Citronellal: a natural aldehyde with important properties.

Among the several terpenes existing in nature, Citronellal, a monoterpene aldehyde, deserves to be highlighted for its biological properties that have been pointed out in numerous studies. This work aimed to conduct a literature review on its biological properties. Citronellal is a prominent compound in the essential oils of Cymbopogon genus plants. Apart from being employed as a fragrance ingredient in aromas, fragrances, and cosmetics, it is also used as an intermediate in synthesising (-)-menthol. Various studies have demonstrated Citronellal's potential as an antibacterial compound, particularly anti-Staphylococcus and Escherichia bacteria. Citronellal also has antifungal properties against several fungi, especially fungi of the genus Candida. The studies found showed that Citronellal also has insecticidal, acaricidal, antiparasitic, anaesthetic, antiviral, antioxidant, antinociceptive, cardioprotective, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.

Correction: Miranda et al. Anion Binding by Fluorescent Ureido-Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene Receptors: An NMR, Absorption and Emission Spectroscopic Study. Molecules 2022, 27, 3247.

In the original publication [...].

In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of BACCHARIN from BRAZILIAN green PROPOLIS.

Baccharin is one of the major compounds found in Brazilian green propolis and its botanical source, Baccharis dracunculifolia. Considering the biological effects of propolis and B. dracunculifolia, this study aims to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of baccharin. The neurodepressor potential was performed by the open field test, analgesia by mechanical stimulation with Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer, and by thermal stimulation with Hargreaves apparatus. In addition, the anti-inflammatory potential was achieved by the paw edema assay, histopathological evaluation, and NF-kB expression. Doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of baccharin were evaluated. After euthanasia, plantar tissue was collected and prepared for histology. As a result, analgesic activity was observed at a dose of 10 mg/kg of baccharin in thermal stimulation under an inflammatory process and anti-inflammatory potential at a dose of 5 mg/kg of baccharin from the second hour in the paw edema test. A decrease in cellular infiltrate and down-modulation of NF-kB, besides the reduction of edema in the histopathology was observed. There was no evidence of kidney and liver toxicity and neurodepressive potential at the doses tested. Thus, baccharin has a promising anti-inflammatory effect possibly associated with antiedematogenic activity by inhibiting mediators such as prostaglandins, inhibiting the migration of polymorphonuclear cells, and modulating NF-kB expression.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in clinical practice: Principles, applications, and basic interpretation.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides a noninvasive and integrated assessment of the response of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems to exercise. This information improves the diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic management of several clinical conditions. Additionally, CPET is the gold standard test for cardiorespiratory fitness quantification and exercise prescription, both in patients with cardiopulmonary disease undergoing cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation programs and in healthy individuals, such as high-level athletes. In this setting, the relevance of practical knowledge about this exam is useful and of interest to several medical specialties other than cardiology. However, despite its multiple established advantages, CPET remains underused. This article aims to increase awareness of the value of CPET in clinical practice and to inform clinicians about its main indications, applications, and basic interpretation.

Management potentiality of emulsions based on essential oil of Piper macedoi and Piper arboreum for spider mite: a possible alternative for agroecological control.

Tetranychus urticae, popularly known as spider mite, is a pest that causes several economic losses to crops. Thus, this work evaluated the effect of essential oils from the leaves of Piper macedoi and Piper arboreum on managing T. urticae. The chemical compounds present in essential oils were identified by gas chromatography. Tests were carried out to evaluate the acaricidal activity by fumigation effect and direct contact with T. urticae. The results showed that LC50 values for the essential oils of P. macedoi and P. arboreum in the fumigation effect were 16.15 and 50.53 µL L-1 air, respectively. Using the contact application route, the LC50 values for the essential oil of P. macedoi was 17.16 µL mL-1, and for P arboreum, it was 15.17 µL mL-1. So, this work showed that essential oils of Piper macedoi and Piper arboreum could be used as possible alternative to managing T. urticae.

Chemodiversity essential oil from three species of Croton (Euphorbiaceae) and assessment of antimicrobial potential.

The Croton genus is known for its various biological properties, which inspired this study to investigate the anti-bacterial pro-perties and chemodiversity of the essential oils of three Croton species: Croton blanchetianus, Croton jacobinensis, and Croton nepetifolius. The essential oils were characterised by gas chromatography (GC-MS) and demonstrated anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the disc diffusion method. The essential oil composition of C. blanchetianus showed bicyclogermacrene (16.04%) and spathulenol (16.44%) as the main compounds. In C. jacobinensis, bicyclogermacrene (22.04%), caryophyllene (17.95%), and ß-phellandrene (12.30%) were the most prevalent. Meanwhile, C. nepetifolius's essential oil consisted mainly of bicyclogermacrene (17.69%), caryophyllene (15.15%), and germacrene D (11.78%). The principal component analysis (PCA) results showed three distinct chemotypes for each Croton species, suggesting that they have well-defined and unique chemical profiles. Interestingly, the three Croton species demonstrated activity only against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Exploring the role of the general interest in health on the perceptions of Healthy, Industrialized, and Ultra-processed foods among Brazilians.

Food processing includes operations that transform raw materials into new products, ensuring the preservation and supply of safe food; however, this view is not always understood by consumers who tend to associate any type of processing with something negative and harmful to health. Given this, the objective of this study was to explore the associations of Brazilian consumers in relation to healthy foods, industrialized foods, and ultra-processed foods, as well as to evaluate the role of socio-demographic characteristics and interest in health in these associations. To this end, 512 Brazilians completed a word association task on these three concepts and then answered a questionnaire about interest in health and socio-demographic issues. In general, participants associated "Healthy food" mainly with "Unprocessed products." Conversely, "Industrialized foods" and "Ultra-processed foods" were associated with "Processed products," "Negative perceptions," "Health harm," and "Industry". Despite this, it was found that "Industrialized foods" were also perceived positively, mainly due to convenience. Consumer associations were influenced (p ≤ 0.05) both by interest in health and by socio-demographic profile. Individuals with a high interest in health mainly associated "Industrialized foods" and "Ultra-processed foods" with the presence of preservatives, additives, and pesticides, and with diseases. As for those with low interest in health, there was a greater lack of knowledge of the concepts. Doubts and lack of knowledge were observed for "Industrialized foods" and "Ultra-processed foods," mainly among consumers with low educational level. The results indicate the need to develop communication strategies that reach consumers to facilitate understanding and, in this way, help them to make more conscious food choices.

Phytochemical investigation of Nigrospora zimmermanii isolated from Poincianella pluviosa (Sibipiruna): metabolites characterisation and screening for anti-inflammatory activity.

Endophytic fungi residing symbiotically in plant tissues are promising sources of bioactive natural products. This study explored the anti-inflammatory potential of an endophytic fungus isolated from the Brazilian medicinal plant Poincianella pluviosa (Sibipiruna). The extract from the endophyte FPD13 exhibited potential ex vivo anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release by 75.22%. Phytochemical analysis using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) enabled the isolation and identification of three compounds, including the macrolide Nigrosporolide, the phenyl-propanol Tyrosol, and the terpene Decarestrictine A. Morphological characteristics and Internal Transcribed Spacers region (ITS) sequencing classified fungus FPD13 as Nigrospora zimmermanii. The results reveal the anti-inflammatory potential and chemical diversity of P. pluviosa endophytes, warranting further investigation into the bioactivity and structure elucidation of their bioactive metabolites.

Efficacy and safety of guttiferone E in melanoma-bearing mice.

Melanoma, an aggressive and potentially fatal skin cancer, is constrained by immunosuppression, resistance, and high toxicity in its treatment. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative antineoplastic agents. Therefore, this study investigated the antimelanoma potential of guttiferone E (GE). In an allogeneic murine B16 melanoma model, GE was administered subcutaneously and intraperitoneally. Antitumor evaluation included tumor volume/weight measurements and histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, the toxicity of the treatments was evaluated through body/organ weights, biochemical parameters, and genotoxicity. Subcutaneous administration of 20 mg/kg of GE resulted in a significant reduction in both tumor volume and weight, effectively suppressing melanoma cell proliferation as evidenced by a decrease in mitotic figures. The tumor growth inhibition rate was equivalent to 54%. This treatment upregulated cleaved caspase-3, indicating apoptosis induction. On the other hand, intraperitoneal administration of GE showed no antimelanoma effect. Remarkably, GE treatments exhibited no toxicity, evidenced by non-significant differences in body weight gain, as well as organ weight, biochemical parameters of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, and genotoxic damage. This study revealed, for the first time, the efficacy of subcutaneous administration of GE in reducing melanoma, in the absence of toxicity. Furthermore, it was observed that the apoptotic signaling pathway is involved in the antimelanoma property of GE. These findings offer valuable insights for further exploring GE's therapeutic applications in melanoma treatment.

Fungicide potential of citronella and tea tree essential oils against tomato cultivation's phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and analysis of their chemical composition by GC/MS.

Tomato is one of the most produced and consumed fruits in the world. However, it is a crop that faces several phytosanitary problems, such as fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate citronella and melaleuca essential oils in vitro potential in the fungus F. oxysporum management. The chemical identification of the components in the essential oils was performed by gas chromatography with flame ionization and mass spectrometer detectors. The IC50 and IC90 were determined by linear regression and the percentage of inhibition of the fungus by analysis of variance. The major compounds in citronella essential oil were citronellal, Geraniol, and citronellol; in melaleuca (tea tree) oil were terpinen-4-ol and α-terpinene. Both oils promoted more significant inhibition at concentrations of 1.5 and 2.5 µL/mL, besides not presenting significant differences with commercial fungicides, confirming the high potential for using this control method in agriculture.

Evaluation of the in vitro schistosomicidal, leishmanicidal, and trypanocidal activities of the capsaicin metabolite, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum baccatum extracts and of their analysis of the main constituents by HPLC/UV and CG/MS.

Neglected tropical diseases are significant causes of death and temporary or permanent disability for millions living in developing countries. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for these diseases. Thus, this work aimed to conduct a chemical analysis using HPLC/UV and GC/MS to identify the major constituents of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum baccatum fruits, evaluating these extracts and their constituents' schistosomicidal, leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities. The results obtained for the extracts of C. frutescens are better when compared to those obtained for C. baccatum, which can be related to the different concentrations of capsaicin (1) present in the extracts. The lysis of trypomastigote forms results for capsaicin (1) led to a significant value of IC50 = 6.23 µM. Thus, the results point to capsaicin (1) as a possible active constituent in these extracts.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of Acacia polyphylla and identification of a new apigenin-3-C- glycosylated type flavonoid.

Owing to the potentially harmful adverse effects of current anti-inflammatory drugs, there is a need to identify new alternative substances. Thus, this study aimed to perform a phytochemical analysis of A. polyphylla to identify compounds responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. Several fractions of the A. polyphylla extract were obtained and evaluated in an ex vivo anti-inflammatory assay using fresh human blood. Among the evaluated fractions, the BH fraction displayed the highest percentage of PGE2 inhibition (74.8%) compared to the reference drugs dexamethasone and indomethacin, demonstrating its excellent potential for anti-inflammatory activity. Astragalin (P1), a known 3-O-glucoside of kaempferol, was isolated from the A. polyphylla extract for the first time. In addition, a new compound (P2) was isolated and identified as the apigenin-3-C-glycosylated flavonoid. Astragalin showed moderate PGE2 activity (48.3%), whereas P2 was not anti-inflammatory. This study contributes to the phytochemical studies of A. polyphylla and confirms its anti-inflammatory potential.

In silico and in vitro elastase inhibition assessment assays of rosmarinic acid natural product from Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.

The use of various herbs and their compounds has been a strategy widely used in the fight against various human diseases. For example, rosmarinic acid, a bioactive phenolic compound commonly found in Rosemary plants (Rosmarinus officinalis Labiatae), has multiple therapeutic benefits in different diseases, such as cancer. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate in silico and in vitro the inhibition potential of the enzyme Elastase from the porcine pancreas by rosmarinic acid isolated from the plant species R. officinalis Linn. Through Molecular Docking, the mechanism of action was investigated. In addition, rosmarinic acid presented a range of 5-60 µg/mL and significantly inhibited Elastase. At 60 µg/mL, there was an inhibition of 55% on the enzymatic activity. The results demonstrate the inhibition of Elastase by rosmarinic acid, which can lead to the development of new enzyme inhibitors that can be an inspiration for developing various drugs, including anticancer drugs.

Are "Carbon Dots" Always Carbon Dots? Evidence for their Supramolecular Nature from Structural and Dynamic Studies in Solution and in the Pure Solid.

A model for the morphology (size, shape, and crystallinity) of carbon dots (CDs) in the solid state consistent with the observed photoluminescence in solution is proposed herein. Overwhelming evidence has been collected that links the data coming from solid-state analysis (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS)) to that of solution (pulsed-field gradient (PFG)-NMR spectroscopy, time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy (TRFA), and steady-state/time-resolved fluorescence), allowing the establishment of an overall structural model for CDs. According to this model, the so-called carbon dots, observed under HRTEM imaging, are in fact supramolecular organized structures dynamically assembled from small to medium-sized molecular species when the solvent is removed to give the solid form. In this way, the imaged nanoparticles (TEM/AFM) are not covalently bound entities formed during the synthetic process, but instead supramolecular entities formed by noncovalent interactions. These particles, if at all present in solution, have the form of loose associations of relatively small molecules. This study was conducted on CDs obtained from the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of a biomass waste (olive wet pomace).

Aphid Cerosipha forbesi control using Piper macedoi Yunck essential oil in strawberry crop.

Strawberry is a food rich in bioactive compounds with great antioxidant potential. However, due to the high incidence of pests that affect crop cultivation, phytosanitary management still lacks control methods for agroecological cultivation. Thus, the present research aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and the potential of the essential oil of the leaves of Piper macedoi in the control of Cerosipha forbesi in laboratory and semi-field conditions. The concentration of essential oil in the leaves of P. macedoi that showed the highest mortality was 2.0 ml/L of oil, with a mortality above 91% under laboratory conditions. A mortality rate of 80% for all concentrations tested was observed after 24 h in all conditions tested. Thus, using essential oil from the leaf of P. macedoi can be a highly viable strategy in managing the aphid C. forbesi since it showed high mortality rates with small doses of oil.

Home- versus centre-based EXercise InTervention in patients with Heart Failure (EXIT-HF trial): A pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The limited accessibility and the lack of adherence explain, in part, the low proportion of heart failure (HF) patients undergoing exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Home-based programs showed to be as effective and less costly than centre-based ones and might address those obstacles. Whether the evidence from international studies can be applied to our population is still unclear. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical and economic impact of a home-based versus centre-based CR intervention in HF patients. METHODS: This is a single-center, single-blind, parallel groups, non-inferiority pragmatic randomized control trial. Adult HF patients (n=120) will be randomized to either a centre-based or home-based CR program. In both groups' patients will participate in a 12-week combined CR program with 2 sessions per week. Exercise training (ExT) protocol consists of a combination of endurance [(at 60%-80% of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)] and resistance training (elastic bands). Those allocated to the home-based program will start with 4-5 supervised ExT sessions to familiarize themselves with the training protocol and then will continue the remaining sessions at home. The primary endpoint is the change in VO2peak at the end of the 12-week program. Secondary outcomes include alterations in circulating biomarkers, physical fitness, physical activity, quality of life, diet, psychological wellbeing, dyspnea, and cost-effectiveness analyses. RESULTS: Patients are currently being recruited for the study. The study started in November 2019 and data collection is anticipated to be completed by December 2022. This is the first study in Portugal comparing the traditional CR program with a home-based program in HF patients. Our study results will better inform healthcare professionals who care for HF patients regarding CR.

Are "Carbon Dots" Always Carbon Dots? Evidence for Their Supramolecular Nature from Structural and Dynamic Studies in Solution and in the Pure Solid.

Invited for the cover of this issue are José Prata and co-workers at Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa and Instituto Superior Técnico. The image depicts a model for the supramolecular nature of carbon dots. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202302955.

Chemical annotation of the infusion of Jungia floribunda Less and its inhibitory potential on the elastase enzyme.

Jungia floribunda Less. is a shrub belonging to the Asteraceae. The infusion of its leaves has been used, in folk medicine of several South American countries, as anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic agent. In the present study, the infusion of leaves from J. floribunda was obtained and its chemical composition was determined by UHPLC-MS associated with molecular network allowing the annotation of flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins, and chlorogenic acid derivatives. Besides, in vitro elastase activity assay was carried out with the infusion. As observed, elastase was inhibited at concentrations ranging from 15 to 240 µg/mL, reaching to 71% of inhibition at the maximum of evaluated concentration. Given that species of plants are promising sources for the discovery of new drugs, these results corroborate the infusion of J. floribunda as a potential source of bioactive compounds for the discovery of new inhibitors for elastase, besides its ethnopharmacological aspects.

Potential anti-inflammatory biomarkers from Myrtaceae essential oils revealed by untargeted metabolomics.

Many species from Myrtaceae have traditionally been used in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antioxidant and antirheumatic, besides in blood cholesterol reduction. In the present work, the anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils from eighteen Myrtaceae spp. were evaluated according to their ex-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in human blood, and the corresponding biomarkers were determined using untargeted metabolomics data and multivariate data analysis. From these studied species, six displayed anti-inflammatory activity with percentage rates of inhibition of PGE2 release above 70%. Caryophyllene oxide (1), humulene epoxide II (2), ß-selinene (3), α-amorphene (4), α-selinene (5), germacrene A (6), ß-bisabolene (7), α-muurolene (8), α-humulene (9), ß-gurjunene (10), myrcene (11), ß-elemene (12), α-cadinol (13), α-copaene (14), E-nerolidol (15) and ledol (16) were annotated as potential anti-inflammatory biomarkers. The results obtained in this study point to essential oils from species of the Myrtaceae family as a rich source of anti-inflammatory agents.

In vitro effect of alpha-bisabolol and its synthetic derivatives on macrophages, promastigotes, and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum.

Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are public health problems in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. The treatment has a high cost and toxicity. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the leishmanicidal activity of alpha-bisabolol and its three synthetic derivatives, P1, P2, and P3, on the promastigotes and amastigotes Leishmania infantum and L. amazonensis forms. Alpha-bisabolol showed the lowest IC50 with 3.43 for L. amazonensis promastigotes, while P1 was the most toxic for L. infantum with an IC50 of 9.10. The derivative P3 was better for the amastigote form, with an IC50 of 3.39 for L. amazonensis. All the compounds effectively decreased the intracellular load of amastigote and its ability to turn promastigote again. Thus, alpha-bisabolol and its three synthetic derivatives were effective in their leishmanicidal activity. Therefore, it can be an option for developing new treatments against leishmaniasis.