Morphophysiological changes of Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae: Myrtoideae) saplings under shade gradient

Abstract Understanding morphological and physiological changes under different light conditions in native fruit species in juveniles stage is important, as it indicate the appropriate environment to achieve vigorous saplings. We aimed to verify growth and morphophysiological changes under shade gradient in feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) to achieve good quality saplings adequate to improve cultivation in orchards. The saplings were grown for twenty-one-month under four shading treatments (0%, 30%, 50%, and 80%). Growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf anatomy parameters were evaluated. Saplings under full sun and 30% shade had higher height and diameter growth and dry mass accumulation due to higher photosynthesis rate. As main acclimatization mechanisms in feijoa saplings under 80% shade were developed larger leaf area, reduced leaf blade thickness, and enhanced quantum yield of photosystem II. Even so, the net CO2 assimilation and the electron transport rate was lower and, consequently, there was a restriction on the growth and dry mass in saplings under deep shade. Therefore, to obtain higher quality feijoa saplings, we recommend that it be carried out in full sun or up to 30% shade, to maximize the sapling vigor in nurseries and, later, this light environment can also be used in orchards for favor growth and fruit production.

Resumo A verificação de mudanças morfológicas e fisiológicas sob diferentes condições luminosas em espécies frutíferas nativas em estágio juvenil é importante, uma vez que indicam o ambiente adequado para a formação de mudas com alto vigor. Objetivou-se verificar o crescimento e as alterações morfofisiológicas sob gradiente de sombreamento em mudas de feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) para obter mudas de boa qualidade, adequadas para fomentar os plantios da espécie em pomares. As mudas foram cultivadas por vinte e um meses sob quatro tratamentos de sombreamento (0%, 30%, 50% e 80%). Foram avaliados parâmetros de crescimento, pigmentos fotossintéticos, trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila e anatomia foliar. Mudas a pleno sol e 30% de sombra apresentaram maior crescimento em altura, diâmetro e acúmulo de massa seca, devido à maior taxa de fotossíntese. Como principais mecanismos de aclimatação sob 80% de sombra, as mudas desenvolveram maior área foliar, redução da espessura do limbo foliar e aumento do rendimento quântico do fotossistema II. Mesmo assim, a assimilação líquida de CO2 e a taxa de transporte de elétrons foram menores e, consequentemente, houve restrição ao crescimento e acúmulo de massa seca das mudas no maior nível de sombreamento. Portanto, para a obtenção de mudas de feijoa de maior qualidade, recomendamos que seja realizada a pleno sol ou até 30% de sombra, para maximizar o vigor das mudas em viveiros e, posteriormente, este ambiente de luz também pode ser utilizado em pomares para favorecer o crescimento e a produção de frutos.

Morphophysiological changes of Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae: Myrtoideae) saplings under shade gradient / Alterações morfofisiológicas em mudas de Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae: Myrtoideae) sob gradiente de sombreamento

Abstract Understanding morphological and physiological changes under different light conditions in native fruit species in juveniles' stage is important, as it indicate the appropriate environment to achieve vigorous saplings. We aimed to verify growth and morphophysiological changes under shade gradient in feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) to achieve good quality saplings adequate to improve cultivation in orchards. The saplings were grown for twenty-one-month under four shading treatments (0%, 30%, 50%, and 80%). Growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf anatomy parameters were evaluated. Saplings under full sun and 30% shade had higher height and diameter growth and dry mass accumulation due to higher photosynthesis rate. As main acclimatization mechanisms in feijoa saplings under 80% shade were developed larger leaf area, reduced leaf blade thickness, and enhanced quantum yield of photosystem II. Even so, the net CO2 assimilation and the electron transport rate was lower and, consequently, there was a restriction on the growth and dry mass in saplings under deep shade. Therefore, to obtain higher quality feijoa saplings, we recommend that it be carried out in full sun or up to 30% shade, to maximize the sapling vigor in nurseries and, later, this light environment can also be used in orchards for favor growth and fruit production.

Resumo A verificação de mudanças morfológicas e fisiológicas sob diferentes condições luminosas em espécies frutíferas nativas em estágio juvenil é importante, uma vez que indicam o ambiente adequado para a formação de mudas com alto vigor. Objetivou-se verificar o crescimento e as alterações morfofisiológicas sob gradiente de sombreamento em mudas de feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) para obter mudas de boa qualidade, adequadas para fomentar os plantios da espécie em pomares. As mudas foram cultivadas por vinte e um meses sob quatro tratamentos de sombreamento (0%, 30%, 50% e 80%). Foram avaliados parâmetros de crescimento, pigmentos fotossintéticos, trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila e anatomia foliar. Mudas a pleno sol e 30% de sombra apresentaram maior crescimento em altura, diâmetro e acúmulo de massa seca, devido à maior taxa de fotossíntese. Como principais mecanismos de aclimatação sob 80% de sombra, as mudas desenvolveram maior área foliar, redução da espessura do limbo foliar e aumento do rendimento quântico do fotossistema II. Mesmo assim, a assimilação líquida de CO2 e a taxa de transporte de elétrons foram menores e, consequentemente, houve restrição ao crescimento e acúmulo de massa seca das mudas no maior nível de sombreamento. Portanto, para a obtenção de mudas de feijoa de maior qualidade, recomendamos que seja realizada a pleno sol ou até 30% de sombra, para maximizar o vigor das mudas em viveiros e, posteriormente, este ambiente de luz também pode ser utilizado em pomares para favorecer o crescimento e a produção de frutos.

