Casos de dengue e coleta de lixo urbano: um estudo na Cidade do Recife, Brasil / Cases of dengue and urban waste collection: a study in the City of Recife

Resumo O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar quais categorias de lixo urbano apresentam associação com casos de dengue e, em seguida, avaliar o impacto da coleta de lixo sobre os casos da doença na cidade do Recife. Foram utilizados dados da pesagem categorizada de lixo, juntamente com os casos confirmados de dengue no município. Os dados foram analisados através do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson para as treze categorias de lixo, seguido pela Regressão Linear Multivariada, selecionando as variáveis pelo método de "stepwise". Identificou-se a existência de correlação negativa entre o total de casos de dengue em sete categorias: lixo domiciliar (r = -0,835), resíduos diferenciados (r = -0,835), resíduos de operações especiais (r = -0,711), entulhos (r = -0,687), coleta seletiva (r = -0,425) e pneus (r = -0,423). O modelo de regressão foi capaz de explicar 75% da variação, apontando que um incremento de 1.000 toneladas na coleta de lixo doméstico proporciona uma redução de 0,032 casos de dengue enquanto que o mesmo incremento na coleta de pneus é capaz de reduzir 0,465 casos da doença. Os resultados demonstram que a coleta de lixo possui um forte impacto negativo nos casos de dengue e podem ser adotados como estratégia de prevenção pelos governos municipais.

Abstract The scope of this study was to identify which categories of urban waste are associated with cases of dengue and to evaluate the impact of garbage collection on dengue infection in the City of Recife (Brazil). Data from categorized waste weighing and the confirmed cases of dengue in the city were used. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient for the 13 categories of urban garbage, followed by Multivariate Linear Regression, selecting the variables by the stepwise method. A negative correlation between dengue infections in seven categories was identified: household garbage (r = -0.835), differentiated residues (r = -0.835), special operations residues (r = -0.711), building rubble (r = -0.687), selective waste collection (r = -0.425) and tires (r = -0.423). The regression model was able to explain 75% of the variation, indicating that an increase of 1,000 tons in household garbage collection provides a decrease of 0.032 in cases of dengue, while the same increase in tire collection esults in a decrease of 0.465. The results show that garbage collection has a strong negative impact on dengue cases and can be adopted as a prevention strategy by municipal governments.

Mild cognitive impairment in the elderly: relationship between communication and functional capacity / Comprometimento cognitivo leve em idosos: relação entre comunicação e capacidade funcional

Abstract Mild Cognitive Impairment is characterized as an intermediate form between age-related change and dementia. For the elderly, autonomy and independence are related to the ability to remain active in conducting their social activities and, for this to occur, communication is fundamental in this process. Objective: To assess the association between communication and the abilities of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment to perform instrumental activities of daily living. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative, analytical, correlational study was conducted at the Open University of the Third Age (UnATI), a program of the Federal University of Pernambuco. This study included 92 people, comprising 46 elderly with mild cognitive impairment and a caregiver or family member who met the inclusion criteria. The elderly were asked to complete a sociodemographic questionnaire and Lawton-Brody's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. The caregivers were asked to complete the Functional Assessment of Communication Skills. The following variables were studied: social communication skills and instrumental activities of daily living. Data were stored in an Excel® 2007 spreadsheet, and the Pearson correlation test was used for the statistical analysis. Results: There were statistically significant correlations in four domains of social communication: referring to family members by name (p=0.0033); requesting information about people or events (p=0.0355); understanding conversations in a noisy environment (p=0.0448); and understanding what they watch on television or listen to on the radio (p=0.0127). Conclusion: Changes in the communication of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment interfere with their ability to perform instrumental activities autonomously and independently.

Resumo O comprometimento cognitivo leve se caracteriza como forma intermediária entre a alteração ocasionada pela idade e a demência. Para o idoso, autonomia e independência estão relacionadas à capacidade de se manter ativo na realização das suas atividades sociais e, para que isso aconteça, a comunicação se torna fundamental neste processo. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre comunicação e desempenho dos idosos com comprometimento cognitivo leve na realização das atividades instrumentais da vida diária. Métodos: Estudo transversal, quantitativo, analítico e correlacional, realizado na Universidade aberta à Terceira Idade da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Participaram do estudo 92 pessoas, sendo 46 idosos com comprometimento cognitivo leve e seus respectivos cuidador ou familiar que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Aos idosos, foram aplicados o questionário sociodemográfico e a Escala de Lawton-Brody; e, a seus informantes, a escala de Avaliação Funcional das Habilidades Comunicativas. As seguintes variáveis foram estudadas: habilidades de comunicação social e atividades instrumentais de vida diária. Os dados foram organizados em planilha Excel® 2007 e para análise estatística foi aplicado o Teste de Correlação de Pearson. Resultados: Evidenciou-se correlação estatisticamente significativa em quatro domínios da comunicação social, a saber: nomeia pessoas familiares pelo nome (p=0,0033); solicita informação sobre pessoas ou acontecimentos (p=0,0355); compreende conversas em ambiente barulhento (p=0,0448) e, compreende o que assiste na televisão ou ouve no rádio (p=0,0127). Conclusão: as alterações existentes na comunicação de idosos com comprometimento cognitivo leve interferem na capacidade de realização de atividades instrumentais com autonomia e independência.

