ABSTRACT Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is a serious problem in potato crops in southern Brazil due to favorable climatic conditions for the development of the pathogen and the lack of resistant cultivars available in the market. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the reaction of eight cultivars (Asterix, Catucha, BRS Clara, BRS F63 - Camila, Cristal, BRS F183 - Potira, Markies, and BRS Pérola) and five advanced clones (F05-11-03, F21-07-09, Odone 80-02, F50-08-01, and F63-10-07) to late bight under field conditions. The Agata and the clone CIP392.617-54 were used as susceptible and resistant controls, respectively. The experiments were conducted in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, in the autumn season of 2018 and 2019. Sixty days after planting, the plants were inoculated with the pathogen; and, after one week, the genotypes were evaluated for disease severity and the area under the disease progress curve. ‘Catucha’ was classified as resistant to moderately resistant to P. infestans; ‘Cristal,’ F50-08-01 and ‘BRS Perola’, moderately susceptible to resistant; and ‘BRS F63’ - Camila, F63-10-07, F05-11-03, Asterix, F21-07-09, BRS F183 - Potira, and Odone 80-02, moderately susceptible to susceptible. BRS Clara and Markies showed the greatest variations in both experiments, showing to be susceptible in the autumn of 2018 experiment and moderately resistant in the autumn of 2019 experiment.

RESUMO A requeima (Phytophthora infestans) constitui-se em um sério problema à cultura da batata na região sul do Brasil em função das condições climáticas favoráveis ao desenvolvimento do patógeno e pela carência de cultivares resistentes disponíveis no mercado. Dessa forma, foi objetivo deste estudo, avaliar a reação de oito cultivares (Asterix, Catucha, BRS Clara, BRS F63 - Camila, Cristal, BRS F183 - Potira, Markies e BRS Pérola) e cinco clones avançados (F05-11-03, F21-07-09, Odone 80-02, F50-08-01 e F63-10-07) de batata à requeima em condições de campo. A cultivar Agata e o clone CIP392.617-54 foram utilizados como testemunhas, suscetível e resistente, respectivamente. Os experimentos foram conduzidos no município de Pelotas, RS, nos cultivos de outono de 2018 e 2019. Sessenta dias após o plantio, as plantas foram inoculadas com o patógeno e, decorrido uma semana, os genótipos foram avaliados quanto à severidade da doença e a área abaixo da curva do progresso da doença. ‘Catucha’ comportou-se como resistente a moderadamente resistente; ‘Cristal’, F50-08-01 e ‘BRS Pérola’, moderadamente suscetível a resistente; e ‘BRS F63’ - Camila, ‘F63-10-07’, ‘F05-11-03’, ‘Asterix’, ‘F21-07-09’, ‘BRS F183’ - Potira Odone 80-02, moderadamente suscetível a suscetível. As cultivares BRS Clara e Markies apresentaram as maiores variações em ambos experimentos, comportando-se como suscetível no outono de 2018 e moderadamente resistente no outono de 2019.

Abstract Phenolic compounds are frequently found in the specific tissues in the leaves and stems of Baccharis species. However, only a few species of the genus have been studied in recent years, including B. erioclada. This study evaluates the in vitro antioxidant potential of B. erioclada crude extract and its fractions. Phytochemical studies, including quantification of total phenolics and flavonoids have also been carried out. Crude extract presented higher antioxidant capacity since it showed lower values of IC50 or greater reductive capacity compared to the fractions. The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the crude extract were quantified as 160.66 mg/g and 47.98 mg/g, respectively. Hispidulin showed 27,2296 g/100 g of dried extract. The present study evidenced that B. erioclada extracts are promising sources of antioxidant compounds.

