7.1',8.3'- and 7.3',8.5'-Connected Bicyclo[3.2.1]octanoids and Oxabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane-Type Neolignans from Ocotea aciphylla: Structures and Absolute Configurations.

The phytochemical investigation of the leaves and trunk bark of a specimen of Ocotea aciphylla collected in the southern portion of the Amazon forest led to the isolation of an oxabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane-type neolignan and 15 bicyclo[3.2.1]octanoid neolignans, 14 of which are unreported compounds (2-15), including one with an unusual oxidation pattern of the side chain at C-1' and two rare 7.1',8.3'-connected bicyclo[3.2.1]octanoid derivatives. Their structures and relative configurations were determined by extensive spectrometric analysis based on 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS data, while their absolute configurations were unambiguously assigned using electronic and vibrational circular dichroism data assisted by density functional theory calculations. Additionally, known sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, and phytosterols were also isolated.

Clinical factors associated with severity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Brazil based on 2-year national registry data from GEDIIB.

The Brazilian Organization for Crohn's Disease and Colitis (GEDIIB) established a national registry of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the study was to identify clinical factors associated with disease severity in IBD patients in Brazil. A population-based risk model aimed at stratifying the severity of IBD based on previous hospitalization, use of biologics, and need for surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD) and on previous complications for CD. A total of 1179 patients (34.4 ± 14.7y; females 59%) were included: 46.6% with UC, 44.2% with CD, and 0.9% with unclassified IBD (IBD-U). The time from the beginning of the symptoms to diagnosis was 3.85y. In CD, 41.2% of patients presented with ileocolic disease, 32% inflammatory behavior, and 15.5% perianal disease. In UC, 46.3% presented with extensive colitis. Regarding treatment, 68.1%, 67%, and 47.6% received biological therapy, salicylates and immunosuppressors, respectively. Severe disease was associated with the presence of extensive colitis, EIM, male, comorbidities, and familial history of colorectal cancer in patients with UC. The presence of Montreal B2 and B3 behaviors, colonic location, and EIM were associated with CD severity. In conclusion, disease severity was associated with younger age, greater disease extent, and the presence of rheumatic EIM.

Assessing the reclamation of a contaminated site affected by the Fundão dam tailings trough phytoremediation and bioremediation.

The rupture of the Fundão dam (Brazil) spread tailings contaminated with sodium and ether-amine into the Doce River Basin. Aiming at rehabilitating a contaminated riparian site, phytoremediation with native species of the Atlantic Forest was performed under four treatments: ES-1: physical remediation (sediment scraping) + chemical remediation (organic matter) + bioremediation (double inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Rhizophagus irregularis and the plant growth-promoting bacteria Bacillus subtilis); ES-2: chemical remediation + bioremediation; ES-3: physical remediation + chemical remediation; ES-4: chemical remediation. Ether-amine and sodium contents, plant growth and, soil quality parameters were compared among treatments and relative to preserved and degraded sites. Two years after planting, the outstanding plant growth was attributed to the phytoremediation of ether-amine and ammonium, followed by a significant increase in soil microbial biomass (Phospholipid fatty acids-PLFAs), particularly the Gram+ bacteria and total fungi but not AMF, whose response was independent of the inoculation. While sodium and ether-amine declined, soil K, P, NO3- contents, dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase activities, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and soil aggregation increased, especially in ES-1. Thus, such remediation procedures are recommended for the restoration of riparian areas affected by the Fundão tailings, ultimately improving sediment fertility, aggregation and stabilization.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the only successful example of fragment of riparian Atlantic Forest successfully rehabilitated using native trees from the Atlantic Forest in the riparian zone affected by the contaminated Fundão dam tailings. For that, phytoremediation and bioremediation procedures were adopted to alleviate etheramine and sodium toxicity, resulting in the amelioration of soil fertility and particularly the stabilization of such highly disaggregated sediments, ultimately protecting the Doce river basin against these contaminants.

Histoplasmosis in the anal canal: case report and literature review

We herein present the case of a patient with anal condylomatosis concomitant with histoplasmosis, whose diagnosis was only possible through the collection of material and the subsequent evidence of a primary pulmonary focus. Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease whose contamination occurs through the respiratory route, and it can spread to the digestive tract, but the anus is rarely affected. It is important to have a high degree of suspicion to make the diagnosis, especially in immunosuppressed patients.

