Lesion aspirate culture for the diagnosis and isolation of Leishmania spp. from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis

The detection of Leishmania spp. in skin lesion aspirates, using a puncture technique, was evaluated in 76 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) who were referred to a Leishmaniasis Reference Centre in Brazil. CL was defined based on skin lesions suggestive of the disease and on a positive result of the Montenegro skin test or Giemsa-stained imprints of biopsy fragments. The aspirates were cultured using a vacuum tube device containing culture medium and evaluated for the presence of Leishmania spp. The biphasic medium culture was examined once a week for three weeks. Promastigotes were observed in 53/76 (69.7%) cultures. Stained smears from 60 of the 76 patients were evaluated using PCR-RFLP to detect the conserved minicircle region of Leishmania spp. and to classify the parasite. Of these patients, 45 (75%) showed positive results in aspirate culture and 15 presented negative results. The PCR was positive in 80% (53/60) samples. The PCR-RFLP profile was determined in 49 samples, of which 45 (92%) showed a pattern compatible with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. The aspirate culture is a sensitive and feasible method for diagnosing CL and may be routinely adopted by health services for L. (V.) braziliensis isolation and identification.

Assessing the vulnerability of women to sexually transmitted diseases STDS/ HIV: construction and validation of markers

Objective To construct and validate markers of vulnerability of women to STDs/HIV, taking into consideration the importance of STDs/HIV. Method Methodological study carried out in three stages: 1) systematic review and identification of elements of vulnerability in the scientific production; 2) selection of elements of vulnerability, and development of markers; 3) establishment of the expert group and validation of the markers (content validity). Results Five markers were validated: no openness in the relationship to discuss aspects related to prevention of STDs/HIV; no perception of vulnerability to STDs/HIV; disregard of vulnerability to STDs/ HIV; not recognizing herself as the subject of sexual and reproductive rights; actions of health professionals that limit women’s access to prevention of STDs/HIV. Each marker contains three to eleven components. Conclusion The construction of such markers constituted an instrument, presented in another publication, which can contribute to support the identification of vulnerabilities of women in relation to STDs/HIV in the context of primary health care services. The markers constitute an important tool for the operationalization of the concept of vulnerability in primary health care and to promote inter/multidisciplinary and inter/multi-sectoral work processes.


Accumulation of phosphorus fractions and contamination potential in vineyard soils in the southern region of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

In vineyards, if phosphate is applied both before planting and at intervals during growth without consideration of technical criteria, the soil P fractions may be increased and their proportions altered. This study was carried out to evaluate the accumulation of P fractions and the parameters of the adsorption isotherm in a sandy Typic Hapludalf soil in vineyards with a history of successive and excessive phosphate fertilization. In December 2010, two vineyards were selected, one 4 and the other 15 years old, in Urussanga, State of Santa Catarina (Brazil). Three trenches were dug in each area and soil was collected from the 0-5, 5-10 and 10-20 cm depth ranges. The soil samples were dried in a forced-air oven, sieved and subjected to chemical analyses, P chemical fractionation and P adsorption isotherms. Excessive phosphate fertilization, before and during cultivation, particularly in the older vineyard and, consequently, with a longer history of phosphate fertilization, increased the inorganic P concentrations to the depth of 20 cm, especially in labile fractions extracted by anion exchange resin and NaHCO3 in the non-labile fraction, as well as in the non-labile fraction extracted by 1.0 mol L-1 HCl. The application of phosphate fertilizers and the long cultivation period increased the P levels in the organic labile fraction extracted by 0.5 mol L-1 NaHCO3, and especially in the moderately labile fraction extracted by 0.1 and 0.5 mol L-1 NaOH. Phosphate fertilization of older vineyards, i.e., cultivated for 15 years, increased the amounts of P desorbed in water, indicating a risk of contamination of surface waters and groundwater. The phosphate fertilization before planting, without considering the results of soil analysis, and during cultivation, disregarding the results of soil analysis, leaf analysis and expected yield, led to a reduction in the maximum P adsorption capacity in the 0-5 cm layer of vineyard 2, indicating saturation of part of the reactive particle adsorption sites.

INOCULATION AND ISOLATION OF PLANT GROWTH-PROMOTING BACTERIA IN MAIZE GROWN IN VITÓRIA DA CONQUISTA, BAHIA, BRAZIL

Maize is among the most important crops in the world. This plant species can be colonized by diazotrophic bacteria able to convert atmospheric N into ammonium under natural conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of inoculation of the diazotrophic bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae (ZAE94) and isolate new strains of plant growth-promoting bacteria in maize grown in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. The study was conducted in a greenhouse at the Experimental Area of the Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia. Inoculation was performed with peat substrate, with and without inoculation containing strain ZAE94 of H. seropedicae and four rates of N, in the form of ammonium sulfate (0, 60, 100, and 140 kg ha-1 N). After 45 days, plant height, dry matter accumulation in shoots, percentage of N, and total N (NTotal) were evaluated. The bacteria were isolated from root and shoot fragments of the absolute control; the technique of the most probable number and identification of bacteria were used. The new isolates were physiologically characterized for production of indole acetic acid (IAA) and nitrogenase activity. We obtained 30 isolates from maize plants. Inoculation with strain ZAE94 promoted an increase of 14.3 % in shoot dry mass and of 44.3 % in NTotal when associated with the rate 60 kg ha-1 N. The strains N11 and N13 performed best with regard to IAA production and J06, J08, J10, and N15 stood out in acetylene reduction activity, demonstrating potential for inoculation of maize.

