COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS in a cohort study in Sao Paulo, Brazil: outcomes and disparities by race and schooling.

Studies describing characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 among people living with HIV are currently limited, lacking detailed evaluation of the interplay among demographics, HIV-related variables, and comorbidities on COVID-19 outcomes. This retrospective cohort study describes mortality rates overall and according to demographic characteristics and explores predictors of admission to intensive care unit and death among 255 persons living with HIV with severe acute respiratory syndrome and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. We found that the overall mortality rate was 4.1/1,000 person-days, with a case-fatality of 34%. Higher rates occurred among older adults, Black/Mixed skin color/race patients, and those with lower schooling. In a multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, CD4 count, viral load and number of comorbidities, skin color/race, and schooling remained significantly associated with higher mortality. Although tenofovir use was more frequent among survivors in the univariable analysis, we failed to find a statistically significant association between tenofovir use and survival in the multivariable analysis. Our findings suggest that social vulnerabilities related to both HIV and COVID-19 significantly impact the risk of death, overtaking traditional risk factors such as age, sex, CD4 count, and comorbidities.

Galvanic effect of pyrite on arsenic release from arsenopyrite dissolution in oxygen-depleted and oxygen-saturated circumneutral solutions.

Arsenopyrite (FeAsS), the most common arsenic-bearing mineral, is usually found associated with pyrite (FeS2) in gold mining tailings. This work examined the galvanic effect of FeS2 on As release from FeAsS oxidation in circumneutral media under oxygen-depleted and oxygen-saturated conditions. The oxidation experiments were conducted with a flow-through reactor in the absence of FeS2 particles and in the presence of different contents of this sulfide. The results indicated that the permanent, physical contact between FeAsS and FeS2 particles causes an increase in the accumulated As release, mainly under O2-saturated conditions. At 30% wt. FeS2, the increases relatively to FeS2-free conditions were 82% and 117% in O2-depleted and O2-saturated solutions, respectively. At steady-state, the As release rates increased from (4.9 ± 0.5)× 10-4 µmol m-2 s-1 (0% wt. FeS2) to (1.1-1.9)× 10-3 µmol m-2 s-1 (5-30% wt. FeS2) under O2-saturated conditions. Analysis of FeAsS samples after oxidation revealed oxidized particles partially or entirely covered by precipitates with different sizes, shapes and compositions (e.g., As-S-bearing ferrihydrite, elemental sulfur, and As-O phases). A fine (3-4 nm thick) amorphous layer of S-As-bearing ferric oxy-hydroxide was also identified on oxidized FeAsS, with Fe(III) and As(III) species.

Ventromedial medullary pathway mediating cardiac responses evoked from periaqueductal gray.

Periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a midbrain region that projects to areas controlling behavioral and autonomic outputs and is involved in the behavioral and physiological components of defense reactions. Since Raphe Pallidus (RPa) is a medial medullary region comprising sympathetic premotor neurons governing heart function, it is worth considering the PAG-RPa path. We assessed: i) whether PAG projects to RPa; ii) the amplitude of cardiac responses evoked from PAG; iii) whether cardiovascular responses evoked from PAG rely on RPa. Experiments conducted in Wistar rats (±300 g) were approved by Ethics Committee CEUA-UFG (092/18). Firstly, (n = 3), monosynaptic retrograde tracer Retrobeads was injected into RPa; PAG slices were analyzed. Other two groups (n = 6 each) were anesthetized with urethane (1.4 g/kg) and chloralose (120 mg/kg) and underwent craniotomy, tracheostomy, catheterization of femoral artery and vein and of cardiac left ventricle. In one group, we injected the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline methiodide (BMI - 40 pmol/100 nL) into lateral/dorsolateral PAG. Another group was injected (100 nL) with the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol (20 mM) into RPa, 20 min before BMI into PAG. The results were: i) retrogradely labelled neurons were found in PAG; ii) PAG activation by BMI caused positive chronotropism and inotropism, which were accompanied by afterload increases; iii) RPa inhibition with Muscimol reduced heart rate, arterial and ventricular pressures; iv) the subsequent PAG activation still increased arterial pressure, cardiac chronotropy and inotropy, but these responses were significantly attenuated. In conclusion, PAG activation increases cardiac chronotropy and inotropy, and these responses seem to rely on a direct pathway reaching ventromedial medullary RPa neurons.

Antiproliferative and photoprotective activities of the extracts and compounds from Calea fruticosa.

In this paper, we complement our previous study on the antiproliferative activity of Calea fruticosa (Asteraceae) by isolating the compounds apigenin-4',7-dimethyl ether (1), budlein A (2), quercetin (3), and cichoriin (4) from the plant's aerial parts. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method against human tumor cell lines. Compound 3 displayed moderate antiproliferative activity in three cell lines (HCT-116, PC-3, and SF-295, with cell growth inhibition values of 72.97, 74.55, and 68.94%) and high antiproliferative activity (90.86%) in the HL-60 cell line. The in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts and compound 4, with and without sunscreen, was determined by a spectrophotometric method. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest SPF (9.67) at a concentration of 0.100 mg/mL, while compound 4, isolated from this extract, showed a SPF of 13.79 at the same concentration. A relative increased efficacy of SPF was observed for the extracts and compound 4 when sunscreen was also used. Compound 4 has not been reported previously from any species within the genus Calea. Compounds 1-4 were obtained from this species for the first time.

