Advances in the classification and biological properties of streptococcal superantigens / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Superantigens are highly mitogenic exotoxins produced by bacteria and viruses.They can bind to the major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ, stimulate T cell receptor molecules to release a large quantity of proinflammatory cytokines, and activate the immune system in vastly low concentrations.Superantigens have been the most effective T cell mitogen discovered so far.Superantigens play important roles in infection diseases caused by streptococcal pathogens, and they can facilitate pathogen colonization, proliferation, and dissemination.Further research of biological chara-cteristics of streptococcus superantigens is vital to understanding the streptococcus pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of streptococcus infection.In this article, advances in the classification, biological properties, pathogenesis, deve-lopment and application of streptococcal superantigens were reviewed, so as to improve the clinical understanding and provide reference for in-depth research of related diseases.

Phytochemistry and biological properties of Drimys winteri JR et G. Forster var chilensis (DC) A / Fitoquímica y propiedades biológicas de Drimys winteri JR et G. Forster var chilensis (DC) A

Drimys winteri JR et G. Forster var chilensis (DC) A. is a tree native to central and southern Chile. Also it found in part of Argentina. It is abundant in wet swampy localities from sea level to an altitude of 1700 m. This tree is sacred for the Mapuche culture; it is used in folk medicine in such as inflammatory and painful processes. Phytochemical studies have demonstrated that this plant contains mainly sesquiterpenes of the drimane type, flavonoids, essential oils, phytosterols and some lignans. These drimanes have attracted interest because of their antifeedant, plant growth regulation, cytotoxic, antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. The objective of this review is to establish clearly the phytochemistry and biological activity of Drimys winteri JR et G. Forster var chilensis (DC) A. Articles based on other varieties are not considered.

Drimys winteri JR et G. Forster var chilensis (DC) A. es un árbol nativo del centro y sur de Chile. También se encuentra en parte de Argentina. Es abundante en localidades pantanosas y húmedas desde el nivel del mar hasta una altitud de 1700 m. Este árbol es sagrado para la cultura mapuche. Se utiliza en la medicina popular para tratar enfermedades como procesos inflamatorios y dolorosos. Los estudios fitoquímicos han demostrado que esta planta contiene principalmente sesquiterpenos del tipo drimano, flavonoides, aceites esenciales, fitoesteroles y algunos lignanos. Estos drimanos han despertado interés debido a sus propiedades antialimentarias, regulación del crecimiento de las plantas, propiedades citotóxicas, antimicrobianas e insecticidas. El objetivo de este examen es establecer claramente la fitoquímica y la actividad biológica de Drimys winteri JR et G. Forster var chilensis (DC) A. No se consideran los artículos basados en otras variedades D. winteri var winteri.

Quantification of total bioactive contents and evaluation of the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of crude extracts from Ephedra altissima Desf

The present work describes the in vitro biological activities of the crude extracts (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) prepared from the species Ephedra altissima Desf. The estimation of total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents were carried out using the Folin-Ciocalteu, trichloroaluminum and acidified vanillin methods, respectively. The evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activities were performed by three different methods namely: scavenging of the free radical ABTS, permanganate reducing antioxidant capacity, and potentiometric assay. In addition, the antibacterial activity was assessed by the agar disk diffusion assay against seven bacterial strains. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several types of secondary metabolites. The EtOAc extract exhibited the highest content of phenols (125.62 ± 1.51 & 956;g EGA mg-1 of extract). The greatest flavonoid and tannin contents were observed for n-BuOH extract (19.18 ± 0.39 µg EQ mg-1 of extract and 8.95 ± 1.70 & 956;g EC mg-1 of extract, respectively). Moreover, the EtOAc extract revealed potent antioxidant activity in all the tested methods. Furthermore, the aqueous extract from the species E. altissima showed a good ability to reduce iron III to iron II with a value of 0.68 ± 0.3 moL eq L-1 in potentiometric assay. All the crude extracts (PE, EtOAc and n-BuOH) displayed inhibition of bacterial growth against at least three strains with values of MIC ranging from 3.125 to 50 µg mL-1. Therefore, these results suggest that Ephedra altissima could be used as an important source of natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Effect of p38-MAPK and STAT3 on biological properties of DPSCs under different oxidative stress / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect on the proliferation, mineralization and adipogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells ( DPSCs) under different oxidative stress by p38-MAPK and STAT3 signaling pathway. Methods: DPSCs was isolated and identified from pulp tissue by trypsin digestion. The CCK8 detection cell model was divided into oxygen group, 3％ O2 group, 6％ O2 group, 9％ O2 group firstly, each group included the SH-4-54 treatment group, and the SB203580 treatment group, a total of 12 groups. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 test for 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h. We observed the differentiation of DPSCs mineralization by alizarin red staining involved in p38-MAPK and STAT3 signaling pathway, and the a-dipogenic differentiation of DPSCs by oil red O staining. Results: DPSCs were cultured by the enzyme digestion method, flow cytometry showed that DPSCs spec-ific marker Stro-1 expression was 96. 85％, CD146 positive expression was 90. 94％, the positive low expression of CD45 was 1. 02％, the positive low expression of CD34 was 40. 76％, p38-MAPK inhibited DPSCs with different oxygen environment. The proliferation of STAT3 promotes the survival of groups DPSCs, the p38-MAPK signaling pathway plays a positive role in the differentiation of mineralization of DPSCs and the STAT3 signaling pathway plays negative regulation role, the two signaling pathway play opposite effects in adipogenic differentiation research. Conclusion: The proliferation rate of DPSCs is higher in normoxic environment, and the STAT3 signal pathway can promote the proliferation of DPSCs, the MAPK signal pathway promotes the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Decellularization Methods and Genipin-Cross-Linking on the Properties of Tracheal Matrices

BACKGROUND: Different decellularization methods can affect the integrity and the biomechanical and biocompatible properties of the tracheal matrix. Natural cross-linking with genipin can be applied to improve those properties. The goals of this study were to evaluate the effects of different decellularization methods on the properties of genipin-cross-linked decellularized tracheal matrices in rabbits. METHODS: The tracheas of New Zealand rabbits were decellularized by the Triton-X 100-processed method (TPM) and the detergent-enzymatic method (DEM) and were then cross-linked with genipin. Mechanical tests, haematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, Safranin O staining, DAPI staining, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and biocompatibility tests were used to evaluate the treatment. The bioengineered trachea and control trachea were then implanted into allogeneic rabbits for 30 days. The structural and functional analyses were performed after transplantation. RESULTS: The biomechanical tests demonstrated that the biomechanical properties of the decellularized tracheas decreased and that genipin improved them (p < 0.05). The histological staining results revealed that most of the mucosal epithelial cells were removed and that the decellularized trachea had lower immunogenicity than the control group. The analysis of SEM revealed that the decellularized trachea retained the micro- and ultra-structural architectures of the trachea and that the matrices cross-linked with genipin were denser. The biocompatibility evaluation and in vivo implantation experiments showed that the decellularized trachea treated with the DEM had better biocompatibility than that treated with the TPM and that immunogenicity in the cross-linked tissues was lower than that in the uncross-linked tissues (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the trachea treated with the TPM, the rabbit trachea processed by the DEM had better biocompatibility and lower immunogenicity, and its structural and mechanical characteristics were effectively improved after the genipin treatment, which is suitable for engineering replacement tracheal tissue.

Cell biological properties of microglia and its role in neurons regulation / 基础医学与临床

Microglia are resident immune cells within the brain parenchyma. In physiological conditions,microglia are highly dynamic, expressing multiple immune receptors and neurotransmitter receptors, tightly monitoring the microenvironment of central nervous system (CNS). Recent researches have revealed that these immune cells ac-tively modulate the functions of neurons,which potentially affecting neuronal activity and synaptic pruning,contrib-ute to synaptic plasticity and preventing neurotoxicity. The functional changes of microglia play an important role in the development,maturation and degeneration of the brain.

Construction and characterization of the stk and stp1 knockout mutant in streptococcus suis type 2 / 医学研究生学报

Objective Serine /threonine kinases (STK) and phosphatases (STP) regulate various physiological activities of prokaryotes by reversible phosphorylation of proteins .This paper aimed to study the effects of simultaneous deletion of the stk and stp1 genes on the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of streptococcus suis type 2, the Chinese virulent strain 05ZYH33. Methods The double mutant of the stk and stp1 genes of 05ZYH33 was constructed by homologous recombination .The biological characteristics of the wild strain 05ZYH33 and the mutant strain Δstk/stp1 were compared.The effects of the stk and stp1 deletion on bacterial virulence was analyzed using cell adhesion assay , anti-phagocytosis assay and the mouse model of infection . Results RT-PCR showed that the stk and stp1 genes were replaced by the spectinomycin resistance gene Spc r and the mutant strain was successfully constructed .Experi-ments of biological characterization revealed gradually increased value of 05ZYH33 and Δstk/stp1 at 2 hours after inoculation and a plateau period at 7 hours.The logarithmic phase of the mutant strain (A600≈0.4) was 1 hour later than that of the wild one , and the bacterial den-sity of the former was lower than that of the latter after the plateau pe -riod (0.8 vs 1.0).On the blood plates of 05ZYH33 and Δstk/stp1 were observed greyish, round, semitransparent, wet and smooth-sur-faced tiny bacterial colonies , around which there were hemolysis rings with no significant differences in colony morphology and hemolytic ac -tivity.In the experiment on pathogenicity , the mice of the 05ZYH33 group all died within 12 hours while 9 of the 30 mice in the Δstk/stp1 group died within 12 hours and all died within 24 hours. Conclusion The simultaneous deletion of the stk and stp1 genes may mainly affect the regulation of the proteins associated with bacte -rial proliferation and division.

Isolation, purification of collagen from soft-shelled turtle calipash for application in biomaterial / 生物工程学报

Recently, research on collagen attracts more interests due to its good biological compatibility. The present study attempted to establish a fast and efficient method to purify collagen from soft-shelled turtle and to explore its application in biological materials. The structure and type of collagen fiber in calipash were determined by van Gieson staining and Picrosirius red staining, which could contribute to the isolation of collagen from soft-shelled turtle Calipash (STCC). Collagen fibers were in high content and the main collagen fiber was type I in STCC. The crude STCC solution was purified by dialysis with different cut-off molecular weight. SDS-PAGE demonstrated that the best purification was in applying 100 kDa dialysis bags after 48 h. The water absorbing capacity and holding capacity of STCC were up to 12.06 g/g and 98.21%, respectively. STCC can be degraded by collagenase in vitro entirely after 72 h. The hemolysis, skin sensitization, hemostatic and wound healing of STCC were determined by using SD rat model, and the collagen cross-linked by glutaric dialdehyde was set as a comparison. STCC and STCC cross-linked did not result in destructed red blood cell, inflamed and sensitized skin. Both materials exhibited good hemostatic effect. Thus, STCC improved the wound healing efficiently. This study implies a potential of STCC in the field of biomaterial.

Physicochemical and Biological Investigation of Different Structures of Carbon Coatings Deposited onto Polyurethane

The aim of this study was to examine the thrombogenic properties of polyurethane that was surface modified with carbon coatings. Physicochemical properties of manufactured coatings were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and contact angle measurement methods. Samples were examined by the Impact-R method evaluating the level of platelets activation and adhesion of particular blood cell elements. The analysis of antimicrobial resistance against E. coli colonization and viability of endothelial cells showed that polyurethane modified with use of carbon layers constituted an interesting solution for biomedical application.

Biological potential of plants from the genus Bauhinia

The genus Bauhinia (Fabaceae, Leguminosae) consists of approximately 300 species, which are commonly known as cows paw or cows hoof, because of the shape of their leaves. They are widely distributed in most tropical countries, including Africa, Asia and South America. Their leaves and stem-bark have been used frequently in folk medicine as a remedy for different kinds of disease, particularly diabetes, infections, pain and inflammatory processes. Bauhinia longifolia flavonoids demonstrated the highest antiviral activity of all tested substances, being that quercetin had the highest antiviral activity amongst purified flavonoids. The aim of this article is to summarize concisely recent advances published in the last 5 years on the most recent works about the biological activities and phytochemical composition of plants of the genusBauhinia. For this, was performed a search in some of the databases on the web as PubMed, Google Scholar and Medline, using the keywords Bauhinia, biological properties, diabetes, cancer(AU)

El género Bauhinia (Fabaceae, Leguminosae) consta de aproximadamente 300 especies, que se conocen comúnmente como pata de vaca o pezuña de vaca, debido a la forma de sus hojas. Están ampliamente distribuidos en la mayoría de los países tropicales, incluyendo África, Asia y América del Sur. Sus hojas y el tallo de corteza se utilizan con frecuencia en la medicina popular como un remedio para diferentes tipos de enfermedades, en particular la diabetes, infecciones, dolor y en los procesos inflamatorios. Los flavonoides de Bauhinia longifolia demostraron la mayor actividad antiviral de todas las sustancias analizadas, y es la quercetina la de mayor actividad antiviral entre los flavonoides purificados. El objetivo de este artículo fue resumir los trabajos publicados en los últimos cinco años sobre la actividad biológica y la composición fitoquímica de las plantas del género Bauhinia. Para ello, se realizó una búsqueda en algunas de las bases de datos en la web como PubMed, Google Scholar y Medline, usando las palabras clave Bauhinia, actividad biológica, diabetes, cáncer(AU)

Soil microbial biomass and activity in wetlands located in preserved and disturbed environments in the cerrado biome / Biomassa e atividade microbiana do solo em veredas situadas em ambientes conservados e antropizados no bioma cerrado

The veredas (a type of wetlands) are wet ecosystems usually associated with the presence of hydromorphic soils, which often occur in the vicinity of springs and watercourses of the Cerrado region in Brazil. This study aimed to assess microbiological and biochemical soil properties in wetlands (veredas) located in preserved and disturbed environments (in farming and grazing areas) in the Cerrado biome. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm, along reference lines arranged according to their position in the landscape, in the upper, middle and lower positions of one of the slopes. The total soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen (Cmic and Nmic), microbial biomass C:N ratio, microbial quotient, basal respiration, metabolic quotient and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolytic activities in soil (as total soil heterotrophic enzymatic activity) were determined. The soils of veredas adjacent to agricultural and livestock environments showed changes in their biological properties compared to preserved ecosystems. Increased microbial biomass (Cmic and Nmic) is reported in veredas located nearby grazing areas under intensive and technified management, on the soil surface layer (0-10 cm), especially in the lower slope position, while in agricultural environments, under the same conditions of relief and depth, there is a relative decrease in microbial biomass carbon.

As veredas são ecossistemas úmidos, normalmente associados à presença de solos hidromórficos, que ocorrem com frequência nas proximidades das nascentes e cursos d'água da região do Cerrado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar atributos microbiológicos e bioquímicos do solo em áreas úmidas (veredas) localizadas em ambientes conservados e antropizados (em áreas agrícolas e pastagens), no bioma Cerrado. Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas profundidades de 0-10 cm e 10-20 cm, ao longo de linhas de referência dispostas, segundo sua posição no relevo, nas posições superior, média e inferior de uma das vertentes. Foram determinados o carbono orgânico total do solo, carbono e nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana (Cmic e Nmic), relação C:N da biomassa microbiana, quociente microbiano, respiração basal, quociente metabólico e atividade enzimática total do solo. Os solos de veredas vizinhas a ambientes agropecuários apresentaram variações em seus atributos biológicos, comparativamente a ecossistemas conservados. Em veredas adjacentes a pastagens sob manejo intensivo tecnificado, na camada superficial do solo (0-10 cm), ocorreu o incremento da biomassa microbiana (Cmic e Nmic), notadamente na posição inferior do relevo, enquanto em ambientes agrícolas, nas mesmas condições de relevo e profundidade, observou-se uma diminuição relativa do carbono da biomassa microbiana.

Herpesvirus bovino 4 (BoHV-4): aspectos generales de su biología y situación en la República Argentina / Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4): general aspects of the biology and status in Argentina

El herpesvirus bovino 4 [Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4)] ha sido aislado de bovinos con infecciones respiratorias, vulvovaginitis, mastitis, abortos, endometritis y de animales aparentemente sanos en diferentes partes del mundo. Si bien no se ha reconocido como agente causal de una entidad patológica en particular, se asocia principalmente con infecciones del tracto reproductivo de los bovinos. Este virus puede infectar un amplio rango de especies tanto in vivo como in vitro. Los primeros aislamientos dieron origen a dos grupos de cepas prototipo: el grupo americano tipo DN599 y el grupo europeo tipo Movar. En Argentina, el BoHV-4 fue aislado y caracterizado en el año 2007; este aislamiento se obtuvo de muestras de mucus cérvico-vaginal de vacas que abortaron. Hasta el momento se han registrado más de 40 aislamientos, provenientes principalmente de hembras bovinas que han abortado

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) has been isolated from cattle with respiratory infections, vulvovaginitis, mastitis, abortions, endometritis and from apparently healthy animals throughout the world. Although it has not yet been established as causal agent of a specific disease entity, it is primarily associated with reproductive disorders of cattle. This virus can infect a wide range of species, either in vivo or in vitro. Two groups of prototype strains were originated from the first isolates: the DN599-type strains (American group) and the Movar-type strains (European group). In Argentina, BoHV-4 was isolated and characterized in 2007 from vaginal discharge samples taken from cows that had aborted. So far, more than 40 isolates, mainly associated with aborting bovine females have been registered in our country

Chemistry and bioactivities of essential oils of some Ocimum species：an overview

Essential oils of different species of the genus Ocimum are natural flavouring materials of commercial importance. The data given in current literature are pertaining to the chemical composition of essential oils of different Ocimum species viz., Ocimum basilicum Linn. (alt. Ocimum basilicum var. minimum, Ocimum basilicum var. purpurience), Ocimum campechianum Mill., Ocimum canum Sims. (Ocimum americanum), Ocimum citriodorum, Ocimum gratissimum Linn., Ocimum kilimandscharicum Linn., Ocimum micranthum Willd., Ocimum sanctum Linn., (alt. Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn.), Ocimum selloi Benth., Ocimum trichodon, Ocimum utricifolium from different geographical regions. A considerable difference in chemical composition of a particular species is found, which may be due to their occurrence in different eco-climatic zones and changes in edaphic factors. Attention is also focused on the biological properties of Ocimum oils which are related to their various interesting applications as antimicrobial, antioxidant, repellent, insecticidal, larvicidal, nematicidal and therapeutic (anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antipyretic, antiulcer, analgesic, anthelmintic, anticarcinogenic, skin permeation enhancer, immunomodulatory, cardio-protective, antilipidemic) agents.

Chemistry and bioactivities of essential oils of some Ocimum species: An overview

Essential oils of different species of the genus Ocimum are natural flavouring materials of commercial importance. The data given in current literature are pertaining to the chemical composition of essential oils of different Ocimum species viz., Ocimum basilicum Linn. (alt. Ocimum basilicum var. minimum, Ocimum basilicum var. purpurience), Ocimum campechianum Mill., Ocimum canum Sims. (Ocimum americanum), Ocimum citriodorum, Ocimum gratissimum Linn., Ocimum kilimandscharicum Linn., Ocimum micranthum Willd., Ocimum sanctum Linn., (alt. Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn.), Ocimum selloi Benth., Ocimum trichodon, Ocimum utricifolium from different geographical regions. A considerable difference in chemical composition of a particular species is found, which may be due to their occurrence in different eco-climatic zones and changes in edaphic factors. Attention is also focused on the biological properties of Ocimum oils which are related to their various interesting applications as antimicrobial, antioxidant, repellent, insecticidal, larvicidal, nematicidal and therapeutic (anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antipyretic, antiulcer, analgesic, anthelmintic, anticarcinogenic, skin permeation enhancer, immunomodulatory, cardio-protective, antilipidemic) agents.

Pólen apícola desidratado: composição físico-química, qualidade microbiologica, compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, capacidade antioxidante e origem botânica / Dehydrtated bee pollen: physicochemical, microbiological quality, phenolic and flavonoids compounds, antioxidant and botanical origin

O pólen apícola, produto da aglutinação do pólen das flores com néctar e substâncias salivares das abelhas, tem sido promovido como suplemento da dieta humana por apresentar propriedades nutricionais e bioativas. Sessenta e duas amostras de pólen apícola desidratado foram avaliadas para as análises de compostos fenólicos, flavonoides, atividade antioxidante por três métodos (DPPH, sistema ß-caroteno e ORAC), origem botânica, qualidade comercial (umidade, cinzas, lipídeos, proteínas e carboidratos) e sanitária (bolores e leveduras, aeróbios mesófilos, coliformes totais, E.coli, clostrídios sulfito redutores e S.aureus.), além da atividade antimicrobiana (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus). Os valores obtidos para compostos fenólicos e flavonoides totais variaram de 12,60 a 84,22 mg GAE/g de pólen apícola (GAE: equivalentes em ácido gálico) e 1,90 a 36,85 mg de quercetina/g de pólen apícola respectivamente. O EC50, determinado pelo método do DPPH, variou de 0,35 a 13,42 mg pólen apícola/mL de extrato. Os extratos de pólen apícola apresentaram valores entre 52,58 e 98,37 % para o método do ß-caroteno. Quando quantificada por ORAC, a atividade antioxidante medida ficou entre 132,98 e 575,85 µmol eq. trolox/g pólen apícola. Na avaliação da qualidade comercial foram obtidos os valores de 3,06% a 8,12% para umidade, de 1,94 a 4,61%, para cinzas, de 3,35 a 10,96% para lipídeos; de 17,73 a 34,73% para as proteínas, de 11,86 a 25,71% e de 2,77 a 15,87% para os açúcares frutose e glicose, respectivamente. Verificou-se que a presença do pólen apícola inibiu o crescimento de todos os microrganismos estudados. Candida albicans foi a mais resistente e o Staphylococcus epidermides foi o mais sensível. Observou-se 36 tipos polínicos diferentes, destacando-se: Cocos nucifera sp., Mimosa scabrella (Benth.), Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia sp., Eucalyptus sp., Myrcia sp., Asteraceae, Poaceae., Euphorbiaceae e Brassica que ocorreram com maior frequência entre as amostras estudadas. Foram observadas somente correlações moderadas e fracas entre os tipos polínicos presentes e os parâmetros avaliados para as amostras desidratadas de pólen apícola

