Anti-flagellin antibody responses elicited in mice orally immunized with attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium vaccine strains

In the present study we investigated the flagellin-specific serum (IgG) and fecal (IgA) antibody responses elicited in BALB/c mice immunized with isogenic mutant derivatives of the attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) SL3261 strain expressing phase 1 (FliCi), phase 2 (FljB), or no endogenous flagellin. The data reported here indicate that mice orally immunized with recombinant S. Typhimurium strains do not mount significant systemic or secreted antibody responses to FliCi, FljB or heterologous B-cell epitopes genetically fused to FliCi. These findings are particularly relevant for those interested in the use of flagellins as molecular carriers of heterologous antigens vectored by attenuated S. Typhimurium strains.

Biological activity of neosergeolide and isobrucein B (and two semi-synthetic derivatives) isolated from the Amazonian medicinal plant Picrolemma sprucei (Simaroubaceae)

In the present study, in vitro techniques were used to investigate a range of biological activities of known natural quassinoids isobrucein B (1) and neosergeolide (2), known semi-synthetic derivative 1,12-diacetylisobrucein B (3), and a new semi-synthetic derivative, 12-acetylneosergeolide (4). These compounds were evaluated for general toxicity toward the brine shrimp species Artemia franciscana, cytotoxicity toward human tumour cells, larvicidal activity toward the dengue fever mosquito vector Aedes aegypti, haemolytic activity in mouse erythrocytes and antimalarial activity against the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited the greatest cytotoxicity against all the tumor cells tested (IC50 = 5-27 µg/L) and against multidrug-resistant P. falciparum K1 strain (IC50 = 1.0-4.0 g/L) and 3 was only cytotoxic toward the leukaemia HL-60 strain (IC50 = 11.8 µg/L). Quassinoids 1 and 2 (LC50 = 3.2-4.4 mg/L) displayed greater lethality than derivative 4 (LC50 = 75.0 mg/L) toward A. aegypti larvae, while derivative 3 was inactive. These results suggest a novel application for these natural quassinoids as larvicides. The toxicity toward A. franciscana could be correlated with the activity in several biological models, a finding that is in agreement with the literature. Importantly, none of the studied compounds exhibited in vitro haemolytic activity, suggesting specificity of the observed cytotoxic effects. This study reveals the biological potential of quassinoids 1 and 2 and to a lesser extent their semi-synthetic derivatives for their in vitro antimalarial and cytotoxic activities.

Mineralogia, micromorfologia e gênese de solos planossólicos do Sertão do Araripe, estado de Pernambuco

Neste trabalho, objetivou-se realizar a caracterização mineralógica e micromorfológica de solos planossólicos do Sertão do Araripe, estado de Pernambuco, visando proporcionar melhor entendimento de suas propriedades e dos processos envolvidos em sua gênese. Tais solos foram, até então, pouco estudados e se caracterizam pela ocorrência de um horizonte B plânico subjacente a um horizonte B textural, plíntico ou não. No município de Ouricuri, foram selecionados três perfis representativos destes solos, classificados como: Plintossolo Argilúvico eutrófico planossólico sódico (perfil 1); Argissolo Amarelo eutrófico planossólico solódico (perfil 2) e Argissolo Amarelo eutrófico plíntico planossólico sódico (perfil 3). A mineralogia das frações calhau e cascalho foi determinada macroscopicamente, enquanto a da areia, por lupa binocular. As frações silte e argila foram analisadas por difratometria de raios X. As descrições micromorfológicas foram realizadas em seções delgadas de amostras de horizontes selecionados. A fração areia destes solos é essencialmente composta por quartzo, mas feldspatos e mica também ocorrem a partir do horizonte 2Btbn. O silte é basicamente constituído por quartzo, feldspatos e mica. A argila é composta por caulinita, mica, interestratificados irregulares, esmectita e quartzo, ocorrendo as maiores quantidades de esmectita e interestratificados nos horizontes 2Btbn e 2BCn. O horizonte B plânico (2Btbn) apresenta microestrutura em blocos angulares e expressivos argilãs (de iluviação e intemperização), enquanto o horizonte Bt sobrejacente apresenta microestrutura granular e ausência de qualquer tipo de argilã. A disparidade observada na mineralogia da fração argila e as distintas feições micromorfológicas corroboram a identificação de uma mudança de material de origem entre os horizontes Bt e B plânico dos solos estudados. A posição do horizonte B plânico, que apresenta muitos argilãs de iluviação, e a ausência de características que evidenciem mobilização de argila do Bt precedente revelam uma paleopedogênese para o solo. Estes resultados indicam que os solos foram desenvolvidos em duas etapas. As rochas do embasamento cristalino sofreram uma primeira pedogênese, da qual o marco atual de evidência é a camada de litofragmentos, em sua maioria arestados, que ocorre no topo do B plânico, e que foi, provavelmente, acumulada pela erosão diferencial, formando um pavimento desértico. Posteriormente, os solos foram recobertos por camadas de sedimentos intemperizados, relacionados com a Chapada do Araripe, que se misturaram, em proporções variadas, ao material já edafizado das rochas do embasamento. Estes materiais estão, desde sua deposição, sendo retrabalhados pelos processos pedogenéticos atuais.

A cultura do coco: uma análise econômica

O coqueiro é uma planta de clima tropical, sendo cultivado em cerca de 90 países, destacando-se o continente asiático na produção e comercialização do produto in natura e nos subprodutos. Podem-se aproveitar diversas partes da planta, como o fruto, as folhas, a inflorescência, entre outros produtos e subprodutos. O Brasil possui condições especiais que favorecem a adaptação e o desenvolvimento da cultura do coco. Dentre as principais regiões brasileiras produtoras, o Nordeste destaca-se, produzindo cerca de 80% de toda a produção nacional. A Bahia destaca-se como um dos principais produtores e consumidores. O município de Ilhéus vem expandindo a produção ao longo do tempo, em função do fluxo de turistas e de iniciativas de diversificar a agricultura regional. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar e avaliar, econômica e financeiramente, os diferentes níveis tecnológicos adotados pelos produtores de coco no município de Ilhéus. Neste estudo, utilizou-se de levantamento de corte seccional (cross-section) para o qual foram aplicados vinte questionários junto aos produtores, selecionados por meio do critério de amostra intencional, segundo a técnica survey. Por meio dessas informações, foram calculados os indicadores financeiros (VPL, TIR, B/C) e a análise de sensibilidade. Nota-se que os três níveis tecnológicos adotados no município apresentam receitas positivas; no entanto, a tecnologia III é a que se mostra mais eficiente. Os resultados, para as tecnologias I, II e III, do VPL são de R$ 4.857,04; R$ 20.782,38, e R$ 47.931,22, respectivamente; para a TIR, de 43%, 80% e 87%, sucessivamente. A relação B/C foi de 2,32 (Tecnologia I), 3,24 (Tecnologia II) e 2,89 (Tecnologia III). Tais resultados indicam que as tecnologias adotadas são econômica e financeiramente viáveis. No entanto, o produtor poderia realizar maior exploração do potencial da atividade, gerando maior lucratividade.

Optimisation of the lipase-catalysed preparation of a nucleoside prodrug model using an experimental design methodology

The preparation of 2', 3'-di-O-hexanoyluridine (2) by a Candida antarctica B lipase-catalysed alcoholysis of 2', 3', 5'-tri-O-hexanoyluridine (1) was optimised using an experimental design. At 25 ºC better experimental conditions allowed an increase in the yield of 2 from 80% to 96%. In addition to the yield improvement, the volume reaction could be diminished in a factor of 5 and the reaction time significantly shortened.

Influence of the Al content on the phase transformations in Cu-Al-Ag alloys

The influence of the Al content on the phase transformations in Cu-Al-Ag alloys was studied by classical differential thermal analysis (DTA), optical microscopy (OM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The results indicated that the increase in the Al content and the presence of Ag decrease the rate of the b1 phase decomposition reaction and contribute for the raise of this transition temperature, thus decreasing the stability range of the perlitic phase resulted from the b1 decomposition reaction.

Risk of hepatitis B virus transmission by diagnostic hysteroscopy

Few data are available in the literature concerning the efficacy of standard hysteroscope disinfection procedures to prevent hepatitis B transmission. The aim of the present study was to determine the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission during hysteroscopy among anti-HBc-seropositive women. Serum and hysteroscopic samples were collected from 62 women after diagnostic hysteroscopy. All samples were tested for serologic HBV markers. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were carried out to amplify regions C and S of the viral genome and only samples amplified by both pairs of primers were considered to be positive. Anti-HBc was repeatedly reactive in 48 (77%) of 62 serum samples, and HBsAg was detected in 8 (13%). At least one HBV serologic marker was found in 49 (79%) samples. Only one sample was HBsAg positive and anti-HBc negative. HBV-DNA was detected by PCR in 7 serum samples but in only 3 hysteroscopic samples obtained just after hysteroscopy. It is noteworthy that high levels of anti-HBc IgM were detected in one HBsAg-negative patient who showed an HBV-DNA-positive hysteroscopic sample. An elevated sample/cut-off ratio for anti-HBc IgM suggests recent infection and reinforces the need for testing for HBsAg and anti-HBc before hysteroscopy, since acute hepatitis B can be clinically asymptomatic. Viral DNA was not detected in any hysteroscopic samples collected after washing and disinfecting procedures with glutaraldehyde. We conclude that HBV-DNA can be found in the hysteroscope soon after hysteroscopy, but standard disinfecting procedures are effective in viral removal.

Preclinical evaluation of the antidiabetic effect of Eugenia jambolana seed powder in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

The world is facing an explosive increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus and cost-effective complementary therapies are needed. The effects of Eugenia jambolana, a household remedy for diabetes, were studied. Streptozotocin diabetic female albino Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g (N = 6) were fed E. jambolana seed powder (250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg) for 15 days. Diabetic rats fed 500 and 1000 mg/kg seed powder showed an increase in body weight on day 20 in relation to day 5 (6 ± 4.7, 9 ± 7.8 vs diabetic control -16 ± 7.1 g, P < 0.001), a decrease in fasting blood glucose (75 ± 11.9, 123 ± 14.4 vs diabetic control -34 ± 12.1 mg/dl, P < 0.001), a difference in post-treatment fasting and peak blood glucose (38 ± 11.9, 36 ± 14.2 vs diabetic control 78 ± 11.9 mg/dl, P < 0.001), and a difference in liver glycogen (50 ± 6.8, 52 ± 7.5 vs normal control 90 ± 6.6 µg/g of liver tissue, P < 0.001). Tri-terpenoids, tannins, gallic acid, and oxalic acid were the chemical constituents detected in E. jambolana seed. The best results were obtained with an oral dose of 500 mg/kg. Subacute toxicity studies with a single administration of 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg seed powder showed no mortality or abnormality. These data on the antidiabetic effect of E. jambolana seed are adequate for approval of phase 2 clinical trials to evaluate this seed powder as complementary therapy in type 2 and type 1 diabetes.

Occurrence of Haemophilus influenzae strains in three Brazilian states since the introduction of a conjugate Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine

Few vaccines in history have induced such a dramatic decline in incidence over such a short period of time as the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate. This vaccine was introduced in 1988 in the United States, but only in 1999 was Hib immunization introduced by the Brazilian Ministry of Health as part of the routine infant National Immunization Program. The authors analyzed 229 H. influenzae (Hi) isolates from Public Health Laboratories in three Brazilian states: Pernambuco (Northeast, N = 54), Santa Catarina (South, N = 19), and Rio de Janeiro (Southeast, N = 156). The isolates were collected from Brazilian children 0-10 years of age with meningitis and other infections from 1990 to 2003 and were part of the research collection of the National Institute of Quality Control in Health, FIOCRUZ. Bacterial strains were characterized by serotyping and biotyping. During the pre-vaccination period the prevalence infection due to Hib was of 165 isolates and only 2 non-b Hi among all the notified meningitis infections caused by Hi. Our results showed a significant decrease in the prevalence of Hib meningitis from 165 to 33 isolates after 1999. However, during the post-vaccination period of 2001-2003 we observed an increase in the number of non-b Hi isolates: only 2 non-b strains isolated from 1990 to 1999 and 29 from 1999 to 2003. Based on the present data, the authors emphasize the need for more sensitive epidemiological and bacteriological studies aiming the improvement of the available Hib vaccine, in order to protect the susceptible population to infections due to other serological types of Hi and the reevaluation of immunization schedules used by the National Immunization Program.

Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle increases sweating rate during exercise

The present study evaluated whether the luteal phase elevation of body temperature would be offset during exercise by increased sweating, when women are normally hydrated. Eleven women performed 60 min of cycling exercise at 60% of their maximal work load at 32ºC and 80% relative air humidity. Each subject participated in two identical experimental sessions: one during the follicular phase (between days 5 and 8) and the other during the luteal phase (between days 22 and 25). Women with serum progesterone >3 ng/mL, in the luteal phase were classified as group 1 (N = 4), whereas the others were classified as group 2 (N = 7). Post-exercise urine volume (213 ± 80 vs 309 ± 113 mL) and specific urine gravity (1.008 ± 0.003 vs 1.006 ± 0.002) changed (P < 0.05) during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase in group 1. No menstrual cycle dependence was observed for these parameters in group 2. Sweat rate was higher (P < 0.05) in the luteal (3.10 ± 0.81 g m-2 min-1) than in the follicular phase (2.80 ± 0.64 g m-2 min-1) only in group 1. During exercise, no differences related to menstrual cycle phases were seen in rectal temperature, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, mean skin temperature, and pre- and post-exercise body weight. Women exercising in a warm and humid environment with water intake seem to be able to adapt to the luteal phase increase of basal body temperature through reduced urinary volume and increased sweating rate.

Activity of liver microsomal enzymes during the chronic phase of murine schistosomiasis

The effects of schistosomiasis on microsomal enzymes were studied on post-infection day 90 when accumulated damage and fibrosis are most intense but granulomatous reaction around the eggs harbored in the liver is smaller than during the earlier phases. Swiss Webster (SW) and DBA/2 mice of either sex (N = 12 per sex per group) were infected with 100 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae on postnatal day 10 and killed on post-infection day 90. Cytochrome P-450 (CYP) concentration and alkoxyresorufin-O-dealkylases (EROD, MROD, BROD, and PROD), p-nitrophenol-hydroxylase (PNPH), coumarin-7-hydroxylase (COH), and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activities were measured in hepatic microsomes. Age-matched mice of the same sex and strain were used as controls. In S. mansoni-infected mice, CYP1A- and 2B-mediated activities (control = 100%) were reduced in SW (EROD: male (M) 36%, female (F) 38%; MROD: M 38%, F 39%; BROD: M 46%, F 19%; PROD: M 50%, F 28%) and DBA/2 mice (EROD: M 64%, F 58%; MROD: M 60%; BROD: F 49%; PROD: M 73%) while PNPH (CYP2E1) was decreased in SW (M 31%, F 38%) but not in DBA/2 mice. COH did not differ between infected and control DBA/2 and UGT, a phase-2 enzyme, was not altered by infection. In conclusion, chronic S. mansoni infection reduced total CYP content and all CYP-mediated activities evaluated in SW mice, including those catalyzed by CYP2E1 (PNPH), CYP1A (EROD, MROD) and 2B (BROD, PROD). In DBA/2 mice, however, CYP2A5- and 2E1-mediated activities remained unchanged while total CYP content and activities mediated by other CYP isoforms were depressed during chronic schistosomiasis.

Antinociceptive properties in mice of a lectin isolated from the marine alga Amansia multifida Lamouroux

The antinociceptive effects of a lectin (LEC) isolated from the marine alga Amansia multifida were determined in Swiss mice. The LEC (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal writhings in a dose-dependent manner after intraperitoneal or oral administration. A partial but significant inhibition of writhings was observed after the combination of LEC (10 mg/kg) with avidin (1 mg/kg), a potent inhibitor of the hemmaglutinant activity of the lectin. However, total writhing inhibition was demonstrable in the group of mice treated with LEC plus mannose (1 mg/kg), as compared to LEC alone or to control groups. Furthermore, avidin and mainly mannose also play a role in antinociception, somehow facilitating the interaction of LEC with its active cell sites. In the formalin test, although both phases of the response were significantly inhibited, the effect of LEC was predominant during phase 2, causing inhibition of licking time that ranged from 48 to 88% after oral (5 and 10 mg/kg) and intraperitoneal (1 to 5 mg/kg) administration. As is the case with morphine, the effect of LEC (2 mg/kg) was reversed by naloxone (2 mg/kg), indicating the involvement of the opioid system. LEC was also effective in the hot-plate test, producing inhibitory responses to the thermal stimulus, and its effects were blocked by naloxone. In the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, although LEC did not alter the onset of sleep significantly, it increased the time of sleep within the same dose range compared to control. These results show that LEC presents antinociceptive effects of both central and peripheral origin, possibly involving the participation of the opioid system.

Farinha de yacon e inulina como ingredientes na formulação de bolo de chocolate

Novos ingredientes têm sido investigados para que possam atender às exigências do mercado consumidor atual que deseja produtos com qualidade sensorial e nutricional associada a benefícios para a saúde. Os frutooligossacarídeos (FOS) presentes no yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia), e a inulina apresentam propriedades promotoras de saúde (fibra alimentar e efeito prebiótico) e podem melhorar aspectos sensoriais em alimentos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos utilizar a inulina e/ou farinha de yacon como ingredientes do bolo de chocolate. Os bolos obtidos das formulações padrão (P), da formulação (A) contendo a farinha de trigo substituída em 20% por farinha de yacon e da formulação (B) contendo a farinha de trigo substituída em 40% por farinha de yacon e em 6% por inulina, foram avaliados quanto às suas propriedades químicas e físicas, preferência e estabilidade de armazenamento em relação ao bolo padrão de chocolate. Os bolos das formulações A e B apresentaram propriedades químicas, físicas, preferência e estabilidade comparáveis ao da formulação padrão. Como vantagens, apresentaram menores valores de dureza, maiores teores em fibra alimentar total (12,35% e 23,6%) em relação ao P (9,02%). O valor calórico foi semelhante (2,09kal para A) e menor (1,62kal para B) que do padrão (2,13kcal), além da presença de frutooligossacarídeos e ou inulina. Portanto, a farinha de yacon e inulina podem ser utilizadas como ingredientes para formular bolo de chocolate, fornecendo produtos com características que atendem às exigências do mercado consumidor.