Structural and Functional Characterization of New Lipid Transfer Proteins with Chitin-Binding Properties: Insights from Protein Structure Prediction, Molecular Docking, and Antifungal Activity.

Faced with the emergence of multiresistant microorganisms that affect human health, microbial agents have become a serious global threat, affecting human health and plant crops. Antimicrobial peptides have attracted significant attention in research for the development of new microbial control agents. This work's goal was the structural characterization and analysis of antifungal activity of chitin-binding peptides from Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum frutescens seeds on the growth of Candida and Fusarium species. Proteins were initially submitted to extraction in phosphate buffer pH 5.4 and subjected to chitin column chromatography. Posteriorly, two fractions were obtained for each species, Cb-F1 and Cf-F1 and Cb-F2 and Cf-F2, respectively. The Cb-F1 (C. baccatum) and Cf-F1 (C. frutescens) fractions did not bind to the chitin column. The electrophoresis results obtained after chromatography showed two major protein bands between 3.4 and 14.2 kDa for Cb-F2. For Cf-F2, three major bands were identified between 6.5 and 14.2 kDa. One band from each species was subjected to mass spectrometry, and both bands showed similarity to nonspecific lipid transfer protein. Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis had their growth inhibited by Cb-F2. Cf-F2 inhibited the development of C. albicans but did not inhibit the growth of C. tropicalis. Both fractions were unable to inhibit the growth of Fusarium species. The toxicity of the fractions was tested in vivo on Galleria mellonella larvae, and both showed a low toxicity rate at high concentrations. As a result, the fractions have enormous promise for the creation of novel antifungal compounds.

Seeds of nonhost species as sources of toxic compounds for the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (F.).

Cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, is the primary pest of stored cowpea seeds. The management of this infestation currently relies on insecticides, resulting in environmental pollution and selection of insecticide-resistant pests. Consequently, research efforts are being devoted to identify natural insecticides as sustainable and environment friendly alternatives for the control of C. maculatus. In this study, we explore the toxic effects of the nonhost seeds Parkia multijuga, Copaifera langsdorffii, Ormosia arborea, Amburana cearensis, Lonchocarpus guilleminianus, Sapindus saponaria, and Myroxylon peruiferum, on the cowpea weevil C. maculatus. Notably, all nonhost seeds led to reductions between 60 and 100% in oviposition by C. maculatus females. Additionally, the larvae were unable to penetrate the nonhost seeds. Artificial seeds containing 0.05% to 10% of cotyledon flour were toxic to C. maculatus larvae. Approximately 40% of larvae that consumed seeds containing 0.05% of O. arborea failed to develop, in contrast to control larvae. Proteomic analysis of A. cearensis and O. arborea seeds identify revealed a total of 371 proteins. From those, 237 are present in both seeds, 91 were exclusive to O. arborea seeds, and 43 were specific to A. cearensis seeds. Some of these proteins are related to defense, such as proteins containing the cupin domain and 11S seed storage protein. The in silico docking of cupin domain-containing proteins and 11S storage protein with N-acetylglucosamine (NAG)4 showed negative values of affinity energy, indicating spontaneous binding. These results showed that nonhost seeds have natural insecticide compounds with potential to control C. maculatus infestation.

A review of the pathophysiology and the role of ion channels on bronchial asthma.

Asthma is one of the main non-communicable chronic diseases and affects a huge portion of the population. It is a multifactorial disease, classified into several phenotypes, being the allergic the most frequent. The pathophysiological mechanism of asthma involves a Th2-type immune response, with high concentrations of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E, eosinophilia, hyperreactivity and airway remodeling. These mechanisms are orchestrated by intracellular signaling from effector cells, such as lymphocytes and eosinophils. Ion channels play a fundamental role in maintaining the inflammatory response on asthma. In particular, transient receptor potential (TRP), stock-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCs), Ca2+-activated K+ channels (IKCa and BKCa), calcium-activated chloride channel (TMEM16A), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1) and purinergic P2X receptor (P2X). The recognition of the participation of these channels in the pathological process of asthma is important, as they become pharmacological targets for the discovery of new drugs and/or pharmacological tools that effectively help the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of this disease, as well as the more specific mechanisms involved in worsening asthma.

Temperature effect in the inhibition of PLA2 activity of Bothrops brazili venom by Rosmarinic and Chlorogenic acids, experimental and computational approaches.

Myotoxicity caused by snakebite envenoming emerges as one of the main problems of ophidic accidents as it is not well neutralized by the current serum therapy. A promising alternative is to search for efficient small molecule inhibitors that can act against multiple venom components. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is frequently found in snake venom and is usually associated with myotoxicity. Thus it represents an excellent target for the search of new treatments. This work reports the effect of temperature in the inhibition of catalytic properties of PLA2 from Bothrops brazili venom by Rosmarinic (RSM) and Chlorogenic (CHL) acids through experimental and computational approaches. Three temperatures were evaluated (25, 37 and 50 °C). In the experimental section, enzymatic assays showed that RSM is a better inhibitor in all three temperatures. At 50 °C, the inhibition efficiency decayed significantly for both acids. Docking studies revealed that both ligands bind to the hydrophobic channel of the protein dimer where the phospholipid binds in the catalytic process, interacting with several functional residues. In this context, RSM presents better interaction energies due to stronger interactions with chain B of the dimer. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that RSM can establish selective interactions with ARG112B of PLA2, which is located next to residues of the putative Membrane Disruption Site in PLA2-like structures. The affinity of RSM and CHL acids towards PLA2 is mainly driven by electrostatic interactions, especially salt bridge interactions established with residues ARG33B (for CHL) and ARG112B (RSM) and hydrogen bonds with residue ASP89A. The inability of CHL to establish a stable interaction with ARG112B was identified as the reason for its lower inhibition efficiency compared to RSM at the three temperatures. Furthermore, extensive structural analysis was performed to explain the lower inhibition efficiency at 50 °C for both ligands. The analysis performed in this work provides important information for the future design of new inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Body shape and performance on the US Army Combat Fitness Test: Insights from a 3D body image scanner.

OBJECTIVE: To identify relationships between body shape, body composition, sex and performance on the new US Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-nine United States Military Academy cadets took the ACFT between February and April of 2021. The cadets were imaged with a Styku 3D scanner that measured circumferences at 20 locations on the body. A correlation analysis was conducted between body site measurements and ACFT event performance and evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients and p-values. A k-means cluster analysis was performed over the circumference data and ACFT performance were evaluated between clusters using t-tests with a Holm-Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: The cluster analysis resulted in 5 groups: 1. "V" shaped males, 2. larger males, 3. inverted "V" shaped males and females, 4. "V" shaped smaller males and females, and 5. smallest males and females. ACFT performance was the highest in Clusters 1 and 2 on all events except the 2-mile run. Clusters 3 and 4 had no statistically significant differences in performance but both clusters performed better than Cluster 5. CONCLUSIONS: The association between ACFT performance and body shape is more detailed and informative than considering performance solely by sex (males and females). These associations may provide novel ways to design training programs from baseline shape measurements.

Uso de heparina versus citrato em cateter de hemodiálise: uma revisão sistemática / Use of heparin versus citrate in hemodialysis catheter: a systematic review / Uso de heparina versus citrato en catéter de hemodiálisis: una revisión sistemática

A heparina é a solução mais utilizada para selar cateteres de hemodiálise. Entretanto, seu uso está associado a complicações locais e sistêmicas. A solução de citrato surge como alternativa devido aos seus efeitos anticoagulantes. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática é avaliar o risco de infecção da corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter usando heparina em comparação com solução de bloqueio de citrato. Esta revisão sistemática seguiu o protocolo Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) e a estratégia Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO), bem como utilizou as bases de dados Medline, Lilacs e Scielo. Buscaram-se ensaios clínicos randomizados que comparassem heparina com citrato como solução de bloqueio associada à infecção de corrente sanguínea relacionada a cateter. Inicialmente, foram encontrados 1.204 artigos. Após a leitura de seus títulos e resumos, foram selecionados 33 estudos. Depois da aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, restaram quatro artigos. Destes, o desfecho primário foi infecção da corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter. Em Weijmer et al. houve redução no grupo citrato. Por outro lado, Barcellos et al. mostraram resultados opostos usando o modelo multivariado. Power et al. não identificaram diferença entre os grupos e Winnett et al. favoreceram o grupo citrato usando análise de subgrupo. Não foi possível determinar diferença entre o grupo citrato e heparina na redução da infecção da corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter. São necessários mais estudos utilizando uma população maior e solução padronizada de citrato ou heparina.

As the most used solution to seal hemodialysis catheters, heparin use is associated with local and systemic complications. Citrate solution emerges as an alternative due to its anticoagulant effects. This systematic review sought to evaluate the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection using heparin compared to citrate lock solution. Based on the PRISMA protocol and PICO strategy, data were collected from the Medline, Lilacs and Scielo databases. The search strategy included randomized clinical trials that compared heparin versus citrate as lock solution associated with catheter-related bloodstream infection. Of the 1,204 articles identified, 33 were selected after reading tittles and abstract. After applying the exclusion criteria, four papers were included for review. Primary outcome was catheter-related bloodstream infection. Weijmer et al. observed a reduction in the citrate group. In turn, Barcellos et al. showed opposite results using a multivariate model. Power et al. found no difference between groups and Winnet et al. favored the citrate group using subgroup analysis. Results on the difference between citrate versus heparin in reducing catheter-related bloodstream infection were inconclusive. Further studies using a bigger population and standardized citrate or heparin solution are needed.

La heparina es muy utilizada para sellar catéteres de hemodiálisis. Sin embargo, su uso se asocia a complicaciones locales y sistémicas. La solución de citrato puede ser una alternativa por sus efectos anticoagulantes. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es evaluar el riesgo de infección del torrente sanguíneo relacionada con el catéter en el uso de heparina en comparación con la solución bloqueadora de citrato. Esta revisión sistemática siguió el protocolo PRISMA y la estrategia PICO, así como las bases de datos Medline, Lilacs y SciELO, para buscar ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que habían comparado la heparina versus citrato como solución bloqueadora asociada a la infección del torrente sanguíneo relacionada con el catéter. Inicialmente se encontraron 1.204 artículos. Realizada la lectura de sus títulos y resúmenes, se seleccionaron 33 textos. Después de aplicar los criterios de exclusión, quedaron cuatro artículos. De estos, el resultado primario fue la infección del torrente sanguíneo relacionada con el catéter. En Weijmer et al. hubo una reducción en el grupo de citrato. Por otro lado, Barcellos et al. mostró resultados opuestos utilizando el modelo multivariado. Power et al. no mostraron diferencias entre los grupos, y Winnet et al. favorecieron al grupo citrato mediante análisis de subgrupos. No fue posible determinar una diferencia entre el grupo de citrato y el de heparina en la reducción de la infección del torrente sanguíneo relacionada con el catéter. Se necesitan más estudios que utilicen una población mayor y una solución estandarizada de citrato o heparina.

Functional and morphologic dysfunctions in the airways of rats submitted to an experimental model of obesity-exacerbated asthma.

The obesity-exacerbated asthma phenotype is characterized by more severe asthma symptoms and glucocorticoid resistance. The aim of this study was to standardize an obesity-exacerbated asthma model by a high glycemic level index (HGLI) diet and ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenges in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into groups: control (Ctrl), obese (Ob), asthmatic (Asth), obese asthmatic (Ob + Asth) and obese asthmatic treated with dexamethasone (Ob + Asth + Dexa), and in vivo and in vitro functional and morphological parameters were measured. After HGLI consumption, there was an increase in body weight, fasting blood glucose, abdominal circumferences, body mass index and adiposity index. Respiratory function showed a reduction in pulmonary tidal volume and ventilation. In isolated tracheas, carbachol showed an increase in contractile efficacy in the Ob, Ob + Asth and Ob + Asth + Dexa, but mostly on Ob + Asth. Histological analysis of lungs showed peribronchovascular inflammation and smooth muscle hypertrophy and extracellular remodeling on Ob + Asth and Ob + Asth + Dexa. An obesity-exacerbated asthma model was successfully established. Therefore, this model allows further molecular investigations and the search for new therapies for the treatment and relief of symptoms of patients with obesity-induced resistant asthma.

Deleterious effects of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi seed flour on cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), larval development.

Schinus terebinthifolius, Raddi, has been extensively studied due to its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. S. terebinthifolius was also toxic to some insects, however little has been explored about the nature of its insecticide compounds or the toxicity of this plant to insect species. In this work, we investigate the toxicity of S. terebinthifolius seed flour against the insect C. maculatus. S. terebinthifolius seed flour interfered with the post hatch development of the C. maculatus larvae, decreasing larval survival, mass and length. Using DEAE-cellulose chromatography, five protein fractions were isolated, a non-retained fraction (NRF) and four retained fractions, eluted with 0.25, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 M NaCl. Proteins with varying molecular masses were observed in all fractions. The majority protein bands were identified by mass spectrometry analysis and among the main identified proteins are 11S globulins (such glycinin), lipoxygenase, chitinases, 7S globulins (vicilins, canavalin and ß conglycinin), annexin, catalase and sucrose binding protein. All DEAE-protein fractions were toxic to the insect, interfering with the post hatch larval development and survival. Decreases greater than 90% were observed in the larval mass and length at 20 days after oviposition (DAO) for larvae raised on diet containing 0.5% of some fractions. Alterations in the level of proteins, glucose and in the activity of the enzymes lipases and cysteine proteases were also detected in these larvae. Our results show that seeds of S. terebinthifolius have an arsenal of toxic proteins with potential for the control of the insect C. maculatus.

Antiophidic potential of chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid against Bothrops leucurus snake venom.

Bothrops leucurus is responsible for most cases of snakebite in Northeast Brazil; however, this species is not included in the pool of venoms used in antivenom production in Brazil. The serotherapy has logistical and effectiveness limitations, which stimulates the search for therapeutic alternatives. Chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid present several biological activities, but their antiophidic potential has been poorly explored. Thus, the aim of this approach was to evaluate the potential inhibitory effects of these compounds on B. leucurus venom. Initially, the enzymatic inhibition of toxins was evaluated in vitro. Then, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-myotoxic, and anti-edematogenic assays were performed in vivo, as well analysis of several biochemical markers and hemostatic parameters. In addition, the interaction of inhibitors with SVMP and PLA2 was investigated by docking analysis. Results revealed that compounds inhibited in vitro the enzymatic activities and venom-induced edema, with a decrease in both myeloperoxidase and interleukin quantification. The inhibitors also attenuated the hemorrhagic and myotoxic actions and mitigated changes in serum biochemical and hemostatic markers, as well as decreased lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. Docking analysis revealed attractive interactions of both inhibitors with the zinc-binding site of SVMP and, in the case of PLA2, chlorogenic acid showed a similar inhibition mechanism to that described for rosmarinic acid. The results evidenced the antiophidic potential of both compounds, which showed higher efficiency than antivenom serum. Thus, both inhibitors are promising candidates for future adjuvants to be used to complement antivenom serotherapy.

The potential of phenolic acids in therapy against snakebites: A review.

Ophidism is a serious health problem worldwide and is included in the World Health Organization's (WHO's) list of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Although snakebite envenoming requires emergency treatment, currently the only treatment recommended by WHO is serotherapy, which has some disadvantages such as low access to the rural population, low effectiveness in neutralizing local effects, and high cost. In this context, new alternatives for the treatment of snakebites are required. The use of plant-derived compounds to inhibit the effects caused by snake venoms has been the object of a number of studies in recent years. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the use of phenolic acids with therapeutic application against envenomation by snakes of different species. In this sense, structural analysis in silico and biological activities in vivo and in vitro were reported. The acids were subdivided into derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids, with derivatives of cinnamic acids being the most studied. Studies have revealed that these compounds are capable of inhibiting local and systemic effects induced by envenomation, and structural analyses indicate that the acids interact with important sites responsible for the action of toxins. Thus, it was reported that phenolic acids showed antiophidic potential, providing insights for future research to develop complementary drugs for the treatment of snakebites.

The resistance of the cowpea cv. BRS Xiquexique to infestation by cowpea weevil is related to the presence of toxic chitin-binding proteins.

The cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) is the main pest that attacks cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds during storage, causing nutritional and economic losses in the cowpea crop. Thus, studies aiming to identify resistant cowpea cultivars have been developed. Chitin-binding proteins (CBP), such vicilins and chitinases, have been detected in seeds and related with the toxicity to insects. In this work, we investigated the presence of chitin-binding proteins in the partially resistant cowpea cv. BRS Xiquexique and evaluated their toxicity towards cowpea weevil. The CBP fraction was isolated by chitin affinity chromatography. CBP fraction showed, through 15% SDS PAGE, protein bands with varying molecular masses, mainly below 55 kDa. Proteins present in CBP fraction were identified by Western blotting and mass spectrometry analysis, as vicilins and chitinases. CBP fraction, at 5%, was able to interfere with the development of cowpea weevil, decreasing larval mass and length. A CBV (chitin-binding vicilin) fraction isolated from CBP fraction was toxic, at 2.0%, to C. maculatus, decreasing larval mass and length in 64.3% and 33.23%, respectively. These results suggest that chitin binding proteins, such vicilins and chitinases, may be related to the resistance of cowpea cv. BRS Xiquexique to the infestation by C. maculatus.

Uncovering the Role of Oxidative Imbalance in the Development and Progression of Bronchial Asthma.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways related to epithelial damage, bronchial hyperresponsiveness to contractile agents, tissue remodeling, and luminal narrowing. Currently, there are many data about the pathophysiology of asthma; however, a new aspect has emerged related to the influence of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) on the origin of this disease. Several studies have shown that an imbalance between the production of ROS and RNS and the antioxidant enzymatic and nonenzymatic systems plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Considering this aspect, this study is aimed at gathering data from the scientific literature on the role of oxidative distress in the development of inflammatory airway and lung diseases, especially bronchial asthma. For that, articles related to these themes were selected from scientific databases, including human and animal studies. The main findings of this work showed that the respiratory system works as a highly propitious place for the formation of ROS and RNS, especially superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxynitrite, and the epithelial damage is reflected in an important loss of antioxidant defenses that, in turn, culminates in an imbalance and formation of inflammatory and contractile mediators, such as isoprostanes, changes in the activity of protein kinases, and activation of cell proliferation signalling pathways, such as the MAP kinase pathway. Thus, the oxidative imbalance appears as a promising path for future investigations as a therapeutic target for the treatment of asthmatic patients, especially those resistant to currently available therapies.

Antidiarrheal Effect of Zornia brasiliensis Vogel (Leguminosae) on Mice Involves Adrenergic Pathway Activation.

Several secondary metabolites have been isolated from Zornia brasiliensis (Leguminosae), mainly flavonoids. These compounds are known for many pharmacological actions, such as antispasmodic and antidiarrheal. Therefore, we evaluated the antidiarrheal effect of the ethanolic extract obtained from Zornia brasiliensis aerial parts (ZB-EtOHAP), as well as its underlying mechanisms. Castor-oil-induced diarrhea, fluid accumulation, and intestinal transit (normal and castor oil induced) were performed to assess the antidiarrheal, antisecretory, and antipropulsive activities of the extract. The involvement of opioid and adrenergic pathways was also investigated. ZB-EtOHAP inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, both total defecation frequency and the number of watery stools. The extract showed no effect on fluid accumulation or normal intestinal transit. On the other hand, when the animals were pretreated with castor oil, the extract decreased the distance traveled by the marker in the small intestine. Investigation of the involvement of opioid and adrenergic systems showed that the pharmacological potency of the extract did not change in the presence of naloxone, but it was reduced in the presence of yohimbine. The data indicate that Zornia brasiliensis has an antidiarrheal effect due to inhibition of the intestinal motility through adrenergic pathway activation.

Perfil de mães adolescentes no ambulatório de aleitamento materno de um hospital-escola do noroeste paulista / Profile of adolescent mothers in the breastfeeding outpatient clinic of a northwestern school hospital / Perfil de madres adolescentes en el ambulatorio de lactancia de un hospital-escuela del noroeste de paulista

Introdução: A prática do Aleitamento Materno Exclusivo é uma eficaz intervenção para a redução da morbimortalidade infantil, uma vez que o leite humano possui todas as substâncias necessárias para promover a proteção e nutrição de crianças até os seis meses de vida. O aleitamento materno também traz benefícios à mãe ao contribuir para a recuperação no pós-parto imediato; maior rapidez na involução uterina e consequente prevenção à anemia. Objetivos: Identificar a adesão do aleitamento materno exclusivo e as orientações recebidas no pré-natal, em mães adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo descritivo transversal realizado de abril a agosto de 2019, no ambulatório de aleitamento materno do Hospital-Escola Emílio Carlos. Resultados: Com relação à faixa etária: 6 mães (32%) tinham 18 anos; 5 (26%) tinham 19 anos. A maioria das adolescentes tinha companheiro 14 (74%) e 5 (26%) solteiras. Em relação à escolaridade, apenas 5 (26%) concluíram o ensino médio. Das adolescentes, 13 (69%) não tinham profissão; 14 (74%) não planejaram a gravidez e 12 (63%) não usavam contraceptivo. Realizaram o pré-natal 17 (89%); não receberam orientações sobre o aleitamento materno pré-natal 15 (79%). A maioria das adolescentes na consulta do aleitamento materno estava em Aleitamento Materno Exclusivo; 7 (37%) não usavam chupeta. Conclusão: Evidências científicas comprovam que a melhor maneira de ajudar as mães adolescentes a estabelecer e manter o aleitamento é o aconselhamento, apoio pessoal e contínuo por um profissional de saúde com conhecimentos adequados sobre amamentação.(AU)

Introduction: The practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding is an effective intervention to reduce infant morbidity and mortality, since human milk has all the necessary substances to promote the protection and nutrition of children up to six months of life. Breastfeeding also brings benefits to the mother by contributing to recovery in the immediate postpartum period; faster uterine involution and consequent prevention of anemia. Objectives: To identify the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding and the guidelines received during prenatal care in adolescent mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from April to August 2019, at the Emílio Carlos School-Hospital outpatient clinic. Results: Regarding the age group: 6 mothers (32%) were 18 years old; 5 (26%) were 19 years old. The majority of adolescents had 14 (74%) and 5 (26%) unmarried partners. In relation to schooling, only 5 (26%) completed high school. Of the adolescents, 13 (69%) had no profession; 14 (74%) did not plan pregnancy and 12 (63%) did not use contraceptives. They underwent prenatal care 17 (89%); received no guidance on prenatal breastfeeding 15 (79%). The majority of adolescents in the breastfeeding consultation were in Exclusive Breastfeeding; 7 (37%) did not use pacifiers. Conclusion: Scientific evidence proves that the best way to help teenage mothers establish and maintain breastfeeding is counseling, personal and continuous support by a health professional with adequate knowledge about breastfeeding.(AU)

Introducción: La práctica de la Lactancia Materna Exclusiva es una intervención eficaz para reducir la morbilidad y mortalidad infantil, ya que la leche materna posee todas las sustancias necesarias para promover la protección y nutrición de los niños hasta los seis meses de edad. La lactancia materna también beneficia a la madre al contribuir a la recuperación en el período posparto inmediato; mayor rapidez en la involución uterina y consecuente prevención de la anemia. Objetivos: Identificar la adherencia a la lactancia materna exclusiva y las pautas recibidas durante la atención prenatal en madres adolescentes. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado de abril a agosto de 2019, en el ambulatorio de lactancia materna del Hospital-Escola Emílio Carlos. Resultados: Respecto al grupo de edad: 6 madres (32%) tenían 18 años; 5 (26%) tenían 19 años. La mayoría de los adolescentes tenían pareja 14 (74%) y 5 (26%) soltera. En cuanto a educación, solo 5 (26%) completaron la escuela secundaria. De los adolescentes, 13 (69%) no tenían profesión; 14 (74%) no planificaron el embarazo y 12 (63%) no usaron anticonceptivos. Realizaron atención prenatal 17 (89%); no recibieron orientación sobre lactancia materna...(AU)

Investigation of ethnomedicinal use of Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J. B. Gillett (Burseraceae) in treatment of diarrhea.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J.B. Gillett, popularly known as "imburana", "imburana-de-cheiro" or "imburana-de-espinho", has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as diarrhea. The indian tribes "Kairir-Shokó and shokó use the bark to treat diarrhea. However, there is no scientific evidence to justify the therapeutic use of this species. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the ethnomedicinal use of Commiphora leptophloeos, with respect to the antimicrobial, antisecretory, antimotility and antispasmodic activities of the crude ethanolic extract obtained from its leaves (CL-EtOHL) and the mechanism underlying this action in rodents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activities was determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract, against different strains of bacteria and fungi. All experimental protocols were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Paraíba (045/2016). In addition, behavioral screening and acute toxicity assessment of CL-EtOHL were performed in female mice (n = 6). In the investigation of antidiarrheal activity (n = 6), frequency of defecation and number of liquid stools, were classified during 4 h, and intestinal fluid and transit were measured. In addition, the antispasmodic effect on rat ileum (n = 5) was also investigated. RESULTS: The ethanolic extract is rich in flavonoids and the main were identified as C-glycosylated flavonoids (isoorientin, orientin, and vitexin). In the evaluation of antimicrobial and antifungal activity, the extract showed moderate efficacy only against the tested strains of Candida krusei ATCC-6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC-22019 and Candida glabrata ATCC-90030. The extract had no toxic effect until 2000 mg/kg. In castor oil-induced diarrhea, CL-EtOHL inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, both total defecation frequency (ED50 = 380.4 ± 145.4 mg/kg) and the number of watery stools (ED50 = 151.2 ± 76.3 mg/kg). The extract showed no effect on fluid accumulation or normal intestinal transit. On the other hand, when the animals were pretreated with castor oil, the extract decreased the distance traveled by the activated charcoal (ED50 = 177.0 ± 50.3 mg/kg). In the investigation of antispasmodic effect, CL-EtOHL antagonized the contractions induced by KCl 30 mM (IC50 = 208.2 ± 25.9 µg/mL) and CCh 10-6 M (IC50 = 95. ± 22.0 µg/mL). To verify the participation of muscarinic receptors in this effect, cumulative carbachol curves were performed in the absence and presence of the extract, and a non-competitive pseudo-irreversible antagonism of these receptors was observed. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that ethanol extract obtained from the leaves of Commiphora leptophloeos has an antidiarrheal effect due to inhibition of the intestinal motility and antispasmodic effect, through the antagonism of muscarinic receptors. In addition, we suggest that flavonoids isolated from CL-EtOHL may be responsible for antidiarrheal activity of this extract. This explains its ethnomedicinal use in the treatment of diarrhea.

Knowledge of basic attention professionals about prevention and early detection of breast cancer in the state of Goiás

The role of Basic Health Care (BHC) professionals is essential in the primary and secondary prevention of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to characterize BHC professionals in the Health Regions of a federative unit and to assess their knowledge about breast cancer. This was a prospective study carried out with BHC professionals from the state of Goiás. Phase 1 ­ Preparation of material and training of the team. Phase 2 ­ Agreement of actions between executing team and coordination of health regions. Phase 3 ­ Presentation of project at the collegiate meeting. Phase 4 ­ Qualification of BHC professionals with different learning methods and application of questionnaires, evaluating the contribution of the action. A total of 1,133 professionals were included; mean age was 36.3 years, and they were predominantly women (87.6%), working as community health agents (59.2%) and at public service (76.3%). Only 53.8% of professionals identified the female sex as a risk factor for breast cancer, while 90% identified family history as an important factor for the development of the disease. Important changes in physical examination that can occur in patients with the disease, such as skin retraction, skin bulging and nipple injury, were mentioned as a risk factor only by 35.3%, 31.3% and 39.7%, respectively. BHC professionals who participated in the project had less than ten years of professional experience and significant restrictions of knowledge about primary and secondary prevention of breast cancer. They still experience difficulties in accessing mammography and specialized care.

Why do mesophotic coral ecosystems have to be protected?

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; ~30-150 m depth) are among the most biologically diverse and least protected ecosystems in the world's oceans. However, discussions regarding the conservation of these unique ecosystems are scarce. To address this issue, we identified the features of MCEs that demonstrate they should be considered as a global conservation priority. Some MCEs are characterized by their well-preserved and unique seascapes; their narrow environmental tolerance and high vulnerability to anthropogenic effects; and their slow recovery and reduced reproductive performance. The unique biodiversity of MCEs includes depth-adapted specialist species and new species, most of which are threatened or important fishery resources. MCEs also provide refuge against human stressors, valuable ecosystem services, and ecological connectivity. MCEs generally meet the criteria to be classified as Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, we highlight that many MCEs worldwide are threatened and not yet adequately protected by fishery regulations, marine protected areas, or considered in marine spatial planning. Establishing MCEs as a global conservation priority requires the designation of national, international, transnational, public, and private policies.

Chemical Modifications of Vicilins Interfere with Chitin-Binding Affinity and Toxicity to Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Insect: A Combined In Vitro and In Silico Analysis.

Vicilins are related to cowpea seed resistance toward Callosobruchus maculatus due to their ability to bind to chitinous structures lining larval midgut. However, this binding mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we identified chitin binding sites and investigated how in vitro and in silico chemical modifications interfere with vicilin chitin binding and insect toxicity. In vitro assays showed that unmodified vicilin strongly binds to chitin matrices, mainly with acetylated chitin. Chemical modifications of specific amino acids (tryptophan, lysine, tyrosine), as well as glutaraldehyde cross-linking, decreased the evaluated parameters. In silico analyses identified at least one chitin binding site in vicilin monomer, the region between Arg208 and Lys216, which bears the sequence REGIRELMK and forms an α helix, exposed in the 3D structure. In silico modifications of Lys223 (acetylated at its terminal nitrogen) and Trp316 (iodinated to 7-iodine-L-tryptophan or oxidized to ß-oxy-indolylalanine) decreased vicilin chitin binding affinity. Glucose, sucrose, and N-acetylglucosamine also interfered with vicilin chitin binding affinity.

Oceanapia magna Sponge Presents Dual Effect on the Gastrointestinal Motility of Rodents: In Vitro and In Vivo Assays.

Oceanapia magna Santos-Neto, Nascimento, Cavalcanti and Pinheiro sponges are distributed across tropical worldwide seas. Some studies of marine products have shown interesting activities in smooth muscle models. Hence, we assessed the effect of the ethanolic extract of Oceanapia magna. (OC-EtOH) on acute toxicity and gastrointestinal motility (in vitro and in vivo) in rodent models. On guinea pig ileum, OC-EtOH induced a concentration dependent contraction on basal tonus, which was not inhibited by atropine, but in the presence of pyrilamine or verapamil, the effect was antagonized. Contrastingly, on KCl- or histamine-induced contractions, OC-EtOH presented a transient contraction followed by a concentration-dependent relaxation. Moreover, OC-EtOH presented a relaxant profile on cumulative curves to CaCl2 and tonic contraction induced by S-(-)-BayK8644, through Cav blockade. The acute toxicity assay showed that OC-EtOH (2,000 mg/kg, p.o.) did not present any sign of toxicity in female mice. Additionally, OC-EtOH presented antidiarrheal effect in mice, increased the intestinal normal transit and reduced the castor oil-induced intestinal transit. Thus, OC-EtOH presented a dual effect on guinea pig ileum promoting contraction through activation of H1 and CaV, and relaxation through CaV blockade, besides the effect on upper gastrointestinal transit in mice, showing a potential medicinal use of this sponge in intestinal diseases such as diarrhea.

Iron and copper complexes with antioxidant activity as inhibitors of the metastatic potential of glioma cells.

Gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumors, presenting high mortality and recurrence rates that highlight the need for the development of more efficient therapies. In that context, we investigated iron(iii) (FeL) and copper(ii) (CuL) complexes containing the tetradentate ligand 2-{[(3-chloro-2-hydroxy-propyl)-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amino]-methyl}-phenol (L) as potential antimetastatic compounds in glioma cells. These complexes were designed to act as mimetics of antioxidant metalloenzymes (catalases and superoxide dismutase) and thus interfere with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), important signaling molecules that have been linked to the induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in cancer cells, a process associated with cancer invasion and aggressiveness. The results obtained have revealed that, in vitro, both compounds act as superoxide dismutase or catalase mimetics, and this translated in glioma cells into a decrease in ROS levels in FeL-treated cells. In addition, both complexes were found to inhibit the migration of monolayer-grown H4 cells and lead to decreased expression of EMT markers. More importantly, this behavior was recapitulated in 3D spheroids models, where CuL in particular was found to completely inhibit the invasion ability of glioma cells, with or without cellular irradiation with X-rays, which is suggestive of these compounds' potential to be used in combination with radiotherapy. Overall, the results herein obtained describe the novel use of these complexes as agents that are able to interfere with regulation of EMT and the invasive behavior of glioma cells, an application that deserves to be further explored.