ABSTRACT Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) is the second most produced and commercialized ornamental plant in the world. Measuring leaf area through non-destructive methods is fundamental for studies on its growth and production. The estimation of leaf area by linear dimensions of the leaves can be a strategy for this purpose. The objective of this study was to find allometric equations to estimate the leaf area of chrysanthemum. The linear, linear without intercept, quadratic, cubic, power, and exponential regression models were used for the analysis. The choice of equations was based on the highest coefficients of determination. The non-destructive method using allometric models has accuracy for estimating the leaf area (LA) of chrysanthemum from the product between leaf length (L) and leaf width (W). The LA of chrysanthemum can be estimated using the equation ŷ = 0.6611*LW0.9490 (L - leaf length; W - leaf width). This equation will allow researchers and producers to determine leaf area non-destructively.

RESUMO O crisântemo (Dendranthema grandiflora) é a segunda planta ornamental mais produzida e comercializada no mundo. A medição da área foliar por métodos não destrutivos é fundamental para estudos sobre seu crescimento e produção. A estimativa da área foliar por dimensões lineares das folhas pode ser uma estratégia para este fim. O objetivo deste estudo foi encontrar equações alométricas para estimar a área foliar do crisântemo. Os modelos de regressão linear, linear sem intercepto, quadrático, cúbico, potência e exponencial foram utilizados para a análise. A escolha das equações foi baseada nos maiores coeficientes de determinação. O método não destrutivo por meio de modelos alométricos tem acurácia para estimar a área foliar (AF) do crisântemo a partir do produto entre o comprimento da folha (C) e a largura da folha (L). A AF do crisântemo pode ser estimada pela equação ŷ = 0,6611*CL0,9490 (C - comprimento da folha; L - largura da folha). Essa equação permitirá que pesquisadores e produtores determinem a área foliar de forma não destrutiva.

Hematological problems are associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Respiratory impairment is the higher point studied, although without experimental studies related to the oxygen transport performed by erythrocytes. Therefore, we decided to investigate if erythrocytes from COVID-19 patients have their functionality changed. The case-control study included hospitalized patients with a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result admitted to University Hospital. Volunteers (negative RT-PCR results) were recruited as a control group. Thus, we assessed different erythrocytes parameters, oxidative stress markers, and biophysical studies using whole blood and isolated hemoglobin. We found a decrease of 51% in oxygen uptake and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Raman spectrometry showed structural changes in the hemoglobin and lipids of the erythrocytes from COVID-19 patients; thus, these results were consolidated with an increase in Young’s modulus in erythrocytes followed by morphology changes. Besides, isolated hemoglobin from COVID-19 patients has a distinct interaction profile using a ligand model compared to the control. COVID-19 leads to structural, functional, and morphological damage to human erythrocytes. Our data showed structural and molecular changes and induction of oxidative stress in erythrocytes by COVID-19, a new perspective on the contribution of erythrocytes to a respiratory commitment in COVID-19.

Abstract The antiulcer mechanisms of the dry extract of T. erecta flowers (DETe) were studied here. The acute ulcers induced by acidified ethanol or indomethacin were reproduced in mice pretreated with DETe (3 - 300 mg/kg). The antiulcer activity of DETe was also verified in mice pretreated with NEM, L-NAME, indomethacin, or yohimbine. The antisecretory effect of DETe was verified in rats, and its anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was determined in vitro. DETe (300 mg/kg, p.o) reduced the ethanol- or indomethacin-induced ulcer by 49 and 93%, respectively. The pre-treatment with L-NAME, NEM or yohimbine abolished the gastroprotective effect of DETe. However, DETe did not change the volume, acidity, or peptic activity in rats and did not affect H. pylori. This study expands knowledge about the antiulcerogenic potential of DETe, evidencing the role of nitric oxide, non-protein sulfhydryl groups, α2 adrenergic receptors, and prostaglandins, but not antisecretory or anti-H. pylori properties.

