A new phenylpropanoid derivative, named euploic acid (1), was isolated from Euploca procumbens (Mill.) Diane & Hilger, Boraginaceae, along with lithospermic acid B (2), lithospermic acid (3), 9’’-methyl lithospermate (4), and luteolin-7-O-glucoside (5). Compound structures were determined by mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis and comparison with published data. Absolute configuration of 1 was established via electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Anti-inflammatory potential of euploic acid (1) was assessed by measuring its inhibition of cytokine and nitric oxide production in stimulated J774 macrophages. Compound 1 significantly reduced pro-inflammatory mediator production and release by stimulated macrophages at non-cytotoxic concentrations, comparable to the efficacy of dexamethasone. Our findings demonstrate the potential of euploic acid (1) as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. This study contributes to the structural elucidation of a new phenylpropanoid derivative and highlights its promising anti-inflammatory activity in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. 1, , Mill. Mill (Mill. Hilger Boraginaceae 2, 2 (2) 3, 3 (3) 9methyl methyl 9 4, 4 (4) luteolin7Oglucoside luteolinOglucoside luteolin 7 O glucoside 5. 5 . (5) MS, MS (MS) NMR (NMR data ECD. ECD (ECD) Antiinflammatory Anti (1 J J77 proinflammatory pro noncytotoxic non cytotoxic concentrations dexamethasone antiinflammatory anti agent disorders (Mill (2 (3 (4 Oglucoside (5 (MS (ECD ( J7

Abstract Larvae of Leucothyreus spp. have been reported causing damage to several crops in Brazil. From May 2012 to April 2013, adults and immatures of Leucothyreus alvarengai Frey (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae) samples were obtained from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) (Poaceae) fields in the municipalities of Naviraí and Nova Andradina, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Adults were collected with the aid of light traps, whereas immatures were sampled by opening two trench sizes (30 x 30 x 30 cm and 80 x 50 x 40 cm) in the soil, beside the plants. The collected larvae were reared in laboratory conditions, fed by sugarcane seedlings. The biological cycle of L. alvarengai was completed in 230 days, displaying three larval instars with mean size of the cephalic capsule of 1.68, 2.46, and 3.00 mm for the first, second, and third instar, respectively. Adults were collected in greater numbers in December 2012, and first-instar larvae were observed as of January 2013. Conversely, pupae were observed in the field from July 2012 to January 2013. This is the first record of larvae and adults of L. alvarengai in sugarcane fields in Mato Grosso do Sul state, contributing with the knowledge about its biology and temporal distribution in the field. spp Brazil 201 2013 Coleoptera (Coleoptera Melolonthidae Rutelinae Saccharum L Poaceae (Poaceae Andradina traps (3 3 8 5 4 soil plants conditions seedlings 23 days 168 1 68 1.68 246 2 46 2.46 300 00 3.0 second instar respectively firstinstar Conversely state 20 ( 16 6 1.6 24 2.4 0 3. 1. 2.

High water consumption during irrigation is one of the main problems in agriculture. The preparation of a material that prolongs the water retention capacity of the soil is important. This article aimed to prepare superabsorbent hydrogels by the complexation of chitosan (CHI), with high degree of deacetylation (DD), and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), with high degree of substitution (SD). Different parameters (concentration and polymeric solutions addition order, polysaccharides’ ratio, pH) were studied. Morphology, thermal stability, chemical composition, mechanical strength, and swelling kinetics of hydrogels in water were evaluated. A hydrogel formation mechanism was discussed and proposed. Results showed that most samples prepared at acid pH disintegrated during swelling test. The morphology of the hydrogels varied with the pH. It was obtained superabsorbent hydrogels (swelling > 400%) based on CMC (SD = 2.23) and CHI (DD = 92%), at basic pH, with good compression strength, and applicable as soil conditioner. The best sample was the one prepared with CMC:CHI = 1:2, polymeric solutions 1.5% m/v and pH 8. agriculture important CHI, , (CHI) DD, DD (DD) CMC, (CMC) SD. SD . (SD) concentration order polysaccharides ratio studied Morphology stability composition strength evaluated proposed test 400% 400 2.23 223 2 23 92%, 92 92% 92%) conditioner CMCCHI 12, 12 1 2, 1:2 15 5 1.5 mv m v 8 (CHI (CMC 40 2.2 22 9 1: 1. 4 2.