Chemical characteristics of grape juices from different cultivar and rootstock combinations

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of different combinations of grape cultivars and rootstocks on chemical characteristics of grape juices. Six treatments were evaluated, consisting of combinations between the Isabel Precoce and BRS Cora grape cultivars and the 'IAC 766', 'IAC 313', and 'IAC 572' rootstocks. Approximately 10 L of juice were obtained per treatment. Analyses of color, total soluble solids content, pH, anthocyanins, total phenolics, total sugars, and quantification and identification of biogenic amines by HPLC were performed. Biogenic amines, such as putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, and spermine, were found in all evaluated cultivars. By principal component analysis (PCA), treatments can be divided into two groups, according to the cultivar. Juices obtained from 'Isabel Precoce' are characterized by higher levels of total sugar content and soluble solids; however, juices from 'BRS Cora' are positively correlated with phenolic content, anthocyanins, and color and acidity parameters. The differences found by PCA for juices from the Isabel Precoce and BRS Cora cultivars indicate that, regardless of the rootstock used, the most important factor in the chemical characterization of juices is the grape cultivar.

Genetic variability of hull-less barley accessions based on molecular and quantitative data

The objective of this work was to characterize and quantify the genetic, molecular, and agronomic variability of hull-less barley genotypes, for the selection of parents and identification of genotypes adapted to the irrigated production system in the Brazilian Cerrado. Eighteen hull-less barley accessions were evaluated, and three covered barley accessions served as reference. The characterization was based on 157 RAPD molecular markers and ten agronomic traits. Genetic distance matrices were obtained based on molecular markers and quantitative traits. Graphic grouping and dispersion analyses were performed. Genetic, molecular, and agronomic variability was high among genotypes. Ethiopian accessions were genetically more similar, and the Brazilian ones were genetically more distant. For agronomic traits, two more consistent groupings were obtained, one with the most two-rowed materials, and the other with six-rowed materials. The more diverging materials were the two-rowed CI 13453, CN Cerrado 5, CN Cerrado 1, and CN Cerrado 2. The PI 356466, CN Cerrado 1, PI 370799, and CI 13453 genotypes show agronomic traits of interest and, as genetically different genotypes, they are indicated for crossing, in breeding programs.

Diversity and genetic relatedness among genotypes of Vitis spp. using microsatellite molecular markers

The purpose of this research was to study the genetic diversity and genetic relatedness of 60 genotypes of grapevines derived from the Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Semiárido, Juazeiro, BA, Brazil. Seven previously characterized microsatellite markers were used: VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, VVMD27, VVMD3, ssrVrZAG79 and ssrVrZAG62. The expected heterozygosity (He) and polymorphic information content (PIC) were calculated, and the cluster analysis were processed to generate a dendrogram using the algorithm UPGMA. The He ranged from 81.8% to 88.1%, with a mean of 84.8%. The loci VrZAG79 and VVMD7 were the most informative, with a PIC of 87 and 86%, respectively, while VrZAG62 was the least informative, with a PIC value of 80%. Cluster analysis by UPGMA method allowed separation of the genotypes according to their genealogy and identification of possible parentage for the cultivars 'Dominga', 'Isaura', 'CG 26916', 'CG28467' and 'Roni Redi'.

Hyperechoic breast lesions: anatomopathological correlation and differential sonographic diagnosis

Abstract Hyperechoic lesions are not a frequent finding at breasts ultrasonography, and most of times are associated with benign pathologies that do not require further evaluation. However, some neoplasms such as invasive breast carcinomas and metastases may present with hyperechogenicity. Thus, the knowledge about differential diagnoses and identification of signs of lesion aggressiveness are of great relevance to avoid unnecessary procedures or underdiagnosis, and to support the correct clinical/surgical approach. On the basis of such concepts, the present essay describes and illustrates the main features of hyperechoic lesions at breast ultrasonography in different cases, with anatomopathological correlation.

Alcaloides indólicos de cascas de Aspidosperma vargasii e A. desmanthum

Fractionation of extracts resulted in isolation and identification of indole alkaloids ellipticine and N-methyltetrahydroellipticine from A. vargasii and aspidocarpine from A. desmanthum. Identification of these compounds was achieved based on IR, MS, ¹H, 13C and 2-D NMR data and comparison to data in the literature.

Quinoline alkaloids and friedelane-type triterpenes isolated from leaves and wood of Esenbeckia alata kunt (Rutaceae)

This work describes the phytochemical exploration of the ethanol extract from leaves and wood of Esenbeckia alata, leading to the isolation and identification of quinoline alkaloids 4-methoxy-3-(3'-methyl-but-2'-enyl)-N-methyl-quinolin-2(1 H)-one, N-methylflindersine, dictamine, kokusaginine, Γ-fagarine, flindersiamine, as well as the fridelane-type triterpenes, frideline, fridelanol and its acetate derivative. Identification of these compounds was based on full analyses of spectroscopic data (¹H, 13C, 1D, 2D, IR, MS) and comparison with data reported in literature. Compound 4-methoxy-3-(3'-methyl-but-2'-enyl)-N-methyl-quinolin-2(1 H)-one is reported for the first time for the genus Esenbeckia.

Nitro derivatives and other constituents of Aristolochia melastoma

A phytochemical study of Aristolochia melastoma Manso has led to the isolation and identification of 20 known compounds, including aristolochic acids, sodium aristolochates, lignan, flavonoids, and nitro phenylethyl derivatives. Their structures were established by spectroscopic analysis. The presence of thalictricoside and secoisolariciresinol dimethyl ether diacetate is reported for the first time in the Aristolochiaceae family. In addition, the presence of nitro compounds in this species is significant.

Flavonoids and a neolignan glucoside from Guarea macrophylla (Meliaceae)

This work describes the phytochemical study of the methanol extract obtained from leaves of Guarea macrophylla, leading to the isolation and identification of three flavonoid glycosides (quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-b-D-galactopyranoside, kaempferol 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) and a neolignan glucoside, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-4-β-D-glucoside. All compounds were identified by a combination of spectroscopic methods (¹H, 1D, 2D NMR, 13C and UV), ESI-MS and comparison with the literature data. This is the first report of flavonoids in the genus Guarea and of a neolignan glucoside in the Meliaceae family.

Chemical constituents isolated from turnera subulata Sm. and electrochemical characterization of phaeophytin b

Turnera subulata Sm., known as "Chanana" or "flor-do-Guarujá" in Brazilian folklore, is a plant species belonging to the subfamily Turneroideae of family Passifloraceae, which is used for various medicinal purposes in Brazil. The phytochemical study conducted here led to the isolation and identification of ten compounds present in T. subulata: two mixtures of steroids, sitosterol and stigmasterol (nonglycosylated and glycosylated); a mixture of flavonoids, 5,7,4′-trihidroxiflavona-8-C-α-glucopyranoside and 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahidroxiflavona-8-C-α-glucopyranosidel; and four phaeophytins, phaeophytin purpurin-18-phytyl ester, a rare natural product, phaeophytin a , 13²-hydroxy-(13²-S)-phaeophytin a , and phaeophytin b Phaeophytin b exhibited electrochemical activity similar to that of phthalocyanines.

HPLC-DAD based method for the quantification of flavonoids in the hydroethanolic extract of Tonina fluviatilis Aubl. (Eriocaulaceae) and their radical scavenging activity

This article describes the isolation and identification of flavonoids in the hydroethanolic extract of the aerial parts from Tonina fluviatilis and evaluation of their antiradical activity. A method based on HPLC-DAD was developed and validated for detecting and quantifying flavonoids in hydroethanolic extracts. The flavonoids identified and quantified in the extract were 6,7-dimethoxyquercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 6-hydroxy-7-methoxyquercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), and 6-methoxyquercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3). The developed method presented good validation parameters, showing that the results obtained are consistent and can be used in ensuring the quantification of these constituents in the extracts. Compounds 2 and 3 showed strong antiradical activity when compared with the positive controls (quercetin and gallic acid).

Anacardic acid derivatives from Brazilian propolis and their antibacterial activity

Propolis is a sticky, gummy, resinous substance collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) from various plant sources, which has excellent medicinal properties. This paper describes the isolation and identification of triterpenoids and anacardic acid derivatives from Brazilian propolis and their antibacterial activity. Their structures were elucidated by ¹H and 13C NMR, including uni- and bidimensional techniques; in addition, comparisons were made with data from academic literature. These compounds were identified as: cardanols (1a + 1b), cardols (2a + 2b), monoene anacardic acid (3), a-amirine (4), b-amirine (5), cycloartenol (6), 24-methylene-cycloartenol (7) and lupeol (8). The determination of the position of the double bond after a reaction with Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) is described for the phenol derivatives. The ethanolic extract was tested in vitro for antimicrobial activity by using the disc diffusion method and it showed significant results against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Shigella spp.