Variations of salivary flow rates in Brazilian school children

The salivary flow rate (SFR) in healthy individuals may vary according to different factors. There is a scarcity of studies from different geographical areas that analyze SFR variations in children. The aim of this study was to verify stimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) variations in 6 to 12-year-old children, from four different public schools of Rio de Janeiro and correlate these data to gender, age, type of dentition, and health status. Clinical data were taken from the children's medical records that were kept at those schools. Oral examination and sialometry were performed in every child. Salivary flow rate was obtained by chewing-stimulated whole saliva under standard conditions. There were significant differences in SFR according to age (p = 0.0003). Six and 12-year-old children showed the lowest SFR, and when they were excluded from the analysis, no significant differences were found (p = 0.21). There were also significant differences in SFR among children from different public schools (p = 0.0009). The gender did not show any correlation to SFR, even when children were stratified by age (p = 0.36). Correlation between SFR and deciduous, mixed or permanent dentition was not found as well. These results show that the analyzed clinical variables did not seem to influence SFR in this children population

Evaluation of the antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae) bark extract in experimental models of inflammation

Edema is one of the obvious indicators of inflammation and a crucial factor to take into account when assessing a substance's capacity to reduce inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory profile of the hydroethanolic barks extract of Ximenia americana (HEXA). The possible antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of EHXA (50, 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg v.o) was evaluated using the paw edema induced by carrageenan, zymosan, dextran, CFA and by different agents inflammatory (serotonin, histamine, arachidonic acid and PGE2), and pleurisy model induced by carrageenan and its action on IL-1β and TNF-α levels was also evaluated. HEXA demonstrated a significant antiedematogenic effect at concentrations of 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg on paw edema induced by carrageenan, zymosan and dextran. However, the concentration of 50 mg/kg as standard, demonstrating the effect in the subchronic model, induced CFA with inhibition of 59.06 %. In models of histamine-induced paw edema, HEXA showed inhibition of − 30 min: 40.49 %, 60 min: 44.70 % and 90 min: 48.98 %; serotonin inhibition - 30 min: 57.09 %, 60 min: 66.04 % and 90 min: 61.79 %; arachidonic acid inhibition - 15 min: 36.54 %, 30 min: 51.10 %, 45 min: 50.32 % and 60 min: 76.17 %; and PGE2 inhibition - 15 min: 67.78 %, 30 min: 62.30 %, 45 min: 54.25 % and 60 min: 47.92 %. HEXA significantly reduced (p < 0.01) leukocyte migration in the pleurisy model and reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels in pleural lavage (p < 0.0001). The results showed that HEXA has the potential to have an antiedematogenic impact in both acute and chronic inflammation processes, with a putative mode of action including the suppression or regulation of inflammatory mediators

Antibacterial effect, efflux pump inhibitory (NorA, TetK and MepA) of Staphylococcus aureus and in silico prediction of α, β and δ-damascone compounds

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect and inhibitory capacity against NorA, TetK and MepA efflux pump of Staphylococcus aureus multiresistant by in vitro and in silico approach of α, β and δ-damascone compounds. Results: The compounds α, β and δ-damascone showed a clinically relevant effect against S. aureus ATCC 6538 standard strain. A modulating effect was also observed in association with antibiotics against MDR strains. Regarding the inhibition of the efflux pump, the compounds showed a modulating effect with antibiotics, against SA-1199, SA-1199B, SA IS-58 and K2068. Only δ-damascone demonstrated an efflux pump inhibitory effect. Regarding ADME properties, α, β and δ-damascone showed similar physicochemical properties with good pharmacokinetic characteristics, such as lipophilicity, oral bioavailability and low toxicity. In addition, they exhibited the binding energy and Ligand Efficiency (LE) −81.17 (5.4), −77.48(-5.4) and −64.55 (-5.1), which shows good interactions with the critical residues of the MepA receptor. Conclusions: From the results it is concluded that the compounds α, β and δ-damascone do not have antibacterial activity, but show a modulating effect in association with antibiotics, as well as not showing direct activity on the efflux pump, but they do have a modulating effect with antibiotics and with EtBr (α and β-damascone)

Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of <i>Piper tuberculatum</i> Jacq. Fruits against Multidrug-Resistant Strains: Inhibition of Efflux Pumps and β-Lactamase

Antimicrobial resistance has become a growing public health concern in recent decades, demanding a search for new effective treatments. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the phytochemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil obtained from the fruits of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (EOPT) against strains carrying different mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of EOPT and its ability to inhibit antibiotic resistance was evaluated through the broth microdilution method. The GC-MS analysis identified 99.59% of the constituents, with β-pinene (31.51%), α-pinene (28.38%), and β-cis-ocimene (20.22%) being identified as major constituents. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EOPT was determined to assess its antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (IS-58, 1199B, K2068, and K4100). The compound showed a MIC of ≥ 1024 μg/mL, suggesting a lack of intrinsic antibacterial activity. However, when the EOPT was associated with antibiotics and EtBr, a significant decrease in antibiotic resistance was observed, indicating the modulation of efflux pump activity. This evidence was corroborated with the observation of increased fluorescent light emission by the bacterial strains, indicating the involvement of the NorA and MepA efflux pumps. Additionally, the significant potentiation of ampicillin activity against the S. aureus strain K4414 suggests the β-lactamase inhibitory activity of EOPT. These results suggest that the essential oil from P. tuberculatum fruits has antibiotic-enhancing properties, with a mechanism involving the inhibition of efflux pumps and β-lactamase in MDR S. aureus strains. These findings provide new perspectives on the potential use of EOPT against antibiotic resistance and highlight the importance of Piper species as sources of bioactive compounds with promising therapeutic activities against MDR bacteria. Nevertheless, further preclinical (in vivo) studies remain necessary to confirm these in vitro-observed results

<i>Ximenia americana</i> L.: Chemical Characterization and Gastroprotective Effect

Ximenia americana L., popularly known in Brazil as “ameixa do-mato, ameixa-brava, and ameixa-do-sertão,” is widely used in folk medicine to treat several intestinal disorders. The present study assessed the potential mechanisms of action underlying the gastroprotective activity of the hydroethanolic extract of Ximenia americana L. (EHXA) stem bark. The acute toxicity of EHXA was estimated, and later, the gastroprotective effect in mice was assessed through acute models of gastric lesions induced by acidified or absolute ethanol and indomethacin, where the following mechanisms were pharmacologically analyzed: the involvement of prostaglandins (PG), histamine (H2) receptors, ATP-dependent potassium channels, sulfhydryl groups (SH), α2 adrenergic receptors, nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), gastric mucus production, and acetylcholine-mediated intestinal motility. Regarding toxicity, EHXA did not cause deaths or signs of toxicity (LD50 greater than or equal to 2000 mg/kg/p.o.). When the gastroprotective effect was assessed, EHXA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/p.o.) reduced the rate of lesions induced by acidified ethanol by 65.63; 53.66, and 58.02% in absolute ethanol at 88.91, 78.82, and 74.68%, respectively, when compared to the negative control group. In the indomethacin-induced gastric injury model, the reductions were 84.69, 55.99, 55.99, and 42.50%, respectively. The study revealed that EHXA might stimulate mucus production and reduce intestinal motility through SH groups, NO production, and activation of α2 adrenergic receptors. The results indicated that EHXA had significant gastroprotective activity in the evaluated models. However, further investigation is required to elucidate the cellular and molecular events underlying the action of EHXA components and to correlate them with the modulation of the signaling pathways, as demonstrated by the current pharmacological approach. Therefore, the results demonstrated in the present study, as well as previously reported findings, support the recommendation of using this species in traditional communities in Brazil

Mechanisms of Actions Involved in The Antinociceptive Effect of Estragole and its &beta;-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in Animal Models

