Growth inhibitory effects of Phyllanthus niruri extracts in combination with cisplatin on cancer cell lines

AIM：To investigate the cytotoxic effects of spray-dried extracts of Phyllanthus niruri in combination with cis- platin on two cancer cell lines. METHODS： Colorectal carcinoma （HT29） and human hepatocellular carcinoma （HepG2） cells were treated with spray-dried extracts of Phyllanthus niruri （SDEPN） either alone or in combination with cisplatin at differ- ent concentrations （0.5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL） for 4 h and 24 h. To verify and quantify cancer cells treated with these products as well as identify the cell cycle stage and cell viability, we stained the cells with prop- idium iodide and assessed them by flow cytometry. The percentage of cells in different cell cycle phases was quantified and data were expressed as histo- grams. Significant differences between groups were determined using analysis of variance and Bonferroni＇s test, as indicated. A value of P 〈 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS： SDEPN had significantly different cyto- toxic effects on HT29 （2.81 4- 0.11 vs 3.51 4- 1.13, P 〉 0.05） and HepG2 （5.07± 0.3 vs 15.9 ± 1.04, P 〈 0.001） cells when compared to control cells for 4 h. SDEPN also had significantly different cytotoxic effects on HT29 （1.91 ± 0.57 vs 4.53± 1.22, P 〉 0.05） and HepG2 （14.56 ± 1.6 vs 35.67 ± 3.94, P 〈 0.001） cells when compared to control cells for 24 h. Both cell lines were killed by cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner compared to control cells （HepG2 cells for 4 h： 10.78 ± 1.58 vs 53.89 ± 1.53, P 〈 0.001; 24 h： 8.9 ± 1.43 vs 62.78 ± 1.87, P 〈 0.001 and HT29 cells for 4 h： 9.52 ±0.913 vs 49.86 ± 2.89, P 〈 0.001; 24 h： 11.78 ± 1.05 vs 53.34 ± 2.65, P 〈 0.001）. In HT29 cells, pretreat- ment with SDEPN and subsequent treatment with cis-platin resulted in a greater number of cells being killed （12.78 ± 1.01 vs 93.76 ± 1.6, P 〈 0.001）. HepG2 cells showed significant cell killing with treatment with SDEPN when combined with cisplatin （12.87 ± 2.78 vs 78.8 ± 3.02, P 〈 0.001）. CONCLUSION： SDEPN is selectively toxic against two cancer cell lines. Moreover, SDEPN in combination with cisplatin induces a synergistic increase in the cell death of both HT29 and HepG2 cells.

Non-Polar Chemical Constituents of Atemoya and Evaluation of the Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity

This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of essential oil from fruits(EOAF)and the hexanic crude extract from aerial parts(At-Hex)of atemoya(Annona cherimola x Annona squamosa),a hybrid belonging to the Annonaceae family.Cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity was also evaluated.OEAF was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus,and their composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)analyses.Cytotoxicity was tested against human tumor cell lines HCT-116(colon carcinoma),SF-295(glioblastoma),OVCAR-8(ovarian carcinoma)and HL60(leukemia)using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay,while antimicrobial activity was conducted by bioauthography method against eleven microorganisms strains.Twenty-four compounds were identified in the EOAF and twenty-nine in At-Hex.The monoterpenes linalool(25.70%),α-pinene(10.38%),β-pinene(9.12%),transocimene(7.43%),and the sesquiterpene bicyclogermacrene(12.58%)were the major constituents of EOAF,whereas the sesquiterpene spathulenol(13.91%)was the main compound of At-Hex.At-Hex showed a high cytotoxicity against SF-295(glioblastoma).These findings show an important chemotaxonomic contribution for the Annonaceae family,mainly for the Annona genus.Atemoya proved to be a promising source of substances with potential cytotoxic activity.

A Methodology for Collection of Residential Construction Residue in Manaus

Civil construction is one of the largest consumers of raw materials and producers of waste, which has been causing environmental problems both through the extraction of raw materials and through building activity by generation of waste. Notwithstanding the need to find an optimum use for solid construction residue to try to solve or minimize this problem, there are no standards for the process of obtaining the CDR （construction and demolition residue）. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a method of collecting solid waste at the construction site that is easy and low-cost and thus can be applied throughout the construction industry. This collection method was designed to produce residue with the desired proprieties and obtain the best possible homogeneity. This method permitted to evaluate the factors generating construction residue more precisely.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of P6 Acupuncture Plus Ondansetron versus Ondansetron or P6 Acupuncture in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting after Bupivacaine-Morphine Spinal Anesthesia

Objective: To compare P6 acupuncture plus ondansetron with either ondansetron or P6 acupuncture in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients submitted to spinal anesthesia. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed with 90 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine, 15 to 17.5 mg, and morphine, 100 μg. They were assigned to one of the three groups: Group Ondansetron (n = 30), patients were given ondansetron, 8 mg intravenously, before spinal block was performed;Group P6 acupuncture (n = 30), patients were subjected to bilateral electrical stimulation of P6 acupoint for 30 minutes before anesthesia;and Group P6 acupuncture plus ondansetron (n = 30), the exact combination of the groups Ondansetron and P6 acupuncture. Results: In the post anesthesia care unit, the incidence of nausea and vomiting ranged from 13.3% to 26.7% and from 6.7% to 13.3%, respectively, with no significant differences among groups (p > 0.05). Ondansetron group had the highest incidence of nausea (73.3%) (p < 0.001) and vomiting (43.3%) (p < 0.001) at the ward from 0 to 24 hours, followed by P6 acupuncture (33.3% and 26.7%) and P6 acupuncture plus ondansetron groups (16.0% and 0%). Conclusion: Preoperative stimulation of P6 acupoint in combination with ondansetron has higher efficacy than either P6 acupoint stimulation or the administration of ondansetron on the prevention of PONV in patients submitted to bupivacaine-morphine spinal anesthesia.

Utilization of Synthetic Coarse Aggregate of Calcined Clay in Asphalt Mixtures in the Amazon Region

There are high costs in paving services in the Brazilian Amazon region, mainly due to the lack of coarse aggregate--pebble or crushed stone---in addition to the elevated rainfall and the high geographic expanse of the region. The natural coarse aggregate often used in that region is extracted from the riverbeds a distance no less than 500 km from the major cities. In search of a technical, economic and environmental alternative to work around the problem, using an unconventional material that could replace the pebble or crushed stone, a study was carded out on natural clay, considered an abundant mineral resource, especially in the Amazon Basin. A manual mill was used for this purpose, consisting of four square metal nozzles of dimensions 12.7 mm, 9.5 mm, 4.8 mm and 2.0 mm, used for moulding the wet ribbon clay. After that, firing was carried out at temperatures of 780℃, 850℃, 950℃, 1,050 ℃ to 1,150℃ A comparative analysis between conventional hot mixed asphalt--using pebble as coarse aggregate--and that employing synthetic aggregate was made. In a general way, hot mixed asphalt using synthetic aggregate showed excellent results of physical and mechanical properties, in relation to the conventional mixture, mainly at higher temperature of aggregate calcination.

Antimicrobial Activity of a Formulation of <i>Libidibia ferrea</i>L. against Microorganisms of the Dental Biofilm

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extract of Libidibia ferrea L. (228.022-INPA) and a mouthwash formulation against microorganisms of the dental biofilm. The extract of Libidibia ferrea L. was prepared and formulated with an alcohol-free mouthwash. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration—MIC was determined by microdilution and cell viability was evaluated through fluorescence. The MICs for the extract were 4.375 μg/mL (Streptococcus mutans), 3.750 μg/mL (Streptococcus oralis), 4.375 μg/mL (Lactobacillus casei). In contrast, for the mouthwash, the MICs were 6.000 μg/mL (bacteriostatic against Streptococcus mutans and bactericidal against Streptococcus oralis). In 1.250 μg/mL of the extract, the number of viable cells measured by fluorescence tests was 16.47% and 14.12% for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei, respectively. For the mouthwash (1.000 μg/mL), 20.60% of viable cells for Streptococcus mutans, and 9.60% for Lactobacillus casei were observed. It can be concluded that the extract and its mouthwash containig Libidibia ferrea L. showed antibacterial activity against microorganisms from the dental biofilm.

Evaluation of Pulmonary Function in Adults with Grade Ⅲ Obesity

Pulmonary function studies in obese individuals have alerted the pathophysiological changes due to weight gain. However, these changes are not fully explained yet. Objective: To evaluate and analyze the pulmonary function of obese adults in the city of Manaus (AM, Brazil) and to correlate the parameters of spirometry with weight and BMI. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study, in which pulmonary function of 22 adults with grade III obesity was evaluated pre and post bronchodilator administration, performed at the Adriano Jorge Hospital Foundation—FHAJ. Results: Of the 22 patients evaluated, 6 were male and 16 were female;mean age was 37.1 ± 7.4 years, with a weight of 134.2 ± 28.6 kg and a BMI of 51.1 ± 9.4 kg/m2, corresponding to grade III obesity. Spirometry showed a reduction in values obtained from Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) in relation to those predicted, with 23% of restrictive disorders. There were negative correlations between BMI and PEF, weight and FVC, weight and PEF. The P value for correlation of weight and FEV1 is not statistically significant. Conclusion: Restrictive and obstructive disorders are prevalent in the population with grade III obesity. Correlations between pulmonary function and BMI/weight were negative for this specific population.

Cytogenetic Investigation in Patients with Clinical Suspicion of Genetic Syndrome in Manaus, Brazil

Chromosomal alterations can cause a number of diseases;therefore,early detection of these alterations is fundamental in the prevention and treatment of various abnormalities.In this sense,the objective of this study was to perform cytogenetic analysis of patients with phenotypic characteristics not yet clarified in order to determine the frequency of chromosomal alterations in patients treated in the public health system in Manaus,Brazil.A total of 98 patients with clinical suspicion of genetic syndrome were referred to the public health system in Manaus,Amazonas state.Genetic analyses were performed from lymphocyte culture and subsequent G-banding.Patient data were obtained through referral files and chromosomal a Analyses.Of the 98 karyotypes analyzed,65(66.3%)presented normal karyotype,18(18.4%)presented chromosomal alterations and 15(15.3%)were inconclusive.Of the alterations found,11(61.1%)corresponded to alterations of the numerical type and 7(38.9%)of the structural type.Of the chromosomal alterations identified,the one with the highest frequency was aneuploidy,which was significantly represented by 9 patients with Down’s syndrome,and different karyotypic mechanisms related to this syndrome were observed.There was also one case of deletion,one case of pericentric inversion,and two involving the sex chromosomes.The etiological confirmation of congenital anomalies is extremely important for the patient’s prognosis,and it is necessary to invest in cytomolecular tests,such as FISH and microarray in order to increase the rate of diagnosis.

Effects of Aerobic Conditioning on Individuals Post-Stroke: What Is the Evidence?

Background: Stroke has been considered the major cause of chronic disability in the world and ranks among the leading causes of death. Despite the fact that new vascular events often happen and risk factors are the same that Cardiovascular Diseases, secondary prevention through non-pharmacological measures, are not part of the routine physical rehabilitation after stroke. Objective: The aim is to answer the following clinical question: Should aerobic fitness be part of the physical rehabilitation of individuals post-stroke? Methodological Design: The methodology used in the study was an integrative literature review. Inclusion Criteria: Articles in English are published in secondary databases: systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis, which address the question PICO: patient (post-stroke), intervention (aerobic exercise), comparison (with or without aerobic conditioning) the outcome (volume of oxygen consumed peak (VO2peak), quality of life (QoL), morbidity and mortality). Outcomes: VO2peak, QoL, complications and mortality. Analysis of Studies: The methodological quality of included studies is assessed using the tools: PRISMA and R-AMSTAR. Results: There was “good” evidence for the inclusion of aerobic exercise on physical rehabilitation of post-stroke individuals to improve their physical capacity (VO2peak), facilitating the completion of activities of daily living and gait. There was weak evidence on the association of aerobic fitness with positive results on QoL in stroke victims and insufficient results to evaluate the effect of aerobic fitness on the risk of stroke recurrence and mortality. Conclusion: The aerobic conditioning should be included in the rehabilitation of stroke victims.

Optimization of Expanded Polystyrene Lightweight Aggregate in Pre-Cast Concrete Blocks by a Completely Random Experimental Design (CRED) with Mixture and Process Variables

The aim of this study was to determine the optimum design mix to produce pre-cast concrete blocks by a completely random experimental design (CRED) with mixture and process variables. The polymerized concrete was studied its composition: Cement, and water defined as the mixture compounds. To choose the best model, all the possible models were assessed through the ANOVA, which tested each possible model. The linear-linear model was preferred, since that do not present evidence of lack of fit, and it is capable of relating how to react the process variables, when are changed the variable mixture condition levels. The optimum experimental condition, obtained for the polymerized concrete, was: The size of the polystyrene beads was 4.8 mm sized polystyrene beads, 5.0% polystyrene that replaced the aggregate, 18.3% cement, 73.4% aggregate and 8.3% water. In this condition, the blocks made with polymerized concrete show a compressive strength above 15 Mpa, allowing its utilization in paving.

Isolated Autoimmune Orchitis Due to IgG4 Hypersecretion Presenting as Tumor-Like Mass: Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: IgG4-related disease is a rare autoimmune condition that presents with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and fibrosis in the organ affected. Isolated testicle involvement is uncommon and there are only a few cases reported in the literature. Case Presentation: We report a case of isolated chronic orchitis due to IgG4 hypersecretion in a 61-year-old patient that evolved with asymptomatic tumor-like mass growth and was treated with left orchiectomy. Histopathological study revealed orchitis related to IgG4 hypersecretion disease. Conclusion: IgG4-related disease can be manifested as a multi or single-organ disorder. Most diagnoses are made after surgery with histopathological analysis. Most of the cases in literature stand out the difficulty in diagnosis and necessity of high suspicion due to this condition’s similarity with neoplasm presentation.

Germination of Seeds of Interspecific Hybrid Caiaue×Oil Palm Submitted to the Mechanical Depulping

Oil palm seeds respond well to protocols of dormancy break, however, the seeds of interspecific hybrid (HIE) (caiaué × oil palm) have lower germination rates. The mechanical depulping can affect the potential of germination of seeds, therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical depulping on the seed germination, vigor and viability of embryos HIE BRS Manicoré. A randomized block design with five treatments, based on the depulping time and on the percentage of mesocarp on the seed with four replications was used. The percentage of seed germination, the germination speed index (GSI), the percentage of fungi and abnormal seeds and vigor and viability of embryos were evaluated. There was no statistical difference (p < 0.05) between treatments for all variables. The average of germination at 35 days was 45.34% and embryos showed high to medium vigor by the tetrazolium test. The mechanical depulping do not affect the seed germination, nor the viability and vigor of embryos HIE BRS Manicoré. It is recommended that the fruits of HIE BRS Manicoré remain in depulper machine for 40 minutes to completely remove the mesocarp residue.

Microsatellites and the Polyploid Guarana Plant:Diversity under a Sea of Alleles

Repeat blocks, microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) can produce good co-dominant molecular markers for genetic diversity analysis and the determination of self-pollination rates in progenies originating from open pollination of selected genotypes. The enrichment of guarana genomic libraries was underway when it was confirmed that we are working with a complex polyploid species with 210 chromosomes. The probes (CA)12, (CT)12 and (TC)14 were used to finish the enrichment of four libraries for repeat blocks and the screening of a databank of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from guarana seeded-fruits was accomplished as well. Fifteen clonal cultivars were genotyped with three replicas at 10 out of 27 identified loci using the 59 alleles that passed the reproducibility criterion. A large number of short repeat blocks were identified and this was considered to be a consequence of the recent polyploidization event. However, blocks with eight or more repeats ideal for genotyping were scarce. Annealing of most probes to short blocks by partial complementarity could explain the scarcity of longer blocks in genomic libraries but cannot explain why they were rare in the ESTs. Due to the complexity of the genotypes, alleles were treated as dominant traits. ESTs harboring repeat blocks had the functional annotation renewed. Locus GRN07 is inserted in a homologue of the MOTHER OF FLOWERING LOCUS T AND TFL1 (MFT), in which 3’-UTR displays clear post-transcriptional regulatory features. MFT and its variants are probably involved in the determination of seed germination and embryo growth characteristics. Other accessed loci can be involved in plant architecture and defense reactions. It was concluded that the alleles described in the present work can be used to distinguish guarana cultivars and possibly to analyze segregation using the progenies of controlled pollinations between divergent genitors. Also, the fingerprints obtained can be added to the morphological and agronomic descriptors of the cultivars.

Antioxidant Protective Effects of the Resveratrol on the Cardiac and Vascular Tissues from Renal Hypertensive Rats

Background: Accumulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in cellular signaling and function disturbances due to the oxidative stress, which contributes to several diseases. The consequences of ROS activity represent an im-portant mechanism on the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, such as hypertension. Increased blood pressure observed in renal hypertension of the 2 kidneys-1 clip (2K-1C) model involves increased ROS levels in the cardiovascular system. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound primarily found in red wine, has many biological and pharmacological proper-ties. Considering the antioxidant properties of resveratrol, the present study was aimed to investigate the effects of the chronic treatment with resveratrol on cardiovascular system from renal hypertensive rats. Results: 2K-1C hypertension presented increased blood pressure, which was reduced at the end of the fifth week of resveratrol treatment. The cardiac hypertrophy index and the basal levels of ROS in rat aortic rings were also reduced by resveratrol treatment. Conclusions: The present findings clearly show the protective effects from resveratrol on the blood pressure, the car-diac growth and the vascular ROS generation in renal hypertension.

Persistent Xerophthalmia in a Patient with Rheumatological Disease and Priiviary Sjogren’s Syndrome: Case Report from Northern Brazil

This case study aims to contribute to the literature in order to highlight the importance of this collaboration between medical specialties. A female patient R.N.N. F, age 66, from the city of Manaus, with a previous diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome in regular follow-up by the Rheumatology team at the Araujo Lima outpatient clinic and referred to the Ophthalmology sector for complementary evaluation related to visual discomfort. The fundoscopy performed in the patient was within normal limits, but the symptoms experienced by her proved to be an important clinical finding, which has ratified the need for regular and multidisciplinary follow-up. This report unequivocally demonstrates that even in the face of tests considered within the expected limits for a given population, the clinical presentation can be specific and particular for each analyzed individual. Early screening exams should contemplate the patient in a holistic and individualized way whenever possible.

Cannabinoid CB_(2) receptors and spinal microglia are implicated in tingenone-mediated antinociception in mice

Objective:To investigate the antinociceptive effect of tingenone on inflammatory pain,as well as and the involvement of the cannabinoid receptors type 2(CB2)and spinal microglia in this process.Methods:Male Swiss mice were subjected to inflammatory pain induced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan.The nociceptive threshold was measured by von Frey filaments test.Tingenone was administered orally 60 min before carrageenan injection.To evaluate the involvement of CB2 receptor,endocannabinoids,and microglia,AM630(a CB2 receptor antagonist),MAFP(an inhibitor of an enzyme that hydrolyses endocannabinoids),and minocycline(a microglial inhibitor)were given intrathecally 20 min before tingenone administration.In addition,an immunofluorescence assay was used to evaluate CB2 receptor and CD11 B(a microglial marker)expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn.Results:Tingenone significantly reduced carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia,which was reversed by pretreatment with AM630.MAFP and minocycline potentiated and prolonged the tingenoneinduced antinociception.CD11 B expression was increased in the spinal cord dorsal horn of mice with inflammatory pain pretreated with tingenone,which was reduced by AM630,MAFP,and minocycline.Conclusions:CB2 receptors and endocannabinoids participate in the tingenone-induced antinociception which may involve the inhibition of microglia at spinal level.

