Evaluation of salt and root-zone temperature stresses in leafy vegetables using hydroponics as a clean production cultivation technique in northeastern Brazil

da Silva Mairton Gomes,Gheyi Hans Raj,da Silva Lucas Lesqueves,de Souza Thaisa Teixeira,Silva Petterson Costa Conceição,Queiroz Laila de Andrade,dos Santos Thainan Sipriano,Soares Tales Miler 한국원예학회 2024 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.65 No.1

Hydroponics has represented an emerging solution for regions with freshwater scarcity. Besides requiring a lower volume of water for production, this cultivation technique allows the use of brackish waters with high salinity levels. Under normal cultivation conditions (i.e., without any environmental control), plants are exposed to other abiotic stresses, such as tem perature, which can further enhance the salinity eff ect. Given the above, three experiments were conducted using a nutrient f i lm technique (NFT) hydroponic system: from April to May (autumn) with endive ( Cichorium endivia L., cv. Gigante Barbarella), from May to July (autumn/winter) with lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L., cv. Rubinela and cv. Veneranda), and from August to October (winter/spring) with chicory ( Cichorium intybus L., cv. Pão de Açúcar and cv. Radiche Todo Ano), in 2021. The trials aimed to evaluate the isolated and/or combined eff ect of salt and root-zone temperature stresses on yield, water use effi ciency, and visual quality of these vegetables. In all experiments, plants were subjected to stresses for 25 days in a randomized block design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement: two levels of electrical conductivity of water –ECw (0.30 and 5.50 dS m –1 for endive and chicory; 0.25 and 6.50 dS m −1 for lettuce) combined with four root-zone temperatures – RZTs (ambient-ARZT, ARZT + 2 °C, ARZT + 4 °C, and ARZT + 6 °C, corresponding to the mean temperatures of 24.72, 26.90, 28.77, and 30.73 °C for endive; 24.20, 26.00, 28.00, and 29.99 °C for lettuce; 27.12, 28.93, 31.01, and 32.86 °C for chicory). The isolated eff ects of RZT stresses or ECw levels on endive traits were observed, with leaf fresh matter losses of approxi mately 17 and 44% at higher ARZT + 6 °C (mean of 30.73 °C) and salinity (ECw 5.50 dS m –1 ), respectively. Shoot fresh matter losses of around 32 and 52% (Veneranda and Rubinela lettuces, respectively) and 65% (Radiche Todo Ano chicory) occurred only due to salt stress. The interaction aff ected the shoot fresh matter of Pão de Açúcar chicory, with approximate losses of 80% at higher ARZT + 6 °C (mean of 32.86 °C) and salt stress (ECw 5.50 dS m –1 ) than ARZT and ARZT + 2 °C and without salt stress (ECw 0.30 dS m –1 ). Despite these reductions, visual quality of plants was not depreciated. Therefore, the present study suggested cultivating leafy vegetables such as lettuce, chicory, and endive using brackish waters, even under high temperatures of nutrient solutions.

Optimization of Production, Biochemical Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of Fibrinolytic Enzymes from a New Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens

Fabiana América Silva Dantas de Souza,Amanda Emmanuelle Sales,Pablo Eugênio Costa e Silva,Raquel Pedrosa Bezerra,Germana Michelle de Medeiros e Silva,Janete Magali de Araújo,Galba Maria de Campos Taka 한국고분자학회 2016 Macromolecular Research Vol.24 No.7

The capacity of fibrinolytic enzymes to degrade blood clots makes them of high relevance in medicine and in the pharmaceutical industry. In this work, forty-three microorganisms of the genus Bacillus were evaluated for their potential to produce fibrinolytic proteases. Thirty bacteria were confirmed as producers of fibrinolytic enzymes, the best results obtained for the strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens UFPEDA 485. The optimization of the enzyme production conditions was done by a central composite design (CCD) star 23 that allowed to define the optimal conditions for soybean flour and glucose concentrations and agitation rate. The highest fibrinolytic activity (FA) of 813 U mL-1 and a degradation of blood clot in vitro of 62% were obtained in a medium with 2% (w/v) of soybean flour and 1% (w/v) glucose at 200 rpm after 48 h of cultivation, at pH 7.2 and 37 °C. The obtained fibrinolytic enzyme was characterized biochemically. Fibrinolytic activity was inhibited by PMSF (fluoride methylphenylsulfonyl - C7H7FO2S) 91.52% and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid - C10H16N2O8) 89.4%, confirming to be a serine- metallo protease. The optimum pH and temperature were 7.0 and 37 oC, respectively, and the enzyme was stable for 12 h. The fibrinolytic activity at physiological conditions of this enzyme produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens UFPEDA 485, as well as its long term stability, demonstrate that it has suitable characteristics for human and veterinary applications, and promises to be a powerful drug for the treatment of vascular diseases.

Brain Neuroplasticity after Treatment with Antiseizure: A Review

Débora Lopes Silva de Souza,Hosana Mirelle Goes e Silva Costa,Francisca Idalina Neta,Paulo Leonardo Araujo de Gois Morais,Luís Marcos de Medeiros Guerra,Fausto Pierdoná Guzen,Lucídio Clebeson de Olive 대한정신약물학회 2023 CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE Vol.21 No.4

Epilepsy is a disease characterized by the periodic occurrence of seizures. Seizures can be controlled by antiseizure medications, which can improve the lives of individuals with epilepsy when given proper treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to review the scientific literature on brain neuroplasticity after treatment with antiseizure drugs in different regions of the brain. According to the findings, that several antiseizure, such as lamotrigine, diazepam, levetiracetam, and valproic acid, in addition to controlling seizures, can also act on neuroplasticity in different brain regions. The study of this topic becomes important, as it will help to understand the neuroplastic mechanisms of these drugs, in addition to helping to improve the effectiveness of these drugs in controlling the disease.

Factors Associated With the Illness of Nursing Professionals Caused by COVID-19 in Three University Hospitals in Brazil

de Oliveira, Larissa Bertacchini,de Souza, Luana Mendes,de Lima, Fabia Maria,Fhon, Jack Roberto Silva,Puschel, Vilanice Alves de Araujo,Carbogim, Fabio da Costa Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute 2022 Safety and health at work Vol.13 No.2

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has demonstrated the importance of implementing strategic management that prioritizes the safety of frontline nurse professionals. In this sense, this research was aimed at identifying factors associated with the illness of nursing professionals caused by COVID-19 according to socio-demographic, clinical, and labor variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three Brazilian university hospitals with 859 nursing professionals, which include nurses, technicians, and nursing assistants, between November 2020 and February 2021. We present data using absolute and relative frequency. We used Chi-square test for hypothesis testing and multiple logistic regression for predictive analysis and chances of occurrence. Results: The rate of nursing professionals affected by COVID-19 was 41.8%, and the factors associated with contamination were the number of people in the same household with COVID-19 and obesity. Being a nurse was a protective factor when the entire nursing team was considered. The model is significant, and its variables represent 56.61% of the occurrence of COVID-19 in nursing professionals. Conclusion: Obesity and living in the same household as other people affected by COVID-19 increases the risk of contamination by this new coronavirus.

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases: a troubleshooting for dentin adhesion

de Moraes, Izadora Quintela Souza,do Nascimento, Ticiano Gomes,da Silva, Antonio Thomas,de Lira, Lilian Maria Santos Silva,Parolia, Abhishek,de Moraes Porto, Isabel Cristina Celerino The Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry 2020 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.45 No.3

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that can degrade collagen in hybrid layer and reduce the longevity of adhesive restorations. As scientific understanding of the MMPs has advanced, useful strategies focusing on preventing these enzymes' actions by MMP inhibitors have quickly developed in many medical fields. However, in restorative dentistry, it is still not well established. This paper is an overview of the strategies to inhibit MMPs that can achieve a long-lasting material-tooth adhesion. Literature search was performed comprehensively using the electronic databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus including articles from May 2007 to December 2019 and the main search terms were "matrix metalloproteinases", "collagen", and "dentin" and "hybrid layer". MMPs typical structure consists of several distinct domains. MMP inhibitors can be divided into 2 main groups: synthetic (synthetic-peptides, non-peptide molecules and compounds, tetracyclines, metallic ions, and others) and natural bioactive inhibitors mainly flavonoids. Selective inhibitors of MMPs promise to be the future for specific targeting of preventing dentin proteolysis. The knowledge about MMPs functionality should be considered to synthesize drugs capable to efficiently and selectively block MMPs chemical routes targeting their inactivation in order to overcome the current limitations of the therapeutic use of MMPs inhibitors, i.e., easy clinical application and long-lasting effect.

Effects of zinc oxide and calcium–doped zinc oxide nanocrystals on cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species production in different cell culture models

Souza Gabriela Leite de,Moura Camilla Christian Gomes,Silva Anielle Christine Almeida,Marinho Juliane Zacour,Silva Thaynara Rodrigues,Dantas Noelio Oliveira,Bonvicini Jéssica Fernanda Sena,Turrioni An 대한치과보존학회 2020 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.45 No.4

Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize nanocrystals (NCs) of zinc oxide (ZnO) and calcium ion (Ca2+)-doped ZnO with different percentages of calcium oxide (CaO), to evaluate cytotoxicity and to assess the effects of the most promising NCs on cytotoxicity depending on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Materials and Methods: Nanomaterials were synthesized (ZnO and ZnO:xCa, x = 0.7; 1.0; 5.0; 9.0) and characterized using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and methylene blue degradation. SAOS-2 and RAW 264.7 were treated with NCs, and evaluated for viability using the MTT assay. NCs with lower cytotoxicity were maintained in contact with LPS-stimulated (+LPS) and nonstimulated (−LPS) human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). Cell viability, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated. Cells kept in culture medium or LPS served as negative and positive controls, respectively. One-way analysis of variance and the Dunnett test (α = 0.05) were used for statistical testing. Results: ZnO:0.7Ca and ZnO:1.0Ca at 10 µg/mL were not cytotoxic to SAOS-2 and RAW 264.7. +LPS and −LPS hDPCs treated with ZnO, ZnO:0.7Ca, and ZnO:1.0Ca presented similar NO production to negative control (p > 0.05) and lower production compared to positive control (p < 0.05). All NCs showed reduced ROS production compared with the positive control group both in +LPS and −LPS cells (p < 0.05). Conclusions: NCs were successfully synthesized. ZnO, ZnO:0.7Ca and ZnO:1.0Ca presented the highest percentages of cell viability, decreased ROS and NO production in +LPS cells, and maintenance of NO production at basal levels.

Calcium-doped zinc oxide nanocrystals as an innovative intracanal medicament: a pilot study

de Souza Gabriela Leite,Magalhães Thamara Eduarda Alves,Freitas Gabrielle Alves Nunes,Lemus Nelly Xiomara Alvarado,Barbosa Gabriella Lopes de Rezende,Silva Anielle Christine Almeida,Moura Camilla Chri 대한치과보존학회 2022 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.47 No.4

Objectives This study investigated the cytotoxicity, radiopacity, pH, and dentinal tubule penetration of a paste of 1.0% calcium-doped zinc oxide nanocrystals (ZnO:1.0Ca) combined with propylene glycol (PRG) or polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol (PEG-PRG). Materials and Methods The pastes were prepared by mixing calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] or ZnO:1.0Ca with PRG or a PEG-PRG mixture. The pH was evaluated after 24 and 96 hours of storage in deionized water. Digital radiographs were acquired for radiopacity analysis and bubble counting of each material. The materials were labeled with 0.1% fluorescein and applied to root canals, and images of their dentinal tubule penetration were obtained using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RAW264.7 macrophages were placed in different dilutions of culture media previously exposed to the materials for 24 and 96 hours and tested for cell viability using the MTT assay. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test (α = 0.05) were performed. Results ZnO:1.0Ca materials showed lower viability at 1:1 and 1:2 dilutions than Ca(OH)2 materials (p < 0.0001). Ca(OH)2 had higher pH values than ZnO:1.0Ca at 24 and 96 hours, regardless of the vehicle (p < 0.05). ZnO:1.0Ca pastes showed higher radiopacity than Ca(OH)2 pastes (p < 0.01). No between-material differences were found in bubble counting (p = 0.0902). The ZnO:1.0Ca pastes had a greater penetration depth than Ca(OH)2 in the apical third (p < 0.0001). Conclusions ZnO:1.0Ca medicaments presented higher penetrability, cell viability, and radiopacity than Ca(OH)2. Higher values of cell viability and pH were present in Ca(OH)2 than in ZnO:1.0Ca. Objectives This study investigated the cytotoxicity, radiopacity, pH, and dentinal tubule penetration of a paste of 1.0% calcium-doped zinc oxide nanocrystals (ZnO:1.0Ca) combined with propylene glycol (PRG) or polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol (PEG-PRG). Materials and Methods The pastes were prepared by mixing calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] or ZnO:1.0Ca with PRG or a PEG-PRG mixture. The pH was evaluated after 24 and 96 hours of storage in deionized water. Digital radiographs were acquired for radiopacity analysis and bubble counting of each material. The materials were labeled with 0.1% fluorescein and applied to root canals, and images of their dentinal tubule penetration were obtained using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RAW264.7 macrophages were placed in different dilutions of culture media previously exposed to the materials for 24 and 96 hours and tested for cell viability using the MTT assay. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test (α = 0.05) were performed. Results ZnO:1.0Ca materials showed lower viability at 1:1 and 1:2 dilutions than Ca(OH)2 materials (p < 0.0001). Ca(OH)2 had higher pH values than ZnO:1.0Ca at 24 and 96 hours, regardless of the vehicle (p < 0.05). ZnO:1.0Ca pastes showed higher radiopacity than Ca(OH)2 pastes (p < 0.01). No between-material differences were found in bubble counting (p = 0.0902). The ZnO:1.0Ca pastes had a greater penetration depth than Ca(OH)2 in the apical third (p < 0.0001). Conclusions ZnO:1.0Ca medicaments presented higher penetrability, cell viability, and radiopacity than Ca(OH)2. Higher values of cell viability and pH were present in Ca(OH)2 than in ZnO:1.0Ca.

Insect Resistance and Horticultural Trait Genetic Values of Potato Families

Souza, Velci Queiroz de,Pereira, Arione da Silva,Silva, Giovani Olegario da,Carvalho, Fernando Iraja Felix de,Oliveira, Antonio Costa de The Korean Society of Crop Science 2008 Journal of crop science and biotechnology Vol.11 No.1

This work aimed to evaluate 11 potato families for insect resistance horticultural traits. The families were derived from crosses between introduced insect resistant and adapted genotypes. A randomized complete block design, with three replications was used. The plot consisted of 25 genotypes of a family, summing up to 75 genotypes tested per family. Two susceptible cultivars were included in the experiment as checks. The genotypes were evaluated for insect resistance, tuber yield traits, tuber appearance and tuber skin smoothness. The genetic value for the intensity of insect attack in the leaves and in the tubers was lower(higher resistance) in the 11 families than in the checks. For yield traits, there was no predominant effect among the families regarding the origin of the resistant donor species(Solanum berthaultii and/or S. chacoense). However, there was a large contribution of the C-1485-16-87 recurrent parent in crosses with resistant genotypes for tuber yield and tuber number. In relation to tuber appearance, only the family derived form the C-1485-16-87/ ND140(S. berthaultii) cross did not differ from the checks. had genetic value tuber skin smoothness, it was identified that families derived from S. berthaultii resistant parents showed higher genetic values than the check cultivars. For tuber skin smoothness, the genetic values of the families neither differed significantly from each other nor from the checks.

Therapeutic Feasibility of the Natural Products in the Heart Complaints: An Overview

Priscila de Souza,Luísa Nathália Bolda Mariano,Rita de Cássia M. V. A. F. da Silva,Francielli Gasparotto,Emerson Luiz Botelho Lourenço,Guilherme Donadel,Thaise Boeing,Arquimedes Gasparotto Junior 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.12

Heart pain is the most frequent complaint leading patients to seek medical help. Functional heart symptoms, especially chest pain, are prevalent and, according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), are described as “somatoform autonomous functional disorders of the cardiovascular system.” The problem lies in the fact that pain does not always have a somatic background, that is, it may be related to crucial underlying heart disease. The population does not know how to differentiate somatic pain from significant ischemic symptoms, and based on the patient's complaints, traditional medicine ends up treating other underlying cardiac diseases. Many unsuccessful unconventional therapies have been proposed in recent years, including herbal medicines that seek to disrupt the disease's pathogenesis. The present review summarizes research carried out in the last 5 years on natural products' heart complaints, including myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Several herbal medicines may be used as a replacement or complementary treatment strategy. A total of 17 medicinal plants have shown promising results in preclinical studies. However, human clinical trials are scarce; only two have been presented. Generally, the data are bland, and many issues have been raised about herbal therapies' safety, efficacy, and mode of action. Besides, relevant clinical trials, future perspectives, and possible clinical applications are discussed.

In situ screening of 3-arylcoumarin derivatives reveals new inhibitors of mast cell degranulation

Marcela de Souza Santos,Maria Perpe´tua Freire de Morais Del Lama,Laila Aparecida Deliberto,Fla´vio da Silva Emery,Moˆnica Tallarico Pupo,Rose Mary Zumstein Georgetto Naal 대한약학회 2013 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.36 No.6

Due to the severity and high prevalence ofallergic diseases, there is growing interest in the developmentof inhibitors of such conditions. 3-Arylcoumarinderivatives emerge as promising compounds for thetreatment of allergic disorders, in particular due to theirclose structural similarity to flavonoids, whose anti-allergicactivity has been extensively reported. The aim of this workwas to perform a screening of a set of 3-arylcoumarins aspotential inhibitors of mast cell degranulation, a key eventfor the development of allergic reactions. For that purpose, itwas utilized a biosensor model based on mast cells, whosein vitro assay allows for such screening, in a high throughputfashion, and also permits bringing to attention some coumarinstructural features that are important for their biologicalactivity. The mast cell-based biosensor was shown todiscriminate, with high sensitivity and reproducibility,between coumarins that did not affect or caused differentdegrees of inhibition of degranulation. Among activecoumarins, some substituents could be accounted for theirinhibitory activity, such as the hydroxylation of positions 6and 20 of 3-phenylcoumarins, in addition to catechol, aminoand thiophene moieties. In summary, 3-arylcoumarins couldbe suggested as potential candidates for the developmentof new anti-allergic drugs.