Abstract Background Diagnosis of SS is a complex task, as no symptom or test is unique to this syndrome. The American-European Consensus Group (AECG 2002) and the American-European classification criteria of 2016 (ACR/EULAR 2016) emerged through a search for consensus. This study aims to assess the prevalence of Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), according to AECG 2002 and ACR-EULAR 2016 classifications, as well as clinical and histopathological features in this overlap. To date, there is no study that has evaluated SS in SLE, using the two current criteria. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated 237 SLE patients at the outpatient rheumatology clinic between 2016 and 2018. Patients were submitted to a dryness questionnaire, whole unstimulated salivary flow (WUSF), “Ocular Staining Score” (OSS), Schirmer’s test I (ST-I), and labial salivary gland biopsy (LSGB). Results After verifying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 117 patients were evaluated, with predominance of females (94%) and mixed ethnicity (49.6%). The prevalence of SS was 23% according to AECG 2002 and 35% to ACR- EULAR 2016. Kappa agreement between AECG 2002 and ACR-EULAR 2016 were 0.7 (p < 0.0001). After logistic regression, predictors for SS were: anti/Ro (OR = 17.86, p < 0.05), focal lymphocytic sialadenitis (OR = 3.69, p < 0.05), OSS ≥ 5 (OR = 7.50, p < 0.05), ST I positive (OR = 2.67, p < 0.05), and WUSF ≤ 0.1 mL/min (OR = 4.13, p < 0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of SS in SLE was 23% (AECG 2002) and 35% (ACR-EULAR 2016). The presence of glandular dysfunction, focal lymphocytic sialadenitis, and anti/Ro were predictors of SS in SLE. The greatest advantage of the new ACR-EULAR 2016 criteria is to enable an early diagnosis and identify the overlapping of these two diseases. ACR- EULAR 2016 criteria is not yet validated for secondary SS and this study is a pioneer in investigating prevalence based on the new criteria.

Plant phenolic extracts are widely recognized as an important source of natural antioxidant substances and potential compounds for cosmetic formulations. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical profile, photoprotective and antioxidant activities of stem bark extract of Spondias purpurea L. (ciriguela) and its application in photoprotective formulations. Thirty phenolic constituents were annotated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in mode negative (UPLC-QTOF-MS2). The stem bark extract antioxidant and chelation potential, expressed in half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), showed 6.25 and 352.22 µg mL−1, respectively. The phenolic extract was used as an active ingredient in six sunscreen formulations, with concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 10%. The ultraviolet (UV) protection properties of the formulations were evaluated by sun protection factor (SPF) values obtained in 0.2 mg mL−1 (0.495 to 2.27) and 2.0 mg mL−1 (2.29 to 15.87). The SPF value for the extract (14.37 and 26.16) was high, but there was a reduction in the base formulation. However, these results suggested that the bioactive extracted of stem bark of Spondias purpurea L. has interesting potential to reduce the damage caused by UV radiation and may be utilized as an active ingredient in a sunscreen formulation.

Resumo Fundamento O suco de laranja (SL) é rico em polifenóis com propriedades anti-inflamatórias e antioxidantes. Após o infarto do miocárdio (IM), mudanças complexas ocorrem na estrutura e na função cardíacas, processo conhecido como remodelação cardíaca (RC). O estresse oxidativo e a inflamação podem modular esse processo. Nossa hipótese foi a de que o consumo de SL atenua a RC após o IM. Objetivos Avaliar a influência do SL sobre a RC após IM pela análise de variáveis funcionais, morfológicas, de estresse oxidativo, de inflação, e de metabolismo energético. Métodos Um total de 242 ratos machos pesando entre 200 e 250g foram submetidos a um procedimento cirúrgico (ligação da artéria coronária ou cirurgia simulada). Sete dia após a cirurgia, os animais sobreviventes foram divididos para um dos quatro grupos: 1) SM, animais sham que receberam água e maltodextrina (n= 20); 2) SSL, animais sham que receberam SL (n= 20); 3) IM, animais infartados que receberam água e maltodextrina (n= 40); e 4) ISL, animais infartados que receberam SL (n = 40). A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste de ANOVA com dois fatores com o teste de Holm-Sidak. Os resultados foram apresentados em média ± desvio padrão, e o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados Três meses depois, o IM levou à hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), com disfunção sistólica e diastólica, e aumento nos mediadores inflamatórios e de estresse oxidativo. Os animais que consumiram SL apresentaram menor atividade da glutationa peroxidase e maior expressão da heme-oxigenase-1 (HO-1). Conclusão O SL atenuou a RC, e a HO-1 pode exercer um importante papel nesse processo.