Evaluation of Physiochemical Properties, Thermal Behavior and Phytopharmaceutical Potential of Citrus aurantium’s Essential Oil

The study investigates the therapeutic potential of the Citrus aurantium var. amara essential oil extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange plant by examining its chemical composition, thermal stability, and potency against infectious disease-causing pathogens. Initially, the volatile components of the essential oil were evaluated by obtaining a chromatographic fingerprint using HPTLC and FTIR spectrum identification. Furthermore, a thermal profile of the essential oil was obtained using the thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. A predetermined set of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms were used to examine the antibacterial activity of the essential oil. Lastly, its anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the albumin denaturation assay. The research concluded that the Citrus aurantium var. Amara essential oil exhibits potential therapeutic characteristics which can be further explored through in vivo studies.

Factors affecting executive function performance of Brazilian elderly in the Stroop test

Aging is related to a decrease in physiological abilities, especially cognitive functions. To unravel further evidence of age-related cognitive decline, we analyzed which physical and functional variables are predictors of cognitive performance in a sample of 498 Brazilian elderly (67.26% women). To do so, we used the Stroop test as a tool to evaluate executive functions and the General functional fitness index (GFFI) to evaluate the functional fitness of the participants. A linear regression analysis revealed that female sex (β=-0.097; t=-2.286; P=0.023), younger age (β=0.205; t=4.606; P<0.0001), more years of education (β=-0.280; t=-6.358; P<0.0001), and higher GFFI (β=-0.101; t=-2.347; P<0.02) were predictors of better cognitive performance. Body mass index (kg/m2) and nutritional status (underweight, eutrophic, overweight, or obese) were not predictors of cognitive performance. Interestingly, among the GFFI tasks, muscle strength influenced the test execution time, both in upper and lower limbs (elbow flexion: β=-0.201; t=-4.672; P<0.0001; sit-to-stand: β=-0.125; t=-2.580; P<0.01). Our findings showed that: 1) women performed the Stroop test faster than men; 2) the older the person, the lower was the cognitive performance; 3) the higher the education, the better the test execution time; and 4) higher scores in the GFFI were associated with a better performance in the Stroop test. Therefore, gender, age, education, and functional fitness and capacity were predictors of cognitive performance in the elderly.

Modeling functional network topology following stroke through graph theory: functional reorganization and motor recovery prediction

The study of functional reorganization following stroke has been steadily growing supported by advances in neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Concomitantly, graph theory has been increasingly employed in neuroscience to model the brain's functional connectivity (FC) and to investigate it in a variety of contexts. The aims of this study were: 1) to investigate the reorganization of network topology in the ipsilesional (IL) and contralesional (CL) hemispheres of stroke patients with (motor stroke group) and without (control stroke group) motor impairment, and 2) to predict motor recovery through the relationship between local topological variations of the functional network and increased motor function. We modeled the brain's FC as a graph using fMRI data, and we characterized its interactions with the following graph metrics: degree, clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, and betweenness centrality (BC). For both patient groups, BC yielded the largest variations between the two analyzed time points, especially in the motor stroke group. This group presented significant correlations (P<0.05) between average BC changes and the improvements in upper-extremity Fugl-Meyer (UE-FM) scores at the primary sensorimotor cortex and the supplementary motor area for the CL hemisphere. These regions participate in processes related to the selection, planning, and execution of movement. Generally, higher increases in average BC over these areas were related to larger improvements in UE-FM assessment. Although the sample was small, these results suggest the possibility of using BC as an indication of brain plasticity mechanisms following stroke.

The testing for COVID-19 in symptomatic patients as a protective factor against stress, anxiety, and depression / Testagem para a COVID-19 em pacientes sintomáticos como fator protetivo contra estresse, ansiedade e depressão

Abstract Objectives: to determine the frequency of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in symptomatic patients for COVID-19. To evaluate the associated factors involved in these variants. Methods: between May/June of 2020, it was conducted a prospective cross-section study with symptomatic participants for COVID-19 (n=300). It was applied an online questionnaire and the DASS-21 to evaluate the mental health of participants. Results: it was observed that 28.6%, 29.7% and 27% of the participants showed severe/extreme levels symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively. The testing for COVID-19 application had constituted a protective factor for the development of psychiatric morbidity, once it had shown significant association in the low frequencies of severe/extreme depression [Odds Ratio (OR)]= 0.26; p=0.002) and stress (OR=0.39; p=0.01). Conclusion: individuals that are symptomatic for COVID-19 are a vulnerable group that may present high symptomatology for depression, anxiety, and stress. The identification of psychiatric morbidity frequency and its associated factors may contribute for the development of mental health strategies aiming at the prevention and mitigation of psychological impact in COVID-19 symptomatic population during the pandemic.

Resumo Objetivos: determinar a frequência de sintomas de estresse, ansiedade e depressão em pacientes sintomáticos para COVID-19 e avaliar os fatores associados. Métodos: entre maio / junho de 2020, foi realizado um estudo transversal prospectivo com participantes sintomáticos para COVID-19 (n = 300). Foi aplicado um questionário online e o DASS-21 para avaliar a saúde mental dos participantes. Resultados: observou-se que 28,6%, 29,7% e 27% dos participantes apresentaram sintomas graves/extremos para estresse, ansiedade e depressão, respectivamente. A realização do teste para a COVID-19 constituiu-se como fator de proteção para o desenvolvimento de sintomatologia psíquica, uma vez que mostrou associação significativa nas baixas frequências de depressão grave/extrema [odds ratio (OR)]= 0,26; p=0,002) e de estresse (OR=0,39; p=0,01). Conclusão: os indivíduos sintomáticos para COVID-19 constituem um grupo vulnerável que podem apresentar elevada sintomatologia para depressão, ansiedade e estresse. A identificação da frequência de morbidade psiquiátrica e seus fatores associados podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de saúde mental visando a prevenção e mitigação do impacto psicológico na população sintomática de COVID-19 durante a pandemia.

Where do we aspire to publish? A position paper on scientific communication in biochemistry and molecular biology

The scientific publication landscape is changing quickly, with an enormous increase in options and models. Articles can be published in a complex variety of journals that differ in their presentation format (online-only or in-print), editorial organizations that maintain them (commercial and/or society-based), editorial handling (academic or professional editors), editorial board composition (academic or professional), payment options to cover editorial costs (open access or pay-to-read), indexation, visibility, branding, and other aspects. Additionally, online submissions of non-revised versions of manuscripts prior to seeking publication in a peer-reviewed journal (a practice known as pre-printing) are a growing trend in biological sciences. In this changing landscape, researchers in biochemistry and molecular biology must re-think their priorities in terms of scientific output dissemination. The evaluation processes and institutional funding for scientific publications should also be revised accordingly. This article presents the results of discussions within the Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, on this subject.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a triterpene-rich fraction from Himatanthus drasticus

Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel belongs to the Apocynaceae family and the latex from its trunk bark (Hd) is known as "janaguba milk". This latex is widely used in Northeast Brazil, mainly in the Cariri region, for its gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. The objective of this study was to investigate a triterpene-rich fraction (FJNB) from H. drasticus latex on acute models of nociception and inflammation and to clarify its mechanisms of action. Wistar rats or Swiss mice were subjected to the carrageenan-induced paw edema test or the formalin test, respectively, after the acute oral treatment with FJNB. The inflamed paws from the carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin tests were processed for histological and immunohistochemical assays, respectively. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and considered significant at P<0.05. FJNB (10 mg/kg) decreased the paw edema by 25% at the 3rd h after the carrageenan injection. Indomethacin, used as reference, inhibited the paw edema by 59% at the same time-point. In the formalin test, FJNB inhibited the 1st phase by 27, 49, and 52% and the 2nd phase by 37, 50, and 67%, at the doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, FJNB significantly inhibited the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) expression and the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa (NF-kB) were also inhibited at the same doses. In conclusion, the FJNB inhibitory actions on iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, HDAC, and NF-kB could be involved with the drug anti-inflammatory activity.

Fine needle aspiration cytology in feline skeletal muscle as a diagnostic tool for extramedullary plasmacytoma / Citologia aspirativa por agulha fina no músculo esquelético felino como ferramenta diagnóstica para o plasmocitoma extramedular

Extramedullary noncutaneous plasmacytoma (ENP) is a myeloproliferative disorder of plasma cells that rarely affects cats. This paper describes an ENP case revealed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the mass in the skeletal muscle of an 8-month-old, male, mixed breed cat, which had a nodule in the left hind limb. The rapid immunoassay test confirmed the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The animal necropsy macroscopically showed the nodule came from the semimembranosus muscle. Histopathological examination ratified the cytological findings. Thus, this paper alerts to the existence of plasmacytoma located in the skeletal muscle of feline species. FNAC is a quick and efficient method for diagnosis of ENP.(AU)

