Abstract Onychomycosis is the most common disease affecting the nail unit and accounts for at least 50% of all nail diseases. In addition, Candida albicans is responsible for approximately 70% of onychomycoses caused by yeasts. This study investigated the antifungal effect of (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers, as well as its predictive mechanism of action on C. albicans from voriconazole-resistant onychomycoses. For this purpose, in vitro broth microdilution and molecular docking techniques were applied in a predictive and complementary manner to the mechanisms of action. The main results of this study indicate that C. albicans was resistant to voriconazole and sensitive to the enantiomers (R) and (S)-citronellal at a dose of 256 and 32 µg/mL respectively. In addition, there was an increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the enantiomers in the presence of sorbitol and ergosterol, indicating that these molecules possibly affect the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane of C. albicans. Molecular docking with key biosynthesis proteins and maintenance of the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane demonstrated the possibility of (R) and (S)-citronellal interacting with two important enzymes: 1,3-β-glucan synthase and lanosterol 14α-demethylase. Therefore, the findings of this study indicate that the (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers are fungicidal on C. albicans from onychomycoses and probably these substances cause damage to the cell wall and cell membrane of these micro-organisms possibly by interacting with enzymes in the biosynthesis of these fungal structures.

Resumo A onicomicose é a doença mais comum que afeta a unidade ungueal e representa pelo menos 50% de todas as doenças ungueais. Além disso, a Candida albicans é responsável por aproximadamente 70% das onicomicoses causadas por leveduras. Nesse estudo, foi investigado o efeito antifúngico dos enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal, bem como seu mecanismo de ação preditivo sobre C. albicans de onicomicoses resistentes ao voriconazol. Para este propósito, foram aplicadas técnicas in vitro de microdiluição em caldo e docking molecular de forma preditiva e complementar para os mecanismos de ação. Os principais resultados deste estudo indicam que C. albicans foi resistente ao voriconazol e sensível aos enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal na dose de 256 e 32 µg/mL respectivamente. Além disso, houve aumento da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) dos enantiômeros na presença do sorbitol e do ergosterol, indicando que estas moléculas possivelmente afetem a integridade da parede e da membrana celular de C. albicans. O docking molecular com proteínas chave da biossíntese e manutenção da parede celular e da membrana plasmática fúngica, demonstraram a possibilidade do (R) e (S)-citronelal interagir com duas importantes enzimas: 1,3-β-glucan sintase e lanosterol 14α-demetilase. Portanto, os achados desse estudo indicam que os enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal são fungicidas sobre C. albicans de onicomicoses e provavelmente essas substâncias causem danos a parede e a membrana celular desses microrganismos possivelmente por interagir com as enzimas da biossíntese destas estruturas fúngicas.

RESUMO: Cladonia substellata Vainio é um líquen encontrado em diversos continentes do mundo, inclusive no nordeste do Brasil, possui vários metabólitos secundários com atividade biológica, entre eles, o ácido úsnico, que tem apresentado uma vasta gama de atividades biológicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro do extrato orgânico de C. substellata e do ácido úsnico purificado. Para isto, foram isolados Staphylococcus spp. de amostras de pele e orelha de cães e gatos com suspeita de piodermatite e otite. No teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos frente Staphylococcus spp., 77% (105/136) foram resistentes. Na avaliação da produção de biofilme 83% (113/136) foram classificadas como produtoras de biofilme. Na caracterização genotípica, 32% (44/136) foram positivos para o gene blaZ, nenhum isolado (n=136) foi positivo para o gene mecA, e 2% (3/136) foram positivos para o gene icaD. A atividade antimicrobiana in vitro do extrato orgânico de C. substellata e do ácido úsnico purificado para Staphylococcus spp. variou de 0,25mg/ml a 0,0019mg/ml, inibindo o crescimento bacteriano em baixas concentrações. Foram mais eficazes contra bactérias produtoras de biofilme (0,65mg/ml-0,42mg/ml) quando comparadas às não produtoras de biofilme (2,52mg/ml-2,71mg/ml). Viabilizando a utilização do ácido úsnico e do extrato orgânico de C. substellata, no tratamento de otite e piodermatite em cães e gatos com o envolvimento de Staphylococcus spp.

ABSTRACT: Cladonia substellata Vainio is a lichen found in different regions of the world, including the Northeast of Brazil. It contains several secondary metabolites with biological activity, including usnic acid, which has exhibited a wide range of biological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the organic extract of C. substellata and purified usnic acid. Initially, Staphylococcus spp., derived from samples of skin and ears of dogs and cats with suspected pyoderma and otitis, were isolated and analyzed. In antimicrobial susceptibility testing against Staphylococcus spp., 77% (105/136) of the isolates were resistant to the antimicrobials tested. In the assessment of biofilm production, 83% (113/136) were classified as producing biofilm. In genetic characterization, 32% (44/136) were positive for blaZ, no isolate (0/136) was positive for the mecA gene, and 2% (3/136) were positive for the icaD gene. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the organic extract of C. substellata and purified usnic acid against Staphylococcus spp. ranged from 0.25mg/mL to 0.0019mg/mL, inhibiting bacterial growth at low concentrations. The substances were more effective against biofilm-producing bacteria (0.65mg/mL-0.42mg/mL) when compared to non-biofilm producing bacteria (2.52mg/mL-2.71mg/mL). Usnic acid and the organic extract of C. substellata can be effective in the treatment of pyoderma and otitis in dogs and cats caused by Staphylococcus spp.

Estudou-se o comportamento reológico em diferentes temperaturas (0; 6; 18 e 24 ºC) e os parâmetros físico-químicos da polpa de pinha (Annona squamosa) integral e também da polpa de pinha com diferentes percentuais de leite (75g de polpa de pinha/25g de leite; 50g de polpa de pinha/50g de leite; 25g de polpa de pinha/75g de leite), com o intuito de verificar o efeito da temperatura e da concentração de polpa no comportamento reológico desses blends. Para a obtenção dos parâmetros reológicos, foi utilizado um reômetro de cilindros concêntricos. Os parâmetros físico-químicos das formulações pH, acidez total titulável, sólidos solúveis totais, sólidos totais e cinzas foram determinados com o intuito de correlacioná-los com o comportamento reológico obtido. Os reogramas foram analisados utilizando os modelos de Ostwald-de-Wael (Lei da Potência) e Herschel-Bulkley. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos usando o modelo de Herschel-Bulkley, e os baixos valores obtidos para o índice de comportamento (n<1) confirmam o comportamento pseudoplástico de todas as amostras.

In this study the rheological behavior in different temperatures (0; 6; 18 e 24 ºC) and physicochemical parameters of integral annona (Annona squamosa) pulp and the annona pulp with milk in different percentages pulp/milk (75g of annona pulp/25g of milk, 50g of annona pulp/50g of milk, 25g of annona pulp/75g of milk) have been availed, in order to verify the effect of temperature and pulp concentration in the rheological behavior of these beverages. To obtain the rheological parameters a concentric cylinder rheometer has been used and the rheograms were analyzed using the Ostwald-de-Wael (power Law) and Herschel-Bulkley models. The physicochemical parameters (sugars, pH, ash, acidity and soluble solids) were determined in order to establish correlations with the rheological behavior. Finally, the best results had been obtained using the Herschel-Bulkley model; the low values for the behavior index (n <1) obtained confirm the pseudoplastic behavior of all samples.

Introdução:A OMS definiu como objectivo principal do tratamento da obesidade, uma redução de peso de 10 a 15%, para diminuição do risco cardiovascular global e comorbilidades associadas. Objectivos: Caracterizar e analisar a eficácia a curto e longo-prazo, segurança e tolerabilidade do balão intra-gástrico (BIG) no tratamento da obesidade. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo do tratamento com 210 BIGs, em 194 doentes, entre Outubro/2000 e Junho/2007. A maioria dos doentes apresentava obesidade mórbida (IMC médio 47,8Kg/m2), com comorbilidades significativas. O tempo médio de permanência do BIG foi 7 meses. Resultados: No final do tratamento, constatou-se uma redução ponderal média de 12,9%. Obteve-se “sucesso clínico” (redução ponderal ≥10%), na maioria dos casos (60,5%). Em 2 grupos de 52 doentes hipertensos e 30 diabéticos, registou-se melhoria destas comorbilidades durante o tratamento em 61,5% e 66,7%, respectivamente. Não se registaram complicações significativas associadas ao BIG. Analisando a longo-prazo (12 meses após remoção) um coorte de 91 doentes, a redução média de peso foi 5,6%, sendo significativamente superior (>2 vezes) nos doentes com mais de 50 anos. Conclusões: O BIG é seguro e apresenta uma taxa de sucesso clínico satisfatória a curto-prazo, com melhoria das principais comorbilidades. A longo-prazo, foi mais eficaz nas faixas etárias mais avançadas.

Background: The main goal proposed by the WHO in obesity treatment, in order to reduce cardiovascular risk and related comorbidities, is a 10-15% weight-loss. Aims: To characterize and analyze short and long-term efficacy, safety and tolerability of BioEnterics® Intragastric Balloon (BIB) in obesity treatment. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study on data of 210 BIB procedures in 194 patients, between October/2000 and June/2007. Most patients presented with morbid obesity (mean BMI 47,8Kg/m2) and heavy comorbidities. Average BIB stay was 7 months. Results: On BIB removal, the mean weight-loss was 12,9%. “Clinical success” (weight-loss ≥10%) was achieved in most cases (60,5%). In two groups of 52 hypertensive and 30 diabetic patients, there was a 61,5% and 66,7% improvement in these comorbidities, respectively, during treatment. There were no major complications associated to BIB. On longterm analysis (12 month after BIB removal) of a 91 patients cohort, global weight-loss was 5,6%, being significantly higher (>2-fold) in patients over 50 years-old. Conclusions: BIB is safe, shows satisfactory short-term cli nical success rate, with improvement in co-morbidities. On long-term, higher efficacy was seen in older patients.

Os autores apresentam o caso de um doente do sexo masculino, de 80 anos, com neoplasia intra-epitelial de alto grau /carcinoma in situ em esófago de Barrett, submetida a mucosectomia com o “kit” Duette® DT-6-5F (Cook, EUA). Ao cabo de 6 meses de seguimento, o doente mantém-se assintomático e sem displasia nas biopsias de controlo. Salientam-se as características deste sistema, recentemente disponível no mercado, e discutem-se as possibilidades de abordagem terapêutica destes casos.

The authors present a case of a 80-year-old man with high degree epithelial neoplasia/carcinoma in situ in Barrett´s esophagus, treated by endoscopic mucosal resection with Duette® DT-6-5F system (Cook, USA). After 6 months of follow-up, the patient is assymptomatic and presents no dysplasia in control biopsies. We reinforce the characteristics of this system, which was recently introduced, and discuss the therapeutic options in these cases.

Os autores apresentam o caso de um doente do sexo masculino, de 70 anos, com carcinoma epidermóide do esófago in situ e carcinóides gástricos de tipo 1. Foi submetido a terapêutica fotodinâmica do carcinoma esofágico e mucosectomia da lesão gástrica de maiores dimensões, sem complicações. Após 3 anos de seguimento permanece assintomático. Os controlos endoscópicos semestrais evidenciaram reconstituição completa da mucosa normal do esófago e manutenção das características dos tumores carcinóides. Discutem-se as duas entidades e respectivo tratamento, assim como os argumentos que apontam para uma eventual associação entre ambas.

The authors present a case of a 70-year-old man with in situ oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and type 1 gastric carcinoids. Oesophageal carcinoma was treated with photodynamic therapy and an endoscopic mucosal ressection was performed for the largest gastric lesion, without complications. After 3 years of follow-up patient is assymptomatic. Endoscopic controls every 6 month revealed normal oesophageal mucosa and persistence of the carcinoid characteristics. We discuss both conditions and respective treatment, as well as the arguments that suggest an eventual association between them.

This work on the process of biosorption of nickel and chromium in an ascendant continuous-flow, fixed packed-bed bioreactor of sanitary sewage sludge was conducted in a search for solutions to the environmental problem caused by heavy metals. Analysis of the results demonstrated that the absorbent had an extraordinary capacity for biosorption of the heavy metals studied at about 9.0 pH of the effluent, with a removal percentage of over 90.0% for the two metals. Chemometric study results demonstrated that 20 days of the experimental system function were sufficient for achieving the maximum efficiency of sorption of the heavy metals studied by the sanitary sewage sludge employed.

Recent observations from type Ia Supernovae and from cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies have revealed that most of the matter of the Universe interacts in a repulsive manner, composing the so-called dark energy constituent of the Universe. Determining the properties of dark energy is one of the most important tasks of modern cosmology and this is the main motivation for this work. The analysis of cosmic gravitational waves (GW) represents, besides the CMB temperature and polarization anisotropies, an additional approach in the determination of parameters that may constrain the dark energy models and their consistence. In recent work, a generalized Chaplygin gas model was considered in a flat universe and the corresponding spectrum of gravitational waves was obtained. In the present work we have added a massless gas component to that model and the new spectrum has been compared to the previous one. The Chaplygin gas is also used to simulate a lambda-CDM model by means of a particular combination of parameters so that the Chaplygin gas and the lambda-CDM models can be easily distinguished in the theoretical scenarios here established. We find that the models are strongly degenerated in the range of frequencies studied. This degeneracy is in part expected since the models must converge to each other when some particular combinations of parameters are considered.

Recently, thermoanalytic methods have frequently been used in the characterization of oils and fats. In this work, thermoanalytic and kinetic parameters of sunflower oils, with and without antioxidants, were evaluated using thermogravimetry / derivative thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The thermogravimetric profiles for the sunflower oils had similar characteristics, showing a level stretch indicative of stability up to about 200ºC. Thermal decomposition of these oils occurred in three stages, related to the decomposition of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, respectively. DSC curves show two events that characterize the polymerization and decomposition of triglycerides. The heat capacities of the sunflower oils, obtained by DSC, showed a good correlation and were dependent on the composition of fatty acids. The kinetic parameters, obtained by non isothermal thermogravimetry by the Coats and Redfern, Madhusudanan, Horowitz and Metzger and Van Krevelen methods, were dependent on the antioxidant used. Increasing the frying time produced a decrease in the onset of thermal decomposition temperature in the sunflower oils analyzed.