Showing papers by "Universidade Estadual do Vale do Acaraú published in 2021"

Essential Oil of Croton zehntneri Prevents Conduction Alterations Produced by Diabetes Mellitus on Vagus Nerve.

Abstract: Autonomic diabetic neuropathy (ADN) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), to which there is no specific treatment. In this study, the efficacy of the essential oil of Croton zehntneri (EOCz) in preventing ADN was evaluated in the rat vagus nerve. For the two fastest conducting myelinated types of axons of the vagus nerve, the conduction velocities and rheobase decreased, whilst the duration of the components of the compound action potential of these fibers increased. EOCz completely prevented these DM-induced alterations of the vagus nerve. Unmyelinated fibers were not affected. In conclusion, this investigation demonstrated that EOCz is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of ADN.

Antifungal and antibiofilm activities of the essential oil of leaves from Lippia gracilis Schauer against phytopathogenic fungi.

Abstract: Aims This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antibiofilm effects of essential oil (EO) from leaves of Lippia gracilis and its major constituents, thymol and carvacrol, against phytopathogenic fungi. Methods and results The leaves of L. gracilis were hydrodistilled to obtain the EO and the chemical composition was determined by GC/MS analysis. The antifungal activity of EO of L. gracilis was evaluated on the vegetative and mycelial growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani. In addition, the ability of the oil to inhibit fungal biofilm formation was assessed by total biomass quantification using crystal violet staining, analysis of metabolic activity, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover the antifungal and antibiofilm activities of the monoterpenes, thymol and carvacrol, present in EO of L. gracilis were evaluated against F. oxysporum. The analysis of the chemical composition of EO extracted from L. gracilis, revealed the presence of monoterpenes (94·13%), which included carvacrol (48·57%) and thymol (7·78%), and 4 sesquiterpenes (3·74%). In general, EO showed significant antifungal activity and inhibited the formation of fungal biofilms. Furthermore, thymol and carvacrol showed significant antifungal and antibiofilm activities against F. oxysporum. SEM images showed structural changes in fungal morphology upon treatment with EO of L. gracilis. Conclusion The results presented in this study showed promising antifungal and antibiofilm effects of EO of L. gracilis and its major components, carvacrol and thymol. Significance and impact of the study These findings indicate that the EO extracted from L. gracilis, and the monoterpenes, carvacrol and thymol have a great potential as antifungal and antibiofilm agents. Furthermore, this is the first report of the antibiofilm activity of the EO of L. gracilis and its major components against phytopathogenic fungi.

Acaricidal activity of essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Eremanthus erythropappus, major compounds and cinnamyl acetate in Rhipicephalus microplus.

Abstract: This study aimed to chemically characterize the essential oils (EOs) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) and Eremanthus erythropappus (candeia) and evaluate their acaricidal activity, together with that of their major compounds and cinnamyl acetate derivative, against Rhipicephalus microplus. Essential oil compounds were identified through gas chromatography. The larval packet test (LPT) at concentrations ranging from 0.31 to 10.0 mg/mL and the adult immersion test (AIT) at concentrations between 2.5 and 60.0 mg/mL were performed. (E)-cinnamaldehyde and α-bisabolol were the major compounds in cinnamon (86.93%) and candeia (78.41%) EOs, respectively. In the LPT, the EOs of cinnamon and candeia and the compounds (E)-cinnamaldehyde, α-bisabolol and cinnamyl acetate resulted in 100% mortality at concentrations of 2.5, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 10.0 mg/mL respectively. In the AIT, percentage control values > 95% were observed for cinnamon and candeia EOs, (E)-cinnamaldehyde and α-bisabolol at the concentrations of 5.0, 60.0, 20.0, and 20.0 mg/mL, respectively, whereas cinnamyl acetate showed low activity. We conclude that EOs and their compounds showed high acaricidal activity, whereas the acetylated derivative of (E)-cinnamaldehyde presented less acaricidal activity on R. microplus engorged females.

Impact of eugenol on in vivo model of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced oxidative stress.

