Electromembrane Extraction of Naphthenic Acids in Produced Water Followed by Ultra-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Analysis.

Naphthenic acids comprise one of the most toxic compounds of the produced water released from offshore oil platforms. Therefore, developing and applying faster, simpler, and more efficient analytical methods for analyzing naphthenic acids are urgently needed. Electromembrane extraction (EME) uses the electrokinetic migration of target ions through a porous membrane. Herein, the EME method was applied to extract naphthenic acids from produced water. The EME method was optimized, and the optimal conditions encompassed decanol as the organic solvent, the sample with pH 10.0, 5 min of extraction at 200 V, and the ratio 4:1 (borate buffer/matrix, v/v). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed charged species' migration from produced water through the EME. Subsequently, all extracts were analyzed by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry. The EME efficiency was assessed by comparing the extraction results to the liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method results. Analytical results showed good linearity for both solvent and matrix curves (R2 > 0.98). Low detection limits ranged from 0.10 to 0.13 µg mL-1 and quantification limits from 0.36 to 0.45 µg mL-1. Precision and accuracy values ranged from -13.3% to 16.5%. These values fit the proposed method, demonstrating that the EME was more efficient than LLE in naphthenic acid extraction. The EME method preferably extracted aromatic compounds with double-bond equivalence from 6 to 8. The EME coupled with ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry was demonstrated as a promising analytical approach to naphthenic acid extraction as an efficient and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional extraction methods.

Genotoxicity and pharmacokinetic characterization of Cereus jamacaru ethanolic extract in rats.

The effect of Cereus jamacaru ethanolic extract in rats was analyzed using genotoxicity assays and liver ABCB1 and CYP2D4 gene expression. The lyophilized extract of C. jamacaru cladodes was analyzed with LC-MS/MS. Male Wistar rats (n=36) were equally distributed into six groups that did (+) or did not (-) receive cyclophosphamide treatments: Control (-); Control (+); EXP 1 (-), and EXP 1 (+), both treated with 210 mg/kg of ethanolic extract; and EXP 2 (-) and EXP 2 (+), both treated with 420 mg/kg of ethanolic extract. After 30 d of treatment, body weight and food and water intake were monitored. Right femur of the rats and spinal canal fluid were harvested and used for genotoxicity assays, and the liver samples were used for gene expression studies. The phytochemical analysis identified novel compounds. Animals treated with C. jamacaru showed lower body weight and food ingestion compared to controls (P<0.05). The genotoxicity assay showed an absence of ethanolic extract cytotoxicity. CYP2D4 expression was higher in EXP 2 groups compared with EXP 1 (-) group (P<0.05). ABCB1A expression was higher in negative groups compared with the positive groups. These results indicated a new phytochemical characterization of C. jamacaru and its effect on food ingestion and body weight gain. Moreover, the genotoxicity assay suggested that C. jamacaru ethanolic extract treatment presents significant intrinsic genotoxic potential and the enhanced expression of ABCB1 and CYP2D4 on C. jamacaru extract treatment suggests a role of the efflux transporter and microsomal enzyme, respectively, in C. jamacaru pharmacokinetics.

Morus nigra L: revisão sistematizada das propriedades botânicas, fitoquímicas e farmacológicas / Morus nigra L: systematized review of botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological properties / Morus nigra L: revisión sistematizada de las propiedades botánicas, fitoquímicas y farmacológicas

Morus nigra é uma espécie vegetal popularmente conhecida por Amora negra. Esta espécie amplamente cultivada na Ásia e nas regiões sul e sudeste do Brasil, possui importância econômica devido a sua ampla utilização na alimentação e confeitaria, sendo também utilizada na medicina popular como anti-inflamatório, diurético, antitussígeno, anti-hemorrágico, para o tratamento do climatério e de doenças hepáticas e renais. Diversos estudos têm sido conduzidos a respeito das atividades farmacológicas da Morus nigra. Neste trabalho de revisão narrativa da literatura foram explorados estudos nas bases de dados acerca da atividade hipolipemiante e de outras atividades farmacológicas dos compostos fenólicos, estilbenos, flavonoide, isoprenilados, cumarinas, cromonas e xantonas da Morus nigra, para verificar sua capacidade de diminuição dos níveis de colesterol total, triglicerídeos, LDL e ainda, aumento dos níveis de HDL, como também outras propriedades antioxidantes, anticarcinogênica, antimutagênica. Desse modo, conclui-se a necessidade da realização de mais estudos com Morus nigra e principalmente mais ensaios clínicos que avaliem a segurança e eficácia na utilização desta planta(AU)

Morus nigra is a plant species popularly known as blackberry. This species, widely cultivated in Asia and in the south and southeast regions of Brazil, is economically important due to its wide use in food and confectionery. It is also used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antitussive, anti-hemorrhagic, for treatment climacteric and liver and kidney diseases. Several studies have been conducted regarding the pharmacological activities of Morus nigra. In this work of narrative review of the literature we explored studies in the databases on the lipid-lowering activity and other pharmacological activities of the phenolic, stilbenos, flavonoids, isoprenylates, coumarins, cromones and xanthones compounds of Morus nigra, to verify their capacity to decrease levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and also, increased levels of HDL, as well as other antioxidant properties, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic. Thus, it is concluded that further studies are needed with Morus nigra and, in particular, more clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of this plant(AU)

Morus nigra es una especie vegetal popularmente conocida por Amora negra. Esta especie ampliamente cultivada en Asia y en las regiones sur y sudeste de Brasil, tiene una importancia económica debido a su amplia utilización en la alimentación y la confitería, siendo utilizada en la medicina popular como anti-inflamatorio, diurético, antitusígeno, anti-hemorrágico, para el tratamiento del climaterio y de las enfermedades hepáticas y renales. Se han realizado varios estudios sobre las actividades farmacológicas de Morus nigra. En este trabajo de revisión narrativa de la literatura se exploraron estudios en las bases de datos acerca de la actividad hipolipemiante y de otras actividades farmacológicas de los compuestos fenólicos, estilbenos, flavonoide, isoprenilados, cumarinas, cromonas y xantonas de Morus nigra, para verificar su capacidad de disminución de los niveles de colesterol total, triglicéridos, LDL y aún, aumento de los niveles de HDL, así como otras propiedades antioxidantes, anticarcinogénicas, antimutagénicas. De este modo, se concluye la necesidad de realizar más estudios con Morus nigra y principalmente más ensayos clínicos que evalúen la seguridad y eficacia en la utilización de esta planta(AU)

Monoaminergic neurotransmission is mediating the antidepressant-like effects of Passiflora edulis Sims fo. edulis.

The genus Passiflora is popularly used to treat anxiety. Recent studies showed antidepressant-like effects of two varieties of P. edulis (edulis and flavicarpa) in mice. However, the mechanisms of antidepressant actions are still unknown. Here, the effects of P. edulis fo. edulis aqueous extract (AE, 100-300mg/kg, po), and ethyl acetate (AcOEt, 25-50mg/kg, po), butanol (BuOH, 25-50mg/kg, po) and residual aqueous (25-100mg/kg, po) fractions were investigated in the mouse forced swimming test. In addition, the involvement of monoamines in the P. edulis fractions-induced antidepressant actions was approached. HPLC analyses showed that AcOEt and BuOH, but not residual, fractions shared with AE the main peaks between 25 and 70min (UV 340nm), which are suggestive of flavonoids. Nortriptyline and fluoxetine reduced the immobility time and similar results were observed for AE, AcOEt and BuOH but not residual fractions. PCPA (inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis), AMPT (inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis) and sulpiride (selective D2 receptor antagonist), but not DSP-4 (noradrenergic neurotoxin), blocked the antidepressant actions of AcOEt and BuOH. In conclusion, AcOEt and BuOH fractions shared with AE similar phytochemical composition and antidepressant actions. Preserved 5-HT and dopamine transmissions were required for the antidepressant effects of P. edulis fractions.

Antidepressant activity of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonists in the mouse learned helplessness.

RATIONALE: Pharmacological and genetic evidence support antidepressant-like effects elicited by the blockade of the NOP receptor. The learned helplessness (LH) model employs uncontrollable and unpredictable electric footshocks as a stressor stimulus to induce a depressive-like phenotype that can be reversed by classical antidepressants. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the action of NOP receptor antagonists in helpless mice. METHODS: Male Swiss mice were subjected to the three steps of the LH paradigm (i.e., (1) induction, (2) screening, and (3) test). Only helpless animals were subjected to the test session. During the test session, animals were placed in the electrified chamber and the latency to escape after the footshock and the frequency of escape failures were recorded. The effect of the following treatments administered before the test session were evaluated: nortriptyline (30 mg/kg, ip, 60 min), fluoxetine (30 mg/kg, ip, four consecutive days of treatment), and NOP antagonists SB-612111 (1-10 mg/kg, ip, 30 min) and UFP-101 (1-10 nmol, icv, 5 min). To rule out possible biases, the effects of treatments on controllable stressful and non stressful situations were assessed. RESULTS: In helpless mice, nortriptyline, fluoxetine, UFP-101 (3-10 nmol), and SB-612111 (3-10 mg/kg) significantly reduced escape latencies and escape failures. No effects of drug treatments were observed in mice subjected to the controllable electric footshocks and non stressful situations. CONCLUSIONS: Acute treatment with NOP antagonists reversed helplessness similarly to the classical antidepressants. These findings support the proposal that NOP receptor antagonists are worthy of development as innovative antidepressant drugs.

Blockade of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor signaling reverses LPS-induced depressive-like behavior in mice.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ is the natural ligand of a Gi-protein coupled receptor named NOP. This peptidergic system is involved in the regulation of mood states and inflammatory responses. The present study aimed to investigate the consequences of blocking NOP signaling in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness and depressive-like behaviors in mice. LPS 0.8mg/kg, ip, significantly induced sickness signs such as weight loss, decrease of water and food intake and depressive-like behavior in the tail suspension test. Nortriptyline (ip, 60min prior the test) reversed the LPS-induced depressive states. The NOP receptor antagonist SB-612111, 30min prior LPS, did not modify LPS-induced sickness signs and depressive-like behavior. However, when injected 24h after LPS, NOP antagonists (UFP-101, icv, and SB-612111, ip) significantly reversed the mood effects of LPS. LPS evoked similar sickness signs and significantly increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma levels 6h post-injection in wild-type ((NOP(+/+)) and NOP knockout ((NOP(-/-)) mice. However, LPS treatment elicited depressive-like effects in NOP(+/+) but not in NOP(-/-) mice. In conclusion, the pharmacological and genetic blockade of NOP signaling does not affect LPS evoked sickness signs while reversing depressive-like behavior.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ-NOP receptor system in inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases.

The neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous ligand of the G-protein-coupled receptor NOP. Cells from the immune system express the precursor preproN/OFQ and the NOP receptor, as well as secrete N/OFQ. The activation of the N/OFQ-NOP pathway can regulate inflammatory and immune responses. Several immune activities, including leukocyte migration, cytokine and chemokine production, and lymphocytes proliferation are influenced by NOP activation. It was demonstrated that cytokines and other stimuli such as Toll-like receptor agonist (e.g., lipopolysaccharide) induce N/OFQ production by cells from innate and adaptive immune response. In this context, N/OFQ could modulate the outcome of inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis and immune-mediated pathologies by mechanisms not clearly elucidated. In fact, clinical studies revealed increased levels of N/OFQ under sepsis, arthritis, and Parkinson's disease. Preclinical and clinical studies pointed to the blockade of NOP receptor signaling as successful strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This review is focused on experimental and clinical data that suggest the participation of N/OFQ-NOP receptor activation in the modulation of the immune response, highlighting the immunomodulatory potential of NOP antagonists in the inflammatory and immunological disturbances.

Efeito de diferentes durações do alongamento no desempenho de saltos unipodais / The effect of different stretching times on single-leg jump performance / Efecto de diferentes duraciones del alongamiento en el desempeño de saltos unipodales

INTRODUÇÃO: A prática de exercícios de alongamento é muito comum como parte do aquecimento em diversas modalidades esportivas, porém, esta prática pode ser negativa para aqueles que desejam o aprimoramento da força e potência muscular, consequentemente, o rendimento dos saltos pode ficar reduzido após exercícios de alongamento, que depende do tempo de duração e intensidade do mesmo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do tempo de permanência no exercício alongamento sobre o desempenho do drop jump unilateralmente (unipodal). MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 16 adultos jovens hígidos, com larga experiência em saltos. O protocolo de teste consistiu em realizar três drop jumps unipodais máximos a partir de uma plataforma de 15 cm sobre um tapete de salto (Hidrofit(r)), antes e após duas durações (i.e. uma série 3 min. de um lado, e 6 min. para outro, a escolha foi de forma aleatória) de alongamento dos músculos tríceps sural, utilizando uma intensidade entre 70-90% da percepção subjetiva de desconforto. A análise de variância ANOVA (2x2) foi utilizada para verificar diferenças para a altura de salto, tempo de contato e flexibilidade, utilizando um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Apresentaram diferenças significativas entre condições pré e pós-alongamento para as durações de 3 e 6 minutos (P=0,002 e P=0,001, respectivamente), com a diminuição na altura máxima do salto. O tempo de contato foi maior apenas para a duração de 6 minutos (P=0,039). CONCLUSÃO: A realização de exercícios de alongamento do músculo tríceps sural por 3 ou 6 minutos de duração resulta na queda do desempenho do drop jump unipodal, diminuição da altura do salto vertical ...

INTRODUCTION: Stretching is very common as part of the warm-up in several sports modalities. However this practice can be negative to strength improvement and muscular power. Consequently, jump performance can be reduced after stretching exercises, depending on its duration and intensity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acute effects of different long-term stretching times on single-leg drop jump performance. METHODS: The sample was composed of 16 healthy jump experienced young adult athletes. The experimental protocol consisted of performing three maximum unipodal drop jumps from a 15 cm high platform, and landing on a contact mat (Hidrofit(r)), before and after two stretching times of the triceps surae muscles (i.e. a series of 3 minutes on one side and 6 minutes on the other, with the sides being randomly chosen), using an intensity of 70-90% of their subjective perception of discomfort. An ANOVA (2x2) analysis was used to verify differences for the jump height, contact time and flexibility, using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences between pre and post-stretching times of 3 and 6 minutes (P=0.002 and P=0.001, respectively). Contact time was higher only for the stretching time of 6 minutes (P=0.039). CONCLUSION: We conclude that stretching exercises of the triceps surae muscle, for 3 or 6 minutes, resulted in a decreased performance in the single-leg drop jump, a decrease in the vertical jump height (for 3 and 6 minutes) and contact time (for 6 minutes only), reinforcing the need for more debates in this area regarding stretching before power activities. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: La práctica de ejercicios de alongamiento es muy común como parte del calentamiento en diversas modalidades deportivas. No obstante, esta práctica puede ser negativa para aquellos que desean la mejora de la fuerza y potencia muscular. Consiguientemente, el rendimiento de los saltos puede ser reducido después de ejercicios de alongamiento, que depende del tiempo de duración e intensidad del mismo. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la influencia del tiempo de permanencia en el ejercicio de alongamiento sobre el desempeño del drop jump unilateralmente (unipodal). MÉTODOS: La muestra fue composta por 16 adultos jóvenes sanos, con amplia experiencia en saltos. El protocolo de test consistió en realizar tres drop jumps unipodales máximos a partir de una plataforma de 15 cm sobre una alfombra de salto (Hidrofit(r)), antes y después de dos duraciones (i.e. una serie de 3 min. de un lado, y 6 min. para otro, la elección fue de forma aleatoria) de alongamiento de los músculos tríceps sural, utilizando una intensidad entre 70-90% de la percepción subjetiva de incomodidad. El análisis de variación ANOVA (2x2) fue utilizado para verificar diferencias para la altura de salto, tiempo de contacto y flexibilidad, utilizando un nivel de significancia de 5%. RESULTADOS: Presentaron diferencias significativas entre condiciones pre y post-alongamiento para las duraciones de 3 y 6 minutos (P=0,002 y P=0,001, respectivamente), con la disminución en la altura máxima del salto. El tiempo de contacto fue mayor sólo para la duración de 6 minutos (P=0,039). CONCLUSIÓN: La realización de ejercicios de alongamiento del músculo tríceps sural por 3 ó 6 minutos de duración resulta en la caída del desempeño del drop jump unipodal, disminución de la altura del salto vertical (para 3 y 6 min. de duración) ...

Parasitas intestinais em centros de educação infantil municipal de Lages, SC, Brasil / Intestinal parasites in nursey schools of Lages, southern Brazil

Infecção por enteroparasitas foi avaliada em 200 crianças em idade escolar, residentes em Lages. A prevalência geral entre helmintos e protozoários foi de 70,5 por cento com 61,4 por cento no sexo masculino e 74,5 por cento no feminino. Os parasitos mais prevalentes foram Ascaris lumbricoides (35 por cento), Giardia lamblia (14 por cento) e Trichuris trichiura (13 por cento).

[Intestinal parasites in nursery schools of Lages, southern Brazil]. / Parasitas intestinais em centros de educação infantil municipal de Lages, SC, Brasil.

Two hundred children from nursery schools in Lages, southern Brazil, were associated as to parasitic infections. The overall prevalence of helminths and protozoa was 70.5%, affecting 61.4% of male and 74.5% of female children. The most prevalent parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (35%), Giardia lamblia (14%) e Trichuris trichiura (13%).