Casbane diterpene as novel and natural antimicrobial agent against biofilm infections

Croton nepetaefolius is a plant native from northeastern Brazil and belongs to Euphorbiaceae family. The essential oil of this plant is widely used in folk medicine from the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders to the use as an antiseptic agent, with an antifungal action scientifically proven. The action of this plant has been extensively explored by the scientific community, being the secondary metabolites, which are responsible for their properties, alkaloids, diterpenes, and triterpenes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the secondary metabolite, casbane diterpene (CD) (isolated of the species mentioned above), to inhibit microbial growth and biofilm formation of several clinical relevant species (about 15 species among bacteria and fungi). Minimal inhibitory concentration was assessed by the standard technique of microdilution and biofilm inhibition was tested using microtiter plates with biomass quantification by crystal violet staining method. It was found that the CD possessed biocidal and biostatic activity for the majority of the species screened, with the minimal concentration active between 125 and 500 mg/L. Moreover, CD anti-biofilm action was also observed for some of the species. In addition, it was noticed some biofilm formation inhibition even when the planktonic growth was not significantly affected. In conclusion it can be speculated that casbane diterpene shows potential to be a natural tool for the treatment of diseases caused by different infectious microorganisms

Petrosamine isolated from marine sponge Petrosia sp. demonstrates protection against neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo

According to The World Alzheimer Report 2023 by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) estimates that 33 to 38.5 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). A crucial hallmark associated with this disease is associated with the deficiency of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine, due to an affected acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Marine organisms synthesize several classes of compounds, some of which exhibit significant AChE inhibition, such as petrosamine, a coloured pyridoacridine alkaloid. The aim of this work was to characterize the activity of petrosamine isolated for the first time from a Brazilian marine sponge, using two neurotoxicity models with aluminium chloride, as exposure to aluminium is associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The in vitro model was based in a neuroblastoma cell line and the in vivo model exploited the potential of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos in mimicking hallmarks of AD. To our knowledge, this is the first report on petrosamine’s activity over these parameters, either in vitro or in vivo, in order to characterize its full potential for tackling neurotoxicity

Total soluble solids from banana: evaluation and optimization of extraction parameters

Banana, an important component in the diet of the global population, is one of the most consumed fruits in the world. This fruit is also very favorable to industry processes (e.g., fermented beverages) due to its rich content on soluble solids and minerals, with low acidity. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of factors such as banana weight and extraction time during a hot aqueous extraction process on the total soluble solids content of banana. The extract is to be used by the food and beverage industries. The experiments were performed with 105 mL of water, considering the moisture of the ripe banana (65%). Total sugar concentrations were obtained in a beer analyzer and the result expressed in degrees Plato (°P, which is the weight of the extract or the sugar equivalent in 100 g solution at 20 °C), aiming at facilitating the use of these results by the beverage industries. After previous studies of characterization of the fruit and of ripening performance, a 22 full-factorial star design was carried out, and a model was developed to describe the behavior of the dependent variable (total soluble solids) as a function of the factors (banana weight and extraction time), indicating as optimum conditions for extraction 38.5 g of banana at 39.7 min.Gabinete de Relações Internacionais da Ciência e do Ensino Superior (GRICES), Portugal.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Fapesp), Brasil.Coordenação para Aperfeiçoamento do Ensino Superior (CAPES), Brasil.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal

Investigação preliminar das espécies de culicídeos do Pantanal Sul brasileiro e sua potencial importância na transmissão de arbovírus

