Universidade do Vale do Itajaí

The plants of the genus Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae) are widely distributed in most tropical and subtropical countries, and have long been used in folk medicine to treat kidney and urinary bladder disturbances, intestinal infections, diabetes, and hepatitis B. In recent years, the interest in the plants has increased considerably. Substantial progress on their chemistal and pharmacological properties, as well as a few clinical studies of some Phyllanthus species have been made. This review discusses the current knowledge of their chemistry, the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological, biochemical, and clinical studies carried out on the extracts, and the main active constituents isolated from different species of plants of the genus Phyllanthus. These studies carried out with the extracts and purified compounds from these plants support most of their reported uses in folk medicine as an antiviral, in the treatment of genitourinary disorders, and as antinociceptive agents. However, well-controlled, double-binding clinical trials are lacking. Several compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, phenols, and terpenes were isolated from these plants and some of them interact with most key enzymes. Together this data strongly supports the view that the plants belonging to the genus Phyllanthus have potential beneficial therapeutic actions in the management of hepatitis B, nefrolitiase, and in painful disorders.

Objetivo: Investigar a utilização da planta Sphagneticola trilobata por agricultores como coadjuvante no tratamento do diabetes mellitus. Método: Foram entrevistados cinco agricultores portadores de diabetes mellitus e que usavam S. trilobata, no município do Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, no período de junho a julho de 2009. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina da UFPel (072/07). Resultados: Todos os entrevistados eram do sexo feminino com idade entre 48 e 74 anos. As folhas foram a parte mais utilizada. O chá é preparado através da infusão da planta. O conhecimento sobre a insulina foi repassado por familiares, ou vizinhos. As entrevistadas relatam efeito hipoglicemiante após o uso da planta. Conclusão: O conhecimento popular sobre plantas medicinais é geralmente repassado através das gerações familiares, sendo sua frente às terapias complementares, de esta manera satisfaz as necessidades de saúde individual complementando os serviços de saúde.

This article investigates the profi le of Brazilian readers, based on the analysis of data revealed by the research “Portrayals of Reading in Brazil” (2008) promoted by CBL; SNEL and Abrelivros, the main focus of which is to determine and measure the reader’s behavior, particularly in relation to books, and to investigate how people perceive reading, establishing at key moments a comparison with the 2000/2001 issue. The Western history of reading shows that reading in ancient times was accessible only to the few. In our country, this fact is repeated, since Brazilian books were published in Portugal, and have only been published in Brazil for the past two centuries. This distancing of the reader from the book has been perpetuated from ancient times, until today. Despite the efforts implemented by the public policies to promote reading, we are still far from reaching the desirable percentage of readers, compared with the developed countries. We observed data such as the age range of readers, what they read more, their reasons for reading, their favorite literary genre, access to libraries, and the profi le of Brazilian reader in terms of socioeconomic situation and level of education. It is also seen that our country has varying numbers of readers, according to region. The research also reveals that the Brazilian associates reading with a source of knowledge, and does not see it as an aesthetic object. It also indicates the percentage of readers of e-books.

Undernutrition is one of the most important public health problems, affecting more than 900 million individuals around the World. It is responsible for the highest mortality rate in children and has long-lasting physiologic effects, including an increased susceptibility to fat accumulation mostly in the central region of the body, lower fat oxidation, lower resting and postprandial energy expenditure, insulin resistance in adulthood, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and a reduced capacity for manual work, among other impairments. Marked changes in the function of the autonomic nervous system have been described in undernourished experimental animals. Some of these effects seem to be epigenetic, passing on to the next generation. Undernutrition in children has been linked to poor mental development and school achievement as well as behavioural abnormalities. However, there is still a debate in the literature regarding whether some of these effects are permanent or reversible. Stunted children who had experienced catch-up growth had verbal vocabulary and quantitative test scores that did not differ from children who were not stunted. Children treated before 6 years of age in day-hospitals and who recovered in weight and height have normal body compositions, bone mineral densities and insulin production and sensitivity.

Despite the progress that has occurred in recent years in the development of therapy, there is still a need for effective and potent analgesics, especially for the treatment of chronic pain. One of the most important analgesic drugs employed in clinical practice today continues to be the alkaloid morphine. In this review, emphasis will be given to the important contribution and the history of Papaver somniferum, Salix species, Capsicum species and Cannabis sativa in the development of new analgesics and their importance in the understanding of the complex pathways related to electrophysiological and molecular mechanisms associated with pain transmission. Recently discovered antinociceptive substances include alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoid. Plant-derived substances have, and will certainly continue to have, a relevant place in the process of drug discovery, particularly in the development of new analgesic drugs.

Some 290 species of squids comprise the order Teuthida that belongs to the molluscan Class Cephalopoda. Of these, about 30-40 squid species have substantial commercial importance around the world. Squid fisheries make a rather small contribution to world landings from capture fisheries relative to that of fish, but the proportion has increased steadily over the last decade, with some signs of recent leveling off. The present overview describes all substantial squid fisheries around the globe. The main ecological and biological features of exploited stocks,

We have developed a global biogeographic classification of the mesopelagic zone to reflect the regional scales over which the ocean interior varies in terms of biodiversity and function. An integrated approach was necessary, as global gaps in information and variable sampling methods preclude strictly statistical approaches. A panel combining expertise in oceanography, geospatial mapping, and deep-sea biology convened to collate expert opinion on the distributional patterns of pelagic fauna relative to environmental proxies (temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen at mesopelagic depths). An iterative Delphi Method integrating additional biological and physical data was used to classify biogeographic ecoregions and to identify the location of ecoregion boundaries or inter-regions gradients. We define 33 global mesopelagic ecoregions. Of these, 20 are oceanic while 13 are ‘distant neritic.’ While each is driven by a complex of controlling factors, the putative primary driver of each ecoregion was identified. While work remains to be done to produce a comprehensive and robust mesopelagic biogeography (i.e., reflecting temporal variation), we believe that the classification set forth in this study will prove to be a useful and timely input to policy planning and management for conservation of deep-pelagic marine resources. In particular, it gives an indication of the spatial scale at which faunal communities are expected to be broadly similar in composition, and hence can inform application of ecosystem-based management approaches, marine spatial planning and the distribution and spacing of networks of representative protected areas.

Removal of the cationic dyes rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) by waste seeds Aleurites moluccana (WAM) was studied in a batch system. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), point of zero charge measurement, and the Boehm titration method. The effects of contact time and pH were investigated for the removal of cationic dyes. An increase in pH from 3 to 9 was accompanied by an approximately three-fold increase in the amount of dye adsorbed. The adsorptions equilibrium values were obtained and analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, and Redlich–Peterson equations, the Sips isotherm being the one that showed the best correlation with the experimental values. The maximum adsorption capacities of the dyes were 178 mg/g for the MB and 117 mg/g for the RhB. The kinetic sorption was evaluated by the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models, where it was observed that sorption follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The study of thermodynamics showed that the adsorption is a spontaneous and endothermic process. The results indicate that waste seeds of A. moluccana could be used as a low cost material for the removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.

Summary Undoubtedly, the tourism industry is one of the most susceptible and vulnerable industries to crises. Recent major events that had devastating impacts on the industry ranges from natural disasters to epidemics, and from mismanagement to terrorist attacks. These kinds of episodes are not confined to any geographical region, as crises respect no political or cultural boundaries. Two major recent events illustrate this point: the BSE crisis in the UK in the 1990s, which was followed by the foot and mouth disease in 2000 and 2001, crippled the industry in several regions of England. Most recently, the events of September 11th in New York and Washington changed the way the industry operates forever. Crises are not new to the tourism industry. However, it has been observed that tourism management capability and ability to deal with complex and critical situations are limited. This paper discusses the concept of crisis management and its relevance to tourism. It presents an overview of the general trends in tourism crises events of the last two decades, assesses the impacts of major man-made crises on the industry, and argues for the importance of crisis management in tourism management. The paper also discusses the complex issue of crisis definition and its implications for organizations, and provides an operational definition of crisis management. Critical issues in crisis management, such as crisis anatomy, crisis incubation, risk perception in tourism and destination image, are discussed. Finally, the paper explores and analyses, in the context of crisis anatomy, the public sector handling of a major resort pollution crisis in Southern Brazil.

In the present paper we discuss, based in our experience, some experimental procedures which may be employed for isolation of active compounds from medicinal plants.We have also emphasized some insights about the way to obtain more active and selective compounds from natural products through structural modifications oriented for analysis of structure-activity relationships.

A questão da adesão à terapêutica tem sido discutida e estudada por profissionais de saúde por se tratar de um ponto fundamental para a resolubilidade de um tratamento. Neste artigo são discutidos, a partir de estudos de adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa relatados na literatura, os significados adotados para o fenômeno da adesão e os fatores a ele relacionados. Estudos de adesão à terapêutica foram analisados quanto aos seus conceitos e pressupostos, metodologias empregadas e o papel designado para profissionais e pacientes envolvidos. São discutidos os pressupostos teóricos encontrados nos estudos, e os fatores relacionados ao tema, que envolvem questões relativas ao tratamento, ao profissional de saúde e à doença, e as metodologias adotadas nestes estudos, que são baseadas em métodos diretos e indiretos e qualitativos, alguns com abordagem fiscalizadora. Conclui-se que os estudos no campo dos medicamentos em geral não priorizam o papel do paciente no processo saúde/doença/tratamento, comprometendo a capacidade dos estudos de obter uma compreensão mais ampla e profunda sobre o tema.

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) constitute a large and diverse group of biologically active plant compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity. The subclass germacranolides is one of the major groups of SLs. It includes parthenolide, a highly cytotoxic SL that is being tested in clinical trials as an anti-cancer agent. In this review, we focus on SL antitumor activity related to cell-cycle arrest, differentiation, apoptosis induction through the intrinsic pathway, and sensitization of the extrinsic pathway. We also address the regression of tumors in response to cotreatment with conventional chemotherapeutics. We review the nuclear factor-κB-targeted anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo and relate it to the SL structural features involved in the molecular mechanisms. It is obvious that SLs are emerging as promising anticancer agents, but more investigations are required to fully understand the molecular mechanisms of known SLs in different cell death modalities and how these mechanisms contribute toward the potent antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities of SLs.

Caffeic acid and some of its derivatives such as caffeic acid phenetyl ester (CAPE) and octyl caffeate are potent antioxidants which present important anti-inflammatory actions. The present study assessed the in vitro and in vivo effects of five caffeic acid derivatives (caffeic acid methyl, ethyl, butyl, octyl and benzyl esters) and compared their actions to those of CAPE. In the model of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, the pre-incubation of all derivatives inhibited nitrite accumulation on the supernatant of stimulated cells, with mean IC50 (microM) values of 21.0, 12.0, 8.4, 2.4, 10.7 and 4.80 for methyl, ethyl, butyl, octyl, benzyl and CAPE, respectively. The effects of caffeic acid derivatives seem to be related to the scavenging of NO, as the compounds prevented SNAP-derived nitrite accumulation and decreased iNOS expression. In addition, butyl, octyl and CAPE derivatives significantly inhibited LPS-induced iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Extending the in vitro results, we showed that the pre-treatment of mice with butyl, octyl and CAPE derivatives inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema and prevented the increase in IL-1beta levels in the mouse paw by 30, 24 and 36%, respectively. Butyl, octyl and CAPE derivatives also prevented carrageenan-induced neutrophil influx in the mouse paw by 28, 49 and 31%, respectively. Present results confirm and extend literature data, showing that caffeic acid derivatives exert in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory actions, being their actions mediated, at least in part by the scavenging of NO and their ability to modulate iNOS expression and probably that of other inflammatory mediators.

Agmatine produces an antidepressant-like effect when assessed in the forced swimming test (FST) and in the tail suspension test (TST) in mice (dose range 0.01-50 mg/kg, i.p.), without accompanying changes in ambulation in an open-field. I.c.v. injection of agmatine (1-100 nmol/site) also reduced the immobility time in the FST. Agmatine significantly enhanced the anti-immobility effect of imipramine, but did not affect that of MK-801. The anti-immobility effect of agmatine assessed in the FST was not affected by pre-treatment with prazosin. In contrast, agmatine's antidepressant-like effect was completely prevented by pre-treatment of animals with yohimbine, GMP or L-arginine. Taken together these data demonstrate that agmatine elicited a significant antidepressant-like effect through a mechanism that seems to involve an interaction with NMDA receptors, the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway and alpha2-adrenoceptors.

Três idéias já seriam suficientes para que a leitura de “Cultura da Convergência”, de Henry Jenkins, interessasse a jornalistas e pesquisadores da área: a convergência midiática como um processo cultural; o fortalecimento de uma economia afetiva que orienta consumidores de bens simbólicos e criadores midiáticos; a expansão de formas narrativas transmidiáticas.

Plants of the genus Bauhinia (Fabaceae, Leguminosae), commonly known as cow's-paw or cow's hoof, are widely distributed in most tropical countries and have been used frequently in folk medicine to treat different kinds of pathologies, particularly diabetes, infections, as well as pain and inflammation. In recent years, interest in these plants has increased considerably throughout the world. The biological properties of different phytopreparations and pure metabolites have been investigated in numerous experimental in vivo and in vitro models. Although some contradicting evidence has been documented, in general, the results support the reported therapeutic properties, indicating that they are mainly due to the presence of flavonoids. This review summarizes the recent chemical and biological knowledge of plants of the genus Bauhinia.

