Traditional knowledge and uses of medicinal plants by the inhabitants of the islands of the São Francisco river, Brazil and preliminary analysis of Rhaphiodon echinus (Lamiaceae) / Conhecimento tradicional e usos de plantas medicinais por habitantes das ilhas do rio São Francisco, Brasil e análise preliminar de Rhaphiodon echinus (Lamiaceae)

Abstract This study aimed to carry out an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by inhabitants of the Rodeadouro Island, Jatoba Island and Massangano Island, located in The Submedium São Francisco River Valley. Also phytochemicals and preliminary pharmacological tests were performed to species most cited by the community. Ethnobotanical data were collected through observation visits and semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants. We calculated the relative importance (RI), the percentage of agreement related to the main uses (cAMU) and use value (UV). The aerial parts of Rhaphiodon echinus (Ness & Mart.) Schauer were used to obtain the lyophilizate (LYO-Re), crude ethanol extract (CEE-Re) and their hexanic (HEX-Re), chloroform (CLO-Re) and ethyl acetate (EA-Re) fractions. The microdilution technique was used for determining Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for selected microorganisms. Already the spasmolytic effect was evaluated in isolated uterus fragments of Wistar rats, pre contracted with KCl 60 mM. We found 34 species cited, belonging to 22 families. The most plants were grown by locals. There were 51 different diseases, but the main indication was infectious and parasitic diseases. The species R. echinus was the most reported and it was indicated for urinary tract infection and dysmenorrhea. The screening revealed a higher prevalence of flavonoids, tannins, lignans and saponins in LYO-Re and AE-Re. Already terpene compounds were more present in HEX-Re and CLO-Re. The RE-Re fraction stood out with strong effect against E. coli and S. aureus while CEE-Re has moderate effect against gram-negative bacteria. The evaluation of the spasmolytic activity showed that LYO-Re, CEE-Re and HEX-Re fractions have similar activity, with partial effect and concentration-dependent response. This work brought about knowledge and use of medicinal plants by the riparian of the São Francisco River. It also revealed the importance of other methodologies for scientific evidence for the popular use of R. echinus.

Resumo Objetivou-se realizar um levantamento etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas nas ilhas do Massangano, Jatobá II e Rodeadouro, localizadas entre Petrolina-PE e Juazeiro-BA, no submédio do rio São Francisco e posterior investigação fitoquímica e farmacológica da espécie mais citada, conforme a indicação da comunidade. Realizaram-se visitas de observação nas ilhas e os dados etnobotânicos foram coletados por entrevistas semiestruturadas com 12 informantes-chave. Calculou-se a Importância Relativa (IR), a Porcentagem Corrigida de Concordância quanto ao Uso Principal (CUPc) e o Valor de Uso (VU). Utilizaram-se as partes aéreas da espécie mais citada para obtenção do extrato etanólico bruto (EEB-Re), suas frações hexânica (HEX-Re), clorofórmica (CLO-Re) e acetato de etila (AE-Re); o produto liofilizado (LIO-Re) e o óleo essencial (OE-Re). A técnica de microdiluição foi usada para determinar a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) para microorganismos selecionados. A atividade espasmolítica foi avaliada em fragmentos isolados de útero de ratas Wistar pré-contraídos com KCl 60 mM. Foram relatadas 34 espécies, contidas em 22 famílias diferentes. A maioria das plantas era cultivada pelos moradores. Registraram-se 51 enfermidades diferentes, mas a principal indicação foi doenças parasitárias e infecciosas. A espécie Rhaphiodon echinus (Ness & Mart.) Schauer foi a mais citada, com principal indicação para tratar infecção do trato urinário e dismenorreia. O screening fitoquímico revelou prevalência de flavonoides, taninos, lignanas e saponinas em LIO-Re e AE-Re e compostos terpênicos em HEX-Re e CLO-Re. Os testes antibacterianos mostraram que AE-Re é mais atuante contra E. coli e S. aureus do que para P. aeruginosa. O EEB-Re tem efeito parcial contra bactérias gram-negativas e OE-Re possui moderada resposta para todos microorganismos testados. LIO-Re, EEB-Re e HEX-Re possuem atividade espasmolítica dependente da concentração, sem diferença significativa e sem relaxamento total. Este trabalho trouxe conhecimento sobre o uso de plantas medicinais pelos ribeirinhos do rio São Francisco e revela a importância de estudos mais aprofundados para a comprovação científica do uso popular da R. echinus.

Variations in the vascular supply of pancreas and transverse colon: a case report / Variaciones en el suministro vascular de páncreas y colon transverso: reporte de un caso

During anatomical dissection of the abdominal cavity of an adult male corpse, a changing pattern of vascular supply of pancreas and of the transverse colon was observed. The inferior pancreatic artery and the middle colic artery arose from a common trunk of the superior mesenteric artery. Moreover, the lienal artery did not direct a dorsal branch to the neck of the pancreas, but rather sent two greater pancreatic arteries (proximal and distal) to the body of the gland and one caudal artery to the terminal portion of the pancreas. We also observed a large communicating branch between the proximal portion of the middle colic artery and the ascending branch of the left colic artery, previously described as artery of Moskowitz. Based on these data, clinical and surgical implications of these variations were highlighted.

Durante la disección anatómica de la cavidad abdominal del cadáver de un hombre adulto, se observó un patrón cambiante en el suministro vascular del páncreas y del colon transverso. La arteria pancreática inferior y la arteria cólica media surgían de un tronco común desde la arteria mesentérica superior. Además, la arteria esplénica no daba origen a la rama dorsal hasta el cuello del páncreas, más bien contaba con dos arterias pancreáticas mayores (una proximal y una distal) hasta la glándula, y una arteria caudal. También se observó una conexión entre la parte proximal de la arteria cólica media y el ramo ascendente de la arteria cólica izquierda lo que fue previamente definido como la arteria de «Moskowitz¼. Las implicaciones quirúrgicas de estas variaciones fueron destacadas en base a estos datos.

Ocorrência do subtipo B do vírus da imunodeficiência felina em gatos domésticos da região sul do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Occurrence of subtype B of the feline immunodeficiency virus in domestic cats from the south region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

No Brasil existem poucos estudos sobre a ocorrência da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV), assim como a determinação dos subtipos circulantes, o que é indispensável para o desenvolvimento de vacinas e novos testes diagnósticos. O presente trabalho investigou a ocorrência da infecção pelo FIV entre os anos de 2010 e 2011 em gatos domésticos submetidos a atendimento clínico na cidade de Pelotas e região. Amostras de sangue total de 70 animais, incluindo suspeitos (28) ou não suspeitos (42) da infecção pelo FIV, foram submetidas à reação de PCR nested. Os resultados indicaram uma frequência de infecção de 15,7% (11/70) e a análise dos fatores associados (sexo, idade e condição clínica) evidenciou uma maior ocorrência em gatos com idade superior a 10 anos e acometidos por infecções crônicas e recidivantes. Oito amostras positivas na PCR nested foram submetidas a sequenciamento genômico e somente o subtipo B foi detectado na região estudada.

In Brazil there are few studies on the occurrence of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection and its subtypes, which are essential for the development of vaccines and new diagnostic tests. The present study investigated the occurrence of the FIV infection between 2010 and 2011 in domestic cats submitted to medical attendance in the city of Pelotas and nearby area. Total blood samples of seventy cats, suspected (28) or not (42) of infection by FIV were analyzed by nested PCR in order to perform a diagnosis. The results pointed to a FIV infection frequency of 15.7% (11/70) and the analysis of the risk factors related to infection (sex, age and clinical condition) evidenced a greater occurrence in cats up to 10 years of age with chronic and recurrent infections. Eight samples found positive by nested PCR were submitted to DNA sequencing indicating that only the subtype B was detected in the studied region.

Avaliação toxicológica pré-clínica do chá das folhas de Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) / Pre-clinical toxicological evaluation of tea from the leaves of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae)

O objetivo desse estudo foi realizar um ensaio toxicológico pré-clínico para analisar a toxicidade do chá das folhas de Morus nigra L. (Moraceae). A toxicidade subcrônica do chá (CF-Mn) foi avaliada durante 30 dias por via oral em ratos. Ao grupo controle foi administrado água, para comparação. Durante o período experimental foi avaliada a presença de sinais de toxicidade, variação do peso corporal, e o consumo de líquido e alimento. Ao final do experimento o sangue dos animais foi retirado para análise de parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos. Não foram observados mortalidade e sinais de toxicidade indicando baixa toxicidade da planta. Não houve alterações nos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos. Nas condições do estudo, o CF-Mn pode ser considerado de baixa toxicidade, pois não produziu efeitos tóxicos nos animais tratados.

The aim of this study was to carry out a pre-clinical toxicological assay to analyze the toxicity of tea from the leaves of Morus nigra L. (Moraceae). The subchronic toxicity of this tea (CF-Mn) was orally evaluated during 30 days in rats. The control group was given water for comparison. During the experimental period, signs of toxicity, body weight variation, and water and food consumption were assessed. At the end of the experiment, the blood of animals was removed for analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters. No mortality and no toxicity signs were observed, indicating low toxicity of the plant. There was no alteration in the hematological and biochemical parameters. Under the study conditions, CF-Mn can be considered of low toxicity since it did not produce toxic effects in treated animals.

MTP -493G/T gene polymorphism is associated with steatosis in hepatitis C-infected patients

The reduction of hepatic microsomal transfer protein (MTP) activity results in fatty liver, worsening hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The G allele of the MTP gene promoter, -493G/T, has been associated with lower transcriptional activity than the T allele. We investigated this association with metabolic and histological variables in patients with CHC. A total of 174 untreated patients with CHC were genotyped for MTP -493G/T by direct sequencing using PCR. All patients were negative for markers of Wilson’s disease, hemochromatosis and autoimmune diseases and had current and past daily alcohol intake lower than 100 g/week. The sample distribution was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Among subjects with genotype 1, 56.8 percent of the patients with fibrosis grade 3+4 presented at least one G allele versus 34.3 percent of the patients with fibrosis grade 1+2 (OR = 1.8; 95 percentCI = 1.3-2.3). Logistic regression analysis with steatosis as the dependent variable identified genotypes GG+GT as independent protective factors against steatosis (OR = 0.4, 95 percentCI = 0.2-0.8; P = 0.01). The results suggest that the presence of the G allele of MTP -493G/T associated with lower hepatic MTP expression protects against steatosis in our CHC patients.

Alternative methodology for isolation of biosurfactant-producing bacteria

Wide biosurfactant application on biorremediation is limited by its high production cost. The search for cheaper biossurfactant production alternatives has guided our study. The use of selective media containing sucrose (10 g.L-1) and Arabian Light oil (2 g.L-1) as carbon sources showed to be effective to screen and maintain biosurfactant-producing consortia isolated from mangrove hydrocarbon-contaminated sediment. The biosurfactant production was assayed by kerosene, gasoline and Arabian Light Emulsification activity and the bacterial growth curve was determined by bacterial quantification. The parameters analyzed for biosurfactant production were the growth curve, salinity concentration, flask shape and oxygenation. All bacteria consortia screened were able to emulsify the petroleum derivatives tested. Biosurfactant production increased according to the incubation time; however the type of emulsification (non-aqueous phase or aqueous phase) did not change with time but with the compound tested. The methodology was able to isolate biosurfactant-producing consortia from superficial mangrove sediment contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons and was recommended for selection of biosurfactant producing bacteria in tropical countries with low financial resources.

A ampla aplicação de biossurfactantes em biorremediação é limitada pelo seu alto custo de produção. A procura de alternativas de produção mais baratas motivou nosso estudo. O uso de meio seletivo, contendo sacarose (10 g.L-1) e óleo Arabe Leve (2 g.L-1), mostrou-se eficiente na triagem e manutenção de consórcios bacterianos isolados de sedimento de mangue contaminado com hidrocarboneto. A produção de biossurfactante foi avaliada pela Atividade Emulsificante do querosene, gasolina e Arabe Leve e a curva de crescimento foi determinada pela quantificação bacteriana. Os parâmetros analisados para a produção de biossurfactante foram: curva de crescimento, concentração da salinidade, forma do frasco e oxigenação. Todos os consórcios bacterianos pesquisados foram capazes de emulsificar os derivados de petróleo testados. A produção de biossurfactante aumentou de acordo com o tempo de incubação, entretanto, o tipo de emulsificação aquosa e não-aquosa não mudou com o tempo, mas com o composto testado. A metodologia permitiu o isolamento de consórcios bacterianos produtores de biossurfactante de sedimento superficial de mangue contaminado com hidrocarbonetos do petróleo, sendo indicada para seleção de bactéria produtora de biossurfactante em países tropicais com baixos recursos financeiros.

Population dynamics of Euglossinae bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in an early second-growth forest of Cajual Island, in the State of Maranhäo, Brazil

A study was conducted in an early second-growth forest aiming at knowing the richness, relative abundance, seasonal distribution, and hourly frequency of euglossine bees, and their association with scent baits. Male bees were attracted to cineole, vanillin, methyl salicylate, and eugenol. The baits were hooked 1.5 m high and 6 m from one another. The specimens were collected from December 1997 to November 1998, once a month, from 7:00 to 17:00 h. A total of 339 male euglossine bees were caughts, accounting for 19 species and four genera. The most common species was E. cordata, making up 69.9 percent of the individuals, followed by E. truncata (2.3 percent), E. violaceifrons, and E. smaragdina (2.1 percent). The most attractive scent was cineole, which baited 87 percent of the specimens and 73.7 percent of the species. Vanillin, the second most visited bait, eured 7.6 percent of the specimens and 26.3 percent of the species. E. surinamensis was only collected with this bait. Methyl salicylate and eugenol baited combined 2.6 percent of the specimens. However, by species numbers Methyl salicylate attracted 21 percent whereas eugenol was attractive for 15.8 percent of them. In general, the species were more abundantly found in the rainy season (January-June). The hourly activity data showed that the euglossine bees were attracted to the baits all day long, but at a higher frequency in the morning period, peaking between 8:00 and 10:00 h

Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the Amazônia of Maranhão. V. Seasonal occurrence in ancient colonization area and endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis

In this paper, the seasonal abundance of 25 sandfly species (1 of the Brumptomyia genus and 24 of the Lutzomyia genus) found at P1V5, municipal district of Buriticupu, Maranhão State, is discussed. The capture was carried out from 18:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M., once a month, from January to December 1996. CDC light traps were set up in the forest, in the peri and intradomicile environments. Five species were only found in the rainy season (January to June), being represented by one or two individuals; eight species occurred only in the dry season (July to December) and eleven species appeared in both seasons. The most frequent species in the dry period were: L. whitmani (26.3 percent), L. serrana (23 percent), L. choti (22.8 percent), L. evandroi (7.5 percent), L. longipalpis (5.8 percent), L. termitophila (3.3 percent), L. shannoni (3 percent) and L. migonei (2.5 percent). In the rainy season, L. whitmani was the prevailing species (74 percent), followed by L. termitophila (4 percent), L. umbratilis (3.4 percent), L. serrana (2.8 percent), L. evandroi (2,8 percent) and L. claustrei (2.4 percent). L. whitmani was thought to be an annual species, occurring in the entire year of study. The others species, with exception to L. serrana and L. evandroi, showed a seasonal, punctual or peripheric pattern

Uso de ansiolítico como terapêutica coadjuvante no manejo nutricional de pacientes com câncer gástrico / The use of an anciolytic agent as coadjuvant therapy in the nutritional management of patients with digestive cancer

A desnutriçäo e a ansiedade säo acompanhantes freqüentes das enfermidades malignas do aparelho digestivo, notadamente no contexto do tratamento pré e pós-operatório. Numa avaliaçäo clínica de enfermos portadores destes transtornos, foram investigados os possíveis benefícios da introduçäo de uma medicaçäo ansiolítica como coadjuvante para a recuperaçäo do estado geral e das condiçöes nutritivas destes pacientes