Resumo A sexagem das espécies é uma ferramenta importante para o manejo populacional. Em tartarugas, cágados e jabutis, a sexagem geralmente é feita de acordo com características secundárias, como morfologia do plastrão ou técnicas de eversão do falo. Neste artigo, apresentamos o método de eversão do falo e comparamos sua eficiência com outras técnicas existentes. Este novo método visa encurtar o tempo de manejo e reduzir os efeitos colaterais físicos nos animais, promovendo o manejo clínico e reprodutivo do cágado-de-barbicha (Phrynops geoffroanus) e espécies relacionadas. Uma amostra de cinquenta indivíduos foi coletada na região central do estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil. O método proposto consiste em remover a cabeça de sua posição de repouso. Os métodos que obtiveram índice de sucesso superior a 80% foram comparados entre si quanto ao tempo de estimulação necessário para a eversão do falo. O método aqui proposto alcançou 100% de eficiência na determinação do sexo de espécimes com comprimento de carapaça linear entre 10 e 34 cm. Além disso, quando comparado ao segundo método mais eficiente, reduziu substancialmente o tempo necessário para o manejo dos espécimes (91%), evitando possíveis sequelas nos indivíduos manuseados.

Abstract The sexing of species is an important tool for population management. In tortoises and turtles, sexing is usually done according to secondary characteristics, such as plastron morphology or phallus eversion techniques. In this paper, we present the phallus eversion method and compare its efficiency to other existing techniques. This new method aims at shortening the management time and reducing the physical aftereffects on the animals, fostering the clinical and reproductive management of Geoffroy’s side-necked turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) and related species. A sample of fifty individuals was taken in the central region of Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. The proposed method consisted of moving the head from its resting position. The methods achieving a success rate higher than 80% were compared to each other as for the stimulation time required for phallus eversion. The method as here proposed achieved 100% efficiency in the sex determination of specimens with a linear carapace length between 10 and 34 cm. Also, when compared to the second most efficient method, it substantially reduced the time needed for managing the specimens (91%), avoiding possible sequelae in the individuals handled.

Resumo A pitaia vermelha (Hylocereus costaricensis) é uma promissora espécie, com elevado potencial de cultivo devido às qualidades organolépticas e funcionais de seus frutos. Entretanto, a salinidade da água de irrigação pode afetar o rendimento produtivo da cultura. Diante disso, materiais ricos em substâncias orgânicas podem minimizar os danos provocados pelo excesso de sais no solo e/ou na água. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de fontes de matéria orgânica como atenuante do estresse salino na produção e respostas bioquímicas de mudas de pitaia vermelha. O delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 × 5, com cinco fontes de matéria orgânica (húmus, esterco ovino, biofertilizante, composto orgânico e areia + solo) e quatro salinidade (0.6, 2.6, 4.6 e 6.6 dS m-1), com quatro repetições e duas plantas por vaso foi utilizado. O comprimento da parte aérea, comprimento da raiz, diâmetro do cladódio, número de cladódios, número de brotos, volume da raiz, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca da raiz e massa seca total, razão da massa seca da raiz e da parte aérea, clorofila a, b e total, aminoácidos e os açúcares solúveis foram avaliados aos 120 dias após o início da aplicação dos tratamentos. A pitaia vermelha é moderadamente tolerante a salinidade. O composto orgânico e estrume ovino atenuam os efeitos nocivos da salinidade nas mudas de pitaia vermelha. Sob condições de estresse salino, as plantas aumentam os níveis de aminoácidos e açúcares totais.

Abstract Red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) is a promising species, with high cultivation potential due to the organoleptic and functional qualities of its fruits. However, irrigation water salinity can affect the crop yield. Therefore, materials rich in organic substances can minimize the damage caused by excess salts in soil and/or water. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic matter sources as attenuators of salt stress on the production and biochemical responses of red pitaya seedlings. A completely randomized design in 4 × 5 factorial scheme, with five sources of organic matter (humus, sheep manure, biofertilizer, organic compost and sand + soil) and four salinities (0.6, 2.6, 4.6 and 6.6 dS m-1) with four replicates and two plants per plot was used. The shoot length, root length, cladode diameter, number of cladodes, number of sprotus, root volume, shoot dry mass, root dry mass and total dry mass, root and shoot dry mass ratio, chlorophyll a, b and total, amino acids and soluble sugars were evaluated at 120 days after the treatments began to be applied. Red pitaya is moderately tolerant to salinity (ECw from 4.0 to 6.0 dS m-1). Organic compost and sheep manure attenuate the harmful effects of salinity on red pitaya seedlings. Under salt stress conditions, red pitaya plants increase their levels of proline, amino acids and total sugars.

