ABSTRACT The symbiosis of common beans with nitrogen-fixing bacteria provides an efficient approach to sustainable and economical food production. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the application of cost-effective nitrogen management strategies in organic common bean cultivation, including the application of poultry manure and organic liquid fertilizer, seed and co-inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense and/or Rhizobium tropici), and supplementary Rhizobium tropici inoculation. The study spanned three years in a well-established organic cultivation field (2018) and an initial organic cultivation area (2019 and 2020) in Brazil. It was arranged in a randomized blocks design in a 2 × 5 (2018) and 2 × 6 (2019 and 2020) factorial scheme, with four replicates. The most profitable strategy involves seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and additional inoculation with Rhizobium tropici at stage V4-5 (fifth trifoliate leaf fully expanded), while the most costly strategy was the application of poultry manure at the V3 stage (first trifoliate leaf fully expanded). Thus, the use of diazotrophic bacteria for seed inoculation and co-inoculation (Azospirillum brasilense and/or Rhizobium tropici) ensured financial returns and system profitability in common bean cultivation.

RESUMO A simbiose do feijão comum com bactérias fixadoras de nitrogênio proporciona uma abordagem eficiente para a produção de alimentos sustentável e econômica. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a aplicação de estratégias custo-efetivas de manejo de nitrogênio no cultivo orgânico do feijão comum, incluindo a aplicação de esterco de aves e fertilizante orgânico líquido, inoculação de sementes e coinoculação com bactérias diazotróficas (Azospirillum brasilense e/ou Rhizobium tropici), e inoculação suplementar com Rhizobium tropici. O estudo durou três anos em um campo de cultivo orgânico bem estabelecido (2018) e uma área inicial de cultivo orgânico (2019 e 2020) no Brasil. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2 × 5 (2018) e 2 × 6 (2019 e 2020), com quatro repetições. A estratégia mais lucrativa envolve a inoculação de sementes com Azospirillum brasilense e inoculação adicional com Rhizobium tropici no estádio V4-5 (quinta folha trifoliada totalmente expandida), enquanto a estratégia mais cara foi a aplicação de esterco de aves no estádio V3 (primeira folha trifoliada totalmente expandida). Assim, o uso de bactérias diazotróficas para inoculação e coinoculação de sementes (Azospirillum brasilense e/ou Rhizobium tropici) garantiu retorno financeiro e rentabilidade do sistema no cultivo do feijão comum.

Resumo A cultura sanguínea de rotina é usada para a detecção de infecções na corrente sanguínea por bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e por leveduras patogênicas comuns. Estudo retrospectivo realizado em hospital público de Maceió-AL, por meio da coleta de dados de todos os prontuários com culturas sanguíneas positivas. Das 2.107 culturas sanguíneas realizadas, 17% foram positivas com Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (51,14%), seguido por Staphylococcus aureus (11,21%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,32%). As bactérias Gram-positiva predominaram entre as culturas de sangue positivas, destacando-se o grupo das Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. Enquanto as bactérias Gram-negativas apresentaram um número maior de espécies entre as culturas de sangue positivas.

Abstract Routine blood culture is used for the detection of bloodstream infections by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and by common pathogenic yeasts. A retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Maceió-AL, by collecting data of all medical records with positive blood cultures. Out of the 2,107 blood cultures performed, 17% were positive with Staphylococcus coagulase negative (51.14%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11.21%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.32%). Gram-positive bacteria predominated among positive blood cultures, highlighting the group of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative. While Gram-negative bacteria had a higher number of species among positive blood cultures.

RESUMO A suplementação mineral adequada pode ser uma estratégia para viabilizar o uso de água salobra na produção de hortaliças. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito das concentrações de nitrato de cálcio nas trocas gasosas foliares e na produção de couve (Brassica oleracea L.) fertigada com soluções nutritivas salinizadas. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados (4 + 1), com quatro repetições. Foram utilizadas cinco soluções nutritivas, sendo quatro foram preparadas em água salobra (6,0 dS m-1) contendo quatro concentrações de Ca(NO3)2 [(750, 1.125, 1.500 e 1.875 mg L-1)] e um tratamento controle (solução nutritiva padrão usando água de baixa salinidade, 0,5 dS m-1 (750 mg L-1 de Ca(NO3)2) . As seguintes análises foram realizadas: trocas gasosas foliares, área foliar e produção de matéria fresca. A solução nutritiva padrão forneceu maiores valores para taxa fotossintética (13,06 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1), condutância estomática (0,19 mol H2O m-2 s-1), transpiração (2,76 mmol H2O m-2 s-1), eficiência instantânea do uso da água (4,73 mmol CO2 mol-1 H2O), eficiência instantânea de carboxilação (0,053 mmol CO2 mol-1 CO2), área foliar (2,78 cm2 por planta) e produtividade de matéria fresca folhas (2,64 kg por planta).O Ca(NO3)2 não anulou, mas atenuou o efeito deletério do estresse salino nas trocas gasosas foliares, com exceção da produção da couve (massa fresca de folhas).

