This paper describes an efficient approach for the synthesis of a novel series of sixteen 2-(5-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-5-(5-trihalomethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl-1-carbonyl) pyridines, for the first time with non-identical substituents in both pyrazole rings, through the cyclocondensation reaction of 4-methoxy-4-alkyl(aryl/heteroaryl-1,1,1-trihaloalk-3-en-2-ones [CX3C(O)CH=CR1OCH3, in which R1 = CH3, C6H5, 4-CH3C6H4, 4-OCH3C6H4, 2-furyl and X = F, Cl] or acetylacetone with some 6-[3-alkyl(aryl)-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]nicotinohydrazides. Optimized yields of 67-91% were obtained when the reactions were performed in ethanol (green solvent) at reflux for 16 h. Subsequent antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation revealed promising 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition percentage and exhibited fungiostatic and fungicidal activities against yeasts, dermatophytes and filamentous, especially for the pyridine systems, when the both pyrazole rings attached to a pyridine ring contain CX3 groups (X = H, F, Cl) of different kinds. It is also observed the trichloromethyl substituted compounds presented higher antioxidant activity in comparison to their fluorinated analogous.

O óleo volátil das cascas do caule de Scutia buxifolia (Rhamnaceae) foi obtido por hidrodestilação e analisados por CG-EM. 21 componentes foram identificados representando 99,93% da composição total de óleo, espatulenol (35,87%), β-cubebene (17,26%), germacreno D (6,43%), linalol (5,19%) e carvacrol (4,05%) foram os principais componentes do óleo essencial de S. buxifolia. Propriedades antioxidantes e antimicrobianas do óleo essencial foram avaliadas através do ensaio do DPPH e do método de micro diluição em caldo, respectivamente. O óleo essencial de S. buxifolia apresentou interessante atividade de radical de limpeza (IC50 = 15,03 ± 0,11 µg/mL). O ensaio antibacteriano mostrou que S. buxifolia possui moderadamente atividade frente a S. aureus e Micrococcus sp. (CIM = 500 µg/mL) e E. coli (250 µg/mL). Tanto quanto pudemos avaliar, este é o primeiro estudo sobre a composicão química, atividade antioxidante e antimicrobiana do óleo essencial da cascas do tronco de S. buxifolia coletadas do Brasil.

The volatile oil from the stem bark of Scutia buxifolia (Rhamnaceae) has been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty-one components were identified representing 99.93 % of the total oil composition, spathulenol (35.87%), β-cubebene (17.26%), germacrene D (6.43%), linalool (5.19%), carvacrol (4.05%) were the main components of S. buxifolia essential oil. Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the essential oil were evaluated by free radical scavenging (DPPH) assay and micro broth dilution method, respectively. S. buxifolia essential oil presented interesting radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 15.03 ± 0.11 µg/mL). The antibacterial assay showed that S. buxifolia stem bark essential oil was moderately active against the Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus sp. (MIC = 500 µg/mL) and Escherichia coli (250 µg/mL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from the S. buxifolia collected from Brazil.

The bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is suggested as a model for antiviral studies of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The antiviral activity of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum and the monoterpenes camphor, thymol and 1,8-cineole against BVDV was investigated. The cytotoxicities of the compounds were measured by the MTT (3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test, and the antiviral activities were tested by the plaque reduction assay. The oil or compounds were added to the assay in three different time points: a) pre-treatment of the virus (virucidal assay); b) pre-treatment of the cells; or c) post-treatment of the cells (after virus inoculation). The percentage of plaques inhibition for each compound was determined based on the number of plaques in the viral control. The results were expressed by CC50 (50% cytotoxic concentration), IC50 (inhibitory concentration for 50% of plaques) and SI (selectivity index = CC50/IC50). Camphor (CC50 = 4420.12 µgmL-1) and 1,8-cineole (CC50 = 2996.10 µgmL-1) showed the lowest cytotoxicities and the best antiviral activities (camphor SI = 13.88 and 1,8-cineol SI = 9.05) in the virucidal assay. The higher activities achieved by the monoterpenes in the virucidal assay suggest that these compounds act directly on the viral particle.

An investigation was conducted into the production of xylose by acid hydrolysis of rice husks and its subsequent bioconversion to xylitol. The parameters were optimised using the response surface methodology. The fermentation stage took place with the aid of the yeast species Candida guilliermondii and Candida tropicalis. An evaluation of the influence of several biomass pre-treatments was also performed. The effects of the acid concentration and hydrolysate pH on xylitol global yield were also assessed, and the highest yield of xylitol was 64.0% (w/w). The main products, xylose and xylitol, were identified and quantified by means of liquid chromatography.

Pythium insidiosum é um oomiceto pertencente ao Reino Stramenopila e agente etiológico da pitiose, uma doença infecciosa com riscos de morte. A pitiose é caracterizada pelo desenvolvimento de lesões crônicas sobre os tecidos cutâneos, subcutâneas, intestinal e ósseo em humanos e muitas espécies de animais. A identificação de P. insidiosum é importante, a fim de se obter um diagnóstico rápido e definitivo, bem como um tratamento eficaz. Este estudo relata a identificação de 54 isolados de P. insidiosum de cavalos, cães e ovelhas que apresentavam lesões compatíveis e suspeita clínicas de pitiose, provenientes de diferentes regiões do Brasil, através de métodos morfológicos e moleculares. Através da PCR foi possível confirmar a identidade de todos os isolados brasileiros como sendo P. insidiosum.

Pythium insidiosum is an oomycete belonging to the kingdom Stramenipila and it is the etiologic agent of pythiosis. Pythiosis is a life-threatening infectious disease characterized by the development of chronic lesions on cutaneous and subcutaneous, intestinal, and bone tissues in humans and many species of animals. The identification of P. insidiosum is important in order to implement a rapid and definitive diagnosis and an effective treatment. This study reports the identification of 54 isolates of P. insidiosum of horses, dogs and sheep that presented suspicious clinical lesions of pythiosis from different regions in Brazil, by using morphological and molecular assays. Throughout the PCR it was possible to confirm the identity of all Brazilian isolates as being P. insidiosum.

O presente trabalho descreve a avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana de uma fração sesquiterpênica, obtida a partir do extrato CH2Cl2 de Senecio desiderabilis Vellozo (Asteraceae), e do germacreno D, isolado a partir desta. A fração e o germacreno D foram obtidos mediante cromatografia em coluna e analisados por CG-EM e também por RMN, no caso da substância isolada. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada frente a leveduras e bactérias pelo método de microdiluição em caldo, conforme preconizado pelo NCCLS, nos documentos M27-A2 para fungos leveduriformes, e M7-A4 para bactérias. A fração sesquiterpênica evidenciou moderada atividade antimicrobiana, enquanto que o germacreno D não inibiu o crescimento dos microrganismos testados.

The present work describes the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of a sesquiterpene fraction obtained from CH2Cl2 extract of Senecio desiderabilis Vellozo (Asteraceae), and of germacrene D isolated from it. The sesquiterpene fraction and the isolated substance were obtained by column chromatography and analysed by GC-MS. Substance identification was carried out by NMR. The antimicrobial activity was assayed by broth microdilution method, as preconized by NCCLS in the documents M27-A for yeasts and M7-A4 for bacteria. The sesquiterpene fraction showed moderated antimicrobial activity, and germacrene D did not inhibit the tested microorganisms.

Foram estudados 31 casos de esporotricose diagnosticados na região central do Rio Grande do Sul, no período 1988-1997. Os dados obtidos foram comparados com os de um estudo de três décadas anteriores, evidenciando decréscimo na incidência da micose e alteração no perfil da infecção, com diminuição de casos em pacientes residentes na zona rural, em crianças, mulheres e agricultores. Na última década, a micose foi mais freqüente no adulto residente na zona urbana, de profissões variadas, estando o início da doença freqüentemente associada ao lazer rural, como pescarias e caçadas.

Thirty-one cases of sporotrichosis diagnosed in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul from 1988 to1997 were studied. Clinical data were compared with a study concerning three past decades, clearly showingt a decrease in the incidence of the mycosis, and an alteration in the profile of the infection, with a decrease of sporotrichosis in rural patients, children, women and farmers. In the past decade the mycosis was most frequent among urban adults with different professions, with the onset of the disease being associated with rural leisure activities such as fishing and hunting.

Onicomicoses são infecções comuns da lâmina ungueal causadas por fungos filamentosos e leveduras, que representam aproximadamente 50% das alterações das unhas e 30% de todas as infecções fúngicas superficiais. Apresentamos um estudo sobre a freqüência, epidemiologia e aspectos clínicos das onicomicoses na região central do Rio Grande do Sul durante o período 1988-1997.

Onychomycosis is a common infection of the nail plate caused by fungal microrganisms, and represents approximately 50% of nails disorders and 30% of all superficial mycotic infections. We present a study of the frequency, epidemiology and clinical aspects of onychomycosis in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul during the period 1988-1997.

A tinha dos pés é a forma mais comum das dermatofitoses, mas pode simular outras doenças da pele e tende a se tornar crônica. Apresentamos um estudo da freqüência, epidemiologia e aspectos clínicos da tinha dos pés na região central do Rio Grande do Sul durante o período 1988-1997.

Tinea pedis is the most common type of dermatophytosis, but can mimic many cutaneous diseases and tend to be chronic. We present a study of the frequency, epidemiology and clinical aspects of tinea pedis in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul during the period 1988-1997.

Relatamos um caso de meningite por Cryptococcus neoformans em paciente com Síndrome de Imunodeficiência Adquirida (SIDA). A terapia de manutenção com fluconazol não evidenciou melhora clínica e micológica, ao mesmo tempo em que o teste de suscetibilidade in vitro revelou aumento progressivo da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). Estes resultados sugerem o desenvolvimento de resistência secundária ao fluconazol, todavia, resistência cruzada com outros derivados azólicos não foi constatada

Cryptococcus neoformans is the fifth most common opportunistic agent of infection in patients with AIDS in the USA, exceeded only by Candida species, Pneumocystis carinii, cytomegalovirus and Mycobacterium avium1, 2, 6, 10, 11. In Brazil is the sixth, exceeded by Candida species, P. carinii, Mycobacterium species, Toxoplasma gondii, and herpes simplex virus (AIDS, Boletim Epidemiológico, set/nov 96, Ministério da Saúde, Brasil). During 30 years, the treatment of C. neoformans meningitis was based on the use of amphotericin B with or without flucytosine13. Nowadays, with the immunodepression caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the availability of new antifungal drugs as the triazoles, the concept related to cure and relapses of cryptococcosis has been altered7, 20. Patients are treated with amphotericin B with or without flucytosine as initial therapy, but maintenance therapy is always necessary in AIDS patients with C. neoformans infections

Relatam-se oito casos de criptococose não associada à AIDS diagnosticados em Santa Maria, RS, no período 1961-1995. É revisada a literatura sul-riograndense sobre a micose e comentada a prevalência da infecção pela var. neoformans em pacientes sem doença predisponente nas regiões subtropicais.

We report eight cases of cryptococcosis in non AIDS patientes diagnosed in Santa Maria, RS, during 1961-1995. A review of the literature is performed and the prevalence of the infection caused by var. neoformans in patients without underlying disease in subtropical regions is commented.

É relatado um caso de infecção cutânea de origem não traumática por Nocardia asteroides em paciente hospitalizado com doença broncopulmonar obstrutiva crônica. O diagnóstico foi feito pelo exame direto e histológico e culturas do exsudato e fragmento de biópsia. É discutida a classificação das formas clínicas das infecções por Nocardia que afetam a pele.

This paper reports a case of cutaneous infection of nontraumatic origin caused by Nocardia asteroides in a hospitalized patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Diagnosis was established by direct and histological examination, cultures from exudate and biopsy specimen. We discuss the classification of clinical forms of Nocardia infections affecting the skin.

É relatado o primeiro caso de infecção humana por Trichophyton vanbreuseghemii no Brasil.

This paper reports the first case of human infection caused by Ttrichophyton vanbreuseghemii in Brazil.

O espectro dos dermatófitos na região central do Rio Grande do Sul demonstrou importante variação na frequência das espécies no período 1988-1992. As espécies antropofilicas Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale e Epidermophyton floccosum diminuíram em frequência, enquanto as espécies zoofílicas Microsporum canis e T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes apresentaram sensível aumento. São comentadas as alterações na relação parasita/hospedeiro em função das alterações na morfología dos agentes e a dificuldade do isolamento destes agentes em cultivo.

The relative frequency of the dermatophytes in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, have changed during a survey carried out from 1988-1992. The frequency of the antropophilic species T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale and E.floccosum have decreased in comparison with the zoophilic species M. canis and T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes. The relationship host/parasite and the low rate growth of dermatophytes in culture are discussed.

É relatado um caso de peritonite por Trichosporon beigelii em mulher submetida a tratamento por diálise peritoneal ambulatorial continuada. O diagnóstico foi feito pelo exame direto e isolamento do fungo em cultivo do dialisado.

This paper reports a case of peritonitis caused by Trichosporon beigelii in a woman submitted to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Diagnosis was established by direct examination and culture of dialysis effluent.