Eugenia uniflora (pitanga) juice as a new alternative vehicle for Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271: evaluation of antioxidant and anti-infective effects.

Probiotic-containing foods are among the most appreciated functional foods; however, probiotic-based dairy products cannot be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk, or vegetarian or vegan individuals. Thus, new non-dairy matrices have been tested for probiotics delivery. This study evaluated the growth and viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in Pitanga juice (Eugenia uniflora L.). The effects of the fermentation on the antioxidant and anti-infective properties of the juice were also analyzed. The E. uniflora juice allowed lactobacilli growth without supplementation, reaching rates around 8.4 Log CFU/mL and producing organic acids (pH values < 4) after 72 h of fermentation. The strain remained viable after 35 days of refrigerated storage. Fermentation by these bacteria increases the antioxidant capacity of the juice. The central composite rotational design was employed to evaluate the effects of bacterial inoculum and pulp concentration on growth and organic acids production by L. fermentum ATCC 23271. The strain was viable and produced organic acids in all tested combinations. L. fermentum-fermented juice and its cell-free supernatant significantly increased the survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae infected by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli 042. The results obtained in this study provide more insights into the potential of Pitanga juice to develop a functional non-dairy probiotic beverage with antioxidant and anti-infective properties.

Short-Term Intake of Theobroma grandiflorum Juice Fermented with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 Amended the Outcome of Endotoxemia Induced by Lipopolysaccharide.

Endotoxemia is a condition caused by increasing levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) characterized by an impaired systemic response that causes multiple organ dysfunction. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 is a strain with probiotic potential which shows immunomodulatory properties. The incorporation of this bacterium in food rich in bioactive compounds, such as cupuaçu juice (Theobroma grandiflorum), could result in a product with interesting health properties. This work evaluated the effects of the oral administration of cupuaçu juice fermented with L. rhamnosus on the outcome of LPS-induced endotoxemia in mice. C57BL/6 mice (12/group) received oral doses (100 µL) of saline solution and unfermented or fermented cupuaçu juice (108 CFU/mL). After 5 days, the endotoxemia was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg). The endotoxemia severity was evaluated daily using a score based on grooming behavior, mobility, presence of piloerection, and weeping eyes. After 6 h and 120 h, the mice (6/group) were euthanized for analysis of cell counts (in peritoneal lavage and serum) and organ weight. L. rhamnosus grew in cupuaçu juice and produced organic acids without the need for supplementation. The bacteria counts were stable in the juice during storage at 4 °C for 28 days. The fermentation with L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 changed the metabolites profile of cupuaçu juice due to the biotransformation and enhancement of some compounds. In general, the administration of L. rhamnosus-fermented juice allowed a significant improvement in several characteristics of endotoxemic status (weight loss, hypothermia, severity index, cell migration). In addition, treatment with fermented juice significantly reduced the weight of the spleen, liver, intestine, and kidneys compared to the saline-treated endotoxemic group. Taken together, our data show that short-term intake therapy of cupuaçu juice fermented with L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 can reduce systemic inflammation in an experimental model of LPS-induced endotoxemia in mice.

Schinus terebinthifolius Leaf Lectin (SteLL) Reduces the Bacterial and Inflammatory Burden of Wounds Infected by Staphylococcus aureus Promoting Skin Repair.

Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found in wound infections where this pathogen impairs skin repair. The lectin isolated from leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius (named SteLL) has antimicrobial and antivirulence action against S. aureus. This study evaluated the effects of topical administration of SteLL on mice wounds infected by S. aureus. Seventy-two C57/BL6 mice (6−8 weeks old) were allocated into four groups: (i) uninfected wounds; (ii) infected wounds, (iii) infected wounds treated with 32 µg/mL SteLL solution; (iv) infected wounds treated with 64 µg/mL SteLL solution. The excisional wounds (64 mm2) were induced on the dorsum and infected by S. aureus 432170 (4.0 × 106 CFU/wound). The daily treatment started 1-day post-infection (dpi). The topical application of both SteLL concentrations significantly accelerated the healing of S. aureus-infected wounds until the 7th dpi, when compared to untreated infected lesions (reductions of 1.95−4.55-fold and 1.79−2.90-fold for SteLL at 32 µg/mL and 64 µg/mL, respectively). The SteLL-based treatment also amended the severity of wound infection and reduced the bacterial load (12-fold to 72-fold for 32 µg/mL, and 14-fold to 282-fold for 64 µg/mL). SteLL-treated wounds show higher collagen deposition and restoration of skin structure than other groups. The bacterial load and the levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF) were also reduced by both SteLL concentrations. These results corroborate the reported anti-infective properties of SteLL, making this lectin a lead candidate for developing alternative agents for the treatment of S. aureus-infected skin lesions.

Immunogenicity of trimetric spike protein associated to Poly(I:C) plus Alum

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a social and economic impact worldwide, and vaccination is an efficient strategy for diminishing those damages. New adjuvant formulations are required for the high vaccine demands, especially adjuvant formulations that induce a Th1 phenotype. Herein we assess a vaccination strategy using a combination of Alum and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)) adjuvants plus the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in a prefusion trimeric conformation by an intradermal (ID) route. We found high levels of IgG anti-spike antibodies in the serum by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high neutralizing titers against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro by neutralization assay, after one or two boosts. By evaluating the production of IgG subtypes, as expected, we found that formulations containing Poly(I:C) induced IgG2a whereas Alum did not. The combination of these two adjuvants induced high levels of both IgG1 and IgG2a. In addition, cellular immune responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing interferon-gamma were equivalent, demonstrating that the Alum + Poly(I:C) combination supported a Th1 profile. Based on the high neutralizing titers, we evaluated B cells in the germinal centers, which are specific for receptor-binding domain (RBD) and spike, and observed that more positive B cells were induced upon the Alum + Poly(I:C) combination. Moreover, these B cells produced antibodies against both RBD and non-RBD sites. We also studied the impact of this vaccination preparation (spike protein with Alum + Poly(I:C)) in the lungs of mice challenged with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus. We found a production of IgG, but not IgA, and a reduction in neutrophil recruitment in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice, suggesting that our immunization scheme reduced lung inflammation. Altogether, our data suggest that Alum and Poly(I:C) together is a possible adjuvant combination for vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 by the intradermal route.

Orthomene (Menispermaceae) in the Brazilian Amazon / Orthomene (Menispermaceae) na Amazônia brasileira

Orthomene comprises four species distributed from Central to South America, of which three occur in phytogeographic domains of Brazil. In Brazil, Amazonia is the main center of diversity for the genus. This work is a taxonomic treatment of Orthomene in Brazil and involved analyzing field collections (between January 2017 and July 2018), types and botanical specimens from 32 national and foreign herbaria. The three species in the study area are Orthomene hirsuta,Orthomene prancei and Orthomene schomburgkii. The latter is the most common and widely distributed species of the genus in the country. An identification key, descriptions, illustrations, distribution data, and additional comments for each species are provided. (AU)

Orthomene possui quatro espécies, distribuídas desde a América Central até a América do Sul, sendo que três ocorrem nos domínios fitogeográficos brasileiros. No Brasil, a Amazônia brasileira é considerada o principal centro de diversidade do gênero. O tratamento taxonômico envolveu a análise de material coletado (entre janeiro de 2017 e julho de 2018), tipos e amostras dos espécimes de Orthomene depositados em 32 herbários nacionais e estrangeiros. O gênero está representado na área de estudo por três espécies: Orthomene hirsuta,Orthomene prancei e Orthomene schomburgkii, sendo esta última a mais comum e amplamente distribuída nas regiões brasileiras de sua ocorrência. São apresentadas uma chave de identificação, descrições e ilustrações das espécies, bem como dados adicionais sobre distribuição geográfica e comentários sobre as mesmas.(AU)

Efeito Antiproliferativo do Zoledronato em Linhagens Celulares Tumorais / Antiproliferative Effect of Zoledronate on Tumor Cell Lines / Efecto Antiproliferativo del Zoledronato en Linajes Celulares Tumorales

Introdução: Bisfosfonatos são fármacos utilizados para o tratamento de enfermidades ósseas, como a osteoporose e metástases ósseas, em razão do seu mecanismo de ação, que consiste na diminuição do processo de reabsorção do osso. Outros estudos verificaram que bisfosfonatos de alta potência, como o zoledronato, poderiam auxiliar no tratamento de outras enfermidades malignas por causa da promoção de um efeito antiproliferativo. Objetivo: Este estudo in vitro objetivou avaliar a atividade antiproliferativa de zoledronato em diferentes linhagens de células tumorais. Método: Nove linhagens humanas (U251; MCF7; NCI/ADR-RES; 786-0; NCI-H460; PC-3; OVCAR-3; HT29; K-562 e HaCaT) foram submetidas ao tratamento com as concentrações de 0,12; 1,2; 12 e 120 µM de zoledronato e tiveram sua atividade proliferativa avaliada após 48 horas, utilizando-se o corante sulforrodamina B. Resultados: Verificou-se que as concentrações de 12 µM e 120 µM de zoledronato foram eficazes para a redução em 50% e 100%, respectivamente, da proliferação das células 786-0 (carcinoma renal). A maior concentração de zoledronato (120 µM) promoveu um efeito citostático (redução da proliferação celular em 50%) para as células HaCaT (queratinócito humano não tumoral), HT-29 (carcinoma de cólon), NCI-ADR/ RES (adenocarcinoma de ovário com fenótipo de multirresistência) e NCI-H460 (carcinoma pulmonar). Conclusão: Esses resultados sugerem um promissor efeito auxiliar do zoledronato para o tratamento de alguns tipos de tumores; estudos complementares in vitro e in vivo são necessários para a validação dessa hipótese.

Introduction: Bisphosphonates are used in the treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and bone metastases, because of their ability to inhibit bone resorption. There is evidence that high-potency bisphosphonates, such as zoledronate, are useful in the treatment of other malignancies because they have an antiproliferative effect. Objective:To evaluate the antiproliferative activity of zoledronate in different tumor cell lines. Method: This was an in vitro study in which nine human cell lines (U251, MCF7, NCI/ ADR-RES, 786-0, NCI-H460, PC-3, OVCAR-3, HT29, K-562, and HaCaT) were treated with of 0.12, 1.2, 12, and 120 µM of zoledronate, their proliferative activity being evaluated 48 h later with sulforhodamine B assay. Results: At the 12 µM and 120 µM doses, zoledronate effectively reduced the proliferation of 786-0 (renal carcinoma) cells by 50% and 100%, respectively. At the highest concentration (120 µM), zoledronate had a cytostatic effect (50% reduction in cell proliferation) on HaCaT (non-tumor human keratinocyte), HT-29 (colon carcinoma), NCI-ADR/ RES (multidrug-resistant ovarian adenocarcinoma), and NCI-H460 (lung carcinoma) cells. Conclusion: These results suggest a promising auxiliary effect of zoledronate for the treatment of some tumors. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed in order to test that hypothesis.

Introducción: Los bisfosfonatos son fármacos utilizados para el tratamiento de enfermedades óseas, como la osteoporosis y metástasis óseas debido a su mecanismo de acción, que consiste en la disminución del proceso de reabsorción del hueso. Otros estudios observaron que los bisfosfonatos de alta potencia, como el zoledronato, podrían ayudar en el tratamiento de otras enfermedades malignas debido a la promoción de un efecto antiproliferativo. Objetivo: Este estudio in vitro objetivó evaluar la actividad antiproliferativa de zoledronato en diferentes linajes de células tumorales. Método: Los nueve humano linajes (U251, MCF7, NCI / ADR-RES, 786-0, NCI-H460, PC-3, OVCAR-3, HT29, K-562 and HaCaT) se sometieron al tratamiento con las concentraciones de 0,12; 1,2; 12 y 120 µM de zoledronato y tuvieron su actividad proliferativa evaluada después de 48 horas utilizando el colorante sulforrodamina B. Resultados: Se comprobó que las concentraciones de 12 µM y 120 µM de zoledronato fueron efectivas para reducir en un 50% y un 100%, respectivamente, de la proliferación de las células 786-0 (carcinoma renal). La mayor concentración de zoledronato (120 µM) promovió un efecto citostático (reducción de la proliferación celular en un 50%) para las células HaCaT (queratinocito humano no tumoral), HT-29 (carcinoma de colon), NCI-ADR/RES (adenocarcinoma de ovário con fenótipo de multirresistencia) y NCI-H460 (carcinoma pulmonar). Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren un prometedor efecto auxiliar del zoledronato para el tratamiento de algunos tumores; se requieren más estudios in vitro e in vivo para validar esta hipótesis

Estudo taxonômico do gênero Abuta (Menispermaceae) no Estado do Pará, Brasil / The taxonomic study of the Abuta genus (Menispermaceae) in the State of Pará, Brazil

Abuta is a genus taxonomically complex due overlapping of morphological character variation. This study deals with the taxonomic treatment of the Abuta genus in the Pará state. The study includes the analysis of botanical material originated from new collections and specimens from the herbaria Museum Goeldi (MG), Agronomic Institute of the North (IAN), National Institute for Research in the Amazon (INPA), Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden (RB) and New York Botanical Garden (NY). Identification key, descriptions, geographical distribution, comments, and illustrations of species are provided. In Pará the genus is represented by 11 species: A. barbata, A. brevifolia, A. candollei, A. grandifolia, A. grisebachii, A. imene, A. obovata, A. rufescens, A. sandwithiana, A. solimoesensis and A. velutina. Abuta obovata and A. velutina are new records for Pará state. The leaf venation was the main character for separating species and the secondary vegetation formation the ecosystem with the largest number of species.

Abuta é um gênero taxonomicamente complexo devido à sobreposição de variação dos caracteres morfológicos. O presente estudo consiste no tratamento taxonômico de Abuta no Estado do Pará. A análise envolveu amostras provenientes de coletas e exsicatas dos herbários Museu Goeldi (MG), Instituto Agronômico do Norte (IAN), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazonia (INPA), Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (RB) e New York Botanical Garden (NY). São apresentados chave de identificação, descrições, distribuição geográfica, comentários e ilustrações das espécies. O gênero está representado na área por 11 espécies: A. barbata, A. brevifolia, A. candollei, A. grandifolia, A. grisebachii, A. imene, A. obovata, A. rufescens, A. sandwithiana, A. solimoesensis e A. velutina. Abuta obovata e A. velutina são novos registros para o estado do Pará. A venação foliar foi o principal caractere para a separação das espécies e a formação de capoeira o ecossistema que apresentou o maior número de espécies.

Estudo taxonômico de Sapotaceae Juss. do litoral Paraense / The taxonomic study of the Sapotaceae Juss. on the coast of Pará

This study deals with the taxonomic treatment of Sapotaceae Juss. on the coastal sandbanks of Pará State. With the aid of a stereomicroscopy, there were made morphological descriptions of reproductive and vegetative parts. We used literature and collections identified by specialists to confirm the different characteristics of the taxa. We also constructed an identification key for species. We described five species and four subspecies, distributed into four genera: Manilkara bidentata subsp. bidentata, M. bidentata subsp. surinamensis, M. triflora, M. paraensis; Micropholisvenulosa, M. gnaphaloclados; Pouteria ramiflora, P. reticulata subsp. reticulata and Pradosia schomburgkiana subsp. schomburgkiana. The genus Manilkara Adans. was the most representative with two species and two subspecies. The sandbank forest formation was the ecosystem with the largest number of taxa.

Este trabalho consiste no tratamento taxonômico de Sapotaceae Juss. nas restingas do litoral paraense. Com auxilio de estereomicroscópio foram feitas as descrições morfológicas das partes vegetativas e reprodutivas. Utilizou-se literatura especializada, coleções identificadas por especialistas para confirmar as características diferenciais dos táxons e montada uma chave de identificação para as espécies. Foram descritas cinco espécies e quatro subespécies, distribuídas em quatro gêneros: Manilkara bidentata subsp. bidentata, M. bidentata subsp. surinamensis, M. triflora, M. paraensis; Micropholisvenulosa, M. gnaphaloclados; Pouteria ramiflora, P. reticulata subsp. reticulata and Pradosia schomburgkiana subsp. schomburgkiana. O gênero Manilkara Adans.foi o mais representativo com duas espécies e duas subespécies. A formação floresta de restinga foi o ecossistema que apresentou o maior número de táxons.

[Impact that positive reinforcement during spirometry has on the measurement of VC in healthy volunteers]. / Impacto da utilização de reforço positivo na mensuração da CV por espirometria em voluntários saudáveis.

OBJECTIVE: Physiologically, VC can vary according to gender, age, body weight and posture, as well as ethnic and anthropometric characteristics. In addition, various diseases can alter VC. In order to measure VC, it is necessary to motivate the patient, to make the instructions understandable, to provide clear information and to have a capable examiner. The objective of this study was to determine the impact that positive reinforcement during spirometry has on the measurement of VC in healthy volunteers. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial involving 105 healthy volunteers, randomly allocated to one of two groups: control and intervention. In both groups, VC was assessed as baseline (VC1) and again 15 days later (VC2). Positive reinforcement was provided only to patients in the intervention group and only during the determination of VC2. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the baseline characteristics. Females predominated in both groups. There was an increase in VC2 in both groups (p < 0.01), and VC2 was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the importance of using the behavioral strategy in combination with traditional practice in order to obtain better results. The use of positive reinforcement during the determination of VC has proven to be an effective, simple and easily applied strategy.

Impacto da utilização de reforço positivo na mensuração da CV por espirometria em voluntários saudáveis / Impact that positive reinforcement during spirometry has on the measurement of VC in healthy volunteers

OBJETIVO: A CV pode variar fisiologicamente em função do gênero, idade, peso, postura, características étnicas e antropométricas, além de poder ser alterada por diversas doenças. Para a realização dessa mensuração, são necessárias a motivação e a compreensão do paciente, a clareza nas informações transmitidas e a habilidade do investigador. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o impacto do reforço positivo na mensuração da CV por espirometria em voluntários saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico randomizado, realizado com 105 voluntários saudáveis, alocados randomicamente em dois grupos: grupo controle e grupo intervenção. Os grupos foram submetidos à avaliação da CV basal (CV1) e, após 15 dias, foram reavaliados (CV2), sendo que apenas o grupo intervenção recebeu o reforço positivo durante a determinação da CV2. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significantes quanto às características basais dos voluntários entre os grupos. Houve predomínio do gênero feminino em ambos os grupos. Observou-se um aumento da CV2 em ambos os grupos (p < 0,01), sendo que a CV2 foi maior no grupo intervenção do que no grupo controle (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo demonstra a importância da utilização da estratégia comportamental associada à prática tradicional para a obtenção de melhores resultados. A utilização do reforço positivo durante a mensuração da CV demonstrou-se como uma estratégia eficaz, simples e de fácil aplicabilidade na abordagem ao paciente.

OBJECTIVE: Physiologically, VC can vary according to gender, age, body weight and posture, as well as ethnic and anthropometric characteristics. In addition, various diseases can alter VC. In order to measure VC, it is necessary to motivate the patient, to make the instructions understandable, to provide clear information and to have a capable examiner. The objective of this study was to determine the impact that positive reinforcement during spirometry has on the measurement of VC in healthy volunteers. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial involving 105 healthy volunteers, randomly allocated to one of two groups: control and intervention. In both groups, VC was assessed as baseline (VC1) and again 15 days later (VC2). Positive reinforcement was provided only to patients in the intervention group and only during the determination of VC2. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the baseline characteristics. Females predominated in both groups. There was an increase in VC2 in both groups (p < 0.01), and VC2 was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the importance of using the behavioral strategy in combination with traditional practice in order to obtain better results. The use of positive reinforcement during the determination of VC has proven to be an effective, simple and easily applied strategy.

Avaliação da retinopatia diabética em pacientes encaminhados para angiografia fluoresceínica em hospital de referência / Diabetic retinopathy evaluation in patients referred to fluorecein angiography

Objetivo: Avaliar o estágio da retinopatia diabética quanto ao tratamento necessário, em pacientes encaminhados para o exame de angiografia fluoresceínica. Local: Hospital do Olho - RJ. Método: Foram avaliados 338 pacientes portadores de diabetes, encaminhados para ealização de angiografia fluoresceínica em hospital de referência da rede pública. Resultado: Dos 338 pacientes, 156 eram portadores de retinopatia diabética, tendo sido divididos em 5 grupos de acordo com o tratamento indicado, baseado no resultado da angiografia fluoresceínica. Havia 48 pacientes (14,2 por cento) com indicação apenas de controle clínico, 54 (16,0 por cento) com indicação de fotocoagulação, 25 (7,4 por cento) possuíam membranas fibrovasculares, mas apenas com indicação de fotocoagulação, e 29 (8,5 por cento) com indicação de vitrectomia. Não havia retinopatia diabética em 182 pacientes. Conclusão: Os achados nos faz supor que existem dois tipos de condutas distintas quanto à indicação da angiografia fluoresceínica para diabéticos: a daqueles que requisitam o exame para todos os pacientes diabéticos e a dos que só valorizam a angiografia após constatar retinopatia marcante. Talvez um estudo mais detalhado do percurso destes pacientes até a realização da angiografia possa nos mostrar a influência destes fatores como causa dos diferentes estágios de retinopatia encontrados.

Distrofia "lattice" corneana / Lattice corneal dystrophy

Foram estudados 8 membros de uma mesma família no Departamento de Córnea do Serviço de Oftalmologia do Instituto Benjamim Cosntant (IBC), abrangendo 3 geraçöes, tendo sido encontrado 4 portadores de distrofia "lattice" corneana. A faixa etária variou entre 8 e 58 anos de idade, sendo 3 homens e 1 mulher. Nenhum deles apresentava sinais que pudessem ser correlacionados à amiloidose sistêmica. Dentro da mesma família há relato de mais 10 casos com a mesma patologia corneana.