O plasmocitoma extramedular (PEM) não cutâneo é um distúrbio mieloproliferativo de plasmócitos que raramente acomete felinos. Este trabalho descreve um caso de PEM no músculo esquelético de um gato, macho, sem raça definida, de oito meses de idade, que apresentava um aumento de volume no membro pélvico esquerdo. A citologia aspirativa por agulha fina (CAAF) da massa revelou tratar-se de PEM. O teste imunoenzimático rápido confirmou a presença do vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Na necropsia do animal, macroscopicamente, percebeu-se que o nódulo era originário do músculo semimembranoso. O exame histopatológico ratificou os achados citológicos. Desta forma, alerta-se para a existência de plasmocitoma com localização em músculo esquelético na espécie felina, sendo a CAAF um método alternativo rápido e eficaz para o seu diagnóstico.(AU)

The population density of Lymnaea columella (Say, 1817) (Mollusca, Lymnaeidae) an intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Caparaó microregion, ES, Brazil / Densidade populacional de Lymnaea columella (Say, 1817) (Mollusca, Lymnaeidae) hospedeiro intermediário de Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758) na Microrregião do Caparaó, ES, Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to monitor the population density of Lymnaea columella, an intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica, in various aquatic habitats and in drinking water in the area of the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, on Caparaó Microregion, municipality of Alegre, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Monthly samplings were performed at certain points between drainage areas and drinking water in cattle and goat production systems during the years 2010 to 2013. The mean temperature, precipitation and the frequency of samples of L. columella were analysed graphically according the monthly average during the study period. A total of 2,038 molluscs were collected, 1558 of which were L. columella, that predominated in all sampled points. The highest average of specimens observed for L. columella was in the years 2010 and 2013 (51.0), and occurred decreased in 2011 (19.8). The temperature and precipitation averaged is 23.7 °C and 141 mm/year, respectively. Rainfall peak occurred in March (2011, 2013) and November (2012), during these periods the population of L. columella growth. There was no significant difference in the relationship between the specimens observed with seasons (dry-wet), thus the population of L. columella remained stable and can be found throughout the year.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi acompanhar a variação da densidade populacional de Lymnaea columella, hospedeiro intermediário de Fasciola hepatica, em diferentes tipos de coleções hídricas e bebedouros na área do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, na microrregião do Caparaó, município de Alegre, estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Foram realizadas coletas mensais em pontos determinados entre áreas de drenagem e bebedouros de animais nos setores de bovinocultura e caprinocultura durante os anos de 2010 a 2013. As médias de temperatura, precipitação e a frequência de exemplares de L. columella foram analisadas graficamente de acordo com a média mensal ao longo do período avaliado. Foram coletados 2.038 moluscos, sendo 1558 de L. columella, espécie predominante em todos os pontos amostrados. A maior média de espécimes observadas para L. columella foi nos anos de 2010 e 2013 (51,0), ocorrendo um decréscimo em 2011 (19,8). A temperatura apresentou média de 23,7°C e precipitação de 141 mm/ano. Picos de precipitação ocorreram em Março (2011, 2013) e Novembro (2012), nestes períodos foi observado aumento populacional de L. columella. Não houve diferença significativa na relação entre as espécimes observadas com as estações do ano (seca-chuvosa), dessa forma, a população de L. columella se mostrou estável, podendo ser encontrada durante todo ano.

Hormonal therapy with estradiol and drospirenone improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the coronary bed of ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats

Drospirenone (DRSP) is a progestin with anti-aldosterone properties and it reduces blood pressure in hypertensive women. However, the effects of DRSP on endothelium-dependent coronary vasodilation have not been evaluated. This study investigated the effects of combined therapy with estrogen (E2) and DRSP on endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the coronary bed of ovariectomized (OVX) spontaneously hypertensive rats. Female spontaneously hypertensive rats (n=87) at 12 weeks of age were randomly divided into sham operated (Sham), OVX, OVX treated with E2 (E2), and OVX treated with E2 and DRSP (E2+DRSP) groups. Hemodynamic parameters were directly evaluated by catheter insertion into the femoral artery. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation in response to bradykinin in the coronary arterial bed was assessed using isolated hearts according to a modified Langendorff method. Coronary protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) was assessed by Western blotting. Histological slices of coronary arteries were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and morphometric parameters were analyzed. Oxidative stress was assessed in situ by dihydroethidium fluorescence. Ovariectomy increased systolic blood pressure, which was only prevented by E2+DRSP treatment. Estrogen deficiency caused endothelial dysfunction, which was prevented by both treatments. However, the vasodilator response in the E2+DRSP group was significantly higher at the three highest concentrations compared with the OVX group. Reduced ER-α expression in OVX rats was restored by both treatments. Morphometric parameters and oxidative stress were augmented by OVX and reduced by E2 and E2+DRSP treatments. Hormonal therapy with E2 and DRSP may be an important therapeutic option in the prevention of coronary heart disease in hypertensive post-menopausal women.

