Dermatite pustular bacteriana em Python molurus

Descrição de um caso clínico de dermatite pustular numa cobra pito

Anti-mycobacterial activity of labdane and halimane diterpenes obtained from Plectranthus ornatus Codd

Biomedical and biopharmaceutical research : jornal de investigação biomédica e biofarmacêuticaOs produtos naturais são uma fonte única de compostos-tipofpara o desenvolvimento de fármacos em química medicinal. Vários diterpenos das espécies Plectranthus foram referidos com actividade tuberculostática interessante, sendo que o P. omatus Codd. é usado como anti-infeccioso em algumas regiões do Brasil. Em trabalhos anteriores, um diterpeno de esqueleto de halimano outro labdano foram isolados a partir de P. ornatus Codd. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se preliminarmente a sua actividade micobacteriana com uma estirpe não virulenta de Mycobacterium smegmatis. A citotoxicidade dos compostos foi testada medindo a libertação de lactato desidrogenase (LDH) não sendo encontrados efeitos citotóxicos consideráveis até 25 ug/mL. Posteriormente, o método de microdiluição foi utilizado para determinar a concentração mínima inibitória (CMI) de M. smegmatis. A CMI>99% para o esqueleto de halimano foi 100 ug/mL e >100 ug/mL para o esqueleto de labdano. De acordo com o nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo usando diterpenos de esqueleto de halimano e de labdano isolados a partir de P. omatus em ensaios de citotoxicidade em macrófagos, e num ensaio preliminar sobre a sua atividade anti-micobacteriana. Estudos futuros são sugeridos na estirpe virulenta de M. tugerculosis, particularmente para os diterpenos de esqueleto de halimano.Plectranthus spp. have been reported to have interesting tuberculostatic activity and P. ornatus Codd. has been used in some regions of Brazil as an anti-infective. Previously, diterpenes with halimane and labdane skeletons were isolated in large quantities from P. ornatus Codd. We assessed the anti-mycobacterial activity of these compounds, performing a preliminar assay with the non-virulent strain Mycobacterium smegmatis. The cytotoxicity of the diterpenes with halimane and labdane skeletons was tested with the lactate dehydrogenase assay, where no considerable cytotoxic effects were found up to 25 μg.mL-1. Subsequently, the microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against M. smegmatis. The MIC that inhibited the growth of the non-virulent mycobacteria by ≥99% was 100 μg.mL-1 for the diterpene with halimane skeleton, whereas for the diterpene with a labdane skeleton was >100 μg.mL-1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on diterpenes with halimane and labdane skeletons isolated from P. ornatus in macrophages cytotoxicity, and in a preliminar assay for anti-mycobacterial activity. Further studies are suggested on M. tuberculosis, particularly for the diterpenes with halimane skeleton

In vitro assessment of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of Saccharin-Tetrazolyl and-Thiadiazolyl derivatives: the simple dependence of the pH value on antimicrobial activity

The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of a series of saccharin-tetrazolyl and -thiadiazolyl analogs were examined. The assessment of the antimicrobial properties of the referred-to molecules was completed through an evaluation of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. Scrutiny of the MIC and MBC values of the compounds at pH 4.0, 7.0, and 9.0 against four Gram-positive strains revealed high values for both the MIC and MBC at pH 4.0 (ranging from 0.98 to 125 µg/mL) and moderate values at pH 7.0 and 9.0, exposing strong antimicrobial activities in an acidic medium. An antioxidant activity analysis of the molecules was performed by using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method, which showed high activity for the TSMT (N-(1-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-N-(1,1-dioxo-1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl) amine, 7) derivative (90.29% compared to a butylated hydroxytoluene positive control of 61.96%). Besides, the general toxicity of the saccharin analogs was evaluated in an Artemia salina model, which displayed insignificant toxicity values. In turn, upon an assessment of cell viability, all of the compounds were found to be nontoxic in range concentrations of 0-100 µg/mL in H7PX glioma cells. The tested molecules have inspiring antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that represent potential core structures in the design of new drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases.Funding Agency Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology UID/QUI/00100/2019 UID/MULTI/04326/2019 -CCMAR Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology SFRH/BPD/99851/2014 IST-ID/115/2018info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of the conservation procedure on the contents of phenolic compounds and organic acids in Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) Mushroom

