Antibacterial properties of propolis and products containing propolis from Brazil

Crude propolis and commercial products containing propolis, such as ethanolic extracts, tablets, capsules and powders acquired in São Paulo City (Brazil) were analyzed. The resins of the solid products were extracted with ethanol and found to be present at various concentrations, independently of the propolis concentration specified on the label of the commercial products. The in vitro activity of these resins against S aureus, B cereus and B subrilis was also determined. The results showed that the antibacterial activity rather than the propolis concentration itself should be considered for quality control and that some resins are likely to display a species-specific action.

Influence of low and high levels of grain defects on maize wet milling

Yields and starch pasting characteristics obtained from wet milling of maize samples with low and high levels of defect grains were compared to those from sound samples. Defect grain groups ere established taking into account the defect degree. Thus the first group consisted of fermented, molded, heated and sprouted grains and the second of insect damaged. hollow, fermented (up to 1/4) grains and those injured by other causes. The grain groups, if present at low levels in the samples, 10% for first group and 17% for second group did not affect the chemical composition of starch and its pasting properties. obtained by the rapid visco analyser. Samples with high levels of grain groups (up to 100%). affected wet milling yields and starch viscosity. Samples with 100% of grains in the first group decreased starch, germ yield and peak viscosity and increased gluten yield. Samples with 100% of grains in the second group decreased germ and fiber yield but increased starch yield. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Texture and Microstructure of Gelatin/Corn Starch-Based Gummy Confections

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Heat exchangers for cardioplegia systems: In vitro study of four different concepts

The aim of this work is the evaluation of four different heat exchangers used for myocardium during cardioplegic system in cardiac surgeries. Four types of shell and tube heat exchangers made of different exchange elements were constructed, as follows: stainless steel tubes, aluminium tubes, polypropylene hollow fiber, and bellows type. The evaluation was performed by in vitro tests of parameters such as heat transfer, pressure drop, and hemolysis tendency. The result has shown that all four systems tested were able to achieve the heat performance, and to offer low resistance to flow, and safety, as well as have low tendency to hemolysis. However, we can emphasize that the bellows type heat exchanger has a significant difference with regard to the other three types.

Clinical Study of a Multivitamin and Polymineral Complex Associated With Panax ginseng Extract (Natus Gerin (R))

This study aimed to stablish the efficacy of a multivitamin and polyminerals supplemented with Panax ginseng extract (Natus Gerin(R)) on patients subjected to common physical or mental stress. Patients were randomly divided in two groups and underwent a thorough clinical examination. Group A received Natus Gerin(R) capsules and B placebo capsules. Two capsules were taken daily during meals during four weeks. Mood and physical activity were evaluated through a questionnaire assessing quality of life. From the 176 patients enrolled, 17 were excluded due to voluntary withdrawal, 81 completed the study in group A and 78 in group B. The treatment with Natus Gerin(R) increased the quality of life when compared to placebo. After 15 and 30 days, group A showed a significant increase in average scoring score from 1.78 to 3.78, and finally 5.32 points. The study has shown that the daily use of Natus Gerin(R) can be effective in improving quality of life in patients suffering from physical and mental stress.

Phase II clinical study of an association for the treatment of interstitial cystitis (Cystex (R))

Painful bladder syndrome associated with interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) is a clinical condition characterized pelvic pain, urinary urgency, and urinary frequency. In this study, 22 patients were assigned to make two visits over a three weeks period. The patients were randomly, double-blinded assigned in two groups. The first group received Cystex (R) capsules. The second group received placebo capsules. Two capsules were taken three times a day away from meals. The change from baseline in the O'Leary-Sant IC symptom and problem index was the primary outcome parameter. Changes in functional bladder capacity and intensity of pain and urgency have been chosen as secondary outcome parameters. Mood as well as physical and sexual activity were rated by 10 questions on a scale 0 to 6. The ratings were analyzed and the average for each patient in both groups Cystex (R) and placebo was determined as the quality of life index. For the primary outcome there was a statistically significant difference between the groups. Mean symptom score-sum decreased from 28.4 to 20.5 in the Cystex (R) group compared with 29.5 to 26.8 in the placebo group (p<0.05). For the secondary end points, pain and urgency intensity improved statistically significantly in the Cystex (R) group compared with the placebo group (p<0.05). The frequency and functional bladder capacity improved to greater degree in the Cystex (R) group. The differences were statistically significant for comparison of frequency (p<0.05) and not for functional bladder capacity (p>0.05). In our study, Cystex (R) enhanced quality of life over the placebo showing a statistically significant. This trial have shown that the efficacy and safety of therapy with Cystex (R) in the treatment of interstitial cystitis and is an alternative for patients suffering from this pathology. Therefore, it can be concluded that the composition of Cystex (R), increased the quality of life in treated patients.

Morphology and topography analysis of mesoporous titania templated by micrometric latex sphere arrays

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

Growth Regulators and KNO3 on Seed Germination of Angelonia salicariifolia

Angelonia salicariifolia is an herbaceous perennial native to Brazil with ornamental potential as garden plant, cut-flower and potted plant. It has blue flowers 1.0 to 1.4 cm long, in 10-30 cm long terminal racemes. In previous studies seeds of A. salicariifolia showed a positive photoblastic behavior under constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C. The present study evaluated the effects of growth regulators (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mg L-1 of gibberellic acid and 2.25, 11.3, 22.5 mg L-1 of 6-benzylamino-purine) and potassium nitrate (0.2 and 1.0 %) on promoting its seed germination. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six replications of 25 seeds, for each treatment. Seeds from dehiscent capsules were sown on one layer of filter paper and moistened with growth regulators or KNO3 solutions. Germination was carried out at 25 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C, under continuous light or darkness. Germination (protusion of the radicle) was observed daily for 20 days. In the dark, only gibberellic acid promoted seed germination. The percentage of germination and the speed of germination index at 400 mg L-1 (47.3%; 0.86) and 500 mg L-1 (52.0%; 0.95) were significantly higher compared to 100 mg L-1 (27.8%; 0.38) and 200 mg L-1 (32.3%; 0.49). The mean germination time at 500 mg L-1 (10.0 days) was significantly smaller compared to 100 mg L-1 (11.9 days) and 200 mg L-1 (11.5 days). Under light, treatments did not differ among each other or from the control, except for 22.5 mg L-1 of 6-benzylamino-purine and potassium nitrate (1.0%), which decreased the percentage of germination and the speed of germination index compared to control. The application of growth regulators or potassium nitrate under light condition is not necessary, since these treatments did not improve germination percentage or the speed of germination index.

Biocompatibility of two current adhesive resins

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of two current adhesive resins and a calcium hydroxide cement. Fifty-four polyethylene tubes were filled with these dental materials, which were hand-mixed or light-cured according to the manufacturer's directions: group 1-Clearfill Liner Bond 2 (Kuraray); group 2-Single Bond (3M); and group 3-calcium hydroxide cement (Dycal-Dentsply). The materials were implanted into dorsal connective tissue of rats, which were killed 7, 30, and 60 days after the implantation procedure. The implant sites were excised, immersed in buffered Karnovsky's fixative, and processed using routine histological techniques. Sections of 6 μm thickness were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and assessed under light microscopy. Both adhesive resins at 7 days elicited a moderate/intense inflammatory reaction that decreased over time. Fibrous capsules surrounding the tubes were observed at 30 days. Half of the samples in groups 1 and 2 showed thin fibrous capsule formation containing macrophages, capillaries, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and collagen fibers. Connective tissue healing was observed even though many specimens exhibited a persistent inflammatory reaction mediated by macrophages and giant cells at the 60-day evaluation. Dycal allowed complete healing at 30 days with only a thin fibrous capsule. In conclusion, all experimental materials were successfully walled off by the connective tissue of the rat. However the adhesive resins may release particulates that may, in turn, induce a persistent local inflammatory reaction. Consequently, in this specific condition, these materials cannot be regarded as biocompatible. Dycal was less irritating than the adhesive resins and was better tolerated by the connective tissue. Copyright © 2000 by The American Association of Endodontists.