Compostos coordenados híbridos de platina no tratamento do câncer / Platinum hybrid coordinated compounds in cancertreatment

O câncer, ou neoplasia, é uma doença caracterizada pela propagação descontrolada de formas anormais das próprias células corporais e corresponde à segunda doença que mais causa mortes no mundo. A história da platina no tratamento do câncer teve início com a descoberta da sua atividade, em 1965, com a aprovação para uso clínico acontecendo apenas após 10 anos. Atualmente, os fármacos com platina estão entre os mais bem sucedidos agentes anticancerígenos, onde se destacam cisplatina (1), carboplatina (2) e oxaliplatina (3). Seus mecanismos de ação são similares: estes fármacos formam adutos com o DNA, impedindo a sua síntese e reparo, levando à morte celular. Contudo, os efeitos adversos desencadeados pelo tratamento e o desenvolvimento de resistência ao medicamento têm limitado suas aplicações. Uma das principais estratégias para a diminuição de tais efeitos consiste em alterar a estrutura destas moléculas, levando à formação de compostos híbridos, que se caracterizam pela presença de pelo menos dois fragmentos funcionais distintos em uma mesma molécula e podem apresentar maior espectro de atividade antitumoral. Dentre as alterações mais comuns encontram-se a modificação da solubilidade, através da inserção de grupos abandonadores mais ou menos hidrofóbicos e a introdução de ligantes com atividade biológica própria. Dessa forma, esta revisão visa verificar os avanços mais recentes na síntese de compostos híbridos de platina, bem como as melhorias na atividade anticâncer dos novos compostos platinados...

Cancer, or neoplasm, is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled propagation of abnormal cells of the body and is the second leading death-causing disease. The history of platinum in cancer treatment goes back to the discovery of its activity in 1965 and its approval for clinical use just 10 years later. Some of the most successful anticancer agents are Pt-based chemotherapeutics, among which cisplatin (1), carboplatin (2), and oxaliplatin (3) stand out. They have similar mechanisms of action: they form adducts with DNA, preventing its synthesis and repair and leading to cell death. However, adverse effects triggered by treatment and the development of resistance to these drugs have limited their application. One of the most important strategies to reduce such effects is to carry out structural modifications of these molecules, leading to hybrid compounds that are characterized by the presence of at least two distinct functional fragments on the same molecule and can exhibit a broader antitumor activity spectrum. Among the most typical modifications are changes to the solubility pattern, created by the insertion of leaving groups with high or low hydrophobicity, and the introduction of biologically active ligands as non-leaving groups. The purpose of these strategies is to obtain compounds capable of reducing systemic toxicity and/or overcoming acquired resistance factors to cisplatin. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss the most recent advances in the synthesis of hybrid platinum compounds, as well as improvements in the anticancer activity of Pt-compounds...

Antioxidant properties of species from the Brazilian cerrado by different assays / Avaliação da propriedade antioxidante de espécies do cerrado no Brasil detectada por diferentes ensaios

The purpose of this study was to screen the antioxidant activity of medicinal plant extracts from the Brazilian cerrado, through other methods than the total phenolic content and its correlation with the antioxidant activity. Ethanolic extracts of ten species were evaluated through three antioxidant assays, in vitro, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total antioxidant activity and reducing power; and by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method the total phenolic content was determined. Ethanolic extracts of Stryphnodendron obovatum, Cecropia pachystachya and Duguetia furfuraceae showed strong antioxidant activity (IC50<5 µg mL-1) in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay; the species Vernonia phosphorea, Hymenaea stignocarpa and Jacaranda ulei may also be highlighted. These results were confirmed in the assays of total antioxidant capacity and reducing power. The extracts of S. obovatum and V. phosphorea showed an abundant phenolic content; therefore, the phenolic content may play a role in the antioxidant activity. These two species, traditionally used in Brazil, showed great power in these assay systems and may be a promising source for the development of natural antioxidants and future candidates for phytochemical and pharmacological studies in related diseases.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi triar a atividade antioxidante de extratos de plantas medicinais do cerrado do Brasil, por outros métodos além do conteúdo de fenóis totais e sua correlação com a atividade antioxidante. Assim, o extrato etanólico de dez espécies vegetais do cerrado brasileiro foi avaliado por três ensaios de atividade antioxidante, in vitro: 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH); atividade antioxidante total e poder redutor; e o teor de fenóis determinado pelo reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu. O extrato etanólico de Stryphnodendron obovatum, Cecropia pachystachya e Duguetia furfuraceae apresentaram forte atividade antioxidante (CI50<5 mg mL-1) no ensaio com o DPPH, tendo destaque também as espécies Vernonia phosphorea, Hymenaea stignocarpa e Jacaranda ulei. Os extratos de S. obovatum e V. phosphorea demonstraram maiores teores de fenóis, indicando que esse grupo de substâncias possa ser a responsável pela atividade antioxidante. Essas duas espécies, usadas tradicionalmente no Brasil, representam fontes promissoras para o desenvolvimento de antioxidantes naturais e futuros estudos fitoquímicos e farmacológicos em doenças relacionadas.