ABSTRACT Adequate mineral supplementation can be a strategy to enable the use of brackish water in the production of vegetables. This study intended to evaluate the effect of calcium nitrate concentrations on leaf gas exchanges and yield of kale (Brassica oleracea L) fertigated with salinized nutrient solutions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block experimental design (4 + 1), with four replicates. Four nutrient solutions prepared in brackish water (6.0 dS m-1) containing four concentrations of Ca(NO3)2 [(750, 1,125, 1,500, and 1,875 mg L-1)] and a control treatment (standard nutrient solution using low-salinity water, 0.5 dS m-1 (750 mg L-1 of Ca(NO3)2) were used in the study. The following analyses were performed: leaf gas exchanges, leaf area, and fresh matter yield. The standard nutrient solution promoted higher values for photosynthetic rate (13.06 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1), stomatal conductance (0.19 mol H2O m-2 s-1), transpiration (2.76 mmol H2O m-2 s-1), instantaneous water use efficiency (4.73 mmol CO2 mol-1 H2O), instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (0.053 mmol CO2 mol-1 CO2), leaf area (2.78 cm2 per plant), and leaf fresh matter yield (2.64 kg per plant). The Ca(NO3)2 not nullified but mitigated the deleterious effect of salt stress on leaf gas exchanges, except for kale yield (leaf fresh matter).

Abstract Studies about the viability and vigor of seeds during storage, especially on the characterization of enzymatic changes, may increase the harvesting efficiency of immature seeds and guarantee their viability for a prolonged period. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the behavior of immature seeds of Tabebuia caraiba during storage. For this, thirty selected mother plants at the anthesis stage located in São João do Cariri and Sumé, Paraíba, Brazil were selected. Flowers of each tree were marked, and the fruits were harvested at 35, 42, and 49 days after anthesis (DAA) and characterized according to their maturation stages. The seeds from each maturation stage and city were packed in paper bags and stored in a refrigerator (6 ± 2 °C) for 360 days. The seed quality, seedling vigor, and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) were evaluated at the beginning of the storage period and intervals of 90 days. The seeds of T. caraiba harvested at 35, 42, and 49 DAA maintained high viability for 360 days of storage. T. caraiba seeds stored for 360 days withstood with high vigor when harvested at 42 DAA. The CAT, SOD, and POX activity was correlated to the deterioration process of the seeds under storage conditions.

Abstract This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. antibodies in sheep and goats raised in villages of the Xukuru do Ororubá indigenous community, Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of 180 serum samples from sheep and 108 serum samples from goats of both sexes and different ages were analyzed. For antibody research, indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) were used for the protozoa T. gondii and N. caninum, and microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Leptospira spp., with a cutoff titer of 1:64, 1:50 and 1:100, respectively. The frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 16.6% (30/180) for sheep and 11.1% (12/108) for goats. The frequency of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 10.55% (19/180) for sheep, and 20.37% (22/108) for goats, while for Leptospira spp., 2.2% (4/180) of sheep and 1.85% (2/108) of goats reacted positively. The results obtained in this study are unprecedented in indigenous communities in the country and serve as an alert for monitoring goats and sheep from the Xukuru do Ororubá indigenous village regarding the occurrence and productive impact of infections by T. gondii, N. caninum, and Leptospira spp., in addition to the occurrence of the zoonosis toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis in the indigenous community.