Resumo O envelhecimento biológico é reflexo da interação entre genética, idade cronológica e fatores externos; é a base para novos conceitos em envelhecimento vascular, cuja progressão é determinada pela diferença entre idade biológica e cronológica. Do ponto de vista estrutural, os efeitos do envelhecimento vascular são mais evidentes na camada média das grandes artérias elásticas e resultam em aumento da rigidez arterial, da dilatação do lúmen e da espessura da parede. Esses efeitos são descritos no continuum de envelhecimento cardiovascular (proposto por Dzau em 2010) em que as etapas progressivas de lesões da microvasculatura de coração, rins e cérebro, têm início a partir do processo de envelhecimento. O aumento da rigidez arterial pode ser verificado de forma não invasiva por vários métodos. Os eventos cardiovasculares têm sido tradicionalmente previstos utilizando escores que combinam fatores de risco convencionais para aterosclerose. No continuum cardiovascular clássico (Dzau, 2006), é desafiador avaliar o peso exato da contribuição de cada fator de risco; entretanto, por refletir o dano precoce e cumulativo desses fatores de riscos cardiovascular, a rigidez arterial reflete o verdadeiro dano à parede arterial. Este artigo fornece uma visão geral dos mecanismos da fisiopatogenia, alterações estruturais das artérias e consequências hemodinâmicas do envelhecimento arterial; métodos não invasivos para a avaliação da rigidez arterial e da medida central da pressão arterial; o continuum de envelhecimento cardiovascular, e aplicação do conceito de rigidez arterial na estratificação de risco cardiovascular.

Abstract Biological aging occurs as a result of the interaction between genetics, chronological age and external factors. It is the basis for new concepts of vascular aging, whose progression is determined by the difference between biological and chronological age. From the structural point of view, the effects of vascular aging are more evident in the tunica media of large elastic arteries, marked by increased arterial stiffness, lumen dilation and wall thickness. These effects are described in the continuum of cardiovascular aging (proposed by Dzau in 2010), in which the progressive steps of microvasculature lesions of the heart, kidney and brain are initiated from the aging process. The increase of arterial stiffness can be detected by several non-invasive methods. Cardiovascular events have been traditionally described using scores that combine conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis. In the classic cardiovascular continuum (Dzau, 2006), to determine the exact contribution of each risk factor is challenging; however, since arterial stiffness reflects both early and cumulative damage of these cardiovascular risk factors, it is an indicator of the actual damage to the arterial wall. This article provides a general overview of pathophysiological mechanisms, arterial structural changes, and hemodynamic consequences of arterial stiffness; non-invasive methods for the assessment of arterial stiffness and of central blood pressure; the cardiovascular aging continuum, and the application of arterial stiffness in cardiovascular risk stratification.

Abstract The chemically complex essential oils of Baccharis species are associated with several biological activities, such as antimicrobial and antiulcerous properties. However, few studies have investigated Baccharis erioclada DC. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to characterize the essential oil of B. erioclada and evaluate its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hemolytic potential. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Phosphomolybdenum complex formation, reducing antioxidant power, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) methods were used to determine antioxidant potential. To evaluate the essential oil’s antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans were calculated. Hemolytic activity was determined in sheep red blood cells. Thirty-one compounds were identified via GC-MS analysis, representing 81.60% of the total essential oil. These compounds included: turmerone (27.97%), fokienol (13.47%), ledol (9.78%), and santalol (5.35%). The class of compounds identified was the oxygenated sesquiterpenes (62.52%). Antioxidant activity was confirmed via phosphomolybdenum complex formation and TBARS methods. Moderate antimicrobial activity and low hemolysis rates were displayed at concentrations of 250 and 500 μg/mL.

Abstract Bjerkandera adusta, a globally distributed fungus, is commonly used in the nutritional practices of the East Asian population. In this study, we evaluated the nutritional composition of the lyophilized mycelium of B. adusta as well as the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of its extracts. The mycelium exhibited moisture (7.97 %), ash (3.27 %), and fiber (5.31 %) content values similar to the established values reported in the available literature. In addition, a high protein (9.32 %) and carbohydrate (63.45 %) content was shown, with a low lipid (1.36 %) content. The energy value per 100 g sample of mycelium was 1445.85 kJ. The results obtained indicated a statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) in the phenolic composition (81.84-110.96 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g of extract), free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (IC50 29.05-340.46 µg·mL-1), phosphomolybdenum antioxidant content (34.89-55.64 %), reduction of ferricyanide ion (66.55-69.4 %), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values (44.66-133.03 %). These results are unprecedented for this species and emphasize its nutraceutical potential.