Bee pollen, a product of agglutination of flower pollen with nectar and bee salivary substances, has been promoted as a dietary supplement for human because of its nutritional and bioactive properties. Sixty-two samples of dehydrated bee pollen were analyzed for phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant activity using three methods (DPPH, ßcarotene and ORAC), botanical composition, commercial quality (moisture, ashes, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates), hygiene (aerobic mesophiles, yeasts and moulds, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and sulfite-reducing Clostridium), and antimicrobial activity (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus). The obtained values for total phenolics ranged from 12.60 to 84.22 mg GAE/g bee pollen (GAE: gallic acid equivalents) while for total flavonoids ranged from 1.90 and 36.85 mg quercetin/g bee pollen. The EC50, determined by the DPPH method, ranged from 0.35 to 13.42 mg bee pollen/ml of extract. The bee pollen extracts showed values between 52.58 and 98.37% by ß- carotene method. When measured by ORAC, antioxidant activity was between 132.98 and 575.85 µmols eq. trolox/g bee pollen. In the evaluation of commercial quality, the following results were achieved: 3.06% to 8.12% for moisture, 1.94 to 4.61% for ashes, 3.35 to 10.96% for lipids, 17.73 to 34.73% for proteins, from 11.86 to 25.71% and 2.77 to 15.87% for the carbohydrates glucose and fructose respectively. It was verified that the presence of the bee pollen inhibited the growth of all microorganisms studied. Candida albicans was the more resistant and Staphylococcus epidermides the more sensitive. Thirty-three pollen-types were identified mainly Cocos nucifera sp., Mimosa scabrella (Benth.) sp., Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia sp., Eucalyptus sp., Myrcia sp., Asteraceae sp., Poaceae sp., Euphorbiaceae sp. and Brassica sp. that occurred more frequently among the samples studied. It was observed only moderate and weak correlations between the pollen types present and the evaluated parameters for dehydrated samples of bee pollen

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi: chemical composition, biological properties and toxicity / Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi: composição química, propriedades biológicas, e toxicidade

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi is a medicinal plant known in Brazil as "aroeira da praia", which has been used in popular medicine as antipyretic, analgesic, depurative and in the treatment of diseases of the urogenital system. On the other hand, the scientific literature has reported that this plant has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activity. This review addresses the main biological properties and toxicological effects of "aroeira da praia", in addition to a systematic approach of the compounds that were already found in this species, the great majority of which is present in the essential oils.

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi é uma planta medicinal conhecida no Brasil como "aroeira da praia", utilizada na medicina popular como antitérmica, analgésica, depurativa e no tratamento de doenças do sistema urogenital. Por outro lado, a literatura científica relata que essa planta apresenta atividade antimicrobiana, anti-inflamatória, e antiulcerogênica. Essa revisão trata das principais propriedades biológicas e efeitos toxicológicos da aroeira da praia, além de uma abordagem sistemática acerca dos compostos que já foram encontrados nessa espécie, estando a maioria deles presente nos óleos essenciais.

Biological properties of water-soluble phosphorhydrazone dendrimers

Dendrimers are hyperbranched and perfectly defined macromolecules, constituted of branches emanating from a central core in an iterative fashion. Phosphorhydrazone dendrimers constitute a special family of dendrimers, possessing one phosphorus atom at each branching point. The internal structure of these dendrimers is hydrophobic, but hydrophilic terminal groups can induce the solubility of the whole structure in water. Indeed, the properties of these compounds are mainly driven by the type of terminal groups their bear; this is especially true for the biological properties. For instance, positively charged terminal groups are efficient for transfection experiments, as drug carriers, as anti-prion agents, and as inhibitor of the aggregation of Alzheimer's peptides, whereas negatively charged dendrimers have anti-HIV properties and can influence the human immune system, leading to anti-inflammatory properties usable against rheumatoid arthritis. This review will give the most representative examples of the biological properties of water-soluble phosphorhydrazone dendrimers, organized depending on the type of terminal groups they bear.

Dendrímeros são macromoléculas extremamente ramificadas e perfeitamente definidas constituídas de ramificações que partem de um foco central de uma forma iterativa. Dendrímeros de fosforidrazona constituem uma família especial de dendrímeros, que possuem um átomo de fósforo em cada ponto da ramificação. A estrutura interna destes dendrímeros é hidrofóbica, mas grupos hidrofílicos terminais podem induzir a solubilidade em água de toda estrutura. De fato, as propriedades destes compostos são principalmente orientadas pelos grupos terminais que apresentam, especialmente para as propriedades biológicas. Por exemplo, grupos terminais carregados positivamente são eficientes para experimentos de transfecção, como transportadores de fármacos, agentes antipríons e como inibidores da agregação de peptídeos do Alzheimer, enquanto que dendrímeros carregados negativamente têm propriedades anti-HIV e podem influenciar o sistema imune humano, levando propriedades antiinflamatórias úteis contra artrite reumatoide. Essa revisão dará os exemplos mais representativos das propriedades biológicas de dendrímeros de fosforidrazona solúveis em água, organizados de acordo com os grupos terminais que possuem.

Breeding of Erigeron breviscapus triploid and observation of biological properties / 中草药

Objective: To breed Erigeron breviscapus triploid and evaluate the important biological properties of triploid Erigeron breviscapus. Methods: Tetraploid doubled by colchicine was hybridized with diploid cultivar to get the E. breviscapus triploid; The ploidy of E. breviscapus was identified by the chromosome number. The morphological charcteristics of E. breviscapus triploid in the field were observed and scutellarin was tested by HPLC. Results: Through hybirdization of diploid cultivar and tetraploid, E. breviscapus triploid (2n=3x=27) was obtained successfully. Compared with its parents, the plant height, leaf length and width, number of petals, stoma size of E. breviscapus diploids are larger than those of E. breviscapus diploids, but less than those of E. breviscapus tetraploids. However, leaf number and flower diameter of E. breviscapus triploids are better than those of the parents. The plant of E. breviscapus triploids grew vigorously, and the content of scutellarin (1.38%) is lower than that of E. breviscapus tetraploids (1.51%) and higher than that of E. breviscapus diploids (1.22%). However, the yield of E. breviscapus triploid is obvious higher than that of E. breviscapus diploid with 2.14 times and E. breviscapus tetraploid with 1.84 times. Conclusion: The content of scutellarin in E. breviscapus triploid bred by hybridizing E. breviscapus diploid and E. breviscapus tetraploid is lower than that of E. breviscapus tetraploid, while is much higher than that of E. breviscapus diploid. E. breviscapus triploid is an ideal and important one with the development and utilization value based on the characteristics mentioned above.

Propiedades biológicas de cepas venezolanas de DENV-2 aisladas de pacientes con fiebre de dengue y fiebre hemorrágica del dengue / Biological properties of Venezuelan DENV-2 isolated from patients with Dengue Fever and Dengue Hemorraghic Fever

INTRODUCCIÓN: el virus del dengue es responsable de un creciente problema de salud pública, sin que se haya dilucidado aún el papel de algunos atributos biológicos en la virulencia y(o) patogenicidad de los serotipos virales. OBJETIVO: evaluar propiedades biológicas in vitro e in vivo de 4 cepas venezolanas de DENV2 (LAR1693, LAR19094, LAR2303, INH35262) causantes de fiebre de dengue y fiebre hemorrágica del dengue y la cepa (16681) aislada de un paciente con fiebre hemorrágica del dengue /síndrome de choque del dengue. MÉTODOS: las cepas evaluadas fueron aisladas de sueros de pacientes virémicos con fiebre de dengue y fiebre hemorrágica del dengue. La titulación se realizó mediante el ensayo de titulación en placas en la línea celular BHK-21, esta metodología permitió determinar el tamaño de placa y la cinética de multiplicación viral. Se determinó el tiempo y la intensidad del efecto citopático e inmunofluorescencia específica en la línea celular C6/36-HT mediante las técnicas de microscopia óptica y de fluorescencia, respectivamente. De manera adicional, se emplearon las metodologías de citometría de flujo para cuantificar la replicación viral en las células C6/36-HT y la inoculación en ratones lactantes para la determinación de neurovirulencia. RESULTADOS: las cepas, excepto 16681, produjeron placas pequeñas (m.o.i.: 0,01). La replicación viral en C6/36-HT fue mayor para 16681. El efecto citopático permitió clasificar las cepas en baja (LAR19094 y LAR2303), moderada (INH35262 y 16681) y alta citopatogenicidad (LAR1693). El primer día posinoculación se detectó inmunofluorescencia entre 5 y 50 %, excepto para 16681. La neurovirulencia en ratones lactantes inoculados con 10(4) ufp/mL causó 77,5 % (INH35262) a 100 % (LAR1693 y 16681) de mortalidad, con variabilidad en los días de supervivencia. La replicación viral (24, 36 y 48 h posinoculación) mediante citometría de flujo fue desde 3,33 % hasta 90,3 %. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados permitieron concluir que el comportamiento de las cepas virales no fue evidencia suficiente para correlacionar estos atributos biológicos in vitro e in vivo con la severidad de los cuadros clínicos.

INTRODUCTION: the dengue virus causes a growing public health problem, but it has not been possible yet to determine the role of some biological attributes in the virulence and /or pathogeneity of viral serotypes. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo biological properties of 4 Venezuelan DENV-2 strains (LAR1693, LAR19094, LAR2303, IHN35262) responsible for dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever and the reference strain (16681) isolated from a patient suffering dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. METHODS: the evaluated strains were isolated from sera of viremic patients with dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. They were then subjected to the plaque titration assay in BHK-21 cell line in order to determine the plaque size and kinetics of viral replication. The length of time and intensity of cytopathic effect and specific immunofluorescence on the C6/36-HT cell line was evaluated by optical microscopy and fluorescence respectively. Additionally, the flow cytometry to quantify viral replication in C6/36-HT cells and the intracerebral inoculation in newborn mice to find out neurovirulence were both used. RESULTS: all strains, except for 16681, showed small plaques at 0.01 m.o.i. The viral replication in C6/36-HT was higher for 16681 strain. Through cytophatic effect observations the strains were classified with low (LAR19094 and LAR2303), mild (INH35262 y 16681) and high (LAR1693) cytophatogeneity. The specific immunofluoresce ranged 5 to 50 % in the first day post inoculation, except for 16681 strain. The neurovirulence in newborn mices inoculated with 10(4) pfu/mL yielded 77.5 (INH35262) to 100% (LAR1693 y 16681) mortality rate and variability during survival days. The viral replication at 24.36 and 48 hours after inoculation was assessed by flow cytometry, ranging from 3.33 to 90.3% CONCLUSIONS: the results led to the conclusion that viral strain behaviors were not sound evidence to correlate these in vitro e in vivo biological attributes with the severity of the clinical pictures.

Effect of vermicompost on soil fertility and crop productivity - beans (Phaseolus vulgaris).

Field experiments were conducted at Sivapuri, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu to evaluate the efficacy of vermicompost, in comparison to inorganic fertilizers–NPK, on the physio-chemical and biological characteristics of the soils – clay loam soil (CLS) and sandy loam soil (SLS) and on the growth, yield and nutrient content of beans – Phaseolus vulgaris. Results showed that the application of vermicompost @ 5 tonnes ha-1 had enhanced significantly the pore space (1.09 and 1.02 times), water holding capacity (1.1 and 1.3 times), cation exchange capacity (1.2 and 1.2 times). It reduced particles (1.2 and 1.2 times), and bulk density (1.2 and 1.2 times), pH (1 and 1.02 times) and electrical conductivity (1.4 and 1.2 times) and increased organic carbon (37 and 47 times), micro (Ca 3.07 and 1.9 times, Mg 1.6 and 1.6 times, Na 2.4 and 3.8 times, Fe 7 and 7.6 times, Mn 8.2 and 10.6 times, Zn 50 and 52 times and Cu 14 and 22 times) and macro (N 1.6 and 1.7 times, P 1.5 and 1.7 times, K 1.5 and 1.4 times) nutrients and microbial activity (1.4 and 1.5 times) in both soil types, particularly more in CLS. The growth, yield (1.6 times) and quality (protein (1.05 times) and sugar (1.01 times) content in seed) of bean were enhanced in CLS than SLS. On the other hand, the application of inorganic fertilizers @ 20:80:40 kg ha-1 has resulted in reduced porosity (1.03 and 1.01 times), organic carbon (1.04 and 9.5 times) and microbial activity (1.02 and 1.03 times) in both soil types.