A new rain-operated seed dispersal mechanism in Bertolonia mosenii (Melastomataceae), a Neotropical rainforest herb

Although widespread among fungi, lichens, liverworts, and mosses, seed dispersal mechanisms operated by rain are unusual among flowering plants. Generally speaking, two mechanisms are involved in seed dispersal by rains: the splash-cup and the springboard. Here we describe a new seed dispersal mechanism operated by rain in a Neotropical rainforest herb Bertolonia mosenii Cogniaux (Melastomataceae). The study was carried out at the lowland Atlantic rainforest, southeastern Brazil. We experimentally demonstrate that rain is necessary to release the seeds from the capsules through what we call squirt-corner seed dispersal mechanism: when a raindrop strikes the mature fruit, the water droplet forces the seeds outward to the angles (corners) of the triangular capsule and the seeds are released. As far as we know squirt-corner represents a new rain-operated seed dispersal mechanism, and a novel seed dispersal mode both for Melastomataceae and for flowering plants from Neotropical forests.

Metacercárias de Diplostomum (Austrodiplostomum) compactum Lutz, 1928 (Digenea, Diplostomidae) em peixes do rio Paraná, Brasil. Prevalência, sazonalidade e intensidade de infecção

This paper aims at evaluating the occurrence of Diplostommn (Anstrodiplostomum compactum (Digenea: Diplostomatidae) in the eyeball of Plagioscion sqnamosissimus (corvina) and Cichla ocellaris (tucunaré), monthly captured in Paraná river, Presidente Epitácio, state of São Paulo, Brazil. From 61 corvinas under analysis, 56 of them contained parasites (92%) with intensity rate of 42.0 host parasites. From an amount of 81 tucunarés, 45 contained parasites (55%) with intensity rate of 9.3 parasites. Corvinas showed prevalence from 71 to 100% with the highest intensity rates (103.3 and 106.9) from February to March, 2001. Comparatively, the tucunaré showed the highest prevalence from November 2000 (90%) to February 2001 (80%). The tucunaré highest intensity rates occurred on September, 2000 (12.7), December, 2000 (12.2) and February, 2001 (16.1). Metacercariae showed a hollow womb body and a posterior region of a sinuous conic protuberance, an oral sucker smaller than the acetabulae, a simple acetabulae located in the pre-equatorial region of helminto. A short pre-pharynx followed by a muscular pharynx, genital pore next to acetubulae. Corvina metacercariae presents 1.434,0 μm (880 to 1.840) long by 611.2 ± 93.4 μm (400 to 792) wide. Tucunaré metacercariae, 1.462.4 μm (960 to 2.480) by 710.8 μm (560 to 960). Authors confirmed corvina great susceptibility to Diplomastum and the relationship between the parasitism and the aquatic and climatic parameters.

Determination of calcium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry applied to the preparation of alginate:chitosan complexes

Polysaccharicles, as alginate and chitosan, have been used to obtain modified release dosage forms. Alginate, due to its property of building gels during the complex formation with calcium ions, allows the building of capsules containing a core constituted by calcium alginate. This work had for objective to determine the appropriate calcium concentration for the preparation of alginate-chitosan capsules, by means of calcium quantification using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The methodology of calcium quantification was validated through analysis of the limit of detection, precision, accuracy and recovery of the method. The capsules, containing or not the drug, were prepared by the complex coacervation/ionotropic gelification method. Calcium was quantified after samples mineralization and dilution in lantanium solution. The results showed that the amount of calcium incorporated into the capsules depends on the amount of calcium added to the medium, and this ratio increases until the concentration of 1.5% of initial calcium chloride and above this concentration there is a decrease in the proportion of calcium bonded. It was observed that the proportion of calcium that links to the polymer is inversely proportional to the amount of calcium added. The calcium amount incorporated depends on the concentration of the polymeric dispersions used as well as on the ratio between the two polymers.

