Screening for antifungal, DNA-damaging and anticholinesterasic activities of Brazilian plants from the Atlantic Rainforest: Ilha do Cardoso State Park

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

Effects of daily changes in environmental factors on the abundance and richness of Odonata

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Demographic determinants of survival of people living with HIV attending an outpatient reference unit in the city of Três Lagoas, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in the period 1984-2009

,,,,,,,,,, While the incidence of HIV infection and AIDS is increasing in small Brazilian cities, epidemiological studies are often conducted in large urban centers. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Our group conducted a retrospective analysis of survival determinants among 358 patients who attended a reference unit in a small city.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Death risk was lower among men that had sex with men, patients with an HIV-seropositive partner, and those admitted after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was available. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, The study documents the striking beneficial effect of HAART. The finding of other groups with improved survival may aid in the development of programmatic strategies.,,,,

Structure and biological activities of eumenine mastoparan-AF (EMP-AF), a new mast cell degranulating peptide in the venom of the solitary wasp (Anterhynchium flavomarginatum micado)

A new mast cell degranulating peptide, eumenine mastoparan-AF (EMP-AF), was isolated from the venom of the solitary wasp Anterhynchium flavomarginatum micado, the most common eumenine wasp found in Japan. The structure was analyzed by FAB-MS/MS together with Edman degradation, which was corroborated by solid-phase synthesis. The sequence of EMP-AF, Ile-Asn-Leu-Leu-Lys-Ile-Ala-Lys-Gly-Ile-lle-Lys-Ser-Leu-NH(2), was similar to that of mastoparan, a mast cell degranulating peptide from a hornet venom; tetradecapeptide with C-terminus amidated and rich in hydrophobic and basic amino acids. In fact, EMP-AF exhibited similar activity to mastoparan in stimulating degranulation from rat peritoneal mast cells and RBL-2H3 cells. It also showed significant hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes. Therefore, this is the first example that a mast cell degranulating peptide is found in the solitary wasp venom. Besides the degranulation and hemolytic activity, EMP-AF also affects on neuromuscular transmission in the lobster walking leg preparation. Three analogs EMP-AF-1 similar to 3 were snythesized and biologically tested together with EMP-AF, resulting in the importance of the C-terminal amide structure for biological activities. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the crude extracts from stem bark of Bauhinia guianensis

Methylene chloride, ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts front the stem bark of Bauhinia guianensis (Leguminosae, Caesalpinoideae) were obtained. These extracts were evaluated for antiinflammatory activity which was conducted using carrageenin, dextran and histamine-induced paw edema in rats. The extracts of B. guianensis were also assessed for analgesic activity which was conducted using the writhing test in mouse. The different animal groups were treated with these extracts (100 mg/kg i.p. and p.o, IC50) 30 min prior to the application of stimuli. The methanolic extract demonstrated significant inhibition in the carrageenin-induced edema model. In the dextran-induced edema model, all three extracts inhibited the inflammatory process significantly with the methanolic extract being the most active. The ethyl acetate extract was the only one shown to be effective in the histamine-induced edema model. Finally all extracts inhibited effectively the algogenic process in the writhing test induced by acetic acid.

Locomotor and metabolic activities of Gymnostreptus olivaceus (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida) at different photoperiod conditions

In the present investigation the locomotor and the metabolic activity of Gymnostreptus olivaceus were studied, using 24-hr cycles at different photoperiods and constant temperature and RH. Locomotor activity was studied by the actography method and was reported as coefficients of nocturnalism [CN (N/N + D). 100]. The results showed a nocturnalism coefficient of 98,71% under normal photoperiod conditions and of 29,58% under inverted photoperiod conditions. In constant illumination, the CN of G. olivaceus was 88,22%, and in constant darkness, its rhythm was close to that of the normal photoperiod (CN = 94,92%). The metabolic activity was studied by manometric Warburg respirometry and lit was reported as mu l O-2 . g(-1). h(-1). The respiratory rate of G. olivaceus under normal photoperiod condition was higher at night than during the day (52,52 x 28,76), coinciding with the pattern of nocturnal locomotor activity of the animal. However, under conditions of inverted photoperiod, the millipede maintained its tendency toward a more intense nocturnal respiratory rate (50,35 x 39,14). Similar behaviours were observed under constant illumination and constant darkness, in which G. olivaceus again presented higher nocturnal respiratory rates than diurnal ones(85,84 x 53,48 and 73,18 x 57,0, respectively). The present experimental data suggests the persistence of an endogenous rhythm where the light may not be an important exogenous synchronizer of the activity of G. olivaceus, because it was insufficient to block the start of the biological clock and the natural tendency of higher nocturnal activities of millipedes, principally when the tests were performed in constant illumination or darkness (free-running tests).

Hematology of free-living marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) from Southeast Brazil

This work reports basic hematologic values of a sample of a population of free-living marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) living by the Parana River in Southeast Brazil. Hematologic values are presented separately for male, female, and young animals as well as for anesthetized and nonanesthetized cervids. Nonanesthetized deer restrained by physical means had significantly higher erythrocyte indices and total leukocyte counts. Comparisons of blood parameters of anesthetized animals of different ages and gender differed slightly, with only two significant differences observed: young animals had significantly higher red blood cell counts than adult males and a lower blood total protein content when compared to adult females. Results indicate that two main reference ranges for blood values should be considered for marsh deer, for blood obtained from anesthetized or physically restrained individuals.

Chemical structure, surface properties and biological activities of the biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa LBI from soapstock

Pseudomonas aeruginosa LBI isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil produced rhamnolipids (RLLBI) when cultivated on soapstock as the sole carbon source. HPLC-MS analysis of the purified culture supernatant identified 6 RL homologues (%): R-2 C-10 C-10 28.9; R-2 C-10 C-12:1 23.0; R-1 C-10 C-10 23.4; R-2 C-10 C-12 11.3; R-2 C-10 C-12 7.9; R-2 C-10 C-12 C-12 5.5. To assess the potential antimicrobial activity of the new rhamnolipid product, RLLBI, its physicochemical properties were studied. RLLBI had a surface tension of 24 mN m(-1) and an interfacial tension 1.31 mN m(-1); the cmc was 120 mg l(-1). RLLBI produced stable emulsions with hydrocarbons and vegetable oils. This product showed good antimicrobial behaviour against bacteria: MIC for Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris was 8 mg l(-1), for Streptococcus faecalis 4 mg l(-1), and for Pseudomonas aeruginosa 32 mg l(-1). RLLBI was active against phytopathogenic fungal species, MIC values of 32 mg l(-1) being found against Penicillium, Alternaria, Gliocadium virens and Chaetonium globosum. Due to its physicochemical properties and antimicrobial behaviour, RLLBI could be used in bioremediation treatment and in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Global yields, chemical compositions and antioxidant activities of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) extracts obtained by supercritical fluid extraction

Clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) extracts were obtained with supercritical CO2. Clove basil was cultivated using 0, 4, 8 and 12 kg/m(2) of organic fertilizer and was harvested in four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn, in the Southern Hemisphere. The extracts' global yields were determined at 40C and 150 bar for samples from all cultivation conditions and harvesting seasons. For selected samples, the extracts' global yields at 40C were determined for pressures of 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 bar. The extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Antioxidant activity (AA) was assessed using the coupled reaction of beta-caroteneand linolenic acid. The extracts' global yields varied from 0.91 to 1.79% (dry basis), and the AAs varied from 62 to 84% compared with the control beta-carotene. Eugenol and beta-selinene were the major compounds. The relative proportion of eugenol varied from 35 to 60%, while the content of beta-selinene remained approximately constant (11.5-14.1%, area). The other substances quantified in the extracts were 1,8 cineole, trans-caryophyllene and alpha-selinene.

Biological activities of constituents from Psychotria spectabilis

In a biological and phytochemical study on the leaves of Psychotria spectabilis Steyerm., seven compounds were isolated and identified from the CHCl3/MeOH (2:1, v/v) and MeOH extracts. Among the isolates were two diterpenes, solidagenone and deoxysolidagenone; three coumarins, coumarin, umbelliferone, and psoralene; and two flavonols, quercetin and quercetrin. Biological evaluations showed that diterpenes and coumarins exhibited antifungal activity against the filamentous fungi Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fresen) de Vries and C sphaerospermum Penzig. Solidagenone and psoralene also displayed selective cytotoxic activity against Rad 52Y mutant yeast strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this paper, the isolation, structure elucidation, and bioactivity results of these compounds are reported.

Geographic range, habitats, and host plants of bromeliad-living jumping spiders (Salticidae)

Although spiders are a very diverse group on vegetation, their associations with plants are poorly known. Some salticid species specifically use Bromeliaceae as host plants in some regions of South America. In this study, I report the geographic range of these spider-bromeliad associations, and whether the spiders inhabit particular bromeliad species and vegetation types, as well as open areas or interior of forests. Nine salticid species were found to be associated with up to 23 bromeliad species in cerrados (savanna-like vegetation), semideciduous and seasonal forests, coastal sand dune vegetation, restingas, inselbergs, highland forests, chacos, and rain forests at 47 localities in Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. Some species were typically specialists, inhabiting almost exclusively one bromeliad species over a large geographic range (e.g., Psecas chapoda on Bromelia balansae), whereas others were generalists, occurring on up to 7-8 bromeliad species (e.g., Psecas sp., Eustiromastix nativo, and Coryphasia sp. 1). The regional availability of bromeliad species among habitats may explain this pattern of host plant use. More jumping spiders were found on bromeliads in open areas than on bromeliads in the interior of forests. These results show that several jumping spider species may be strictly associated with the Bromeliaceae in the Neotropics. This is one of the few studies to show host-specific associations for spiders on a particular plant type over a wide geographic range.

Species diversity and seasonality of free-living ticks (Acari : Ixodidae) in the natural habitat of wild Marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) in Southeastern Brazil

This study evaluated the presence and seasonal activity of free-living ticks in remaining marsh areas by the Parana river, in Brazil. Eight field trips (once per season) for collection of ticks were performed during 2 years. Using CO2 traps, dragging, and visual inspection of vegetation, five free-living tick species were collected, in the following order of abundance: Amblyomma cajennense, Amblyom\ma dubitatum, Amblyomma triste, Amblyomma coelebs, and Amblyomma nodosum. The seasonal pattern of A. cajennense was characterized by the highest peaks for adult ticks in the summer/spring months, for nymphs in the winter and for larvae in the autumn and winter. A. dubitatum and A. triste presented similar seasonal patterns characterized by peaks of adult ticks in the autumn. Nymphs of A. dubitatum peaked in the winter of the first year and in the winter/spring of the second year. A. triste was the only species to be collected in significantly higher numbers in the marsh than in surrounding drier areas such as forest patches. Among domestic animals living close the marsh areas, horses were infested by Anocentor nitens, A. cajennense, and Boophilus microplus, bovines were infested solely by B. microplus, and dogs were infested by Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Adults of A. triste showed to be well adapted to the marsh environment. This result, at least partially, explains local previous observations on the association of A. triste with marsh deer, as this vertebrate host inhabits mainly the marsh area. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Investigation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of trans-dehydrocrotonin, a 19-nor-clerodane diterpene from Croton cajucara .1.

The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of trans-dehydrocrotonin, isolated from the bark of Croton cajucara (Euphorbiaceae), were investigated using several animal models. The trans-dehydrocrotonin produced a significant inhibition of carrageenin-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in rats. It also inhibited the writhings in mice induced by acetic acid, but did not show a significant effect in the hot-plate test in mice. The LD(50) of t-DCTN was 555.0 mg/kg (p.o.) for mice.

REDUCTION OF CELL PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITIES OF GASTRIC STUMP ADENOMATOUS HYPERPLASIAS AFTER BILE REFLUX DIVERSION IN RATS

Previously we reported the majority of lesions induced hy bile reflux, in the absence of chemical carcinogens, in the rat remnant stomach to consist primarily of gastric type and secondarily of intestinal type cells, and that they are reversible after diversion of bile reflux. The present study was designed to evaluate changes in proliferative activities in cells of each type under these conditions. The frequency of adenomatous hyperplasia (AH) induced in the gastric stump mucosa by duodenal content reflux after Billroth II partial gastrectomy (BII) increased until the 54th week of the experiment. Roux-en-Y (RY) surgical procedure which prevents duodenal reflux performed at the 24th or 36th week after BII led to a decrease in AH. Cell content of the lesions was analyzed using routine H&E staining, immunohistochemical staining for pepsinogen isoenzyme 1 and histochemical procedures for mucins (paradoxical concanavalin A, galactose oxidase Schiff and sialidase galactose oxidase Schiff reactions) and proliferation in each compartment evaluated by an immunohistochemical method using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and a monoclonal antibody against BrdU. At the 54th week the number of BrdU-labeled cells per normal pyloric column was significantly (P < 0.05) increased to 10.63/pit after the BII operation, while it diminished to 5.23/pit after RY diversion, this being the same level as with the RY procedure alone. AH maintained a high rate of BrdU incorporation at 12.7% after BII operation, which was also significantly reduced (P < 0.01) to 7.0% by the RY surgery. The intestinal type cell showed highest (22.2%), the surface mucous type cell showed the next (16.5%) and the pyloric gland type cell showed lowest (5.2%) BrdU labeling indices after BII operation. All the cell types in AH showed similar proportional decreases in BrdU incorporation after RY diversion. Thus surgical intervention reverses the cell proliferation caused by bile reflux in the gastric stump.