Relação entre o perfil antropométrico e bioquímico em crianças e adolescentes com diabetes melito tipo 1 / Relationship between anthropometric and biochemical profiles in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes / Relación entre perfiles antropométrico y bioquímico en niños y adolescentes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1

Avaliar a relação entre o perfil antropométrico e bioquímico de crianças e adolescentes com diabetes melito tipo 1 (DM1). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 11 crianças e 43 adolescentes com DM1. Coletaram-se dados socioeconômicos e demográficos (idade, sexo, escolaridade, renda), clínicos (insulinoterapia), antropométricos (peso, estatura, dobras cutâneas, circunferência da cintura - CC) e bioquímicos (hemoglobina glicada - HbA, glicemias casual - GLC, pós-prandial - GLPP, e perfil lipídico). Foram utilizados o teste t de Student (p<0,05) e a correlação de Pearson (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A renda média per capita foi de 0,58±0,39 salário-mínimo e predominou o esquema de três aplicações de insulina/dia em 72,2 por cento da amostra. A maioria apresentou estatura (92,6 por cento) e IMC (87 por cento) adequados para a idade. Aqueles com índice da HbA (inHbA) adequado apresentaram menores GLC (p=0,002) e GLPP (p<0,001). O inHbA correlacionou-se positivamente com CC (p=0,013), GLC (p=0,014), GLPP (p<0,001), TG e VLDL (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: O pior controle glicêmico relaciona-se a maiores níveis de lipídeos séricos e CC mais elevada.

To evaluate the relationship between anthropometric and biochemical variables in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 11 children and 43 adolescents with DM1. The following data were collected: socioeconomic and demographic (age, sex, education, income), clinical (insulin therapy), anthropometric (weight, height, skinfolds, waist circumference - WC) and biochemical variables (glycated hemoglobin - HbA, casual blood glucose - CBG, post-prandial blood glucose - PPBG, and lipid profile). Statistical analysis included Student's t test (p<0.05) and Pearson's correlation (p<0.05). RESULTS: The average income per capita was 0.58±0.39 times the monthly minimum wage and 72.2 percent of the sample were on insulin therapy consisting of three doses per day. Most individuals had adequate height (92.6 percent) and BMI (87.0 percent) for their ages. Subjects with an adequate HbA index (inHbA) had lower CBG (p=0.002) and PPBG (p<0.001). There were positive correlations between inHbA and WC (p=0.013), CBG (p=0.014), PPBG (p<0.001), triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Poorer glycemic control is related to higher serum lipids levels and larger WC.

Evaluar la relación entre perfil antropométrico y bioquímico de niños y adolescentes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 11 niños y 43 adolescentes con DM1. Se recogieron datos socioeconómicos y demográficos (edad, sexo, escolaridad, ingresos), clínicos (insulinoterapia), antropométricos (peso, estatura, pliegues cutáneos, circunferencia de la cintura-CC) y bioquímicos (hemoglobina glicada - HbA, glucemias casual - GLC, postprandial - GLPP y perfil lipídico). Se utilizaron la prueba t de Student y la correlación de Pearson (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: El ingreso mediano per capita fue de 0,58±0,39 salario mínimo y predominó el esquema de tres aplicaciones de insulina/día en el 72,2 por ciento de la muestra. La mayoría presentó estatura (92,6 por ciento) e IMC (87 por ciento) adecuados a la edad. Aquellos con índice de HbA (inHbA) adecuado presentaron menores GLC (p=0,002) y GLPP (p<0,001). El inHbA se correlacionó positivamente con CC (p=0,013), GLC (p=0,014), GLPP (p<0,001), TG y VLDL (p<0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El peor control glucémico se relaciona a mayores niveles de lípidos séricos y CC más elevada.

Consumo alimentar e controle metabólico em crianças e adolescentes portadores de diabetes melito tipo 1 / Food consumption and metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre consumo alimentar e controle metabólico em crianças e adolescentes com diabetes melito tipo 1 (DM1). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 11 crianças e 39 adolescentes com DM1. Coletaram-se dados alimentares (hábitos, três recordatórios de 24 horas - R24h), terapêuticos (insulinoterapia), bioquímicos (índice da hemoglobina glicada - inHbA, glicemias casuais - GLC, pós-prandiais - GLPP e perfil lipídico). Utilizou-se o teste t de Student e a correlação de Pearson, sendo significante p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Dentre os indivíduos estudados, identificaram-se alimentação fora de horário em 64 por cento e consumo de produtos açucarados em 6 por cento. Os parâmetros que compõem o perfil lipídico foram adequados em: colesterol total sérico - CTs (88 por cento), LDL (92 por cento), TG (100 por cento das crianças e 69 por cento dos adolescentes) e HDL (82 por cento das crianças e 85 por cento dos adolescentes). Quanto aos parâmetros que medem o controle glicêmico, o inHbA foi adequado em 64 por cento e a GLPP em 18 por cento. Houve correlação negativa entre CTs e consumo de carboidratos (r=-0,324; p=0,022) e positiva com o consumo de lipídeos (r=0,315; p=0,026). CONCLUSÕES: O maior consumo de lipídeos e a consequente menor ingestão de carboidratos correlacionaram-se a maiores níveis de CTs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between dietary intake and metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 11 children and 39 adolescents with DM1. The following variabes were collected: meals data (habits, three 24-hour recall - R24h), therapeutic (insulin) and biochemical data (index of glycated hemoglobin - inHbA, casual glucose - GLC, post-prandial glucose - GLPP, and lipid profile). Student's t-test and Pearson correlation were applied, being significant p<0.05. RESULTS: Among the studied subjects, consumption of food out of time was identified in 64 percent and consumption of sugary products in 6 percent. The parameters included in the lipid profile were adequate in 88 percent for serum total cholesterol (sCT), in 92 percent for LDL, in 100 percent of children and 69 percent of adolescents for TG and in 82 percent of children and 84.6 percent of adolescents for HDL. InHbA was adequate in 64 percent and GLPP in 18 percent of the studied population. There was a negative correlation between sCT and carbohydrate intake (r=-0.324; p=0.022) and a positive correlation with lipids intake (r=0.315; p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The increased consumption of lipids and the lower carbohydrate intake are correlated with higher levels of sCT.

Micropropagação e aclimatização de gerânio (Pelargonium graveolens L. ) / Micropropagation and acclimatization of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L. )

O gerânio (Pelargonium graveolens L.) é uma planta medicinal e aromática nativa do sul da África, cujo óleo essencial é amplamente empregado nas indústrias de perfumaria e cosmético, além de ser usado como terapêutico. Avaliou-se o efeito da luminosidade e dos reguladores de crescimento BAP e ANA na multiplicação in vitro e o uso de diferentes substratos na aclimatização de mudas micropropagadas. Foram avaliadas as concentrações 0; 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0 mg L-1 de BAP, 0; 0,1 e 0,5 mg L-1 de ANA e duas condições de luminosidade (ausência e presença de luz), em esquema fatorial 4x3x2; para a aclimatização foram utilizados quatro substratos, pó de coco + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + calcário (1 g L-1) (PCBC); pó de coco + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + calcário (1 g L-1) + vermiculita (1:1) (PCBCV 1:1); pó de coco + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L­-1) + calcário (1 g L-1) + vermiculita (PCBCV 2:1) e vermiculita e adição semanal de sais MS (VS). Para a micropropagação de P. graveolens a utilização de 1,3 mg L-1 de BAP e 0,5 mg L-1 de ANA é eficiente na regeneração direta de plantas de gerânio, sendo a condição de escuro a mais indicada por proporcionar o maior número de brotos por explante. Para a aclimatização das mudas de gerânio, os melhores resultados foram obtidos em mudas aclimatizadas no substrato vermiculita com adição semanal de sais de MS seguido do substrato PCBCV 1:1.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant native to the south of Africa and whose essential oil is widely used by perfume and cosmetic industries, as well as in therapeutics. The effect of luminosity and growth regulators BAP and NAA on in vitro multiplication was evaluated, together with the use of different substrates on the acclimatization of micropropagated seedlings. The evaluated concentrations were 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg L-1 BAP; 0, 0.1 and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA; and two luminosity conditions (absence and presence of light), in a 4 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement. For acclimatization, four substrates were tested: coconut dust + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + limestone (1 g L-1) (CDBL); coconut dust + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + limestone (1 g L-1) + vermiculite (1:1) (CDBLV 1:1); coconut dust + Biosafra® (3-12-6) (12 g L-1) + limestone (1 g L-1) + vermiculite (CDBLV 2:1); and vermiculite with weekly addition of MS salts (VS). For P. graveolens micropropagation, the use of 1.3 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA is efficient for the direct regeneration of geranium plants, and the dark condition is the most suitable since it provides a larger number of shoots per explant. For the acclimatization of geranium seedlings, the best results were obtained with seedlings acclimatized in the substrate vermiculite with weekly addition of MS salts, followed by the substrate CDBLV 1:1.

