Reversal of the anticoagulant and anti-hemostatic effect of low molecular weight heparin by direct prothrombin activation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Biological activity of Gomphrena elegans Mart. Var. Elegans (Amaranthaceae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Irradiance stress responses of gas exchange and antioxidant enzyme contents in pariparoba [Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq.] plants

We evaluated the growth and development of the medicinal species Pothomorphe umbellata ( L.) Miq. under different shade levels ( full sun and 30, 50, and 70 % shade, marked as I(100), I(70), I(50), and I(30), respectively) and their effects on gas exchange and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Photosynthetically active radiation varied from 1 254 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) at I(100) to 285 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) at I(30). Stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, and relative chlorophyll (Chl) content were maximal in I(70) plants. Plants grown under I(100) produced leaves with lower Chl content and signs of chlorosis and necrosis. These symptoms indicated Chl degradation induced by the generation of reactive oxygen species. Stress related antioxidant enzyme activities ( Mn-SOD, Fe-SOD, and Cu/Zn-SOD) were highest in I(100) plants, whereas catalase activity was the lowest. Hence P. umbellata is a shade species ( sciophyte), a feature that should be considered in reforestation programs or in field plantings for production of medicinal constituents.

Foraging activity of Trachymyrmex fuscus (hymenoptera: formicidae) in a degraded area

Two Trachymyrmex fuscus nests were observed between 2001 and 2002 in order to analyze the ant's foraging activity and the substrate collected by workers in an area modified by human activity. The analysis of results demonstrated alterations in the diel activity patterns of workers during the several months studied; however, we could not establish direct relations with variations in temperature and relative humidity. The materials transported to grow the symbiotic fungus were, for the most part, recently fallen or dry leaves, flowers, twigs, and seeds. The distances traveled by the ants until the foraging area and their collected material preferences revealed an opportunistic behavior, in which workers use plant parts according to the vegetation's phenology.

Modulatory effect of Byrsonima basiloba extracts on the mutagenicity of certain direct and indirect-acting mutagens in Salmonella typhimurium assays

Byrsonima basiloba A. Juss. species is a native arboreal type from the Brazilian cerrado (tropical American savanna), and the local population uses it to treat diseases, such as diarrhea and gastric ulcer. It belongs to the Malpighiaceae family, and it is commonly known as murici. Considering the popular use of B. basiloba derivatives and the lack of pharmacological potential studies regarding this vegetal species, the mutagenic and antimutagenic effect of methanol (MeOH) and chloroform extracts were evaluated by the Ames test, using strains TA97a, TA98, TA100, and TA102 of Salmonella typhimurium. No mutagenic activity was observed in any of the extracts. To evaluate the antimutagenic potential, direct and indirect mutagenic agents were used: 4 nitro-o-phenylenediamine, sodium azide, mitomycin C, aflatoxin B1, benzo[a]pyrene, and hydrogen peroxide. Both the extracts evaluated showed antimutagenic activity, but the highest value of inhibition level (89%) was obtained with the MeOH extract and strain TA100 in the presence of aflatoxin B1. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of n-alkanes, lupeol, ursolic and oleanolic acid, (+)-catechin, quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside, gallic acid, methyl gallate, amentoflavone, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-β-D- galactopyranoside, and quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-α-L- arabinopyranoside. © 2008 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Bacillus Thuringiensis mutant increase activity against Apodoptera Frugiperda larvae

Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram-positive bacterium which main characteristic is the production of Cry proteins, that is toxic to some insects. These proteins, when ingested by susceptible insects, become active causing their death. In nature, it is possible to found B. thuringiensis strains which produce these proteins, but they differ in productivity (some of these isolates are more productive then others), and as to the toxicity levels of the produced proteins. Two B. thuringiensis strains that were highly effective against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae were chosen to verifying genetic mutation implication on Cry proteins productivity. One strain with a prolific spores production, while the other one only produced small amounts of spores. A genomic mutant library of these two isolates was, separately, constructed by genome Tn-5 transposon random insertion. Data analysis showed that mutation had a direct effect on the spores production, inducing an increase as well as a decrease in the production, according to the different strain observed. These results indicate, for the first time, that it is possible to use the described technique with B. thuringiensis, as well as the possibility to genetically breeding this bacteria. Another possibility introduced here is the possibility to do functional genetic studies mediated by mutagenesis in this bacterium.

Evaluating of the activity antioxidant and fatty acids profile of lychee seeds (Litchi chinensis SONN.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to characterize lychee seeds regarding their centesimal composition, and also to evaluate their antioxidant potential and fatty acid profile. Design/methodology/approach: To obtain the extract, dehydrated and grinded seeds were extracted with ethyl alcohol for 30 min, at a proportion of 1:3 of seeds:ethyl alcohol, under continuous agitation, at room temperature. Afterwards, the mixture was filtered and the supernatant subjected to a rotoevaporator at 40oC aiming to determine, by direct weighing, the extract dry matter yield. Findings: The largest found values went to the total carbohydrates (72.75 percent). In the oil from the lychee seeds there was a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, the main component being linoleic, considered an essential fatty acid. Research limitations/implications: Implies the identification of compounds biativos extracted from seeds of tropical and subtropical fruits, and to prevent certain types of diseases. Originality/value: The article tries to identify new source of phenolic compounds extracted from fruit. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Effects of hydric deficiency on gas exchange parameters and metabolism of Eucalyptus grandis clones

The metabolic effects caused by hydric deficiency (HD) on Eucalyptus grandis clones were assessed by an experiment where plants were cultivated in four blocks. The first was the control block, normally irrigated, whereas the other three blocks were submitted to cycles of hydric deficiency. Analysis of photosynthetic efficiency, enzymatic activity of antioxidant response system, level of pigments and L-proline concentration were performed to evaluate the HD effects. Results showed that HD altered some parameters related to photosynthetic activity, pigments accumulation, proline and enzymatic activity. Clone 433 of E. grandis presented higher response ability to HD.

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) and sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.): Antioxidant activity, fatty acids profile and determination of tocopherols

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the soursop and sugar apple seeds as to its composition, to evaluate the antioxidant potential of seeds extract and characterize the oil extracted from them, regarding the fatty acids profile and content of tocopherols. Design/methodology/approach: To obtain the extracts, dried and crushed seeds were extracted with ethanol for 30 minutes, at a ratio of 1:3 (m/m, seed: ethyl alcohol) under continuous stirring at room temperature. Then, the mixture was filtered and the supernatants subjected to rotoevaporator at 40°C aiming to determine, by direct weighing, the yields of dry extracts. Findings: According to the results, the soursop and sugar apple seeds constituted significant sources of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and can therefore be used in food and feed, and offer relevant antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds. The oil seeds are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic and linoleic acids and they have significant amounts of total tocopherol. Research limitations/implications: Implications are the identification of bioactive compounds extracted from seeds of tropical and subtropical fruits, and to prevent certain types of diseases. Practical implications: The information presented might be directly used for developing of functional foods such as fruits. Originality/value: The article tries to identify new source of compounds extracted from fruits. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Evaluation of estrogenic, antiestrogenic and genotoxic activity of nemorosone, the major compound found in brown Cuban propolis

Background: Brown propolis is the major type of propolis found in Cuba; its principal component is nemorosone, the major constituent of Clusia rosea floral resins. Nemorosone has received increasing attention due to its strong in vitro anti-cancer action. The citotoxicity of nemorosone in several human cancer cell lines has been reported and correlated to the direct action it has on the estrogen receptor (ER). Breast cancer can be treated with agents that target estrogen-mediated signaling, such as antiestrogens. Phytoestrogen can mimic or modulate the actions of endogenous estrogens and the treatment of breast cancer with phytoestrogens may be a valid strategy, since they have shown anti-cancer activity.Methods: The aim of the present investigation was to assess the capacity of nemorosone to interact with ERs, by Recombinant Yeast Assay (RYA) and E-screen assays, and to determine by comet assay, if the compound causes DNA-damaging in tumoral and non-tumoral breast cells.Results: Nemorosone did not present estrogenic activity, however, it inhibited the 17-β-estradiol (E2) action when either of both methods was used, showing their antiestrogenicity. The DNA damage induced by the benzophenone in cancer and normal breast cells presented negative results.Conclusion: These findings suggest that nemorosone may have therapeutic application in the treatment of breast cancer. © 2013 Camargo et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Antibiofilm activity, pH and solubility of endodontic sealers

Aim: To evaluate antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis, pH and solubility of AH Plus, Sealer 26, Epiphany SE, Sealapex, Activ GP, MTA Fillapex (MTA-F) and an experimental MTA-based Sealer (MTA-S). Methodology: Sealer samples were manipulated and stored for 2 or 7 days. Prepared sealers were evaluated by a modified direct contact test (DCT) for 5 h, 10 h or 15 h with biofilm previously induced on bovine dentine for 14 days. In the control group, the biofilm was not exposed to the sealers. The number of colony-forming units (CFU mL-1) in the remaining biofilm was determined. Sealer solubility was assessed by the percentage of mass loss after 15 h of immersion in distilled water. Sealer pH was measured at 5 h, 10 h and 15 h. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn or anova and Tamhane's T2 tests, at 5% significance. Results: At 2 days post-manipulation, the DCT showed that Sealapex and MTA-F were associated with a reduction in the number of bacteria in all 3 contact periods evaluated, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). At 7 days, Sealapex had the greatest antibiofilm action at 10 h and 15 h. Sealapex had the highest pH values 2 and 7 days post-manipulation. Regarding the solubility, at 2 days the highest values were observed for MTA-F, MTA-S, Sealapex and Activ GP (P < 0.05). At 7 days, MTA-S and MTA-F had greater solubility than the other materials (P < 0.05). AH Plus had the lowest solubility for both post-manipulation periods (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sealapex and MTA-F were associated with a reduction in the number of bacteria in biofilms and had greater solubility. The high solubility and pH may be related to the antibacterial activity of these materials. © 2012 International Endodontic Journal.

Atividade de acaricidas sobre o Ácaro-da-leprose, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) e sobre artrópodes benéficos na cultura dos citros

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estudos estruturais por dinâmica molecular do peptídeo Polybia-MPI via Replica Exchange

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Differences in the hydroxylation pattern of flavonoids alter their chemoprotective effect against direct- and indirect-acting mutagens

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Electrochemical Properties of the Oxo-Manganese-Phenanthroline Complex Immobilized on Ion-Exchange Polymeric Film and Its Application as Biomimetic Sensor for Sulfite Ions

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)