Isolation of a dihydrobenzofuran lignan, icariside E4, with an antinociceptive effect from Tabebuia roseo-alba (Ridley) Sandwith (Bignoniaceae) bark

Jesu C. Ferreira-Ju´nior,Lucia M. Conserva,Rosangela P. Lyra Lemos,Genilda C. de Omena-Neta,Araken Cavalcante-Neto,Emiliano Barreto 대한약학회 2015 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.38 No.6

The antinociceptive activity of icariside E4, adihydrobenzofuran-type lignan isolated from Tabebuiaroseo-alba (Ridley) Sandwith (Bignoniaceae) bark, wasevaluated in mice by using chemical and thermal models ofnociception. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of crude T. roseo-alba bark extract and its methanol fraction inhibitedacetic acid-induced abdominal constriction in mice. Furthermore,i.p. administration of 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg oficariside E4 reduced the number of writhes evoked by aceticacid injection by 46.9, 82.3, and 66.6 %, respectively. Icariside E4 administration had no effect in the first phase ofthe formalin test, but it reduced nociceptive behavior in thesecond phase as indicated by a reduction in the licking time. Icariside E4 did not modify thermal nociception in the hotplatetest model, suggesting that it had a peripheral antinociceptiveaction. The antinociceptive effect of icariside E4 inthe writhing test was reversed by pre-administration ofglibenclamide, but not of naloxone, atropine, yohimbine, orhaloperidol. Together, these results indicated that theantinociceptive activity of icariside E4 from T. roseo-alba inmodels of chemical pain occurred through ATP-sensitiveK? channel-dependent mechanisms.

Potentiation of Antibiotic Activity by Eugenia uniflora and Eugenia jambolanum

Henrique D.M. Coutinho,Jose´ G.M. Costa,Vivyanne S. Falca˜o-Silva,Jose´ P. Siqueira-Ju´nior,Edeltrudes O. Lima 한국식품영양과학회 2010 Journal of medicinal food Vol.13 No.4

This is the first report about the modifying antibiotic activity of Eugenia uniflora L. and Eugenia jambolanum L. In this study the ethanol extract of E. uniflora and E. jambolanum was tested for their antimicrobial activity against strains of Escherichia coli. The growth of the two strains of E. coli bacteria tested was not inhibited in a clinically relevant form by the extract. The minimal inhibitory concentration was ≥1,024μg/mL for both strains of E. coli assayed. Synergism between this extract and gentamicin was demonstrated. In the same extract synergism was observed between chlorpromazine and kanamycin and between amikacin and tobramycin, indicating the involvement of an efflux system in the resistance to these aminoglycosides. It is therefore suggested that extracts from E. uniflora L. and E. jambolanum L. could be used as a source of plant-derived natural products with modifying antibiotic activity to gentamicin.

Morphometric study on the infraorbital foramen in relation to sex and side of the cranium in northeastern Brazil

Laí,s Carolina Santos Cisneiros de Oliveira,Maria Paula Mendonç,a Silveira,Erasmo de Almeida Jú,nior,Francisco Prado Reis,José,Aderval Aragã,o 대한해부학회 2016 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.49 No.1

Detailed knowledge of the possible anatomical and morphometric variations of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) is important for ensuring safe and successful regional anesthesia, and for avoiding iatrogenic nerve injuries during surgery on the middle third of the face. To conduct a morphometric study on the IOF, correlating this with sex and side of the cranium. Two hundred forty-two crania were used (148 male and 94 female). Measurements were made with the aid of digital calipers with precision to 0.01 mm. Presence of foramina and their multiplicity was also observed. The data were analyzed descriptively and analytically. Statistical significance was stipulated as 5% (P≤0.05). The IOF was found bilaterally in all the crania, and 26 of them presented multiplicity. The distance from the IOF to the anterior nasal spine was greater in males on both sides (P<0.001). Statistical differences between the sexes were also seen in relation to the following morphometric variables: height of the left IOF (P=0.007), width of the right IOF (P=0.004), and width of the left IOF (P=0.008), and the measurements were also larger among males. The IOF was present in all the crania and on both sides. It was morphometrically larger in males, on both sides.

