RESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of violacein (VIO) on Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm. The minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) were determined, as well as the effect of VIO exposure time on microbial viability in mature biofilm. Violacein showed good antibiofilm action, inhibiting biofilm formation and eradicating mature biofilm of S. epidermidis at concentrations of 20 µg.mL-1 and 160 µg.mL-1, respectively. At concentrations equal to MBEC and 2x MBEC, the biofilm was eradicated in 3 h and 2h30min of incubation, respectively.When evaluating VIO modulating effect on the action of clinically-used drugs (vancomycin, cefepime, ciprofloxacin and meropenem), especial synergism was observed in the violacein-ciprofloxacin association, it can completely erradicated the mature biofilm at the concentration of 1/2xMBEC and 1/4xMBEC, respectively. VIO shows good antimicrobial action on S. epidermidis biofilm and has the potential to synergistically modulate the activity of clinically-used antimicrobials.
Assuntos
Staphylococcus epidermidis/efeitos dos fármacos , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Indóis/administração & dosagem , Indóis/farmacologia , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Vancomicina/farmacologiaRESUMO
Objetivou-se avaliar dietas suplementadas com diferentes níveis de complexo mineral e vitamínico, sobre os parâmetros produtivos, rendimento de carcaça, índices somáticos e hematológicos de alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo. Foram utilizados 540 alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo com peso médio de 0,91 ± 0,07 g, distribuídos ao acaso em 18 tanques-rede de 1 m³. O período experimental teve duração de 116 dias, nos quais os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com dietas suplementadas com diferentes níveis de complexo mineral e vitamínico (0; 0,25; 0,50; 1,0; 2,0 e 4,0%). Foi observado efeito linear (P<0,05) para comprimento total, comprimento padrão, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar aparente, em que os peixes submetidos ao nível de 4,0% de suplementação apresentaram melhor desempenho produtivo. Os níveis de suplementação não influenciaram (P>0,05) o rendimento da carcaça, índice hepatossomático e sobrevivência dos peixes. Os parâmetros hematológicos avaliados (hemoglobina, hematócrito, hemoglobina corpuscular média e volume corpuscular médio) foram superiores (P<0,05) para os peixes alimentados com dieta contendo 4,0% de suplementação, exceto para eritrócitos e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média. A suplementação de 1,0% do complexo mineral/vitamínico permite o desenvolvimento satisfatório dos alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo, embora o nível de 4,0% de suplementação permita aos peixes, expressarem seu máximo potencial produtivo sem afetar o processo de hematopoiese.(AU)
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets supplemented with different levels of a mineral and vitamin complex on productive parameters, carcass yield and somatic and hematological indices of Nile tilapia fingerlings. A total of 540 Nile tilapia fingerlings with a mean weight of 0.91 ± 0.07 g were randomly assigned to 18 cages (1 m³). The experimental period lasted 116 days during which the fish received the diets supplemented with different levels of a mineral and vitamin complex (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0%) twice a day. A linear effect (P<0.05) was observed for total length, standard length, weight gain and apparent feed conversion, with fish receiving the diet at the 4.0% level of supplementation exhibiting the best productive performance. The supplementation levels did not influence (P>0.05) carcass yield, hepatosomatic index, or survival of the animals. The hematological parameters evaluated (hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume) were higher (P<0.05) for fish fed the diet at the 4.0% level of supplementation, except for erythrocytes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Supplementation with 1.0% of the mineral/vitamin complex results in satisfactory development of Nile tilapia fingerlings. However, the 4.0% level of supplementation permits Nile tilapia to express their maximum production potential without affecting the process of hematopoiesis.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Ciclídeos/metabolismo , Micronutrientes/análise , Micronutrientes/química , HematologiaRESUMO
Objetivou-se avaliar dietas suplementadas com diferentes níveis de complexo mineral e vitamínico, sobre os parâmetros produtivos, rendimento de carcaça, índices somáticos e hematológicos de alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo. Foram utilizados 540 alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo com peso médio de 0,91 ± 0,07 g, distribuídos ao acaso em 18 tanques-rede de 1 m³. O período experimental teve duração de 116 dias, nos quais os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com dietas suplementadas com diferentes níveis de complexo mineral e vitamínico (0; 0,25; 0,50; 1,0; 2,0 e 4,0%). Foi observado efeito linear (P0,05) o rendimento da carcaça, índice hepatossomático e sobrevivência dos peixes. Os parâmetros hematológicos avaliados (hemoglobina, hematócrito, hemoglobina corpuscular média e volume corpuscular médio) foram superiores (P<0,05) para os peixes alimentados com dieta contendo 4,0% de suplementação, exceto para eritrócitos e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média. A suplementação de 1,0% do complexo mineral/vitamínico permite o desenvolvimento satisfatório dos alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo, embora o nível de 4,0% de suplementação permita aos peixes, expressarem seu máximo potencial produtivo sem afetar o processo de hematopoiese.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets supplemented with different levels of a mineral and vitamin complex on productive parameters, carcass yield and somatic and hematological indices of Nile tilapia fingerlings. A total of 540 Nile tilapia fingerlings with a mean weight of 0.91 ± 0.07 g were randomly assigned to 18 cages (1 m³). The experimental period lasted 116 days during which the fish received the diets supplemented with different levels of a mineral and vitamin complex (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0%) twice a day. A linear effect (P0.05) carcass yield, hepatosomatic index, or survival of the animals. The hematological parameters evaluated (hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume) were higher (P<0.05) for fish fed the diet at the 4.0% level of supplementation, except for erythrocytes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Supplementation with 1.0% of the mineral/vitamin complex results in satisfactory development of Nile tilapia fingerlings. However, the 4.0% level of supplementation permits Nile tilapia to express their maximum production potential without affecting the process of hematopoiesis.
Assuntos
Animais , Ciclídeos/metabolismo , Hematologia , Micronutrientes/análise , Micronutrientes/químicaRESUMO
AIMS: The study aimed to assess whether violacein has antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus epidermidis and synergistically modulates the action of commercially available antimicrobial drugs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Violacein showed excellent antimicrobial activity on biofilm-forming and nonbiofilm-forming S. epidermidis strains (ATCC 35984) (ATCC 12228), with bacteriostatic (MIC = 20 µg ml-1 and 10 µg ml-1 respectively) and bactericidal effects (MBC = 20 µg ml-1 for both strains), observed in short periods of exposure. The violacein bactericidal concentration led to S. epidermidis death after 2-3 h of exposure. Additionally, violacein synergistically modulated the activity of different antimicrobial classes on S. epidermidis ATCC 12228 (81·8%; n = 9) and on S. epidermidis ATCC 35984 (54·5%; n = 6), reducing the MIC of these antibiotics by up to 16-fold. CONCLUSION: Violacein shows excellent antimicrobial activity on S. epidermidis strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Violacein shows the potential for the development of a new drug for the treatment of infections caused by S. epidermidis.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Indóis/farmacologia , Staphylococcus epidermidis/efeitos dos fármacos , Antibacterianos/economia , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Staphylococcus epidermidis/fisiologiaRESUMO
The establishment and maintenance of plant species in the Chaco, one of the widest continuous areas of forests in the South American with sharp climatic variations, are possibly related to biological features favoring plants with particular defenses. This study assesses the physical and chemical defenses mechanisms against herbivores of vegetative and reproductive organs. Its analyses of 12 species of Fabaceae (Leguminosae) collected in remnants of Brazilian Chaco shows that 75% present structural defense characters and 50% have chemical defense defense proteins in their seeds, like protease inhibitors and lectins. Physical defenses occur mainly on branches (78% of the species), leaves (67%), and reproductive organs (56%). The most common physical characters are trichomes and thorns, whose color represents a cryptic character since it does not contrast with the other plant structures. Defense proteins occur in different concentrations and molecular weight classes in the seeds of most species. Protease inhibitors are reported for the first time in seeds of: Albizia niopoides, Anadenanthera colubrina, Mimosa glutinosa, Prosopis rubriflora, and Poincianella pluviosa. The occurrence of physical and chemical defenses in members of Fabaceae indicate no associations between defense characters in these plant species of the Chaco.(AU)
O estabelecimento e a manutenção de espécies no Chaco, uma planície semi-árida da América do Sul com variações climáticas importantes, possivelmente estão relacionados a características biológicas que favorecem as plantas detentoras de defesas particulares. Este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar os mecanismos de defesa física e química anti-herbivoria em órgãos vegetativos e reprodutivos. Analisamos 12 espécies da família Fabaceae (Leguminosae) obtidas em remanescentes de Chaco brasileiro. Observamos que 75% das espécies estudadas apresentam atributo de defesa física e 50% possuem defesa química proteínas de defesa nas sementes, como inibidores de protease e lectinas. As defesas físicas ocorrem principalmente nos ramos (78% das espécies), nos órgãos reprodutivos (56% das espécies) e nas folhas (67%). Os atributos físicos mais frequentes são tricomas e espinhos, cuja coloração não contrastante com as demais estruturas das plantas representa um caráter críptico. Proteínas de defesa ocorrem nas sementes da maioria das espécies, com diferentes concentrações e classes de pesos moleculares. Inibidores de protease nas sementes estão sendo relatados pela primeira vez em: Albizia niopoides, Anadenanthera colubrina, Mimosa glutinosa, Prosopis rubriflora e Poincianella pluviosa. A ocorrência de defesas física e química entre os membros de Fabaceae indica que não há associações entre as características de defesa das espécies de plantas avaliadas no Chaco.(AU)
Assuntos
Fabaceae/anatomia & histologia , Fabaceae/química , Estruturas Vegetais , Proteínas Secretadas Inibidoras de Proteinases/análise , Herbivoria , Pradaria , BrasilRESUMO
Abstract The establishment and maintenance of plant species in the Chaco, one of the widest continuous areas of forests in the South American with sharp climatic variations, are possibly related to biological features favoring plants with particular defenses. This study assesses the physical and chemical defenses mechanisms against herbivores of vegetative and reproductive organs. Its analyses of 12 species of Fabaceae (Leguminosae) collected in remnants of Brazilian Chaco shows that 75% present structural defense characters and 50% have chemical defense - defense proteins in their seeds, like protease inhibitors and lectins. Physical defenses occur mainly on branches (78% of the species), leaves (67%), and reproductive organs (56%). The most common physical characters are trichomes and thorns, whose color represents a cryptic character since it does not contrast with the other plant structures. Defense proteins occur in different concentrations and molecular weight classes in the seeds of most species. Protease inhibitors are reported for the first time in seeds of: Albizia niopoides, Anadenanthera colubrina, Mimosa glutinosa, Prosopis rubriflora, and Poincianella pluviosa. The occurrence of physical and chemical defenses in members of Fabaceae indicate no associations between defense characters in these plant species of the Chaco.
Resumo O estabelecimento e a manutenção de espécies no Chaco, uma planície semi-árida da América do Sul com variações climáticas importantes, possivelmente estão relacionados a características biológicas que favorecem as plantas detentoras de defesas particulares. Este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar os mecanismos de defesa física e química anti-herbivoria em órgãos vegetativos e reprodutivos. Analisamos 12 espécies da família Fabaceae (Leguminosae) obtidas em remanescentes de Chaco brasileiro. Observamos que 75% das espécies estudadas apresentam atributo de defesa física e 50% possuem defesa química - proteínas de defesa nas sementes, como inibidores de protease e lectinas. As defesas físicas ocorrem principalmente nos ramos (78% das espécies), nos órgãos reprodutivos (56% das espécies) e nas folhas (67%). Os atributos físicos mais frequentes são tricomas e espinhos, cuja coloração não contrastante com as demais estruturas das plantas representa um caráter críptico. Proteínas de defesa ocorrem nas sementes da maioria das espécies, com diferentes concentrações e classes de pesos moleculares. Inibidores de protease nas sementes estão sendo relatados pela primeira vez em: Albizia niopoides, Anadenanthera colubrina, Mimosa glutinosa, Prosopis rubriflora e Poincianella pluviosa. A ocorrência de defesas física e química entre os membros de Fabaceae indica que não há associações entre as características de defesa das espécies de plantas avaliadas no Chaco.
Assuntos
Cadeia Alimentar , Fabaceae/anatomia & histologia , Fabaceae/fisiologia , Proteínas de Plantas/análise , Sementes/química , Brasil , Herbivoria , Fabaceae/químicaRESUMO
The establishment and maintenance of plant species in the Chaco, one of the widest continuous areas of forests in the South American with sharp climatic variations, are possibly related to biological features favoring plants with particular defenses. This study assesses the physical and chemical defenses mechanisms against herbivores of vegetative and reproductive organs. Its analyses of 12 species of Fabaceae (Leguminosae) collected in remnants of Brazilian Chaco shows that 75% present structural defense characters and 50% have chemical defense - defense proteins in their seeds, like protease inhibitors and lectins. Physical defenses occur mainly on branches (78% of the species), leaves (67%), and reproductive organs (56%). The most common physical characters are trichomes and thorns, whose color represents a cryptic character since it does not contrast with the other plant structures. Defense proteins occur in different concentrations and molecular weight classes in the seeds of most species. Protease inhibitors are reported for the first time in seeds of: Albizia niopoides, Anadenanthera colubrina, Mimosa glutinosa, Prosopis rubriflora, and Poincianella pluviosa. The occurrence of physical and chemical defenses in members of Fabaceae indicate no associations between defense characters in these plant species of the Chaco.
Assuntos
Fabaceae/anatomia & histologia , Fabaceae/fisiologia , Cadeia Alimentar , Brasil , Fabaceae/química , Herbivoria , Proteínas de Plantas/análise , Sementes/químicaRESUMO
In the present study populations of the avian nematode species Baruscapillaria obsignata are described from Columba livia. Male and female individuals were obtained from 27 birds, fixed in alcohol/formalin/acetic acid (AFA) and preserved in 70% ethanol. Nematodes were identified and then counted under a stereoscopic microscope. Baruscapillaria obsignata were much more frequent in the anterior third of the small intestine, and females were more abundant than males in all infra populations. The prevalence was 55.6%, mean intensity was 11.8 (median 11.0; range 1-31) and abundance 6.56. In the present study, we observed an aggregated distribution of parasite infrapopulations, as demonstrated by the value of the exponent of the negative binomial distribution, K = 0.2773; by the discrepancy index, D = 0.656 and by the variance/mean ratio, 12.44. The female/male sex ratios found in all infrapopulations were always greater than 1, showing a bias in favour of female abundance. This tendency was especially marked in infrapopulations containing fewer individuals. The sizes of infrapopulations ranged from 5 to 31 individuals. The mean sex ratio observed was 2.69 ± 3.28 (median 1.83; range 0-11). In infrapopulations with 5-15 individuals, the sex ratios observed varied from 2.6 to 11, while in those with 17-31 individuals, the sex ratios were lower, ranging from 1.7 to 2.4. There was a negative correlation between the intensity of infection and the sex ratio of infrapopulations. Results are discussed in terms of possible factors influencing the processes that lead to niche restriction and biased sex ratios in parasite infrapopulations.
Assuntos
Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Columbidae/parasitologia , Infecções por Enoplida/veterinária , Enoplídios/classificação , Enoplídios/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Enoplídios/patogenicidade , Infecções por Enoplida/parasitologia , Feminino , Intestinos/parasitologia , Masculino , Carga Parasitária , Razão de MasculinidadeRESUMO
The occurrence of gastrointestinal nematodes affecting a Magellanic penguin, which was submitted to necropsy after being found dead at the coast of Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, was reported. A great number of juveniles nematodes and 48 adults (24 males and 24 females) were found in the stomach of the penguin. The parasite was diagnosed as Contracaecum pelagicum in agreement with the number and the distribution of the precloacal and postcloacal papillae of the male specimens. Other characteristics as distribution of the labial papillae, intestinal caecum and ventricular appendix ratio, spicules length, and total body length ratio were also in accordance to the well-known variation for the species, confirming the diagnosis. This work is the first report of the parasitism by C. pelagicum in Magellanic penguin found in the Southeast of Brazil.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Anisakis/fisiologia , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita , Spheniscidae/parasitologia , BrasilRESUMO
Orbital exanteration is usually performed for advanced neoplasms of the eyelids and is associated with significant distress for patients. Its reconstruction should aim for functional and aesthetic results and safety for further oncological treatment. The ideal reconstruction should provide adequate cutaneous covering, short healing time, obliteration and closure of communication with facial sinuses and nasal cavity, resistance to radiotherapy, low morbidity and favorable rehabilitation. In 10 patients, a flap based on the frontal branch of the temporal artery was used for immediate reconstruction after orbital exenteration. Flap demarcation began through the frontal midline from the glabella to 0.5 cm above the hairline. Its elevation was performed in a plane above the periosteum and galea, including skin, subcutaneous tissue and frontal muscle. It was rotated tension-free over the defect. In all patients, adequate closure of the defect and obliteration of the orbital cavity was achieved. There was no flap loss or major complications. The lateral frontal flap is easy and fast to execute, with a reliable blood supply and reproducible technique. Its main applicability is for patients with orbital defects and high surgical risks with contraindications for microsurgical reconstruction.
Assuntos
Músculos Faciais/transplante , Exenteração Orbitária/métodos , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica/métodos , Transplante de Pele/métodos , Tela Subcutânea/transplante , Retalhos Cirúrgicos , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Contraindicações , Seio Etmoidal/cirurgia , Olho Artificial , Neoplasias Palpebrais/cirurgia , Feminino , Sobrevivência de Enxerto , Hematoma/etiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Microcirurgia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Cavidade Nasal/cirurgia , Órbita/cirurgia , Hemorragia Pós-Operatória/etiologia , Radioterapia Adjuvante , Retalhos Cirúrgicos/irrigação sanguínea , Infecção da Ferida Cirúrgica/etiologia , Artérias Temporais/patologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The anthelminthic activity of four plants - Allium sativum (garlic), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Tynnanthus labiatus (liana-carnation) and Cocus nucifera (coconut) with the activity of mebendazole was compared. Seventy Hubbard chickens, naturally infected with Ascarídia galli, divided in 5 groups of 10 chichens plus a control group (not treated, n=20) were used in the experiment. The vegetable matter was used in the forms of aqueous extract, juice and triturated, administered by probe or incorporated to the diet, in the doses of 2, 3 and 10glkg/day, for three days. A non parametric test was used to evaluate the anthelminthic effect of the plants. The eliminations of A galli for the garlic, pomegranate, lianacarnation, coconut and mebendazole were: 9.7; 6.6, 16.7; 19. 0 and 99. 0, respectively. The results showed that those plants do not have anthelminthic activity.
Assuntos
Animais , Anti-Helmínticos/administração & dosagem , Ascaridia/isolamento & purificação , Ascaridia/parasitologia , Aves , Trematódeos/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
The anthelminthic activity of four plants - Allium sativum (garlic), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Tynnanthus labiatus (liana-carnation) and Cocus nucifera (coconut) with the activity of mebendazole was compared. Seventy Hubbard chickens, naturally infected with Ascarídia galli, divided in 5 groups of 10 chichens plus a control group (not treated, n=20) were used in the experiment. The vegetable matter was used in the forms of aqueous extract, juice and triturated, administered by probe or incorporated to the diet, in the doses of 2, 3 and 10g/kg/day, for three days. A non parametric test was used to evaluate the anthelminthic effect of the plants. The eliminations of A. galli for the garlic, pomegranate, liana-carnation, coconut and mebendazole were: 9.7; 6.6, 16.7; 19.0 and 99.0%, respectively. The results showed that those plants do not have anthelminthic activity.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Trematódeos/isolamento & purificação , Ascaridia/isolamento & purificação , Ascaridia/parasitologia , Anti-Helmínticos/administração & dosagem , AvesRESUMO
We have previously demonstrated that a linalool-rich essential oil from Croton cajucara Benth presents leishmanicidal activity. In the present study, we demonstrate that this essential oil inhibits the growth of reference samples of Candida albicans, Lactobacillus casei, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sobrinus, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans cell suspensions, all of them associated with oral cavity disease. The purified linalool fraction was only inhibitory for C. albicans. Microbes of saliva specimens from human individuals with fixed orthodontic appliances, as well as the reference strains, were used to construct an artificial biofilm which was exposed to linalool or to the essential oil. As in microbial suspensions, the essential oil was toxic for all the microorganisms, while the purified linalool fraction mainly inhibited the growth of C. albicans. The compounds of the essential oil were separated by thin layer chromatography and exposed to the above-cited microorganisms. In this analysis, the proliferation of the bacterial cells was inhibited by still uncharacterized molecules, and linalool was confirmed as the antifungal component of the essential oil. The effects of linalool on the cell biology of C. albicans were evaluated by electron microscopy, which showed that linalool induced a reduction in cell size and abnormal germination. Neither the crude essential oil nor the purified linalool fraction is toxic to mammalian cells, which suggests that the essential oil or its purified components may be useful to control the microbial population in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Bactérias Anaeróbias/efeitos dos fármacos , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Candida albicans/efeitos dos fármacos , Óleo de Cróton/farmacologia , Croton , Monoterpenos/farmacologia , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Monoterpenos Acíclicos , Croton/química , Humanos , Lacticaseibacillus casei/efeitos dos fármacos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Boca/microbiologia , Braquetes Ortodônticos , Folhas de Planta/química , Porphyromonas gingivalis/efeitos dos fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacos , Streptococcus mutans/efeitos dos fármacos , Streptococcus sobrinus/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
In order to evaluate the association between serum vitamin A levels and ocular lesions attributable to non-complicated malaria, 200 patients seen consecutively at the Malaria Outpatient Clinic of FUNASA, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil were included in this study. Ophthalmologic examination consisted of indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy under medicamentous mydriasis, biomicroscopy with a portable slit lamp and measurement of central visual acuity. Vitamin A serum concentration was determined by HPLC, and deficiency was defined as serum values equal to or lower than 0.35 micromol/l. Serum vitamin A values between 0.36 and 0.70 micromol/l were considered as marginal levels. Hypovitaminosis A (
Assuntos
Infecções Oculares Parasitárias/etiologia , Malária/etiologia , Deficiência de Vitamina A/complicações , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Criança , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Infecções Oculares Parasitárias/sangue , Feminino , Humanos , Malária/sangue , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Vitamina A/sangue , Deficiência de Vitamina A/sangueRESUMO
The structure of the community of Strongylidae nematodes in the dorsal colon of naturally infected horses from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro State was evaluated in 33 samples. Twenty-three species were found: Cylicostephanus longibursatus, Cylicostephanus goldi, Cylicocyclus nassatus and Cyathostomum tetracanthum were the central ones; Cylicostephanus minutus, Cylicostephanus calicatus, Cylicocyclus leptostomus, Cylicodontophorus bicoronatus and Parapoteriostomum euproctus were secondary, and there were 14 satellite species. The community was considered stable, with positive associations and correlations, no significant negative associations and correlations, suggesting little competition among species.
Assuntos
Colo/parasitologia , Cavalos/parasitologia , Infecções Equinas por Strongyloidea/parasitologia , Estrongilídios/classificação , Estrongilídios/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Feminino , Masculino , Dinâmica Populacional , Especificidade da EspécieRESUMO
Inhibition of tumor growth induced by treatment with direct current (DC) has been reported in several systems. In the current work, the cellular effects generated by the DC treatment of the human leukemic K562 cell line and its vincristine-resistant derivative K562-Lucena 1 were analyzed by trypan blue staining and transmission electron microscopy. DC stimulation induced cell lysis, alterations in shape, membrane extraction or discontinuity, and intense vacuolization of some cells. In addition, treatment of K562 and K562-Lucena 1 cells caused a marked decrease in viability. Since multidrug resistance is a major factor contributing with failure of chemotherapy in many tumors, the expression and function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in K562-Lucena 1 cells were also studied. The expression of mdr1, the gene encoding P-gp, was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, which showed that this gene was equally expressed in either treated or untreated cells. These results were confirmed by flow cytometry with a monoclonal anti P-gp antibody and the Rhodamine 123 extrusion method, which revealed that P-gp surface expression and function were unaltered after DC treatment. Our results suggest that DC treatment does not affect P-gp in human leukemic cells, but affects their viability by mechanisms that would involve clear cellular effects, but also additional targets, whose relevance in dc treated tumoral cells is currently discussed.
Assuntos
Membro 1 da Subfamília B de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/genética , Sobrevivência Celular/fisiologia , Resistência a Múltiplos Medicamentos , Células K562/citologia , Membro 1 da Subfamília B de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/metabolismo , Animais , Anticorpos Monoclonais/farmacologia , Divisão Celular , Estimulação Elétrica/métodos , Citometria de Fluxo , Humanos , Células K562/metabolismo , Células K562/ultraestrutura , Camundongos , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Células Tumorais CultivadasRESUMO
The aim of the present study was to determine the association between the maternal experience and changes in adiposity measured by BMI, percentage body fat (PBF) and waist:hip ratio (WHR). In a cross-sectional study, 203 women were recruited at health care and educational facilities in Brasilia, Brazil. These women were divided into three groups: fifty-three nulliparous (no full-term pregnancy); sixty-three primiparous (one full-term pregnancy); eighty-seven multiparous (two or more full-term pregnancies). Socio-economic, behavioural, reproductive and dietary data were collected. All the women were measured for weight, height, skinfold thicknesses and waist and hip circumferences. Analysis of covariance was used to measure the differences among the three groups in relation to BMI, PBF, and WHR, controlling for the following covariates: age; socio-economic status; use of oral contraceptives; smoking; energy intake level; cooking oil intake; physical activity level; lactation score; parity. The three groups of women differed significantly for BMI (P = 0.04), PBF (P = 0.0008), and WHR (P = 0.0001). Multiparous women presented higher BMI (P = 0.01) and PBF (P = 0.03) compared with primi- and nulliparous groups. PBF was also associated with age and high socio-economic status. Primi- and multiparous women showed a higher WHR than nulliparous women (P < 0.0001). Age and smoking habit were also factors associated with higher WHR.
Assuntos
Tecido Adiposo/anatomia & histologia , Paridade/fisiologia , Aumento de Peso/fisiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Análise de Variância , Antropometria/métodos , Constituição Corporal , Índice de Massa Corporal , Estudos Transversais , Dieta , Feminino , Humanos , História Reprodutiva , Saúde da População UrbanaRESUMO
Treatment with direct electric current (DC) can inhibit tumor growth in several systems. To evaluate the cellular reactions generated by this treatment, we stimulated mouse mastocytoma P815 cells with DC and examined their viability and ultrastructural characteristics, as well as the effect of DC on surface carbohydrate expression. DC treatment affected cell viability and caused marked alterations in vital structures of P815 cells. Alterations varied depending on the duration of stimulation and polarity of electrode. Anodic and cathodic treatments caused decrease in cell viability, although the latter was more effective in generating cell lysis. DC stimulation also induced changes such as membrane damage, alterations in cell shape and chromatin organization, mitochondrial swelling and condensation, cytoplasmic swelling, and matrix rarefaction. Stimulation of P815 cells without contact with electrodes produced no alterations, suggesting that this contact might be essential for the occurrence of the cellular modifications. DC treatment also altered the membrane distribution of anionic sites of P815 cells, as well as the surface carbohydrate exposition, involving a diminished binding of Concanavalin A to the cell surface after cathodic stimulation, and an increased binding of sialic acid- and fucose-specific lectins after anodic treatment. In this work we describe important cellular targets for the action of DC, which may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms by which DC supresses several kinds of tumors.