Monitoramento do ácido chiquímico no manejo de plantas daninhas com glifosato em pomar comercial de citros / Shikimic acid monitoring in weed control with glyphosate in a commercial citrus orchard

Com o objetivo de verificar o acúmulo de ácido chiquímico em plantas de laranja pêra (Citrus sinensis) num pomar comercial manejado com glifosato, um herbicida sistêmico de amplo espectro, foram coletadas amostras na Fazenda Jequitibá, tradicional no cultivo de citros, situada no Município de Santo Antônio de Posse, SP. O produtor aplicou de forma convencional Roundup® Original a 1.440 g.ha-1 de equivalente ácido (e.a.) do sal de isopropilamino de glifosato em 19/12/ 2006 na entrelinha de 15 plantas, deixando outras cinco como testemunha. A reaplicação de glifosato a 1.260 g.ha-1 de e.a. foi realizada em 2/4/2007. Em ambos os casos, imediatamente antes da aplicação e aos 3, 7, 10, 15, 20 e 35 dias após, foram coletadas 20 folhas de cada planta tanto da área tratada como da não tratada, analisando-se o teor de ácido chiquímico por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) de forma isocrática após extração por micro-ondas. Os resultados mostraram não ocorrer acúmulo do ácido chiquímico nas plantas de laranja pêra, não havendo diferenças significativas nos teores deste composto entre o material proveniente da área tratada com glifosato e o daquela capinada manualmente.

In order to check the accumulation of shikimic acid in a traditional commercial grove of citrus "Pêra" cultivar (Citrus sinensis) managed for weed control with glyphosate, a systemic herbicide with wide spectrum, samples were collected at Fazenda Jequitibá, in Santo Antonio de Posse County, São Paulo State, Brazil. The producer applied the following treatments of Roundup Original® glyphosate at 1,440 g.ha-1 a.e. of the isopropylamine salt on 19 December 2006 between rows of 15 plants, leaving five others as control. The reapplication of glyphosate at 1,260 g ha-1 was done on 2 April 2007. In both cases, immediately before application and at 3, 7, 10, 15, 20 and 35 days thereafter, 20 leaves from each treated and untreated plants were collected for analysis of the content of shikimic acid by isocratic high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assisted with microwave. The results showed no significant differences in levels of shikimic acid between the material from the area treated with glyphosate and that weeded manually.

Association of CYP7A1 -278A>C polymorphism and the response of plasma triglyceride after dietary intervention in dyslipidemic patients

We investigated the effect of the -278A>C polymorphism in the CYP7A1 gene on the response of plasma lipids to a reduced-fat diet for 6 to 8 weeks in a group of 82 dyslipidemic males with a mean age of 46.0 ± 11.7 years. Individuals who presented at least one high alteration in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglyceride values were considered to be dyslipidemic. Exclusion criteria were secondary dyslipidemia due to diabetes mellitus, renal, liver, or thyroid disease. None of the subjects were using lipid-lowering medication. Baseline and follow-up lipid concentrations were measured. The genotypes were determined by the digestion of PCR products with the BsaI restriction endonuclease. There were statistically significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations after dietary intervention. The minor allele C has a frequency of 43 percent. Carriers of the C allele had significantly lower triglyceride concentrations (P = 0.02) than AA homozygotes. After adjustment of covariates, subjects with the AC and CC genotypes showed a greater reduction in triglyceride concentrations compared to subjects with the AA genotype. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the AC and CC CYP7A1 genotypes accounted for 5.2 and 6.2 percent of triglyceride concentration during follow-up and adjusted percent of change of triglyceride concentration, respectively. The present study provides evidence that -278A>C polymorphism in the CYP7A1 gene can modify triglyceride concentrations in response to a reduced fat diet in a dyslipidemic male population. This gene represents a potential locus for a nutrigenetic directed approach.

Estrogen receptor 1 gene polymorphisms in premenopausal women: interaction between genotype and smoking on lipid levels

Estrogen has multiple effects on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. We investigated the association between the four common single nucleotide polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene locus, -1989T>G, +261G>C, IVS1-397T>C and IVS1-351A>G, and lipid and lipoprotein levels in southern Brazilians. The sample consisted in 150 men and 187 premenopausal women. The women were considered premenopausal if they had regular menstrual bleeding within the previous 3 months and were 18-50 years of age. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, secondary hyperlipidemia due to renal, hepatic or thyroid disease, and diabetes. Smoking status was self-reported; subjects were classified as never smoked and current smokers. DNA was amplified by PCR and was subsequently digested with the appropriate restriction enzymes. Statistical analysis was carried out for men and women separately. In the study population, major allele frequencies were _1989*T (0.83), +261*G (0.96), IVS1-397*T (0.58), and IVS1-351*A (0.65). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that an interaction between +261G>C polymorphism and smoking was a significant factor affecting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (P = 0.028) in women. Nonsmoking women with genotype G/C of +261G>C polymorphism had mean HDL-C levels higher than those with G/G genotype (1.40 ± 0.33 vs 1.22 ± 0.26 mmol/L; P = 0.033). No significant associations with lipid and lipoprotein levels in women and men were detected for other polymorphisms. In conclusion, the +261G>C polymorphism might influence lipoprotein and lipid levels in premenopausal women, but these effects seem to be modulated by smoking, whereas in men ESR1 polymorphisms were not associated with high lipoprotein levels.