Systematic chemical characterization of Xiexin decoctions using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry / 中国天然药物

Xiexin decoctions (XXDs) display beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects, which raises interests on this group of formulae for broad clinical applications. However, there was no report about systematic analysis of XXDs to elucidate the constitution of chemical components, which hampers further investigations on the therapeutic values of XXDs. In this work, crude herbs were extracted and prepared to obtain the XXDs for systemic analysis on their chemical compositions, according to the information described in the ancient Zhang Zhongjing's herbal formulae. LC-MS analysis of five XXDs was carried out to facilitate recognition of the source herbs for compounds in the mixture. A total number of 93 compounds were identified through our methods and their chemical classes encompassed five major groups, including protoberberine alkaloids, flavonoids, stilbenes, anthraquinones and saponins. Our current work provided important information about material basis for pharmacological studies on XXDs and would help shed light on relationships between chemical compositions and therapeutic effects.

Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus microcorys Essential Oils: in vitro Modulation of Hemostasis and Genotoxic Activity

Abstract The genus Eucalyptus present high content of essential oil (EO). This study evaluated the pharmacological properties of Eucalyptus grandis (EG) and Eucalyptus microcorys (EM) EOs. The major component in both EOs was 1,8-Cineole. Both essential oils prevented thrombus dissolution and reduced clotting, hemolysis, and genotoxicity induced by snake venoms. 50% (EM) and 73% (EG) were the greatest inhibitions obtained in the thrombolytic assay - thrombolysis induced by B. moojeni venom. Increases in clotting time were also observed, with values considered significant between 10-27 seconds. Lysis values 50% lower than the negative control were observed in both EOs. The EOs also protected fibrinogenolysis induced by snake venom. EM EO was more effective in reducing venom-induced DNA fragmentation in the comet assay, with arbitrary unit values 66.15% lower than the positive control. These oils present wide application potential considering the pharmacological properties observed in this study.

Desplazamiento de elementos metálicos en el estero El Culebrón, por la presencia de un relave minero abandonado, Coquimbo - Chile / Displacement of metallic elements in the El Culebrón estuary, due to the presence of an abandoned mining tailings, Coquimbo - Chile

RESUMEN La presencia de residuos mineros en la región de Coquimbo es un serio problema, que impacta al medio ambiente y a la sociedad. Se estudió el impacto que genera la presencia de un relave abandonado, ubicado en el humedal el Culebrón, que es costero y urbano, determinando la cantidad y la movilidad de algunos elementos, que se encuentran presentes en este relave. Se realizaron dos etapas de muestreos del suelo en la zona del humedal y en el relave, que fueron sometidas a digestión ácida y cuantificación, mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. Los metales con mayor concentración fueron el hierro, seguido del aluminio y, en menor cantidad, zinc, arsénico y plomo. El aluminio tuvo un comportamiento distinto a los demás, ya que presentó baja concentración en el relave y concentraciones equivalentes en las distintas áreas muestreadas, dando la idea que está naturalmente en el humedal. El arsénico presentó una gran movilidad, puesto que su mayor concentración está en el límite del relave y su concentración varió en las distintas zonas del humedal. Del estudio, se concluyó que la distribución de estos elementos en la zona de estudio, se debe a dos factores importantes; el primero, por el proceso geoquímico natural de movilidad de estos componentes y el segundo y más importante es el tsunami que sufrió la comuna de Coquimbo, en 2015.

ABSTRACT The presence of mining waste in the Coquimbo Region is a serious problem, which impacts the environment and society. The impact generated by the presence of an abandoned tailings located in the El Culebrón wetland, which is coastal and urban, was studied, determining the quantity and mobility of some elements that are present in this tailings. Two stages of soil sampling were carried out in the wetland area and in the tailings, which were subjected to acid digestion and quantification by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metals with the highest concentration were iron, followed by aluminum, in less quantity were zinc, arsenic, and lead. Aluminum had a different behavior from the others, since it presented low concentration in the tailings, and equivalent concentrations in the different sampled areas, giving the idea that it is naturally in the wetland. Arsenic was highly mobile, since its highest concentration is at the tailings limit and its concentration varied in the different areas of the wetland. From the study, it was concluded that the distribution of these elements in the study area is due to two important factors, the first due to the natural geochemical process of mobility of these components and the second and most important is the tsunami suffered by the commune of Coquimbo in 2015.

Caracterização físico-química e determinação de coeficientes cinéticos aeróbios de remoção da matéria orgânica de águas residuárias agroindustriais / Physical-chemical characterization and determination of aerobic kinetic coefficients for the removal of organic matter from agro-industrial wastewater

RESUMO Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram realizar uma caracterização físico-química de diferentes águas residuárias agroindustriais (ARA) e aplicar modelos cinéticos de primeira e de segunda ordem para verificar qual deles descreve melhor a progressão da demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO) e para determinar coeficientes cinéticos aeróbios de remoção da matéria orgânica das ARA. Efetuou-se o ensaio de progressão da DBO pela incubação de ARA em um sistema respirométrico (Oxitop®). Os modelos cinéticos de primeira e de segunda ordem foram avaliados por erro quadrático médio (RMSE), erro quadrático médio normalizado (NRMSE) e critério de informação de Akaike (AIC). A cinética de biodegradação aeróbia das ARA avaliadas ajustou-se melhor ao modelo de primeira ordem em termos de DBO total e solúvel. Na progressão de DBO total, o maior coeficiente de desoxigenação de primeira ordem (k') foi o da água residuária de abatedouro - ARB (0,56 d-1) - e o menor foi o da água residuária de suinocultura - ARS (0,16 d-1). Os coeficientes de desoxigenação determinados no presente trabalho mostraram-se representativos, podendo ser utilizados para a simulação de processos de degradação da matéria orgânica em condições aeróbias.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present work was to perform a physicochemical characterization of different agroindustrial wastewaters (AIW), to apply first and second order kinetic models to verify which one best describes the progression of the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and to determine the aerobic kinetics coefficients of organic matter removal from AIW. The BOD progression assay was performed from the incubation of AIW in a respirometric system (Oxitop®). The first and second order kinetic models were evaluated by mean square error (RMSE), normalized mean square error (NRMSE), and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The aerobic biodegradation kinetics of the AIW evaluated was better fitted to the first order model in terms of total and soluble BOD. In the total BOD progression, the highest coefficient of first-order deoxygenation (k ') was that of slaughterhouse wastewater (SW; 0.56 d-1) and the lowest was that of swine wastewater (SSW; 0.16 d-1). The deoxygenation coefficients determined in the present work were representative, and can be used for the simulation of degradation processes of organic matter under aerobic conditions.

Caracterización fisicoquímica y microbiológica de aguas subterráneas de un sector rural a baja altitud en Los Andes venezolanos / Physicochemical and microbiological characterization of groundwater wells of a rural sector located at low altitude in the venezuelan Andes

El crecimiento de la población humana y las actividades antropogénicas ha aumentado la tasa de contaminación del agua subterránea en el mundo, por lo que, la finalidad de este estudio es determinar la potabilidad del agua de cuatro pozos subterráneos de un área rural del estado Mérida, mediante la caracterización fisicoquímica y microbiológica, para comprobar la factibilidad de su uso como agua de consumo. Los resultados indican que los parámetros fisicoquímicos cumplen la normativa venezolana. Las aguas presentan una gran variedad de minerales destacándose Ca, Na y Mg como cationes mayoritarios y una dureza básicamente debía a iones bicarbonato. Los valores de la distribución isotópica, sugieren la existencia de dos acuíferos sin conexiones hidráulicas entre los pozos. El análisis bacteriológico y parasitológico detecta: bacterias heterótrofas, coliformes totales y Pseudomonas, así como, Ascaris spp., Blastocystis sp., Giardia sp., y Eimeria sp., probablemente procedentes del filtrado subterráneo de los pozos sépticos y percolado desde la superficie a través del suelo de textura franco arcilloso arenoso, microorganismos que se han adaptado a las características fisicoquímicas de las aguas. Los resultados demuestran que el agua de tres pozos, no puede ser utilizada para el consumo, sin previo tratamiento convencional como coagulación, filtración y cloración

Growth in human population and anthropogenic activities has increased the rate of groundwater pollution in the world, therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the potability of water from four underground wells in a rural area of Mérida State, through the physicochemical and microbiological characterization, to check the feasibility of its use as drinking water. The results indicate that the physicochemical parameters comply with venezuelan regulations. The waters have a wide variety of minerals, highlighting Ca, Na and Mg as majority cations and a hardness basically due to bicarbonate ions. The values of the isotopic distribution suggest the existence of two aquifers without hydraulic connections between wells. Bacteriological and parasitological analysis detects: heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms and Pseudomonas, as well as Ascaris spp., Blastocystis sp., Giardia sp., and Eimeria sp., probably derived from the underground filtration of septic tanks and percolated from the surface through the sandy clay loam soil, microorganisms that have adapted to the physicochemical characteristics of waters. The results show that the water from three wells cannot be used for consumption without some conventional treatment as filtration and coagulation, and disinfection process

Screening of the UV absorption capacity, proximal and chemical characterization of extracts, and polysaccharide fractions of the Gracilariopsis tenuifrons cultivated in Colombia

The sustainable use of marine resources is a competitive advantage of the most developed countries, which has a positiveimpact on the economic and social development of their populations. Currently, marine organisms such as macroalgaeare an important source of functional compounds such as polysaccharides, proteins, unsaturated and polyunsaturatedfatty acids, among others, with nutritional value and pharmacological properties. Gracilariopsis tenuifrons is amacroalga found in the Colombian Caribbean Sea, which has been neither chemically nor physicochemically studied;therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the polysaccharides composition and nutrients contents of crudeextract and its UV radiation absorption capacity. The purification was carried out by ultrafiltration using membranesof molecular size exclusion 100, 50, 10, and 3 kDa. The chemical characterization was done by gel electrophoresis,Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and the particle size and potential zeta byDynamic Light Scattering. The absorption coefficient (absorbance/g dry sample) was measured at 290, 310, 340, and380 nm. Sulfated and non-sulfated polysaccharides were detected in the fractions and identified as polysaccharidestype k, and β-carrageenan and alginate. The proximate analysis showed that the total content of protein, carbohydrates,fat, and calories is 15.58%, 69.81%, 0.15%, and 342.94% Kcal, respectively. The crude extracts showed an importantabsorption coefficient in UVB-UVA range. The findings suggest that G. tenuifrons seaweed propagated in vitro is aviable candidate of natural additives, such as phycocolloids and bioactive compounds, for designing new functionalproducts in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, in addition to its nutritional properties to be used in foods.

Taquari, a new and a promising mango material: emergence, post-harvest and biometrics of fruit / Taquari: um novo e promissor material de mangueira

The fruit of 'Taquari' have attractive appearance, with intense yellow flesh, pleasant taste and absence of fibers, which makes it a potential material for, after a series of studies, being released as a variety. For biometrics, 50 mature fruit were used the results (average of three samples) were evaluated by descriptive statistics using central trend (average) and variability of data (standard error and coefficient of variation). For the germination test, the seeds were extracted from ripe fruit and dried; subsequently, they were germinated in sachets containing the mixture soil:sand:corral manure (3:1:1) as substrate, evaluating seedling emergence and polyembryony. The design was in randomized blocks and 5 treatments were studied, with 5 replicates each and 10 seeds per replicate. The percentage data were transformed into arc-sen, submitted to analysis of variance and the means, to Tukey test at 5% probability. For fruit quality characterization, 12 ripe fruits were used, separated into 3 lots with 4 fruit, using a completely randomized design. The fruit were characterized regarding firmness, peel and pulp color, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid and respiratory rate. We conclude that the 'Taquari' has fruit with interesting characteristics for the Brazilian market and there is a better seedling emergence in the absence of seed coat, but with a greater occurrence of polyembryony. For quality characterization, the fruit present parameters such as soluble solids and titratable acidity similar to the main varieties of mangoes sold in the country, but with emphasis to the high ascorbic acid content detected.

Os frutos da mangueira 'Taquari' têm aparência atrativa, com polpa amarelo intenso, sabor agradável e ausência de fibras, o que a torna um material com grande potencial para futuramente ser lançado como variedade. Com o objetivo de avaliar caracteres fenotípicos relativos emergência, biometria e pós-colheita, do material 'Taquari' este trabalho foi desenvolvido. Para a biometria foram utilizados 50 frutos maduros, os resultados foram avaliados por estatística descritiva, utilizando-se de medida de tendência central (média) e de variabilidade de dados (desvio-padrão). Para o teste de germinação, as sementes foram extraídas de frutos maduros e colocadas para secar, em seguida, foram colocadas para germinar em saquinhos contendo como substrato mistura de solo:areia:esterco de curral curtido (3:1:1), avaliando-se a emergência das plântulas e a poliembrionia. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados e foram estudados 5 tratamentos, com 5 repetições cada e 10 sementes por repetição. Os dados de porcentagem foram transformados em arc-sen, submetidos à análise de variância e as médias ao teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Para a caracterização de qualidade dos frutos, utilizaram-se 12 frutos maduros, separadas em 3 lotes com 4 frutos, utilizando delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os frutos foram caracterizados quanto a firmeza, coloração de casca e polpa, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, pH, ácido ascórbico e taxa respiratória. Conclui-se que a mangueira 'Taquari' apresenta frutos com características interessantes para o mercado brasileiro e há melhor emergência das plântulas na ausência do tegumento da semente, porém com maior ocorrência de poliembrionia. Para a caracterização de qualidade, os frutos apresentam parâmetros como de sólidos solúveis e acidez titulável similares às principais cultivares de mangas comercializadas no país, porém com destaque para os altos teores de ácido ascórbico encontrados.

Research on Chemical Equivalence Characteristics of Polylactic Acid in Medical Devices / 中国医疗器械杂志

Polylactic acid is synthesized indirectly by the polymerization method, according to the standard GB/T 16886.18-2011, the evaluation parameters and methods about chemical characterization of polylactic acid have been established. By using rigorous and comprehensive comparative analysis, the chemical equivalency of domestic and imported polylactic acid materials has been proved, along with the "Medical Device Biology Evaluation and Review Guide", paving the way of using domestic polylactic acid in implantable medical devices.

Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of decolorized Moringa oleifera Lam leaf flour

BACKGROUND: Maringa oleifera leaves are rich in antioxidant substances; however, when lyophilized leaves were used in flour form in meat products, they presented no antioxidant effect and even accelerated the oxidation process of the product. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of chlorophyll extraction on the physicochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Moringa leaves. METHODS: Moringa leaves were dried and ground in order to obtain uniform flour. A treatment using chlorophyll extraction (decolorized) was tested versus a control treatment(non-decolorized) for proximate composition, instrumental color, and antioxidant activity using ANOVA followed by Tukey'stest. RESULTS: Higher crude fiber, ash, and protein contents were observed for decolorized flour (19.41 and 38.13%, 11.87 and14.02%, and 28.81 and 31.33%, respectively) when compared to those for the control. Chlorophyll extraction significantly affected (p< 0.05) the instrumental color of the leaves flour. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of both decolorized and control flour was 3.74 and 4.30 mg/L, respectively. The equivalent of antioxidant per gramof non-decolorized leaves was higher than that observed for the decolorized leaves (0.36 and 0.32 g/g DPPH, respectively). The antioxidant activity (AA%) of the extract from non-decolorized leaves was higher in the concentrations of 5 and 2.5 mg/0.1 mL, while the decolorized leaves was higher in the extract concentration 5 and 2 mg/0.1 ml. CONCLUSION: The decolorization process affected the chemical composition and color of Moringa oleifera leaves flours however did not improve its antioxidant activity

Biochemical Characterization and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci Isolates from Exudates and Body Fluids

Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are increasingly being recognized as significant nosocomial pathogens, partly due to the growing appreciation of this group of organisms as opportunistic pathogens or due to increase in the use of transient or permanent medical devices in seriously ill and immunocompromised patients. Aims and Objectives 1) Isolation of CoNS from exudates and body fluids. 2) Biochemical characterization of CoNS. 3) Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of CoNS. Method 180CoNS isolated from various exudates and body fluids such as pus, wound swabs, endotracheal secretions, sputum, branchialaspitate, and central lining tube were collected. All the CoNS isolates were processed in the Microbiology Laboratory and identified by colony morphology, gram staining, catalase, slide, tube coagulase test, anaerobic acid from mannitol, and deoxyribonuclease. Bacitracin (0.04 U) and furazolidone (100 μg) susceptibilities were done to exclude Micrococcus and Stomatococcus spp. The following biochemical tests were done for the speciation of the CoNS: urease test, phosphatase test, polymyxin B disc test, novobiocin disk test, ornithine decorboxylase test, mannitol to acid, Voges-Proskauertest, mannose fermentation, trehalose fermentation and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Result Out of 180 isolates, 78 are Staphylococcus epidermidis (43.3%), 63 are Staphylococcus hemolyticus (35%), 21 are Staphylococcus hominis (11.6%), and 18 are Staphylococcus lugdunensis (10.0%). Maximum number of CoNS were isolated from pus specimens (58.33%), followed by wound swabs (18.33%). A total of 164out of 180 strains were negative for both bound and free coagulase. A total of 60 strains were bound coagulase slow positive and free coagulase negative. S. epidermidis was the most frequent isolate and 68 S. epidermidis isolates were identified if ornithine decorboxylase was considered positive, while negative 10 S. epidermidis isolates required inclusion of trehalose and mannitol for speciation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed maximum resistance to penicillin (78.3) followed by chloramphenicol (41.6%). No resistance to vancomycin was seen. Conclusion: The study revealed S. epidermidis is the predominant CoNS from endotracheal secretions and also pus samples. S. hemolyticus was isolated from pus and central lining tubes, S. hominis and S. lugdunensis were isolated mainly from wound swabs. The present study suggests if coagulase-ve Staphylococci are repeatedly isolated from patients with infection they should be taken seriously and ABST done on these isolates for proper diagnosis and treatment especially in nosocomial infections.

Production of xylanase by a new strain of Thermoascus aurantiacus: obtainment of enzymatic extract with reduced cellulolytic activity for application in pulp and paper industries / Produção de xilanase por nova linhagem de Thermoascus aurantiacus: obtenção de extrato enzimático com reduzida atividade celulolítica para aplicação em indústria de papel e celulose

Xylanases are useful in several industrial segments, including pulp and paper bleaching, animal feed, and bread-making processes. However, the industrial use of these enzymes is closely related to its production cost and its catalytic properties. The process of solid state fermentation enables the use of agro-industrial residues as substrates for microbial cultivation and enzymes production, reducing costs. In the present study, different cultivation parameters were evaluated for the xylanase production by the thermophilic fungus Thermoascus aurantiacus, by solid state fermentation, using agro-industrial residues as substrates. High production of xylanase (1701.9 U g-1 of dry substrate) was obtained using wheat bran containing 65% of initial moisture, at 120 h of cultivation, and 45°C. The xylanase showed optimal activity at pH 5.0 and 75°C; its stability was maintained at pH 3.0­11.0. The enzyme retained its catalytic potential after 1 h, at 75°C. The enzymatic extract produced under optimized conditions showed reduced activities of endoglucanase and FPase. Our results, including the xylanase production by T. aurantiacus in low-cost cultivation medium, high structural stability of the enzyme, and reduced cellulolytic activity, encourage the application of this enzymatic extract in pulp and paper bleaching processes.

As xilanases apresentam aplicabilidade em diferentes segmentos industriais, como: branqueamento de papel e celulose, ração animal e panificação. No entanto, a utilização industrial dessas enzimas está intimamente relacionada com seu custo de produção e suas propriedades catalíticas. O processo de fermentação em estado sólido possibilita o uso de resíduos agroindustriais como substratos, para o cultivo microbiano e produção de enzimas, reduzindo o custo da produção enzimática. No presente trabalho, diferentes parâmetros de cultivo foram avaliados para produção de xilanase por cultivo em estado sólido do fungo termófilo Thermoascus aurantiacus, utilizando resíduos agroindustriais como substratos. A maior produção de xilanase, 1701,9 U g-1 de substrato seco, foi obtida no cultivo em farelo de trigo, contendo 65% de umidade inicial, em 120 horas de cultivo a 45°C. A xilanase produzida apresentou atividade ótima em pH 5,0 a 75°C, mantendo sua estabilidade em pH 3,0 a 11,0. A enzima manteve seu potencial catalítico após 1 h a 75°C. O extrato enzimático produzido nas condições otimizadas apresentou reduzida atividade de endoglucanase e FPase. Os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho (produção de xilanase pelo fungo em meios de cultivo de baixo custo, elevada estabilidade estrutural da enzima e reduzida atividade celulolítica) estimulam a aplicação desse complexo enzimático em processos de branqueamento de papel e celulose.

Caracterización físico-química y actividad antimicrobiana de la secreción mucosa de Achatina fulica / Mother-infant bonding disorders: prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic criteria and assessment strategies

Introducción: El caracol gigante africano Achatina fulica es reconocido como una plaga que afecta la biodiversidad, la Salud Pública y la productividad. Sin embargo, se ha demostrado que su secreción mucosa tiene propiedades cosméticas, cicatrizantes y antimicrobianas. Objetivo: Determinar las características físico-químicas y evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana de la secreción mucosa de Achatina fulica. Metodología: Se hicieron pruebas bioquímicas para la determinación cualitativa y cuantitativa de glúcidos, proteínas y lípidos. Se determinó el contenido de Calcio, Potasio, cloruros, Sodio y Magnesio. Se midieron los parámetros de conductividad eléctrica, potencial óxido-reducción, saturación de oxígeno, oxígeno total disuelto, pH, sólidos disueltos totales. Se realizó un ensayo de actividad antibacteriana por la técnica de microdilución en caldo. Resultados: Se encontraron glúcidos en concentraciones de 582 μg/mL en la fracción soluble y de 62.1 μg/mL en la fracción de mucinas, y proteínas en concentraciones de 836 μg/mL en la fracción soluble y de 1413 μg/mL en la fracción de mucinas. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana frente a las tres cepas ensayadas. Streptococcus agalactiae alcanzó un MIC90 a una concentración de 3,6 mg/mL con la fracción de mucinas; Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina tuvo un MIC50 de 3,3 mg/mL y Escherichia coli un MIC 70 de 3.8 mg/mL. Conclusiones: Se reportan por primera vez las características físicas y los oligoelementos presente en la secreción de Achatina fulica. La actividad antibacteriana obtenida frente a cepas Gram positivas y Gram negativas plantea la necesidad de realizar estudios para purificar las moléculas con dicha actividad, conocer los mecanismos de acción y establecer la inocuidad, entre otros.

Introduction: The giant African snail Achatina fulica is recognized as a scourge affecting biodiversity, public health and productivity. However, it has been shown that the mucus has cosmetic, healing and antimicrobial properties. Objective: Determine physico-chemical characteristics and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the mucus. Methodology: Qualitative and quantitative determinations of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids were made by biochemical tests. Using multiparameter meter parameters of electrical conductivity, redox potential, oxygen saturation, the total dissolved oxygen, pH, total dissolved solids were measured. Content of Calcium, Potassium, chloride, Sodium and Magnesium was determined. Antibacterial activity assay was performed by broth microdilution method against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Results: Carbohydrates were found in concentrations of 582 μg/mL in soluble fraction and 62.1 μg/mL in mucin fraction, and protein concentration of 836 μg/mL in the soluble fraction and 1413 μg/mL in mucin fraction. Antimicrobial activity was demonstrated against the three strains tested. Streptococcus agalactiae reached MIC90 at a concentration of 3.6 μg/mL with mucin fraction; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus had a MIC50 of 3.3 mg / mL and Escherichia coli had a MIC70 of 3.8 mg / mL. Conclusions: This is the first report of the physical and trace elements in the secretion of Achatina fulica. The antibacterial activity obtained against Gram positive and Gram negative strains raises the need for studies to purify the molecules with such activity, understanding the mechanisms of action and establish the safety, among others.

Characterization and Short-Term clinical study of clay facial mask / Caracterização e estudo clínico de curta duração de máscara facial argilosa

Clay mineral facial masks are used to treat some dermatological diseases, just for cleansing or reduce the amount of oil secreted by sebaceous glands. There are several types of clays, which vary in mineralogical and chemical composition, color and origin. However, the literature lacks studies involving clay facial masks, in particular regarding their influence on skin´s biomechanical properties. Thus, this work aimed to characterize colored clays and evaluate its influence on skin frmness and elasticity by a short-term clinical study. Different clays (named in this study magnesium aluminum silicate - MAS, white, pink and green) were chemically characterized, and facial mask formulations were prepared. The short-term clinical study was performed through the application of formulations on the skin. The skin frmness and elasticity were assessed before treatment and after mask removal. The statistical analysis showed no signifcant influence of time or formulations in those parameters, although volunteers reported the sensation of mechanical tension after the removal of the clay facial masks. Thus, the composition of the different clays did not affect the skin viscoelasticity behavior in the short-term clinical study, and a long-term use of this type of formulation must be indicated to observe all the expected benefts.(AU)

Máscaras faciais argilosas são utilizadas para tratar algumas doenças dermatológicas, apenas para a limpeza ou reduzir a quantidade de óleo secretado pelas glândulas sebáceas. Existem vários tipos de argilas, que variam em composição mineral, química, cor e origem. No entanto, a literatura carece de estudos envolvendo máscaras faciais argilosas, em particular em relação a sua influência nas propriedades biomecânicas da pele. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar argilas coloridas e avaliar sua influência sobre a frmeza e elasticidade da pele por meio de um estudo clínico de curto prazo. Diferentes argilas (chamadas neste estudo de silicato de alumínio e magnésio - MAS, branca, rosa e verde) foram caracterizadas quimicamente, e formulações de máscaras faciais foram preparadas. O estudo clínico de curto prazo foi realizado por meio da aplicação das formulações na pele. A frmeza e elasticidade da pele foram avaliadas antes do tratamento e após a remoção da máscara. A análise estatística mostrou nenhuma influência signifcativa do tempo ou das formulações nesses parâmetros, embora os voluntários tenham reportado sensação de tensão mecânica, após a remoção das máscaras faciais argilosas. Assim, a composição das diferentes argilas não afetou o comportamento visco-elástico da pele no estudo clínico de curto prazo, e uma utilização de longa duração poderia ser indicada com a fnalidade de se observar todos os benefícios esperados.(AU)

Teor e composição química do óleo essencial de erva-baleeira (Varronia curassavica Jaqc. ) em função dos horários de coleta / T: Content and chemical composition of the essential oil of 'erva-baleeira' (Varronia curassavica Jaqc. ) as a function of harvesting times

RESUMO A erva-baleeira (Varronia curassavica Jaqc.) é uma importante planta medicinal, com ocorrências em vários biomas brasileiros, dela é possível extrair óleo essencial utilizado na produção de fitoterápicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o efeito do horário de coleta das folhas sobre o teor e os constituintes químicos do óleo essencial da V. curassavica. As folhas foram obtidas da coleção do germoplasma do Horto Medicinal do Instituto de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICA/UFMG). Os tratamentos constaram de cinco horários de coleta (6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00 e 18:00 horas) e três repetições, utilizando o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. O óleo essencial foi extraído pelo método de hidrodestilação, utilizando-se o sistema Clevenger e a constituição química determinada por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG/EM). O teor do óleo essencial não sofreu influencia do horário de coleta. Entretanto, o horário de coleta influenciou a composição química do óleo essencial de erva-baleeira. Os compostos majoritários em todos os horários de coleta foram β-cariofileno (22,6 a 27,4%), elixeno (14,9 a 17,2%) e γ-muuroleno (9,1 a 9,8%). Já o composto de menor abundância relativa, sabineno (1,1 %), apresentou ocorrência apenas as 6 h da manhã.

ABSTRACT The erva-baleeira (Varronia curassavica Jacq.) is an important medicinal plant which occurs in several Brazilian biomes, from which it is possible to extract essential oil used in the production of herbal medicines. The objective of this study was to observe the effect of the collection schedule for the leaves on the content and the chemical constituents of the essential oil of V. curassavica. The leaves were obtained from the germplasm collection of the Medicinal Garden of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (ICA/UFMG). The treatments consisted of five collection schedules (6:00 and 9:00 AM, and 12:00, 3:00, and 6:00 PM) and three replications, using a completely randomized design. The essential oil was extracted by the hydrodistillation method, using the Clevenger system, and the chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The harvest time did not influence the content of the essential oil. However, the collection schedule did influence the chemical composition of the essential oil of erva-baleeira. The major compounds at all collection times were β-caryophyllene (22.6 to 27.4%), xylene (14.9 to 17.2%) and γ-muurolene (9.1 to 9.8%). The compound of lowest relative abundance, sabinene (1.1%), was found only at 6 AM.

Elaboração e avaliação físico-química de farinha de mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) enriquecida com junça (Cyperus esculentus)

A mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) e a junça (Cyperus esculentus) são excelentes fontes de energia alimentar, principalmente a junça, que é uma erva daninha que ocorre em arroizais. Aproveitou-se a junça, que em muitas culturas de arroz é vítima de herbicidas, para enriquecer a farinha de mandioca originando um alimento energético, ou complemento alimentar, rico, principalmente, em proteínas, lipídios e carboidratos quando comparados à literatura e legislação vigente (Portaria 554/95 do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento), uma vez que a farinha não enriquecida apresenta concentrações irrisórias dos mesmos. Quanto aos parâmetros: cinza, amido, umidade e acidez, estes se enquadraram nos valores estabelecidos pela Portaria 554/95.

The manioc (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and the junça (Cyperus esculentus) they are excellent sources of energy alimentary, mainly the junça, that is a harmful herb that happens in arroizais. It's took advantage the junça, that in many cultures of rice are herbicidas victim, to enrich the manioc flour originating an energy food, or I complement to feed, rich, mainly, in proteins, lipids, and carbohydrate when compared to the literature and effective legislation (Entrance 554/95 of the Ministry of the Agriculture, Livestock and Provisioning), once the flour not enriched it presents insignificant concentrations of the same ones. The parameters: ash, starch, humidity and acidity, these they were framed in the established values by the Ordinance 554/95.

Chemical and botanical characterization of Chilean propolis and biological activity on cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus

Propolis is a non-toxic natural substance with multiple pharmacological properties including anticancer, antioxidant, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory among others. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical and botanical characterization of Chilean propolis samples and to evaluate their biological activity against the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Twenty propolis samples were obtained from beekeeping producers from the central and southern regions of Chile. The botanical profile was determined by palynological analysis. Total phenolic contents were determined using colorimetric assays. Reverse phase HPLC and HPLC-MS were used to determine the chemical composition. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined on S. mutans and S. sobrinus. All propolis samples were dominated by structures from native plant species. The characterization by HPLC/MS, evidenced the presence of quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, rutine, pinocembrin, coumaric acid, caffeic acid and caffeic acid phenethyl ester, that have already been described in these propolis with conventional HPLC. Although all propolis samples inhibited the mutans streptococci growth, it was observed a wide spectrum of action (MIC 0.90 to 8.22 µgmL-1). Given that results it becomes increasingly evident the need of standardization procedures, where we combine both the determination of botanical and the chemical characterization of the extracts. Research conducted to date, describes a promising effectiveness of propolis in the prevention of caries and other diseases of the oral cavity, making it necessary to develop studies to identify and understand the therapeutic targets or mechanisms of molecular action of the various compounds present on them.

Genetic Profiling, Chemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Two Conyza Species Growing in Egypt.

The present report is a comparative investigation of two Conyza species growing wild in Egypt namely, Conyza dioscoridis (L.) Desf. and Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist. It comprises a genetic and chemical characterization of the plants, as well as an evaluation of their biological activities. The DNA fingerprints of the two species were established based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure using ten decamer primers. Further characterization of the plants was performed via determination of pharmacopoeial constants, phytochemical screening and estimation of phenolic content (total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids). The ethanol (70%) extracts of C. dioscoridis (EECD) and C. bonariensis (EECB) were subjected to acute toxicity study to determine their LD50; the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities were then evaluated. Screening for potential cytotoxicity was carried out both by Brine Shrimp Lethality Test and Sulphorodamine-B assay on three human cell lines viz., breast carcinoma (MCF7), colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) and cervical carcinoma (HELA) cell lines. The DNA profiling revealed a similarity index of 88.89% between the investigated species. The variability observed among the pharmacopoeial constants constitute a valuable differential criterion; the total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and crude fiber values obtained for C. bonariensis exceeded (17, 5, 10 and 3.5%, respectively) those for C. dioscoridis; meanwhile, the moisture content was higher (10%) in the latter. The phytochemical screening of EECD and EECB revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and tannins in both species. Estimation of phenolic contents (total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids expressed as gallic acid, tannic acid and rutin equivalents, respectively) showed that EECD contains higher amounts of all these constituents when compared to EECB (1.17 vs. 0.96 mg/g, total phenolics; 2.43 vs. 1.83 mg/g, tannins and 0.62 vs. 0.29 mg/g, flavonoids). EECD and EECB were found to be safe (LD50 upto 0.5g/kg). Throughout evaluation of the antimicrobial activity against a set of microbial strains and potential cytotoxicity against MCF7, EECD appeared more efficient (MIC: 200-400 μg/ml and IC50: 2.97 μg/ml, respectively); meanwhile, the effect of EECB was more significant on HCT116 and HELA (IC50: 21 and 5.4 μg/ml, respectively). Results of in-vivo assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity showed that the inhibitory effect of EECD was more prominent than that of EECB (74.20% vs. 59.0%). However, the effect of the extracts was inversed in the Brine Shrimp Lethality test (30% vs. 40% lethality, respectively).

Extraction and anticoagulant activity of sulfated polysaccharides from Caulerpa cupressoides var lycopodium (Vahl) C Agardh (Chlorophyceae) / Extração e atividade anticoagulante dos polissacarídeos sulfatados da clorofícea Caulerpa cupressoides var lycopodium (Vahl) C Agardh

The reportedly low standard quality of heparin (HEP) for use in cardiac surgeries has led to concern in the Brazilian and international markets. Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from seaweeds have been regarded as promising substitutes for HEP. The aim of this study was to sequentially extract total SPs (TSPs) from Caulerpa cupressoides (Chlorophyceae) with papain in 100 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) containing 5 mM cysteine and 5 mM EDTA, followed by fractionation by ion-exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose), and then evaluate the anticoagulant potential of SP fractions by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using normal human plasma and compare it to standard HEP (193 IU mg-1). The obtained fractions were chemically characterized by chemical composition and agarose gel electrophoresis. The yield was 4.61%, and three fractions of SP (F I, F II and F III) eluted with 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 M of NaCl, respectively, were observed on chromatography profiles; however, differences in charge densities patterns and degree of resolution among them were revealed by electrophoresis. SPs were capable of modifying APTT only in fractions eluted with 0.75 M of NaCl, whose activities were 23.37 and 25.76 IU mg-1, respectively, and the charge density was prerequisite to activity. Therefore, C. cupressoides is a source of SPs possessing low anticoagulant potential compared to HEP.

O baixo padrão de qualidade outrora declarado da heparina (HEP) para o uso em cirurgias cardíacas tem levado preocupação nos mercados nacional e internacional. Os polissacarídeos sulfatados (PSs) de algas marinhas têm sido considerados como promissores substitutos para HEP. Objetivou-se a extrair sequencialmente PSs totais (PSTs) da clorofícea Caulerpa cupressoides com papaína em tampão acetato de sódio 100 mM (pH 5,0) contendo cisteína 5 mM e EDTA 5 mM, fracionar por cromatografia de troca iônica (DEAE-celulose) e avaliar o potencial anticoagulante das frações de PS por meio do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA), utilizando plasma humano normal e comparando-se à HEP padrão (193 IU mg-1). As frações obtidas foram caracterizadas quimicamente em composição química e por eletroforese em gel de agarose. O rendimento de PSTs foi 4,61% e os perfis cromatográficos, em DEAE-celulose, indicaram a separação de três frações de PS (F I; F II e F III) eluídas nas concentrações 0,50; 0,75 e 1,00 M de NaCl, respectivamente, revelando, por eletroforese, diferenças em termos de densidade de cargas e grau de resolução. Os PSs foram capazes de modificar o TTPA somente nas frações eluídas com 0,75 M de NaCl, cujas atividades foram 23,37 e 25,76 IU mg-1, respectivamente, quando a densidade de cargas foi pré-requisito para atividade. Portanto, C. cupressoides é uma fonte de PSs com baixos potenciais anticoagulantes comparados à HEP.

Technological development of aqueous extracts from Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) Hook. f. ex K. Schum., Rubiaceae, (mulateiro) using factorial design

The aim of the present work is to characterize the vegetal raw material of the Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) Hook. f. ex K. Schum., Rubiaceae, known as "mulateiro", and to evaluate the influence of extractive parameters for attainment of standardized aqueous extractive solutions. The physical-chemical characterization of the samples was performed using pharmacopoeic and not pharmacopoeic methodologies. A 2³ factorial design was used to evaluate the influence of extraction techniques (infusion/decoction), drug: solvent ratio (2.5 and 7.5 percent), and extraction time (5 and 15 min) on the total tannin content of aqueous extractive solutions from C. spruceanum. The extractive solution that showed higher total tannin and dry residue content had their physical-chemical characteristics determined. The results suggest that an aqueous extractive solution from rinds of C. spruceanum barks with higher tanning yield (9.9 g percent), must be standardized using decoction as extraction methodology, with 2.5 percent of vegetal drug for an extraction time of 15 min. The results of the physical-chemical characterization suggest that environmental factors modify the properties of this species and, therefore, they can influence the quality and security of a product derived from this medicinal plant.

Purification and part of physico-chemical characterization as well as biological activity for immuno-globulin ribonucleic acid of anti-rabies / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To explore the preparation of specific immune RMA(iRNA) on anti-rabies and further study immunotherapy of rabies virus exposure. Methods Horses were immunized with the rabi-es virus and their livers were isolated from the horse of antiserum, from which total RNA was extracted and purified by sodium lauryisulfonate, phenol, chloroform, ethyiene glycol monomethyl ether, cetyltrimethyam-moniumbromide and alcohol. Results Pure preparation physico-chemical characterization was analyzed, and it's weight was 0.15% of weight of liver. The RNA contained 2.86% DNA and 1.16% protein. The iRNA with a maximum UV absorbance at 258 nm and A_(258/280) about 2.0. The test of RNA was positive, which had a relative molecular mas of 13.7×10~3 by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), and its hy-perchromic effect was 50.67%. The vesults of biological activity was showed that the rate of leucocyte adher-ence inhibition(LAI) was 41.73%, The protective rate was 50% and prolonging the life was 31.62%. Conclusion The results obtained with the practical value were identical and provide a basis on medicines of anti-rabies.