To check the influence of the conservation procedure in the chemical composition of chanterelle mushroom, phenolic compounds and organic acids of samples preserved under four different conditions (drying, freezing, conservation in olive oil and in vinegar) were determined. Phenolics and organic acids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-UV, respectively. The results showed that chanterelle is characterized by the presence of six phenolic compounds (3-, 4-, and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rutin) and five organic acids (citric, ascorbic, malic, shikimic, and fumaric acids). Samples preserved in olive oil also exhibited hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, luteolin, and apigenin, whereas conservation in vinegar led to the detection of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and tartaric acid in the analyzed samples. The conservation procedures to which chanterelle samples were subjected seem to affect the qualitative and quantitative phenolics and organic acids profiles

Screening the dermatological potential of Plectranthus species components: antioxidant and inhibitory capacities over elastase, collagenase and tyrosinase

A series of Plectranthus spp. plant extracts (aqueous, acetonic, methanolic and ethyl acetic) obtained from eight different species, and previously isolated compounds (ranging from polyphenols, diterpenes and triterpenes), were assayed for in vitro inhibition of the skin-related enzymes tyrosinase, collagenase and elastase, and for studying their antioxidant properties. The ethyl acetic extracts of P. grandidentatus and P. ecklonii registered the highest antioxidant activity, whereas acetonic, methanolic and ethyl acetic extracts of P. ecklonii, P. grandidentatus, P. madagascariensis and P. saccatus concerning the enzymatic inhibition assays revealed high anti-tyrosinase and anti-collagenase activities. From the isolated compounds tested, abietane diterpenes and triterpenes were highly active against tyrosinase and elastase activity. Overall, the experimental results showed the powerful antioxidant and inhibitory action on skin-related enzymes tyrosinase, collagenase and elastase of Plectranthus spp. extracts and/or isolated compounds, supporting their further research as bioactive metabolites against skin sagging and hyperpigmentation in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

The psychological impact of restorative justice practices on victims of crimes—a systematic review

Background: Restorative justice emerges as a theoretical-practical approach to the criminal legal system, in which the reparation of damage of the victim is a central point. However, the growing empirical production referring to the effects of this approach on victims is sometimes shown to be weakened or dispersed, focusing mainly on their satisfaction. Objective: The present work intended to systematically evaluate the empirical production of the restorative justice field, to aggregate and examine information in the literature regarding the psychological impacts on victims who participated in restorative practices. Methods: A search was made using electronic databases to identify quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies, published between January 2000 and December 2020 that reported psychological impacts on real victims of crimes, who participated in mediations/ conferences victim–offender. Results: 35 studies were identified as focusing on the psychological impacts on victims resulting from restorative practices. These studies have shown effects on post-traumatic symptomatology, on the emotions and emotional needs resulted from victimization, as well as on the victims’ perceptions of their offenders. Conclusions: The present research showed that restorative justice practices have a positive psychological impact on victims, who are frequently forgotten in conventional justice, and that some of these impacts persist over time.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Synergistic Effects of Ocean Warming and Cyanide Poisoning in an Ornamental Tropical Reef Fish

UIDP/50017/2020 UIDB/50017/2020 UID/MAR/04292/2019 SFRH/BPD/117491/2016 SFRH/BPD/115298/2016 SFRH/BPD/99819/2014 PD/BD/52568/2014An array of anthropogenic pressures is affecting tropical ecosystems, posing major conservation challenges for scientists, stakeholders and populations. Illegal cyanide fishing is one of the major threats to Indo-Pacific coral reefs, targeting a multitude of colorful species for the marine aquarium trade as well as large-sized groupers and wrasses for the food fish trade. Ultimately, the continued use of this destructive practice as oceans warm may overload tropical ecosystems and result in irreversible ecological damage. Here we show that the impact of cyanide poisoning in an ornamental tropical marine fish is magnified under increased temperatures. A sole pulse exposure of 60 s to 50 mg L–1 of cyanide under current temperature (26°C) caused substantial mortality (50–100%) in eight species of Pomacentridae. The clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris was the most resistant, especially medium-sized fish [average total length and weight of 38 mm and 1.12 g; LC50 (95% CI) = 50.00 (46.76 − 53.24) mg L–1] that showed shorter recovery times and higher survival rates (%) when compared to small-sized ones [average total length and weight of 25 mm and 0.30 g; LC50 (95% CI) = 28.45 (20.17 − 36.72) mg L–1]. However, when the most resistant size-class was concomitantly exposed to a sub-lethal dosage of cyanide (25 mg L–1 instead of 50 mg L–1) and ocean warming scenarios for 2100 (+3°C and heat wave +6°C), survival rates (%) decreased to 60 and 20%, respectively, and recovery times increased in the worst case scenario. Mortality outbreaks, as well as vulnerability to predation, will likely expand in fish inhabiting coral reefs exposed to cyanide fishing unless stronger conservation measures are taken in tropical reefs to limit this destructive practice now and in the oceans of tomorrow.publishersversionpublishe