(1) Background: estragole is a monoterpene found in the essential oils of several aromatic plants, which can be used for several pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of estragole (Es) and its &beta;-cyclodextrins inclusion complex (Es/&beta;-CD). (2) Methods: the effects of Es and Es/&beta;-CD on the central nervous system (CNS) were evaluated through open field and rota-rod assays, and the antinociceptive effect in formalin models, abdominal writhing induced by acetic acid, hot plate, tail flick test and plantar mechanical hyperalgesia. (3) Results: Es and Es/&beta;-CD showed no alterations on the CNS evaluated parameters and the results suggested there was an antinociceptive action in the formalin, abdominal writhing, hot plate, tail flick tests and plantar mechanical hyperalgesia, proposing the involvement of the nitric oxide, glutamatergic signaling pathways, cyclic guanosine monophosphate and vanilloid pathways. (4) Conclusion: the results suggest that Es and Es/&beta;-CD have a promising antinociceptive potential as a possible alternative for the pharmacological treatment of pain, also showing that the encapsulation of Es in &beta;-cyclodextrins probably improves its pharmacological properties, since the complexation process involves much lower amounts of the compound, contributing to better bioavailability and a lower probability of adverse effect development

Brazilian Flora 2020: Leveraging the power of a collaborative scientific network

International audienceThe shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the number of species of algae, fungi, and plants occurring in Brazil contributes to the prevailing taxonomic impediment and delays progress towards the GSPC targets. Over the past 12 years, a legion of taxonomists motivated to meet Target 1 of the GSPC, worked together to gather and integrate knowledge on the algal, plant, and fungal diversity of Brazil. Overall, a team of about 980 taxonomists joined efforts in a highly collaborative project that used cybertaxonomy to prepare an updated Flora of Brazil, showing the power of scientific collaboration to reach ambitious goals. This paper presents an overview of the Brazilian Flora 2020 and provides taxonomic and spatial updates on the algae, fungi, and plants found in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. We further identify collection gaps and summarize future goals that extend beyond 2020. Our results show that Brazil is home to 46,975 native species of algae, fungi, and plants, of which 19,669 are endemic to the country. The data compiled to date suggests that the Atlantic Rainforest might be the most diverse Brazilian domain for all plant groups except gymnosperms, which are most diverse in the Amazon. However, scientific knowledge of Brazilian diversity is still unequally distributed, with the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado being the most intensively sampled and studied biomes in the country. In times of “scientific reductionism”, with botanical and mycological sciences suffering pervasive depreciation in recent decades, the first online Flora of Brazil 2020 significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of taxonomic data available for algae, fungi, and plants from Brazil. This project also made all the information freely available online, providing a firm foundation for future research and for the management, conservation, and sustainable use of the Brazilian funga and flora

NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES: a data set on carnivore distribution in the Neotropics

Mammalian carnivores are considered a key group in maintaining ecological health and can indicate potential ecological integrity in landscapes where they occur. Carnivores also hold high conservation value and their habitat requirements can guide management and conservation plans. The order Carnivora has 84 species from 8 families in the Neotropical region: Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Otariidae; Phocidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae. Herein, we include published and unpublished data on native terrestrial Neotropical carnivores (Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae). NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES is a publicly available data set that includes 99,605 data entries from 35,511 unique georeferenced coordinates. Detection/non-detection and quantitative data were obtained from 1818 to 2018 by researchers, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private consultants. Data were collected using several methods including camera trapping, museum collections, roadkill, line transect, and opportunistic records. Literature (peer-reviewed and grey literature) from Portuguese, Spanish and English were incorporated in this compilation. Most of the data set consists of detection data entries (n = 79,343; 79.7%) but also includes non-detection data (n = 20,262; 20.3%). Of those, 43.3% also include count data (n = 43,151). The information available in NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES will contribute to macroecological, ecological, and conservation questions in multiple spatio-temporal perspectives. As carnivores play key roles in trophic interactions, a better understanding of their distribution and habitat requirements are essential to establish conservation management plans and safeguard the future ecological health of Neotropical ecosystems. Our data paper, combined with other large-scale data sets, has great potential to clarify species distribution and related ecological processes within the Neotropics. There are no copyright restrictions and no restriction for using data from this data paper, as long as the data paper is cited as the source of the information used. We also request that users inform us of how they intend to use the data