Resumo Objetivou-se determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leptospira spp., em ovinos e caprinos criados em aldeias da comunidade indígena Xukuru do Ororubá, Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram analisadas 180 amostras de soro de ovinos e 108 amostras de soro de caprinos de ambos os sexos e diferentes idades. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos foi utilizada a técnica de Reação de Imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), para os protozoários T. gondii e N. caninum e Aglutinação Microscópica (MAT) para Leptospira spp., com ponto de corte de 1:64, 1:50 e 1:100, respectivamente. A frequência de anticorpos anti-T gondii foi de 16,6% (30/180) em ovinos e 11,1% (12/108) em caprinos. A frequência de anticorpos anti-N. caninum foi de 10,55% (19/180) para ovinos e 20,37% (22/108) para caprinos, enquanto para Leptospira spp., 2,2% (4/180) dos ovinos e 1,85% (2/108) dos caprinos reagiram positivamente. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo são inéditos em comunidades indígenas do país e alertam para o monitoramento de caprinos e ovinos da aldeia indígena Xukuru do Ororubá, quanto à ocorrência e impacto produtivo de infecções por T. gondii, N. caninum e Leptospira spp., além da ocorrência de zoonoses como a toxoplasmose e leptospirose na comunidade indígena.

In this work, iron chloride (FeCl3.6H2O), a single reagent, was used to create the phases of hematite (α-Fe2O3) and akaganeite (β-FeOOH) without the need of organic solvents using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique (HM). X-ray diffraction demonstrated the efficacy of the HM technique in the generation of crystalline phases of α-Fe2O3 at 180oC and β-FeOOH at 120oC. The development of pseudo-cunic and stick-like particles was a result of changes in experimental variables, which also had a substantial impact on the materials structural characteristics. The nitrogen (N2) adsorption/desorption isotherms of the samples containing akaganeite and hematite phase resembled those of mesoporous materials. Hematite has a surface area of 25.44 m2 g-1, while akaganeite has a surface area of 110.60 m2 g-1, according to the calculation. Thermodifferential and thermogravimetric techniques were used to assess thermal degradation. The use of microwave hydrothermal synthesis was promoted as being quick, easy, affordable, and safe for the environment.

Abstract Plant-induced resistance can be an important component of soybean mites biological control programs. This work evaluates the preference of predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to soybean plants under single and multiple herbivory conditions by two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), and velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Using a Y olfactometer, the following scenarios were evaluated: soybean with no infestation and soybean infested with A. gemmatalis; soybean infested with T. urticae and A. gemmatalis, and soybean infested with T. urticae and with both T. urticae and A. gemmatalis. Volatile compounds released by plants were analyzed and identified by a Trace GC Ultra gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer with a solid phase micro-extraction ion-trap. The predatory mite N. californicus preferred soybean plants infested with T. urticae compared to those infested with A. gemmatalis. Multiple infestation did not interfere with its preference to T. urticae. Multiple herbivory of T. urticae and A. gemmatalis modified the chemical profile of volatile compounds emitted by soybean plants. However, it did not interfere with the search behavior of N. californicus. Out of the 29 identified compounds only five promoted predatory mite response. Thus, regardless of single or multiple herbivory by T. urticae with or without A. gemmatalis, the indirect induced resistance mechanisms operate similarly. As such, this mechanism contributes to an increase in the encounter rate between predator and prey for N. Californicus and T. urticae, and the efficacy of biological control of mites on soybean.

Resumo A resistência induzida por plantas pode ser um importante componente dos programas de controle biológico de ácaros da soja. Este trabalho avalia a preferência do ácaro predador Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) às plantas de soja sob condições de herbivoria simples e múltipla pelo ácaro-rajado Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) e pela lagarta-da-soja Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Utilizando o olfatômetro Y, foram avaliados os seguintes cenários: soja sem infestação e soja infestada com A. gemmatalis; soja infestada com T. urticae e A. gemmatalis, e soja infestada com T. urticae e com T. urticae e A. gemmatalis. Os compostos voláteis liberados pelas plantas foram analisados e identificados por um cromatógrafo gasoso Trace GC Ultra acoplado a um espectrômetro de massas com uma armadilha de íons de microextração em fase sólida. O ácaro predador N. californicus preferiu plantas de soja infestadas com T. urticae em relação àquelas infestadas com A. gemmatalis. A infestação múltipla não interferiu na preferência por T. urticae. A herbivoria múltipla de T. urticae e A. gemmatalis modificou o perfil químico de compostos voláteis emitidos por plantas de soja. No entanto, não interferiu no comportamento de busca de N. californicus. Dos 29 compostos identificados apenas cinco promoveram resposta de ácaros predadores. Assim, independentemente da herbivoria simples ou múltipla por T. urticae com ou sem A. gemmatalis, os mecanismos de resistência induzida indiretamente operam de forma semelhante. Assim, esse mecanismo biológico contribui para o aumento da taxa de encontro entre predador e presa para N. Californicus e T. urticae, e para a eficácia do controle de ácaros em soja.