In view of the high circulation of migratory birds and the environmental and climatic conditions which favor the proliferation of arthropods, the Brazilian Pantanal is susceptible to circulation of arboviruses. However, the amount of data concerning arbovirus vectors in this area is scarce; therefore the aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of Culicidae species in the Nhecolândia Sub-region of South Pantanal, Brazil and their potential importance in the arbovirus transmission. A total of 3684 specimens of mosquitoes were captured, 1689 of which caught in the rainy season of 2007, were divided into 78 pools and submitted to viral isolation, Semi-Nested RT-PCR and Nested RT-PCR, with a view to identifying the most important arboviruses in Brazil. Simultaneously, 70 specimens of ticks found blood-feeding on horses were also submitted to the same virological assays. No virus was isolated and viral nucleic-acid detection by RT-PCR was also negative. Nevertheless, a total of 22 Culicidae species were identified, ten of which had previously been reported as vectors of important arboviruses. The diversity of species found blood-feeding on human and horse hosts together with the arboviruses circulation previously reported suggest that the Nhecolândia Sub-region of South Pantanal is an important area for arbovirus surveillance in Brazil.Regiões como o Pantanal brasileiro, que apresentam fatores como riqueza de fauna silvestre incluindo circulação de aves migratórias e condições ambientais e climáticas favoráveis à proliferação de artrópodes estão potencialmente sujeitas à circulação de arbovírus. Entretanto, poucos trabalhos foram realizados acerca da presença de arbovírus em potenciais vetores no Pantanal. Neste sentido o principal objetivo deste trabalho foi conduzir uma investigação preliminar para presença de arbovírus em amostragens de culicídeos capturados na Sub-região da Nhecolândia no Pantanal Sul. Um total de 3684 mosquitos foi capturado, dos quais 78 grupos compondo uma amostragem de 1789 espécimes foram submetidos às técnicas de isolamento viral e RT-PCR para os mais importantes arbovírus no Brasil. Simultaneamente, 70 espécimes de carrapatos capturados durante hematofagia em cavalos também foram submetidos à pesquisa viral. Não houve isolamento viral em nenhuma amostra analisada e os resultados de detecção de ácido nucléico viral foram também negativos. Entretanto, foram identificadas 22 espécies de culicídeos, dez das quais previamente reportadas como vetores de importantes arbovírus. A competência vetorial de espécies capturadas durante hematofagia em humanos e cavalos aliada ao relato prévio de circulação de arbovírus sugerem a Sub-região da Nhecolândia como uma importante área de vigilância para arbovírus no Centro-Oeste do Brasil

ABORDAGEM FITOQUÍMICA DO EXTRATO ETANÓLICO DA CASCA DE Myroxylon peruiferum L.f

O uso de produtos naturais com propriedades terapêuticas é tão antigo quanto à civilização humana e, por um longo período, minerais, plantas e produtos animais eram fundamentais fontes de drogas. Myroxylon peruiferum L.f. pertence à família Fabaceae e é conhecida popularmente como bálsamo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a prospecção fitoquímica do extrato etanólico da casca de M. peruiferum L.f. As propriedades fitoquímica do extrato foram determinadas pelos métodos padrões descritas por Matos. A determinação da atividade antioxidante seguiu o método de varredura do radical livre DPPH. Para a quantificação de flavonoides, seguiu-se a metodologia proposta por Funari e Ferro. Os resultados demonstram que na casca do bálsamo há uma ampla disponibilidade de ferro e de ácido ascórbico. O extrato apresenta taninos, flavonóides, triterpenóides e saponinas. Em relação ao DPPH, o extrato etanólico apresenta boa capacidade antioxidante frente ao radical. Os resultados demonstram o potencial químico, assim como justificam a sua utilização na medicina popular para o tratamento de doenças.

MAXILLOMANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT SURGERY FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA/HYPOPNEA SYNDROME (OSAHS)

Treatment of upper airway occlusion (UAO) during sleep has been re-evaluated because of the observation of the failure of some therapeutic techniques. The different interpretations of the pattern of obstruction in UAO seem to determine the success or failure of surgical treatment. Surgery for maxillomandibular advancement has proved to be the most efficient surgical treatment of OSAHS (excluding tracheostomy), with a high success rate. In order to better understand the procedure of maxillomandibular advancement and to discuss the numerous difficulties pointed out, we present the diagnostic methodology, surgical description, results, complications, and advantages of this procedure. After surgery for maxillomandibular advancement, patients with OSAHS show the absence or a marked reduction of symptoms and improvement of polysonographic indices, with a consequent improvement of quality of life. Thus, this surgery represents an important tool to be used in the treatment of OSAHS.O tratamento da oclusão das vias aéreas superiores (VAS) durante o sono tem merecido reavaliação pela constatação de insucessos de algumas técnicas terapêuticas. As diferentes interpretações dos padrões de obstrução nas VAS parecem determinar o sucesso ou falha do tratamento cirúrgico. A cirurgia de avanço maxilomandibular tem se apresentado como o tratamento cirúrgico mais eficiente para SAHOS (excluindo a traqueostomia), com elevados índices de sucesso. Com o objetivo de melhor compreendermos o procedimento de avanço maxilomandibular, bem como desmistificar as inúmeras dificuldades apontadas, apresentamos a metodologia diagnóstica, descrição cirúrgica, resultados, complicações e vantagens deste procedimento. Os pacientes portadores de SAHOS, depois da cirurgia de avanço maxilomandibular, apresentam ausência ou redução acentuada dos sintomas e melhora dos índices polissonográficos e conseqüente melhora em sua qualidade de vida. Portanto, essa cirurgia apresenta-se como uma importante ferramenta para ser utilizada no tratamento da SAHOS

Prophylactic outcomes of casbane diterpene in Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilms

Biofilms are surface associated communities of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced extracellular matrix and adhered on inert and biotic surfaces. These biological consortia are considered the most prevalent growth form of microorganisms. Biofilm formation is a potent virulence factor for a number of Candida species, as it confers significant tolerance to antimicrobial therapy, primarily by limiting the penetration of substances through the biofilm matrix. Casbane Diterpenes (CD) belongs to the class of diterpenoids isolated from few species of plants from Euphorbiaceae family with important anticancer and antibacterial activities. So, the goal of this study was to assess the antibiofilm effect of a Casbane Diterpene isolated from the stalks of Croton nepetaefolius against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Biofilms were developed within the 96- well microtiterplates in the presence of the CD. After 24 hours of growth, 100 μL of cells suspensions (1 x 106 cells ml-1 in Nutrient Broth) and 100 μL of solution of CD (500 - 31.5 μg/mL) were pipetted into each well and incubated for 24 h at 37ºC in an orbital shaker at 120 rpm. Biofilms formation was characterized by total biomass, through crystal violet (CV), and number of viable cells, expressed as log CFU per cm2. CD showed to be able to reduce the biofilm formation of C. albicans and C. glabrata. CD reduced C. albicans biomass in 82, 64, 57 and 27 % at the concentrations of 500, 250, 125 and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively. C. glabrata biomass was reduced in 68 and 26 % at 500 and 250 μg/mL. Regarding the number of viable cells embedded in the yeast biofilms, CD at 500 and 250 μg/mL reduced 2 and 1 log of C. albicans biofilm CFUs, and 2.5 and 1 log for C. glabrata, respectively. Regarding the high resistance and recalcitrance of Candida biofilms to the traditional therapies, CD emerges as a good prophylactic alternative to be used alone or in combination with other traditional drugs

Prospecção química, atividade antioxidante, anticolinesterásica e antifúngica de extratos etanólicos de espécies de Senna Mill. (Fabaceae)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical profile, total phenol content and the antioxidant, antiacetylcholinesterase and antifungal activities of ethanol extracts from leaves (EEF) and stem (EEC) of five species of Senna, as well as to evaluate the correlation between the content of total phenols with the DPPH free radical scavenging activity and with the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase AChEI enzyme. The phytochemical test showed the presence of secondary metabolites in all extracts. The EEF and EEC of Senna trachypus, stood out for presenting the highest values of total phenols. S. trachypus EEF and EEC showed the best action on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. All species showed antioxidant activity, especially the EEF from S. trachypus. A strong correlation was observed for the variables total phenols and antioxidant activity (r = -0.71), very strong for total phenols and anti-acetylcholinesterase (r = -0.84) and moderate activity for antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (r = 0.43). Only S. trachypus extracts showed activity against all dermatophytes, when compared to the other species. The species S. trachypus was considered the most promising plant for further studies, in order to find compounds with pharmacological actions.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil químico, teor de fenóis totais e as atividades antioxidante, antiacetilcolinesterásica e antifúngica dos extratos etanólicos das folhas (EEF) e do caule (EEC) de cinco espécies de Senna, bem como avaliar a correlação entre o conteúdo de fenóis totais com a atividade sequestradora do radical livre DPPH e com a inibição da enzima acetilcolinesterase AChEI. No teste fitoquímico, evidenciou-se a presença de metabólitos secundários em todos os extratos. Os EEF e EEC de Senna trachypus, destacaram-se por apresentar os maiores valores de fenóis totais. Os EEF e EEC de S. trachypus mostraram a melhor ação sobre a enzima acetilcolinesterase. Todas as espécies apresentaram atividade antioxidante, em especial o EEF de S. trachypus. Foi observado correlação forte para as variáveis fenóis totais e atividade antioxidante (r = -0,71), muito forte para fenóis totais e antiacetilcolinesterase (r = -0,84) e atividade moderada para atividade antioxidante e antiacetilcolinesterase (0,43). Apenas os extratos de S. trachypus apresentaram atividade contra todos os dermatófitos, quando comparado às demais espécies. A espécie S. trachypus foi considerada a planta mais promissora para estudos subsequentes, a fim de encontrar compostos com ações farmacológicas

Chemical composition, cytotoxicity and larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti of essential oils from Vitex gardineriana Schauer

Vitex gardneriana Schauer (Lamiaceae) popularly known as “jaramataia”, is a shrub commonly found in caatinga biome located in Northeast Brazil. In folk medicine, its leaves have been used as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. The chemical composition of the essential oil from leaves obtained by hydrodistillation was analyzed and identified by GC-MS and GC-FID and showing a total of 26 constituents (95.9%) being 2 monoterpenes (0.4%) and 24 sesquiterpenes (95.4%). The main constituents identified were cis-calamenene (29.7%), 6,9-guaiadiene (14.5%) and caryophyllene oxide (14.0%). The essential oil has been demonstrated high larvicidal activity againstAedes aegypti (LC50 = 28.0 μg/mL). In the evaluation of the bioassay with Artemia salina the essential oil showed LC50 = 98.11 μg/mL. Inaddition, the essential oil did not show cytotoxicity (IC50 > 2.50 mg/mL) by the hemolysis assay

COMPOSIÇÃO QUÍMICA E ANÁLISE SENSORIAL DE QUIBE DE CARNE DE COELHO

The consumption of rabbit meat is still very low in Brazil. Thus, so the transformation of meat transformation into a processed meat product, such as kibbeh, can be an alternative to add value and increase the consumption of this food. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, sensory attributes, and acceptability of rabbit meat, in the form of kibbeh, in comparison to kibbeh produced with chicken or pork meat. For the preparation, the kibbehs were made of i) boned and ground rabbit meat; ii) chicken breast; iii) or pork loin; and kibbeh wheat with various spices. The kibbehs were molded and standardized to obtain an approximate weight of 7g. The rabbit meat kibbeh presented better nutritional composition (p<0.05) than the other evaluated kibbehs, with 57.52% moisture; 2.16% lipids; 14.72% protein, 4.37% ash, and 3,768 kcal/kg of mass. For the sensory analysis, the participants were mostly men (60%), with different age ranges and family incomes similar to or less than the minimum wage (34.2%). All the sensory attributes of the rabbit kibbeh showed high acceptability, with values above 79%, with odor and taste being those of greater acceptance (90.0% and 86.7%, respectively). The tasters (75%) demonstrated a strong purchase intention. Thus, it was concluded that rabbit kibbeh has high acceptability and sensory attributes that are attractive to consumers, indicating that this product has high sales potential if inserted in the food market.O consumo de carne de coelho ainda é muito baixo no Brasil. Desta forma, a transformação da carne em um produto cárneo processado, tal como o quibe, pode ser uma alternativa para agregar valor e aumentar o consumo deste alimento. Neste contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a composição química, e os atributos sensoriais e a aceitabilidade da carne de coelho, na forma de quibe, em comparação a quibes produzidos com carne de frango ou suína. Para o preparo dos quibes foi utilizado i) carne desossada e moída de coelho; ii) peito de frango; iii) ou lombo suíno; trigo para quibe e temperos diversos. Os quibes foram moldados e padronizados para obtenção de um peso aproximado de 7g. O quibe de carne de coelho apresentou melhor composição nutricional (p<0,05) em relação aos demais quibes avaliados, com 57,52% de umidade; 2,16% de lipídios; 14,72% de proteína, 4,37% de cinzas e 3.768kcal/kg de massa. Para a análise sensorial, os participantes foram majoritariamente homens (60%) com faixa etária diversificadas e renda familiar igual ou inferior à um salário mínimo (34,2%). Todos os atributos sensoriais do quibe de coelho apresentaram alta aceitabilidade, com valores acima de 79%, sendo odor e sabor aqueles de maior aceitação (90,0% e 86,7%, respectivamente). Os provadores (75%) demonstraram possuir grande intenção de compra do quibe. Desta forma, conclui-se que o quibe de coelho tem alta aceitabilidade e atributos sensoriais atraentes ao consumidor, indicando que este produto possui alto potencial de venda caso seja inserido no mercado alimentício