Taxane-derived drugs are antineoplastic agents used for the treatment of highly common malignancies. Paclitaxel and docetaxel are the most commonly used taxanes; however, other drugs and formulations have been used, such as cabazitaxel and nab-paclitaxel. Taxane treatment is associated with neurotoxicity, a well-known and relevant side effect, very prevalent amongst patients undergoing chemotherapy. Painful peripheral neuropathy is the most dose-limiting side effect of taxanes, affecting up to 97% of paclitaxel-treated patients. Central neurotoxicity is an emerging side effect of taxanes and it is characterized by cognitive impairment and encephalopathy. Besides impairing compliance to chemotherapy treatment, taxane-induced neurotoxicity (TIN) can adversely affect the patient's life quality on a long-term basis. Despite the clinical relevance, not many reviews have comprehensively addressed taxane-induced neurotoxicity when they are used therapeutically. This article provides an up-to-date review on the pathophysiology of TIN and the novel potential therapies to prevent or treat this side effect.

In this study, the antiulcerogenic effect of essential oil from Baccharis dracunculifolia was evaluated using the model of acute gastric lesions induced by ethanol. The ulcerative lesion index (ULI) was significantly reduced by oral administration of the essential oil of B. dracunculifolia at doses of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg which reduced the lesions by 42.79, 45.70 and 61.61%, respectively. The analysis of the chemical composition of the essential oil from B. dracunculifolia by GC showed that this was composed mainly of mono- and sesquiterpenes and the majority compound was nerolidol. Therefore, antiulcerogenic activity of nerolidol (50, 250 and 500 mg/kg) was investigated using ethanol-, indomethacin- and stress-induced ulcer models in rat. In the stress-induced ulcer model, a significant reduction of the ULI in animals treated with nerolidol (50, 250 and 500 mg/kg) and cimetidine (100 mg/kg) was observed, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The percentage of inhibition of ulcer was 41.22, 51.31, 56.57 and 53.50% in groups treated with 50, 250, 500 mg/kg of nerolidol and 100 mg/kg of cimetidine (positive control), respectively. Regarding ethanol- and indomethacin-induced ulcer models, it was observed that the treatment with nerolidol (250 and 500 mg/ kg) significantly reduced the ULI in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). The dose of 50 mg/kg reduced the parameters analyzed but this was not statistically significant. In the ethanol-induced model percentage of inhibition of ulcer was 34.20, 52.63, 87.63 and 50.87% in groups treated with 50, 250, 500 mg/kg of nerolidol and 30 mg/kg of omeprazol (positive control), respectively. In indomethacin-ulcer the percentage of inhibition of ulcer was 34.69, 40.80, 51.02 and 46.93% in groups treated with 50, 250, 500 mg/kg of nerolidol and 100 mg/ kg of cimetidine (positive control), respectively. The results of this study show that nerolidol displays antiulcer activity, as it significantly inhibited the formation of ulcers induced in different animal models. However, further pharmacological and toxicological investigations, to delineate the mechanism(s) of action and the toxic effects, are required to allow the use of nerolidol for the treatment of gastric ulcer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intestinal mucositis refers to mucosal damage caused by cancer treatment, and irinotecan is one of the agents most associated with this condition. Focusing on the development of alternatives to prevent this important adverse effect, we evaluated the activity of the flavonoid luteolin, which has never been tested for this purpose despite its biological potential. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The effects of luteolin were examined on irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. Clinical signs were evaluated. Moreover, histological, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters were analysed, as well as the possible interference of luteolin in the anti-tumour activity of irinotecan. KEY RESULTS: ; p.o. or i.p.) prevented irinotecan-induced intestinal damage by reducing weight loss and diarrhoea score and attenuating the shortening of the duodenum and colon. Histological analysis confirmed that luteolin (p.o.) prevented villous shortening, vacuolization, and apoptosis of cells and preserved mucin production in the duodenum and colon. Moreover, luteolin treatment mitigated irinotecan-induced oxidative stress, by reducing the levels of ROS and LOOH and augmenting endogenous antioxidants, and inflammation by decreasing MPO enzymic activity, TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and increasing IL-4 and IL-10. Disruption of the tight junctions ZO-1 and occludin was also prevented by luteolin treatment. Importantly, luteolin did not interfere with the anti-tumour activity of irinotecan. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Luteolin prevents intestinal mucositis induced by irinotecan and therefore could be a potential adjunct in anti-tumour therapy to control this adverse effect, increasing treatment adherence and consequently the chances of cancer remission.

PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL.Plants of the genus Bauhinia (Leguminosae) are widely distributed in most tropical countries and have been frequently used in folk medicine to treat several ailments, especially diabetes.In recent years, the interest in these plants has increased considerably in all world.This review shows the main chemical and pharmacological aspects of these plants.The studies carried out with the extracts and purified compounds from these plants support most of their reported therapeutic properties.It also gives an account of some compounds including terpenes, steroids and flavonoids that were isolated from the genus Bauhinia.