Antiproliferative and photoprotective activities of the extracts and compounds from Calea fruticosa

In this paper, we complement our previous study on the antiproliferative activity of Calea fruticosa (Asteraceae) by isolating the compounds apigenin-4',7-dimethyl ether (1), budlein A (2), quercetin (3), and cichoriin (4) from the plant's aerial parts. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method against human tumor cell lines. Compound 3 displayed moderate antiproliferative activity in three cell lines (HCT-116, PC-3, and SF-295, with cell growth inhibition values of 72.97, 74.55, and 68.94%) and high antiproliferative activity (90.86%) in the HL-60 cell line. The in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts and compound 4, with and without sunscreen, was determined by a spectrophotometric method. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest SPF (9.67) at a concentration of 0.100 mg/mL, while compound 4, isolated from this extract, showed a SPF of 13.79 at the same concentration. A relative increased efficacy of SPF was observed for the extracts and compound 4 when sunscreen was also used. Compound 4 has not been reported previously from any species within the genus Calea. Compounds 1-4 were obtained from this species for the first time.

Behavioral effects of Bj-PRO-7a, a proline-rich oligopeptide from Bothrops jararaca venom.

The heptapeptide Bj-PRO-7a, isolated and identified from Bothrops jararaca (Bj) venom, produces antihypertensive and other cardiovascular effects that are independent on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, possibly relying on cholinergic muscarinic receptors subtype 1 (M1R). However, whether Bj-PRO-7a acts upon the central nervous system and modifies behavior is yet to be determined. Therefore, the aims of this study were: i) to assess the effects of acute administration of Bj-PRO-7a upon behavior; ii) to reveal mechanisms involved in the effects of Bj-PRO-7a upon locomotion/exploration, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors. For this purpose, adult male Wistar (WT, wild type) and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received intraperitoneal injections of vehicle (0.9% NaCl), diazepam (2 mg/kg), imipramine (15 mg/kg), Bj-PRO-7a (71, 213 or 426 nmol/kg), pirenzepine (852 nmol/kg), α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (200 mg/kg), or chlorpromazine (2 mg/kg), and underwent elevated plus maze, open field, and forced swimming tests. The heptapeptide promoted anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects and increased locomotion/exploration. These effects of Bj-PRO-7a seem to be dependent on M1R activation and dopaminergic receptors and rely on catecholaminergic pathways.

Behavioral effects of Bj-PRO-7a, a proline-rich oligopeptide from Bothrops jararaca venom

The heptapeptide Bj-PRO-7a, isolated and identified from Bothrops jararaca (Bj) venom, produces antihypertensive and other cardiovascular effects that are independent on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, possibly relying on cholinergic muscarinic receptors subtype 1 (M1R). However, whether Bj-PRO-7a acts upon the central nervous system and modifies behavior is yet to be determined. Therefore, the aims of this study were: i) to assess the effects of acute administration of Bj-PRO-7a upon behavior; ii) to reveal mechanisms involved in the effects of Bj-PRO-7a upon locomotion/exploration, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors. For this purpose, adult male Wistar (WT, wild type) and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received intraperitoneal injections of vehicle (0.9% NaCl), diazepam (2 mg/kg), imipramine (15 mg/kg), Bj-PRO-7a (71, 213 or 426 nmol/kg), pirenzepine (852 nmol/kg), α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (200 mg/kg), or chlorpromazine (2 mg/kg), and underwent elevated plus maze, open field, and forced swimming tests. The heptapeptide promoted anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects and increased locomotion/exploration. These effects of Bj-PRO-7a seem to be dependent on M1R activation and dopaminergic receptors and rely on catecholaminergic pathways.

Antimitotic and antimutagenic action of the Hymenaea stigonocarpa bark on dividing cells / Ação antimitótica e antimutagênica do ritidoma de Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart ex Hayne na divisão celular

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of Hymenaea stigonocarpa bark hydroalcoholic extract against a mutagenic compound using A. cepa meristematic root cells as a test system. The treatment groups were: Negative Control (NC) – distilled water; Positive Control (PC) – paracetamol at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL, Jatoba Control (JC) – aqueous fraction jatobá-do-cerrado at 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL, and Simultaneous Treatment (ST) - jatobá-do-cerrado aqueous fraction at a concentration of 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL associated with paracetamol solution at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL. All groups were analyzed at 24 and 48 h. Five onion bulbs (five replications) were used for each treatment group. The root tips were fixed in Carnoy and slides prepared by the crush technique. Cells were analyzed throughout the cell cycle, totaling 5,000 for each treatment group at each exposure time. Mitotic indices were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test (p<0.05). From the results it was found that the ST group, at the three concentrations, significantly potentiated the antiproliferative effect of the test system cells when compared to PC, NC and TJ at the three concentrations. Furthermore, the three ST concentrations significantly reduced the number of cell aberrations when compared to the number of aberrant cells obtained for the PC, demonstrating antimutagenic action on the A. cepa test system cells.

Resumo O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a ação do extrato hidroalcólico do ritidoma de Hymenaea stigonocarpa frente a um composto mutagênico, utilizando como sistema teste as células meristemáticas de raízes de A. cepa. Os grupos tratamentos avaliados foram: Controle Negativo (CN) – água destilada; Controle Positivo (CP) – paracetamol na concentração de 0,008 mg/mL, Controle Jatobá (CJ) – fração aquosa de jatobá-do-cerrado na concentração de 0,5 ou 1,0 ou 1,5 mg/mL, e Tratamento Simultâneo (TS) – fração aquosa de jatobá-do-cerrado na concentração de 0,5 ou 1,0 ou 1,5 mg/mL associada a solução de paracetamol na concentração de 0,008 mg/mL. Todos os grupos foram analisados nos tempos de 24 e 48 h. Para cada grupo tratamento cinco bulbos de cebolas (cinco repetições) foram utilizados. As radículas foram fixadas em Carnoy e as lâminas preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento. Analisaram-se células em todo ciclo celular, totalizando 5.000 para cada grupo tratamento em cada tempo de exposição. Os índices mitóticos obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística do Qui-quadrado (p<0,05). A partir dos resultados verificou-se que o grupo TS, nas três concentrações, potencializou o efeito antiproliferativo significativo as células do sistema teste quando comparado ao CP, CN e TJ nas três concentrações. Ainda, o TS nas três concentrações reduziu de forma significativa o número de aberrações celulares quando comparado com o número de células aberrantes obtidas para o CP, demonstrando ação antimutagênica as células do sistema teste A. cepa.

Cytotoxicity of Cheese and Cheddar Cheese food flavorings on Allim cepa L root meristems / Citotoxicidade de aromatizantes alimentares de Queijo e Queijo Cheddar sob meristemas de raízes de Allim cepa L

Abstract Despite their great importance for the food industry, flavorings, in general, raise a number of questions regarding their cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, since, in the literature, there are few studies found evaluating the toxicity on the systemic and cellular level, of these chemical compounds. The root meristems of Allium cepa (onion) are widely used for the assessment of toxicity of chemical compounds of interest. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate, in A. cepa meristematic cells, individually and in combination at the cellular level, the toxicity of synthetic Cheese and Cheddar Cheese food flavorings, identical to the natural, at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mL, at exposure times of 24 and 48 hours. In combination we used 0.5 mL of Cheese flavor associated with 0.5 mL of Cheddar flavor; and 1.0 mL of Cheese flavor associated with 1.0 mL of Cheddar flavor, at exposure times of 24 and 48 hours. For these evaluations, we used groups of five onion bulbs, which were first embedded in distilled water and then transferred to their respective doses. The root tips were collected and fixed in acetic acid (3:1) for 24 hours. The slides were prepared by crushing and were stained with 2% acetic orcein. Cells were analyzed throughout the cell cycle, totaling 5,000 for each control and exposure time. The mitotic indices calculated and cellular aberrations observed were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test (p <0.05). No chromosomal abnormalities nor those of mitotic spindle were observed for the treatments performed. The results, both individually and in combination, showed that the flavorings under study significantly reduced the cell division rate of the test system cells used. Therefore, under the conditions studied, the two flavorings were cytotoxic.

Resumo Apesar da grande importância para a indústria alimentícia, os aromatizantes, em geral, suscitam uma série de dúvidas quanto a sua citotoxicidade, mutagenicidade e carcinogenicidade, visto que, na literatura, poucos são os trabalhos encontrados avaliando a toxicidade, em nível sistêmico e celular, destes compostos químicos. Os meristemas de raízes de Allium cepa (cebola) são muito utilizados para a avaliação da toxicidade de compostos químicos de interesse. Desta forma, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar em células meristemáticas de A. cepa, de forma individual, a toxicidade em nível celular de aromatizantes alimentares sintéticos, idênticos aos naturais, de sabores Queijo e Queijo Cheddar, nas doses de 1,0 e 2,0 mL, nos tempos de exposição de 24 e 48 horas; e de forma associada, onde se utilizou 0,5 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo associado a 0,5 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo Cheddar; e 1,0 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo associado a 1,0 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo Cheddar, nos tempos de exposição de 24 e 48 horas. Para estas avaliações utilizou-se grupos de cinco bulbos de cebolas, que primeiramente foram enraizados em água destilada, e em seguida transferidos para as suas respectivas doses. As radículas foram coletadas e fixadas em ácido acético (3:1) por 24 horas. As lâminas foram preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento e coradas com orceína acética a 2%. Analisaram-se células em todo ciclo celular, totalizando 5.000 para cada controle e tempo de exposição. Os índices mitóticos calculados e as aberrações celulares observadas foram submetidos à análise estatística do Qui-quadrado (p<0,05). Não foram observadas alterações cromossômicas e anomalias de fuso mitótico para nenhum dos tratamentos realizados. Os resultados obtidos, tanto individualmente como de forma associada, mostraram que os aromatizantes em estudos reduziram de forma significativa os índices de divisões celulares das células do sistema teste utilizado. Portanto, nas condições analisadas, os dois aromatizantes foram citotóxicos.

Antimitotic and antimutagenic action of the Hymenaea stigonocarpa bark on dividing cells / Ação antimitótica e antimutagênica do ritidoma de Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart ex Hayne na divisão celular

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of Hymenaea stigonocarpa bark hydroalcoholic extract against a mutagenic compound using A. cepa meristematic root cells as a test system. The treatment groups were: Negative Control (NC) distilled water; Positive Control (PC) paracetamol at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL, Jatoba Control (JC) aqueous fraction jatobá-do-cerrado at 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL, and Simultaneous Treatment (ST) - jatobá-do-cerrado aqueous fraction at a concentration of 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL associated with paracetamol solution at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL. All groups were analyzed at 24 and 48 h. Five onion bulbs (five replications) were used for each treatment group. The root tips were fixed in Carnoy and slides prepared by the crush technique. Cells were analyzed throughout the cell cycle, totaling 5,000 for each treatment group at each exposure time. Mitotic indices were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test (p 0.05). From the results it was found that the ST group, at the three concentrations, significantly potentiated the antiproliferative effect of the test system cells when compared to PC, NC and TJ at the three concentrations. Furthermore, the three ST concentrations significantly reduced the number of cell aberrations when compared to the number of aberrant cells obtained for the PC, demonstrating antimutagenic action on the A. cepa test system cells.(AU)

Resumo O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a ação do extrato hidroalcólico do ritidoma de Hymenaea stigonocarpa frente a um composto mutagênico, utilizando como sistema teste as células meristemáticas de raízes de A. cepa. Os grupos tratamentos avaliados foram: Controle Negativo (CN) água destilada; Controle Positivo (CP) paracetamol na concentração de 0,008 mg/mL, Controle Jatobá (CJ) fração aquosa de jatobá-do-cerrado na concentração de 0,5 ou 1,0 ou 1,5 mg/mL, e Tratamento Simultâneo (TS) fração aquosa de jatobá-do-cerrado na concentração de 0,5 ou 1,0 ou 1,5 mg/mL associada a solução de paracetamol na concentração de 0,008 mg/mL. Todos os grupos foram analisados nos tempos de 24 e 48 h. Para cada grupo tratamento cinco bulbos de cebolas (cinco repetições) foram utilizados. As radículas foram fixadas em Carnoy e as lâminas preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento. Analisaram-se células em todo ciclo celular, totalizando 5.000 para cada grupo tratamento em cada tempo de exposição. Os índices mitóticos obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística do Qui-quadrado (p 0,05). A partir dos resultados verificou-se que o grupo TS, nas três concentrações, potencializou o efeito antiproliferativo significativo as células do sistema teste quando comparado ao CP, CN e TJ nas três concentrações. Ainda, o TS nas três concentrações reduziu de forma significativa o número de aberrações celulares quando comparado com o número de células aberrantes obtidas para o CP, demonstrando ação antimutagênica as células do sistema teste A. cepa.(AU)

Cytotoxicity of Cheese and Cheddar Cheese food flavorings on Allim cepa L root meristems / Citotoxicidade de aromatizantes alimentares de Queijo e Queijo Cheddar sob meristemas de raízes de Allim cepa L

Abstract Despite their great importance for the food industry, flavorings, in general, raise a number of questions regarding their cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, since, in the literature, there are few studies found evaluating the toxicity on the systemic and cellular level, of these chemical compounds. The root meristems of Allium cepa (onion) are widely used for the assessment of toxicity of chemical compounds of interest. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate, in A. cepa meristematic cells, individually and in combination at the cellular level, the toxicity of synthetic Cheese and Cheddar Cheese food flavorings, identical to the natural, at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mL, at exposure times of 24 and 48 hours. In combination we used 0.5 mL of Cheese flavor associated with 0.5 mL of Cheddar flavor; and 1.0 mL of Cheese flavor associated with 1.0 mL of Cheddar flavor, at exposure times of 24 and 48 hours. For these evaluations, we used groups of five onion bulbs, which were first embedded in distilled water and then transferred to their respective doses. The root tips were collected and fixed in acetic acid (3:1) for 24 hours. The slides were prepared by crushing and were stained with 2% acetic orcein. Cells were analyzed throughout the cell cycle, totaling 5,000 for each control and exposure time. The mitotic indices calculated and cellular aberrations observed were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test (p 0.05). No chromosomal abnormalities nor those of mitotic spindle were observed for the treatments performed. The results, both individually and in combination, showed that the flavorings under study significantly reduced the cell division rate of the test system cells used. Therefore, under the conditions studied, the two flavorings were cytotoxic.(AU)

Resumo Apesar da grande importância para a indústria alimentícia, os aromatizantes, em geral, suscitam uma série de dúvidas quanto a sua citotoxicidade, mutagenicidade e carcinogenicidade, visto que, na literatura, poucos são os trabalhos encontrados avaliando a toxicidade, em nível sistêmico e celular, destes compostos químicos. Os meristemas de raízes de Allium cepa (cebola) são muito utilizados para a avaliação da toxicidade de compostos químicos de interesse. Desta forma, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar em células meristemáticas de A. cepa, de forma individual, a toxicidade em nível celular de aromatizantes alimentares sintéticos, idênticos aos naturais, de sabores Queijo e Queijo Cheddar, nas doses de 1,0 e 2,0 mL, nos tempos de exposição de 24 e 48 horas; e de forma associada, onde se utilizou 0,5 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo associado a 0,5 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo Cheddar; e 1,0 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo associado a 1,0 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo Cheddar, nos tempos de exposição de 24 e 48 horas. Para estas avaliações utilizou-se grupos de cinco bulbos de cebolas, que primeiramente foram enraizados em água destilada, e em seguida transferidos para as suas respectivas doses. As radículas foram coletadas e fixadas em ácido acético (3:1) por 24 horas. As lâminas foram preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento e coradas com orceína acética a 2%. Analisaram-se células em todo ciclo celular, totalizando 5.000 para cada controle e tempo de exposição. Os índices mitóticos calculados e as aberrações celulares observadas foram submetidos à análise estatística do Qui-quadrado (p 0,05). Não foram observadas alterações cromossômicas e anomalias de fuso mitótico para nenhum dos tratamentos realizados. Os resultados obtidos, tanto individualmente como de forma associada, mostraram que os aromatizantes em estudos reduziram de forma significativa os índices de divisões celulares das células do sistema teste utilizado. Portanto, nas condições analisadas, os dois aromatizantes foram citotóxicos.(AU)

Antimitotic and antimutagenic action of the Hymenaea stigonocarpa bark on dividing cells.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of Hymenaea stigonocarpa bark hydroalcoholic extract against a mutagenic compound using A. cepa meristematic root cells as a test system. The treatment groups were: Negative Control (NC) - distilled water; Positive Control (PC) - paracetamol at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL, Jatoba Control (JC) - aqueous fraction jatobá-do-cerrado at 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL, and Simultaneous Treatment (ST) - jatobá-do-cerrado aqueous fraction at a concentration of 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL associated with paracetamol solution at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL. All groups were analyzed at 24 and 48 h. Five onion bulbs (five replications) were used for each treatment group. The root tips were fixed in Carnoy and slides prepared by the crush technique. Cells were analyzed throughout the cell cycle, totaling 5,000 for each treatment group at each exposure time. Mitotic indices were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test (p<0.05). From the results it was found that the ST group, at the three concentrations, significantly potentiated the antiproliferative effect of the test system cells when compared to PC, NC and TJ at the three concentrations. Furthermore, the three ST concentrations significantly reduced the number of cell aberrations when compared to the number of aberrant cells obtained for the PC, demonstrating antimutagenic action on the A. cepa test system cells.

Cytotoxicity of Cheese and Cheddar Cheese food flavorings on Allim cepa L root meristems.

Despite their great importance for the food industry, flavorings, in general, raise a number of questions regarding their cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, since, in the literature, there are few studies found evaluating the toxicity on the systemic and cellular level, of these chemical compounds. The root meristems of Allium cepa (onion) are widely used for the assessment of toxicity of chemical compounds of interest. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate, in A. cepa meristematic cells, individually and in combination at the cellular level, the toxicity of synthetic Cheese and Cheddar Cheese food flavorings, identical to the natural, at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mL, at exposure times of 24 and 48 hours. In combination we used 0.5 mL of Cheese flavor associated with 0.5 mL of Cheddar flavor; and 1.0 mL of Cheese flavor associated with 1.0 mL of Cheddar flavor, at exposure times of 24 and 48 hours. For these evaluations, we used groups of five onion bulbs, which were first embedded in distilled water and then transferred to their respective doses. The root tips were collected and fixed in acetic acid (3:1) for 24 hours. The slides were prepared by crushing and were stained with 2% acetic orcein. Cells were analyzed throughout the cell cycle, totaling 5,000 for each control and exposure time. The mitotic indices calculated and cellular aberrations observed were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test (p <0.05). No chromosomal abnormalities nor those of mitotic spindle were observed for the treatments performed. The results, both individually and in combination, showed that the flavorings under study significantly reduced the cell division rate of the test system cells used. Therefore, under the conditions studied, the two flavorings were cytotoxic.

Antimitotic and antimutagenic action of the Hymenaea stigonocarpa bark on dividing cells

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of Hymenaea stigonocarpa bark hydroalcoholic extract against a mutagenic compound using A. cepa meristematic root cells as a test system. The treatment groups were: Negative Control (NC) distilled water; Positive Control (PC) paracetamol at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL, Jatoba Control (JC) aqueous fraction jatobá-do-cerrado at 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL, and Simultaneous Treatment (ST) - jatobá-do-cerrado aqueous fraction at a concentration of 0.5 or 1.0 or 1.5 mg/mL associated with paracetamol solution at a concentration of 0.008 mg/mL. All groups were analyzed at 24 and 48 h. Five onion bulbs (five replications) were used for each treatment group. The root tips were fixed in Carnoy and slides prepared by the crush technique. Cells were analyzed throughout the cell cycle, totaling 5,000 for each treatment group at each exposure time. Mitotic indices were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test (p 0.05). From the results it was found that the ST group, at the three concentrations, significantly potentiated the antiproliferative effect of the test system cells when compared to PC, NC and TJ at the three concentrations. Furthermore, the three ST concentrations significantly reduced the number of cell aberrations when compared to the number of aberrant cells obtained for the PC, demonstrating antimutagenic action on the A. cepa test system cells.

