Bioactive carotanes from Trichoderma virens.

Four new metabolites with carotane skeletons, trichocaranes A (1), B (2), C (3), and D (4), were isolated from Trichoderma virens and their structures established by the interpretation of NMR and mass spectroscopic data. The trichocaranes significantly inhibited the growth of etiolated wheat coleoptiles: 40% at 10(-4) M with 1 and 2 and 86% at 10(-3) M with 3.

Novel bioactive breviane spiroditerpenoids from Penicillium brevicompactum Dierckx.

The structures of four new, naturally occurring bioactive spiroditerpenoids, (+)-breviones B, C, D, and E, potential allelopathic agents, have been determined from extracts of semisolid fermented Penicillium brevicompactum Dierckx. The structures display the novel breviane spiroditerpenoid skeleton. Structure elucidation was performed by chemical transformations and by homo- and heteronuclear 2D-NMR spectral data. On the basis of combined studies of the theoretical conformations and NOEDIFF data, their relative stereochemistry is proposed. A mixed biogenesis for this novel family of spiroditerpenoids is tendered. The levels of activity shown by breviones B, C, and E in the etiolated wheat coleoptiles bioassay, especially breviones E (100% inhibition) and C (80% inhibition) both at 10(-4) M, suggest them as lead compounds for new agrochemicals.

Fractional extraction of compounds from grape seeds by supercritical fluid extraction and analysis for antimicrobial and agrochemical activities.

White grape seeds were subjected to sequential supercritical fluid extraction. By increasing the polarity of the supercritical fluid using methanol as a modifier of CO(2), it was possible to fractionate the extracted compounds. Two fractions were obtained; the first, which was obtained with pure CO(2), contained mainly fatty acids, aliphatic aldehydes, and sterols. The second fraction, obtained with methanol-modified CO(2), had phenolic compounds, mainly catechin, epicatechin, and gallic acid. The fractions were bioassayed. Antimicrobial activities were checked on human pathogens, and a high degree of activity was obtained with the lipophilic fraction. Agrochemical activities on phytopathogenic fungi and activities on the etiolated wheat coleoptile bioassay were also checked. The more polar fraction was active in the latter bioassay.

Serum vitamin A distribution curve for children aged 2-6 y known to have adequate vitamin A status: a reference population.

Serum vitamin A was determined before and 30-45 d after the administration of 60.6 mg (212 mumol) vitamin A to 544 Brazilian children residing in slum areas of Recife. The frequency-distribution curves were compared in a subgroup of children whose vitamin A status was assessed initially by the relative-dose-response (RDR) test. The curves of children with negative (adequate status) and positive (inadequate status) RDR tests were different. The difference disappeared after supplementation. The shape of the distribution curve after supplementation was close to normal with a mean, median, and 95% confidence interval of 1.78 +/- 0.49, 1.68, and 1.02-2.90 mumol/L, respectively. The postsupplementation curve derived from this underprivileged child population may serve as a reference for diagnostic, surveillance, and program-evaluation purposes.

[Influence of aflatoxin B1 on growth of rats under various nutritional conditions]. / Influencia de aflatoxina B1 sobre o crescimento de ratos submetidos a diferentes condições nutricionais.

The effect of the addition of aflatoxin B1 was studied in 48 male, Sprague-Dawley rats weaned at 21 days of age. The animals of the experimental group received one of the following diets to which aflatoxin B1 was added (5 mg/kg ration), a protein-free diet, the regional basic diet of Northeast Brazil (RBD) containing 9.07% protein, and commercial casein diets (at 10 and 20%). The control groups were fed the same diets without aflatoxin B1. To detect possible body alterations, the body weight and food intake, as well as protein and aflatoxin B1 intakes were recorded. Significant alterations were detected in the experimental groups, especially in the protein-depleted animals, and in those fed the RBD and 10% commercial casein diets, when compared to their controls.

[Foster homes in Costa Rica. An alternative in the closure of leprosaria]. / Hogares sustitutos en Costa Rica. Una alternativa en el cierre de las leproserías.

The actual knowledge about leprosy and its therapy determines it to be regarded and treated as any other disease. Leprosaria, dedicated to segregation and isolation the patient are not needed anymore. Accordingly, the only leprosarium that existed in Costa Rica, the "Sanatorio Nacional de las Mercedes", was closed on March 30, 1979. We are providing a historical account of the stages in the struggle against leprosy leading to the closure of the Sanatorio, as well as the main reasons supporting the inadequacy of having such an institution. We explain the meaning and advantages of the foster homes, where the last 30 remaining patients were replaced, thus facilitating the closure of the Sanatorio. Finally, three years later, we discuss the most significant results concerning the Hansen's disease control in Costa Rica.