Abstract Low density sugarcane plantation (LDSP) has been implemented by some sugarcane producers in Brazil, aiming to save seeds and operational costs. The study was carried out in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. Five planting densities were used, varying from 5 to 25 m-2 of buds arranged in randomized blocks, with four replications. Data were measured annually over three cultivation cycles (2017 to 2020), during which the field was fertilized with NPK and the harvests were carried out manually without prior burning. The lower planting density presents higher productivity only in the cane plant (101.03 t ha-1) due to the higher plant height (2.37 m) and the higher number of stalks (11 stalks m-2), suggesting that these variables are due to the greater availability of light, water and photosynthate. However, there is a drastic reduction in sugarcane yield for this lower population in the 2nd ratoon by up to 65.62%, which is correlated with number of stalks per meter. We demonstrate the agronomic viability of LDSP in the population of 10 buds m-2 in relation to conventional planting of sugarcane until the 2nd ratoon. Data are important for future studies to present additional considerations for other production factors, such as the effects of mechanized harvesting and the management of nutrients and water, assessing the sustainability of this large-scale planting system.

Resumo O método de plantio de cana-de-açúcar de baixa densidade (LDSP) vem sendo implementado por alguns produtores de cana-de-açúcar no Brasil, visando economia de sementes e custos operacionais. O estudo foi realizado no município de Areia, Paraíba, Brasil. Utilizou-se cinco densidades de plantio, variando de 5 a 25 m-2 de gemas dispostas em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os dados foram medidos anualmente ao longo de três ciclos de cultivo (2017 a 2020). Menor densidade de plantio mostrou maior produtividade (101,03 t ha-1) devido à maior altura de planta (2,37 m) e ao maior número de hastes (NS) (11 hastes m-2), sugerindo que essas variáveis são devido à maior disponibilidade de luz, água e fotoassimilados. No entanto, houve redução drástica na produtividade da cana-de-açúcar para esta população menor na 2ª soca em 65,62%, estando correlacionado com o número de colmos por metro. Demonstramos a viabilidade agronômica do LDSP em uma população de 10 gemas m-2 em relação ao plantio convencional de cana-de-açúcar até a 2ª soca. Os dados são importantes para que estudos futuros apresentem considerações adicionais sobre outros fatores de produção, como os efeitos da colheita mecanizada e do manejo de nutrientes e água, avaliando a sustentabilidade desse sistema de plantio em larga escala.

Abstract The Amaryllidaceae family is widely distributed in the tropics, presenting biological activity attributed mostly to alkaloids, such as an important inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antifungal, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. The present study aims to review the spectrum of action of the main biological activities and toxicity of secondary metabolites found in Amaryllidaceae through a literature review, using Prisma and the descriptors “Pharmacological effects of Amaryllidaceae” and “Amaryllidaceae family” and “Pharmacological actions of Amaryllidaceae”, used in English and Portuguese. The literature search was done in March and May 2023. Original works published from 2012 to 2023, available in full, and presenting experimental and clinical studies were included. After the selection considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 articles fulfilled the defined criteria. From a pharmacological point of view, the highlight is due to the alkaloid galantamine, which has the potential- and is already used - for treating Alzheimer's. The toxicological aspect must be considered and evaluated carefully, as alkaloids have been associated with adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory changes. Furthermore, some studies indicate that consuming these plants in significant quantities can lead to hepatic and renal toxicity. Therefore, the therapeutical use of this family's plant drugs and derivatives requires further studies to elucidate its effects and point out metabolites with therapeutic potential.