Abstract Background Insects can be found in numerous diverse environments, being exposed to pathogenic organisms like fungi and bacteria. Once these pathogens cross insect physical barriers, the innate immune system operates through cellular and humoral responses. Antimicrobial peptides are small molecules produced by immune signaling cascades that develop an important and generalist role in insect defenses against a variety of microorganisms. In the present work, a cecropin B-like peptide (AgCecropB) sequence was identified in the velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis and cloned in a bacterial plasmid vector for further heterologous expression and antimicrobial tests. Methods AgCecropB sequence (without the signal peptide) was cloned in the plasmid vector pET-M30-MBP and expressed in the Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) expression host. Expression was induced with IPTG and a recombinant peptide was purified using two affinity chromatography steps with Histrap column. The purified peptide was submitted to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and structural analyses. Antimicrobial tests were performed using gram-positive (Bacillus thuringiensis) and gram-negative (Burkholderia kururiensis and E. coli) bacteria. Results AgCecropB was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) at 28°C with IPTG 0.5 mM. The recombinant peptide was purified and enriched after purification steps. HRMS confirmed AgCrecropB molecular mass (4.6 kDa) and circular dichroism assay showed α-helix structure in the presence of SDS. AgCrecropB inhibited almost 50% of gram-positive B. thuringiensis bacteria growth. Conclusions The first cecropin B-like peptide was described in A. gemmatalis and a recombinant peptide was expressed using a bacterial platform. Data confirmed tertiary structure as predicted for the cecropin peptide family. AgCecropB was capable to inhibit B. thuringiensis growth in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Statins are used as cholesterol-lowering drugs and may also have direct antimicrobial effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate synergic interactions between simvastatin and both amphotericin B and fluconazole, against environmental strains of Cryptococcus neoformans isolated from captive birds’ droppings. DESIGNAND SETTING: Experimental study conducted at Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, in collaboration with Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil. METHODS: Statin susceptibility tests of Cryptococcus neoformans samples were performed as prescribed in standards. Interactions of simvastatin with amphotericin and fluconazole were evaluated using the checkerboard microdilution method. Presence of these interactions was quantitatively detected through determining the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). RESULTS: Isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans were obtained from 30 of the 206 samples of dry bird excreta (14.5%) that were collected from pet shops and houses. Ten isolates were selected for susceptibility tests. All of them were susceptible to amphotericin and fluconazole. All presented minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 128 µg/ml and, thus, were resistant in vitro to simvastatin. An in vitro synergic effect was shown through combined testing of amphotericin B and simvastatin, such that six isolates (60%) presented FICI < 0.500. Two isolates showed considerable reductions in MIC, from 1 µg/ml to 0.250 µg/ml. No synergic effect was observed through combining fluconazole and simvastatin. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that simvastatin should be considered to be a therapeutic alternative, capable of potentiating the action of amphotericin B. However, further studies are necessary to clarify the real effect of simvastatin as an antifungal agent.

ABSTRACT Approximately 240 million people worldwide are infected by Schistosoma. In Brazil, one of the main intermediate hosts of this parasite is Biomphalaria glabrata snails. The early detection of larval stages in intermediate hosts is an important challenge to public health, but it also represents an opportunity as a new alternative to indicate earlier natural infections before cercariae differentiation and emergence. In this context, we demonstrated that PCR amplification of a 28S gene fragment from the parasite does demonstrate S. mansoni infection in snails 14 days post infection. This conventional polymerase chain reaction amplified clear bands and was able to detect parasitic infection in the intermediate host B. glabrata under experimental conditions. However, we reinforce that this approach requires deeper investigations and further comparisons to confirm its specificity and sensitivity in earlier time points after miracidia infection. This approach has relevant potential as an effective molecular-based strategy for the monitoring of schistosomiasis transmission.