ABSTRACT Objectives: This review discusses deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) diagnosis and surgery using current urological knowledge and technologies. Materials and Methods: Narrative review of deep infiltrating endometriosis that result in urological issues. We examined manuscripts from Pubmed, Embase, and Scielo’s database using the following MeSH terms: (‘endometriosis’) AND (‘urology’ OR ‘urological’ OR ‘urologist’) AND (‘bladder’ OR’vesical’) AND (‘ureteral’ OR ‘ureter’). Selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Sample images from our records were brought to endorse the findings. Results: Thirty four related articles were chosen from 105. DIE may affect the urinary system in 52.6% of patients. Lower urinary tract symptoms may require urodynamic examination. Ultrasonography offers strong statistical yields for detecting urinary tract lesions or distortions, but magnetic resonance will confirm the diagnosis. Cystoscopy can detect active lesions, although any macroscopic visual appeal is pathognomonic. Endourology is utilized intraoperatively for bladder and ureteral assessment, however transurethral endoscopic excision of bladder lesions had higher recurrence rates. Laparoscopy is the route of choice for treatment; partial cystectomy, and bladder shaving were the most prevalent surgical treatments for bladder endometriosis. Regarding the ureteral treatment, the simple ureterolysis and complex reconstructive techniques were described in most papers. Using anatomical landmarks or neuronavigation, pelvic surgical systematization allows intraoperative neural structure identification. Conclusions: DIE in the urinary system is common, however the number of publications with high level of evidence is limited. The initial tools for diagnosis are ultrasonography and cystoscopy, but magnetic resonance is the most reliable tool. When the patient has voiding symptoms, the urodynamic examination is crucial. Laparoscopy improves lesion detection and anatomical understanding. This approach must be carried out by professionals with high expertise, since the surgery goes beyond the resection of lesions and includes the preservation of nerve structures and urinary tract reconstruction techniques.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Ureterocalicostomy is a technique that was first described by Neuwirt in 1948 (1) The laparoscopic access was initiated in 2003 by Cherullo et al. (2), following the established principles of open surgery. In 2004, Gill et al. had two patients with UPJO treated with laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy, with success (3). In 2014, Arap et. al. presented a case series with good results in adults and children in our service (4). There are factors that prepare the surgeon for an ureterocalicostomy, such as the renal cortex thickness, although the decision is mainly taken during the procedure (5). Material and Methods: A 24 years-old female patient with right lumbar pain was referred to our institution. She already had a right open pyeloplasty two years ago. The CT scan presented a right hydronephrotic kidney, DMSA scan with 30% of relative function and a DTPA scan with an obstructive pattern. Results: A laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy was performed due to the intra-operative findings (inferior kidney pole thickness and challenging access to the uretero-pelvic junction). The overall time was 130 minutes with no complications. The patient was discharged in two days and the double J was withdrawn in four weeks. The CT scan within one year demonstrates a reduction of the hydronephrosis. She had no more lumbar pain. Conclusion: In complex cases, the laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy proves to be a safe and efficient procedure, with a free tension-free anastomosis and the advantages of the laparoscopic access.