Abstract: Oxidative stress is involved in many pathological disturbs, such as neurodegenerative disorders. Eugenol (Eug) is a phenolic compound with antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. Then, the present study was conducted to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Eug on oxidative stress model induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in rats. Firstly, the in vivo oxidative stress model was performed by intrastriatal injection (int.) of 6-OHDA (21 µg), followed by the treatment of Eug (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg/7 days) per os (p.o.). On the 7 th day, behavioural tests were performed. On the 8 th day, all the animals were euthanasied and their cerebral areas were excised for neurochemical and transcriptional analyses. The results showed that the treatment with Eug promoted neuroprotective effects on in vivo through reducing of oxidative stress and modulation of genes related to antioxidant activity. Furthermore, animals treated with Eug demonstrated returning of behavioural performance and body weight gain to normal conditions. Thus, the present study reports the neuroprotective effects of Eugenol against oxidative stress induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in rats.

Growth and nutrition of Passiflora edulis submitted to saline stress after silicon application

Abstract: We carried out greenhouse experiment to evaluate the effect of silicon (Si) on growth and mineral nutrition of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) submitted to saline stress in a nutritive solution. The experiment comprised a completely randomized design in a 5x4 factorial scheme: five NaCl concentrations (0; 7.5; 15; 30 and 60 mmol L-1) and four SiO2 concentrations (0; 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 mmol L-1) with four replicates. At the end of 35 days, we measured stem diameter, leaves, stem, and roots dry matter, as well as the macronutrient, Na, Cl, and Si leaf accumulation in plants. In most cases, the increase in NaCl supply in a nutritive solution reduced the dry matter of roots, stem, and leaves. The SiO2 supply attenuated the effect on higher tested saline stress (30 and 60 mmol L-1 NaCl) on roots and stem dry matter. The application of 0.5 mmol L-1 of SiO2 reduced the deleterious effect of salinity on all macronutrients absorption in yellow passion fruit cultivated in a nutritive solution.

Savannas of the Brazilian semiarid region: what do we learn from floristics?

Abstract: The Cerrado represents the largest extension of savanna in South America. It occupies large stretches of central Brazil, being fragmented towards the Northeast, Southeast, and South regions of the country. Examples of disjunct patches of vegetation with savanna physiognomy within the Caatinga can be found in the Chapada Diamantina, the Chapada do Araripe, in small areas of southern Ceara State, and also in the coastal plains. This study recorded the floristic composition of four savannas within the Caatinga in northern Ceara State and evaluated the floristic relationships between these and other savannas, Cerrado and Caatinga sites. Periodic floristic collections recorded 247 species distributed among 162 genera and 55 families. Fifty-seven percent of the recorded species were of herbaceous or sub-shrubby habit, while the majority of the flora was of the therophytic life-form. Biogeographic analyses revealed that the study sites differ from typical Cerrado in flora and life-form spectra and have closer floristic relationships with Caatinga vegetation. The presence of floristic elements from the Cerrado, together with species from the Caatinga, in the study sites allows us to conclude that these savanna enclaves in the Caatinga are composed of a mixed flora with typical elements of these two Brazilian biomes.

Sheep manure fertilization in Mimosa caesalpiniifolia in an Albaquult

Abstract: The use of organic fertilizers can increase the production of forest species for the extraction of wood from monoculture stands or integrated systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying doses of sheep manure on the biometric traits of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (‘sabia’) in a silviculture system in an area previously occupied by native degraded pasture in an Albaquult. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four repetitions, with treatments corresponding to five doses of sheep manure per plant: 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 kg in the first year, while in the second year the double of the doses (0, 4, 8, 16 and 32 kg per plant) were applied as topdressing under the canopy. The following biometric variables were evaluated: height (H); root collar diameter (RCD); diameter at breast height (DBH); above-ground dry weight (AGDW); accumulation of nutrients (aerial part); and soil fertility. The plants were responsive to the organic fertilization regarding the variables H, DBH, and AGDW. The sheep manure increased the mean values of pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, SB, CEC, BS, S-SO4 2- and Zn, and reduced the potential acidity in the 0-0.20 m soil layer. The organic matter variable increased up to the dose of 13.70 kg per plant. The accumulation rates of macro and micronutrients in the ‘sabia’ plants were N > Ca > K > Mg > P > S and Fe > Mn > B > Zn > Cu, respectively.

Intervenções educativas na prevenção ou tratamento da obesidade em adolescentes: revisão integrativa

Abstract: Objective: to identify the effectiveness of educational interventions to prevent or treat obesity in adolescents. Method: It was an integrative review of the literature, based on the guiding question: "What is the effectiveness of obesity prevention / treatment interventions in adolescents?" The search was carried out in six electronic databases in Portuguese, English and Spanish in July 2020, which allowed the identification of 5,401 articles. Results: 31 articles were identified that cover educational interventions based on nutritional and psychological support, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity, interdisciplinary behavioral, nutritional and lifestyle interventions predominated. The actions had a beneficial effect on the participants' quality of life, body mass index, daily exercise habits, and positive eating behavior among adolescents. The interventions for the control and prevention of obesity analyzed in this review had positive effects on reducing body weight. Conclusion: The findings pointed to the need for more studies to have greater control over the benefits and adherence to interventions aimed at preventing and treating obesity.

Thermal responsive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide/galactomannan copolymer nanoparticles as a potential amphotericin delivery carrier

Abstract: Thermo responsive copolymers were synthesized by radical polymerization of the N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) onto galactomannan (GM) chain. All copolymers showed thermal responsiveness and a critical aggregation concentration (CAC) at 25 °C greater than at 50 °C. Below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), copolymer nanoparticles presented sizes between 16 and 50 nm, whereas above LCST, they aggregate, presenting sizes in the range 145.8–194.0 nm, depending on NIPAm/GM molar ratio. Amphotericin-B (AmB) was encapsulated in the copolymer nanoparticles with encapsulation efficiency of 41.4 ± 2.76% and 69.0 ± 2.92% respectively for CP1 and CP2. In vitro AmB delivery from the CP1 nanoparticles was found to exhibit controlled release profile. Hemolysis assay was carried out using erythrocytes cells and samples of AmB loaded copolymer nanoparticles (CP1-AmB), unloaded copolymer nanoparticles (CP1) and commercial AmB were evaluated. Unloaded copolymer nanoparticles show hemocompatibility while the percentage of hemolysis of erythrocytes cells for CP1-AmB sample was 8.7 times lower than that observed for commercial AmB. CP1-AmB showed similar minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as commercial AmB, in four Candida albicans strains. As CP1-AmB nanoparticle show better hemocompatibility than commercial AmB, this thermo responsive copolymer shows potential as AmB nanocarrier device to be used in fungal infection.

Ipomoea lanifolia sp. nov. (Convolvulaceae), a new species endemic to the Ibiapaba plateau in northeastern Brazil

Abstract: A new species of Ipomoea, thus far endemic to Caatinga domain, is described. The species occurs in a “carrasco” physiognomy - a shrubby vegetation on sandy soils characterized by the presence of cacti and bromeliads. The new species can be recognized by a combination of morphological characters, including a leaf blade with a lanate abaxial surface with long hairs, and sepals lanceolate, acuminate, tomentose, and smooth. A complete description, diagnosis, an identification key for Ipomoea species from the Ibiapaba plateau, illustrations, conservation assessments, a distribution map, and taxonomic comments are provided.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic activities of the ethanolic Turnera subulata Sm. flower extract in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Abstract: Turnera subulata Sm. belongs to the family Turneraceae and is found in Brazil. The present study evaluated the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic potential of T. subulata flower e...

Diterpene Sonderianin isolated from Croton blanchetianus exhibits acetylcholinesterase inhibitory action and anxiolytic effect in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) by 5-HT system

Abstract: Croton blanchetianus is known as ‘marmeleiro preto’, a very widespread shrub in Northeast Brazil. Terpenoids, steroids and phenolic compounds are among the reported secondary metabolites of the Cro...

Higienização das mãos por profissionais de saúde: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract: Introduccion: Segun la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud (OMS), las manos de los profesionales de la salud son uno de los principales mecanismos de transmision de las infecciones hospitalarias, a las que se les puede llamar infecciones cruzadas. Objetivo: Presentar la higiene de manos adecuada como un metodo eficaz para reducir la prevalencia de infecciones hospitalarias. Metodologia: El presente estudio es una revision bibliografica, descriptivo-analitica. Resultados y Discusion: La higiene de manos es un metodo profilactico de bajo costo, practico y sencillo, ya que reduce la probabilidad de infecciones nosocomiales y debe ser reforzado entre los profesionales de la salud. Las consecuencias de la higiene no manual o la higiene por tecnica incorrecta pueden conducir a un aumento de las infecciones hospitalarias, sobrecargando el sistema de salud y aumentando el periodo de institucionalizacion de los pacientes y las tasas de morbimortalidad relativa y absoluta. Conclusion: La accion sobre los posibles factores que inciden en la ausencia o incorreccion de la practica de la higiene de manos, asi como la reafirmacion de la importancia de la higiene de manos entre el equipo de salud es necesaria para la reduccion y control de las infecciones hospitalarias.

Evaluation of dielectric properties of the barium titanium silicate (Ba2TiSi2O8) for microwave applications

Abstract: This work presents the dielectric properties of Ba2TiSi2O8 in the Radiofrequency (RF) and Microwave (MW) regions. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the material was obtained as a single-phase without the presence of spurious phases. Complex impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that there was no significant change of permittivity with temperature, whereas the dielectric loss was less than 1. Nyquist diagrams were modelled through an equivalent circuit using two associations of R-CPE related to the grain and the grain boundary effects. The MW analysis showed e′r = 11.01 and tan δ = 4.55 × 10–2, values that are close to the results obtained in the RF region. Moreover, the τf value for Ba2TiSi2O8 was equal to − 47 ppm/°C which is close to the values adequate for a microwave device application. The numerical simulation demonstrated the operation of the material as a Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA), where a reflection coefficient below − 10 dB, a realised gain of 6.739 dBi, a bandwidth of 452.96 MHz and a radiation efficiency around 100% were observed. The results indicate that Ba2TiSi2O8 would be an interesting candidate in microwave operating devices in the C-band, as well as in devices operating in RF.

Applying optimization algorithms for spatial estimation of travel demand variables

Abstract: Using spatial statistics techniques is a way to improve the forecast of travel demand variables considering their spatial dependence. The semivariogram is a proper geostatistic tool for represent the spatial structure of a Regionalized Variable. Therefore, the semivariogram modeling is a fundamental step and is often done visually, based on data knowledge and researchers’ experience, as well as taking into account automatic criteria, such as weighted least squares function. Moreover, these automatic procedures generally assume that data distribution is Gaussian. This research aims to evaluate the combined use of Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and geostatistical methods to forecast travel demand variables, in order to optimize the calculation and fitting of semivariograms. Car Trip rates and Income by household were estimated using the GA application in variographic models, and therefore enabled us to obtain numerous semivariogram parameters. Consequently, intervals of the most frequent parameters were obtained and those with better performance (based on the fitness value) were chosen to carry out the modeling procedure using geostatistical software. The geostatistical modeling optimization procedure, proposed in this study, was validated considering not only a non spatial model (traditional Linear Regression) but also a different spatial approach, the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). The validation was carried out using a bivariate example. Thus, the procedure enabled us to compute and fit semivariograms more accurately, contributing to knowledge about spatial structure and variographic parameters related to almost optimal solutions. It is important to consider that the code developed from this article is available for applications in other knowledge areas with spatial dependence data.

Punching shear strength of waffle flat slabs

Abstract: This research aimed to compare the ultimate load of 10 waffle flat slabs with different sizes of solid area and spacing between ribs For this, a non-linear computational simulation of the slabs was carried out until their failure using the engineering software ANSYS The failure modes and loads were analyzed, and the results showed that the models with less solid area presented less bearing capacity in comparison to the models with greater solid area when the failure mode was shearing of the ribs The slabs with the largest solid regions experienced punching shear and behaved in a similar way as solid flat slabs, indicating compliance with the codes in relation to their punching shear strength provisions, especially with the NBR 6118 The results show that a square solid area whose length is 15% of the span is reasonable and that the ACI, Eurocode 2 and NBR 6118 provisions underestimate the shear strength of the ribs