The flavonoid rutin presents several pharmacological effects, despite this, its application in the pharmaceutical industry can be significantly limited by its low bioavailability. The development of lipophilic derivatives by esterification of hydroxyl groups with fatty acid chains may be an effective strategy to change their physicochemical properties. This work aims to use high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) to isolate rutin esters produced by esterification reactions catalyzed by the immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozyme 435®). The lipase-catalyzed synthesis of rutin esters (R3-R18:2) in 2-methyl-2-butanol exhibited conversions that ranged from 16 to 40% and highest conversion for short chain fatty acids (R4-R12). After initial partitioning tests of the reaction mixture in different solvent proportions followed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis, the biphasic solvent systems consisting in HEMWat (hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water) in different proportions were chosen to separate rutin esters. These esters were separated for the first time to the reaction mixture via HSCCC. This technique proved to be more advantageous than the traditionally one since it allowed quick isolation and high purity (≥ 90%) of the products. It also permitted a substrate recovery for reuse in other enzymatic reactions. Furthermore, the results add valuable information, specially concerning the structures elucidation of different rutin esters not previously described.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo in vitro foi avaliar o efeito antimicrobiano de cinco tipos de probióticos não industrializados ou industrializados em biofilmes formados ao redor de mini-implantes ortodônticos. A hipótese nula testada foi: não há diferença no efeito antimicrobiano entre os cinco tipos de probióticos testados em torno dos mini-implantes ortodônticos. Métodos: Para o experimento, as cabeças de 120 mini-implantes foram imersas por sete dias em solução de Staphylococcus aureus para formação de biofilme e, posteriormente, semeadas em meio de cultura contendo probióticos. Os mini-implantes foram divididos em seis grupos diferentes, de acordo com o probiótico utilizado: G1)Lactobacillus casei; G2)Lactobacillus brevis; G3)Lactobacillus rhamnosus; G4) lactobacilos do leite fermentado Yakult®; G5) lactobacilos do leite fermentado Batavito®; e G6) sem uso de probiótico, como controle negativo. As análises qualitativas e quantitativas de todos os grupos foram realizadas usando a contagem de UFCs (unidades formadoras de colônia). Resultados: O estudo mostrou que os grupos G4 e G6 não apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, em comparação aos grupos G1, G2, G3 e G5 (p< 0,05), os quais demonstraram atividade antimicrobiana. Conclusão: As bactérias probióticas não comerciais, Lactobacillus casei e Lactobacillus rhamnosus, assim como o leite fermentado comercializado, Batavito®, apresentaram resultados promissores na redução da colonização dos mini-implantes por S. aureus. Portanto, a hipótese nula foi rejeitada.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of five types of non-industrialized and industrialized probiotics on biofilms formed around orthodontic mini-implants. The null hypothesis tested was: there is no difference in the antimicrobial effect between the five types of probiotics tested around orthodontic mini-implants. Methods: For the experiment, 120 mini-implants were immersed for seven days in Staphylococcus aureus solution for biofilm formation, and were subsequently plated in culture medium containing probiotics. The mini-implants were divided into six different groups, according to the probiotic used: G1)Lactobacillus casei; G2)Lactobacillus brevis; G3)Lactobacillus rhamnosus; G4) Lactobacillus from fermented milk Yakult®; G5) Lactobacillus from fermented milk Batavito® and G6) without use of probiotic, as negative control. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of all groups were performed using the CFU (colony forming unit) count. Results: The study showed that groups G4 and G6 did not present antimicrobial activity, in comparison to groups G1, G2, G3, and G5 (p< 0.05), which demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: The non-commercial probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, as well as commercially available fermented milk Batavito® presented promising results in the reduction of colonization of mini-implants by S. aureus. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected.

ABSTRACT In general, Passiflora species have been reported for their folk medicinal use as sedative and anti-inflammatory. However, P. caerulea has already been reported to treat pulmonary diseases. Severe pulmonary tuberculosis, generally caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to multiple drugs, can lead to deleterious inflammation and high mortality, encouraging new approaches in drug discovery. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the Passiflora mucronata Lam., Passifloraceae, potential for tuberculosis treatment. Specifically, related to antimycobacterial activity and anti-inflammatory related effects (based on inhibition of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha production and antioxidant potential), as well as the chemical profile of P. mucronata. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array ultraviolet and mass spectrometer analyses of crude hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction showed the presence of flavonoids. Ethyl acetate fraction showed to be as antioxidant as Ginkgo biloba standard extract with EC50 of 14.61 ± 1.25 µg/ml. One major flavonoid isolated from ethyl acetate fraction was characterized as isoorientin. The hexane fraction and its main isolated compound, the triterpene β-amyrin, exhibited significant growth inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium bovis BCG (MIC50 1.61 ± 1.43 and 3.93 ± 1.05 µg/ml, respectively). In addition, Passiflora mucronata samples, specially hexane and dichloromethane fractions, as well as pure β-amyrin, showed a dose-related inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production. In conclusion, Passiflora mucronata presented relevant biological potential and should be considered for further studies using in vivo pulmonary tuberculosis model.

Microesferas poliméricas com propriedades magnéticas à base de estireno (STY) e divinilbenzeno (DVB) foram sintetizadas usando a técnica de polimerização em suspensão em duas etapas. Na primeira, foram preparados os núcleos poliméricos à base de STY e DVB e magnetita. Na segunda, os núcleos foram previamente inchados em uma emulsão de STY e DVB e novamente polimerizados para a formação da casca. Foram variados o método de adição da emulsão e o tempo de inchamento. Os materiais obtidos foram caracterizados quanto ao tamanho de partícula por peneiramento, análise termogravimétrica (TGA), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e magnetometria de amostra vibrante (VSM). Os métodos avaliados na formação da casca de poli(estireno-co-divinilbenzeno) produziram partículas com diâmetro médio maior do que o núcleo. Este resultado indica a formação de morfologia casca e núcleo. O controle morfológico só foi obtido com as resinas RR48/1 e RR48/3. O método onde a emulsão de estireno e divinilbenzeno foi adicionada em etapa única, seguida de 48 horas de inchamento do núcleo a 10 °C (RR48/1), forneceu o maior rendimento (64%). Além disso, todas as resinas casca-núcleo foram sensíveis ao estímulo magnético realizado por um ímã, atestando assim que foram produzidas resinas com propriedades magnéticas.

Magnetic polymeric microspheres based on styrene (STY) and divinylbenzene (DVB) were synthesized in two steps. Firstly, the polymeric core, constituted by STY, DVB and magnetite, was prepared by suspension polymerization. Then, the core was swollen in a STY and DVB emulsion. Subsequently, a second suspension polymerization was carried out in order to form a shell. The emulsion addition method and the swelling time were varied. The particle size, morphology, thermal stability and magnetic properties of the microspheres were studied by sieving, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). All methods tested to forming the poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) shell have produced particles with diameter larger than the core. This result indicates the formation of core-shell morphology. The morphologic control was only obtained with resins RR48/1 and RR48/3. Moreover, the method where the emulsion of styrene and divinylbenzene was added in one step, followed by 48 hours of core swelling at 10 °C (RR48/1), gave the highest yield (64%). All microspheres were susceptible to a magnet.

The phytochemical investigation of Rollinia leptopetala led to the isolation of a new compound named α-terpinyl caffeate, and five known compounds, being three sesquiterpenes, spathulenol, β-caryophyllene and 4β,10α-aromadendrane-diol, and two alkaloids, (-)-3-hydroxynornuciferine and (+)-norisocorydine. These alkaloids are being described for the first time in this genus. The structures of the compounds were determined by analysis of IR, MS and NMR data, as well as by comparison with literature data. The crude extract of R. leptopetala leaves demonstrated a weak cytotoxicity on sarcoma 180 cells with an IC50 of 512.3 µg/mL. However, the in vivo results showed that the extract exhibited a significant dose-dependent tumor growth reduction.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of octene-1 incorporation in the polybutadiene chain on the polymerization reaction and polymer characteristics. Thus, copolymerization of butadiene-1,3 with octene-1 using a Ziegler-Natta ternary catalyst based on neodymium was performed. The weight ratios of butadiene-1,3/α-olefin 100/0, 99/1, 97/3, 95/5, 90/10, 80/20 and 70/30 were evaluated. The copolymers were characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The results showed that the degradation temperature (Tmax) was not affected by the addition of alpha-olefin, while the thermal behavior has undergone significant changes. The polymer microstructure was not influenced by the increasing of octene-1 content. However, a tendency to molecular mass increase was observed with the increasing of octene-1 content. It was also observed a trend in reduction of the polymerization conversion as the octene-1 content increased.

Genistein:β-cyclodextrin complexes with high drug loading (19.22%) were prepared by freeze-drying and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The spatial configuration of the complex was proposed by means of 2D-NOESY experiment combined with molecular modeling. According to the results obtained, the interaction of genistein with β -cyclodextrin in a 1:1 complex is supposed to occur mainly through the insertion of the guest A-ring in cyclodextrin cavity, without rule out the possibility of inclusion through the B-ring, as previously reported in the literature.

O fracionamento do extrato acetato de etila de frutos de Punica granatum, guiado por ensaios antimicrobianos frente a colônias de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes à meticilina, conduziu ao isolamento e à determinação estrutural do tanino elágico punicalagina. A identificação da substância foi realizada por CLAE/UV e RMN de ¹H. Os ensaios antimicrobianos foram realizados pelo método de difusão em discos de papel. A concentração mínima inibitória das substâncias foi determinada pelo método de diluição em agar padronizada pelo NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards).

The ethyl acetate extract of Punica granatum fruits was fractionated by chromatographic techniques to afford the ellagitannin punicalagin. The substance was found to be active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains and was identified by HPLC/UV and ¹HNMR. The antibacterial assays which guided the isolation of the tannin were conducted using the disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the dilution method according to NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) procedure.