ABSTRACT Lippia origanoides is a honey shrub which has showed hypotensive potential assessed by in vivo studies. The aim of this work is the development of a pharmaceutical formulation composed by an optimized extract obtained from aerial parts of L. origanoides. The quantification of the naringenin marker in the dry extract and tablets developed was performed, as well as the assessment of the oral acute toxicity in rats. The hydroalcoholic extract of L. origanoides was spray-dried with the addition of colloidal silicon dioxide (Lo-HAE/CSD), and then applied in the preparation of eight different lots of tablets. The influence of the diluent (cellulose or babassu mesocarp), the presence of binder, and the percentage of lubricant, as well as organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics were screened. For the quantification of the marker content both in Lo-HAE/CSD and in the tablets, an analytical curve of the naringenin standard was fitted, and the samples were then analyzed in UFLC. The toxicological assessment was performed in female Wistar rats according to the Acute Toxic Class Method from OECD. The developed tablets produced meet acceptable macroscopic characteristics, and the presence of babassu as diluent provided improved physicochemical properties. The best content of Lo-HAE/CSD in the tablet (100.27%) was identified for the lot containing babassu, composed by 1.0% magnesium stearate, without PVP binder in its formulation. Moreover, Lo-HAE/CSD showed no signs of toxicity. Therefore, the babassu mesocarp powder is a promising pharmaceutical excipient for the development of herbal tablets containing the Lippia origanoides extract.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of obesity, overweight, abdominal obesity and high blood pressure in a sample of adolescents from a low-income city in Brazil and to estimate the relationship with the socioeconomic status of the family, the education level of the family provider and the type of school. Methods: This cross-sectional study randomly sampled 1,014 adolescents (54.8% girls), between 14-19 years of age, attending high school from Imperatriz (MA). The outcomes of this study were: obesity and overweight, abdominal obesity and high blood pressure (systolic and/or diastolic). The independent variables were: socioeconomic status (SES) of the family, education level of the family provider (ELFP) and type of school. The confounding variables were: gender, age and physical activity level. Prevalence was estimated, and the association between the endpoints and the independent variables was analyzed using a prevalence ratio (PR), with a 95% confidence interval, estimated by Poisson regression. Results: The overall prevalence of obesity was 3.8%, overweight, 13.1%, abdominal obesity, 22.7% and high blood pressure, 21.3%. The adjusted analysis indicated that girls with high SES showed an increased likelihood to be overweight (PR=1.71 [95% IC: 1.13-2.87]), while private school boys had an increased likelihood of obesity (PR=1.79 [95% CI: 1.04-3.08]) and abdominal obesity (PR =1.64 [95% CI: 1.06-2.54]). Conclusion: The prevalence of CVDR is high in adolescents from this low-income region. Boys from private schools are more likely to have obesity and abdominal obesity, and girls with high SES are more likely to be overweight.

Objetivos: Estimar la prevalencia de obesidad y sobrepeso, obesidad abdominal y hipertensión arterial en una muestra de adolescentes pertenecientes a una ciudad de baja renta en Brasil y su relación con el nivel socioeconómico, nivel educativo de lo responsable de la familia y tipo de escuela. Métodos: Estudio transversal con una muestra de 1014 adolescentes (54,8% chicas), con edades entre 14-19 años, estudiantes de las escuelas de la ciudad de Imperatriz (Brasil), seleccionadas por un muestreo aleatorio. Las variables dependientes evaluadas son: obesidad general y sobrepeso, obesidad abdominal, y tensión arterial alta (sistólica y/o diastólica). Las variables independientes son: nivel socioeconómico de la familia (NSO), el nivel de educación de lo responsable de la familia (NERF) y tipo de escuela. Las variables de confusión son: sexo, edad y nivel de actividad física. La prevalencia fue estimada, y la asociación entre las variables dependientes y las variables independientes se analizaron mediante razón de prevalencia (RP), con intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%, estimado por la regresión de Poisson. Resultados: La prevalencia de la obesidad general fue de 3,8%, sobrepeso 13,1%, obesidad abdominal 22,7% y la tesión arterial alta 21,3%. Las análisis ajustadas indicaron que las chicas con NSO alto tienen mayor probabilidad de tener sobrepeso (RP=1,71 [IC95%: 1,13 a 2,87]), y chicos de las escuelas privadas tienen más probabilidad de tener obesidad (RP=1,79 [IC95%: 1.04- 3,08]) y obesidad abdominal (RP=1,64 [IC95%: 1,06 a 2,54]). Conclusión: La prevalencia de los FRC es alta en adolescentes de una región de baja renta. Los chicos de las escuelas privadas son más propensos a tener obesidad y obesidad abdominal, y las chicas con NSO alto son más propensas a tener sobrepeso.

