Identification of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Compounds of Lippia Species by Bioautography

Rodrigo Luiz Fabri,Mauro Silva Nogueira,Jussara dos Reis Moreira,Maria Lúcia Morcef Bouzada,Elita Scio 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.7

The methanolic extracts of the leaves of Lippia species (L. pseudo-thea, L. hermannioides, L. alba, L. rubella, and L. sidoides) were tested for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity was determined by using brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Phytochemical screening was also performed. The extracts showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 78 to 5000 μg/mL for antibacterial activity against at least 2 species of bacteria, although none was active against Escherichia coli. Antifungal activity was found only for L. pseudo-thea (MIC, 625 μg/mL for Candida albicans) and L. sidoides (MIC, 625 μg/mL for both C. albicans and C. neoformans). The bioautography showed that flavonoids and coumarins are responsible for the antioxidant activity of the extracts and that the antimicrobial properties are due to flavonoids and terpenoids. The cytotoxic activity was stronger for L rubella extract. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the biological and chemical constituents of L. pseudo-thea, L. hermannioides, and L. rubella.

Off-Label Prescription and How it is (Not) Regulated in China

Vera Lúcia C. Raposo 이화여자대학교 생명의료법연구소 2017 Asia Pacific Journal of Health Law & Ethics Vol.10 No.3

Off-label prescription—the use of a drug outside the scope of its marketing authorization (MA) and the content of its summary of product characteristics (SmPC)—is a medical practice spread all around the world, China being no exception. Several reasons, mostly related to financial strategies from pharmaceutical companies, can justify the decision of not requiring an MA for a certain drug use. The main reason is the purpose of having a profit without taking excessive risks, either economic or legal. This paper will define off-label prescription, discuss the various reasons leading to it, describe the general framework of this practice in Europe and in the United States and analyze off-label prescription in China, describe its regulation (actually, the lack of it) in the Chinese legal system and comment on the actual practice by Chinese health care providers. To conclude, the paper will sustain that a regulation for off-label prescription is essential to clarify for doctors the requirements of lawful off-label uses, and thus protect patients from injuries resulting from risky of-label prescriptions.

Ultrasound and clinical findings from metacarpophalangeal joint assessments in show jumping horses in training

Ana Lúcia M. Yamada,Marcelo Pinheiro,Marília F. Marsiglia,Stefano Carlo F. Hagen,Raquel Yvonne A. Baccarin,Luís Cláudio L. C. da Silva 대한수의학회 2020 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.21 No.3

The aims of this study were to determine the morphological patterns, physical examination characteristics and ultrasound findings of show jumping horses in training and to establish a score-based examination model for physical and ultrasound foBackground: Physical exercise is known to cause significant joint changes. Thus, monitoring joint behavior of athletic horses is essential in early disorders recognition, allowing the proper management. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the morphological patterns, physical examination characteristics and ultrasound findings of show jumping horses in training and to establish a score-based examination model for physical and ultrasound follow-ups of metacarpophalangeal joint changes in these animals. Methods: A total of 52 metacarpophalangeal joints from 26 horses who were initially in the taming stage were evaluated, and the horses’ athletic progression was monitored. The horses were evaluated by a physical examination and by B-mode and Doppler-mode ultrasound examinations, starting at time zero (T0), which occurred concomitantly with the beginning of training, and every 3 months thereafter for a follow-up period of 18 months. Results: The standardized examination model revealed an increase in the maximum joint flexion angles and higher scores on the physical and ultrasound examinations after scoring was performed by predefined assessment tools, especially between 3 and 6 months of evaluation, which was immediately after the horses started more intense training. The lameness score and the ultrasound examination score were slightly higher at the end of the study. Conclusions: The observed results were probably caused by the implementation of a traininBackground: Physical exercise is known to cause significant joint changes. Thus, monitoring joint behavior of athletic horses is essential in early disorders recognition, allowing the proper management. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the morphological patterns, physical examination characteristics and ultrasound findings of show jumping horses in training and to establish a score-based examination model for physical and ultrasound follow-ups of metacarpophalangeal joint changes in these animals. Methods: A total of 52 metacarpophalangeal joints from 26 horses who were initially in the taming stage were evaluated, and the horses’ athletic progression was monitored. The horses were evaluated by a physical examination and by B-mode and Doppler-mode ultrasound examinations, starting at time zero (T0), which occurred concomitantly with the beginning of training, and every 3 months thereafter for a follow-up period of 18 months. Results: The standardized examination model revealed an increase in the maximum joint flexion angles and higher scores on the physical and ultrasound examinations after scoring was performed by predefined assessment tools, especially between 3 and 6 months of evaluation, which was immediately after the horses started more intense training. The lameness score and the ultrasound examination score were slightly higher at the end of the study. Conclusions: The observed results were probably caused by the implementation of a training regimen and joint adaptation to physical conditioning. The joints most likely undergo a pre-osteoarthritic period due to work overload, which can manifest in a consistent or adaptive manner, as observed during this study. Thus, continuous monitoring of young athlete horses by physical and ultrasound examinations that can be scored is essential. g regimen and joint adaptation to physical conditioning. The joints most likely undergo a pre-osteoarthritic period due to work overload, which can manifest in a consistent or adaptive manner, as observed during this study. Thus, continuous monitoring of young athlete horses by physical and ultrasound examinations that can be scored is essential.llow-ups of metacarpophalangeal joint changes in these animals....

Effects of a bleaching agent on properties of commercial glass-ionomer cements

Fernanda Lúcia Lago de Camargo,Ailla Carla Lancellotti,Adriano Fonseca de Lima,Vinícius Rangel Geraldo Martins,Luciano de Souza Gonçalves 대한치과보존학회 2018 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.43 No.3

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a bleaching agent on the composition, mechanical properties, and surface topography of 6 conventional glass-ionomer cements (GICs) and one resin-modified GIC. Materials and Methods: For 3 days, the specimens were subjected to three 20-minute applications of a 37% H2O2-based bleaching agent and evaluated for water uptake (WTK), weight loss (WL), compressive strength (CS), and Knoop hardness number (KHN). Changes in surface topography and chemical element distribution were also analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. For statistical evaluation, the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon paired tests (ɑ = 0.05) were used to evaluate WTK and WL. CS specimens were subjected to 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05), and KH was evaluated by one-way ANOVA, the Holm-Sidak post hoc test (ɑ = 0.05), and the t-test for independent samples (ɑ = 0.05). Results: The bleaching agent increased the WTK of Maxxion R, but did not affect the WL of any GICs. It had various effects on the CS, KHN, surface topography, and the chemical element distribution of the GICs. Conclusions: The bleaching agent with 37% H2O2 affected the mechanical and surface properties of GICs. The extent of the changes seemed to be dependent on exposure time and cement composition.

Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Modulates Chemically Induced Mutagenesis by Enhancing Pitting

Patrı´cia L. Alves de Lima,Marina M. Sugui,Angela I.M. Petrı´cio,Lı´zia C. Vilela,Andre´a V.F. Pinto,Priscila R. Martins,Ramon Kaneno,Daniel A. Ribeiro,Daisy M.F. Salvadori,Lu´cia R. Ribeiro 한국식품영양과학회 2013 Journal of medicinal food Vol.16 No.8

This study was undertaken to understand how Lentinula edodes modulates in vivo mutagenesis induced by alkylating agents in bone marrow and peripheral blood as described in our previous article. Male Swiss mice were pretreated for 15 consecutive days with aqueous extracts prepared from L. edodes, after which, the number of circulating blood cells, normal erythroid bone marrow cell cycling, and phagocytosis of micronucleated reticulocyte (MNRET) and activation of spleen macrophages were assessed. The results indicate that the antimutagenicity seen in bone marrow and peripheral blood is exerted by distinct compounds with different actions. The antimutagenic effect in bone marrow is exerted by compounds subject to degradation at deep-freeze storage temperature of - 20 C. On the other hand, compounds responsible for antimutagenicity in peripheral blood are not subject to degradation at - 20 C. The results also indicate that the antimutagenic action in peripheral blood leading to the reduction of circulating MNRET occurs in the spleen primarily through a phagocytic activity due to higher macrophage numbers and probably not due to the enhanced activation state of individual cells.

Computer modeling and analytical prediction of shear transfer in reinforced concrete structures

Marcela N. Kataoka,Ana Lúcia H.C. El Debs,Daniel de L. Araújo,Bárbara G. Martins 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2020 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.26 No.2

This paper presents an evaluation of shear transfer across cracks in reinforced concrete through finite element modelling (FEM) and analytical predictions. The aggregate interlock is one of the mechanisms responsible for the shear transfer between two slip surfaces of a crack; the others are the dowel action, when the reinforcement contributes resisting a parcel of shear displacement (reinforcement), and the uncracked concrete comprised by the shear resistance until the development of the first crack. The aim of this study deals with the development of a 3D numerical model, which describes the behavior of Z-type push-off specimen, in order to determine the properties of interface subjected to direct shear in terms cohesion and friction angle. The numerical model was validated based on experimental data and a parametric study was performed with the variation of the concrete strength. The numerical results were compared with analytical predictions and a new equation was proposed to predict the maximum shear stress in cracked concrete.

Study on the behavior of beam-column connection in precast concrete structure

Marcela N. Kataoka,Marcelo A. Ferreira,Ana Lúcia H.C. El Debs 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2015 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.16 No.1

Due to the increase of the use of precast concrete structures in multistory buildings, this paper deals with the behavior of an specific type of beam-column connection used in this structural system. The connection is composed by concrete corbels, dowels and continuity bars passing through the column. The study was developed based on the experimental and numerical results. In the experimental analysis a full scale specimen was tested and for numerical study, a 3D computational model was created using a finite element analyze (FEA) software, called DIANA. The comparison of the results showed a satisfactory correlation between loading versus displacement curves.

Experimental investigation of longitudinal shear behavior for composite floor slab

Marcela N. Kataoka,Juliana T. Friedrich,Ana Lúcia H.C. El Debs 국제구조공학회 2017 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.23 No.3

This paper presents an experimental study on the behavior of composite floor slab comprised by a new steel sheet and concrete slab. The strength of composite slabs depends mainly on the strength of the connection between the steel sheet and concrete, which is denoted by longitudinal shear strength. The composite slabs have three main failures modes, failure by bending, vertical shear failure and longitudinal shear failure. These modes are based on the load <i>versus</i> deflection curves that are obtained in bending tests. The longitudinal shear failure is brittle due to the mechanical connection was not capable of transferring the shear force until the failure by bending occurs. The vertical shear failure is observed in slabs with short span, large heights and high concentrated loads subjected near the supports. In order to analyze the behavior of the composite slab with a new steel sheet, six bending tests were undertaken aiming to provide information on their longitudinal shear strength, and to assess the failure mechanisms of the proposed connections. Two groups of slabs were tested, one with 3000 mm in length and other with 1500 mm in length. The tested composite slabs showed satisfactory composite behavior and longitudinal shear resistance, as good as well, the analysis confirmed that the developed sheet is suitable for use in composite structures without damage to the global behavior.

Acupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for Sleep Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease

Fábio Henrique de Amorim Aroxa,Ihana Thaís Guerra de Oliveira Gondim,Elba Lúcia Wanderley Santos,Maria das Graças Wanderley de Sales Coriolano,Amdore Guescel C. Asano,Nadja Maria Jorge Asano 사단법인약침학회 2017 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.10 No.1

There are few studies which attest the efficacy of acupuncture on treatment of sleep disturbs in Parkinson disease. The aimed of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on sleep disturbs of 22 patients with diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson disease (Hoehn–Yahr 1 to 3) who have assistance on the Pro-Parkinson Program of Clinical Hospital at Federal University of Pernambuco in Brazil. All participants were evaluated by Parkinson Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) before and after 8 weeks. The experimental group was submitted to 8 sections (once a week) which had duration of 30 minutes. The control group had no intervention. The intervention was executed using the acupuncture points LR3 (Taichong), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu), TE5 (Wai-Guan), HT7 (Shenmen), PC6 (Neiguan), LI11 (Quchi), GB20 (Fengchi). Paired analyses were obtained by Wilcoxon test and independent analyses were made according to Mann–Whitney test. This study presented a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture on sleep disturbs of Parkinson's disease patients. This study showed a possible therapeutic benefit through acupuncture in sleep disorders in patients with PD. However, we propose new studies related to the effects of acupuncture on the clinical symptoms and evolution of the disease.

Trans-chalcone suppresses tumor growth mediated at least in part by the induction of heme oxygenase-1 in breast cancer

Komoto Tatiana Takahasi,Lee Jaehak,Lertpatipanpong Pattawika,Ryu Junsun,Marins Mozart,Fachin Ana Lúcia,Baek Seung Joon 한국독성학회 2021 Toxicological Research Vol.37 No.4

Despite intensive research efforts in recent decades, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. The chalcone family is a promising group of phytochemicals for therapeutic use against cancer development. Naturally-occurring chalcones, as well as synthetic chalcone analogues, have shown many beneficial biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities. In this report, trans-chalcone (TChal) was found to increase cell death in breast cancer cells, assessed using high content screening. Subsequently, using antibody array analysis, TChal was found to increase heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in TChal-treated breast cancer cells. Blocking of HO-1 by siRNA in breast cancer cells diminished the effect of TChal on cell growth inhibition. TChal-fed mice also showed less tumor growth compared to vehicle-fed mice. Overall, we found that TChal increases HO-1 expression in breast cancer cells, thereby enhancing anti-tumorigenesis. Our results suggest that HO-1 expression could be a potential new target of TChal for anti-tumorigenesis in breast cancer.