Abstract Background Orange juice (OJ) is rich in polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. After myocardial infarction (MI), complex changes occur in cardiac structure and function, which is known as cardiac remodeling (CR). Oxidative stress and inflammation can modulate this process. We hypothesized that the consumption of OJ attenuates the CR after MI. Objectives To evaluate the influence of OJ on CR after MI by analysis of functional, morphological, oxidative stress, inflammation, and energy metabolism variables. Methods A total of 242 male rats weighing 200-250 g were submitted to a surgical procedure (coronary artery ligation or simulated surgery). Seven days after surgery, survivors were assigned to one of the four groups 1) SM, sham animals with water and maltodextrin (n= 20); 2) SOJ, sham animals with OJ (n= 20); 3) IM, infarcted animals with water and maltodextrin (n= 40); and 4) IOJ, infarcted animals with OJ (n = 40). Statistical analysis was performed by the two-way ANOVA supplemented by Holm-Sidak. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation, the level of significance adopted was 5%. Results After 3 months, MI led to left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, with systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. OJ intake reduced LV cavity and improved systolic and diastolic function. The OJ animals presented lower activity of glutathione peroxidase and higher expression of heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Conclusion OJ attenuated CR in infarcted rats and HO-1 may be play an important role in this process.

ABSTRACT Background: Bathing with 2% chlorhexidine (CHG) wipes is an important measure regarding infection prevention in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CHG wipes bath to prevent central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in critically ill patients and determine if such measure is cost-saving. Methods: a quasi-experimental study, conducted from July 2017 to April 2019. Daily bath with 2% CHG was used in all patients at the unit in the intervention period. The following were evaluated: CLABSI incidence density in both periods, 30- day mortality, guided antimicrobials used to treat CLABSI and 2% CHG costs. Results: CLABSI incidence density dropped from 8.69 to 1.83 per 1.000 central line-days (p = 0.001), mainly by Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenen Resistant (Kp-KPC) (p = 0.05). Costs with guided antimicrobials for the treatment in pre-intervention were US$ 46,114.36, and in the intervention period, US$ 4,177.50. The 2% CHG monthly cost was US$ 2,698.00, achieving 30% savings when comparing both periods. Discussion: An expressive reduction of 79% in CLABSI incidence density was observed, mainly due to Kp-KPC infection and also a reduction in guided antimicrobial costs. Conclusions: Bathing with 2% CHG led to evident CLABSI reduction.

RESUMO Óleos essenciais (EO) e extratos brutos aquosos (EBA) de Syzygium aromaticum e Cymbopogon nardus, e seus principais componentes químicos foram investigados para controle in vitro e in vivo de doenças causadas por Phytophthora nicotianae em tomateiro (Lycopersicon esculentum) e berinjela (Solanum melongena). Experimentos in vitro foram conduzidos pelo método de diluição em ágar com diferentes concentrações de óleos essenciais (OE’s) (0,1; 0,5; 1,0 ?L/mL) e extratos aquosos brutos (EBA’s) (1,0; 10,0 20,0%) para avaliar o potencial inibitório sobre o crescimento micelial e germinação de zoósporos. Com as porcentagens de inibição e concentrações inibitórias mínimas encontradas, realizou-se testes em frutos e plântulas sob ambiente controlado. As variáveis avaliadas foram o diâmetro médio das lesões formadas na superfície dos frutos e a incidência e morte de plântulas ao longo de seis e 15 dias de avaliação, respectivamente. Os produtos que mais inibiram o crescimento micelial e a germinação de zoósporos foram obtidos de S. aromaticum, nas concentrações de 0,5 ?L/mL e 10% de OE e EBA, respectivamente. Os tratamentos que mais retardaram a progressão da doença em frutos e plântulas, em comparação com o controle, foram o OE e EBA de C. nardus a 1,0 ?L/mL e 20%, respectivamente. Portanto, os produtos obtidos de S. aromaticum e C. nardus, têm potencial para reduzir o ataque deste patógeno em tomate e berinjela.

ABSTRACT Essential oils (OE) and crude aqueous extracts (EBA) from apple-style-spanSyzygiumapple-style-spanapple-style-spanapple-style-span apple-style-spanaromaticumapple-style-span and apple-style-spanCymbopogonapple-style-spanapple-style-spanapple-style-span apple-style-spannardusapple-style-span and their major chemical components were investigated for in vitro and in vivo control of diseases caused by Phytophthora nicotianae in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena). In vitro experiments were conducted using the agar dilution method with different concentrations of OE (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 ?L/mL) and EBA (1.0, 10.0, 20.0%) to evaluate their inhibitory potential on mycelial growth and zoospore germination. The obtained percent inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentrations were used to performed tests in fruits and seedlings under controlled conditions. The evaluated variables were mean lesion diameter on the surface of fruits and incidence and death of seedlings over six and 15 days of evaluation, respectively. The products that most inhibited mycelial growth and zoospore germination were obtained from S. aromaticum, at the concentrations of 0.5 ?L/mL and 10% OE and EBA, respectively. The treatments that most delayed the disease progress in fruits and seedlings, compared to control, were OE and EBA of C. naudus at 1.0 ?L/mL and 20%, respectively. Thus, products obtained from S. aromaticum and C. nardus have the potential to reduce the attack by this pathogen in tomato and eggplant.

The essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus, citronella, has been extensively studied. However, the chemical and biological properties of the ethanolic extract (EE) of C. nardus have not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of the EE of C. nardus and its active fraction (FrD). Moreover, the cytotoxic and antifungal properties of these extracts against Candida species with different resistance profiles to conventional drugs were evaluated. The compounds identified in EE were mono-C- and di-C-glycosyl flavones and phenylpropanoid glycosides. Phenylpropanoid glycosides were identified in FrD. EE showed antifungal activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 62. 5 to 500 µg mL-1. FrD was more effective against C. glabrata, as evidenced by the lowest MIC value (15. 6 µg mL-1). EE inhibited yeast growth similar to amphotericin-B, as demonstrated by similar time-kill curves. EE inhibited C. albicans hyphae formation and mature biofilm of C. albicans, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis. The results of the chemical and biological analyses of EE and its fractions provided novel information and may contribute to control of infections caused by Candida species.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the healing potential of the electrospinning membranes of Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA) associated with Sedum dendroideum extract in burn injuries in rats. Methods: Seventy-five rats were submitted to burn injury on their back skin: (C) untreated; (F) with daily topical application of S. dendroideum extract; (M) with electrospinning membranes of PLA; (MF10) with electrospinning membranes of PLA with 10% S. dendroideum extract; (MF25) with electrospinning membranes of PLA with 25% S. dendroideum extract. Tissue samples were taken after 2, 6 and 14 days of the burn injury and were subjected to histomorfometric analysis of quantification of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, blood vessels, and inflammatory infiltrate Results: The histomorphometric analysis showed an increase in the number of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and blood vessels in the burns treated with membranes of PLA, associated or not with the 10% and 25% extract. The extract of S. dendroideum promoted the increase of collagen fibers. Conclusion: The electrospinning PLA membrane, isolated or associated with the S. dendrodeum extract, favored the healing of burn injuries in this experimental model, with an increase of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, and blood vessels. S. dendroideum isolated only stimulated the collagenesis.

Abstract The hawksbill turtle is a broadly distributed, highly migratory and critically endangered sea turtle species. The paucity of studies restricts the comprehension of its behavior and life history. In this work, we performed a global phylogeographic analysis using a compilation of previously published mitochondrial haplotype data to understand the dynamics and diversity of hawksbill populations worldwide. Our results revealed a complex demographic pattern associated to hawksbill phylogeography since the Pliocene. Isolation by distance is not enough to explain distinct demographic units of hawksbill turtles, which are also influenced by other factors as oceanic currents, coral reef distribution and nesting timing. The foraging aggregations are typically mixed stocks of individuals originating from multiple nesting areas, but there is also a trend of foragers coming from nearby natal beaches. Phylogenetic analysis indicates two highly divergent major lineages split between Atlantic and Indo-Pacific rookeries, but there is also a more recent Atlantic Ocean colonization from the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Long-distance dispersal events are likely responsible for homogenization between distant populations within oceans. Our findings provided new insights about population connectivity, identified gaps that should be prioritized in future research and highlighted the need for international efforts aiming at hawksbill's conservation.

Abstract The Commelina erecta L. (C. erecta) also known as erva-de-santa-luzia is reported by local population to have medical properties against some pathological conditions. In this study, two extracts of C. erecta leaves (aqueous and ethanolic) were phytochemically analysed and evaluated for their in-vitro antioxidant activities by DPPH, TBARS, NO assays and cell viability assays. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of rutin and caffeic acid in aqueous and ethanolic extract. The total polyphenols in aqueous and ethanolic extracts found were 142.7 ± 3.0 and 123.1 ± 5.8 μg/mL of GAE, respectively. The ethanolic extract (5 mg/mL) inhibits TBARS by 33.8%, and the aqueous extract (5 mg/mL) exhibited scavenger property against nitric oxide derivatives to an extent of 77.8%. In cell culture, both extracts improved cell survivability under H2O2 induced oxidative stress. Thus, C. erecta extract is a good candidate to become a phytotherapic medicine.