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria for Sustainable Agricultural Production.

Rhizosheric bacteria with several abilities related to plant growth and health have been denominated Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR promote plant growth through several modes of action, be it directly or indirectly. The benefits provided by these bacteria can include increased nutrient availability, phytohormone production, shoot and root development, protection against several phytopathogens, and reduced diseases. Additionally, PGPR can help plants to withstand abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought and produce enzymes that detoxify plants from heavy metals. PGPR have become an important strategy in sustainable agriculture due to the possibility of reducing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, promoting plant growth and health, and enhancing soil quality. There are many studies related to PGPR in the literature. However, this review highlights the studies that used PGPR for sustainable production in a practical way, making it possible to reduce the use of fertilizers such as phosphorus and nitrogen and fungicides, and to improve nutrient uptake. This review addresses topics such as unconventional fertilizers, seed microbiome for rhizospheric colonization, rhizospheric microorganisms, nitrogen fixation for reducing chemical fertilizers, phosphorus solubilizing and mineralizing, and siderophore and phytohormone production for reducing the use of fungicides and pesticides for sustainable agriculture.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ADULT CROHN'S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS PATIENTS: A CONSENSUS FROM THE BRAZILIAN ORGANIZATION OF CROHN'S DISEASE AND COLITIS (GEDIIB).

BACKGROUND: Despite optimized medical therapy, contemporary risk of surgery in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) after 10 years of diagnosis is 9.2% in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 26.2% in Crohn's disease, (CD) in the biological era. OBJECTIVE: This consensus aims to detail guidance to the most appropriate surgical procedures in different IBD scenarios. In addition, it details surgical indications and perioperative management of adult patients with CD and UC. METHODS: Our consensus was developed by colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists representing the Brazilian Study Group of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (GEDIIB), with the Rapid Review methodology being conducted to support the recommendations/statements. Surgical recommendations were structured and mapped according to the disease phenotypes, surgical indications, and techniques. After structuring the recommendations/statements, the modified Delphi Panel methodology was used to conduct the voting by experts in IBD surgery and gastroenterology. This consisted of three rounds: two using a personalized and anonymous online voting platform and one face-to-face presential meeting. Whenever participants did not agree with specific statements or recommendations, an option to outline possible reasons was offered to enable free-text responses and provide the opportunity for the experts to elaborate or explain disagreement. The consensus of recommendations/statements in each round was considered to have been reached if there was ≥80% agreement. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This consensus addressed the most relevant information to guide the decision-making process for adequate surgical management of CD and UC. It synthesizes recommendations developed from evidence-based statements and state-of-art knowledge. Surgical recommendations were structured and mapped according to the different disease phenotypes, indications for surgery and perioperative management. Specific focus of our consensus was given to elective and emergency surgical procedures, determining when to indicate surgery and which procedures may be the more appropriate. The consensus is targeted to gastroenterologists and surgeons interested in the treatment and management of adult patients with CD or UC and supports decision-making of healthcare payors, institutional leaders, and/or administrators.

SECOND BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN ADULTS: A CONSENSUS OF THE BRAZILIAN ORGANIZATION FOR CROHN'S DISEASE AND COLITIS (GEDIIB).

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases are immune-mediated disorders that include Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a progressive disease that affects the colorectal mucosa causing debilitating symptoms leading to high morbidity and work disability. As a consequence of chronic colonic inflammation, UC is also associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: This consensus aims to provide guidance on the most effective medical management of adult patients with UC. METHODS: A consensus statement was developed by stakeholders representing Brazilian gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons (Brazilian Organization for Crohn's Disease and Colitis [GEDIIB]). A systematic review including the most recent evidence was conducted to support the recommendations and statements. All recommendations/statements were endorsed using a modified Delphi Panel by the stakeholders/experts in inflammatory bowel disease with at least 80% or greater consensus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The medical recommendations (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) were mapped according to the stage of treatment and severity of the disease onto three domains: management and treatment (drug and surgical interventions), criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatment, and follow-up/patient monitoring after initial treatment. The consensus targeted general practitioners, gastroenterologists and surgeons who manage patients with UC, and supports decision-making processes by health insurance companies, regulatory agencies, health institutional leaders, and administrators.

Vitellogenin Ab structure of the amazonian Arapaima gigas.

The vitellogenin is composed by polypeptides that are precursors of egg yolk proteins that provides embryo and larvae nutrition. The mRNA encoding for vitellogenin Ab (Vtg-Ab; 4,536 bp long and 1,512 amino acids) were obtained by RNA-Seq library sequencing of pirarucu gonads. The Vtg-Ab sequences had high homology with Vtgs of other three teleosts species of the order Osteoglossiformes. The transcript of ovarian Vtg was identified based on structural criteria, and so we classify the Vtg of pirarucu as Vtg-Ab due to the truncated or shortened phosvitin (N-terminal end) and phosvitinless domain (C-terminal end). The Vtg-Ab of pirarucu present two major deletions with 133 amino acids in the Lipovitellin I domain and 89 amino acids in the truncated or shortened Phosvitin domain, both located in the N-terminal end region. The three-dimensional (3-D) structure Vtg-Ab protein shows the presence of a typical 4α-helices bundle protein that runs in anti-parallel. In general, the characterization of Vtg-Ab may be the useful elucidation of the hormonal regulation of vitellogenesis and improve the production of pirarucu for broodstock management in aquaculture and preparation of Vtg antibody production (species-specific) for sex identification.

Anti-TNF therapy for ulcerative colitis in Brazil: a comparative real-world national retrospective multicentric study from the Brazilian study group of IBD (GEDIIB).

BACKGROUND: Anti-TNF therapy represented a landmark in medical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). There is lack of data on the efficacy and safety of these agents in Brazilian patients. The present study aimed to analyze rates of clinical and endoscopic remission comparatively, between adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX), in Brazilian patients with UC, and evaluate factors associated with clinical and endoscopic remission after 1 year of treatment. METHODS: A national retrospective multicenter study (24 centers) was performed including patients with UC treated with anti-TNF therapy. Outcomes as clinical response and remission, endoscopic remission and secondary loss of response were measured in different time points of the follow-up. Baseline predictive factors of clinical and endoscopic remission at week 52 were evaluated using logistic regression model. Indirect comparisons among groups (ADA and IFX) were performed using Student's t, Pearson χ2 or Fisher's exact test when appropriated, and Kaplan Meier analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 393 patients were included (ADA, n = 111; IFX, n = 282). The mean age was 41.86 ± 13.60 years, 61.58% were female, most patients had extensive colitis (62.40%) and 19.39% had previous exposure to a biological agent. Overall, clinical remission rate was 66.78%, 71.62% and 82.82% at weeks 8, 26 and 52, respectively. Remission rates were higher in the IFX group at weeks 26 (75.12% vs. 62.65%, p < 0.0001) and 52 (65.24% vs. 51.35%, p < 0.0001) when compared to ADA. According to Kaplan-Meier survival curve loss of response was less frequent in the Infliximab compared to Adalimumab group (p = 0.001). Overall, endoscopic remission was observed in 50% of patients at week 26 and in 65.98% at week 52, with no difference between the groups (p = 0.114). Colectomy was performed in 23 patients (5.99%). Age, non-prior exposure to biological therapy, use of IFX and endoscopic remission at week 26 were associated with clinical remission after 52 weeks. Variables associated with endoscopic remission were non-prior exposure to biological therapy, and clinical and endoscopic remission at week 26. CONCLUSIONS: IFX was associated with higher rates of clinical remission after 1 year in comparison to ADA. Non-prior exposure to biological therapy and early response to anti-TNF treatment were associated with higher rates of clinical and endoscopic remission.

Siolmatra brasiliensis stem extract ameliorates antioxidant defenses and mitigates glycoxidative stress in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is accompanied by insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, which favor the onset of complications related to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of hydroethanolic extract from Siolmatra brasiliensis stems on insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation, and oxidative stress in mice with induced obesity. METHODS: C57BL-6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 14 weeks and treated with 125 or 250 mg/kg S. brasiliensis extract during the last 7 weeks. The study assessed glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, biomarkers of oxidative damage), fluorescent AGEs (biomarkers of advanced glycation), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity (antioxidant enzyme). The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver and kidneys were also investigated. RESULTS: Siolmatra brasiliensis extract had antiobesogenic effects; improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance; decreased the total plasma cholesterol levels; decreased the levels of glycoxidative stress biomarkers, including AGEs (plasma, liver, kidneys) and TBARS (liver, kidneys); and also improved endogenous antioxidant defenses by increasing the activities of PON1 (plasma), SOD (kidneys), CAT (liver, kidneys), and GSH-Px (kidneys). CONCLUSION: This study expands on our knowledge about the pharmacological properties of S. brasiliensis and substantiates the potential of this plant species to be used as a complementary therapeutic agent to alleviate the metabolic dysfunctions resulting from dyslipidemia and glycoxidative stress.

Safety assessment for temporary hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A simulation approach.

Amid the devastating effects caused by the pandemic of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19), health leaders around the world are adding efforts to search efficient and effective responses in the fight against the disease. Conventional health centers, such as hospitals and emergency departments have been registering an increase in demand and atypical patterns due to the high transmissibility of the virus. In this context, the adoption of Temporary Hospitals (THs) is effective in trying to relieve conventional hospitals and direct efforts in the treatment of suspected and positive patients for COVID-19. However, some requirements should be considered regarding the processes performed by THs to maintain the health and safety of patients and staff. Based on the literature, we evaluated aspects related to patient safety in THs, especially linked to biosafety of medical facilities, and patient transport and visit. We highlight the analysis of flows and layouts, hospital cleaning and patient care. We described two case studies to demonstrate the proposed approach. As result, simulation tests improved safety metrics, such as waiting time for procedures, movement intensity in each area, length of stay and TH capacity. We conclude that the approach allows us to provide better THs that prevent cross-contamination, provide suitable care, and meet the demand.

Tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes adultos com doença de Crohn e retocolite ulcerativa: um consenso da Organização Brasileira de Doença de Crohn e Colite (GEDIIB) / Surgical management of adult crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients: a consensus from the brazilian organization of crohn's disease and colitis (gediib)

ABSTRACT Background: Despite optimized medical therapy, contemporary risk of surgery in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) after 10 years of diagnosis is 9.2% in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 26.2% in Crohn's disease, (CD) in the biological era. Objective: This consensus aims to detail guidance to the most appropriate surgical procedures in different IBD scenarios. In addition, it details surgical indications and perioperative management of adult patients with CD and UC. Methods: Our consensus was developed by colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists representing the Brazilian Study Group of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (GEDIIB), with the Rapid Review methodology being conducted to support the recommendations/statements. Surgical recommendations were structured and mapped according to the disease phenotypes, surgical indications, and techniques. After structuring the recommendations/statements, the modified Delphi Panel methodology was used to conduct the voting by experts in IBD surgery and gastroenterology. This consisted of three rounds: two using a personalized and anonymous online voting platform and one face-to-face presential meeting. Whenever participants did not agree with specific statements or recommendations, an option to outline possible reasons was offered to enable free-text responses and provide the opportunity for the experts to elaborate or explain disagreement. The consensus of recommendations/statements in each round was considered to have been reached if there was ≥80% agreement. Results and conclusion: This consensus addressed the most relevant information to guide the decision-making process for adequate surgical management of CD and UC. It synthesizes recommendations developed from evidence-based statements and state-of-art knowledge. Surgical recommendations were structured and mapped according to the different disease phenotypes, indications for surgery and perioperative management. Specific focus of our consensus was given to elective and emergency surgical procedures, determining when to indicate surgery and which procedures may be the more appropriate. The consensus is targeted to gastroenterologists and surgeons interested in the treatment and management of adult patients with CD or UC and supports decision-making of healthcare payors, institutional leaders, and/or administrators.