Avaliou-se o potencial de oito isolados de rizobactérias que eficientemente controlam doenças fúngicas em arroz [DFs185 (Pseudomonas synxantha), DFs223 (P. fluorescens), DFs306 (não identificado), DFs416, DFs418 e DFs419 (Bacillus sp.), DFs422 (Bacillus subtilis), DFs471 (Stenotrophomonas malthophilia)] no controle de Meloidogyne graminicola, in vitro, e em arroz irrigado em casa de vegetação. As rizobactérias DFs185, DFs223, DFs306 e DFs416 se destacaram na redução da eclosão e no aumento da mortalidade de J2 de M. graminicola. Todas as rizobactérias foram capazes de produzir pelo menos um composto associado ao biocontrole de nematoides (quitinases, fosfatases, lipases, proteinases e sideróforos). O número de galhas e de ovos de M. graminicola em plantas de arroz foi reduzido em relação às plantas vindas de sementes não microbiolizadas. O fator de reprodução do nematoide foi reduzido, em média, em 29%, com destaque para as rizobactérias DFs185 e DFs223 que proporcionaram redução de 35%. Esse resultado é significativo, porque são rizobactérias que também controlam doenças fúngicas.

The potential of eight rhizobacteria that effectively control fungal diseases in rice [DFs185 (Pseudomonas synxantha), DFs223 (P. fluorescens), DFs306 (not identified), DFs416, DFs418 e DFs419 (Bacillus sp.), DFs422 (Bacillus subtilis), DFs471 (Stenotrophomonas malthophilia)] was evaluated for the control of Meloidogyne graminicola in vitro and in irrigated rice in the greenhouse. The rhizobacteria DFs185, DFs223, DFs306, DFs416 and DFs419 exceeded in reducing hatching and in increasing the mortality of M. graminicola J2. All rhizobacteria were able to produce at least one compound associated with the biocontrol of nematodes (chitinasis, phosphatases, lipases, proteinasis and siderophores). The number of eggs and galls of M. graminicola in rice plants was reduced compared to plants from seeds not microbiolized. The nematode reproduction factor was reduced on average by 29%, highlighting rhizobacteria DFs185 and DFs223 that reduced 35%. This result is significant because the rhizobacteria also control fungal diseases.

Paciente do sexo feminino, 37 anos, portadora de estenose mitral de etiologia reumática, submetida, com sucesso, a valvotomia mitral percutânea em 1996, 2000 e 2005. Após 41 meses do terceiro procedimento, além de episódios de fibrilação atrial paroxística, voltou a apresentar dispneia aos moderados esforços. O estudo ecocardiográfico demonstrou gradiente transvalvar médio de 8 mmHg, pressão sistólica da artéria pulmonar de 55 mmHg, área valvar mitral de 1 cm² e escore de Wilkins de 10 pontos. Em decorrência da evidência de reestenose clínica e ecocardiográfica, indicou-se novo procedimento percutâneo, realizado sem intercorrências, porém obtendo-se resultado subótimo.