Resumo A família Amaryllidaceae é amplamente distribuída nos trópicos, apresentando atividade biológica atribuída principalmente a alcaloides, com importante atividade inibitória da acetilcolinesterase (AChE), atividade antifúngica, antibacteriana e citotóxica. O presente estudo tem como objetivo revisar o espectro de ação das principais atividades biológicas e toxicidade dos metabólitos secundários encontrados em Amaryllidaceae por meio de uma revisão de literatura, utilizando Prisma e os descritores “Efeitos farmacológicos de Amaryllidaceae” e “Família Amaryllidaceae” e “Ações farmacológicas de Amaryllidaceae “, usado em inglês e português. A busca na literatura foi realizada nos meses de março e maio de 2023. Foram incluídos estudos originais publicados no período de 2012 a 2023, disponíveis na íntegra e apresentando estudos experimentais e clínicos. Após a seleção considerando os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 60 artigos atenderam aos critérios definidos. Do ponto de vista farmacológico, o destaque fica por conta do alcaloide galantamina, que tem potencial - e já é utilizado - para o tratamento do Alzheimer. O aspecto toxicológico deve ser considerado e avaliado com cautela, pois os alcaloides têm sido associados a efeitos adversos como náuseas, vômitos, diarreia, dor abdominal, alterações cardiovasculares, neurológicas e respiratórias. Além disso, alguns estudos indicam que consumir essas plantas em quantidades significativas pode levar a toxicidade hepática e renal. Portanto, o uso terapêutico de drogas vegetais e derivados desta família requer mais estudos para elucidar seus efeitos e apontar metabólitos com potencial terapêutico.

Abstract Morphological studies provide knowledge that allow us to understand how animals interact with the natural environment or the captivity. The goal of this study was to describe the origin and antimeric distribution of lumbosacral plexus nerves in Didelphis aurita and D. albiventris. Fourteen adult cadavers of D. aurita, seven males and seven females, and 13 adult cadavers of D. albiventris, nine males and four females were used. The specimens were sexed, identified, fixed and dissected until the origins of the lumbosacral plexus nerves were exposed. Data were represented as absolute frequency and simple percentage. The lumbosacral plexuses derived a trunk for the femoral and obturator nerves from the ventral branches of L3-L4 (75%) in D. aurita, and in D. albiventris the femoral nerve of L3-L4 (73.1%) and the obturator nerve of L3-L4 (61.5%). In both species, formation of a lumbosacral trunk derived from L5-L6-S1 occurred in 78.6% of D. aurita and 61.5% of D. albiventris. The origin and distribution of lumbosacral plexus nerves of the studied species present similarities with domestic and wild eutherian mammals.

Resumo Estudos morfológicos fornecem conhecimentos que permitem entender o modo como os animais interagem com o ambiente natural ou em cativeiro. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever a origem e distribuição antimérica dos nervos do plexo lombossacral de Didelphis aurita e D. albiventris. Foram utilizados 14 cadáveres adultos de D. aurita, sete machos e sete fêmeas, e 13 cadáveres adultos de D. albiventris, nove machos e quatro fêmeas. Os espécimes foram sexados, identificados, fixados e dissecados até a exposição das origens dos nervos do plexo lombossacral. Os dados foram representados em frequência absoluta e percentual simples. Os plexos lombossacrais derivaram um tronco para os nervos femoral e obturatório dos ramos ventrais de L3-L4 (75%) em D. aurita, e em D. albiventris o nervo femoral de L3-L4 (73,1%) e nervo obturatório de L3-L4 (61,5%). Nas duas espécies, ocorreu formação de um tronco lombossacral derivado de L5-L6-S1 em 78,6% no D. aurita e em 61,5% no D. albiventris. A origem e distribuição dos nervos do plexo lombossacral das espécies estudadas apresentam similaridades com os mamíferos eutérios domésticos e silvestres.

BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease (CD), is a versatile haemoparasite that uses several strategies to evade the host’s immune response, including adipose tissue (AT), used as a reservoir of infection. As it is an effective barrier to parasite evasion, the effectiveness of the drug recommended for treating CD, Benznidazole (BZ), may be questionable. OBJECTIVE To this end, we evaluated the parasite load and immunomodulation caused by BZ treatment in the culture of adipocytes differentiated from human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSC) infected with T. cruzi. METHODS The ADSC were subjected to adipogenic differentiation. We then carried out four cultures in which we infected the differentiated AT with trypomastigote forms of the Y strain of T. cruzi and treated them with BZ. After the incubation, the infected AT was subjected to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify the parasite load and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to verify the infection. The supernatant was collected to measure cytokines, chemokines, and adipokines. FINDINGS We found elevated secretion of IL-6, CXCL-10/IP-10, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL5/RANTES, and leptin in infected fat cells. However, treatment with BZ promoted a decrease in IL-6. MAIN CONCLUSION Therefore, we believe that BZ has a beneficial role as it reduces inflammation in infected fat cells.

Abstract This paper presents an equipment for monitoring synchronous generators condition through characteristics of the time derivative of the external magnetic field. The developed monitoring methodology allows the identification of established or incipient faults, by detecting changes in the magnetic signature of the synchronous generator. In this methodology, the measurement of signals outside the machine gives this equipment a non-invasive characteristic, allowing its monitoring without interfering or disturbing its operation. The developed system includes the specification of magnetic field sensors, signal measurement and processing equipment, as well as software for analysis and monitoring. The validation of the methodology used in this system was carried out through the analysis of experimental data, presenting efficient results in the detection of electrical and mechanical faults in synchronous generators of an experimental test bench and a hydroelectric power plant. As a result, the commercial specification of this equipment was obtained and two units were implemented in a hydroelectric power plant to monitor 305 MVA synchronous generators.

In this study, the interaction between benzothiazole (BTA, concentration of a drug required for 50% inhibition in vitro (IC50) = 0.77 mM) and benzimidazole (BIA, IC50 = 2.14 mM) with urease was quantitatively assessed, using UV-Vis, molecular fluorescence, and circular dichroism. The results showed that both compounds interact with urease by a static fluorescence quenching mechanism with a non-fluorescent complex formation. The main forces responsible for stabilizing the supramolecular complex between BTA and urease were hydrophobic while, for BIA, van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds were the main ones. Urease conformation changes due to the interaction process were analyzed by circular dichroism and synchronous fluorescence. Besides, a competitive assay with substrate and inhibitors was used to evaluate the preferential urease site of interaction with BTA and BIA. Our experimental and theoretical studies supported that both, BTA and BIA, are mixed-inhibitors of ureases with a slight preference to the active site of such enzymes. Finally, both BTA and BIA showed to possess anti-Helicobacter pylori (one reference strain and six clinical isolates) activity, presenting minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 38-150 and 20-164 µM, respectively. The urease inhibitors omeprazole and hydroxyurea showed MIC values in the range of 46-185 µM and 1683-> 3366 µM, respectively.

Considering the promising antitumor effects of compounds with dual anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities, thus benzophenones analogs (2-7) were evaluated on in vivo anti-inflammatory assay and molecular docking analysis. Those with the best molecular docking results were in vitro evaluated on cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and tested regarding antiproliferative activity. All derivatives displayed in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Among them, the substances 2’-hydroxy-4’-benzoylphenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), 4-hydroxy-4’-methoxybenzophenone (5) and 4’-(4’’-methoxybenzoyl)phenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (7) showed the best values of Glide Score in COX-2 docking evaluation and 4 and 5 selectively inhibited COX-2 and COX-1 in vitro enzymatic assay, respectively. Thus, 4 and 5 were tested against breast cancer (MCF-7, MDA MB-231, Hs578T) and non-small-cell-lung cancer (A549) cell lines. The estrogen-positive MCF-7 cell line was more responsive compared to other tested cell lines. They induced cell cycle arrest at G1/S transition in MCF-7 cell line once there was an increase in G0/G1 population with concomitant reduction of S population. The antiproliferative activity of these substances on MCF-7 was associated with their ability to inhibit cyclin E expression, a critical regulator of G1/S transition. Taken together, the data indicate that 4 and 5 have dual anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities and support further studies to evaluate their antitumor potential.

Abstract Vermiculite clays are adsorbent materials that have good chemical adsorption capacity, which makes them applicable in the removal of drugs from aqueous solutions. Their lamellar structure can be easily expanded and organophilized. To assess the efficacy and environmentally-tolerant capacity of the adsorption method, the organophilized vermiculite clay was compared to both natural and expanded vermiculite clays. To prepare the organophilized clays, a natural clay sample was expanded at 900 °C. The expanded clay was thus treated by immersion in a 1.0 M NaCl solution and organophilized using a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMA-Br) surfactant, for 24 h at 50 °C. Natural, expanded, and organophilized samples were characterized using the techniques of XRD, FTIR, TG/DSC, and SEM to observe structural changes after expansion and organophilization. These characterizations indicated that there was an increase in the interlamellar space of the expanded and organophilized sample. In addition, a study of the point of zero charge was performed to determine the surface changes of the samples and the amount of doxazosin adsorption in the samples was determined by the time adsorption test. Further, the organophilized sample showed potential adsorption of the drug doxazosin and high performance in relation to the expanded and natural samples.