Structural parameters, molecular properties, and biological evaluation of some terpenes targeting schistosoma mansoni parasite

The use of natural products has a long tradition in medicine, and they have proven to be an important source of lead compounds in the development of new drugs. Among the natural compounds, terpenoids present broad-spectrum activity against infective agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoan and helminth parasites. In this study, we report a biological screening of 38 chemically characterized terpenes from different classes, which have a hydroxyl group connected by hydrophobic chain or an acceptor site, against the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, the parasite responsible for schistosomiasis mansoni. In vitro bioassays revealed that 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol (dihydrocitronellol) (10) was the most active terpene (IC50 values of 13­52 µM) and, thus, we investigated its antischistosomal activity in greater detail. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that compound 10 induced severe tegumental damage in adult schistosomes and a correlation between viability and tegumental changes was observed. Furthermore, we compared all the inactive compounds with dihydrocitronellol structurally by using shape and charge modeling. Lipophilicity (miLogP) and other molecular properties (e.g. molecular polar surface area, molecular electrostatic potential) were also calculated. From the 38 terpenes studied, compound 10 is the one with the greatest flexibility, with a sufficient apolar region by which it may interact in a hydrophobic active site. In conclusion, the integration of biological and chemical analysis indicates the potential of the terpene dihydrocitronellol as an antiparasitic agent.

Small bowel angioedema induced by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor: US and CT findings.

Small bowel angioedema induced by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is a rare and often-unrecog- nized condition that presents with transient abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. We report a case diagnosed in a 36 year-old female. Ultrasound and CT showed segmental small bowel wall thickening and straightening associated with marked submucosal edema and ascites. Laboratory tests only revealed mild leukocytosis. The patient improved spontaneously.

Probable initial pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis and mediastinal lymphangioleiomyoma.

A 68 year old woman was submitted to a mediastinal lymphangioleiomyoma resection found in a follow-up study of lower left lung resection due to bronchiectasis complicated by chylothorax. This led to a revaluation of the pulmonary specimen that revealed, in addition to inflammatory bronchiectasis, small spindle cell nodules in the lung parenchyma, similar to minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules, but with smooth muscle actin immunohistochemical positivity. The possibility of initial pulmonary development of lymphangioleiomyomatosis is discussed.

Staphylococcal antimicrobial peptides: relevant properties and potential biotechnological applications.

Bacteriocins are bacterial antimicrobial peptides with bactericidal activity against other bacteria. Staphylococcins are bacteriocins produced by staphylococci, which are Gram-positive bacteria with medical and veterinary importance. Most bacteriocins produced by staphylococci are either lantibiotics (e.g., Pep5, epidermin, epilancin K7, epicidin 280, staphylococcin C55/BacR1, and nukacin ISK-1) or class II bacteriocins (e.g., aureocins A70 and 53). Only one staphylococcin belonging to class III, lysostaphin, has been described so far. Production of staphylococcins is a self-protection mechanism that helps staphylococci to survive in their natural habitats. However, since these substances generally have a broad spectrum of activity, inhibiting several human and animal pathogens, they have potential biotechnological applications either as food preservatives or therapeutic agents. Due to the increasing consumer awareness of the risks derived not only from food-borne pathogens, but also from the artificial chemical preservatives used to control them, the interest in the discovery of natural food preservatives has increased considerably. The emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance among human and animal pathogens and their association with the use of antibiotics constitute a serious problem worldwide requiring effective measures for controlling their spread. Staphylococcins may be used, solely or in combination with other chemical agents, to avoid food contamination or spoilage and to prevent or treat bacterial infectious diseases. The use of combinations of antimicrobials is common in the clinical setting and expands the spectrum of organisms that can be targeted, prevents the emergence of resistant organisms, decreases toxicity by allowing lower doses of both agents and can result in synergistic inhibition.

[Neonates born to drug-addicted mothers]. / Recém-nascidos filhos de mães toxicodependentes.

A test was carried out involving 94 newborn babies whose birth occurred in Alfredo da Costa Maternity between November 1991 and February 1994. The aims of this study were to find out the frequency of social and obstetric risks, to assess the neonatal, mobility, namely as regards the withdrawal syndrome, and also the repercussion of drug-addiction in the children's development. The frequency was 1 newborn baby of a drug-addicted mother for 106 pregnant women. In 67 out of 94 cases there was pre-natal follow-up. In such cases, the frequency of prematurity, of the withdrawal syndrome, and the possibility of preventive treatment of sexually contagious illnesses (Syphilis, hepatitis B, and aids) decreased. 8.5% of the 94 newborn babies were handed over to relatives or for adoption. Only in a small number of cases was it possible to keep the babies under regular observation. However, all of them showed hypertony and bulimia, which disappeared between the 8th and 9th months.