Sperm traits and seminal plasma proteome of locally adapted hairy rams subjected to intermittent scrotal insulation.

The present study evaluated the effects of heat stress on reproductive parameters of hairy rams. Six animals were subjected to scrotal insulation during four consecutive nights (6 PM - 6 AM). Day (D) 0 was the first day of insulation. Scrotal circumference increased from 30.5 ± 0.3 cm (at pre-insulation) to 31.8 ± 0.4 cm on D4, decreased 3.9 cm on D28, returning to 30.6 ± 0.6 cm on D57. Sperm concentration decreased from 3.7 ± 0.12 ×109 sperm/mL before insulation to 2.6 ± 0.1 ×109 on D23, returning to normal on D57. Sperm motility averaged 75 ± 2.9% before insulation, was undetectable on D23, and became normal on D77. Sperm with normal morphology reached 5.9 ± 2.6% on D35 but recovered (86.8 ± 2.1%) on D91. Sperm DNA integrity decreased from 86.5 ± 4.7% before insulation to 11.1 ± 3.7% on D63, returning to pre-insulation values on D120. Sperm BSP immunostaining was reduced after scrotal insulation. Variations in seminal protein abundances coincided with changes in sperm parameters. Seminal plasma superoxide dismutase, carboxypeptidase Q-precursor and NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 2 decreased on D18, returning to normal after D28. Albumin, inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase precursor, EGF-like repeat and discoid I-like domain-containing protein 3 and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor increased after insulation. In summary, intermittent scrotal insulation drastically altered ram sperm attributes and seminal proteins, especially those associated with oxidative stress. Knowledge of animal´s response to thermal stress is vital in the scenario of climate changes.

Estudo preliminar toxicológico, antibacteriano e fitoquímico do extrato etanólico das folhas de Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (pinhão-bravo, Euphorbiaceae), coletada no Município de Tauá, Ceará, Nordeste Brasileiro / Toxicological, antibacterial, and phytochemical preliminary study of the ethanolic extract of Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill (pinhão-bravo, Euphorbiaceae) leaves, collected in Tauá, Ceará, Northeastern Brazil

RESUMO A cada dia, cepas bacterianas estão tornando-se resistentes a diversos antibióticos, o que faz necessária a busca de novas substâncias eficazes para o tratamento de doenças. Desta forma, este trabalho reporta o estudo preliminar toxicológico, antibacteriano e fitoquímico do extrato etanólico das folhas de Jatropha mollissima (pinhão-bravo, Euphorbiaceae), coletada no Município de Tauá, Ceará, Nordeste Brasileiro. Inicialmente, realizou-se o teste de toxicidade do extrato contra Artemia salina. Na sequencia, foi realizado o ensaio antibacteriano contra quatro cepas bacterianas Gram-negativas (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Hafnia alvei ATCC 51873, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883) e uma cepa Gram-positiva (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212). Finalmente, fez-se a análise fitoquímica preliminar do extrato ativo para detecção das principais classes de metabólitos especiais. Como resultado, o extrato etanólico das folhas de J. mollissima se mostrou tóxico para Artemia salina, pois apresentou CL50 igual a 406,02 μg/mL. Quanto à ação antibacteriana, o extrato se mostrou ativo contra a bactéria Gram-positiva Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, apresentando moderada atividade antibacteriana (halo de inibição igual a 7,03 mm). Evidenciou-se no extrato bioativo a presença de cumarinas, fenóis, taninos, flavonoides (flavonóis e flavanonas), alcaloides e esteroides, ambas as classes reportadas como antimicrobianos. Portanto, esse extrato tem potencial para ser usado na produção de fármacos contra infecções causadas por bactérias Gram-positivas. No entanto, as informações direcionam estudos futuros para o isolamento e identificação dos compostos bioativos, monitorados sob a ação antibacteriana mais expressiva.

ABSTRACT Each day, bacterial strains are becoming more resistant to various antibiotics, which requires the search for new effective substances for the treatment of diseases. Thus, this study reports the toxicological, antibacterial, and phytochemical preliminary study of the ethanolic extracts of Jatropha mollissima (pinhão-bravo, Euphorbiaceae) leaves, collected in Tauá, Ceará, Northeast of Brazil. Initially, we performed the toxicity testing of the extract against Artemia salina. Then, we conducted the antibacterial assay against four Gram-negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Hafnia alvei ATCC 51873, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883), and one Gram-positive strain (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212). Finally, we carried out the preliminary phytochemical analysis of the active extract to detect the main classes of special metabolites. As a result, the ethanolic extract of J. mollissima leaves was toxic to Artemia salina, because it presented LC50 equal to 406.02 µg/mL. Regarding antibacterial action, the extract was active against the Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, with moderate antibacterial activity (inhibition zone equal to 7.03 mm). The bioactive extract had the presence of coumarins, phenols, tannins, flavonoids (flavanols and flavonones), alkaloids and steroids, both classes reported as antimicrobials. Therefore, this extract has the potential to be used in the production of drugs against infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. However, these information require further studies for the isolation and identification of bioactive compounds, monitored under the more expressive antibacterial action.

