discurso que estabelecerá um meio de regulação de gozo.

Abstract: This work aims to discuss the incidence of the social bond as an instance that is present in the psychoanalyst's work, in the context of mental health, and ensures a place of subject for users of the Psychosocial Support Center. For the methodological path, the qualitative method, psychoanalytic theoretical framework, brief presentation and discussion of a clinical case was adopted. The result points to the need to build the social bond as a possibility for the subject to emerge, based on an invention sustained in a discourse that will establish a means of regulating enjoyment.

Efeitos da fisioterapia aquática no equilíbrio de pacientes pós-acidente vascular encefálico: uma revisão integrativa / Effects of aquatic physical therapy on balance in post-cerebrovascular accident patients: an integrative review

Objetivo: Atualizar a literatura sobre os efeitos da terapia aquática no equilíbrio de pacientes pós-AVE e verificar os métodos avaliativos mais empregados. Métodos: A busca na literatura foi realizada em 6 bases de dados Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, PEDro e Cochrane, utilizando a associação de descritores, palavras-chave e operadores booleanos "Stroke" AND "Hydrotherapy" OR "Hydrokinesiotherapy" OR "Aquatic Physiotherapy" AND "Balance", estipulando critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados: Dos 259 estudos identificados, foram selecionados 14 para análise e síntese qualitativa. No geral, os resultados evidenciaram diferenças significativas no equilíbrio de indivíduos com AVE após terapia aquática. Conclusão: Quando comparada às técnicas de fisioterapia neurofuncional convencionais, a fisioterapia aquática apresenta superioridade de eficácia. Os meios avaliativos mais utilizados são a Berg Balance Scale e a Timed Up and Go por se tratarem de ferramentas de rápida e fácil aplicação, além de alta eficácia, demonstrando a relevância do estudo em aspectos de reabilitação funcional em meio a disfunções advindas de comprometimentos neurológicos.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antibacterial Activity and Modulating Effect of Essential Oil from Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels.

One of the main global problems that affect human health is the development of bacterial resistance to different drugs. As a result, the growing number of multidrug-resistant pathogens has contributed to an increase in resistant infections and represents a public health problem. The present work seeks to investigate the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Syzygium cumini leaves. To identify its chemical composition, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was used. The antibacterial activity test was performed with the standard strains Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and multidrug-resistant clinical isolates E. coli 06, P. aeruginosa 24 and S. aureus 10. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by serial microdilution as well as the verification of the modulating effect of the antibiotic effect. In this test, the oil was used in a subinhibitory concentration. The test reading was performed after 24 h of incubation at 37 °C. The results show that the major chemical constituent is α-pinene (53.21%). The oil showed moderate activity against E. coli ATCC 25922, with the MIC of 512 µg/mL; there was no activity against the other strains. The oil potentiated the effect of antibiotics demonstrating possible synergism when associated with gentamicin, erythromycin and norfloxacin against E. coli 06 and S. aureus 10.

Na-TiNT Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Properties.

Titanium nanotubes have attractive morphological and physicochemical properties for several applications, such as high surface area, mesoporous structure, good stability, ion exchange capacity, and antibacterial property. Therefore, the field of nanotube applications is increasingly expanding, such as in solar cells sensitized by dye, photocatalysis, and antibacterial activity, among others. Therefore, a study of the antibacterial properties of sodium titanate nanotubes (Na-TiNTs) was carried out together with physicochemical characterizations, such as Raman spectroscopy which shows a peak characteristic of Na-O-Ti from nanotube-agglomerated regions. The XRD diffractogram confirmed the Raman spectra and evidenced the crystalline structure associated to Na-TiNT, which showed the characteristic peaks of the sodium trititanate crystal. SEM and TEM images showed the morphology of hollow nanotubes and forming semispherical particles. EDS shows the percentage values of each of the compounds in the Na-TiNT. The bacterial activity of the Na-TiNT was analyzed in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Na-TiNT modified the activity of the gentamicin and norfloxacin antibiotics against multiresistant strains. Synergistic effects against Gram-positive S. aureus 10 and Gram-negative P. aeruginosa 15 bacteria were observed when the Na-TiNT was associated with gentamicin, reducing the concentration of this antibiotic that is required to inhibit bacterial growth. Another synergic effect was observed for S. aureus 10 with norfloxacin.

HPLC-DAD analysis and antimicrobial activities of Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae).

Spondias mombin is used in the folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, indicating that extracts obtained from this species may present pharmacological activities against pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of this work was to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from the leaves (aqueous) and bark (hydroethanolic) of S. mombin both as single treatments and in combination with conventional drugs. Following a qualitative chemical prospection, the extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated by microdilution. The combined activity of drugs and extracts was verified by adding a subinhibitory concentration of the extract in the presence of variable drug concentrations. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by a subculture of the microdilution test, while the effect of the in vitro treatments on morphological transition was analyzed by subculture in moist chambers. While the qualitative analysis detected the presence of phenols and flavonoids, the HPLC analysis identified quercetin, caffeic acid, and catechin as major components in the leaf extract, whereas kaempferol and quercetin were found as major compounds in the bark extract. The extracts showed effective antibacterial activities only against the Gram-negative strains. With regard to the combined activity, the leaf extract potentiated the action of gentamicin and imipenem (against Staphylococcus aureus), while the bark extract potentiated the effect of norfloxacin (against S. aureus), imipenem (against Escherichia coli), and norfloxacin (against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). A more significant antifungal (fungistatic) effect was achieved with the bark extract (even though at high concentrations), which further enhanced the activity of fluconazole. The extracts also inhibited the emission of filaments by Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Together, these findings suggest that that the extract constituents may act by favoring the permeability of microbial cells to conventional drugs, as well as by affecting virulence mechanisms in Candida strains.

Evaluation of the antifungal activity of α, ß, and δ-damascone and inclusion complexes in ß-cyclodextrin against Candida spp.

Due to the increase in fungal resistance to existing drugs, a need exists to search for new antifungals. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of α, ß, and δ-damascone and inclusion complexes with ß-cyclodextrin against different Candida spp. The inclusion complex of ß-damascone was prepared by the co-evaporation method using three molar proportions (1:1; 2:1; 3:1 (ßDA-ßCD)) and analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Standard Candida albicans (CA INCQS 40,006), Candida krusei (CK INCQS 40,095), and Candida tropicalis (CT INCQS 40,042) strains were used to evaluate antifungal activity. The substances were tested individually or in association with fluconazole (FCZ). The IC50 and cell viability curve constructions were performed using the microdilution method. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was determined by the subculture method in a solid medium. The α, ß, and δ-DA isolated or in combination with fluconazole (FCZ) showed significant antifungal activity. ß-damascone showed effective complexation in the three molar proportions assayed; however, none of the inclusion complexes was demonstrated clinically significant effects against the fungal tested. Then, all compounds have shown promising antifungal activities; however, in vivo assays are necessary to have therapeutical application in the future.

UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Spondias tuberosa.

This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of the Spondias tuberosa aqueous leaf and root extracts (EALST and EARST) and to evaluate their effect, comparatively, against opportunistic pathogenic fungi. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to a Quadrupole/Time of Flight System (UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF) was employed for chemical analysis. Candida albicans and C. tropicalis standard strains and clinical isolates were used (CA INCQS 40006, CT INCQS 40042, CA URM 5974, and CT URM 4262). The 50% Inhibitory Concentration for the fungal population (IC50) was determined for both the intrinsic action of the extracts and the extract/fluconazole (FCZ) associations. The determination of the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) and the verification of effects over fungal morphological transitions were performed by subculture in Petri dishes and humid chambers, respectively, both based on micro-dilution. UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF analysis revealed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The association of the extracts with fluconazole, resulted in IC50 values from 2.62 µg/mL to 308.96 µg/mL. The MFC of the extracts was ≥16,384 µg/mL for all tested strains, while fluconazole obtained an MFC of 8192 µg/mL against C. albicans strains. A reduction in MFC against CA URM 5974 (EALST: 2048 µg/mL and EARST: 1024 µg/mL) occurred in the extract/fluconazole association.

Oleuropein Protects Against Cerebral Ischemia Injury in Rats: Molecular Docking, Biochemical and Histological Findings.

This study was designed to evaluate the underlying protective mechanisms of oleuropein involved in alleviating brain damage in a rat model of ischemic stroke. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups; Control, stroke (MCAO), MCAO + clopidogrel (Clop) and MCAO + oleuropein (Ole). Results showed that the MCAO group evidenced significant brain edema (+ 9%) as well as increases of plasma cardiac markers such as lactate deshydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK-MB), fibrinogen and Trop-T by 11 %, 43%, 168 and 590%, respectively, as compared to the control group. Moreover, infarcted rats exhibited remarkable elevated levels of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), both in plasma and brain tissue, with astrocyte swelling and necrotic neurons in the infarct zone, hyponatremia, and increased rate of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) by 89% associated with decreases in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (Cat) by 51%, 44 and 42%, respectively, compared to normal control rats. However, MCAO rats treated with oleuropein underwent mitigation of cerebral edema, correction of hyponatremia, remarkable decrease of plasma fibrinogen and cardiac dysfunctional enzymes, inhibition of ACE activity and improvement of oxidative stress status in brain tissue. Furthermore, in silico analysis showed considerable inhibitions of ACE, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and TGF-ß1, an indicative of potent anti-embolic properties. Overall, oleuropein offers a neuroprotective effect against ischemic stroke through its antioxidative and antithrombotic activities.

Antibacterial and modulatory activities of ß-cyclodextrin complexed with (+)-ß-citronellol against multidrug-resistant strains.

The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and modulatory activities of (+)-ß-citronellol (ßCT), ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD), and their complex ßCT/ß-CD and characterize them using infrared spectroscopy. Infrared spectra were recorded in the 750-4000 cm-1 region. The antibacterial effects of these compounds and their modulatory-antibiotic activities were determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. Signatures of these pure compounds were detected in the infrared spectrum of the ßCT/ß-CD complex. The MIC of the ßCT/ß-CD complex against the tested strains was found to be 1024 µg/mL. The antagonistic and synergistic effects of these compounds were also observed using the modulation tests. ßCT or ß-CD alone did not exhibit any direct antibacterial activity. However, the ßCT/ß-CD complex in combination with gentamicin showed a synergistic effect against E. coli.