Resumo O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a ação do extrato hidroalcólico do ritidoma de Hymenaea stigonocarpa frente a um composto mutagênico, utilizando como sistema teste as células meristemáticas de raízes de A. cepa. Os grupos tratamentos avaliados foram: Controle Negativo (CN) água destilada; Controle Positivo (CP) paracetamol na concentração de 0,008 mg/mL, Controle Jatobá (CJ) fração aquosa de jatobá-do-cerrado na concentração de 0,5 ou 1,0 ou 1,5 mg/mL, e Tratamento Simultâneo (TS) fração aquosa de jatobá-do-cerrado na concentração de 0,5 ou 1,0 ou 1,5 mg/mL associada a solução de paracetamol na concentração de 0,008 mg/mL. Todos os grupos foram analisados nos tempos de 24 e 48 h. Para cada grupo tratamento cinco bulbos de cebolas (cinco repetições) foram utilizados. As radículas foram fixadas em Carnoy e as lâminas preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento. Analisaram-se células em todo ciclo celular, totalizando 5.000 para cada grupo tratamento em cada tempo de exposição. Os índices mitóticos obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística do Qui-quadrado (p 0,05). A partir dos resultados verificou-se que o grupo TS, nas três concentrações, potencializou o efeito antiproliferativo significativo as células do sistema teste quando comparado ao CP, CN e TJ nas três concentrações. Ainda, o TS nas três concentrações reduziu de forma significativa o número de aberrações celulares quando comparado com o número de células aberrantes obtidas para o CP, demonstrando ação antimutagênica as células do sistema teste A. cepa.

Cytotoxicity of Cheese and Cheddar Cheese food flavorings on Allim cepa L root meristems

Abstract Despite their great importance for the food industry, flavorings, in general, raise a number of questions regarding their cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, since, in the literature, there are few studies found evaluating the toxicity on the systemic and cellular level, of these chemical compounds. The root meristems of Allium cepa (onion) are widely used for the assessment of toxicity of chemical compounds of interest. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate, in A. cepa meristematic cells, individually and in combination at the cellular level, the toxicity of synthetic Cheese and Cheddar Cheese food flavorings, identical to the natural, at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mL, at exposure times of 24 and 48 hours. In combination we used 0.5 mL of Cheese flavor associated with 0.5 mL of Cheddar flavor; and 1.0 mL of Cheese flavor associated with 1.0 mL of Cheddar flavor, at exposure times of 24 and 48 hours. For these evaluations, we used groups of five onion bulbs, which were first embedded in distilled water and then transferred to their respective doses. The root tips were collected and fixed in acetic acid (3:1) for 24 hours. The slides were prepared by crushing and were stained with 2% acetic orcein. Cells were analyzed throughout the cell cycle, totaling 5,000 for each control and exposure time. The mitotic indices calculated and cellular aberrations observed were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test (p 0.05). No chromosomal abnormalities nor those of mitotic spindle were observed for the treatments performed. The results, both individually and in combination, showed that the flavorings under study significantly reduced the cell division rate of the test system cells used. Therefore, under the conditions studied, the two flavorings were cytotoxic.

Resumo Apesar da grande importância para a indústria alimentícia, os aromatizantes, em geral, suscitam uma série de dúvidas quanto a sua citotoxicidade, mutagenicidade e carcinogenicidade, visto que, na literatura, poucos são os trabalhos encontrados avaliando a toxicidade, em nível sistêmico e celular, destes compostos químicos. Os meristemas de raízes de Allium cepa (cebola) são muito utilizados para a avaliação da toxicidade de compostos químicos de interesse. Desta forma, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar em células meristemáticas de A. cepa, de forma individual, a toxicidade em nível celular de aromatizantes alimentares sintéticos, idênticos aos naturais, de sabores Queijo e Queijo Cheddar, nas doses de 1,0 e 2,0 mL, nos tempos de exposição de 24 e 48 horas; e de forma associada, onde se utilizou 0,5 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo associado a 0,5 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo Cheddar; e 1,0 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo associado a 1,0 mL do aromatizante sabor Queijo Cheddar, nos tempos de exposição de 24 e 48 horas. Para estas avaliações utilizou-se grupos de cinco bulbos de cebolas, que primeiramente foram enraizados em água destilada, e em seguida transferidos para as suas respectivas doses. As radículas foram coletadas e fixadas em ácido acético (3:1) por 24 horas. As lâminas foram preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento e coradas com orceína acética a 2%. Analisaram-se células em todo ciclo celular, totalizando 5.000 para cada controle e tempo de exposição. Os índices mitóticos calculados e as aberrações celulares observadas foram submetidos à análise estatística do Qui-quadrado (p 0,05). Não foram observadas alterações cromossômicas e anomalias de fuso mitótico para nenhum dos tratamentos realizados. Os resultados obtidos, tanto individualmente como de forma associada, mostraram que os aromatizantes em estudos reduziram de forma significativa os índices de divisões celulares das células do sistema teste utilizado. Portanto, nas condições analisadas, os dois aromatizantes foram citotóxicos.

Relaxation dynamics of deeply supercooled confined water in L,L-diphenylalanine micro/nanotubes.

The temperature dependence (10-290 K) of the low-frequency (20-150 cm(-1)) Raman-active phonon modes of deeply supercooled confined water in L,L-diphenylalanine micro/nanotubes was analyzed. The isolated dynamics of a specific geometry of a water cluster (pentamer) in a supercooled confined regime was studied in detail. A fragile-to-strong transition at 204 K was observed and related to the crossing of the Widom line. Analysis of peptide vibrational modes coupled to water hydrogen bonds indicated that hydrogen bond fluctuations play an irrelevant role in this system. Our results are in agreement with the second critical point of water existence hypothesis.

O papel terapêutico do Programa Farmácia Viva e das plantas medicinais / The therapeutic role of the Program Farmacia Viva and the medicinal plants in the center-south of Piauí

RESUMOEste trabalho realizou um levantamento sobre o uso de plantas medicinais na cidade de Picos-PI, identificou as plantas cultivadas no horto pertencente ao Laboratório Fitoterápico de Picos (LAFIPI), e analisou o uso de fitoterápicos dispensados pelo Programa Farmácia Viva no triênio 2008-2010. Do total dos 750 entrevistados, 37,6% foram homens e 62,4 % mulheres, dentre os quais a maioria não concluiu o segundo grau (69,2%) e 77,2% possuíam renda mensal de até dois salários mínimos. Com relação ao consumo de plantas medicinais, 76,3% afirmaram utilizá-las para tratar doenças, principalmente por considerá-las mais saudáveis (84,8%). A indicação do uso foi orientada, sobretudo, por familiares (82,2%), embora a maioria adquira as plantas em feiras livres (32,8%). Das 127 plantas relatadas, as mais citadas foram erva-cidreira, boldo e hortelã, sendo as folhas a parte mais utilizada (42,3%), predominantemente por infusão (39,4%). As aplicações mais lembradas foram para tratar dores em geral (17%), distúrbios respiratórios (16,5%) e digestivos (16%). As espécies mais cultivadas no horto são chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) e erva cidreira (Lippia alba). O lambedor de chambá foi o fitoterápico mais procurado pela população entre 2008 e 2010. Esse estudo descreveu, pela primeira vez, o uso tradicional de plantas medicinais no município de Picos e demonstrou, também de forma inédita, a relevância de investimentos do Programa Farmácia Viva no município de Picos e sua inclusão no Programa Saúde da Família como forma de disponibilizar à população de baixa renda fitoterápicos produzidos localmente a custos reduzidos.

ABSTRACTThis study performed a research about the use of medicinal plants in Picos city, identifying the plants grown in the garden belonging to the Laboratory of Phytotherapics in Picos (LAFIPI) and analying the use of phytotherapics distributed by the Farmácia Viva Project between 2008-2010. From the total of 750 interviewed participants, 37.6% were men and 62.4 % women. Most of them do not have secondary education (69.2%) and 77.2% had an income of up until two minimum wages. Regarding consumption of medicinal plants, 76.3 % used them to treat diseases, mainly because they considered them to be healthier (84.8%). The indication of use of the plants was mainly suggested by relatives (82.2%), even though the majority of the participants acquires plants in open markets (32.8%). From the 127 plants mentioned, the most cited ones were balm, boldo and mint, and leaves were the most utilized parts (42.3%), predominantly by infusion (39.4%). The most common reasons for the usewere to treat pain in general (17%), and respiratory (16.5%) and digestive disorders (16%). The most cultivated species in the garden were chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) and erva cidreira (Lippia alba). The "chambá licker" was the most herbal medicine searched by the population between 2008 and 2010. This investigation described, for the first time, the traditional use of medicinal plants in Picos and demonstrated,alsounprecedentedly, the relevance of investments in the Farmácia Viva Project in Picos city and its inclusion in the Family Health Program as a strategyin order to provide locally producedphytotherapics for low-income population at low costs.

High sodium intake during postnatal phases induces an increase in arterial blood pressure in adult rats.

Epigenetic studies suggest that diseases that develop in adulthood are related to certain conditions to which the individual is exposed during the initial stages of life. Experimental evidence has demonstrated that offspring born to mothers maintained on high-Na diets during pregnancy have higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) in adulthood. Although these studies have demonstrated the importance of prenatal phases to hypertension development, no evidence regarding the role of high Na intake during postnatal phases in the development of this pathology has been reported. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of Na overload during childhood on induced water and Na intakes and on cardiovascular parameters in adulthood were evaluated. Experiments were carried out in two groups of 21-d-old rats: experimental group, maintained on hypertonic saline (0.3 m-NaCl) solution and food for 60 d, and control group, maintained on tap water and food. Later, both groups were given water and food for 15 d (recovery period). After the recovery period, chronic cannulation of the right femoral artery was performed in unanaesthetised rats to record baseline MAP and heart rate (HR). The experimental group was found to have increased basal MAP (98.6 (sem 2.6) v. 118.3 (sem 2.7) mmHg, P< 0.05) and HR (365.4 (sem 12.2) v. 398.2 (sem 7.5) beats per min, P< 0.05). There was a decrease in the baroreflex index in the experimental group when compared with that in the control group. A water and Na intake test was performed using furosemide. Na depletion was found to induce an increase in Na intake in both the control and experimental groups (12.1 (sem 0.6) ml and 7.8 (sem 1.1), respectively, P< 0.05); however, this increase was of lower magnitude in the experimental group. These results demonstrate that postnatal Na overload alters behavioural and cardiovascular regulation in adulthood.

Aspectos toxicológicos da planta medicinal Casearia sylvestris Swartz: revisão de literatura / Toxicology of the medicinal plant Casearia sylvestris Swartz: a literature review

In the West, the consumption of medicinal plants is increasing strongly, and up to 40% of the population use medicinal plants and phytotherapic preparations regularly, in the belief that they are innocuous and/or safe. However, in most cases there is no scientific proof of their pharmacological and toxicological properties. The aim of this study was to carry out a bibliographical review of the toxicological properties of Casearia sylvestris Swartz and collect data providing a basis for its rational use. Some studies validate classical therapeutic indications of C. sylvestris, such as to treat diarrhea and snakebites, justifying its empirical use. Nevertheless, there are few reports about its toxicological properties and these present only limited findings, describing results as 50% lethal dose (LD50) and the acute toxicity of its constituents. Currently, research is insufficient to ensure safety of popular preparations based on C. sylvestris. Therefore, it is necessary to make a fuller assessment of its deleterious profile, especially with respect to the toxic potential of its constituents, as well as its capacity to harm target organs and organic systems...

No Ocidente, o consumo de plantas medicinais vem aumentando substancialmente, onde cerca de 40% da população utiliza regularmente plantas medicinais e preparações fitoterápicas sob o rótulo de serem produtos inócuos ou seguros. Porém, na maioria das vezes, não há comprovação científica de suas propriedades farmacológicas e toxicológicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento bibliográfico sobre as propriedades toxicológicas da Casearia sylvestris Swartz e coletar dados que fundamentem seu uso racional. Alguns estudos validam indicações terapêuticas clássicas da C. sylvestris como antidiarréico e no tratamento de ferimentos ofídicos, fundamentando seu uso empírico. Porém, poucos trabalhos relatam suas propriedades toxicológicas, havendo apenas abordagens limitadas em torno da Dose Letal 50% e da toxicidade aguda de seus constituintes. Até o presente momento, as pesquisas são insuficientes para garantir a segurança de preparações populares à base de C. sylvestris. Portanto, há necessidade de avaliar melhor seu perfil deletério, principalmente, no que diz respeito ao potencial tóxico de seus constituintes, assim como a sua capacidade lesiva sobre órgãos-alvos e sistemas orgânicos...

Anti-ulcerogenic and antisecretory effects of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq. ) Sargent hexane leaf extract / Efeito anti-ulcerogênico e antisecretório do extrato hexânico das folhas de Celtis iguanaea (Jacq. ) Sargent

The Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Cannabaceae) is one of the native species of the Cerrado region of Brazil widely used in folk medicine to treat dyspepsia. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of the Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (HE) hexane leaf extract in the lesion and gastric secretion models.Antiulcerogenic activity of the Celtis iguanaea (HE) hexane leaf extract was observed with the experimental models, such as indomethacin and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers. In order to evaluate the antisecretory activity of this extract, isolated Rana catesbeiana mucosa and pyloric ligation in mice were used. The HE treatment reduced the lesion index of indomethacin and pyloric ligation-induced ulcer. This extract also reduced the gastric acid secretion and total acidity (increasing the gastric pH) in mice. The secretion of H+ was reduced in the basal values (15.58 ± 1.99 µEq H+/g/15 min) when isolated Rana catesbeiana mucosa was incubated with HE. Intraduodenal administration of HE reduced the gastric secretion produced by bethanecol or histamine. The antiulcerogenic and antisecretory efficacy of HE in this study suggest anticholinergic and antihistaminergic mechanism or interruption of intracellular events that are linked to acid secretion.

Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Cannabaceae) é uma das espécies nativas do cerrado brasileiro, sendo amplamente utilizada na medicina popular para o tratamento de dispepsia. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito gastroprotetor do extrato hexânico das folhas de Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (EH) em modelos de secreção e de lesões gástricas. A atividade antisecretória do extrato hexânico das folhas de Celtis iguanaea (EH) foi avaliada no modelo de mucosa isolada de Rana catesbeiana e pelo modelo de ligadura pilórica em camundongos. A avaliação da atividade anti-ulcerogênica do EH foi determinada no modelo de úlceras gástricas induzidas por indometacina e ligadura pilórica. Quando a mucosa de Rana catesbeiana isolada foi incubada com o EH, a secreção de H+ foi reduzida em comparação com o valor basal (15,58 ± 1,99 µEq H+/g/15 min). O tratamento com o EH reduziu o índice de lesões na úlcera induzida por indometacina e ligadura pilórica. O EH também reduziu o volume de secreção, a acidez total, e aumentou o pH gástrico. A administração intraduodenal reduziu a secreção gástrica produzida por betanecol ou histamina. A eficácia anti-ulcerogênica e antisecretória do EH neste estudo, sugere um mecanismo anticolinérgico e antihistaminérgico ou interrupção de eventos intracelulares que estão ligados à secreção ácida.