RESUMO Contexto: Apesar da terapia medicamentosa otimizada, o risco contemporâneo de cirurgia nas doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII) após 10 anos do diagnóstico é de 9,2% em pacientes com retocolite ulcerativa (RCU) e de 26,2% na doença de Crohn (DC) na era biológica. Objetivo: Este consenso visa detalhar as orientações para os procedimentos cirúrgicos mais adequados em diferentes cenários da DII. Além disso, detalha as indicações cirúrgicas e o manejo perioperatório de pacientes adultos com DC e RCU. Métodos: Nosso consenso foi desenvolvido por cirurgiões colorretais e gastroenterologistas representantes da Organização Brasileira de Doença de Crohn e Colite (GEDIIB), com a metodologia de revisão rápida sendo conduzida para respaldar as recomendações. As recomendações cirúrgicas foram estruturadas e mapeadas de acordo com os fenótipos da doença, indicações cirúrgicas e técnicas. Após a estruturação das recomendações, a metodologia modificada do Painel Delphi foi utilizada para conduzir a votação por especialistas em cirurgia de DII e gastroenterologia. Esta consistiu em três rondas: duas com recurso a uma plataforma de votação online personalizada e anônima e uma reunião presencial. Sempre que os participantes não concordavam com afirmações ou recomendações específicas, era oferecida uma opção de delinear possíveis razões para permitir respostas em texto livre e dar a oportunidade para os especialistas elaborarem ou explicarem a discordância. O consenso de recomendações/declarações em cada rodada foi considerado alcançado se houve concordância ≥80%. Resultados e conclusão Este consenso abordou as informações mais relevantes para orientar o processo de tomada de decisão para o manejo cirúrgico adequado de DC e RCU. Ele sintetiza recomendações desenvolvidas a partir de evidências e conhecimento de alto nível. As recomendações cirúrgicas foram estruturadas e mapeadas de acordo com os diferentes fenótipos da doença, indicações para cirurgia e manejo perioperatório. O foco específico do nosso consenso foi dado aos procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos e de emergência, determinando quando indicar a cirurgia e quais procedimentos podem ser os mais adequados. O consenso é direcionado a gastroenterologistas e cirurgiões interessados no tratamento e manejo de pacientes adultos com DC ou RCU e apoia a tomada de decisões de pagadores de saúde, líderes institucionais e/ou administradores.

Segundo Consenso Brasileiro no manejo da retocolite ulcerativa em adultos: um consenso da Organização Brasileira para Doença de Crohn e Colite (GEDIIB) / Second brazilian consensus on the management of ulcerative colitis in adults: a consensus of the brazilian organization for crohn's disease and colitis (gediib)

ABSTRACT Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases are immune-mediated disorders that include Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a progressive disease that affects the colorectal mucosa causing debilitating symptoms leading to high morbidity and work disability. As a consequence of chronic colonic inflammation, UC is also associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Objective: This consensus aims to provide guidance on the most effective medical management of adult patients with UC. Methods: A consensus statement was developed by stakeholders representing Brazilian gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons (Brazilian Organization for Crohn's Disease and Colitis [GEDIIB]). A systematic review including the most recent evidence was conducted to support the recommendations and statements. All recommendations/statements were endorsed using a modified Delphi Panel by the stakeholders/experts in inflammatory bowel disease with at least 80% or greater consensus. Results and conclusion: The medical recommendations (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) were mapped according to the stage of treatment and severity of the disease onto three domains: management and treatment (drug and surgical interventions), criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatment, and follow-up/patient monitoring after initial treatment. The consensus targeted general practitioners, gastroenterologists and surgeons who manage patients with UC, and supports decision-making processes by health insurance companies, regulatory agencies, health institutional leaders, and administrators.

RESUMO Contexto: As doenças inflamatórias intestinais são doenças imunomediadas que incluem a doença de Crohn (DC) e a retocolite ulcerativa (RCU). A RCU é uma doença progressiva que acomete a mucosa colorretal causando sintomas debilitantes levando a alta morbidade e incapacidade laboral. Como consequência da inflamação crônica do cólon, a RCU também está associada a um risco aumentado de câncer colorretal. Objetivo: Este consenso visa fornecer orientações sobre o manejo médico mais eficaz de pacientes adultos com RCU. Métodos: As recomendações do consenso foram desenvolvidas por gastroenterologistas e cirurgiões colorretais referências no Brasil (membros da Organização Brasileira para Doença de Crohn e Colite [GEDIIB]). Uma revisão sistemática, incluindo as evidências mais recentes, foi conduzida para apoiar as recomendações. Todas as recomendações foram endossadas pelas partes interessadas/especialistas em doença inflamatória intestinal usando um Painel Delphi modificado. O nível de concordância para alcançar consenso foi de 80% ou mais. Resultados e conclus ão: As recomendações médicas (farmacológicas e não farmacológicas) foram mapeadas de acordo com o estágio de tratamento e gravidade da doença em três domínios: manejo e tratamento (intervenções medicamentosas e cirúrgicas), critérios para avaliar a eficácia do tratamento médico, e acompanhamento/monitoramento do paciente após o tratamento inicial. O consenso foi direcionado a clínicos gerais, gastroenterologistas e cirurgiões que tratam pacientes com RCU e apoia os processos de tomada de decisão por companhias de seguro de saúde, agências reguladoras, líderes institucionais de saúde e administradores.

Humic Substances in Combination With Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria as an Alternative for Sustainable Agriculture.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and humic substances (HSs) are promising options for reducing the use of pesticides and mineral fertilizers. Although many studies have shown the effects of PGPB and HSs separately, little information is available on plant responses to the combined application of these biostimulants despite the great potential for the simultaneous action of these biological inputs. Thus, the objective of this review is to present an overview of scientific studies that addressed the application of PGPB and HSs to different crops. First, we discuss the effect of these biostimulants on biological nitrogen fixation, the various effects of the inoculation of beneficial bacteria combined with the application of HSs on promoting the growth of nonleguminous plants and how this combination can increase bacterial colonization of plant hosts. We also address the effect of PGPB and HSs on plant responses to abiotic stresses, in addition to discussing the role of HSs in protecting plants against pathogens. There is a lack of studies that address the role of PGPB + HSs in biocontrol. Understanding the factors involved in the promotion of plant growth through the application of PGPB and HSs can assist in the development of efficient biostimulants for agricultural management. This approach has the potential to accelerate the transition from conventional cultivation to sustainable agrosystems.

Benefits of Sebastiania hispida (Euphorbiaceae) extract and photobiomodulation therapy as potentially adjunctive strategies to be explored against snake envenoming.

The purpose of this study was to assess the topic use of Sebastiania hispida extract and low-level gallium-arsenide laser irradiation (GaAs, 904 nm) to reduce the local myonecrosis and edema of Bothrops moojeni snake venom-injected gastrocnemius. Wistar rats receiving intramuscular venom injection (VBm) were compared with saline control (S) and envenomed rats receiving local exposure to plant extract (VExt) or laser irradiation (VL). The phytochemistry and thin-layer chromatography of S. hispida extract indicated the presence of phenolic compounds like gallic acid and flavonoids including quercetin. Gastrocnemius of VExt and VL groups had a significant reduction of edema and creatine kinase (CK) activities and a greater Myogenin (MyoG) expression compared to VBm group, with the plant extract efficacy better than laser exposure. Reduction of edema and serum CK activities reflects a lessening of muscle damage, whereas the increase of MyoG indicates myoblast differentiation and acceleration of muscle repair. The S. hispida richness in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, such as the light modulatory ability to triggering a multitude of cell signalings likely underlie the positive outcomes. Our findings suggest both treatments as potential auxiliary tools to be explored in clinical trials in combination with anti-venom therapy after Bothropic snakebites.

EFFICACY OF LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY ON FISTULA-IN-ANO TREATMENT.

BACKGROUND: Fistulous area being A control and B laser group: Arrows indicate fistulous tract much thinner in B. Treating anal fistulae is still a great challenge due to the possibility of fecal incontinence after surgery and that the use of laser has been gaining space in medicine, including as an inducing method of healing. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy on fistula-in-ano treatment in rats. METHODS: Fifteen male Wistar rats weighing approximately 250-300g were used, which were subjected to the anal fistula induction procedure and after 30 days were distributed into two groups: control group (CG, n=5) and laser group (LG, n=10) observed for another 30 days. In the CG no treatment was performed and, in the LG, low-level laser therapy was applied in fistulous tracts daily. The closure of the fistulous tract, the area of the remaining tract, the inflammatory infiltrate and vascular congestion were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no complete closure of the tract in any of the animals. The mean area of the remaining tract was 847.2 µm2 in the CG and 248.5 µm2 in the LG (p=0.001). The mean inflammatory infiltrate score was 2.4 in the CG and 1.3 in the LG (p=0.0285), while in the evaluation of vascular congestion, 1.6 was observed in the CG and 0.6 in the LG (p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Low-level laser therapy was able to reduce the area of the fistulous tracts as well as decrease the inflammatory process and local vascular congestion.

Rehabilitation of a Riparian Site Contaminated by Tailings from the Fundão Dam, Brazil, Using Different Remediation Strategies.

The tailings spilled by the Fundão Dam rupture in the Doce River basin (Brazil) had a high pH, elevated sodium (Na) and ether amine, and low soil organic matter. With the aim of decreasing the toxic compounds, we established 2 remediation strategies: treatment 1, phytoremediation with tolerant native species of the Atlantic Forest cultivated on scraped sediment plus the incorporation of organic matter; and treatment 2, phytoremediation with native species plus superficial deposition of organic matter. The experimental site was compared with a degraded site that the dam tailings had reached and with a preserved site, a fragment of preserved Atlantic Forest. After 12 mo, plants showed an outstanding growth, especially after treatment 1 (~4 m), and the remediation procedures resulted in significant decreases in pH (from 8.0 to ~ 6.0), Na (from 154 to 22-35 mg/kg), electrical conductivity, and ether amine (from 6.0 to 0.5 mg/kg) in both treatments. By contrast, ammonium, a product of ether amine degradation, showed a significant increase in the experimental site, along with a significant increase in nitrate and improvement of soil microbial populations assessed by phospholipid fatty acid analysis. The treatments also improved soil fertility in the experimental site, as estimated by soil nutrients, cation exchange capacity, and soil aggregation. Based on the parameters analyzed, a principal component analysis showed that samples from the degraded site and the preserved site clustered in an opposite position and those from the experimental site clustered in an intermediate position but closer to the samples from the preserved site. Overall, our results demonstrated that the remediation procedures adopted were effective and resulted in rehabilitation of a riparian forest contaminated with dam tailings that included Na and ether amine. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2359-2373. © 2021 SETAC.

Evaluation of the scientific activity of the leaf of the species Campomanesia pubescens in wound model infected by Staphylococcus aureus

There is an increasing interest in the use of herbal remedies as healing agents, due to their lower cost in relation to other drugs and the vast Brazilian fauna. The objective of this research was to evaluate the cicatrization effect of the guariroba leaf (Campomanesia pubescens) on the healing of infected wounds. We used 45 Wistar rats, distributed in five groups (n = 9) all with surgically induced skin injury, differing in the presence of contamination and treatment, with evaluation periods of 3, 7 and 14 days, being: G1- negative control without contamination, treated with Physiological Solution 0.9%; G2- control with contamination, treated with Physiological Solution 0.9%; G3 negative with contamination, treated with Carbopol in 0.5% gel; G4- positive control with contamination, treated with Colagenase at 0.6 U / g + 0.01 g Chloramphenicol; G5- positive test with contamination treated with Campomanesia pubescens at 3%, whose vehicle was Carbopol at 0.5%. The wound was made with a metal punch 8 mm in diameter, and a cutaneous fragment was removed from the animals' backs and wound infection was applied to S. aureus in groups G2 to G5. Euthanasia was performed for a lethal dose of anesthetic, and the edges of the wounds were removed for histopathological study. The fibrinoleukocytic crust was present in all animals in the groups of 3, 7 and 14 days. The contraction of the wound was also evaluated, and all groups showed low percentage of wound regression in the 3-day treatment and with 14 days presented a high percentage of regression. Of the 5 groups, the only one that presented complete epithelialization was G5. Of the 5 groups, the ones with the best epithelialization were G4 and G5. The group with the highest amount of mature collagen fibers was G4, followed by G5, and the one with the highest proportion of immature fibers was G1. At the end of the experiment, G4 was the group that gained the most weight and G1 the one that had the lowest weight gain. Guariroba leaf extract (Campomanesia pubescens) was able to promote healing in infected skin wounds similar to the group treated with antibiotics.