New lycosinine derivative from Hippeastrum breviflorum

AbstractA new lycosinine derivative, 9-O-demethyllycosinine B, was isolated from the native Brazilian Hippeastrum breviflorumHerb., Amaryllidaceae, along with the well-known alkaloids lycosinine B and lycorine. The structure of the new compound was established by physical and spectroscopic methods. 9-O-demethyllycosinine B is the third lycosinine variant identified in the Amaryllidaceae family.

Extracts from the leaves of Campomanesia velutina inhibits production of LPS/INF-γ induced inflammatory mediators in J774A.1 cells and exerts anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in vivo

Campomanesia velutina (Cambess) O. Berg, Myrtaceae, popularly known as "gabiroba" or "guavira", is used in traditional Brazilian medicine to treat several diseases, including inflammation and rheumatism. Extraction and isolation from leaves of the plant afforded the active compound myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside, also known as myricitrin. The ethanolic extract of leaves of C. velutina and its ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions were evaluated in inflammation (carrageenan-induced paw oedema) and analgesic models (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and hot plate test). Moreover, the ethanolic extract, its fractions and the isolated compound were also in vitro evaluated for their ability to modulate NO, TNF-α and IL-10 production from J774A.1 macrophages stimulated by LPS/IFN-γ. In vivo assays showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract, ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions. The antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract and A was demonstrated in acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test. In vitro assays demonstrated that ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions fraction and myricitrin inhibited NO production from macrophages J774A.1. Also Myricitrin induced production of IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine. None of the samples was able to inhibited TNF-α production. The results demonstrated for the first time the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of C. velutina. .

Chemical constituents and leishmanicidal activity from leaves of Kielmeyera variabilis

Many phenolic compounds such as xanthones, quinones and coumarins have been isolated from Kielmeyera species; however the presence of flavonoids have been showed in other genera in the Calophylleae tribe as Caraipa, Mesua and Calophyllum. Six known glycosidic flavonoids: quercetin 3-β-O-galactopyranoside (1), quercetin 3-β-O-glucopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-α-rhamnoside (3), luteolin 6-C-β-glucopyranoside (4), isovitexin (5), kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnoside (6) and one triterpene, lupenone (7) were isolated, for the first time, from organic crude extract of Kielmeyera variabilis Mart. & Zucc., Calophyllaceae, leaves. The crude organic extract from K. variabilis leaves exhibited 95% of leishmanidal activity at 20 µg/mL on amastigote-like form of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in vitro model and only compound 3 showed 40-45% of growth inhibition at concentration ranging from 0.78 to 20 µg/mL. In addition, quercetin 3-O-α-rhamnoside (quercitrin) was found to be the major metabolite. Our results and previous reports suggest that synergistic effects of flavonoid glycosides are the cause of significant leishmanidal activity of the crude organic extract from K. variabilis leaves.

Phytochemical screening, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil of Myrcia pubiflora in mice

This report aimed to investigate the chemical composition and possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil from fresh leaves of Myrcia pubiflora DC., Myrtaceae (EOMP), through different experimental tests. The essential oil of M. pubiflora (EOMP) was obtained by hydrodistillation, analyzed by GC-MS, and tested at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg (i.p.) in three different tests of nociception (acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin test, and hot plate test) and one test of inflammation (leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity) in order to evaluate the motor activity in mice treated with EOMP. The major component of EOMP was caryophyllene oxide (22.16 percent). This oil significantly reduced the number of writhes in an acetic acid test and the time spent licking the paw at the second phase of the formalin test. Furthermore, EOMP inhibited the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. However, administration of EOMP did not alter reaction time in the hot plate test, and did not affect the motor coordination test. These results indicate antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of EOMP probably mediated via inhibition of inflammatory mediator synthesis or other peripheral pathway.

Structure of mixed ombrophyllous forests with Araucaria angustifolia (Araucariaceae) under external stress in Southern Brazil

This study is part of the Floristic and Forest inventory of Santa Catarina, conceived to evaluate forest resources, species composition and structure of forest remnants, providing information to update forest conservation and land use policy in Southern Brazilian State of Santa Catarina (95 000km²). In accordance to the Brazilian National Forest inventory (IFN-BR), the inventory applies systematic sampling, with 440 clusters containing four crosswise 1 000m² plots (20x50m) each, located on a 10x10km grid overlaid to land use map based on classification of SPOT-4 images from 2005. Within the sample units, all woody individuals of the main stratum (DBH≥10cm) are measured and collected (fertile and sterile), if not undoubtedly identified in field. Regeneration stratum (height>1.50m; DBH<10cm) is registered in 100m² in each sample unit. Floristic sampling includes collection of all fertile trees, shrubs and herbs within the sample unit and in its surroundings. This study performs analysis based on 92 clusters measured in 2008 within an area of 32 320km² of mixed ombrophyllous forests with Araucaria angustifolia located at the state’s high plateau (500m to 1 560m above sea level at 26º00’-28º30’ S and 49º13’-51º23’ W). Mean density (DBH≥10cm) is 578 individuals/ha (ranging from 85/ha to 1 310/ha), mean species richness in measured remnants is 35 (8 to 62), Shannon and Wiener diversity index (H’) varies between 1.05 and 3.48. Despite high total species diversity (364 Magnoliophyta, five Coniferophyta and one tree fern) and relatively high mean basal area (25.75m²/ha, varying from 3.87 to 68.85m²/ ha), the overwhelming majority of forest fragments are considered highly impacted and impoverished, mostly by logging, burning and extensive cattle farming, turning necessary more efficient protection measures. Basal area was considered an appropriate indicator for stand quality and conservation status. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1371-1387. Epub 2011 September 01.

Este estudio es parte del inventario Florístico Forestal de Santa Catarina, realizado para evaluar los recursos forestales, la composición de especies y la estructura de remanentes de bosque, y proporciona información para actualizar la conservación de los bosques y políticas de uso de la tierra en el estado brasileño de Santa Catarina (95 000km²). El inventario se aplica al muestreo sistemático, de 440 conglomerados en cuatro parcelas de 1 000m² cada una, situados en una red de 10x10km. Dentro de las parcelas, todos los individuos leñosos (DAP≥10cm) fueron medidos. El estrato de regeneración (altura>1.50m, DAP<10cm) se registra en 100m² en cada conglomerado. Este estudio realiza un análisis de 92 conglomerados medidos en 2008 dentro de un área de 32 320km² de bosques ombrófilos mixtos con Araucaria angustifolia ubicados en el altiplano del estado. La densidad media (DAP≥10cm) es de 578 individuos/ha (desde 85/ha hasta 1 310/ha), la media de la riqueza de especies en los remanentes es de 35 (8-62), la diversidad (H’) de Shannon y Wiener varía entre 1.05 y 3.48. A pesar de la alta diversidad total de especies (364 Magnoliophyta, cinco Coniferophyta y un helecho arborescente) y el alto promedio del área basal (25.75m²/ha, variando de 3.87 a 68.85m²/ha), la mayoría de los fragmentos de bosque se consideran altamente impactados por la tala, quema y ganadería extensiva, por lo tanto es necesario más medidas eficaces de protección.

Leishmanicidal activities of the extract from Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg, Myrtaceae / Atividade leishmanicida do extrato de Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg, Myrtaceae

Crude ethanolic extracts from Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg, Myrtaceae, was fractioned by Gel Permeation Chromatography, using SephadexTM LH-20 gel. Sixteen fractions were obtained and were supplied to cytotoxicity in vitro assay against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis amastigota cells. It was observed eight cytotoxic fractions against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis amastigota cells at range of 19 to 29 µg.mL-1. Two of them were not citotoxic against human peripheral blood mononuclear cell, with a great potential to isolation of more selective leishmanicidal substances.

O extrato etanólico bruto de Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg, Myrtaceae, foi fracionado por meio de Cromatografia de Permeação em Gel, utilizando-se SephadexTM LH-20. Dezesseis frações foram obtidas e foram submetidas ao ensaio de citotoxicidade in vitro contra células amastigotas de Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Verificou-se atividade citocida contra células amastigotas de Leishmania (L.) amazonensis em oito frações, a uma concentração de 19 a 29 µg.mL-1. Duas destas frações apresentaram baixa toxicidade para células mononucleares de sangue periférico humano, com grande potencial de isolamento de substâncias leishmanicidas mais seletivas.

Leishmanicidal, trypanocidal, and cytotoxic activities of endophytic fungi associated with bioactive plants in Brazil

One hundred and twenty-one isolates of endophytic fungi were recovered from leaves of the bioactive Brazilian plant species Ageratum myriadenia, Palicourea tetraphylla, Piptadenia adiantoides, and Trixis vauthieri. All fungal isolates were cultivated in liquid media and crude extracts were obtained with ethyl acetate. The crude extracts were tested in bioassay panels using Leishmania amazonensis, Trypanosoma cruzi, the enzyme trypanothione reductase (TryR) from Trypanosoma cruzi, and three human cancer cell lines. Thirty-three extracts (27.2 percent) exhibited at least one biological activity. Seventeen extracts (14 percent) were cytotoxic against one or more human cancer cell line with the IC50 values ranged of >0.2 to 25 µg/mL. Twenty-four extracts (19.8 percent) inhibited the activity of TryR, and three showed ability to inhibit the growth of T. cruzi above 60 percent and their IC50 values ranged among 1 to 10 µg/mL. Eleven extracts (9 percent) were able to inhibit the growth of L. amazonensis and showed with IC50 values ranged among 4.6 to 24.4 µg/mL. The endophytic fungi were identified as belonging to the genera Alternaria, Arthrinium, Cochliobolus, Colletotrichum, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Gibberella. An interesting result was obtained for the bioactive isolates UFMGCB 508, 537, 899 and 903, which were related to fungi associated with medicinal plants native to Asia, Australia, Africa, and Polynesia. These results indicate that bioactive plants living in Brazilian ecosystems are a potential host of endophytic fungi able to produce bioactive prototype molecules for drug development against neglected tropical diseases.

Chemical composition and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of essential oils of Myrceugenia myrcioides(Cambess.) O. Berg and Eugenia riedeliana O. Berg, Myrtaceae / Composição química e atividade inibidora de acetilcolinesterase de óleos voláteis de Myrceugenia myrcioides(Cambess.) O. Berg and Eugenia riedeliana O. Berg, Myrtaceae

The chemical composition of volatile oils from two Myrtaceae species, Myrceugenia myrcioidesand Eugenia riedeliana, both native from the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest, was analyzed by GC-MS. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was colorimetrically evaluated for these oils. For M. myrcioides, monoterpene hydrocarbons represented the major class in the volatile oil, with α-pinene as the most abundant component and a weak inhibitory activity was observed, whilst for E. riedeliana sesquiterpenes were found in higher amounts, being valerianol the major compound, and this oil presented a strong acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

A composição química dos óleos voláteis de duas espécies de Myrtaceae, Myrceugenia myrcioidese Eugenia riedeliana, ambas nativas da Mata Atlântica, foi analisada por CG-EM. A atividade inibidora de acetilcolinesterase foi determinada colorimetricamente para estes óleos. Em M. myrcioides, hidrocarbonetos monoterpênicos representaram a classe majoritária de compostos presentes no óleo volátil, sendo α-pineno o componente mais abundante e a atividade inibidora de acetilcolinesterase foi baixa, enquanto para E. riedelianaos sesquiterpenos foram observados em maiores concentrações, sendo o valerianol o componente majoritário, e este óleo apresentou uma forte atividade inibidora da enzima.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil of Eugenia candolleana DC., Myrtaceae, on mice / Efeito antinociceptivo e antiinflamatório do óleo essencial de Eugenia candolleana DC. (Myrtaceae) em roedores

Eugenia candolleana DC. (Myrtaceae), commonly known as "murta" or "murtinha", is a plant species without any chemical or pharmacological study described in the literature. It has been popularly used for the treatment of pain and fever. This report aimed to investigate the possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil extracted from fresh leaves of Eugenia candolleana DC. (EOEc) in rodents. Following intraperitoneal injection, EOEc (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhes significantly in a writhing test and the number of paw licks during phase two of formalin test (p < 0.001). However, administration of EOEc did not alter the time of reaction in hot plate test. Furthermore, EOEc inhibited (p < 0.01) the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity. These results indicate antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of EOEc probably mediated via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis or other peripherally pathway.

Eugenia candolleana DC. (Myrtaceae), conhecida popularmente como "murta" ou "murtinha", é uma espécie vegetal sem estudos químicos e farmacológicos descritos na literatura, distribuída no Nordeste brasileiro, principalmente, na Zona da Mata. Na medicina popular do Estado de Sergipe é utilizada no tratamento de distúrbios febris e da dor. O presente estudo buscou avaliar as possíveis atividades antinociceptiva e antiinflamatória do óleo essencial extraído das folhas de E. candolleana DC (OEEc) em roedores. A administração intraperitoneal (i.p.) do OEEc (25, 50 e 100 mg/kg) reduziu significativamente o número de contorções no teste das contorções abdominais e a duração da lambida da pata na segunda fase do teste da formalina (p < 0,001). Entretanto, a administração do OEEc não alterou o tempo de reação no teste da placa quente. No experimento de peritonite induzido por carragenina, o OEEc reduziu de forma significativa (p < 0,01) a migração de leucócitos para a cavidade peritoneal. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que o OEEc possui ação antinociceptiva, provavelmente mediado por mecanismos periféricos, e ação antiinflamatória.

Composição química do óleo volátil de Myrcianthes nativas da região sul do Brasil / Chemical composition of the volatile oils of native Myrcianthes species from South Brazil

O óleo essencial das folhas de Myrcianthes gigantea (Myrtaceae), coletadas no Rio Grande do Sul, foi obtido por hidrodestilação em Clevenger e analisado por CG/detector de ionização de chamas e CG/EM. Trinta e seis compostos foram identificados, totalizando 90,1 por cento do conteúdo do óleo. A composição do óleo demonstrou predominância de sesquiterpenos cíclicos, principalmente da via de ciclização do germacrano, apresentando espatulenol (28,8 por cento) e seu isômero, iso-espatulenol (9,5 por cento), como principais constituintes. A composição do óleo das folhas de M. cisplatensis e M. pungens, coletadas na mesma região, também foi analisada e comparada com estudos prévios reportados para estas espécies coletadas em outros países da América da Sul. O óleo essencial de M. cisplatensis apresentou um alto conteúdo de monoterpenos (56,3 por cento), especialmente das séries pinano e p-mentano, com três compostos majoritários: 1,8-cineol (29,8 por cento), limoneno (10,9 por cento) e a-pineno (8,9 por cento), sendo similar ao reportado. Para o óleo de M. pungens 36 compostos foram identificados, porém sem predomínio majoritário, onde b-cariofileno (10,1 por cento), foi o principal deles. O óleo desta espécie difere do relatado para exemplares coletados na Argentina, rico em monoterpenos, sugerindo uma possível ocorrência de quimiotipos.

The essential oil of Myrcianthes gigantea (Myrtaceae) leaves, which were collected in Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil), was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The chemical investigation was performed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Thirty-six compounds were identified accounting for 90.1 percent of the oil content. The analyzed species was rich in cyclic sesquiterpenes, mainly those from the germecrane cyclization pathway, among them spathulenol (28.8 percent) and its isomer, iso-spathulenol (9.5 percent). Leaves of M. cisplatensis and M. pungens were also collected in the same region and the analysis of the oil composition was compared with those previously reported for collections from other countries in South America. M. cisplatensis oil showed a high content of monoterpenes (56.3 percent), specially from the p-mentane and pinane groups, with three major compounds: 1,8-cineole (29.8 percent), limonene (10.9 percent) and a-pinene (8.9 percent). These findings are in agreement with those reported previously. For M. pungens, thirty-six compounds were identified without a predominant component. b-caryophyllene (10.1 percent), with caryophyllane skeleton, was the main substance for this sample. For this species the oil composition was quite different from those related for two exemplars collected in Argentina, in which both oil were rich in monoterpenes. This result suggests the occurrence of chemotypes.

Essential oils from Calyptranthes concinna, C. lucida and C. rubella (Myrtaceae)

Essential oils from Calyptranthes concinna, C. lucida and C. rubella, collected in Southern Brazil, were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Sixty-two compounds were identified representing about 98 por cento of the oil contents. All samples were rich in cyclic sesquiterpenes (more then 90 por cento), mainly those from cadinane, bisabolane and germacrane cyclization pathway. The mainly components characterized were byclogermacrene (22.1 por cento in C. concinna; 11.7 por cento in C. rubella), cis-calamenene (10.3 por cento in C.concinna), beta-caryophyllene (16.5 por cento in C. rubella; 9.4 por cento in C. lucida), beta-bisabolene (25.5 por cento in C. lucida), spathulenol (15.4 por cento in C. rubella) and caryophyllene oxide (7.6 por cento in C. concinna)

Screening of Brazilian plants for the presence of peroxides

Chloroform or dichloromethane extracts of 357 southern Brazilian plant species were tested for the presence of peroxides by thin-layer chromatography, using the spray reagent from Huber & Fröhlke. >From the species tested, 71 (20 por cento) showed positive results and most of them (56 por cento) are Asteraceae species. The species tested were mainly from Asteraceae, but 55 more families were screened, in a total of 77 genera surveyed...