Magnetic images of pharmaceutical dosage forms in the human gastrointestinal tract

Oral administration with solid dosage forms is a common route in the drug therapy widely used. The drug release by the disintegration process occurs in several gastrointestinal tract (GIT) regions. AC Biosusceptometry (ACB) was originally proposal to characterize the disintegration process of tablets in vitro and in the human stomach, through changes in magnetic signals. The aim of this work was to employ a multisensor ACB system to monitoring magnetic tablets and capsules in the human GIT and to obtain the magnetic images of the disintegration process. The ACB showed accuracy to quantify the gastric residence time, the intestinal transit time and the magnetic images allowed to visualize the disintegration of magnetic formulations in the GIT. The ACB is a non-invasive, radiation free technique, completely safe and harmless to the volunteers and had demonstrated potential to evaluate pharmaceutical dosage forms in the human gastrointestinal tract. © 2005 IEEE.

Multiparticulate systems of pectin-chitosan: Study of swelling and drug release

The aim of this study was to prepare multiparticulate systems of pectin:chitosan (PC:CS) and to evaluate their swelling ratio and the drug release in different environments. PC:CS particles containing triamcinolone were prepared by a complex coacervation/ionotropic gelation method in aqueous environment. The polymer ratio, the calcium concentration and the contact time of the capsules with chitosan dispersion for particles formation and the structures obtained were analyzed. The systems were characterized in relation to morphology, size, swelling, and drug release behavior. The methodology used allowed the production of spherical particles with narrow range of size distribution. The entrapment efficiency for triamcinolone was 84.31 ± 439. It was observed that the particles present a relatively low swelling ratio in acidic medium and a larger swelling ratio in enteric medium. The release profile was dependent on pH and can be related with the swelling ratio.

Floral anatomy of Paepalanthoideae (Eriocaulaceae, Poales) and their nectariferous structures

• Background and Aims: Eriocaulaceae (Poales) is currently divided in two subfamilies: Eriocauloideae, which comprises two genera and Paepalanthoideae, with nine genera. The floral anatomy of Actinocephalus polyanthus, Leiothrix fluitans, Paepalanthus chlorocephalus, P. flaccidus and Rondonanthus roraimae was studied here. The flowers of these species of Paepalanthoideae are unisexual, and form capitulum-type inflorescences. Staminate and pistillate flowers are randomly distributed in the capitulum and develop centripetally. This work aims to establish a floral nomenclature for the Eriocaulaceae to provide more information about the taxonomy and phylogeny of the family. • Methods: Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and chemical tests were used to investigate the floral structures. • Key Results: Staminate and pistillate flowers are trimerous (except in P. flaccidus, which presents dimerous flowers), and the perianth of all species is differentiated into sepals and petals. Staminate flowers present an androecium with scale-like staminodes (not in R. roraimae) and fertile stamens, and nectariferous pistillodes. Pistillate flowers present scale-like staminodes (except for R. roraimae, which presents elongated and vascularized staminodes), and a gynoecium with a hollow style, ramified in stigmatic and nectariferous portions. • Conclusions: The scale-like staminodes present in the species of Paepalanthoideae indicate a probable reduction of the outer whorl of stamens present in species of Eriocauloideae. Among the Paepalanthoideae genera, Rondonanthus, which is probably basal, shows vascularized staminodes in their pistillate flowers. The occurrence of nectariferous pistillodes in staminate flowers and that of nectariferous portions of the style in pistillate flowers of Paepalanthoideae are emphasized as nectariferous structures in Eriocaulaceae. © The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved.