Anti-atherogenic properties associated with the antioxidant activity from the hydrophilic extracts of Halimeda incrassata (Chlorophyta, Bryopsidales)

Seaweeds are a source of natural antioxidants having potential application in oxidative stress and associated diseases. In this work, anti-atherogenic properties associated with the antioxidant activity from the hydrophilic extracts of Halimeda incrassata were studied. The phenolic content assessed inthe aqueous extract and fraction phenolic acids (FPA) was 0.13 ± 0.05 and 0.47 ± 0.09 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry seaweed, respectively. In DPPH?, radical scavenging assay fractions exhibited a dependent concentration. The seaweeds extract inhibited the desoxirribose oxidation in the presenceor absence of EDTA (IC50 = 1.91± 0.09 mg/mL) (IC50 = 2.95 ± 0.01 mg/mL). In vivo antioxidant properties of FPA-H.incrassata were investigated in rats with a CCl4-induced liver injury. Pre-treatment with H.incrassata led to approximately 50% reductions in liver TBARS levels. The treatment with H. incrassataFPA also increased the activity of the CAT enzyme, which in turn resulted in an enhanced antioxidantdefense. The expression of Catalase by PCR-RT technique demonstrated a higher gene expression when compared with that which was observed in the CCl 4-treated group. Antiatherogenic properties were studied in the inhibition of lipoprotein oxidation mediated by Cu2+ or HRP/H2O2, free radicalscavenging, and metal ion chelation, and it was dose dependent with a higher concentration needed for the aqueous extract than for the FPA fraction. Antioxidant activity was also improved in macrophages as evaluated in the cell supernatant (by TBARS formation); and by luminol enhanced chemiluminescence after cell activation with zymosan; and a degree of cell lipoperoxidation wasdecreased by the Halimeda incrassata extract. The results of this work add to the antioxidant potential of the seaweed for its application in oxidative stress associated conditions.Fil: Vidal-Novoa, Alexis. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: Costa-Mugica, Ariadna. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: Zulueta Díaz, Yenisleidy de Las Mercedes. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; Cuba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Diaz-Gutierrez, Daylín. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: de Oliveira e Silva, Ana, Mara. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Vazquez, Ana María. Center For Molecular Inmunology; CubaFil: Claudina, Zaldívar-Munoz. Universidad de la Habana. Facultad de Biología; CubaFil: Dalva, Assuncao Portari de Mancini. Institute Butantan Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Mancini-Filho, Jorge. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

Sustainable multifunctional phenolic lipids as potential therapeutics in Dentistry

Phenolic lipids components of the cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) have molecular structures capable of chemical signalling that regulate gene expression, metabolism and inflammation. This study sets out to assess how CNSL derivatives impact oral bacteria, from an antibacterial and anti-collagenolytic perspective, as well as its biocompatibility with dental pulp stem cells. Two hemi-synthetic saturated CNSL derivative compounds were selected (LDT11-Anacardic Acids-derivative and LDT409-cardanol-derivative). Bacteriostatic activity was tested against Streptococcus mutans and Veillonella parvula. Antimicrobial capacity against preformed S. mutans biofilms was investigated using a collagen-coated Calgary Biofilm Device and confocal microscopy. Clostridium histolyticum, P. gingivalis and S. mutans biofilms were used to assess anti-collagenolytic activity. Biocompatibility with human dental pulp stromal cells (HDPSCs) was investigated (MTT for viability proportion, LDH assays for cell death rate). LDTs inhibited the bacterial growth, as well as partially inhibited bacterial collagenases in concentrations higher than 5 μg/mL. Dose–response rates of biofilm cell death was observed (LDT11 at 20, 50, 100 μg/mL = 1.0 ± 0.4, 0.7 ± 0.3, 0.6 ± 0.03, respectively). Maximum cytotoxicity was 30%. After 1 week, LDT409 had no HDPSCs death. HDPSCs viability was decreased after 24 h of treatment with LDT11 and LDT409, but recovered at 72 h and showed a massive increase in viability and proliferation after 1 week. LDTs treatment was associated with odontoblast-like morphology. In conclusion, LDT11 multifunctionality and biocompatibility, stimulating dental pulp stem cells proliferation and differentiation, indicates a potential as a bio-based dental material for regenerative Dentistry. Its potential as a bacterial collagenases inhibitor to reduce collagen degradation in root/dentinal caries can be further explored

Gardens and Tourism for and beyond economic profit

Gardens and Tourism for and beyond economic profit é o segundo volume da Collection of Gardens and Landscape Studies, coordenada por Ana Duarte Rodrigues. Conta com textos de Alexandra Gago da Câmara, Ana Duarte Rodrigues, António Lamas, Antonio Perla de las Parras, Celso Mangucci, Desidério Batista, Filipe Benjamim, Ignacio Rodriguez Somovilla, Jean-Paul Brigand, Maria Isabel Donas Botto, Nuno Oliveira, Paulo Carvalho, Susana Silva e Victoria Soto Caba. Assumindo uma perspectiva multidisciplinar das áreas da história da arte, arquitectura paisagista, literatura e geografia, e reunindo académicos e profissionais que operam na área do Garden Tourism, este livro constitui um trabalho inaugural nos estudos de jardins e paisagem. Certamente que constitui um balanço baseado em casos de estudo das potencialidades do turismo de jardins em Portugal, mas também aponta caminhos e hipóteses de trabalho num futuro próximo. Constitui um convite a que todos os interessados na preservação e promoção deste património se unam para criar as ferramentas necessárias à sua dinamização e salvaguarda para o futuro

‘People lie’: overcoming obstacles to incorporate social science research to biodiversity conservation

Mesmo com o reconhecimento da importância da interdisciplinaridade na conservação da biodiversidade, ainda há resistência em incorporar a pesquisa em ciências sociais (PCS) ao pensamento e à prática conservacionista. As razões para tal resistência podem ser resumidas em três afirmações gerais ainda comumente atribuídas à PCS: 'tem pouca utilidade' e 'menos rigor metodológico' quando comparada à pesquisa em ciências naturais e, sobretudo, é pouco confiável porque 'as pessoas mentem'. Neste ensaio, desenvolvido a partir da experiência dos participantes de uma comunidade de prática, formada por profissionais de diversas áreas e setores relacionados à conservação, e das discussões geradas nesse espaço de aprendizado coletivo, abordamos as limitações e os equívocos por trás das afirmações acima. A PCS não é menos útil na conservação e nem tem menos rigor metodológico do que a pesquisa em ciências naturais, e quando as pessoas mentem para o pesquisador o problema não está na pesquisa em si, mas na relação entre sujeito e pesquisador. Argumentamos que à medida que os conservacionistas se familiarizam com a PCS e que os princípios de equidade e justiça são incorporados aos valores e objetivos da conservação, a importância e necessidade da PCS na conservação tornam-se óbvias, e a falta de confiança entre pesquisador e sujeitos deixa de ser uma preocupação significativa. Capacitar, integrar e apoiar são nossas recomendações básicas para pesquisadores, educadores, gestores e tomadores de decisão nas áreas de conservação, ensino, publicação e financiamento, para que a PCS cumpra plenamente seu papel na conservação.Despite the acknowledged importance of interdisciplinarity in biodiversity conservation, there is still resistance to incorporate social science research (SSR) to both conservationist thinking and practice. The reasons for such a resistance can be summarized in three general statements still commonly attributed to SSR, namely: it is of 'little use' and it has 'less methodological rigor' than research in the natural sciences and, above all, it is unreliable because 'people lie'. The current essay was developed based on the experience of participants of a community of practice (formed by professionals from different fields and sectors  associated with conservation), as well as on discussions held in this space of collective learning. It addresses the limitations and misconceptions behind the aforementioned statements. SSR is not less useful in conservation and not less methodologically rigorous than research conducted in the natural sciences. When researchers are lied to, the problem does not lie on the research itself, but on the subject-researcher relationship. We herein argue that as conservationists become more familiar with SSR, and as principles like equity and justice are incorporated to conservation values and goals, both the importance and need of SSR in conservation become obvious, making the lack of trust between researcher and subjects no longer a significant concern. Increasing capacity, integrating and supporting are our basic recommendations for researchers, educators, managers and decision-makers in the conservation, teaching, publishing and funding fields, so that SSR can fully fulfill its role in conservation

Concepções de agricultores ecológicos do Paraná sobre alimentação saudável.

OBJETIVO: Descrever as concepções de agricultores ecológicos sobre alimentação saudável. MÉTODOS: Estudo com abordagem qualitativa. Entre janeiro e fevereiro de 2007, foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade com o apoio de um roteiro com 11 mulheres e um homem residentes em comunidade agrícola de Rio Branco do Sul, PR, selecionados aleatoriamente dentre as 20 famílias de agricultores ecológicos desse município. RESULTADOS: Três categorias de análise foram identificadas: "tomada de consciência da alimentação saudável", "capacidade de compra" e "terra saudável". O significado da alimentação saudável para as mulheres agricultoras envolve a ideia de que os alimentos devem ser naturais, sem agrotóxicos nem produtos químicos industrializados. Cotidianamente o consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes somado ao básico feijão, arroz e carne deve ser abundante e a composição do prato deve visar à prevenção de obesidade e doenças crônico-degenerativas. O cuidado com os recursos naturais para garantir a produção de alimentos saudáveis, a segurança alimentar, a sustentabilidade do meio ambiente e a vida futura do planeta integram o conceito de alimentação saudável. CONCLUSÕES: O conhecimento, a autocrítica e o discernimento acompanharam as concepções em relação à alimentação saudável

Prebiotic effects of olive pomace powders in the gut: In vitro evaluation of the inhibition of adhesion of pathogens, prebiotic and antioxidant effects

Supplementary data related to this article can be found at https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2020.106312Olive pomace is a biowaste rich in polyphenols and insoluble dietary fibre with high potential to develop new value chains towards a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. Regarding gut health, olive pomace phenolics and insoluble dietary fibre (after possible fermentation) could act as antioxidants, antimicrobial and prebiotic agents. These potential beneficial effects on the gut were analysed for two powders from olive pomace: liquid-enriched powder (LOPP) - mostly source of phenolics - and pulp-enriched powder (POPP) - main source of insoluble dietary fibre. LOPP and POPP were subjected to an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion followed by in vitro faecal fermentation. The undigested fraction retained in the colon was analysed regarding its potential antioxidant, antimicrobial and prebiotic effects. LOPP and POPP did not impact the gut microbiota diversity negatively, showing a similar ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes compared to a positive control (FOS). LOPP exhibit a positive (similar to FOS) effect on the Prevotella spp./Bacteroides spp. ratio. Both powders also promoted more the production of short-chain fatty acids (mainly acetate?>?butyrate?>?propionate) than FOS. Both powders showed also significant total phenolic content and oxygen radical absorbance capacity during faecal fermentation until 48?h. Besides that, these powders showed mucin-adhesion inhibition ability against pathogens, principally POPP against Bacillus cereus (22.03?±?2.45%) and Listeria monocytogenes (20.01?±?1.93%). This study demonstrates that olive pomace powders have prebiotic effects on microbiota, including the stimulation of short-chain fatty acids production, potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activity which could improve human gut health.Tˆania I. B. Ribeiro thanks the FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal and Association BLC3 – Technology and Innovation Campus, Centre Bio R&D Unit for the PhD Grant SFRH/BDE/108271/2015. This work was supported by National Funds from FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal through the project MULTI-BIOREFINERY - SAICTPAC/0040/2015 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER- 016403). We would also like to thank the scientific collaboration under the FCT project UID/Multi/50016/2019.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Fungal Cell Wall : Structure, Biosynthesis, and Function

N.G. is funded by the Wellcome Trust via a senior investigator award and a strategic award and by the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. C.M. acknowledges the support of the Wellcome Trust and the MRC. N.G. and C.M. are part of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. J.P.L. acknowledges support from ANR, Aviesan, and FRM.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Aves da Reserva Biológica do Gurupi: implementação de protocolo avançado de monitoramento e atualizações:

The advanced protocol for monitoring bird communities, which is part of the National Biodiversity Monitoring Program – Programa Monitora, began in 2017 at Gurupi Biological Reserve (REBIO do Gurupi), chosen due to its different forest succession stages and landscape context in which it is inserted. The results presented are partial and were obtained through six campaigns carried out between 2017-2023 in the application of the protocol and opportunistically. Accounting 414 species recorded, with Cercomacra cinerascens being the most abundant. In addition, recording three new species for the state of Maranhão, Agamia agami (first documented record for the state), Forpus passerinus and Leucopternis melanops. When the data is compiled with the Reserve's first bird inventory, the richness increases to 503 species, thus creating a greater richness of birds within Belem area of endemism (BAE). Of this total, 29 taxa are categorized as threatened (e.g.: Crax fasciolata pinima and Psophia obscura) and 18 are endemic to BAE. These results were also developed to update the ornithological scenario of the Amazon forest in Maranhão, which now has 583 species. In this way, the information generated here demonstrates the relevance and effectiveness of REBIO for bird conservation in Maranhão and BAE. Therefore, we recommend the continuity and expansion of Monitora program.– El protocolo avanzado de monitoreo de comunidades de aves, que forma parte del Programa Nacional de Monitoreo de la Biodiversidad - Programa Monitora, se inició en 2017 en la Reserva Biológica de Gurupí (REBIO de Gurupí), escogida por el contexto de degradación en el que se encuentra. Los resultados presentados aquí son parciales y fueron obtenidos a lo largo de seis campañas realizadas entre 2017 y 2023, en la aplicación del protocolo y oportunistamente. Se registraron 414 especies, siendo Cercomacra cinerascens la más abundante. Además, el monitoreo contribuyó con tres nuevas especies para el estado de Maranhão, Agamia agami (primer registro documentado para el estado), Forpus passerinus y Leucopternis melanops. Cuando se reúnen los datos con el primer inventario de aves de la Reserva de Gurupí, la riqueza aumenta a 503 especies, convirtiéndose así en la mayor riqueza de aves dentro del área de endemismo Belém (AEB). De este total, 29 taxones están categorizados como amenazados (por ejemplo: Crax fasciolata pinima y Psophia obscura) y 18 son endémicos de la AEB. Estos resultados también contribuyeron para la actualización del escenario ornitológico de la Amazonia de Maranhão, que ahora cuenta con 583 especies registradas. De esta manera, la información aquí generada demuestra la relevancia y efectividad de la REBIO de Gurupí para la conservación de las aves en Maranhão y la AEB, y la importancia del Programa Monitora, por lo que se recomienda su continuidad y ampliación.O protocolo avançado de monitoramento de comunidades de aves, que faz parte do Programa Nacional de Monitoramento da Biodiversidade – Programa Monitora, teve início em 2017 na Reserva Biológica do Gurupi (REBIO do Gurupi), escolhida devido ao contexto de degradação em que está inserida. Os resultados aqui apresentados foram obtidos ao longo de seis campanhas realizadas entre 2017–2023 na aplicação do protocolo e oportunisticamente. Foram registradas 414 espécies, sendo Cercomacra cinerascens a mais abundante. O monitoramento contribuiu com três espécies novas para o estado do Maranhão, Agamia agami (primeiro registro documentado para o estado), Forpus passerinus e Leucopternis melanops. Quando compilados os dados com o primeiro inventário de aves da REBIO do Gurupi, a riqueza aumentou para 503 espécies, passando a ser assim a área com a maior riqueza de aves dentro da área de endemismo de Belém (AEB). Desse total, 29 taxa estão ameaçados de extinção (e.g. Crax fasciolata pinima e Psophia obscura) e 18 são endêmicas da AEB. Esses resultados também contribuíram para atualização do cenário ornitológico da Amazônia Maranhense, que agora conta com 583 espécies. Dessa forma, as informações aqui geradas indicam a relevância e efetividade da REBIO do Gurupi para a conservação de aves no Maranhão e na AEB, e a importância do Programa Monitora, sendo assim recomendada sua continuidade e expansão