Dopamine up-regulates Th17 phenotype from individuals with generalized anxiety disorder

AbstractOur objective was to evaluate the effect of stress-related dose of dopamine (DA) on the in vitro proliferation and cytokine production in polyclonally-activated T cells from healthy individuals or individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Our results demonstrated that cell cultures from GAD group proliferated less following T cell activation, as compared with control group. The addition of DA reduced the proliferative response in cell cultures from healthy but not from GAD individuals. The cytokine profile in GAD individuals revealed Th1 and Th2 deficiencies associated with a dominant Th17 phenotype, which was enhanced by DA. A similar DA-induced immunomodulation was also observed in PPD-activated cell cultures from GAD individuals. Unlike the control, DA-enhanced Th17 cytokine production in GAD individuals was not affected by glucocorticoid. In conclusion, our results show that the T cell functional dysregulation in GAD individuals is significantly amplified by DA. These immune abnormalities can have impact in increasing the susceptibility of individuals with anxiety disorders to infectious diseases and inflammatory/autoimmune disorders

Acetylcholinesterase Choline-Based Ionic Liquid Inhibitors: In Vitro and in Silico Molecular Docking Studies

COMPETE Programme: SAICTPAC/0019/2015 IF/00780/2015 Project no. 022161Monocationic and dicationic cholinium ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesized and evaluated as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors with in vitro and in silico models, and their cytotoxicity was assessed using human cell lines from skin (CRL-1502) and colon cancer (CaCo-2). The ILs with a longer alkyl chain were stronger AChE inhibitors, the dicationic ILs (DILs) being more active than the monocationic ILs. The best result was obtained for [N1,1,12,2(OH)]2Br2 at a concentration of 0.18 μM by reducing half enzyme activity without affecting the viability of tested cell lines. A saturation-transfer difference NMR (STD-NMR) binding study was carried out, demonstrating that [N1,1,12,2(OH)]2Br2 binds to AChE. STD-NMR competition binding experiments, using galanthamine as a reference ligand, clearly highlight that the IL displaces galanthamine in the AChE binding site pinpointing [N1,1,12,2(OH)]2Br2 inside the deep gorge of AChE. In order to obtain a three-dimensional (3D) view of the molecular recognition process, in silico molecular docking studies on the active site of AChE were carried out. The proposed 3D model of the AChE/DIL complex is in agreement with the STD-derived epitope mapping, which explains the competition with galanthamine and unveils key interactions in both peripheral and catalytic sites of AChE. These interactions seem essential to govern the recognition of DILs by the AChE enzyme. Our study provides a structural and functional platform that can be used for the rational design of choline-based ILs as potent AChE inhibitors.publishersversionpublishe

Population wide testing pooling strategy for SARS-CoV-2 detection using saliva

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced frequent testing of populations. It is necessary to identify the most cost-effective strategies for the detection of COVID-19 outbreaks. Nasopharyngeal samples have been used for SARS-CoV-2 detection but require a healthcare professional to collect the sample and cause discomfort and pain to the individual. Saliva has been suggested as an appropriate fluid for the diagnosis of COVID-19. We have investigated the possibility of using pools of saliva samples to detect SARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Two hundred and seventy-nine saliva samples were analyzed through RT-PCR of Envelope, Nucleocapsid and Open Reading Frame 1ab genes. Reproducibility assays showed an almost perfect agreement as well as high sensitivity (96.6%), specificity (96.8%), positive predicted value (96.6%), and negative predicted value (96.8%). The average Cycle Threshold of the genes detected was 29.7. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected when comparing the cycle threshold average of two consecutive reactions on the same positive saliva samples. Saliva samples have a higher median viral load (32.6) than in nasopharyngeal samples (28.9), although no significant differences were detected (p > 0.05). Saliva-pool samples allowed effective SARS-CoV-2 screening, with a higher sensibility (96.9%) on 10-sample pools than in 20-sample pools (87.5%). Regardless of pools size specificity was high (99.9%) and an almost perfect agreement was observed. Our strategy was successfully applied in population wide testing of more than 2000 individuals, showing that it is possible to use pooled saliva as diagnostic fluid for SARS-CoV-2 infection.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio