Loofah immobilized with Cladosporium cladosporioides CEL14 is a potential bioremediating agent for hexavalent chromium in tannery wastewater

Aims@#Chromium salt possesses unique characteristics that render it useful in numerous applications in several industrial processes, especially tanning of animal hides which act as a major source of hexavalent chromium toxicity in environment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of loofah immobilized Cladosporium cladosporioides CEL14 in remediate tannery wastewater which contains hexavalent chromium. @*Methodology and results@#A total of 18 fungal species were isolated from three different sites of tannery wastewater in Egypt, of which C. cladosporioides CEL14 was the most capable species of chromate remediation with 81% after 7 days of incubation as free cells. The experiments were conducted in minimum salt medium supplemented with 200 ppm chromate in the form of potassium dichromate. Different process parameters studies demonstrated that chromate was completely removed at 30 °C, pH 6, 0.1% malt extract and 0.2% glucose after 7 days of incubation with 20% inoculum size. After that, C. cladosporioides was immobilized on a natural support material (loofah). The removal ability of chromate was enhanced through permanent viable immobilization on loofah pieces, which showing complete removal of chromate within 3 days. The toxicity assessment of treated tannery effluents revealed that 74% of Brassica napus seeds were germinated upon exposure to the treated effluent.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study revealed that C. cladosporioides CEL14 isolate has high potential as bioremediating agent against toxic hexavalent chromium. The removal ability of toxic chromate was enhanced through permanent viable immobilization on loofah pieces. This technology is simple, cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly. The loofah immobilized with C. cladosporioides CEL14 has potential to be applied in wastewater treatment of small-scale tanneries after onsite trials.

Esponjas de banho: promovem limpeza ou podem ser reservatório e veículo de transmissão de microrganismos? / Bath sponges: promote cleaning or can be reservoirs and vehicles in the transmission of microorganisms?

As esponjas de banho podem carrear contaminação, pois sua estrutura favorece a multiplicação microbiana. Desse modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verifica a eficiência de dois métodos de desinfecção para diminuir a quantidade de microrganismos de importância clínica nas esponjas de banho. Foram analisadas 30 esponjas de banho (15 vegetais e 15 sintéticas) que foram cortadas em três partes iguais. Uma delas serviu como controle. As demais partes foram submetidas à desinfecção por fervura durante cinco minutos e à imersão em hipoclorito de sódio 200 ppm. Os resultados demonstraram média de contaminação de bactérias heterotróficas de 4,1 LogUFC/mL e 4,7 LogUFC/mL, para as vegetais e sintéticas, respectivamente. A maioria (80%) das esponjas (10 sintéticas e 14 vegetais) apresentou contaminação por microrganismos de importância clínica. Os métodos de desinfecção reduziram as contagens de bactérias heterotróficas em 3,3 LogUFC/mL com fervura durante cinco minutos e 1,8 LogUFC/mL com desinfecção em hipoclorito de sódio 200 ppm. Conclui-se, portanto, que as esponjas de banho possuem contaminação microbiológica de importância clínica e que a fervura por cinco minutos é um método de fácil execução, baixo custo e capaz de controlar a quantidade de bactérias nas esponjas utilizadas para banho, reduzindo a disseminação de doenças. (AU)

Bath sponges can carry contamination, because their structure favors microbial multiplication. Thus, the objective of this work was to verify the efficiency of two disinfection methods to decrease the number of microorganisms of clinical importance in bath sponges. Thirty bath sponges (15 loofah and 15 synthetic) were analyzed and cut in three equal parts. One served as control. The other parts were boiled disinfected for five minutes and immersed in 200 ppm sodium hypochlorite. The results showed a mean contamination of heterotrophic bacteria of 4.1 LogUFC/mL and 4.7 LogUFC/mL, for plants and synthetic, respectively. The majority (80%) of the sponges (10 synthetic and 14 loofah) presented contamination by microorganisms of clinical importance. Disinfection methods reduced the counts of heterotrophic bacteria by 3.3 LogUFC/mL with boiling for five minutes and 1.8 LogUFC/mL with disinfection with 200 ppm sodium hypochlorite. It is concluded, therefore, that bath sponges present microbiological contamination of clinical importance and that boiling for five minutes is an easily executed low-cost method that is able to control the amount of bacteria in sponges used for bathing, reducing the risk of dissemination of disease. (AU)

Development of a Novel Spawn (Block Spawn) of an Edible Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, in Liquid Culture and its Cultivation Evaluation

Mushroom cultivation has gained increased attention in recent years. Currently, only four types of spawn, including sawdust spawn, grain spawn, liquid spawn, and stick spawn, are commonly available for mushroom cultivation. This limited spawn diversity has led to difficulty in selecting suitable inoculum materials in some cultivation. In this study, three small blocks of lignocellulosic agro-wastes and one block of a synthetic matrix were prepared as support for growing Pleurotus ostreatus in liquid medium. Mycelium-adsorbed blocks were then evaluated for their potential as block spawn for fructification. Our results indicated that the edible fungus was adsorbed and abundantly grew internally and externally on loofah sponge and synthetic polyurethane foam (PUF) supports and also has the ability to attach and grow on the surface of sugarcane bagasse and corncob supports. The mycelia of P. ostreatus adhered on corncob exhibited the highest metabolic activity, while those on the PUF showed the least activity. Mycelial extension rates of block spawns made of agro-waste materials were comparable to that of sawdust spawn, but the block spawn of PUF showed a significantly lower rate. No significant differences in cropping time and yield were observed among cultivations between experimental block spawns and sawdust spawns. Moreover, the corncob block spawn maintained its fruiting potential during an examined period of 6-month storage. The developed block spawn could be practically applied in mushroom cultivation.

The Activation of PPAR-α and Wnt/β-catenin by Luffa cylindrica Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extract

Luffa cylindrica (LC) is a very fast-growing climber and its fruit have been considered as agricultural wastes. We conducted to check the comparative qualities of ethanol solvent extraction (LCE) and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (LCS) of L. cylindrica fruit and seed. LCS had higher antioxidant and polyphenol contents than LCE. LCS were significantly increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-a and involucrin expression as epidermal differentiation marker in 3D skin equivalent model. LCS also showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a causative bacteria in atopic dermatitis. In addition, LCS inhibited the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. When treated with the extract at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway reporter luciferase activity of HEK 293-TOP cells was increased approximately by 2-folds compared to that of the untreated control group. These results indicate that L. cylindrica supercritical carbon dioxide extract may serve as a cosmeceutical for improving skin barrier function and the treatment of obesity.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Luffa operculata / Atividade antimicrobiana in vitro da Luffa operculata

INTRODUCTION:Luffa operculata is probably one of the most popular herbal medicines used in the treatment of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unknown.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro antibacterial activity of L. operculata against three ordinary agents of upper respiratory tract infection: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes.METHODS: Different concentrations of L. operculata alcoholic extract were applied to bacterial broth containing reference and community strains of the three described agents. After a 24-h incubation period, the bacterial culture turbidity was measured. The samples were then inoculated onto Mueller-Hinton and human blood agar plates. Bacterial growth was analyzed after 24- and 48-h incubation period. The test was considered negative when there was no environmental turbidity, confirmed by the absence of bacterial growth into the inoculated plates. Tests were considered positive when either turbidity changes were observed on the bacterial broth or when bacterial growth was detected on inoculated plates. Appropriate statistical analysis of the data was performed.RESULTS:L. operculata extracts showed antibacterial activity mainly to S. pyogenes followed by S. pneumoniae and S. aureus.CONCLUSIONS:L. operculata extract showed promising antibacterial activity in vitro against the studied agents.

INTRODUÇÃO: A Luffa operculataé, provavelmente, o fitoterápico mais utilizado no tratamento das rinites e rinossinusites. Apesar de amplamente utilizada pela população, seus mecanismos de ação ainda não estão completamente estabelecidos.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitroda Luffa operculataem agentes causadores de infecções de vias aéreas superiores: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniaee Streptococcus pyogenes.MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas diferentes concentrações de extrato alcoólico de Luffa operculataem caldo de bactérias dos agentes avaliados. Após incubação de 24 horas foi realizada a leitura de turvação do meio, e posteriormente, semeadura em placas de ágar-sangue e ágar Muller-Hinton, após 24 e 48 horas de incubação. Foram considerados testes negativos aqueles em que não houve a turvação do meio, confirmados pela ausência do crescimento das bactérias nas semeaduras. Foram considerados positivos os testes que apresentaram turvação do caldo ou positividade nas semeaduras de 24 ou 48 horas. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística pertinente.RESULTADOS: Os extratos de Luffa operculataapresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, especialmente para Streptococcus pyogenes, seguido dos Streptococcus pneumoniaee Sthaphylococcus aureus.CONCLUSÃO: O extrato de Luffa operculataapresentou promissora atividade antimicrobiana in vitrocontra os agentes estudados.

Ameliorative effect of Luffa acutangula Roxb. on doxorubicin induced cardiac and nephrotoxicity in mice.

The present study reports protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Luffa acutangula (HAELA) on doxorubicin (DXR) induced cardio and nephro toxicity in mice by studying various serum biomarkers, antioxidants in target organs and histoarchitecture alterations. Pretreatment with HAELA reversed significantly the elevated serum biomarkers, alanine amino transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine phosphokinase in heart and kidney in DXR treated mice. In addition, HAELA treatment inhibited elevated malondialdehyde formation and restored the depleted glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase in heart and kidney tissue. The altered histoarchitecture of heart and kidney tissue due to DXR treatment were also improved with HAELA. The protective activity observed with HAELA on DXR induced cardio and nephrotoxicity in mice was found to be related to its antioxidant property which finally results in membrane stabilization.

Ethanol fermentation of sugarcane molasses by Zymomonas mobilis MTCC 92 immobilized in Luffa cylindrica L. sponge discs and Ca-alginate matrices

Bio-ethanol production from cane molasses (diluted to 15 % sugar w/v) was studied using the bacterium, Zymomonas mobilis MTCC 92 entrapped in luffa (Luffa cylindrica L.) sponge discs and Ca-alginate gel beads as the immobilizing matrices. At the end of 96 h fermentation, the final ethanol concentrations were 58.7 ± 0.09 and 59.1 ± 0.08 g/l molasses with luffa and Ca-alginate entrapped Z. mobilis cells, respectively exhibiting 83.25 ± 0.03 and 84.6 ± 0.02 % sugar conversion. There was no statistical significant difference (Fischer's LSD) in sugar utilization (t = 0.254, p <0.801) and ethanol production (t =-0.663, p <0.513) between the two immobilization matrices used. Further, the immobilized cells in both the matrices were physiologically active for three more cycles of operation with less than 15 % decrease in ethanol yield in the 4th cycle, which was due to some leakage of cells. In conclusion, luffa sponge was found to be equally good as Ca-alginate as a carrier material for bacterial (Z. mobilis. cell immobilization for ethanol production. Further, it has added advantages such as it is cheap, non-corrosive and has no environmental hazard.

Avaliação por meio da tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico de vias aéreas superiores de pacientes com atresia de palato, que possuem mordida cruzada posterior / Evaluation by means of cone beam computed tomography of the upper airways of patients with atresia of the palate, which have posterior crossbite

A atresia do palato ou deficiência maxilar transversa tem comprovado a sua influência na relação craniofacial e respiratória, por isso, diversos métodos de expansão palatina têm sido estudados para que haja uma melhora significativa, principalmente dos fatores respiratórios destes pacientes. O uso da tomografia por feixe cônico iniciou um novo conceito de estudo cefalométrico em terceira dimensão, no qual se consegue avaliar o paciente em todos os planos, sem que haja sobreposições de estruturas, podendo avaliar com precisão as relações craniofaciais, as vias aéreas e a relação destas estruturas. Portanto, o uso da tomografia computadorizada com ênfase na área ortodôntica, nos permite realizar um diagnóstico completo pré-tratamento ortodôntico, no qual objetivamos avaliar a correlação entre mordida cruzada posterior e a obstrução das vias aéreas superiores por meio de tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC). Foram utilizadas TCFC de arquivo de 32 pacientes com idade entre 6 e 14 anos, divididos em dois grupos: um grupo de 16 crianças com mordida cruzada posterior e o grupo controle . O critério de exclusão da amostra foi a realização de tratamento ortodôntico prévio, ter realizado cirurgia no complexo maxilo mandibular ou ser portador de alterações patológicas na região. Foi realizada a comparação das medidas da largura e da altura do palato em relação às medidas lineares e ao volume segmentado e total das vias aéreas superiores dos pacientes com e sem mordida cruzada posterior. No grupo com mordida cruzada, para a correlação das medidas ENP-AD2, ENP-AD1 com o volume da Baixa Naso Faringe (BNF), teve correlação moderada com a largura do palato (0,05 < p=0,089 < 0,10). Entretanto, no grupo de mordida cruzada, foi observada correlação significante entre a largura do palato e o volume total (VT). Em ambos os casos, a correlação foi positiva (r=0,786 para largura do palato com o Volume da Alta Velo Faringe (AVF) e r=0,662 para largura do palato com o VT), isto é, quanto maior a largura do palato, maior o Volume AVF e maior o VT. Estes resultados demonstram a importância do uso da TCFC, pois não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas medidas lineares do grupo com mordida cruzada posterior e o grupo controle. Concluiu-se neste trabalho que apenas as medidas lineares não fornecem informações suficientes para a avaliação das vias aeras superiores; a profundidade do palato não possui correlação com as alterações das vias aéreas em pacientes com atresia maxilar; o grupo com mordida cruzada posterior apresentou moderada correlação da largura do palato com as medidas ENP-AD2, ENP-AD1 e o Volume da Baixa Naso Faringe; o grupo com mordida cruzada posterior apresentou correlação positiva da largura do palato com o volume da Alta Velo Faringe e com o Volume Total.

The palate atresia or transverse maxillary deficiency has proven its influence in relation craniofacial and respiratory therefore various methods of palatal expansion have been studied so there is a significant improvement, especially respiratory factors of these patients. The use of cone beam computed tomography initiated a new concept of three-dimensional cephalometric study, in which we can assess the patient at all levels, without overlapping structures, and can accurately assess the relations craniofacial, the airways and the relationship these structures. Therefore, the use of computed tomography with emphasis on orthodontic allows us to carry out a full pre-orthodontic treatment, in which we aimed to evaluate the correlation between posterior crossbite and obstruction of the upper airways by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). We used CBCT file of 32 patients aged 6 to 14 years, divided into two groups: a group of 16 children with posterior cross bite and control groups. The exclusion criteria of the sample was the realization of previous orthodontic treatment, having undergone surgery on mandibular complex maxillo or be in possession of pathological changes in the region. Was performed comparing measurements of the width and height of the palate in relation to linear measurements and volume segmented and total upper airway of patients with and without posterior cross bite.

Análise química do precipitado formado na reação entre hipoclorito de sódio e digluconato de clorexidina / Chemical analysis of the precipitate formed by mixing sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine digluconate

O digluconato de clorexidina reage com o hipoclorito de sódio formando um precipitado, que segundo a literatura, é composto por para-cloroanilina (PCA), ou por para-clorofenil uréia (PCU) e para-clorofenilguanidil-1,6-diguanidil-hexano (PCGH). Este estudo visou analisar quimicamente os produtos formados e a presença de PCA no precipitado. Para isso, foi realizada a reação de 50 mL de solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 5% (NaOCl) e de 50 mL de solução de digluconato de clorexidina a 2% (CLX) em proporções iguais (1:1). O precipitado foi separado do sobrenadante e desidratado. A CLX pura, uma amostra do precipitado puro e outra amostra de precipitado com adição de PCA foram diluídas em dimetilsulfóxido deuterado e analisados em ressonância magnética nuclear 1D 1H (RMN) para verificar, por comparação, a presença da PCA no precipitado e para obtenção dos deslocamentos químicos dos produtos presentes no precipitado. Outra amostra do precipitado, de solução de CLX e de PCA foram separadas em cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência e analisadas em espectrômetro de massa (HPLC-ESI-MS) para identificação dos pesos moleculares dos compostos. A comparação do espectro do precipitado puro e do espectro do precipitado com adição de PCA permitiu analisar que o dubleto presente na região dos compostos aromáticos, referente à PCA, não está presente no espectro do precipitado puro demonstrando que não há PCA no precipitado. A análise do espectro de RMN do precipitado puro sugere que há formação de compostos com um e dois anéis aromáticos. Os espectros de massa permitem sugerir que há quebra da molécula de CLX, pelo hipoclorito de sódio, em sítios específicos (grupo biguanidil) que resultam na formação de fragmentos da molécula de clorexidina que se reorganizam formando oligômeros, ou seja, moléculas em que algumas unidades se repetem e, uma vez formadas, são estáveis e insolúveis em água. É possível concluir que no precipitado não há presença de PCA, sugerindo-se que haja PCGH e outros compostos com pesos moleculares maiores que o da clorexidina, denominados, neste estudo, C3, C4, C5, C6 e C7.

The reaction between chlorhexidine digluconate and sodium hypochlorite result in a precipitate, which according to the literature, is composed of para-chloroaniline (PCA), or para-chlorophenylurea (PCU) and para-chlorophenylguanidyl-1,6- diguanidyl-hexane (PCGH). The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition, the relative molecular weight of the compounds and whether PCA is formed in the precipitate. A 2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution was mixed in a 1:1 ratio with 5% NaOCl solution producing the precipitate. It was centrifuged, separed from the supernatant and dried. Pure CHX, the precipitate, as well as a mixture of precipitate and pure PCA were dissolved in deuterated dimetilsulfoxide and then analyzed using one-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (MNR) to determine whether PCA was formed and to obtain precipitates chemical shifts. Other precipitate, CHX digluconate solution and PCA samples were analized using high performance liquid chromatography - electrospray ionization - mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). Comparing the spectrum of the precipitate alone and precipitate with PCA allow to identify that PCA doublet peaks are not present in the spectrum of the precipitate alone, demonstrating that there are no PCA in the precipitate. NMR spectrum of the precipitate alone suggests that there is compounds with one and two aromatic rings. Mass spectra suggests that breaks in chlorhexidine molecule on specific sites (biguanidil groups), by sodium hypochlorite, results in fragments that forms oligomers molecules in wich some units are repeated and, once formed, are stable and insoluble in water. On the basis of this study, there is no PCA in the precipitate and suggesting that there may be other compounds like PCGH and others compounds, all of which are bigger in size than CHX, called, in this study, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7.

Evaluation of two bioadsorbents for removing paracetamol from aqueous media

The frequent contamination of water resources with drugs comprises one the most important environmental problems. In order to avoid serious disturbances for aquatic life, efficient and economically viable procedures should be developed for removing common pollutants, as paracetamol. From these considerations, the present work evaluated the efficiency of sugar cane bagasse (SCB) and vegetable sponge (VS), two natural adsorbents commonly found in Brazil, for retaining paracetamol molecules dispersed in aqueous solutions. Thus, systems composed of glass columns and peristaltic pumps were optimized and, for pH, the best value was 7.0. After optimisation, adsorption isotherms were built and it was possible to calculate the MAC F values for SCB (120.5 ug/g) and VS (37.5 ug/g). Additionally, real matrices of pretreated water, from a municipal plant for water catchment, were enriched with paracetamol at 5 uM and passed through glass columns packed with SCB, VS and activated carbon (AC). The results showed that SCB was more attractive than AC in terms of price and efficiency (60 percent against 45 percent adsorption, respectively), while VS was responsible for removing 40 percent of paracetamol dissolved in the enriched water samples. Thus, the proposed natural adsorbents can be classified as viable materials to remove paracetamol from water used for human consumption.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial investigation of Luffa cylindrica / Investigacion fitoquimica y antimicrobiana de Luffa cylindrica

3-hydroxy-1-methylene-2,3,4,4-tetrahydroxynapthalene-2-carbaldehyde (1), 22,23-dihydroxy spinasterol (2) were isolated from petroleum ether extrct of the fruits of Luffa cylindrical. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic studies including IR and high field NMR analysis.Petroleum ether extract (i.e. crude extract) exhibited mild to moderate antimicrobial activity. This is the first report of isolation of compound of 1 – 2 from this species.

3-hydroxi-1-metilen-2,3,4,4-tetrahidroxinaftalen-2-carbaldehido (1), 22,23-dihidroxispinasterol (2) fueron aislados de un extracto en eter de petróleo de la fruta de Luffa cylindrica. Las estructuras de estos compuestos fueron deducidas por estudios espectroscópicos incluyendo IR y RMN de alto campo. El extracto crudo en éter de petróleo mostró actividad antimicrobiana de leve a moderada. El presente estudio representa el primer reporte de estos compuestos en L cylindrica.

Cierre de heridas y fístulas con “sistema de presión negativa tipo Colombia” / Closure of wounds and fistulas by the negative pressure method “Colombian type”

Las fístulas intestinales, sean secundarias a dehiscencias o a escapes de suturas, o secuelas del inadecuado manejo del abdomen abierto, son un problema médico muy difícil de manejar y, en general, requieren diversas medidas, como nuevas intervenciones quirúrgicas para su organización o exteriorización, nutrición, antibióticos y otras. Las infecciones de las heridas quirúrgicas o las heridas que son secuelas del abdomen abierto y que no se pueden cerrar tempranamente, constituyen otras entidades que demandan altos costos y requieren consideraciones especiales para su manejo.En 1993 se ideó un sistema basado en la presión negativa, con buenos resultados para manejar estas entidades. Pero aún así sigue teniendo un alto costo, por lo cual, y utilizando el mismo principio (presión negativa) y con elementos muy simples, entre ellos el estropajo o esponja vegetal de la planta Luffa cylindrical, los autores han ideado un sistema con excelentes resultados para manejar este tipo de pacientes a un muy bajo costo.

