Phytochemical analysis of carotenoid profile in Mentha piperita and Artemisia vulgaris: cytotoxicity in tumoral cells and evaluation of plasmid DNA cleavage

Several medicinal plants have been administered to cancer patients attributed to their anticarcinogenic and chemoprotective properties, in addition to lower toxicity compared to traditional therapies. The aim was to investigate the antioxidant properties and carotenoid composition of aqueous extracts of Mentha piperita or Artemisia vulgaris which were previously found to exert beneficial effects on human health through diet. aqueous extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity. A diversity of carotenoids was identified in these extracts using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. Both extracts contained predominantly all-trans-lutein as the main component within this class. In order to investigate antioxidant properties, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) techniques were used. The (3-4,5 dimethylthiazol-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) and Crystal Violet assays assessed cellular cytotoxicity. Assessments of presence of reactive species were carried out following exposure of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC-4) to various aqueous extracts of M piperita or A vulgaris utilizing dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Exposure to these extracts induced severe cytotoxic effects, which led to investigation of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying this observed effect. Data demonstrated that both solutions induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, especially at higher concentrations using agarose gel subjected to electrophoresis. It is known that exposure to excess amounts of antioxidants results in a prooxidant effect which is beneficial in cancer therapy. Further, the extracts were found to reduce viability of SCC-4 in culture, indicating that this antitumoral activity may be of therapeutic importance and requires further study.

Volatile fraction and aroma properties of microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus

Microalgae have great potential to become a new crop that could significantly impact the world's need for food in the 21st century. Despite their potential as a food ingredient, microalgae need social acceptance as food. In addition, organoleptic traits, such as aroma, are key factors for humans to accept microalgae as part of their diet. In this sense, some requirements such as culture, species, and environmental conditions are extremely important for these microorganisms that are capable of producing a wide range of volatile organic compounds, such as alcohols, hydrocarbons, esters, aldehydes, terpenes, ketones, and lactones. Thus, the aim of the study was to characterize volatile organic compounds with an aroma descriptor from the microalgal biomass of Scenedesmus obliquus. The volatile compounds were isolated by solid-phase microextraction applied in the headspace, detected by gas chromatography, and differentiated by mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). The results showed that hexanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, and 1-propanol were identified as the most abundant volatiles in the biomass of Scenedesmus obliquus.

[The infected partners view of AIDS]

Our objective was to reflect upon the HIV contamination in women who has a stable relationship. We have used semi-structure interview with an ethnographic way of focussing to the women from Infections diseases hospital, also STD's at the State of Ceará. At the interview questions about prevention in the couple relationship, the HIV positive result reaction, the feelings toward children and living with family and friends have been made. The interview analysis has identified the absence of prevention, the lack of search about HIV information, the wives wrath and the worries about the children, and also the difficult situation between family and friends.

[Education and prevention of occupational risk; a study with nursing students]

A study has been done with nursing students on occupational risk, investigating bio-security measures. It has involved a sample of 30 students who had taken the basic subjects, being understood, they had already had the pre-requirements demanded: knowledge, techniques and the necessary procedures for HIV infection prevention. A semi-structured interview has been applied, obeying the ethics standards, about risk and reducing occupational risk, vulnerability, education and prevention. After analysing the speeches, it has been perceived that the nursing students learned their information, sought for information, therefore, they had cognitive level knowledge, but, had no inner knowledge. There have not been any conscious action able to generate a safe behavior. When dealing with the risk of contracting AIDS, they have not been able to have a political position as to Institutions in order to question occupational risk they would possibly be exposed, both as to a more conscious orientation about teaching practise and the Institution lack of protection measures.