Anti-Candida activity and biocompatibility of silver nanoparticles associated with denture glaze: a new approach to the management of denture stomatitis

The association of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) to sealant agent Palaseal® can be a promising alternative for complete denture wearers who may develop denture stomatitis (DS). The study aimed to evaluate the anti-Candida and biocompatible potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized by three routes associated with denture glaze to prevent and/or treat oral candidiasis. Surface acrylic resin specimens were treated with different associations of glaze with AgNps (VER+AgUV, VER+AgTurk and VER+AgGm). As controls, specimens were treated with glaze+nystatin (VER+Nyst), glaze only (VER) or submerged in PBS (PBS). Afterwards, Candida albicans biofilm was developed for 24 h, 15 d and 30 d. Subsequently, the biofilm was quantified by CFU/mL, XTT assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Fibroblasts were submitted to conditioned medium with the same associations for 24, 48 and 72 h and LIVE/DEAD® viability test was carried out. Regardless of the period, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of viable fungal cells load, as well as inhibition of fungal metabolic activity, in specimens treated with glaze+AgNps associations, compared to VER and PBS. The anti-Candida effects of the associations were similar to the VER+Nyst group, with emphasis on VER+AgGm, which showed the highest percentage values of non-viable fungal cells maintained over time. The associations did not prove toxicity to fibroblasts. The AgNps exerted antimicrobial activity against C. albicans biofilms and are biocompatible. The most effective results were achieved with the association of glaze+silver nanoparticles synthesized by the green chemistry method (AgGm), proving to be an innovative alternative in the management of DS.

Silver nanoparticles in denture adhesive: An antimicrobial approach against Candida albicans

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) synthesized using three different routes (ultraviolet light, Turkevich, and green chemistry method using Glycine max extract) associated with COREGA® denture powder adhesive.

METHODS

Heat-cured acrylic resin specimens were treated with different Ag NPs associated with the adhesive (AD + Ag UV, AD + Ag Turk, and AD + Ag Gm groups). As controls, the specimens were treated with a combination of adhesive and nystatin (AD + Nyst group), only adhesive (AD group), or submerged on the surface of the specimens (PBS group). After the treatments, biofilms of C. albicans developed for 3, 6, and 12 h on the specimen surfaces. The biofilm was quantified using colony-forming units per milliliter, colorimetric assay, and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

RESULTS

Regardless of the period, we observed an inhibition of fungal load and a reduction in metabolic activity and biofilm mass in the resin specimens treated with the combinations AD/Ag NPs, compared to AD and PBS. The antimicrobial action of the AD + Turk and AD + Ag Gm groups was similar than that for the AD + Nyst group in all periods and viability tests, except for the biofilm mass (12 h).

CONCLUSIONS

The COREGA® adhesive with Ag NPs, mainly those synthesized using the Turkevich and Glycine max methods, showed excellent antimicrobial activity against C. albicans biofilms, maintained for up to 12 h.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The association of Ag NPs to the adhesive can add preventive or therapeutic effects against denture stomatitis, to this prosthetic material.

Reaction of the Phytochemistry Community to Green Chemistry: Insights Obtained Since 1990

This review article aims to study how phytochemists have reacted to green chemistry insights since 1990, the year when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched the "Pollution Prevention Act". For each year in the period 1990 to 2019, three highly cited phytochemistry papers that provided enough information about the experimental procedures utilized were sampled. The "greenness" of these procedures was assessed, particularly for the use of solvents. The highly hazardous diethyl ether, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride did not appear in the papers sampled after 2010. Advances in terms of sustainability were observed mainly in the extraction stage. Similar progress was not observed in purification procedures, where chloroform, dichloromethane, and hexane regularly have been employed. Since replacing such solvents in purification procedures should be a major goal, potential alternative approaches are discussed. Moreover, some current initiatives toward a more sustainable phytochemical research considering aspects other than only solvents are highlighted. Although some advances have been achieved, it is believed that natural products chemists can play a major role in developing a novel ecological paradigm in chemistry. To contribute to this objective, six principles for performing natural products chemistry consistent with the guidelines of green chemistry are proposed.

A green and sustainable method for monitoring the chemical composition of soybean: an alternative for quality control

INTRODUCTION

Soybean is one of the most important crops in the world, an important source of isoflavones, and used to treat various chronic diseases. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), associated with multivariate experiments and green solvents, is increasingly used to develop comprehensive elution methods for quality control of plants and derivatives.

OBJECTIVE

The work aims to establish a HPLC fingerprinting method for soybean seeds employing Green Chemistry Principles, a sustainable solvent with low toxicity, and a comprehensive experimental design that reduces the number of experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The fingerprinting method was optimised through Design of Experiments by evaluating seven chromatographic variables: initial percentage of ethanol (X1), final percentage of ethanol (X2), temperature (X3), percentage of acetic acid in water (X4), flow rate (X5), run time (X6), and stationary phase (X7). The dependent variable was the number of peaks (n).

RESULTS

An initial factorial design for screening purposes indicated that the most significant quantitative parameters to separate soybean metabolites were X1 and X3. The conditions were optimised by a Doehlert design, to obtain a HPLC-PAD (photodiode array detector) fingerprinting of the polar extract of soybean seeds with the markers identified by liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The optimum fingerprinting method was determined as 5-55% of ethanol in 30 min, at 35°C, and flow rate of 1 mL/min, by employing a phenyl-hexyl column (150 mm × 4.6 mm).

CONCLUSION

The developed green method enabled markers of soybean to be separated and identified and could be an eco-friendlier alternative for soybean quality control that covered seven Green Analytical Chemistry Principles.

A green, simplified, and efficient experimental setup for a high-throughput screening of agri-food by-products - From polar to nonpolar metabolites in sugarcane solid residues

From an environmental perspective, searching for useful compounds in agri-food by-products by employing inefficient and polluting analytical procedures is paradoxical. This work aimed to develop a green, simplified, and highly efficient experimental setup for extracting and tentatively identifying the broadest range of metabolites in sugarcane solid by-products collected directly within the industrial mills. Nine different extraction approaches were investigated side-by-side, including three reference methods. Based on the extraction and environmental performances assessed by two complementary metrics called Analytical-Eco Scale and the Analytical Greenness Calculator, it was possible to reach two highly efficient two liquid-phase extractions while avoiding harmful solvents and traditional time, energy, and solvent consuming sample preparation steps, such as solvent evaporation, metabolite concentration, re-suspension, and derivatization. The simultaneously produced hydroethanolic and n-heptane extracts were directly analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, both coupled to mass spectrometry, respectively, leading to the annotation of a large dynamic range of compounds from information rich spectral data. Up to 111 metabolites were identified in a single matrix, from highly polar sucrose to nonpolar wax ester C53 in a single extraction. Orientin, apigenin-6-C-glucosylrhamnoside, 1-octacosanol, octacosanal, and other bioactive compounds were identified in these abundantly available by-products, which are currently just burned to produce energy. The best two methods developed here (Two-Liquid-Phase Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction with Probe and Two-Liquid-Phase Dynamic Maceration) appeared as a green, simplified, and highly efficient procedures to qualitatively profile metabolites in complex solid matrices.

Soya agricultural waste as a rich source of isoflavones

Soybeans are among the world's major crops responsible for food and biodiesel production, as well as a major source of isoflavones - a class of high value-added bioactive compounds. As estimated 460 million tonnes of soya residues (branches, leaves, roots, and pods) will be produced in the 2018/2019 harvest, and 20-40% of this waste must be removed from the field to ensure soil quality and minimize environmental impacts. This work investigated the potential occurrence and content of isoflavones in soya agricultural waste collected directly from the ground after mechanically harvesting. We also assessed the extraction performances of ethanol and acetone for these materials as an alternative to acetonitrile, a problematic solvent from an environmental point of view. Considerable amounts of isoflavones were found in soya agricultural waste collected directly from the ground when compared to soybeans (2.71 ± 0.27, 0.57 ± 0.1, 0.30 ± 0.05 and 2.09 ± 0.24 kg of isoflavones/tonne of leaves, branches, pods, and soybeans, respectively). The greener ethanol and acetone performed well for a broad range of compounds. This is an example in which appreciable amounts of high value-added compounds are wasted. Since isoflavones are considered phytoestrogens, their recovery from part of this waste might avoid potential contamination of soil and groundwater.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Ethanolic Extract and Phenolic Fraction of Jatropha aethiopica (Euphorbiaceae) Leaves and Their Hypoglycemic Potential

Although Jatropha aethiopica, popularly known in Cuba as "mata diabetes", is used in salads and as a dietary supplement, its chemical composition and antidiabetic properties yet remains unclear. In this work, we evaluate the qualitative and quantitative composition of ethanolic extract (EE) and phenolic fraction (PF) of Jatropha aethiopica leaves and their hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity. Chemical fractionation of the ethanolic extract yielded nine compounds, which included protocatechuic acid (1), chlorogenic acid (2), caffeic acid (3), quercetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-l-rhamnopyranolsyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-galactopyranoside (4), a new kaempferol 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[α-l-rhamnopyranolsyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-galactopyranoside (5), kaempferol 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-l-rhamnopyranolsyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), rutin (7), kaempferol 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (8), and quercetin (9). The compounds (1, 4-7) were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) in both the ethanolic extract (62.65 ± 0.15 mg/g) and phenolic fraction (61.72 ± 0.23 mg/g). The results obtained show that both ethanolic extract and phenolic fraction contributed toward the improvement of glucose tolerance, which in turn led to a decline in the glucose levels. Remarkably, the ethanolic extract presented a relatively higher promising effect compared to metformin.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Methanolic Extract and Fractions from Davilla elliptica St. Hil. (Dilleniaceae) on Bothrops jararaca Envenomation

Inflammation and haemorrhage are the main characteristics of tissue injury in botropic envenomation. Although some studies have shown that anti-venom prevents systemic reactions, it is not efficient in preventing tissue injury at the site of the bite. Therefore, this work was undertaken to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract and fractions from D. elliptica and to evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in this process. Effects of the extract and fractions from D. elliptica were evaluated using a carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in rats, and leukocyte rolling was visualized by intravital. The quantification of MMPs activities (MMP-2 and MMP-9) extracted from the dermis of mice treated with extract and fractions alone or incubated with venom was determined by zymographic analyses. Our results show that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of fractions significantly reduced paw oedema after the carrageenan challenge. Treatment with the tannins fraction also resulted in considerable inhibition of the rolling of leukocytes and this fraction was able to decrease the activation of MMP-9. These results confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract and tannins fraction of D. elliptica and showed that the dermonecrosis properties of B. jararaca venom might be mediated through the inhibition of MMP-9 activity.

Investigation on the effects of guava (Psidium guajava L.) infusions on germination, root tips and meristematic cells of Latuca sativa

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a plant often employed in popular medicine. Recently several studies have alerted about the toxicity of substances present in medicinal plants, which can pose risks to the human health. In this sense, the present work aimed to investigate the phytotoxic, cytotoxic and genotoxic action of three guava varieties - Paluma, Pedro Sato and Roxa ("purple") - on the plant test system Lactuca sativa L. Thus, macro- and microscopic evaluations were carried out for five infusion concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40.0 g.L(-1)) prepared from each variety. Distilled water was used as negative control. Chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis by HPLC-PAD indicated that the chemical composition of the infusion of Roxa is different than that of the infusions of the varieties Paluma and Pedro Sato. It was observed that seed germination and root growth in L. sativa exposed to infusions decreased with increasing infusion concentration, regardless of the tested cultivar. For the mitotic index, no statistical differences were observed. On the other hand, a significant increase in the frequency of cell cycle alterations was verified, especially for the highest concentrations tested. The cytogenotoxic effect was significant. Therefore, guava should not be used indiscriminately in popular medicine.

Flavonoid detection in hydroethanolic extract of Pouteria torta (Sapotaceae) leaves by HPLC-DAD and the determination of its mutagenic activity

It is well known that phytotherapy has grown in popularity in recent years. Because a drug cannot be administered without ensuring its effectiveness and safety, the standardization and regulation of phytotherapeutic drugs are required by the global market and governmental authorities. This article describes a simple and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection analysis method for the simultaneous detection of myricetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside, myricetin-3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside, and myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhaminopyranoside present in the hydroethanolic extract (ethanol/H2O, 7:3, v/v) of Pouteria torta. The mutagenic activity of the extract was evaluated on Salmonella typhimurium and by an in vivo micronucleus test on the peripheral blood cells of Swiss mice. The linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability, accuracy, and precision of the assay were evaluated. The analytical curves were linear and exhibited good repeatability (with a deviation of less than 5%) and demonstrated good recovery (within the 83-107% range). The results demonstrate that the hydroethanolic extract exhibited a mutagenic activity in both assays, suggesting caution in the use of this plant in folk medicine.

Interconverting flavanone glucosides and other phenolic compounds in Lippia salviaefolia Cham. ethanol extracts

Four interconverting flavanone glycosides [(2R)- and (2S)-3',4',5,6-tetrahydroxyflavanone 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and (2R)- and (2S)-3',4',5,8-tetrahydroxyflavanone 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside], in addition to eight known flavonoids [naringenin, asebogenin, sakuranetin, 6-hydroxyluteolin 7-O-β-D-glucoside, (2R)- and (2S)-eriodictyol 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, aromadendrin and phloretin], three phenylpropanoid glycosides [forsythoside B, alyssonoside and verbascoside] and the epoxylignan lariciresinol 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were isolated and identified in the EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Lippia salviaefolia Cham. The phytochemical study herein was guided by preliminary antioxidant tests, namely, β-carotene protection and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. The crude extracts, their active fractions and the isolated compounds were assayed against intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and human embryonic kidney HEK-293 and human melanoma M14 cancer cell growth. Aromadendrin and phloretin were able to counteract elevation of ROS induced by the oxidant t-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH) in HEK-293 cells, whereas phloretin strongly protected HEK-293 cells from ROS damage at 1 μM. Additionally, phloretin exhibited a significant growth inhibitory effect at 20-40 μM in both HEK-293 and M14 cells and induced a concentration dependent apoptosis at 20 μM in M14 cells, suggesting a selective action towards malignant cells. Due to their equilibria, the four interconverting flavanone glycosides were studied using 1D and 2D NMR, HPLC-CD-PDA and HRMS analyses.