Parental care in the freshwater crab <i>Sylviocarcinus pictus</i>(Milne-Edwards, 1853)

Parental care is a common strategy in many animal groups, to increase survival of the off-spring. Here, we report parental care in the freshwater crab Sylviocarcinus pictus. A female caught in the Amazon River, Brazil, bore juvenile crabs rather than eggs on her abdomen. Kept in the laboratory, the female retained the juveniles on the abdomen for 17 days, after which the juveniles left the abdomen. A total of 341 juvenile crabs measuring 3.45 ± 0.12 mmwere recorded. This pattern of parental care is very important for the maintenance of local populations of S. pictus, because if the larvae were released, as occurs in many marine species, they would drift downstream.

Health Education for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Observational Study

Health Education has shown itself as essential for the understanding of individuals about psychological and physical changes caused by diseases. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a severe public health problem, and it depends on health education measures for its control. A group of patients with COPD, in pneumatological medical treatment, were investigated to find information about the disease. An observational, descriptive and analytical study with analysis and application of a semistructured questionnaire to evaluate the individuals’ knowledge about the COPD. Collected data were registered and analyzed using Google Docs. The software used for the calculation of statistical measures was Microsoft Excel®. For the research participants’ characterization analysis, the use of grouped data for the frequency distribution of Sturges Rule was necessary. This study provided knowledge about which information a group of bearers of COPD receives at a college hospital providing treatment. The interviewed have an average age of 70 years old and most are women with education level between elementary and high school and diagnose time of 6.8 years. Most of the sample reported knowledge and consciousness about the disease, informed by the doctors, followed by physiotherapists. Although the role of the Ministry of Health in health education, subjects were better informed about the disease by their doctors instead of public campaigns.

Sintered Calcined Clay as an Alternative Coarse Aggregate for Asphalt Pavement Construction

The aim of this study is to search for a substitute for the natural coarse aggregate in various regions of the world, such as Amazon-Brazil, where this type of material is lacking. The asphalt binder AC 50/70 is mixed with an aggregate obtained from the sinterization of a calcined clay (SACC) as a possible alternative to coarse aggregate material for the construction of asphalt pavements in tropical zones. The dynamic modulus |E*| of this mixture was measured under strain control mode and in tension control mode. The results are compared with those obtained from AC 50/70 mixed with pebbles, which is currently used as the coarse aggregate in this region. For pavements that work at high temperatures, such as 40℃, and low frequencies, the mixture with SACC appears to be a viable alternative to coarse aggregate material for the construction of asphalt pavements in tropical zones.

Leaf Gas Exchange,Photon Capture and Light Harvest in Aldina heterophylla along a Vegetation Gradient in the Amazon Rainforest

Adaptation along environmental gradients is presumed to induce physiological and biochemical leaf changes in plant species. In this paper, we report how leaf gas exchange, photon capture and light harvest for photosynthesis in Aldina heterophylla change along a vegetation gradient from low stature open vegetation on extremely nutrient-poor white sand (Campina, CP), through inter-mediate closet type (Campinarana, CR) to tall closed rain forest (RF). The pigment concentrations did not differ between the CP, CR and RF habitats. The performance index for the photosynthesis (PIABS) of individuals in RF and CP was approximately 30% higher than that in CR individuals. This species showed similar potential rates of photosynthesis in the different vegetation types;however, the dark respiration rates were higher in CP. Our results indicate that the differences in the leaves and soil nitrogen concentrations are not enough to change the levels of gas exchange. Other environmental features may be driving the observed morphological features in this gradient, in particular, the tree height.