Research progress on small biomolecule formulations for chemical disinfection of root canals / 口腔疾病防治

@#Successful treatment of endodontic and periapical diseases requires the elimination of bacteria and microbial biofilms from root canals. Currently, the most preferred irrigation method involves the delivery of sodium hypochlorite via the combination of a syringe and ultrasonic activation. Calcium hydroxide is the main choice for intracanal medicament between endodontic appointments and treatment. However, conventional chemical disinfection of root canals is controversial due to drug permeability and drug resistance. New small biomolecule formulations with high penetrability and bioremediatory capacity, including antimicrobial peptides such as M33D and LL-37, antisense RNA ASwalR/ASvicR and nanoparticles such as silver nanoparticles, mesoporous calcium-silicate nanoparticles and chitosan nanoparticles, have effective antibacterial and antibiofilm properties for use in root canal systems and dentinal tubules, thereby promoting the healing of apical lesions. However, the in vivo drug stability, biosafety, and clinical efficacy of small biomolecule formulations need further investigation. Future research will still focus on the improvement and combination of traditional drugs, as new small molecule formulations and ideal disinfectant drugs need to be developed. In the present paper, we reviewed the development of new antibacterial agents and application of small biomolecule formulations for chemical disinfection of infected root canals.

Evaluation of Phytochemical and HPLC analysis of Crotalaria angulata , Momordica cymbalaria , Senna hirsuta and Indigofera linnaei and it’s biological applications

To encompass a quantitative evaluation of phytochemical analysis and HPLC analysis of ethanol extracts of Senna hirsuta ; Indigofera linnaei; Crotalaria angulata and Momordica cymbalaria leaves were experimented to have broad analysis on presence of bioactive components. The phytochemical tests showed the bioactive compounds in Senna hirsuta ethanolic extracts with Steroids, Glycosides, Anthraquinones, Saponins Glycosides, Flavonoids and Terpenoids. In Indigofera linnaei, ethanolic extracts of this plant contain Steroids, Glycosides, Saponins, Glycosides and Terpenoids, Anthraquinones, Tannins, Flavonoids and Saponins are absent for this plant. Test for Steroids, Anthraquinones, Tannins and Terpenoids are strongly present in the plant of Crotalaria angulata . The strong presence of Steroids, Glycosides, Tannins, Terpenoids, Saponins foam in the plant of Momordica cymbalaria . The effects of ethanolic extracts of Anti-Bacterial activity of S.hirsuta and Indigofera linnaei with some of bacteria pathogenic strains such as Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis were experimented . The antibacterial activities of the ethanolic extracts were compared favorably with that standard antibiotic (Chloramphenicol). The Ethanolic extract of leaf showed a maximum zone of inhibition (11 mm) against Escherichia coli, a Gram negative bacteria. In Indigofera linnaei, the ethanolic extract, show a maximum zone of inhibition (19 mm) to Salmonella typhi . In chromatographic technique, the separation and movements of biomolecules has been investigated. Hence, these bio-techniques play a significant role in finding of important material for pharmaceutical industry and have substances that induce a great interest due to their versatile applications . The paper chromatographic technique showed the Rf value at chlorophyll ‘a’ is 0.569 and ‘b’ value 0.123 present in plant Crotalaria angulata . The Rf value at chlorophyll’a’0.569, and ‘b’ value is 0.353 present in the plant Momordica cymbalaria . HPLC analyses allow for the identification of samples of Momordica cymbalaria with peak value of 1676436 and Retention time is 4.092. This particular study revealed the strong quantitative phytochemicals in Crotalaria angulata and Momordica cymbalaria and the same has been found to be the most effective free radical quencher. As a culmination, these plant extracts can be a safe alternative to chemical drugs.

Extraction and characterization of collagen from the skin of Amazonian freshwater fish pirarucu

The need to fully exploit fishing resources due to increasing production and consequent waste generation requires research to promote the sustainability of the fishing industry. Fish waste from the industry is responsible for relevant environmental contamination. However, these raw materials contain high amounts of collagen and other biomolecules, being attractive due to their industrial and biotechnological applicability. Thus, to reduce the waste from pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) processing, this study aimed to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin tissue. The extraction process used 0.05 M sodium hydroxide, 10% butyl alcohol, and 0.5 M acetic acid, with extraction temperature of 20°C. The obtained yield was 27.8%, and through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), it was determined that the collagen obtained was type I. This study showed that collagen solubility was highest at pH 3 and the lowest solubility was at concentrations of 3% sodium chloride. The denaturation temperature of collagen was 38.1°C, and its intact molecular structure was observed using the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry technique with an absorption radius of 1. The results showed that it was possible to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin at 20°C, which has the typical characteristics of commercial type I collagen. In conclusion, the procedures used may be considered to be an interesting alternative for collagen extraction, a new product obtained from the processing of fish waste.

Challenges in estimating the encapsulation efficiency of proteins in polymersomes - Which is the best method?

Abstract Polymersomes are nanometric vesicles that can encapsulate large and hydrophilic biomolecules, such as proteins, in the aqueous core. Data in literature show large variation in encapsulation efficiency (%EE) values depending on the method used for calculation. We investigated different approaches (direct and indirect) to quantify the %EE of different proteins (catalase, bovine serum albumin-BSA, L-asparaginase and lysozyme) in Pluronic L-121 polymersomes. Direct methods allow quantification of the actual payload of the polymersomes and indirect methods are based on the quantification of the remaining non-encapsulated protein. The protein-loaded polymersomes produced presented approximately 152 nm of diameter (PDI ~ 0.4). Higher %EE values were obtained with the indirect method (up to 25%), attributed to partial entanglement of free protein in the polymersomes poly(Ethylene Glycol) corona. For the direct methods, vesicles were disrupted with chloroform or proteins precipitated with solvents. Reasonable agreement was found between the two protocols, with values up to 8%, 6%, 17.6% and 0.9% for catalase, BSA, L-asparaginase and lysozyme, respectively. We believe direct determination is the best alternative to quantify the %EE and the combination of both protocols would make results more reliable. Finally, no clear correlation was observed between protein size and encapsulation efficiency.

ZnO quantum dots a novel nanomaterial for various applications: Recent advances and challenges

Globally, in the recent era of 22nd century, ZnO quantum dots has gained huge attention of researchers towards its various applications in nano-biotechnology industry. This review article provides substantial approach on several aspects of ZnO quantum dots, its properties, synthesis process, factors affecting the synthesis process. Recent advances and challenges in QDs synthesis and their applications. Though the use of ZnO QDs has shown huge progress, but still so many challenges are there at present like economically cheaper level commercialization of quantum dots, proper in vitro and in vivo application of ZnO quantum dots, so that it can fulfil the need of the industry for various applications.

Marine actinomycetes from the Kerala coastal region as a potential expedient for the natural drug discovery

Aims@#The marine actinomycetes are a rich source of novel bioactive molecules. Especially the exotic tropical marine habitat of the Kerala coastal region favours the actinomycete diversity. The present study focuses on the isolation, purification and morphological characterization of marine actinomycetes for the discovery of new bioactive compounds.@*Methodology and results@#A total of 280 morphologically distinct actinomycetes were isolated from marine soil and sediments of 10 different isolation sites located along the coastal region of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India using standard microbiological techniques. The physicochemical analysis of the soil samples collected from different stations was also done.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Even though the soil/sediment samples were collected from geographically nearby places, the physicochemical parameters showed a significant variation. This may be one of the factors which may trigger the actinomycete diversity in these regions. The diversity of actinomycetes prevalent in this region could serve as a potential source for the discovery of novel biomolecules.

Valorisation potentielle des biomolécules issues des venins de scorpions contre la COVID-19 / Potential role of bioactive molecules from scorpion venoms against COVID-19

Les produits d?origine naturelle sont considérés comme une source précieuse de substances médicamenteuses et constituent une grande diversité structurelle et fonctionnelle. Les venins, de par les propriétés de leurs composés représentent pour l?animal venimeux un moyen de défense contre des prédateurs et d?immobilisation de leurs proies. Ces venins sont responsables des effets néfastes induits lors d?une envenimation en induisant une stimulation du système nerveux autonome par des peptides toxiques, une libération massive des neurotransmetteurs et une réponse inflammatoire systémique excessive. Ces processus sont à l?origine des dommages tissulaires et d?une défaillance multiviscérale. Par ailleurs, certains des composants des venins représentent un potentiel pharmacologique d?intérêt dans le développement de nouveaux médicaments pouvant être utilisés dans plusieurs pathologies telles que la COVID-19. La COVID-19 est une maladie infectieuse transmissible. Lors d?une infection, le virus SARS-CoV-2 induit une réaction immunitaire inadaptée associée à un orage cytokinique et à une coagulopathie, responsables d?un syndrome de détresse respiratoire dans les cas les plus graves. La pandémie de la COVID-19 a causé à travers le monde et ce depuis fin 2019, une crise sanitaire sans précédent et d'énormes pertes économiques. Dans cette revue bibliographique, les principales avancées scientifiques concernant essentiellement la réponse immunitaire et les mécanismes immunopathologiques induits lors d?une infection avec le SARS-CoV-2 seront décrites. Le rôle bénéfique des biomolécules isolées à partir des venins sera également rapporté pour une éventuelle utilisation de nouvelles biomolécules contre la COVID-19.

Natural products are considered as an excellent source of novel drugs and continue to provide greater structural and functional diversity. Venoms, by the properties of their compounds, are used by venomous animal for their defense against predators and to immobilize the prey. These venoms are responsible for the harmful effects induced during envenomation by inducing stimulation of the autonomic nervous system by toxic peptides, massive release of neurotransmitters and an excessive systemic inflammatory response. These processes cause tissue damage and multiple organ failure. However, some of the components of the venoms represent a valuable pharmacological potential in the development of new drugs that can be used in several pathologies such as COVID-19. The infectious, COVID-19 disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to an inappropriate immune response, consequently causing cytokine storm and coagulopathy, responsible for respiratory distress syndrome in the most severe cases. Since its onset, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread over the world; it has not only impacted human health, but also the individual behavior, the functioning of society and the economy of all countries. This review provides an overview of the current evidence regarding immune response and the immune-pathological mechanisms involved during infection with SARS-CoV-2. The beneficial role of biomolecules isolated from venoms will be also presented as potential candidate molecules against COVID-19.

Biosurfactant produced by Candida utilis UFPEDA1009 with potential application in cookie formulation

BACKGROUND: Biosurfactants are biomolecules that have the potential to be applied in food formulations due to their low toxicity and ability to improve sensory parameters. Considering the ability of yeasts to produce biosurfactants with food-friendly properties, the aim of the present study was to apply a biosurfactant produced by Candida utilis in the formulation of cookies. RESULTS: The biosurfactant was obtained with a yield of 24.22 ± 0.23 g/L. The characterization analysis revealed that the structure of a metabolized fatty acid with high oleic acid content (68.63 ± 0.61%), and the thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated good stability at temperatures lower than 200°C, potential for food applications. The biosurfactant also exhibited satisfactory antioxidant activity at concentrations evaluated, without cytotoxic potential for cell strains, L929 and RAW 264.7, according to the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The incorporation of the surfactant into the dough of a standard cookie formulation to replace animal fat was carried out, achieving a softer, spongier product without significantly altering the physical and physicochemical properties or energy value. CONCLUSION: The thermal stability and antioxidant activity of the biosurfactant produced by C. utilis were verified, besides the positive contribution in the texture analysis of the cookies. Therefore, this biomolecule presents itself as a potential ingredient in flour-based sweet food formulations.

Conversion of renewable substrates for biosurfactant production by Rhizopus arrhizus UCP 1607 and enhancing the removal of diesel oil from marine soil

BACKGROUND: The use of agro-industrial wastes to produce high value-added biomolecules such as biosurfactants is a promising approach for lowering the total costs of production. This study aimed to produce biosurfactants using Rhizopus arrhizus UCP 1607, with crude glycerol (CG) and corn steep liquor (CSL) as substrates. In addition, the biomolecule was characterized, and its efficiency in removing petroderivatives from marine soil was investigated. RESULTS: A 22 factorial design was applied, and the best condition for producing the biosurfactant was determined in assay 4 (3% CG and 5% CSL). The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 28.8 mN/m and produced a yield of 1.74 g/L. The preliminary biochemical characterization showed that the biosurfactant consisted of proteins (38.0%), carbohydrates (35.4%), and lipids (5.5%). The compounds presented an anionic character, nontoxicity, and great stability for all conditions tested. The biomolecule displayed great ability in dispersing hydrophobic substrates in water, thereby resulting in 53.4 cm2 ODA. The best efficiency of the biosurfactant in removing the pollutant diesel oil from marine soil was 79.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the ability of R. arrhizus UCP1607 to produce a low-cost biosurfactant characterized as a glycoprotein and its potential use in the bioremediation of the hydrophobic diesel oil pollutant in marine soil

Metagenomic Approach towards Bioprospection of Novel Biomolecule(s) and Environmental Bioremediation

Microorganisms have developed several physiological adaptations to survive within extreme ecological niches including environments contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and nuclear wastes. Microorganisms in extreme habitat are potential source of “novel biomolecule(s)” such as whole microbial cells, extremozymes and extremolytes, significantly required for environmental, industrial, and red medical/pharmaceutical biotechnology. These novel biomolecule(s) are valuable resources and may help improve economic development. The scanty information about the factors governing the microbial growth within stressed environments is the major constraint in the recovery of novel biomolecule(s) from extreme habitats. Understanding the structure, metabolic capabilities, microbial physiology, and factors governing the composition and role of indigenous microorganism is the key to success of any study. In recent past the problems associated with classical cultivation techniques have been resolved by an emerging approach referred to as “metagenomics”. Metagenomic studies give an insight into details of the structure, metabolic and physiological capabilities of indigenous microbial communities. High-throughput sequencing technologies in conjunction with metagenomics has aided in the identification and characterization of novel culturable and uncultured microorganisms with unique capabilities. Metagenomic studies have been used for isolation and characterization of novel biomolecule(s) relevant for white, grey, and red biotechnologies. The major objective of this review is to discuss the applications of metagenomic approach for bioprospection of novel biomolecule(s) and environmental bioremediation.

Photoacoustic microscopy: principles and biomedical applications

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) has become an increasingly popular technology for biomedical applications, providing anatomical, functional, and molecular information. In this concise review, we first introduce the basic principles and typical system designs of PAM, including optical-resolution PAM and acoustic-resolution PAM. The major imaging characteristics of PAM, i.e. spatial resolutions, penetration depth, and scanning approach are discussed in detail. Then, we introduce the major biomedical applications of PAM, including anatomical imaging across scales from cellular level to organismal level, label-free functional imaging using endogenous biomolecules, and molecular imaging using exogenous contrast agents. Lastly, we discuss the technical and engineering challenges of PAM in the translation to potential clinical impacts.

Total carotenoids and antioxidant activity of fillets and shells (in natura or cooked) of "Vila Franca" shrimp (Litopenaeus Schmitti) in different intervals of storage under freezing / Carotenóides totais e atividade antioxidante dos filés e cascas (in natura ou cozida) do camarão "Vila Franca" (Litopenaeus schmitti) em diferentes intervalos de armazenamento sob congelamento

ABSTRACT Shrimps are sources of carotenoids, astaxanthin is the predominant, responsible for their special and desirable properties, as well as for their instability under heat treatment during the domestic preparation, industrial processing or storage under freezing. These can cause discoloration and reduce the beneficial health properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of heat treatment and storage under freezing (0, 45 and 90 days) on the levels of total carotenoids and stability of the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of fillets and shells, raw and cooked, of the white shrimp ("Vila Franca") Litopenaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1938). The antioxidant ability of the extracts was evaluated using the radicals DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and ABTS+• (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid), as well as by the iron reducing power (FRAP) test. The extracts of cooked or in natura shrimps (fillets and shells) represent dietary sources of carotenoids, displaying antioxidant activity through all the tested methods, after heat treatment and storage under freezing. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was superior to the one of ascorbic acid, mainly in the cooked fillet and shells. The samples of shrimp shells seemed a valuable source of carotenoids, whose antioxidant activity was verified even 90 days after freezing, and can be used in food products as functional natural supplement, adding value to this waste.

RESUMO Os camarões são fontes de carotenóides, sendo a astaxantina o predominante, responsáveis por suas propriedades especiais e desejáveis, e também a causa da sua instabilidade pelo tratamento térmico durante o preparo doméstico, processamento industrial ou armazenamento sob congelamento, que pode causar descoloração e redução de suas propriedades benéficas à saúde. Este trabalho visou avaliar o efeito do tratamento térmico e armazenamento sob congelamento (0, 45 e 90 dias) nos teores de carotenóides totais e na estabilidade da atividade antioxidante dos extratos etanólicos de filé e cascas, cruas ou cozidas, de camarão "Vila Franca" Litopenaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1938). A capacidade antioxidante dos extratos foi avaliada utilizando os radicais DPPH• (2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila) e ABTS+• (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-etilbenzotiazolina-6- acido sulfônico), bem como pelo teste do poder redutor do ferro (FRAP). Os extratos do camarão cozido ou in natura (filé e cascas), representam fontes dietéticas de carotenóides, exibindo atividade antioxidante através de todos os métodos testados, após o tratamento térmico e armazenamento sob congelamento. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos foi superior a de ácido ascórbico, principalmente no filé e cascas cozidos. As amostras de cascas de camarão parecem uma valiosa fonte de carotenóides, cuja atividade antioxidante foi verificada até 90 dias após o congelamento, e pode ser utilizado nos produtos alimentares como suplemento natural funcional, agregando valor a esses resíduos.

Calorimetric techniques applied to the thermodynamic study of interactions between proteins and polysaccharides / Técnicas calorimétricas aplicadas ao estudo termodinâmico das iterações entre proteínas e polissacarídeos

ABSTRACT: The interactions between biological macromolecules have been important for biotechnology, but further understanding is needed to maximize the utility of these interactions. Calorimetric techniques provide information regarding these interactions through the thermal energy that is produced or consumed during interactions. Notable techniques include differential scanning calorimetry, which generates a thermodynamic profile from temperature scanning, and isothermal titration calorimetry that provide the thermodynamic parameters directly related to the interaction. This review described how calorimetric techniques can be used to study interactions between proteins and polysaccharides, and provided valuable insight into the thermodynamics of their interaction.

RESUMO: As interações entre macromoléculas biológicas têm tido importante aplicação na biotecnologia, mas, para sua devida utilização, estudos mais detalhados são necessários. As técnicas calorimétricas permitem estudá-las ao serem capazes de fornecer informações referentes a essas interações através da energia térmica que é gerada ou absorvida durante o processo de interação. Dentre as técnicas que mais se destacam estão a Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial, que é capaz de fornecer um perfil termodinâmico a partir de uma varredura de temperatura, e a Calorimetria de Titulação Isotérmica, que fornece parâmetros termodinâmicos diretamente relacionados ao processo de interação. Nesta revisão, descrevemos como essas técnicas calorimétricas podem ser efetivamente aplicadas no estudo das interações entre proteínas e polissacarídeos, com o propósito de obter informações valiosas sobre a termodinâmica da interação.

Recent Progress of Colorimetric Assays Based on Gold Nanoparticles for Biomolecules / 分析化学

Biochemical analysis assays based on colorimetric methods using gold nanoparticles have many advantages including high sensitivity, good selectivity, naked-eyes readout and complex instruments free. These methods have good prospects in applications. The biomolecule assay is highly relative with human health. This review mainly focuses on colorimetric assays applying gold nanoparticles for biomolecules detection.

Hiperentorno de aprendizaje para el tratamiento de los contenidos de las biomoléculas en las carreras de Tecnología de la Salud / Learning hyperrange for biomolecules themes in the Health Technologies careers

El aprendizaje de las biomoléculas en los programas de Química y su dirección metodológica requieren de una constante actualización en correspondencia con las exigencias de la formación de los tecnólogos de la salud. Un acercamiento al proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la Química en la filial de Ciencias Médicas permitió corroborar la existencia de insuficiencias que limitan el aprendizaje de los contenidos sobre biomoléculas en vinculación con sus aplicaciones prácticas en el ámbito de la salud, haciéndose necesario aportar un medio didáctico para la dirección de este proceso, en el cual se concibe una nueva visión metodológica. Como resultado de esta investigación, el Hiperentorno Educativo de Aprendizaje (HEA) para el aprendizaje de las biomoléculas, concebido desde la organización de la actividad cognoscitiva y la sistematización metodológica, integra coherentemente situaciones de aprendizaje, sistemas de ejercicios y preguntas a partir de las aplicaciones prácticas de las biomoléculas en el ámbito de la salud(AU)

The biomolecules learning in the chemistry subjects and its methodological direction require a constant updating in correspondence with the demands of the health technologists. An approaching to teaching-learning process of the chemistry in the medical sciences college allowed to corroborate the existence of insufficiencies that limit the learning over the contents dealing with biomolecules linked to their practical applications in the health issues, making it necessary to contribute with a didactical mean for the process direction in which a new methodological vision is conceived. As a result in this investigation, the Learning Educative Hyperrange for the directions of the biomolecules teaching-learning process, conceived since the cognitive activity organization and methodological systematization which integrates coherently, learning situations, exercises systems and questions to deport of the practical applications on the biomolecules in the health issues(AU)

A study of in vitro antibacterial activity of lanthanides complexes with a tetradentate Schiff base ligand

Objective: To establish the antibacterial activity of lanthanides complexes with a tetradentate Schiff base ligand L. Methods: (N, N'-bis (1-naphthaldimine)-o-phenylenediamine) was prepared from the condensation of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with o-phenylenediamine in a molar ratio of 2:1. The antimicrobial activity of the resultant Ln (III) complexes was investigated using agar well diffusion and micro-broth dilution techniques; the latter was used to establish the minimum inhibitory concentrations for each compound investigated. Results: Most of Ln (III) complexes were found to exhibit antibacterial activities against a number of pathogenic bacteria with MICs ranging between 1.95-250.00 μg/mL. Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible bacterial species to [LaL(NO3)2(H2O)](NO3) complex while Shigella dysenteriae andEscherichia coli required a relatively higher MIC (250 μg/mL). The complexes La (III) and Pr (III) were effective inhibitors against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas Sm (III) complex was effective against Serratia marcescens. On the other hand, Gd (III), La (III) and Nd (III) were found to be more potent inhibitors against Pseudomonas aeruginosa than two of commonly used antibiotics. The remaining Ln (III) complexes showed no remarkable activity as compared to the two standard drugs used. Conclusions: Tetradentate Schiff base ligand L and its complexes could be a potential antibacterial compounds after further investigation.

A study of in vitro antibacterial activity of lanthanides complexes with a tetradentate Schiff base ligand

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish the antibacterial activity of lanthanides complexes with a tetradentate Schiff base ligand L.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(N, N'-bis (1-naphthaldimine)-o-phenylenediamine) was prepared from the condensation of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with o-phenylenediamine in a molar ratio of 2:1. The antimicrobial activity of the resultant Ln (III) complexes was investigated using agar well diffusion and micro-broth dilution techniques; the latter was used to establish the minimum inhibitory concentrations for each compound investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Most of Ln (III) complexes were found to exhibit antibacterial activities against a number of pathogenic bacteria with MICs ranging between 1.95-250.00 µg/mL. Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible bacterial species to [LaL(NO3)2(H2O)](NO3) complex while Shigella dysenteriae and Escherichia coli required a relatively higher MIC (250 µg/mL). The complexes La (III) and Pr (III) were effective inhibitors against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas Sm (III) complex was effective against Serratia marcescens. On the other hand, Gd (III), La (III) and Nd (III) were found to be more potent inhibitors against Pseudomonas aeruginosa than two of commonly used antibiotics. The remaining Ln (III) complexes showed no remarkable activity as compared to the two standard drugs used.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Tetradentate Schiff base ligand L and its complexes could be a potential antibacterial compounds after further investigation.</p>

Efecto protector de los polifenoles de Rhizophora mangle L sobre el daño oxidativo a proteínas y ADN / Protective effect of polyphenols from Rhizophora mangle L on oxidative damage to proteins and DNA

Al extracto acuoso de la corteza de Rhizophora mangle L se le ha demostrado un amplio espectro de usos medicinales: en el tratamiento de la mastitis bovina, la curación de heridas,las infecciones uterinas y las úlceras gastroduodenales; debido a sus propiedades antiséptica, cicatrizante, antiinflamatoria y antioxidante. Sin embargo, no se han completado los estudios de la actividad antioxidante a todos los niveles de complejidad para dilucidar los mecanismos de acción involucrados en este efecto farmacológico. Objetivo: determinar si el extracto acuoso de R. mangle y su fracción polifenólica protegen a las principales biomoléculas del daño oxidativo. La evaluación de la actividad antioxidante del extracto de R mangle y su fracción polifenólica sobre las principales biomoléculas se determinó mediante ensayo de daño oxidativo a la albúmina de suero bovino expuesta a los radicales hidroxilo generados en el sistema Fenton y ensayo de degradación oxidativa del ADN inducido por el sistema bleomicina-Fe3+.El extracto de R. mangle y su fracción polifenólica, a la máxima concentración ensayada, disminuyeron la oxidación de los grupos sulfidrilos en 87,3 y 89,1 por ciento; e inhibieron la degradación del ADN en 98,4 y 91,9 por ciento, respectivamente. El análisis de regresión mostró que ambos efectos fueron dependientes de la concentración de taninos en el extracto y su fracción. La comparación de las líneas de regresión reveló que el extracto y su fracción resultaron igualmente eficaces en proteger a la albúmina de suero bovino de la oxidación por los radicales hidroxilos, sin embargo, el extracto fue más eficaz en proteger al ADN de la degradación oxidativa que su fracción. El extracto acuoso de R. mangle mostró un efecto protector a las principales biomoléculas del daño oxidativo, evidenciado por la inhibición de la pérdida de grupos sulfidrilos en la albúmina de suero bovino y la disminución de la degradación del ADN...

The aqueous extract from Rhizophora mangle (L) bark has demonstrated a broad spectrum of medicinal uses; for example, in treating bovine mastitis, wound healing, uterine infections and gastroduodenal ulcers, due to its antiseptic, healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the antioxidant activity in its whole complexity has not been fully studied in order to elucidate the mechanisms of action involved in this pharmacological effect. Objective: to determine if R. mangle bark aqueous extract and its polyphenolic fraction protect the main biomolecules from oxidative damage. The antioxidant activity of R. mangle extract and its polyphenolic fraction on the main biomolecules was determined by the following methods: oxidative damage trial on bovine serum albumin exposed to hydroxyl radicals generated in the Fenton system and the bleomycin-Fe3+ system-induced DNA oxidative degradation trial. Results: the R. mangle bark extract and its polyphenolic fraction, at the highest tested concentration, reduced the sulfhydryl group oxidation by 87,3 percent and 89,1 percent and they also inhibited the DNA degradation by 98.4 percent and 91.9 percent respectively. The regression analysis demonstrated that both effects depended on tannin concentration in the extract and its fraction. The comparison of regression lines revealed that the extract and its fraction were equally effective in protecting bovine serum albumin from oxidation by hydroxyl radicals; however, the extract was more effective when protecting DNA from oxidative degradation than its fraction. The R mangle aqueous extract showed a protective effect on the main biomolecules from the oxidative damage, evidenced by inhibiting loss of sulfhydryl group in bovine serum albumin and decreasing the DNA degradation. At the same time, it was shown that polyphenolic compounds present in the extract were the main responsible for the antioxidant effects observed in this study

