Anti-Inflammatory Activity of N'-(3-(1H-indol-3-yl)benzylidene)-2-cyanoacetohydrazide Derivative via sGC-NO/Cytokine Pathway.

The N-acylhydrazone function has been reported as a pharmacophore group of molecules with diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of the compound N'-(3-(1H-indol-3-yl)benzylidene)-2-cyanoacetohydrazide (JR19) in vivo. The study started with the carrageenan-induced peritonitis model, followed by an investigation of leukocyte migration using the subcutaneous air pouch test and an assessment of the antinociceptive profile using formalin-induced pain. A preliminary molecular docking study focusing on the crystallographic structures of NFκB, iNOS, and sGC was performed to determine the likely mechanism of action. The computational study revealed satisfactory interaction energies with the selected targets, and the same peritonitis model was used to validate the involvement of the nitric oxide pathway and cytokine expression in the peritoneal exudate of mice pretreated with L-NAME or methylene blue. In the peritonitis assay, JR19 (10 and 20 mg/kg) reduced leukocyte migration by 59% and 52%, respectively, compared to the vehicle group, with the 10 mg/kg dose used in subsequent assays. In the subcutaneous air pouch assay, the reduction in cell migration was 66%, and the response to intraplantar formalin was reduced by 39%, particularly during the inflammatory phase, suggesting that the compound lacks central analgesic activity. In addition, a reversal of the anti-inflammatory effect was observed in mice pretreated with L-NAME or methylene blue, indicating the involvement of iNOS and sGC in the anti-inflammatory response of JR19. The compound effectively and significantly decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17, and IFN-γ, and this effect was reversed in animals pretreated with L-NAME, supporting a NO-dependent anti-inflammatory effect. In contrast, pretreatment with methylene blue only reversed the reduction in TNF-α levels. Therefore, these results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of the novel N-acylhydrazone derivative, which acts through the nitric oxide pathway and cytokine signaling, making it a strong candidate as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent.

Construction and Validation of the Positive Mental Health Literacy Assessment Scale in Adults.

Low mental health literacy levels have a profound negative effect on healthcare outcomes, usage of healthcare services and healthcare expenditure. To date, there is little research and a lack of instruments available to address and assess positive mental health literacy levels in community-dwelling adults. Thus, this study sought to develop an instrument to assess positive mental health literacy in adults and to evaluate its psychometric properties. A scale developed in European Portuguese and composed of 32 items was designed to assess positive mental health literacy among community-dwelling adults and was validated using exploratory factor analysis. Five latent factors were identified (decision making, prosocial attitudes, perception of resources, community involvement, and problem solving), whose hypothesised structure was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling. Evidence showed that the scale's factor structure is reliable and valid and adequately represents the theorised constructs. Thus, this may be a useful assessment tool for clinical practice since it will allow a more rigorous assessment of positive mental health literacy and better mental health promotion interventions in the population.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Antiproliferative Activity, Topoisomerase IIα Inhibition, DNA Binding and Non-Clinical Toxicity of New Acridine-Thiosemicarbazone Derivatives.

In this study, we report the synthesis of twenty new acridine-thiosemicarbazone derivatives and their antiproliferative activities. Mechanisms of action such as the inhibition of topoisomerase IIα and the interaction with DNA have been studied for some of the most active derivatives by means of both in silico and in vitro methods, and evaluations of the non-clinical toxicities (in vivo) in mice. In general, the compounds showed greater cytotoxicity against B16-F10 cells, with the highest potency for DL-08 (IC50 = 14.79 µM). Derivatives DL-01 (77%), DL-07 (74%) and DL-08 (79%) showed interesting inhibition of topoisomerase IIα when compared to amsacrine, at 100 µM. In silico studies proposed the way of bonding of these compounds and a possible stereoelectronic reason for the absence of enzymatic activity for CL-07 and DL-06. Interactions with DNA presented different spectroscopic effects and indicate that the compound CL-07 has higher affinity for DNA (Kb = 4.75 × 104 M-1; Ksv = 2.6 × 103 M-1). In addition, compounds selected for non-clinical toxicity testing did not show serious signs of toxicity at the dose of 2000 mg/kg in mice; cytotoxic tests performed on leukemic cells (K-562) and its resistant form (K-562 Lucena 1) identified moderate potency for DL-01 and DL-08, with IC50 between 11.45 and 17.32 µM.

Effects of Acylhydrazone Derivatives on Experimental Pulmonary Inflammation by Chemical Sensitization.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lung diseases are characterized by airway inflammation and remodelling of the lung parenchyma that triggers considerable impairment of respiratory function. OBJECTIVE: In this study, two compounds belonging to the N-acylhydrazone class were evaluated, aiming to identify new therapeutic agents for pulmonary inflammatory diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acute toxicity of 2-cyano-N'-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzylidene)- acetohydrazide (JR-12) and N'-benzylidene-2-cyano-3-phenylacrylohydrazide (JR09-Bz) was evaluated. Afterwards, they were tested in models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma and pleurisy, bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, in addition to mucolytic activity. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The compounds did not show toxicity at the dose of 2,000 mg/kg, and no animal died. On OVA-induced pleurisy, animals treated with JR-12 or JR09-Bz at a dose of 10 mg/kg (orally) showed significant inhibition of the leukocyte infiltrate in the bronchoalveolar lavage by 62.5% and 61.5%, respectively, compared to the control group. The compounds JR-12 and JR09-Bz were also active in blocking the allergic asthmatic response triggered by OVA, reducing the leukocyte infiltrate by 73.1% and 69.8%, respectively. Histopathological changes and mast cell migration in treated animals with JR-12 or JR09-Bz were similar to treatment with the reference drugs dexamethasone and montelukast. JR-12 and JR09-Bz also reversed airway remodeling in animals on the bleomycin-induced fibrosis model compared to the control group. Furthermore, it was observed that N-arylhydrazone derivatives showed expectorant and mucolytic activities, increasing mucus secretion by 45.6% and 63.8% for JR-12 and JR09-Bz, respectively. CONCLUSION: Together, the results show that JR-12 and JR09-Bz showed promising activity against airway inflammation, as well as low toxicity.

Application of Heterocycles as an Alternative for the Discovery of New Anti-ulcer Compounds: A Mini-Review.

A peptic ulcer is a lesion located in the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine, caused by an imbalance between acid secretion and the release of protective mucus. This pathology is prevalent in approximately 14% of the world population and is commonly treated with proton pump inhibitors and type 2 histaminergic receptor antagonists, however, these drugs present concerning side effects that may lead to gastric cancer. In this sense, this research aimed to present the main heterocyclics studied in recent years. The screening method for the choice of articles was based on the selection of publications between 2000 and 2021 present in the Science Direct, Web of Science, Capes, and Scielo databases, by using the descriptors ''new derivatives'', "heterocyclics" "antiulcerogenic", "gastroprotective" and "antisecretor". This research showed that the most used rings in the development of anti-ulcer drugs were benzimidazole, quinazoline, thiazole, and thiadiazole. The results also portray several types of modern in silico, in vitro and in vivo assays, as well as the investigation of different mechanisms of action, with emphasis on proton pump inhibition, type 2 histaminergic receptor blockers, potassium competitive acid blockers, type E prostaglandin agonism, anti-secretory activity and anti-oxidant action. Additionally, the review evidenced the presence of the nitrogen atom in the heterocyclic ring as a determinant of the potential of the compound. This research suggests new alternatives for the treatment of gastric lesions, which may be more potent and cause fewer side effects than the currently used, and tend to evolve into more advanced studies in the coming years.

The Compound (E)-2-Cyano-N,3-diphenylacrylamide (JMPR-01): A Potential Drug for Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases.

The compound (E)-2-cyano-N,3-diphenylacrylamide (JMPR-01) was structurally developed using bioisosteric modifications of a hybrid prototype as formed from fragments of indomethacin and paracetamol. Initially, in vitro assays were performed to determine cell viability (in macrophage cultures), and its ability to modulate the synthesis of nitrite and cytokines (IL-1ß and TNFα) in non-cytotoxic concentrations. In vivo, anti-inflammatory activity was explored using the CFA-induced paw edema and zymosan-induced peritonitis models. To investigate possible molecular targets, molecular docking was performed with the following crystallographic structures: LT-A4-H, PDE4B, COX-2, 5-LOX, and iNOS. As results, we observed a significant reduction in the production of nitrite and IL-1ß at all concentrations used, and also for TNFα with JMPR-01 at 50 and 25 µM. The anti-edematogenic activity of JMPR-01 (100 mg/kg) was significant, reducing edema at 2-6 h, similar to the dexamethasone control. In induced peritonitis, JMPR-01 reduced leukocyte migration by 61.8, 68.5, and 90.5% at respective doses of 5, 10, and 50 mg/kg. In silico, JMPR-01 presented satisfactory coupling; mainly with LT-A4-H, PDE4B, and iNOS. These preliminary results demonstrate the strong potential of JMPR-01 to become a drug for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Bioguided Isolation of Alkaloids and Pharmacological Effects of the Total Alkaloid Fraction from Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart. (Apocynaceae).

Aspidosperma pyrifolium is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory disorders. The aim of the study was to perform phytochemical characterization and evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and acute toxicity effects of the total alkaloid fraction (TAF-Ap) from stem barks. Two monoterpenic indole alkaloids were isolated by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and the structural elucidation was performed using 1D and 2D NMR analysis. As for toxicity, no animals died at 50 mg kg-1 and this concentration presented mild sedation and forced breathing within the first 24 h. The lethal dose capable of killing 50% of the animals (LD50) was estimated to be 160 mg kg-1. In the pharmacological tests, the models used were 1% carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis, 1% formalin-induced nociception and 1% acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in Swiss mice. The study made it possible to isolate 15-methoxyaspidospermine and 15-methoxypyrifolidine, corroborating the results of pharmacological assays, which showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, especially at 30 mg kg-1 (p < 0.001). Thus, the species was shown to be a promising source of active substances, with special attention paid to its toxicological potential.

Tablet of Spondias mombin L. Developed from Nebulized Extract Prevents Gastric Ulcers in Mice via Cytoprotective and Antisecretory Effects.

Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) has a worldwide distribution and is present in all regions of Brazil. Its leaves, flowers and bark are used as teas in folk medicine to treat diseases of the digestive system. This study aimed to evaluate the acute non-clinical toxicity, gastroprotective activity, and the related mechanisms of action of nebulized extract and tablets based on dried Spondias mombin (SmNE). SmNE screening showed the presence of flavonoids (0.65%), polyphenols (25.50%), where the major compound is gallic acid. In the acute oral toxicity assay, a dose of 2000 mg/kg of SmNE administered orally in Swiss mice did not induce any behavioral changes. SmNE (250 or 500 mg/kg p.o) significantly reduced the ulcerative lesion area when compared to the control group in ethanol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) models. Results showed that treatment with SmNE (250 mg/kg) reduced acid secretion and gastric content, accompanied with an increase in pH. Previous administration of indomethacin and glibenclamide reversed the protection provided by SmNE, confirming the participation of prostaglandins (PGs) and ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) in its gastroprotective effect. The SmNE tablets met the pharmacopeial quality requirements with gastroprotective activity and similar protection in comparison to the isolated extract administrated. In conclusion, SmNe has a gastroprotective activity related to cytoprotective mechanisms, such as the participation of endogenous prostaglandins and KATP channels, having an anti-secretory effect with systemic action. The formulation obtained presented gastroprotective effects similar to the administration of the extract, the tablets showed favorable compression characteristics by the direct route and met the pharmacopeial quality requirements.

(E)-2-Cyano-3-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-N-Phenylacrylamide, a Hybrid Compound Derived from Indomethacin and Paracetamol: Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Potential.

The compound (E)-2-cyano-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-phenylacrylamide (ICMD-01) was designed and developed based on the structures of clinically relevant drugs indomethacin and paracetamol through the molecular hybridization strategy. This derivative was obtained by an amidation reaction between substituted anilines and ethyl 2-cyanoacetate followed by a Knoevenagel-type condensation reaction with indole aldehyde that resulted in both a viable synthesis and satisfactory yield. In order to assess the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity, in vitro assays were performed in J774 macrophages, and significant inhibitions (p < 0.05) of the production of nitrite and the production of cytokines (IL-1ß and TNFα) in noncytotoxic concentrations were observed. The anti-inflammatory effect was also studied via CFA-induced paw edema in vivo tests and zymosan-induced peritonitis. In the paw edema assay, ICMD01 (50 mg kg-1) showed satisfactory activity, as did the group treated with dexamethasone, reducing edema in 2-6 h. In addition, there was no significant inhibition of PGE2, IL-1ß or TNFα in vivo. Moreover, in the peritonitis assay that assesses leukocyte migration, ICMD-01 exhibited promising results. Therefore, these preliminary studies demonstrate this compound to be a strong candidate for an anti-inflammatory drug together with an improved gastrointestinal safety profile when compared to the conventional anti-inflammatory drugs.

Spondias purpurea L. (Anacardiaceae): Antioxidant and Antiulcer Activities of the Leaf Hexane Extract.

Spondias purpurea is used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea and diuresis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant and antiulcer activities of the hexane extract of the leaves of S. purpurea (SpHE). Phytochemical profile was evaluated via thin layer chromatography (TLC) and HPLC. SpHE was screened for antioxidant activities using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and phosphomolybdenum assays. To determine its antiulcer properties, animals were pretreated with injured control, lansoprazole, ranitidine, carbenoxolone, or SpHE (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) and were screened; acute ulcers were induced by HCl/ethanol, absolute ethanol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). TLC revealed the presence of flavonoids, whereas HPLC analysis showed the presence of caffeic acid and epigallocatechin. The phenolic compounds and in vitro assays showed antioxidant activity. After gastric ulcer induction by using HCl/ethanol, SpHE reduced the area of ulcerative lesions by 82, 91, and 88%, respectively. In ethanol, SpHE reduced the area of ulcerative lesions by 77, 93, and 92%, respectively. In the NSAID, the percentages of protection were 70, 76, and 78%, respectively. SpHE promoted the minimization of ulcers, increased the levels of reduced glutathione, and decreased tumor necrosis factor. S. purpurea has antioxidant and antiulcer properties.

Pintura em barriga e book fotográfico: projeto de vivência universitária com gestantes e acompanhantes / Belly painting/ photo book: university experience project with pregnant women and their supporters

Objetivou-se relatar a experiência de um projeto de vivência universitária com gestantes e acompanhantes em uma unidade da Estratégia Saúde da Família de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil, em interface com a prática do enfermeiro. Trata-se de um relato de experiência do projeto "pintura em barriga/book fotográfico", com envolvimento de graduandos em enfermagem, trabalhadores da equipe de saúde, gestantes, acompanhantes e colaboradores da comunidade acadêmica e local. O acesso facilitado pelas gestantes, as atividades realizadas, a inclusão dos acompanhantes e a valorização de aspectos emocionais colaboraram para o êxito da atividade. Observou-se intensa participação do grupo-alvo nas ações, a interação entre os sujeitos envolvidos e a colaboração da academia na proposição de práticas em saúde. Conclui-se pela importância de projetos que promovam uma maior articulação entre o ensino-serviço-comunidade e subsidiem a reflexão em torno das práticas de saúde e de enfermagem, incluindo não apenas a mulher e o bebê, mas os seus acompanhantes.

The aim of the present study was to report a University experience project with pregnant women and her supporters at a Family Health Strategy unit in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil, in accordance to nursing practice. It is an experience report of a project called "Pintura em Barriga/Book Fotográfico" (Belly Painting / Photo Book), with involvement of Nursing students, healthcare team workers, pregnant women, supporters and the academic community and local partners. The pregnant women's facilitated access to activities, supporters' inclusion and the appreciation of emotional aspects, are important factors that contribute to the achievement of success. During the development of this project, we could notice intense participation of the target group, the interaction between the involved people and the academy support on health-practice propositions. In summary, we could mention the importance of projects which promoting a greater teaching-service-community articulation, subsidizing the reflection around health/nursing practice, including not only the woman and her baby but also their supporters.

Ichnological evidence of Megalosaurid Dinosaurs Crossing Middle Jurassic Tidal Flats.

A new dinosaur tracksite in the Vale de Meios quarry (Serra de Aire Formation, Bathonian, Portugal)preserves more than 700 theropod tracks. They are organized in at least 80 unidirectional trackways arranged in a bimodal orientation pattern (W/NW and E/SE). Quantitative and qualitative comparisons reveal that the large tridactyl, elongated and asymmetric tracks resemble the typical Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Megalosauripus ichnogenus in all morphometric parameters. Few of the numerous tracks are preserved as elite tracks while the rest are preserved as different gradients of modified true tracks according to water content, erosive factors, radial fractures and internal overtrack formations. Taphonomical determinations are consistent with paleoenvironmental observations that indicate an inter-tidal flat located at the margin of a coastal barrier. The Megalosauripus tracks represent the oldest occurrence of this ichnotaxon and are attributed to large megalosaurid dinosaurs. Their occurrence in Vale de Meios tidal flat represents the unique paleoethological evidence of megalosaurids moving towards the lagoon, most likley during the low tide periods with feeding purposes.

Evaluation of the Interaction between the Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) LP Queiroz Extract and Antimicrobials Using Biological and Analytical Models.

Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) LP Queiroz (Fabaceae) is an endemic tree of northeastern Brazil, occurring mainly in the Caatinga. Its medicinal use is widespread and is an important therapeutic option against diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory and urinary infections, among other diseases. In this study we determined the chemical marker and evaluated the interaction between P. pyramidalis extract and a commercial antimicrobial through the use of biological and analytical models. To obtain the extract, an ethanol-water mixture (50:50 v/v) was used as solvent. It was nebulized in a spray dryer using colloidal silicon dioxide as a drying adjuvant. The extract (ENPp) was subjected to HPLC analysis to verify the presence of certain secondary metabolites. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extract against Gram-negative bacteria was determined by broth microdilution and the MIC of synthetic antimicrobial drugs in the presence and absence of the extract. The antioxidant activity of ENPp was evaluated by the DPPH method. The compatibility between the antimicrobial and the extract was evaluated by thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The acute toxicity of the extract was evaluated in vivo in rodents. The results indicate significant additive action of the extract on synthetic antibiotics, considerable antioxidant activity and absence of toxicity. This extract shows high potential for the development of formulations for antimicrobial therapy when used with a vegetable-active ingredient.

Modulation of the erythromycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus by ethanolic extracts of Ximenia americana L and Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl / Modulación de la resistencia a la eritromicina en Staphylococcus aureus por extractos etanólicos de Ximeniaamericana L y Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl

It was evaluated the in vitro efficacy of ethanolic extract of leaves and bark of Ximenia americana L and Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. alone and in association with erythromycin as modulators of microbial resistance against six clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to erythromycin (SA1-SA6) and S. aureus ATCC 25923 by the microdilution method. The extracts were also subjected to bioassay with Artemia salina. The ethanolic extract of barks of X. americana showed a synergistic effect with erythromycin against SA01, SA03 and SA04. The leaf extract of S. brasiliensis exerted synergistic effect against SA03 and the bark extract showed against SA01 and S03. The results suggest that extracts from S.brasiliensis and X. americana have potential as modulator agents of bacterial resistance, which could be used as adjuvants in the treatment of infections by S. aureus resistant to erythromycin, with previous studies of toxicity.

Se evaluó la eficacia in vitro de los extractos etanólicos de hojas y corteza de Ximenia americana L y Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl solos y en asociación con eritromicina como moduladores de la resistencia microbiana frente a seis aislados clínicos de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a Eritromicina (SA1-SA6) y S. aureus ATCC 25923, por el método de microdilución. Además se determinó la actividad tóxica de los extractos contra Artemia salina. Solo el extracto etanólico de la corteza de X. americana mostró un efecto sinérgico con la eritromicina frente a SA01, SA03 y SA04. El extracto de las hojas de S. brasiliensis ejerció efecto sinérgico contra SA03 y el extracto de corteza, contra SA01 y S03. Los resultados sugieren que S. brasiliensis y X. americana tienen potencial como agentes moduladores de la resistencia bacteriana, que podrían ser utilizados como adyuvantes en el tratamiento de infecciones por S. aureus resistentes a eritromicina, con estudios previos de toxicidad.

Gênero, autoconceito e trabalho na perspectiva de brasileiros e angolanos / Gender, self-concept and work in Brazilian and Angolan perspectives

O estudo apresenta uma análise descritiva e qualitativa das diferenças e similaridades de atributos femininos e masculinos de trabalhadores brasileiros e angolanos, com ou sem função gerencial. A suposição é que os atributos de gênero presentes no autoconceito pessoal estão relacionados à socialização e à experiência de trabalho nos dois países. Participaram 431 trabalhadores - trezentos do Brasil e 131 de Angola -, sendo 164 homens e 267 mulheres. Foi utilizado um Inventário dos Esquemas de gênero do Autoconceito. Os dados foram analisados mediante frequência, teste do qui-quadrado e análise qualitativa, levando em conta país, sexo e função gerencial. Os resultados indicam a prevalência de atributos femininos na amostra geral, não diferenciando países. O atributo responsável destaca-se entre trabalhadores, independentemente de país, sexo e função gerencial. O atributo dedicado está mais fortemente presente naqueles que não assumem funções gerenciais. Os atributos masculinos, apesar de em menor número, estão fortemente associados a homens e se diferenciam por país e função gerencial. Conclui-se que os atributos femininos estão presentes na autoavaliação de trabalhadores, independentemente do sexo e do exercício da função gerencial, corroborando a hipótese das similaridades entre atributos de gênero. Limitações do estudo são apresentadas na seção final.(AU)

The study presents a descriptive qualitative analysis of the differences and similarities of feminine and masculine attributes of Brazilian and Angolan workers, with or without management jobs. The assumption is that the gender attributes found in the individual's self-concept are related to socialization and the work experience in the two countries. A total of 431 workers participated - 300 from Brazil and 131 from Angola -, 164 men and 267 women. The Inventory of Self-Concept Gender Schemes was used. Data were analyzed using frequency, the chi-square test, and qualitative analysis, taking into account country, gender, and management function. The results indicate the prevalence of feminine attributes in the overall sample, not differentiating by country. The "Responsible" attribute stands out among workers, regardless of country, gender, and managerial level. The "Dedicated" attribute is more strongly present in those without management responsibilities. Masculine attributes, although fewer in number, are strongly associated with men and differ by country and managerial function. It is concluded that feminine attributes are present in workers' self-assessments regardless of gender and managerial level, supporting the hypothesis of similarities between gender attributes. Limitations of the study are presented in the final section.(AU)

Gênero, autoconceito e trabalho na perspectiva de brasileiros e angolanos / Gender, self-concept and work in Brazilian and Angolan perspectives

O estudo apresenta uma análise descritiva e qualitativa das diferenças e similaridades de atributos femininos e masculinos de trabalhadores brasileiros e angolanos, com ou sem função gerencial. A suposição é que os atributos de gênero presentes no autoconceito pessoal estão relacionados à socialização e à experiência de trabalho nos dois países. Participaram 431 trabalhadores - trezentos do Brasil e 131 de Angola -, sendo 164 homens e 267 mulheres. Foi utilizado um Inventário dos Esquemas de gênero do Autoconceito. Os dados foram analisados mediante frequência, teste do qui-quadrado e análise qualitativa, levando em conta país, sexo e função gerencial. Os resultados indicam a prevalência de atributos femininos na amostra geral, não diferenciando países. O atributo responsável destaca-se entre trabalhadores, independentemente de país, sexo e função gerencial. O atributo dedicado está mais fortemente presente naqueles que não assumem funções gerenciais. Os atributos masculinos, apesar de em menor número, estão fortemente associados a homens e se diferenciam por país e função gerencial. Conclui-se que os atributos femininos estão presentes na autoavaliação de trabalhadores, independentemente do sexo e do exercício da função gerencial, corroborando a hipótese das similaridades entre atributos de gênero. Limitações do estudo são apresentadas na seção final...

The study presents a descriptive qualitative analysis of the differences and similarities of feminine and masculine attributes of Brazilian and Angolan workers, with or without management jobs. The assumption is that the gender attributes found in the individual's self-concept are related to socialization and the work experience in the two countries. A total of 431 workers participated - 300 from Brazil and 131 from Angola -, 164 men and 267 women. The Inventory of Self-Concept Gender Schemes was used. Data were analyzed using frequency, the chi-square test, and qualitative analysis, taking into account country, gender, and management function. The results indicate the prevalence of feminine attributes in the overall sample, not differentiating by country. The "Responsible" attribute stands out among workers, regardless of country, gender, and managerial level. The "Dedicated" attribute is more strongly present in those without management responsibilities. Masculine attributes, although fewer in number, are strongly associated with men and differ by country and managerial function. It is concluded that feminine attributes are present in workers' self-assessments regardless of gender and managerial level, supporting the hypothesis of similarities between gender attributes. Limitations of the study are presented in the final section...

Study bioprospecting of medicinal plant extracts of the semiarid northeast: contribution to the control of oral microorganisms.

Dental pathologies can be caused by plaque-forming bacteria and yeast, which reside in the oral cavity. The bacteria growing in dental plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm, display increased resistance to antimicrobial agents. The objective was the evaluation of a preclinical assay of medicinal plants of the semiarid region from the northeast against oral pathogenic microorganism, aiming at bioprospecting a new product. The selection of plant material for this study was based on the ethnobotanical data on the traditional use of plants from the semiarid region. The thirty extracts were subjected to the determination of antibiofilm activity against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and yeast. The hydroalcoholic extract which showed positive antibiofilm activity against most of the microorganisms tested in agar diffusion assay was further tested for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Bioassay with Artemia salina. Plant samples tested in this study exhibited good antibiofilm activity for the treatment of oral problems. The Schinopsis brasiliensis showed greater activity for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, but toxicity against Artemia salina.

Pharmacological studies of ethanolic extracts of Maytenus rigida Mart (Celastraceae) in animal models

The crude ethanol extract (EEOH) of the bark of Maytenus rigida Mart (Celastraceae) a plant used in Brazil herbal traditional medicine, was tested for anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antidiarrhoeal activities in animal models. No acute toxicological sign was observed in animals treated with the highest dose (5000 mg/kg, p.o. or 2000 mg/kg i.p.) of EEOH. The extract doses of 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg revealed a significant inhibitory effect (P < 0,01) in carrageenin-induced rat paw oedema and exhibited ulcer-protective properties against ethanol-induced ulceration in rats. An anti-diarrhoeal activity (P < 0.01) was also observed in castor-oil-induced diarrhoeal in mice. The intestinal transit was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced, however the pretreatment did not reduce the weight of intestinal contents. These results support the popular applications of Maytenus rigida for the treatment of inflammation, ulcer and diarrhoea in Brazil herbal traditional medicine.

O extrato etanólico bruto (EEOH) da casca de Maytenus rigida Mart (Celastraceae) uma planta da medicina popular do Brasil, foi testado para a atividade antiinflamatória, antiúlcera e antidiarréica em modelos animais. Não foi observado sinal de toxicidade aguda nos animais tratados com doses elevadas do EEOH (5000 mg/kg, v.o. ou 2000 mg/kg i.p.). O extrato nas doses de 250, 500 e 750 mg/kg mostrou um significante efeito inibitório (P < 0,01) no edema de pata induzido por carragenina e exibiu propriedade protetora contra a ulceração induzida por etanol em ratos. Também uma atividade antidiarréica (P < 0,01) foi observada na diarréia induzida por óleo de rícino em camundongos. O trânsito intestinal foi reduzido significativamente (P < 0.01), porém o pré-tratamento não reduziu o peso do conteúdo intestinal em ratos. Os resultados dão suporte à utilização de Maytenus rigida na medicina popular do Brasil para o tratamento da inflamação, da úlcera e da diarréia.

Ribotyping of Salmonella Enteritidis strains reveals the spread of a single genotype in the Brazilian city of Ribeirão Preto

INTRODUÇAO: Na identificação de cepas de Salmonella, os métodos de sorotipagem e ribotipagem na detecção de marcadores epidemiológicos são os mais utilizados nos laboratórios de referência mundiais. Esses métodos moleculares são imprescindíveis na vigilância epidemiológica e permitem a detecção da fonte da infecção. OBJETIVOS: O presente trabalho objetivou caracterizar as cepas de Salmonella Enteritidis pela ribotipagem. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Trinta e oito cepas de S. Enteritidis foram isoladas de pacientes atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, entre os anos de 1996 e 1998. As cepas foram isoladas de fezes (31 amostras), sangue (quatro amostras) e outros fluidos (três amostras). As cepas de Salmonella foram isoladas utilizando-se métodos bacteriológicos de rotina, sorotipadas e ribotipadas. RESULTADOS: As 38 cepas de S. Enteritidis apresentaram na ribotipagem a separação das cepas em dois ribotipos: A (94,7 por cento das amostras) e B (5,3 por cento das amostras). DISCUSSAO E CONCLUSAO: Esses dados sugerem que grande parte dos pacientes (94,7 por cento) foi infectada pela mesma cepa. Essa cepa pode ser endêmica na comunidade de Ribeirão Preto ou os pacientes foram expostos a uma fonte comum de infecção.

Review of the plants with anti-inflammatory activity studied in Brazil

The inflammatory reaction is a response of the organism against an injury and it involves the action of complex events and mediators through of the blood vessels. The present work is a literature survey of the extracts of plants with anti-inflammatory activity studied in Brazil. The review refers to 75 plants with their families, parts used, type of extract used, bioassay models and their activity.