Resumo A esquistossomose é uma doença negligenciada que afeta milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo, sendo comum no estado do Maranhão. Um total de 225 roedores da espécie Holochilus sciureus da Planície Ocidental do Maranhão foram estudados, dos quais 144 animais (64%) apresentaram ovos de Schistosoma em suas fezes. Lesões macroscópicas caracterizadas como áreas esbranquiçadas bem definidas nas superfícies do fígado e baço foram observadas. O exame histopatológico revelou granulomas multifocais no esôfago, fígado, baço, pâncreas e duodeno, com estruturas compatíveis com ovos de Schistosoma mansoni, degeneração micro-vacuolar hepática grave, multifocal e coalescente, com proliferação de ductos biliares aleatórios e hiperplasia epitelial associada a áreas de fibrose. Formas adultas do parasito foram observadas nos vasos sanguíneos do espaço portal. Os pulmões exibiram pneumonia intersticial moderada e difusa com ovos de S. mansoni intralesionais. Nos rins, foram observados cilindros hialinos na pelve e hemorragia difusa. Em conclusão, H. sciureus apresenta um quadro patológico semelhante ao ser humano. Este roedor desempenha um papel de sentinela na Baixada Maranhense.

Abstract Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people around the world, being common in the state of Maranhão. A total of 225 rodents of the Holochilus sciureus species from the Western Lowland Maranhão were studied, of which 144 animals (64%) exhibited Schistosoma eggs in their feces samples. Macroscopic lesions characterized as well-defined whitish areas on the liver and spleen surfaces were observed. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal granulomas in the esophagus, liver, spleen, pancreas and duodenum, with structures compatible with Schistosoma mansoni eggs, as well as severe hepatic micro-vacuolar degeneration, multifocal and coalescent, with proliferation of random bile ducts and associated epithelial hyperplasia to areas of fibrosis. Adult forms of the parasite were observed in the blood vessels of the portal space. The lungs exhibited moderate and diffuse interstitial pneumonia with intralesional S. mansoni eggs. In the kidneys, hyaline cylinders were observed in the pelvis and diffuse hemorrhage. In conclusion, H. sciureus displays a pathological picture similar to human being. This rodent plays a role as sentinel in Baixada Maranhense.

The present work evaluated the effect on charge transfer in functionalized TiO2 nanostructured systems using different binders. We highlight the conditions required to form self-assembled systems by varying the number of layers, as well as by substituting them for an organic binder, cysteine. Additionally, we study the pH effect of the precursor solution (HAuCl4) on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) formation. The morphological characterization allowed us to determine the percentage of Au atoms on the surface of the synthesized nanoparticles. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis determined the amount of gold deposited on the TiO2 surface, which ranged from 4.56 to 253.00 ng mm-2 depending on the system used. Based on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman analysis, it was possible to propose a photolysis mechanism for AuNP formation in accordance with the change in the binders. The different systems were subjected to hydrogen photogeneration by a water splitting process, resulting in 2.02 µmol cm-2 of hydrogen production for cysteine binder [Cys+HAuCl4-2.7]. There proved to be an excellent synergy between the morphological aspects, crystallinity, and stability of this arrangement.

Chagas disease is a tropical parasitic disease that is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and causes 12,000 deaths per year, mainly in Latin America. The available drugs for treating have severe limitations, including poor efficacy and high toxicity. One way to overcome these limitations is targeting priority molecules with computational tools to direct in vitro assays against validated targets. Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (E.C. 2.5.1.10) is an enzyme that participates in the initial stage of sterol biosynthesis, and its inhibition causes damage to membrane integrity, leading to parasite death. With the aim to identify potential inhibitors against this target from T. cruzi, hierarchical virtual screening approaches were performed through a combination of ligand-based pharmacophore models and molecular docking. First, pharmacophore model filtering resulted in 15,154 molecules that had the minimum structural requirements for inhibition (QFIT > 0). These molecules were subsequently submitted to molecular docking routine, which resulted in 11,762 molecules (Grid Score between -232.74 to -0.96 kcal mol-1). The top 30 ranked molecules in these approaches were grouped in self-organizing maps. These analyses showed four promising compounds from natural products that mimic the major interactions present in the substrate/inhibitor, which indicates that these molecules can be assayed by in vitro experiments.