Absolute configuration and selective trypanocidal activity of gaudichaudianic acid enantiomers

Gaudichaudianic acid, a prenylated chromene isolated from Piper gaudichaudianum, has been described as a potent trypanocidal compound against the Y-strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. We herein describe its isolation as a racemic mixture followed by enantiomeric resolution using chiral HPLC and determination of the absolute configuration of the enantiomers as (+)-S and (-)-R by means of a combination of electronic and vibrational circular dichroism using density functional theory calculations. Investigation of the EtOAc extract of the roots, stems, and leaves from both adult specimens and seedlings of P. gaudichaudianum revealed that gaudichaudianic acid is biosynthesized as a racemic mixture from the seedling stage onward. Moreover, gaudichaudianic acid was found exclusively in the roots of seedlings, while it is present in all organs of the adult plant. Trypanocidal assays indicated that the (+)-enantiomer was more active than its antipode. Interestingly, mixtures of enantiomers showed a synergistic effect, with the racemic mixture being the most active.

Determination of catechin diastereomers from the leaves of Byrsonima species using chiral HPLC-PAD-CD

When catechins are found in plant extracts, they are almost always identified as catechin and/or epicatechin probably due to stereoselectivity of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of these substances. However, the lack of reports regarding to ent-catechin as well as ent-epicatechin does not necessarily mean that these compounds have not been produced. In fact, most of the previous reports used chromatographic conditions not suitable for such separation. This article describes a simple and reliable analytical HPLC-PAD-CD method for simultaneous determination of catechin diastereomers both in infusions and extracts from the leaves of Byrsonima species. The direct separation of catechin, ent-catechin, epicatechin, and ent-epicatechin was obtained in normal phase by HPLC-PAD-CD using Chiralcel OD-H as chiral stationary phase and n-hexane/ethanol with 0.1% of TFA as mobile phase.

Antibiotic Resistance of Gram Negatives isolates from loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the central Mediterranean Sea

Previous studies on fish and marine mammals support the hypothesis that marine species harbor antibiotic resistance and therefore may serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistance genetic determinants. The aim of this study was to assess the resistance to antimicrobial agents of Gram negative strains isolated from loggerhead sea turtles (Carettacaretta). Oral and cloacal swabs from 19 live-stranded loggerhead sea turtles, with hooks fixed into the gut, were analyzed. The antimicrobial resistance of the isolates to 31 antibiotics was assessed using the disk-diffusion method. Conventional biochemical tests identified Citrobacter spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia spp., Providencia spp., Morganella spp., Pantoea spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Shewanella spp. Highest prevalences of resistance was detected to carbenicillin (100%), cephalothin (92.6%), oxytetracycline (81.3%) and amoxicillin (77.8%). The isolates showing resistance to the widest range of antibiotics were identified as Citrobacterfreundii, Proteusvulgaris, Providenciarettgeri and Pseudomonasaeruginosa. In this study, antibiotic resistant bacteria reflect marine contamination by polluted effluents and C.caretta is considered a bioindicator which can be used as a monitor for pollution.

Davilla elliptica and Davilla nitida: gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory and anti-Helicobacter pylori action

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Davilla elliptica and Davilla nitida are species commonly found in the Brazilian Cerrado biome.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Based on ethnopharmacological and phytochemical analyses, methanolic extracts from leaves of Davilla elliptica (EDE) and Davilla nitida (EDN) were evaluated for their anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, immunological and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The gastroprotective action of both extracts was evaluated in rodent experimental models (HCl/ethanol, ethanol or NSAID). We also evaluated anti-inflammatory (carrageenin-induced rat hind paw edema), immunomodulatory (murine peritoneal macrophages) and antibacterial action of both extracts against a standard strain of Helicobacter pylori.

RESULTS

EDE and EDN (500 mg/kg) were able to protect gastric mucosa against HCl/ethanol solution (EDE 63%; EDN 59%), absolute ethanol (EDE 95%; EDN 88%), and also against injurious effect of NSAID (EDE 77%; EDN 67%). When EDE and EDN were challenged with sulfhydryl depleter compound, the gastroprotective action of both extracts was completely abolished. EDE had gastroprotective effect related to increase of glutathione bioavailability and stimulated higher levels of NO, H2O2 and TNF-alpha production. Otherwise EDN showed better anti-Helicobacter pylori action than EDE. Neither extracts presented anti-inflammatory activity by oral route.

CONCLUSION

The phytochemical investigation showed that both extracts possess phenolic acid derivatives, acylglycoflavonoids and condensed tannins with evident quantitative variations that probably influenced the pharmacological differences between extracts.

High-performance liquid chromatographic separation and identification of polyphenolic compounds from the infusion of Davilla elliptica St. Hill

The isolation of polyphenolic compounds from an infusion of the Brazilian plant Davilla elliptica (Dilleniaceae), used as tea by virtue of its digestive properties, is described. An improved preparative HPLC method was used in order to isolate pure polyphenols from the complex mixture. Liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction were employed to minimise the interference of polymeric compounds and to provide an enriched fraction of the compounds of interest. The identification of the isolated compounds was performed using analytical HPLC as well as direct injection electrospray ionisation ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS/MS). The high flavonoid content suggests that D. elliptica may be a promising source of compounds to produce natural phytomedicines.

Serological survey on Aujeszky's disease, swine influenza and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infections in Italian pigs

Aujeszky's disease (AD), Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and Swine influenza (SI) are among the principal agents of respiratory diseases of pigs. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to SHV-1, PRRSV and SIV in pigs reared in Sicily. An Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the glicoprotein gE of pseudorabies virus, for PRRSV and for SIV was performed. Antibodies against gE of SHV-1 were detected in 171 serum samples (14.6%), whereas PRRSV antibodies occurred at a higher frequency than SHV-1 with 289 (31.1%) samples being positive. The seroprevalence of SIV was found to be 33.3%. This study demonstrated the circulation of ADV, PRRSV and SIV viruses in Sicilian swine population. This is the first report on this topics in Sicily.

Feline calicivirus strains isolated in Italy

Feline Calicivirus (FCV) has been recognised as major oral and respiratory pathogen of cats. The high correlation among the field viruses and FCV-F9 serotype has represented the immunological bases for the employ of FCV-F9 serotype as a vaccine for calicivirosis in cats. The aim of this paper was to evaluate, by in vitro neutralization assays, the antigenic correlation among the vaccine F9 and FCV field strains isolated in Sicily (Italy) from cats showing clinical forms referable to calicivirus infection. The results confirm the low correlation between FCV-F9 strain and calicivirus strains spread in the feline population.

Vernonia polyanthes as a new source of antiulcer drugs

Methanolic (VPME) and chloroformic (VPCL) extracts, obtained from the aerial parts of Vernonia polyanthes, were investigated for its antiulcerogenic properties. Administration of VPME (250 mg/kg) and VPCL (50 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the gastric mucosa damage (64% and 90%, respectively) caused by absolute ethanol (p.o.). Otherwise, in NSAID-induced gastric damage, their gastroprotective effects have decreased. Since the VPCL extract resulted to be more effective than the VPME we focused our efforts over VPCL action mechanism of action.

Immunological and microbiological activity of Davilla elliptica St. Hill. (Dilleniaceae) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for over 8 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) annually. Natural products may play important roles in the chemotherapy of TB. The immunological activity of Davilla elliptica chloroform extract (DECE) was evaluated in vitro by the determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release in peritoneal macrophages cultures. DECE was also tested for its antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis using the microplate alamar blue assay. DECE (50, 150, 250 microg/ml) stimulated the production of H2O2 (from 1,79 +/- 0,23 to 7,27 +/- 2,54; 15,02 +/- 2,86; 20,5 +/- 2,1 nmols) (means +/- SD), NO (from 2,64 +/- 1,02 to 25,59 +/- 2,29; 26,68 +/- 2,41; 29,45 +/- 5,87 micromols) (means +/- SD) and TNF-alpha (from 2,44 +/- 1,46 to 30,37 +/- 8,13; 38,68 +/- 1,59; 41,6 +/- 0,90 units/ml) (means +/- SD) in a dose-dependent manner and also showed a promising antimycobacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 62,5 microg/ml. This plant may have therapeutic potential in the immunological and microbiological control of TB.

An unusual C6-C6" linked flavonoid from Miconia cabucu (Melastomataceae)

Chromatographic fractionation of the methanolic extract from the leaves of Miconia cabucu Hoehne (Melastomataceae) afforded the first example of a C(6)-C(6") linked flavone dimer, 5-hydroxy-4',7-dimethoxyflavone-(6-C-6'')-5''-hydroxy-3''',4''',7''-trimethoxyflavone as well as the known compounds, quercetin-3-O-alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(2-->1)-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-alpha-l-rhamnopyranoside, myricetin-3-O-alpha-l-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-(6''-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside and gallic acid. Their chemical identities were established by application of NMR spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR, as well as UV and ESI-MS analyses.

Metabolic fingerprinting using direct flow injection electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the characterization of proanthocyanidins from the barks of Hancornia speciosa

Direct flow injection electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS/MS) was used to investigate the polyphenolic compounds present in an infusion from the barks of Hancornia speciosa Gom. (Apocynaceae), a native Brazilian plant popularly known as 'mangabeira', used as a source of nutrition and against gastric disorders. After a simple sample filtration pretreatment the characteristic fingerprint of the infusion was performed in negative ion ESI mode in a few minutes. At low capillary-voltage activation, the deprotonated molecules ([M--H]-) were observed and using collision-induced dissociation the product ion spectra showed the presence of a homologous series of B-type proanthocyanidins, as well as another series containing their respective C-glycosylated derivatives, with a degree of polymerization from 1 up to 6 units of interlinked catechins. Therefore, direct flow injection allowed us to identify the key compounds without preparative isolation of the components.

Engineering strontium binding affinity in an EF-hand motif: a quantum chemical and molecular dynamics study

Proteins with the ability to specifically bind strontium would potentially be of great use in the field of nuclear waste management. Unfortunately, no such peptides or proteins are known -- indeed, it is uncertain whether they exist under natural conditions due to low environmental concentrations of strontium. To investigate the possibility of devising such molecules, one of us (CV), in a previous experimental study, proposed starting from an EF-hand motif of the protein calmodulin and mutating some residues to change the motif's specificity for calcium into one for strontium. In this paper, which represents a theoretical complement to the experimental work, we analyzed small-molecule crystallographic structures and performed quantum chemical calculations to identify possible mutations. We then constructed seven mutant sequences of the EF-hand motif and analyzed their dynamical and binding behaviors using molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations (using the MM/PBSA method). As a result of these analyzes we were able to isolate some characteristics that could lead to mutant peptides with enhanced strontium affinity.

Preoperative sonographic features of borderline ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sonographic findings that distinguish borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) from both benign and invasive malignant tumors, thus allowing conservative treatment and laparoscopic management of these tumors.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively transvaginal sonograms of 33 women who, when evaluated further by surgery and histology, were found to have BOT. Twenty-three were premenopausal and 10 were postmenopausal (mean age +/- SD, 45.8 +/- 15.7 years). For each mass, size and morphological features and power Doppler characteristics were evaluated. We compared these findings with those of 337 patients with benign ovarian tumors and those of 82 patients with invasive malignant ovarian tumors. Patients with dermoid cysts were not included in the study.

RESULTS

Of the 33 BOT, 15 were mucinous and 18 were serous cystadenomas. The presence of papillae, defined as a small number of solid tissue projections, 1-15 mm in height and 1-10 mm in width (base) and length (base), into the cyst cavity from the cyst wall, was significantly more frequent in BOT (48%) than it was in benign (4%) and invasive (4%) malignant tumors. Intracystic solid tissue (> 15 mm in height or > 10 mm in width or length) was observed in 48% of invasive malignant masses but in only 18% of BOT and in 7% of benign tumors (P < 0.001). No sonographically unilocular, hypoechoic, smooth-walled adnexal cysts were invasively malignant but three unilocular cysts with a diameter of > 6 cm were serous BOT. Although close attention was paid to the cyst wall at ultrasound examination we did not observe in these three cysts the very small papillae which were found at histological analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The most frequent diagnostic feature on imaging BOT is the presence of papillae within the cyst. However, neither papillae nor other sonographic features constituted highly sensitive sonographic markers of BOT.

Serological analysis and identification of feline calicivirus strains isolated in Sicily

The isolation and characterization of calicivirus strains from symptomatic cats are reported. The correlations between the feline calicivirus strains isolated and the vaccinal strain FCV F9 were investigated by a virus-neutralization test, suggesting a strong antigenic variability.

Interleukin-6 concentrations in cervical secretions identify microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to determine whether cytokine levels in cervical secretions were increased in the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes and to relate concentrations to cytokine levels in amniotic fluid, cervicovaginal microflora, and the presence of chorioamnionitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Cervical secretions were sampled immediately before amniocentesis in 92 patients admitted for preterm labor with singleton pregnancies and intact membranes. Amniotic fluid was cultured and the following cytokines were measured in amniotic fluid and cervical secretions: interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6. The cervicovaginal microflora and placentas (n = 42) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 19.56% (18/92) of the amniotic fluid cultures had positive results. All the cytokines tested showed significantly higher levels in cervical secretions in the presence of intraamniotic infection. There were significant relationships between the concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in amniotic fluid and cervical secretions. A concentration of interleukin-6 in cervical secretions > 410 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 66.8% and a specificity of 90.5% and a relative risk of 7.7 for intraamniotic infection, higher than the other cytokines tested. There were no relationships between the presence of bacterial vaginosis and cervicovaginal pathogens and cervical cytokine levels. In the presence of chorioamnionitis, cervical concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist were significantly increased in spite of negative amniotic fluid culture results.

CONCLUSION

The measurement of interleukin-6 in cervical secretions may help to noninvasively identify intraamniotic infection among pregnancies with preterm labor and intact membranes.

Release of vasoactive agents during cordocentesis: differences between normally grown and growth-restricted fetuses

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether cordocentesis is associated with the release of vasoactive substances and whether there are differences between normally grown and growth-restricted fetuses.

STUDY DESIGN

6-Keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (the stable metabolite of prostacyclin), endothelin-1, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate were measured in fetal blood at the beginning and closing of cordocentesis in 30 normally grown fetuses and 25 growth-restricted fetuses. This latter group was characterized by abnormal Doppler index values in umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery, suggestive of chronic hypoxemia as the causative factor of the impaired growth. In six growth-restricted fetuses bradycardia occurred at the end of the procedure. Umbilical artery pulsatility index was measured by Doppler ultrasonography immediately before and after the procedure.

RESULTS

The median interval between the two blood samples obtained by cordocentesis was 90 seconds (range 60 to 320 seconds). During this interval a significant rise of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (p < or = 0.0001) and endothelin-1 (p = 0.03) was evidenced in normally grown fetuses. The increase in 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha was significantly related (r = 0.52, p = 0.002) to the fall of umbilical artery pulsatility index occurring after the procedure. In growth-restricted fetuses cordocentesis induced a marked increase of endothelin-1 (p = 0.0002), which was significantly related to the severity of acidosis (r = 0.52, p = 0.018), whereas no modifications were evidenced for the other agents tested. The increase of endothelin-1 was higher in those growth-restricted fetuses showing bradycardia at the end of the procedure than in growth-restricted fetuses that did not (p = 0.04). The variations of the vasoactive substances assayed were not significantly related to the type of procedure (transamniotic or transplacental), the amount of blood aspirated during the procedure, the interval elapsing between the first and second samples, the gestational age at which the procedure was performed, and the degree of fetal smallness.

CONCLUSION

Cordocentesis induces the rapid release of vasoactive substances and the effect differs between normally grown and growth-restricted fetuses. This may explain the different hemodynamic response and the higher rate of complications occurring in the latter group after cordocentesis.

Characterization of Adnexal Masses by Transvaginal Sonography and Color Flow Doppler

We assessed the accuracy of transvaginal sonography and color flow Doppler to distinguish benign from malignant adnexal masses and to select patients for laparoscopy. Before surgery, 225 women with adnexal masses were examined by transvaginal sonography and color flow Doppler. Size and morphologic criteria of each mass were determined, and color flow Doppler characteristics were evaluated. Of the 225 patients, 166 were premenopausal (mean age 34.6 &plusmn; 9.2 yrs) and 59 had been postmenopausal for at least 1 year (mean age 61.9 &plusmn; 7.5 yrs). Operative laparoscopy was performed in 22% of postmenopausal and 50% of premenopausal women, for a total of 96 laparoscopies. We observed 32 malignant tumors, 16 in premenopausal (10%) and 17 in postmenopausal women (29%). Analysis of gray scale morphologic findings revealed solid tissue in 77.8% of malignant and 16.1% of benign tumors (p <0.05). The presence of septa within the cysts was not significantly different in malignant and benign tumors. No sonographically simple adnexal cyst was malignant. Color flow Doppler alone seems to be less predictive of malignancy, but if combined with gray scale, is able to improve the diagnosis.

The effects of fetal blood sampling and placental puncture on umbilical artery and fetal arterial vessels blood flow velocity waveforms

This study was performed to investigate whether fetal blood sampling and/or transplacental puncture are associated with changes of blood flow velocity waveforms in umbilical artery and fetal circulation. The pulsatility index (PI) was measured from umbilical artery, thoracic descending aorta, renal artery, and middle cerebral artery immediately before and after fetal blood sampling (n = 28) or third trimester amniocentesis (n = 32). No significant changes in PI values were evidenced after amniocentesis performed either transamniotically (n = 21) or transplacentally (n = 11). Fetal blood sampling induced a significant decrease of PI values in all the vessels investigated. However, in presence of a transplacental procedure (n = 15) the amplitude of the decrease of PI in umbilical artery was significantly higher than after a transamniotic procedure (n = 13), while no differences were evidenced in the other vessels tested. These findings indicate that umbilical cord puncture at the time of fetal blood sampling is associated with a decrease in PI in umbilical artery and several peripheral arterial vessels. The isolated placental puncture does not induce Doppler-detectable hemodynamic effects, while in conjunction with cord needling, it increases the amplitude of the effects in umbilical artery.

Effects of cordocentesis on inferior vena cava velocity waveforms: differences between normally grown and growth-retarded fetuses

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of cordocentesis on velocity waveforms recorded from the inferior vena cava and to evaluate differences, if any, in the hemodynamic response between normally grown and growth-retarded fetuses. Twenty-five normally grown fetuses and 20 growth-retarded fetuses were considered for this study. This latter group was characterized by abnormal Doppler indices in the umbilical artery and the middle cerebral artery suggestive of uteroplacental insufficiency as the causative factor of the impaired growth. Flow velocity waveforms were measured from the inferior vena cava immediately before and after cordocentesis and the % reverse flow during atrial contraction calculated. In normally grown fetuses the % reverse flow values did not vary significantly after cordocentesis, while in growth-retarded fetuses this index increased significantly after the procedure (p < or = 0.001). Furthermore, the amplitude of this increase was inversely related to pH levels in umbilical vein (p = 0.004). In conclusion, in growth-retarded fetuses cordocentesis induces an increase of % reverse flow in the inferior vena cava, while no modifications occur in normally grown fetuses. This suggests the presence in growth-retarded fetuses of an impaired cardiac adaptive mechanism to cordocentesis that may explain the higher incidence of complications occurring in such fetuses.

Fetal pH value determined by cordocentesis: an independent predictor of the development of antepartum fetal heart rate decelerations in growth retarded fetuses with absent end-diastolic velocity in umbilical artery

Objective of this study was to establish the relationship in growth retarded fetuses between acid-base status in fetal blood obtained by cordocentesis and time interval between blood sampling and occurrence of antepartum heart rate late decelerations. Eighteen growth retarded fetuses scheduled for cordocentesis were considered for this study. All fetuses were free from structural and chromosomal abnormalities, characterized by absent end diastolic velocity waveforms in umbilical artery and later delivered for the development of antepartum heart rate late decelerations. Regression analysis showed that the time interval between cordocentesis and delivery was significantly related to pO2 (r = 0.46; p < or = 0.05) and pH (r = 0.57; p < or = 0.01) delta values but not with pCO2 values. Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the severity of fetal acidosis significantly and independently predicted the length of this time interval even after controlling for confounding variables such as pO2 values, gestational age, presence of hypertension, or umbilical vein pulsations. The knowledge of this relationship may be useful in the clinical management of growth retarded fetuses.

Cardiac flow after fetal blood sampling in normally grown and growth-retarded fetuses

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fetal blood sampling on cardiac flow velocity waveforms. Flow velocity waveforms were measured from the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery immediately before and after fetal blood sampling in 29 normally grown and 12 growth-retarded fetuses. The latter group was characterized by abnormal Doppler indices in the umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery suggestive of uteroplacental insufficiency as the causative factor of the impaired growth. The flow velocity parameters studied were the peak velocity, the time to peak velocity, and the left and right cardiac output and their ratio. In normally grown fetuses, the peak velocity and right and left cardiac output values increased significantly after fetal blood sampling, while no significant changes were observed in the other indices considered. The gestational age at the time of the procedure was positively related to the amplitude of these changes. In growth-retarded fetuses, fetal blood sampling did not induce any significant increase in cardiac output or peak velocities, while in more than 50 per cent of the fetuses these Doppler indices decreased. The amplitude of the decrease was significantly related to the severity of acidosis in the umbilical vein. In conclusion, the cardiac haemodynamic response to fetal blood sampling differs between normally grown and growth-retarded fetuses. This difference may explain the higher rate of complications occurring in the latter group of fetuses after blood sampling.

Effects of thyrotropin releasing hormone on cardiac and extracardiac flows of appropriately grown and growth-retarded fetuses

The objective of this study was to establish the effect of thyrotropin releasing hormone on the fetal circulation of appropriately grown and growth-retarded fetuses. Doppler recordings were performed immediately before and 15 min after maternal administration of 400 micrograms of thyrotropin releasing hormone in 14 women with appropriately grown and 19 with growth-retarded fetuses. Furthermore, in six women with growth-retarded fetuses, serial recordings were performed at 2-hourly intervals for 8 h until a second thyrotropin releasing hormone dose was administered. Velocity waveforms were recorded from the outflow tracts, inferior vena cava, umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery and descending aorta, and different Doppler indices calculated. In appropriately grown fetuses, thyrotropin releasing hormone induced a significant increase of peak systolic velocity values in the aorta and pulmonary artery and an increase of Doppler-estimated cardiac output. In growth-retarded fetuses, these changes were more evident and associated with a significant decrease in reverse flow in the inferior vena cava during atrial contraction. No changes were observed in fetal heart rate or in the other fetal vessels investigated. In the growth-retarded fetuses followed longitudinally, these changes were evident for the following 8 h and were potentiated by the second thyrotropin releasing hormone administration. In conclusion, thyrotropin releasing hormone induces significant hemodynamic effects on the fetal heart that may temporarily improve the impaired cardiac function of growth-retarded fetuses.