Thirty-seven-year-old female, previously diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis due to rheumatic fever, who had successfully undergone percutaneous mitral valvotomy in 1996, 2000 and 2005. Forty-one months after the third procedure, in addition to episodes of paroxystic atrial fibrillation, the patient had dyspnea after ordinary exertion. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed a mean transvalvular gradient of 8 mmHg, pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 55 mmHg, a mitral valve area of 1 cm², and a Wilkins score of 10 points. With the evidence of clinical and echo-cardiographic mitral restenosis, a new percutaneous procedure was performed, with no periprocedural complications, however, achieving suboptimal outcome.

We used a cultivation-independent, clone library-based 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis to identify bacterial communities present during traditional fermentation in sour cassava starch, cachaça and cheese production in Brazil. Partial 16S rRNA gene clone sequences from sour cassava starch samples collected on day five of the fermentation process indicated that Leuconostoc citreum was the most prevalent species, representing 47.6% of the clones. After 27 days of fermentation, clones (GenBank accession numbers GQ999786 and GQ999788) related to unculturable bacteria were the most prevalent, representing 43.8% of the clones from the bacterial community analyzed. The clone represented by the sequence GQ999786 was the most prevalent at the end of the fermentation period. The majority of clones obtained from cachaça samples during the fermentation of sugar cane juice were from the genus Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus nagelli was the most prevalent at the beginning of the fermentation process, representing 76.9% of the clones analyzed. After 21 days, Lactobacillus harbinensis was the most prevalent species, representing 75% of the total clones. At the end of the fermentation period, Lactobacillus buchneri was the most prevalent species, representing 57.9% of the total clones. In the Minas cheese samples, Lactococcus lactis was the most prevalent species after seven days of ripening. After 60 days of ripening, Streptococcus salivarius was the most prevalent species. Our data show that these three fermentation processes are conducted by a succession of bacterial species, of which lactic acid bacteria are the most prevalent.

Quarenta e quatro populações de Meloidogyne spp. provenientes de amostras de raízes de quivi, coletadas em pomares e viveiros do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foram caracterizadas bioquimicamente utilizando-se a isoenzima esterase (Est). Meloidogyne arenaria Est A2 (Rm: 1,20, 1,28) foi a espécie mais frequente e ocorreu em 66,65% das amostras. M. ethiopica com fenótipo Est E3 (Rm: 0,92, 1,10, 1,30) foi detectada em 16,66% das amostras, ocorrendo sempre em associação com outras espécies do gênero. Também foram identificadas M. javanica Est J3 (Rm: 1,00, 1,21, 1,35), M. hapla Est H1(Rm: 1,17), M. incognita Est I1 (Rm: 1,03) e Est I2 (Rm: 1,03, 1,10) em 29,9%, 16,66%, 3,33% e 9,79% das amostras, respectivamente. Uma única população atípica de Meloidogyne sp. (3,33%) com o fenótipo Est L3 (Rm: 1,00, 1,10, 1,30) foi detectada, porém nesse caso, não foi possível identificar a espécie com segurança, mesmo quando se recorreu a analise da configuração perineal das fêmeas.

Forty-four populations of Meloidogyne spp. obtained from a root-knot nematode survey on kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) orchards and nurseries in Rio Grande do Sul State were characterized biochemically using esterase isoenzyme (Est). Meloiodgyne arenaria Est A2 (Rm: 1.20, 1.28) was the most frequent species detected in this survey, occurring in 66.65% of the samples. Meloiodgyne ethiopica, with the phenotype E3 (Rm: 0.92, 1.10, 1.30) was detected in 16.66% of the samples in association with other Meloidogyne species. Other species found were M. javanica Est J3 (Rm: 1.00, 1.21, 1.35), M. hapla Est H1 (Rm: 1.17), M. incognita I1 (Rm: 1.03) and I2 (Rm: 1.03, 1.10) identified in 29.9%, 16.66%, 3.33% and 9.79% of the samples, respectively. Only one atypical population presenting the phenotype L3 (Rm: 1.00, 1.10, 1.30) occurred in one orchard (3.33%) but its identification was not possible even through the examination of the perineal patterns of females.