Production of Bioactive Compounds with Antitumor Activity Against Sarcoma 180 by Pleurotus sajor-caju

Ivaneliza Simionato Assis,Mariane Bonatti Chaves,Marcia Luciane Lange Silveira,Regina Maria Miranda Gern,Elisabeth Wisbeck,Agenor Furigo Ju´nior,Sandra Aparecida Furlan 한국식품영양과학회 2013 Journal of medicinal food Vol.16 No.11

This work studied the influence of culture medium composition and pH on exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by Pleurotus sajor-caju and validates the antitumor activity of the produced EPSs and of the mycelial biomass (intracellular polysaccharides [IPSs]) against Sarcoma 180 (S180) cells. The effect of the initial concentrations of (NH4)2SO4, yeast extract and soy peptone on EPS production by P. sajor-caju was studied in shake flasks. A bioreactor was used to evaluate the pH values and the initial CaCO3 and glucose concentrations. Extracts of EPSs (PE1) and IPSs obtained through two different separation processes (PM1 and PM2) were tested on mice inoculated with S180 cells. A medium containing 2.5, 1.0, and 1.0 g/L of (NH4)2SO4, yeast extract and soy peptone, respectively, provided the highest EPS concentration (0.6 g/L). The use of pH 4.0, 1.0 g/L CaCO3 and 20 g/L initial glucose concentration enhanced EPS productivity (3.84 g/L per hour). The PE1 extract promoted the highest reduction of S180 growth (86%), followed by the PM2 extract (80%); growth reduction was doseindependent for both substances. This work provides information about culture medium and conditions that enhanced the production of extracellular polysaccharides by P. sajor-caju. The results can contribute to the search for new bioactive products bringing novel aspects to the medical and pharmaceutical areas.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Ulcer Activities of Carvacrol, a Monoterpene Present in the Essential Oil of Oregano

Francilene V. Silva,Adriana G. Guimara˜es,Elayne R.S. Silva,Benedito P. Sousa-Neto,Fla´via D.F. Machado,Lucindo J. Quintans-Ju´nior,Daniel D.R. Arcanjo,Francisco A. Oliveira,Rita C.M. Oliveira 한국식품영양과학회 2012 Journal of medicinal food Vol.15 No.11

This study reports a pharmacological evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activities of carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene constituent of essential oils produced by oregano and other several aromatic plants and spices, in experimental models of edema induced by different phlogistic agents and gastric lesions induced by acetic acid. In models of paw edema induced by dextran or histamine, carvacrol was effective at 50 mg/kg (46% and 35%, respectively); in these models, cyproheptadine reduced edema formation (61% and 43%, respectively). In edema induced by substance P, carvacrol (100 mg/kg) and ruthenium red (3 mg/kg) also decreased the edema formation (46% and 40%, respectively). Carvacrol significantly reduced the ear edema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate and arachidonic acid at 0.1 mg per ear (43% and 33%, respectively), similar to indomethacin at 0.5 mg per ear or 2.0 mg per ear (55% and 57%, respectively). Carvacrol (at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) showed a healing capacity on gastric lesions induced by acid acetic (60%, 91%, and 81%, respectively) after 14 days of treatment. These results suggest that carvacrol acts on different pharmacological targets, probably interfering in release and/or synthesis of inflammatory mediators, such as the prostanoids, and thus favoring the healing process for gastric ulcers.

Antibiofilm activity of the essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) and its major component, geraniol, on the bacterial biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus

Eveline Kelle Ursulino Pontes,Hider Machado Melo,Jose´ Walter Arau´ jo Nogueira,Nairley Cardoso Sa´ Firmino,Ma´rio Geraldo de Carvalho,Francisco Eduardo Araga˜o Catunda Ju´nior,Theodora Thays Arruda C 한국식품과학회 2019 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.28 No.3

Medicinal plants with antimicrobial action havebeen investigated for uses against biofilms, among which,Cymbopogon nardus, citronella, stands out as a promisingspecies. The present study aims to evaluate the antimicrobialand antibiofilm action of the essential oil of C. nardus (EOCN) and geraniol on Gram-negative and positivebacteria from the determination of minimum inhibitoryconcentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrationand inhibition of biofilms. In the results, the EOCNproduced a 41 mm halo on S. aureus, which was susceptiblewith MIC values of 0.5 and 0.25 mg/mL for theEOCN and geraniol respectively, both with bactericidaleffect. The antibiofilm action was confirmed, the EOCNand geraniol reduced the biofilm biomass of S. aureus up to100% between 0.5 and 4 mg/mL concentrations. Thereduction of cell viability was 0.25 and 1 mg/mL, ofEOCN and geraniol, respectively. EOCN and geraniol wereshown to be promising antibiotic against S. aureus.

The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO): overview of pilot measurements on ecosystem ecology, meteorology, trace gases, and aerosols

Andreae, M. O.,Acevedo, O. C.,Araù,jo, A.,Artaxo, P.,Barbosa, C. G. G.,Barbosa, H. M. J.,Brito, J.,Carbone, S.,Chi, X.,Cintra, B. B. L.,da Silva, N. F.,Dias, N. L.,Dias-Jú,nior, C. Q.,Dita Copernicus GmbH 2015 Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Vol.15 No.18

<P>Abstract. The Amazon Basin plays key roles in the carbon and water cycles, climate change, atmospheric chemistry, and biodiversity. It has already been changed significantly by human activities, and more pervasive change is expected to occur in the coming decades. It is therefore essential to establish long-term measurement sites that provide a baseline record of present-day climatic, biogeochemical, and atmospheric conditions and that will be operated over coming decades to monitor change in the Amazon region, as human perturbations increase in the future. The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) has been set up in a pristine rain forest region in the central Amazon Basin, about 150 km northeast of the city of Manaus. Two 80 m towers have been operated at the site since 2012, and a 325 m tower is nearing completion in mid-2015. An ecological survey including a biodiversity assessment has been conducted in the forest region surrounding the site. Measurements of micrometeorological and atmospheric chemical variables were initiated in 2012, and their range has continued to broaden over the last few years. The meteorological and micrometeorological measurements include temperature and wind profiles, precipitation, water and energy fluxes, turbulence components, soil temperature profiles and soil heat fluxes, radiation fluxes, and visibility. A tree has been instrumented to measure stem profiles of temperature, light intensity, and water content in cryptogamic covers. The trace gas measurements comprise continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and ozone at five to eight different heights, complemented by a variety of additional species measured during intensive campaigns (e.g., VOC, NO, NO2, and OH reactivity). Aerosol optical, microphysical, and chemical measurements are being made above the canopy as well as in the canopy space. They include aerosol light scattering and absorption, fluorescence, number and volume size distributions, chemical composition, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations, and hygroscopicity. In this paper, we discuss the scientific context of the ATTO observatory and present an overview of results from ecological, meteorological, and chemical pilot studies at the ATTO site. </P>

A New Classification for Hemorrhoidal Disease: The Creation of the “BPRST” Staging and Its Application in Clinical Practice

Carlos Walter Sobrado Júnior,Carlos de Almeida Obregon,Afonso Henrique da Silva e Sousa Júnior,Lucas Faraco Sobrado,Sérgio Carlos Nahas,Ivan Cecconello 대한대장항문학회 2020 Annals of Coloproctolgy Vol.36 No.4

Purpose: Present an updated classification for symptomatic hemorrhoids, which not only guides the treatment of internal hemorrhoids but also the treatment of external components. In addition, this new classification includes new treatment alternatives created over the last few years. Methods: Throughout the past 7 years, the authors developed a method to classify patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids. This study, besides presenting this classification proposal, also retrospectively analyzed 149 consecutive patients treated between March 2011 and November 2013 and aimed to evaluate the association between the management adopted with Goligher classification and our proposed BPRST classification. Results: Both classifications had a statistically significant association with the adopted management strategies. However, the BPRST classification tended to have fewer management discrepancies when each stage of disease was individually analyzed. Conclusion: Although there is much disagreement about how the classification of hemorrhoidal disease should be updated, it is accepted that some kind of revision is needed. The BPRST method showed a strong association with the management that should be adopted for each stage of the disease. Further studies are needed for its validation, but the current results are encouraging.

Antinociceptive Action and Redox Properties of Citronellal, an Essential Oil Present in Lemongrass

Lucindo Quintans-Júnior,Ricardo Fagundes da Rocha,Fernanda Freitas Caregnato,José Claudio Fonseca Moreira,Francilene Amaral da Silva,Adriano Antunes de Souza Araújo,João Paulo Almeida dos Santos,Mônic 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.6

Citronellal (CT) is a monoterpenoid and the major constituent of the mixture of terpenoids that give the citronella oil its lemon scent. Citronella oil is widely used around the world for various purposes and is mainly obtained from plants of the Cymbopogon genus, which are known as “lemongrass.” Considering these plants have been used worldwide for various medicinal purposes, the interest of researchers to understand the biological activities of monoterpenoids related to the Cymbopogon genus has been increasing. In the present work, we investigated the antinociceptive action and the redox properties of CT. Our results indicate that intraperitoneal injection of CT was effective in reducing nociceptive face-rubbing behavior in both phases of the formalin test, which was also naloxone-sensitive. CT also evoked antinociceptive response in the capsaicin and glutamate tests. The total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter and total antioxidant reactivity assays indicate that CT at doses of 0.1 and 1 mg/mL exerts a significant antioxidant activity, which is probably related to its ability to scavenge superoxide and nitric oxide, but not H_2O_2 or hydroxyl radicals, as evaluated separately by specific in vitro tests. These results show for the first time the antinociceptive potential of CT and indicate that the antioxidant properties of this compound may rely on its mechanism of biological actions because CT-containing natural products are used to treat various diseases related to oxidative stress and reactive species.

Effective Parameters for Gait Analysis in Experimental Models for Evaluating Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Rats

Ivair Matias Júnior,Priscila Medeiros,Renato Leonardo de Freita,Hilton Vicente-César,José Raniery Ferreira Junior,Hélio Rubens Machado,Rafael Menezes-Reis 대한척추신경외과학회 2019 Neurospine Vol.16 No.2

Objective: Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve is a peripheral nerve injury widely used to induce mononeuropathy. This study used machine learning methods to identify the best gait analysis parameters for evaluating peripheral nerve injuries. Methods: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats (weighing 270±10 g), were used in the present study and divided into the following 4 groups: CCI with 4 ligatures around the sciatic nerve (CCI-4L; n=7), a modified CCI model with 1 ligature (CCI-1L; n=7), a sham group (n=7), and a healthy control group (n=7). All rats underwent gait analysis 7 and 28 days postinjury. The data were evaluated using Kinovea and WeKa software (machine learning and neural networks). Results: In the machine learning analysis of the experimental groups, the pre-swing (PS) angle showed the highest ranking in all 3 analyses (sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve using the Naive Bayes, k-nearest neighbors, radial basis function classifiers). Initial contact (IC), step length, and stride length also performed well. Between 7 and 28 days after injury, there was an increase in the total course time, step length, stride length, stride speed, and IC, and a reduction in PS and IC-PS. Statistically significant differences were found between the control group and experimental groups for all parameters except speed. Interactions between time after injury and nerve injury type were only observed for IC, PS, and IC-PS. Conclusion: PS angle of the ankle was the best gait parameter for differentiating nonlesions from nerve injuries and different levels of injury.