Avaliação clínica de bochechos com extratos de Aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) e Camomila (Matricaria recutita L. ) sobre a placa bacteriana e a gengivite / Clinical evaluation of mouthwash with extracts from aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) and chamomile (Matricaria recutita L. ) on plaque and gingivitis

A presente pesquisa objetivou avaliar clinicamente o efeito de bochechos à base de extratos das plantas medicinais, aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) e camomila (Matricaria recutita L.), sobre o controle da placa bacteriana e o tratamento da gengivite. Para tanto, foi realizado um ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo cego, intervencionista, envolvendo 59 indivíduos adultos atendidos na Clínica do Curso de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba (UEPB). A amostra foi constituída por pacientes portadores de gengivite crônica. A referida amostra foi selecionada aleatoriamente e dividida em três grupos: bochecho com Clorexidina (grupo controle positivo); bochecho com Camomila (grupo teste 1); bochecho com Aroeira (grupo teste 2). Durante a primeira visita do paciente, e, previamente à realização dos bochechos, todos foram orientados quanto à higiene bucal e submetidos ao procedimento de raspagem e alisamento radicular (RAR) da boca toda em uma única sessão. Os bochechos foram realizados a partir do primeiro atendimento clínico até o 15º dia após o início do tratamento, na frequência de duas vezes ao dia. Para avaliação da condição periodontal da amostra realizada no 1º, 7º e 15º dias foram aplicados os Índices de Sangramento Gengival (ISG) e de Placa (IP). Os pacientes foram reavaliados 7 e 15 dias após o início do uso do respectivo bochecho. Os resultados apontaram que o IP e o ISG apresentaram redução significativa nos três grupos. Quanto ao IP, o bochecho de camomila obteve a maior redução de acúmulo de placa e o bochecho de aroeira, a menor redução. Para os índices de sangramento, os resultados foram equivalentes, de forma que não foram consideradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os bochechos. Foram considerados satisfatórios os bochechos a base de Camomila (Matricaria recutita L.) e Aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) na redução do quadro de inflamação gengival da amostra, sendo o bochecho de Camomila (Matricaria recutita L.) o que apresentou melhor desempenho na redução do índice de placa bacteriana.

This study aimed to clinically evaluate the effect of mouthwash with extracts from the medicinal plants aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) and chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) on plaque control and gingivitis treatment. Thus, a randomized, double-blind interventional clinical trial was conducted, involving 59 adults treated at the Clinics of the Dentistry Program of Univ Estadual da Paraíba (UEPB). The sample consisted of patients with chronic gingivitis. This sample was randomly selected and divided into three groups: mouthwash with chlorhexidine (positive control group), mouthwash with chamomile (test group 1); mouthwash with aroeira (test group 2). During the first visit, and prior to rinses, all patients were instructed in oral hygiene and subjected to scaling and root planing procedure (SRP) of the whole mouth in one single session. Rinses occurred from the first clinical appointment to the 15th day after the beginning of treatment, twice a day. To evaluate the periodontal condition of the sample on the 1st, 7th and 15th days, Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and Plaque Index (PI) were used. The patients were reassessed at 7 and 15 days after the beginning of the respective rinses. Results indicated that PI and GBI significantly decreased in all three groups. As to PI, chamomile mouthwash led to the greatest reduction in plaque buildup, while aroeira mouthwash resulted in the smallest reduction. For bleeding rates, results were equivalent so that statistical differences among rinses were not considered significant. Mouthwashes with chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) were considered satisfactory in reducing gingival inflammation in the sample; in addition, mouthwash with chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) showed the best performance in reducing the plaque index.

Perfil de resistência antimicrobiana de Escherichia coli isoladas do açude Santo Anastácio, Ceará, Brasil / Resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolated from the environment

Este trabalho objetivou caracterizar a resistência antimicrobiana de 43 cepas de Escherichia coli isoladas do açude Santo Anastácio (Fortaleza, CE), durante os meses de janeiro a abril de 2007. As cepas foram submetidas a testes de suscetibilidade a oito antimicrobianos, tendo 67,4% delas apresentado sensibilidade a todos. Observou-se resistência à tetraciclina (25,6%), ao sulfazotrin (18,6%), ao ácido nalidixíco (9,3%) e a ciprofloxacina (4,7%). Nenhuma resistência foi observada aos betalactâmicos. Nove (21%) cepas apresentaram multirresistência, com um percentual de 78% para resistência cromossômica e 56% para resistência plasmidial. A presença de bactérias resistentes pode estar relacionada ao lançamento de antimicrobianos nas águas através de esgotos, sendo que o uso inadequado dessas águas pode comprometer a saúde da população.

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance of 43 Escherichia coli strains isolated from the Santo Antonio weir (Fortaleza, CE, Brazil) from January to April 2007. Susceptibility tests performed with 8 antimicrobials indicated that 67.5% of the strains were susceptible to all of them. Resistance to tetracycline (25.6%), sulfazotrim (18.6%), nalidixic acid (9.3%), and ciprofloxacin (4.7%) was observed. The strains did not show resistance to betalactamics. Nine strains (21%) were multiresistant, the resistance being chromosome (78%) and plasmid (56%) mediated. The presence of resistant bacteria may be related to antimicrobials in the sewage discharged into the weir, and the inappropriate use of this body of water may pose human health risks.

Complications of surgical treatment of cervical carcinoma

A total of 302 patients with stage Ib and IIa cervical carcinoma were submitted to radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy during the period from 1980 to 1994. The morbidity rate was 37.5 per cent and the mortality rate 0.6 per cent. The most common intraoperative complications were injuries to the great pelvic vessels and the most frequent posto erative complications involved the urinary tract. The leading causes of morbidity were urinary infection (20.8 per cent), bladder dysfunction (9.2 per cent) and ureteral fistulas (2.9 per cent). Although the rate of complications w high, morbidity has been decreasing over the last five years. Thus, radical hysterectomy continues to be one of the methods for the treatment of early cervical carcinoma that presents an acceptable 5-year survival rate.