Sperm morphology and natural biomolecules from marine snail Telescopium telescopium: a phylogenetic perspective / Morfología de los espematozoides y biomoléculas naturales del caracol marino Telescopium telescopium: una perspectiva filogenética

Biochemical analysis of the cytosol fraction isolated from the ovotestis/spermatheca glands of marine mollusc Telescopium telescopium and it's sperm microtubular structure revealed that relatively similar biomolecules like different enzymes, hormones, minerals and structures of the sperm are also exist in humans. Moreover, antiserum of the cytosol fraction was found to cross-react with the human sperm antigen indicated presence of a common sperm surface antigenicity between these two diversified species. These findings might support and / or hypothesize about the origin and diversification of the vertebrate molecules from its ancestral form (s) from the invertebrates, and basic physiological functions of these ancestral biomolecules including some of the cellular structures plausibly remain the same regardless their structural changes even after evolution.

El análisis bioquímico de la fracción aislada del citosol desde las glándulas ovotestes/espermateca del molusco marino Telescopium telescopium y su estructura tubular espermática revelaron biomoléculas relativamente similares como tales como diferentes enzimas, hormonas, minerales y estructuras de los espermatozoides que también existen en los seres humanos. Por otra parte, en el antisuero de la fracción citosólica se encontró una reacción cruzada con los antígenos del esperma humano indicando la presencia de una superficie espermática de antigenicidad común entre estas dos diversificadas especies. Estos hallazgos pueden apoyar y/o hipotetizar sobre el origen y la diversificación de las moléculas de los vertebrados desde su forma (s) ancestral desde los invertebrados, y funciones básicas fisiológicas de estas biomoléculas ancestrales incluyendo algunas de las estructuras celulares siendo plausiblemente las mismas, independientemente de sus cambios estructurales incluso después de la evolución.

Effect of Artesunate Treatment on Some Brain Biomolecules and its Behavioral Implication.

Background: Artesunate (AS) is an artemisinin antimalarial drug used as a single drug or in combination with other antimalarials. Objective: This study was to find its effect on some brain biomolecules and behavioural activities in Wistar rats. Methods:Forty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 150- 180g were divided into four groups of A, B, C and D with 10 animals each. Group A served as the control that received tap water, while groups B, C and D served as the experimental groups that received 2.85mg/kg (therapeutic dose-TD) and 5.71mg/kg (high pharmacologic dose-HPD) of AS per day for 3 days, and 2.85mg/kg (long duration therapeutic dose -LDTD) of AS per day for six days respectively. Half of the dose was administered twelve hourly (twice a day), and twelve hours after the last treatments, behaviour test using the ‘open field maze’ was carried out. Immediately after, the animals were sacrificed with chloroform anaesthesia and the whole brain removed and weighed. Whole brain homogenates were used to determine brain total protein (TP), triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol (CH).Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparative Test as applicable. Results: There were no difference (p<0.05) between the experimental groups and the control group in the anthropometric parameters and behavioural activities. In the brain biomolecules concentration, TP was lower in concentration in the HPD group, TAG was lower in concentration in the LDTD group, while the HPD and LDTD groups had lower CH concentration compared to the control. In all the parameters studied no difference was found between the TD group and the control. Conclusion: AS at recommended dose may not affect some behaviour and brain biomolecule concentration, unlike when taken in excess of dose and or time. Even at these doses/time there may have been no behavioural manifestation.