RESUMO Práticas inadequadas de manejo antes do abate podem comprometer o bem-estar animal e a qualidade da carne suína. Este estudo visou avaliar os efeitos do período de transporte (TT), período de descarga (TD), e período de pré-abate (TE) nos indicadores termofisiológicos animais e no pH da carne suína, utilizando uma abordagem multivariada. Este estudo foi realizado num matadouro localizado em Aquiraz, Ceará, Brasil. Um total de 60 suínos mestiços com 107 ± 5 kg de peso corporal foram distribuídos em três grupos experimentais: grupo A (TT = 180 min, TD ≤ 10 min, e TE = 24 horas), grupo B (TT = 60 min, TD ≤ 15 min, e TE = 18 horas), e grupo C (TT = 45 min, TD ≤ 5 min, e TE = 24 horas). A análise discriminante canônica foi implementada e as diferenças entre tratamentos são representadas graficamente. Os dois primeiros componentes foram responsáveis por 97% dos tratamentos. A análise discriminante mostrou que o grupo C apresentou diferenças multivariadas em relação aos outros, particularmente com temperatura retal elevada antes do abate (38,4 ± 0,23 °C) e frequência respiratória (131 ± 7,0 respirações min-1) e temperatura retal (39,7 ± 0,18 °C) à chegada ao matadouro. O período de transporte (TT), período de descarga (TD) e o stress térmico das instalações influenciaram variáveis fisiológicas, tais como a temperatura retal e a frequência respiratória. Além disso, as variáveis de estresse fisiológico também favoreceram cortes com pH básico, resultando em perda de qualidade.

ABSTRACT Inadequate pre-slaughter handling practices may compromise animal welfare and pork quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of transport period (TT), unloading period (UT), and pre-slaughtering period (WT) on animal thermophysiological indicators and pork pH using a multivariate approach. This study was conducted in a slaughterhouse located in Aquiraz, Ceará state, Brazil. A total of 60 mestizo pigs with 107 ± 5 kg body weight were distributed into three experimental groups: group A (TT = 180 min, UT ≤ 10 min, and WT = 24 hours), group B (TT = 60 min, UT ≤ 15 min, and WT = 18 hours), and group C (TT = 45 min, UT ≤ 5 min, and WT = 24 hours). Canonical discriminant analysis was implemented and the differences between treatments are represented graphically. The first two components accounted for 97% treatments. The discriminant analysis showed that group C presented multivariate differences in relation to others, particularly with high rectal temperature before slaughter (38.4 ± 0.23 °C) and respiratory rate (131 ± 7.0 breaths min-1) and rectal temperature (39.7 ± 0.18 °C) upon arrival at the slaughterhouse. Transport period (TT), unloading period (UT), and thermal stress of the facilities influenced physiological variables, such as rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Furthermore, the physiological stress variables also favored cuts with basic pH, resulting in quality loss.

In this study, xiquexique (Pilosocereus gounellei) native endemic cactus from the Brazilian semiarid was used for the first time as a natural carbon source (“green precursor”) for the synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon dots (CDs). These CDs were successfully used to develop a fast, low-cost, eco-friendly fluorescence method for the determination of tannins in teas. This method was automatized employing a flow-batch system coupled to an inexpensive ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) used as an excitation source and a cheap handheld spectrometer used as a detector. CDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The proposed method presented a linear range from 2.0-30.0 mg L-1, relative standard deviation (RSD) < 3.0%, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.102 mg L-1, and recovery rates from 90.5-109.1%. A paired t-test at a 95% confidence level indicated no statistically significant difference between the proposed and reference methods, revealing that it is a useful alternative for the determination of tannins.

Resumo O óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus) possui diversas atividades biológicas, entre elas a ação repelente a insetos. Alguns estudos mostraram que os ésteres do ácido cinâmico podem ser aplicados como pesticidas naturais, inseticidas e fungicidas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de ésteres a partir do óleo essencial de citronela com ácido cinâmico via esterificação enzimática. Além disso, foi investigada a toxicidade do óleo essencial antes e após a esterificação contra Artemia salina e a ação larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti. Os ésteres foram produzidos utilizando ácido cinâmico como agente acilante e óleo essencial de citronela (3: 1) em heptano e 15% em peso da enzima NS 88011 como biocatalisadores, a 70 ° C e 150 rpm. As taxas de conversão de cinamatos de citronelil e geranil foram 58,7 e 69,0% para NS 88011, respectivamente. Para a toxicidade sobre Artemia salina foram obtidos CL50 de 5,29 μg mL-1 para o óleo essencial e 4,36 μg mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com NS 88011. Na atividade inseticida contra larvas de Aedes aegypti, obteve-se CL50 de 111,84 μg mL-1 para o óleo essencial de citronela e 86,30 μg mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com a enzima NS 88011, indicando alta toxicidade dos ésteres. Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras avaliadas apresentam potencial de aplicação como bioinseticida.

Abstract The essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) has several biological activities, among them the insect repellent action. Some studies showed that cinnamic acid esters can be applied as natural pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the production of esters from citronella essential oil with cinnamic acid via enzymatic esterification. Besides, the essential oil toxicity before and after esterification against Artemia salina and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti was investigated. Esters were produced using cinnamic acid as the acylating agent and citronella essential oil (3:1) in heptane and 15 wt% NS 88011 enzyme as biocatalysts, at 70 °C and 150 rpm. Conversion rates of citronellyl and geranyl cinnamates were 58.7 and 69.0% for NS 88011, respectively. For the toxicity to Artemia salina LC50 results of 5.29 μg mL-1 were obtained for the essential oil and 4.36 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with NS 88011. In the insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, was obtained LC50 of 111.84 μg mL-1 for the essential oil of citronella and 86.30 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with the enzyme NS 88011, indicating high toxicity of the esters. The results demonstrated that the evaluated samples present potential of application as bioinsecticide.

Abstract Thousands of people have died of COVID-19 in El Salvador. However, little is known about the mental health of those who are mourning the loss of a loved one to COVID-19. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the dysfunctional grief associated with COVID-19 death among Salvadoran adults. A sample of 435 Salvadorans ( M = 29 years; SD = 8.75) who lost a family member or loved one to COVID-19 completed a digital survey using the Google Forms platform, during April 2 and 28, 2022. The results revealed that 35.1% reported clinically elevated symptoms of dysfunctional grief and among those mourners, and 25.1% also exhibited clinical levels of coronavirus anxiety. A binary logistic regression revealed that predictor variables such as COVID-19 anxiety ( p = .003), depression ( p = .021), and COVID-19 obsession ( p = .032) were significant ( χ 2 = 84.31; Nagelkerke R 2 = .242) and predict a 24.2% chance of dysfunctional bereavement.

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.

The production of conductive and organic devices from a 3D printer represents a promising strategy for several areas. In particular, the synthesis of polypyrrole-coated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites can be considered an important step to produce conductive supports for 3D printing. Herein, it is reported the production of ABS samples through the additive manufacturing process (3D printing) accordingly to the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method. The hydrophilic behavior was controlled by the surface treatment using air plasma for the following step of coating with polypyrrole (PPy) via an in situ polymerization, using two different oxidants: ferric chloride (FeCl3.6H2O) and ammonium persulfate (APS). The chemical, optical, surface, and electrical properties of these materials were characterized through Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements, cyclic voltammetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), 4-probe electrical measurement, and mechanical tensile testing. The ABS/PPy (FeCl3) composite exhibited a low electrical contact resistance and better performance for applications that require electrodes with a good conductance level.

Abstract Due to the complex nature of pain and the participation of physical, cognitive, psychological and behavioral aspects, pain management has several approaches. The use of medicinal plants in developing countries is quite expressive. Seeking new options for the treatment of emerging or debilitating diseases. Therefore, the present study seeks to elucidate the effects of the monoterpene, citronellal, differentiating its activity by isomers (R)-(+) and (S)-(-) citronellal. The study used several methods to evaluate the effects of citronellal isomers on motor coordination, nociceptive response, and the involvement of opioid, glutamatergic, and transient receptor pathways. The methods included rota-rod, hot-plate, and formalin tests, as well as the use of specific inhibitors and agonists. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics with a 95% confidence level. Both isomers did not significantly affect the motor coordination of the studied animals. The isomer (S)-(-) citronellal showed better results in relation to its structural counterpart, managing to have an antinociceptive effect in the formalin and hot plate tests with a lower concentration (100 mg/kg) and presenting fewer side effects, however, the this study was not able to elucidate the mechanism of action of this isomer despite having activity in studies with substances that act on specific targets such as glutamate and capsaicin, its activity was not reversed with the use of antagonists for pathways related to nociception. While the (R)-(+) citronellal isomer, despite showing total activity only at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, was able to determine its mechanism of action related to the opioid pathway by reversing its activity by the antagonist naloxone, being this is a pathway already correlated with nociception control treatments, however, it is also related to some unwanted side effects. In this way, new studies are sought to elucidate the mechanism related to the isomer (S)-(-) citronellal and a possibility of use in other areas related to the treatment of pain or inflammation.

Resumo Devido à natureza complexa da dor e a sua participação de aspectos físicos, cognitivos, psicológicos e comportamentais, o manejo da dor possui diversas abordagens. O uso de plantas medicinais em países em desenvolvimento é bastante expressivo. Buscando novas opções para o tratamento de denças emergentes ou debilitantes. Portanto, o presente estudo busca elucidar os efeitos do monoterpeno, citronelal, diferenciando sua atividade pelos isômeros (R)-(+) e (S)-(-) citronelal. O estudo utilizou diversos métodos para avaliar os efeitos dos isômeros de citronelal na coordenação motora, resposta nociceptiva e o envolvimento de vias opioides, glutamatérgicas e de receptores transitórios. Os métodos incluíram testes de rota-rod, placa quente e formalina, além do uso de inibidores e agonistas específicos. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente com um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Ambos os isomeros não afetaram significativamente a coordenação motora dos animais em estudo. O isômero (S)-(-) citronelal apresentou melhores resultados em relação ao seu homólogo estrutural, conseguindo ter um efeito antinociceptivo nos testes de formalina e placa quente com menor concentração (100 mg/kg) e apresentando menos efeitos colaterais, entretanto, o presente estudo não foi capaz de elucidar o mecanismo de ação deste isomero apesar de ter atividadade em estudos com substancias que agem em alvos específicos como glutamato e capsaicina, sua atividade não foi revertida com a utilização de antagonistas para as vias relacionadas à nocicepção. Enquanto o isômero (R)-(+) citronelal, apesar de apresentar de apresentar total atividade somente na concentração de 150 mg/kg, foi capaz de determinar seu mecanismo de ação relacionado à via opióide pela reversão da sua atividade pelo antagonista naloxona, sendo esta uma via já correlacionada com os tratamentos de controle da a nocicepção, no entanto, também está relacionada a alguns efeitos colaterais indesejados. Desta forma busca-se novos estudos para elucidação do mecanismo relacionados ao isomero (S)-(-) citronellal e uma possibilidade de utilização em outras areas relacionadas ao tratamento da dor ou inflamação.

Abstract In vitro flowering is a technique used in genetic improvement that accelerates generations and favors the faster fixation of new traits of agronomic and market interest. The study aimed to establish a protocol for the in vitro flowering of Dendrobium nobile, through the combined temperature and of the growth regulator thidiazuron (TDZ) effects. Experiments was performed in a flask that was kept in a BOD incubator at 18, 21, or 24 °C or in a growth room at 26 °C. The TDZ concentrations were 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L-1. The highest percentage of flowering shoots of 13.7% occurred at a concentration of 2 mg L-1 of TDZ grown at a temperature of 18 °C. Dendrobium nobile in vitro flowering was promoted in plants cultivated in ½ MS supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose, 5.5 g L-1 agar, 100 mL L-1 coconut water, pH 6.0, and 2.0 mg L-1 TDZ at a controlled temperature of 18 °C and a photoperiod of 16 h. The in vitro flowering induction protocol of the D. nobile species could be used or improved for future studies.

Resumo A floração in vitro é uma técnica utilizada no melhoramento genético que acelerar gerações e favorecer a fixação mais rápida de novos caracteres de interesse agronômico e do mercado. O estudo visou estabelecer um protocolo para a floração in vitro de Dendrobium nobile, através dos efeitos combinados de temperatura e do regulador de crescimento thidiazuron (TDZ). Os experimentos foram realizados em incubadora tipo BOD a 18, 21, 24 °C e, em sala de crescimento a 26 °C. As concentrações de TDZ testadas foram de 0,0, 0,5, 1,0 e 2,0 mg L-1. A maior porcentagem de brotos floridos de 13,70% ocorreu na concentração de 2 mg L-1 de TDZ cultivados em temperatura de 18 °C. O florescimento in vitro de D. nobile foi promovido em plantas cultivadas em ½ MS suplementadas com 30 g L-1 de sacarose, 5,5 g L-1 de ágar, 100 mL L-1 de água de coco, pH 6,0 e 2,0 mg L-1 de TDZ em temperatura controlada de 18 °C e fotoperíodo de 16 h. O protocolo de indução de florescimento in vitro da espécie D. nobile poderá ser utilizado ou aprimorado para estudos futuros.

Abstract This study investigated the effect of vegetable and fish oils with different n-3 / n-6 PUFAS ratios on the lipoprotein profile and on the development of murine breast cancer 4T1. Female Balb/c mice (6-7 weeks) received diets containing 4.0% fat during seven weeks. On the fourth week, animals were inoculated into the posterior left flank with 2.5 × 106 4T1 cells. Body weight and food intake were registered and the profile serum lipoproteins was determined. Tumor volume, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, myeloperoxidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities, TNF-α, hemoglobin and VEGF levels were analysed. The highest n-3 / n-6 ratio was found in fish oil (15.8:1), followed by linseed (2.4:1), canola (1:2.1) and soybean (1:9.4) oils. Body weight, food and caloric intake, lipoprotein profile, tumor weight, tumor evolution and histopathological analysis were not different. Canola oil increased cell proliferation when compared to soybean oil, and fish oil changed the inflammatory response and increased VEGF in tumors compared to other groups. The type of fatty acid and the high ratio of n-3 / n-6 PUFAs in the diet influenced cell proliferation and inflammation in the tumor differentially, highlighting the increase of neutrophils and VEGF levels in animals fed on fish oil.

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing numerous nosocomial infections. The present research aimed to analyze the anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa potential of 2-Chloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)acetamide (A8). The antibacterial potential of A8 was evaluated from the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Association using the checkerboard method. MIC and MBC values were 512 µg/mL for all P. aeruginosa strains evaluated, demonstrating predominantly bactericidal activity. Furthermore, when A8 was associated with the drug ceftriaxone, pharmacological additivity and indifference were evidenced. In this sense, the synthetic amide was interesting, since it demonstrates the potential to become a possible candidate for an antimicrobial drug.

Resumo Pseudomonas aeruginosa é uma bactéria Gram-negativa não fermentadora de lactose, responsável por causar inúmeras infecções nosocomiais. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o potencial anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa da molécula 2-Cloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrofenil)acetamida (A8). O potencial antibacteriano do A8 foi avaliado a partir da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM), Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) e Associação pelo método de checkboard. Os valores de CIM e CBM foram de 512 µg/mL para todas as cepas de P. aeruginosa avaliadas, demonstrando atividade predominantemente bactericida. Além disso, quando o A8 foi associado ao fármaco ceftriaxona, evidenciou-se aditividade e indiferença farmacológica. Nesse sentido, a amida sintética se mostrou interessante, pois demonstra potencial para se tornar um possível candidato a fármaco antimicrobiano.

Abstract Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907, is a severe and widely distributed parasitic disease, affecting about 200 million people worldwide. The disease is recognized by elevated mortality rates, especially among those living in areas of poor sanitation. Currently, the chemotherapeutic treatment is solely based on using the praziquantel drug. Therefore, there is a need for the discovery of new medicines for the treatment of this parasitosis. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the schistosomicidal activity of ethanolic crude extracts from the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC.) Masttos and characterize its metabolic profile by UPLC-ESI-QTOF analysis. Evaluation of plant extract on S. mansoni was carried out in adult worms in vitro, in which the mortality rate was quantified, and the damages in the tegument of the worms were monitored. All extracts induced changes in the viability of adult males of S. mansoni, causing the death of the parasites, which was directly dependent of the concentration.

Resumo Schistosomíase, causada pelo Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907, é uma doença parasitária severa e amplamente distribuída, afetando cerca de 200 milhões de pessoas pelo mundo. A doença é reconhecida pelo alto índice de mortalidade, especialmente dentre as populações que vivem em ambientes de pouca vigilância sanitária. Geralmente, o tratamento é apenas baseado no uso da droga praziquantel. Entretanto, há uma necessidade da descoberta de novos medicamentos para o tratamento dessa parasitose. Por isso, o presente trabalho visa avaliar a atividade schistosomicida dos extratos etanólicos cru dos galhos, folhas, flores e frutos de Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC.) Masttos e caracterizar seu perfil metabólico por análise de UPLC-ESI-QTOF. Avaliações dos extratos vegetais em S. mansoni foram conduzidos em vermes adultos in vitro, pelos quais a taxa de mortalidade foi quantificada, e danos no tegumento dos vermes foram monitorados. Todos os extratos induziram mudanças na viabilidade de vermes adultos de S. mansoni, causando a morte desses parasitas, o que foi diretamente dependente da concentração.