Wound healing and antimicrobial activities of topical formulations containing natural products and their nananoparticles

Extracts, infusions, or other types of preparations from medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for the treatment of several diseases, in what is commonly designated as "folk medicine". In recent years, science has proven that some plant extracts, fractions or specific compounds may have an important role as drug sources with relevant properties. In this work, particular emphasis will be given to antimicrobial and healing properties of specific plants/compounds in in vitro as well as in vivo models. New approaches, including nanotechnology, will be addressed. Based on specific plants some particular cosmeceutical formulations were developed, used in clinical practice for skin problems, namely recalcitrant injuries, diabetic foot, sores and scars. The synergy of the properties of selected plant constituents, gave very positive results associated with a high degree of skin hydration, contributing to cell regeneration. In all cases, after repeated applications, notorious improvements or complete treatment were observed, without significant side effects. Formulations revealed to be associated to a high degree of skin hydration, cellular skin regeneration, and antimicrobial activity. The results demonstrated, at least, a similar effectiveness when comparing to the conventional treatments. Based on scientific knowledge it was possible to produce cosmecuticals of vegetable origin, with high quality and established bioactivities. Acknowledgements This work is supported by national funds from FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the projects PTDC/AGR­ALI/105169/2008 and PEst­OE/AGR/UI4033/2014, and INTERACT project – “Integrative Research in Environment, Agro-Chains and Technology”, no. NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000017This work is supported by national funds from FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the projects PTDC/AGR-ALI/105169/2008 and PEst-OE/AGR/UI4033/2014, and INTERACT project – “Integrative Research in Environment, Agro-Chains and Technology”, no. NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000017info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Wound healing and antimicrobial activities of cosmeceuticals containing natural products and their nananoparticles: A translational approach

Extracts, infusions, or other types of preparations from medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of various diseases, in what is commonly designated as "folk medicine". In recent years, science has prove that some plant extracts, fractions or specific compounds may have an important role as drug sources with relevant properties. Over the last years the incorporation of natural products, particularly plant based products, in cosmeceuticals has also increased. In this work, particular emphasis will be given to antimicrobial and wound healing properties of specific plants/compounds incorporated in some cosmeceuticals. New approaches, including nanotechnology, will be addressed. Based on specific plant extracts and oils it was possible to develop some particular cosmeceuticals used clinicaly. These formulations were applied into adult volunteers (more then 150) with skin disorders, namely skin burns, recalcitrant wounds, and psoriasis. The synergy of the properties of the plant extracts and oils, in specific treatment situations, resulted in very positive results. In all cases, after repeated applications, notorious improvements or complete treatment were observed, without side effects. The action of the formulations revealed to be associated to a high degree of skin hydration, cellular skin regeneration, and antimicrobial activity. The results demonstrated, at least, a similar effectiveness when comparing to the conventional treatments.This work is supported by national funds from FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the projects PTDC/AGR­ALI/105169/2008 and PEst­OE/AGR/UI4033/2014.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Modulation of phenolic production in Vitis vinifera cell cultures with Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and other elicitors

Esca is a destructive disease that affects Vitis vinífera plants around the world leading to important losses in wine production. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (Pc) is a fungus frequently associated with esca and grapevine decline. Information on the interaction of this fungus with Vitis vinifera is scarce. To study the defense mechanisms of Vitis plants to Pc we utilized cell suspension cultures of V. vinifera cv. Vinhão (Vv) elicited with fungus Pc, methyl-jasmonate (MeJ) and salicylic acid (SA). We also used cultures primed with MeJ or SA 24h before elicitation with Pc (MeJ+Pc or SA+Pc, respectively). Several culture samples were taken during the experimental period and phenolic production was evaluated by HPLC-DAD-MSFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BD/17944/200

Valências na resposta emocional dos eleitores: design experimental com neurociência

This work aims to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the valence of voters’ emotional response to changes in the scenarios in videos of political propaganda. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory with a fictitious candidate and content. We used four different scenarios: one with a completely white background, one simulating a library, one with a popular house, and one with luxury houses. We use the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) as an instrument to measure emotions. We found statistical differences between the intensity of the valences throughout the video (n=108). The work empirically demonstrated that the scenarios can enhance the emotional effects of this type of advertising.Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar quantitativa e qualitativamente a valência da resposta emocional dos eleitores às alterações dos cenários nos vídeos de propaganda política. O experimento foi conduzido em laboratório com um candidato e conteúdo fictícios. Utilizamos quatro cenários diferentes: um cenário com fundo completamente branco, um simulando uma biblioteca, um com casa popular e outro com casas de luxo. Utilizamos o Sistema de Codificação de Ação Facial (FACS) como um instrumento para medir emoções. Encontramos diferenças estatísticas entre a intensidade das valências ao longo do vídeo (n = 108). O trabalho permitiu a demonstração empírica de que os cenários podem potencializar os efeitos emocionais desse tipo de publicidade

Isolation and identification of fungi associated with Esca in Vinho Verde region (RDVV): northwest Portugal

In the Portuguese Vinho Verde region (RDVV), during the last years the esca incidence is taking serious proportions. In this context, in the summers of 2004 and 2005 three vineyards were selected (two within the Monção subregion and one outside) in order to isolate associated Esca-fungi. Cordons were taken from 10 infected Alvarinho cultivar grapevines showing esca foliar symptomatology. Results confirm the occurrence of species P. chlamydospora and P. angustius in RDVV. They identify for the first time the species P. viticola and P. inflatipes, both is this wine region and in the Alvarinho grape variety. Results show that there are different strains within one fungus specie in the majority of the isolated species, and also that the closer the vineyards, the higher the similarity of the fungi strains.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - bolsa (SFRHD/BD/32159/2006

Oxidative response of Vitis vinifera cells elicited with Phaeomoniella chlamydospora

Esca is a destructive disease that affects vineyards leading to important losses in wine production, which incidence has dramatically increased during the last few years. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (Pc) is a fungus frequently associated with esca and grapevine decline. Information on the interaction of this fungus with Vitis plants is scarce. To study early defense mechanisms, namely the oxidative response, of Vitis plants to Pc we utilized in vitro cell suspension cultures of V. vinifera cv. Vinhão (Vv) and a Pc elicitor (hydrolyzed extract).Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BD/17944/200

Production of transgenic Hypericum perforatum plants via particle bombardment-mediated transformation of novel organogenic cell suspension cultures

We have developed particle bombardment-mediated transformation procedure for Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s wort), an important medicinal species that remains highly recalcitrant towards Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Among the major transformation techniques evaluated in the present study (Agrobacterium tumefaciens-, A. rhizogenes- and biolistics-mediated), particle-bombardment-mediated gene transfer was found to be the most successful one. GUS positive cells were obtained from organogenic nodules bombarded with the plasmid vector pCAMBIA1301 encoding an intron-containing b-glucuronidase (gusA) and hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) genes. After 3 months of continuous selection of bombarded nodules with 20 mg l 1 hygromycin, transgenic hygromycin-resistant callus cultures and subsequently transgenic plants were produced. PCR analysis of DNA isolated from GUS positive plants showed the presence of both gusA and hpt genes. Southern blot analysis confirmed the transgene integration and revealed diverse copy numbers and insertion sites. The data presented here demonstrate for the first time H. perforatum can be efficiently transformed via particle bombardment of organogenic cell suspension. Our results open the possibility of using particle bombardment-mediated transformation to elucidate biosynthetic pathways and to improve secondary metabolite production in H. perforatum.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - POCTI/AGR/40283/2001, SFRH/BPD/ 17102/200