Feasibility study of organic matter and Ammonium removal using loofa sponge as a supporting medium in an aerated submerged fixed-film reactor (ASFFR)

Biofilm systems are efficient in the removal of organic matter and ammonium from wastewaters. In this study, loofa sponge, a natural product, was used as a supporting medium in an aerated submerged fixed-film reactor to evaluate its performance in removing organic matter and nitrogen from wastewater. Four pilot runs were performed with chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg l-1 to provide an organic loading rate of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 kg m-3d-1 respectively. In these pilot runs, the influent ammonium nitrogen concentrations were justified to 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg l-1 as N to provide an influent nitrogen loading of 30, 60, 90 and 120 g m-3.d-1 respectively. Although soluble COD removal efficiency greater than 80 percent was achieved up to a loading rate of 2.4 kg m-3d-1, loofa deformation and clogging after 72 days of application might be considered a serious shortcoming during use in full-scale applications. Nitrogen removal efficiency decreased from 85.6 percent at an organic loading rate of 0.6 kg m-3d-1 to 56.1 percent at an organic loading rate of 2.4 kg m-3d-1.

Genetic analysis of fruit shape traits at different maturation stages in sponge gourd / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The fruit shape is important quantitative trait closely related to the fruit quality. However, the genetic model of fruit shapes has not been proposed. Therefore, in the present study, analysis of genetic effects for fruit shape traits (fruit length and fruit perimeter) in sponge gourd was conducted by employing a developmental genetic model including fruit direct effects and maternal effects. Analysis approaches of unconditional and conditional variances were applied to evaluate the genetic behavior of fruit shape traits at economical and physiological maturation times. The results of variance analysis indicated that fruit length and fruit perimeter were simultaneously affected by fruit direct genetic effects and maternal effects. Fruit direct genetic effects were relatively more important for fruit shape traits at whole developmental period. The gene expression was most active at the economical maturation stage (1 approximately 12 d after flowering) for two shape traits, and the activation of gene was mostly due to direct dominance effects at physiological maturation stage (13 approximately 60 d after flowering). The coefficients due to different genetic effects, as well as the phenotypic correlation coefficients, varied significantly between fruit shape traits themselves at various maturation stages. The results showed that it was relatively easy to improve fruit shape traits for industrial purpose by carefully selecting the parents at economical maturation stage instead of that at physiological maturation stage.

Efeitos da Luffa operculata sobre o epitélio do palato de rã: aspectos histológicos / Luffa operculata effects on the epithelium of frog palate: histological features

Luffa operculata é o nome botânico da buchinha-do-norte ou cabacinha, uma planta medicinal usada popularmente no tratamento das rinites e rinossinusites. Na Europa e nos EUA, está em medicamentos homeopáticos. No Brasil, a infusão (chá) do fruto seco de Luffa operculata é utilizada para inalacão ou instilacão nasal, resultando em liberacão profusa de muco que alivia os sintomas nasossinusais, mas há relatos freqüentes de irritacão nasal, epistaxe e anosmia. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Experimental. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Avaliamos os efeitos da infusão de Luffa operculata em diferentes concentracões, no modelo experimental do palato isolado de rã, examinando 46 palatos após imersão. Quatro grupos (n=10) foram testados com infusão feita em Ringer-rã (solucão isotônica): controle; 60mg/l; 600mg/l e 1200mg/l. Um grupo foi testado em água (600mg/l H2O, n=6). Coletamos amostras do epitélio para estudo histológico à microscopia-de-luz e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. RESULTADOS: Nos palatos tratados, os achados à microscopia-de-luz mostram lesões epiteliais de padrão tóxico, dose-dependentes. Na microscopia eletrônica, aumento dos espacos intercelulares e ruptura de tight junctions apontam para anormalidade no transporte iônico e de fluidos. CONCLUSÕES: A infusão de Luffa operculata, nas concentracões utilizadas popularmente, promove alteracões significantes na estrutura e ultraestrutura epitelial deste modelo ex vivo de mucosa respiratória.

Morphosynthesis: high fidelity inorganic replica of the fibrous network of loofa sponge (Luffa cylindrica)

Réplicas (bio) inorgânicas de carbonato de cálcio e de hidroxiapatita, com elevada fidelidade à morfologia fibrosa do fruto seco da espécie Luffa cylindrica são descritas, utilizando uma rota de síntese simples e de baixo custo. A esponja vegetal é um molde macroscópico com arquitetura altamente complexa, de baixo custo e de fonte renovável. Dentro do contexto da morfossíntese, a capacidade de replicação da Luffa cylindrica acena com a possibilidade de uso da biodiversidade na obtenção de novos materiais. Enfatizamos que o molde proposto neste trabalho possibilita a preparação de réplicas inorgânicas com o tamanho desejado, em uma escala de centímetros. Este fato é inovador em relação as réplicas inorgânicas descritas na literatura, nas quais predominam a escala micrométrica, limitadas ao tamanho original do molde.

Animal-based medicines: biological prospection and the sustainable use of zootherapeutic resources

Os animais são utilizados como recursos medicinais para o tratamento e alívio de um gama de doenças e enfermidades em praticamente toda cultura humana. A pertinência da medicina tradicional baseada em animais, embora considerada como superstição, não deve ser negada uma vez que os animais têm sido testados metodicamente pelas companhias farmacêuticas como fontes de drogas para a ciência médica moderna. O fenômeno da zooterapia representa uma forte evidência do uso medicinal de recursos animais. De fato, as indústrias farmacêuticas e de agronegócios há décadas vêm avaliando animais sem pagar tributos aos países detentores desses recursos genéticos. A utilização de partes do corpo dos animais como remédios tradicionais é relevante porque implica pressão adicional sobre populações selvagens críticas. Discute-se que muitas espécies animais estão sendo exploradas em excesso como fontes de medicamentos para o comércio tradicional. Além disso, as populações animais ficaram exauridas ou ameaçadas como resultado do uso como objetos de experimentação ou modelos animais. A pesquisa sobre zooterapia deveria ser compatível com o bem-estar dos animais, assim como o uso dos produtos medicinais deveria ser guiado de modo sustentável. Sabe-se que a sustentabilidade deve ser tida como um princípio orientador para a conservação biológica.

Cloning and expression of luffin-a gene from the seeds of Luffa cylindrical / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To clone luffin-a cDNA from the seeds of Luffa cylindrical, and to obtain bioactive recombinant luffin-a protein using the expression vector pET-44a (+) in E. coli.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cDNA sequence encoding luffin-a was cloned from the fresh seeds of Luffa cylindrical by RT-PCR. The target DNA fragments were sequenced after T-A cloning. The luffin-a expression plasmid was constructed by inserting the luffin-a cDNA fragment into vector pET-44a (+). Luffin-a was expressed in E. coli by addition of IPTG into final concentration 1.0 mmol/L. The recombinant luffin-a was identified by SDS-PAGE. The biological activity of luffin-a protein was evaluated by using the MTT assay in HepG2 cells following fluid-phase endocytosis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In comparison with the reported luffin-a, the homology of nucleotide sequence of the cloned luffin-a gene was 99.73%, while their amino acid sequences were identical. The solubility of recombinant protein was analyzed by SDS-PAGE, and the luffin-a was mainly produced in inclusion bodies. The recombinant luffin-a, renatured by dialysis of the denatured products, showed a similar cytotoxicity to ricin A chain.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The cDNA of luffin-a has been successfully cloned. The recombinant luffin-a protein expressed by E. coli is bioactive.</p>

Chemical and biological studies of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. Seeds growing in Egypt

The crude expressed oil of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill seeds [18% w/w] [family Cucurbitaceae] was subjected to physical and chemical investigations. GC/MS analysis of the expressed oil revealed that it is built up mostly of linoleic [51.14%], palmitic [21.06%] and oleic [19.30%] acids beside lesser amounts of stearic [7.57%] myristic [0.70%] and eicosanic [0.23%] acids. Vitamin E was determined in the expressed oil by HPLC analysis and found to be 0.015%. In addition a mixture of free fatty acids; palmitic [58.89%] and stearic [41.11%] acids were isolated from the petroleum ether percolate. Identification of constituents was done through GLC analysis and comparing the relative retention time of peaks with those of authentic materials. The expressed oil showed significant anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and moderate progesterone like effects. The oil also exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities