Brazilian Journal of Science
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Interaction of twenty-two carbazole derivatives with M1-muscarinic receptor using a theoretical model
No full textSeveral drugs have been used to treat asthma diseases, such as salmeterol, ipratropium bromide, montelukast, and fluticasone; however, some of these drugs can cause side effects such as hypokalemia, lactic acidosis, and hypotension. Analyzing these data, this study aimed to evaluate the possible interaction of twenty-two carbazole derivatives with the M1-muscrinic receptor to provide a new therapeutic alternative against asthma. The theoretical interaction of carbazole derivatives with M1-muscrinic receptor surface was determined using 5cxv protein, pirenzepine, atropine, AF-150, and PD159714 drugs as theoretical tools in a DockingServer software. The results showed differences in the interaction of carbazole derivatives with the 5cxv protein surface compared with pyranzepine, atropine, AF-150, and PD159714 drugs. Besides, constant inhibition (Ki) for carbazole derivatives 11 and 22 was lower than for pirenzepine and AF-150 drugs. Other data indicate that Ki values for 11 and 22 were higher than atropine and ipratropium bromide. In addition, the Ki values for compounds 17 and 20 were like both atropine and PD150714 drugs. Finally, Ki values for carbazole derivatives 17 and 20 were lower than pyranzepine, ipratropium bromide, and AF-150 reagents. All these data suggest that carbazole derivatives 11, 17, 20, and 22 may act as M1-muscarinic receptor inhibitor agents; this phenomenon could result in the regulation of bronchial tone in asthma disease
Attachment theory across cultures: An examination of cross-cultural perspectives and alloparenting practices (Mini-Review)
No full textAttachment theory initially put forth by Bowlby is a basis for comprehending the emergence and importance of emotional bonds between infants and their caretakers. However, contemporary studies have increasingly highlighted the necessity for accounting for cultural contexts in attachment dynamics. This paper aims at investigating all aspects of attachment theory using a cross-cultural perspective to find out how cultural norms and customs influence relationships of attachment. In particular, it is based on an explanation of the concept of alloparenting which implies that caregiving duties are distributed among more than one member in a community. The author compares Western and non-Western child-rearing practices including examples from such societies as Aka foragers located in Africa or Beng people in West Africa among others thereby revealing the wide range of different kinds of relationships formed as attachments by humans. Furthermore, it also probes how this affects child development, family structures, and societal values regarding culture-specific ways that children attach to primary caregivers through understanding themselves as culturally specific and thus not universal. By synthesizing experiential research and speculative platforms, this paper enhances our comprehension of attachment theory in terms of cultural diversity, stressing the significance of including cultural viewpoints in developmental psychology research as well as its everyday use
Comparative analysis of the antibacterial activity of Silver nanoparticles synthesized from leaf extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Coriandrum sativum, Hemidesmus indicus, and Tinospora cordifolia
No full textThe synthesis of metal nanoparticles using biological resources, such as plant leaves, offers a green, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach. In this study, 1 mM Silver nitrate solution was mixed with freshly prepared aqueous leaf extracts of each medicinal plant like, “Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Anantmul (Hemidesmus indicus) and Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)” in 1:4 ratios. The mixtures were then incubated at 75 °C for 25 min, forming Silver nanoparticles giving a deep brown color to the solution with Silver in a reduced colloidal form. Laser diffraction and UV-Vis spectroscopy further confirmed the synthesis, with the absorption peak for the nanoparticles observed between 419-438 nm. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was tested against Gram-positive pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus argenteus, as well as Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Comparative analysis showed that nanoparticles synthesized from Tulsi, Coriander, and Giloy extracts demonstrated superior antibacterial efficacy, highlighting their potential for use in biomedical and industrial applications such as wound healing, medical devices, and water purification.
First report of the saprotrophic mushroom Amanita thiersii Pers. (Amanitaceae, Basidiomycota) in the state of Goiás, Central-West Brazil
No full textAmanita is a group of mushrooms of medical and culinary interest. Amanita thiersii is a species that has been little reported regarding its areas of occurrence. It is known that records of A. thiersii have been reported in Argentina, Mexico, and the United States. Our study reports the first record of A. thiersii in Brazilian territory. The specimen was collected in an area of the Cerrado domain, specifically in a Cerradão with mixed sandy-saprolitic soil. The identification of the mushroom A. thiersii was performed using an identification key for the genus Amanita. This is the first report of Amanita thiersii in Brazilian territory, collected in the Central-West region, state of Goiás
Phytochemical screening, phenolic and flavonoid contents, psilocybin, antioxidant, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities of the aqueous extract from the fungi Cyathus striatus, Laternea dringii, and Marasmius haematocephalus
No full textVarious families of mushrooms contain important phytochemicals with significant potential. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical prospecting, presence of psilocybin, antioxidant activities, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in aqueous extracts of Cyathus striatus, Laternea dringii, and Marasmius haematocephalus. Aqueous extracts were produced from mushrooms, and phytochemical groups were determined. The total phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH reduction capacity, and FRAP were quantitatively determined. The acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay was performed, and the results were expressed as AChE inhibition percentages. Phytochemical groups such as flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, organic acids, and aliphatic compounds were positively detected. For phenolics, the extracts showed values of 208.44, 134.11, and 100.09 mg GAE g TPC-1; for flavonoids, values of 45.12, 56.06, and 39.71 mg QE g TFC-1. The FRAP reduction capacity showed values of 7.56, 14.43, and 4.15 µM TE g-1, while for DPPH, the values were 100.07, 88.12, and 133.65 µg mL-1. Low, medium, and strong AChE inhibition activity was observed with values of 43.11%, 68.53%, and 77.14%, respectively, for C. striatus, L. dringii, and M. haematocephalus. The aqueous extracts of Cyathus striatus, Laternea dringii, and Marasmius haematocephalus exhibited various phytomolecules groups with potential biological activities observed in this study
Primeiro registro de Picaparra, Heliornis fulica (Boddaert, 1783) (Gruiformes, Heliornithidae), no Parque Natural Municipal de Capanema, Paraná, Brazil
Get PDFThe Heliornithidae family is composed of a single species, the Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica), found mainly in the neotropical region. Despite having a wide distribution, the species is believed to have low population densities. It prefers habitats such as streams, quiet rivers and freshwater ponds with prominent riparian vegetation. Their diet consists of aquatic insects, larvae, beetles, ants, spiders, crustaceans, amphibians and small fish. Sungrebe are difficult to spot due to their inconspicuous color pattern and secretive behavior. The Municipal Natural Park of Capanema, in Paraná, was created with the objective of preserving natural ecosystems and allowing scientific research. Sungrebe were recently sighted in this area, filling a gap in the species' geographical distribution. The protection of natural habitats is crucial for the survival of Sungrebe and other shorebird species.La familia Heliornithidae está compuesta por una sola especie, el pájaro carpintero (Heliornis fulica), que se encuentra principalmente en el Neotrópico. A pesar de tener una amplia distribución, se cree que la especie tiene bajas densidades de población. Prefiere hábitats como arroyos, ríos tranquilos y estanques de agua dulce con vegetación ribereña prominente. Su dieta consiste en insectos acuáticos, larvas, escarabajos, hormigas, arañas, crustáceos, anfibios y pequeños peces. Los pájaros carpinteros son difíciles de detectar debido a su patrón de color discreto y su comportamiento reservado. El Parque Natural Municipal de Capanema, en Paraná, fue creado con el objetivo de preservar los ecosistemas naturales y permitir la investigación científica. Los pájaros carpinteros fueron avistados recientemente en esta área, llenando un vacío en la distribución geográfica de la especie. La protección de los hábitats naturales es crucial para la supervivencia de los pájaros carpinteros y otras especies de aves playeras.A família Heliornithidae é composta por uma única espécie, a Picaparra (Heliornis fulica), encontrado principalmente na região neotropical. Apesar de ter uma distribuição ampla, acredita-se que a espécie tenha baixas densidades populacionais. Ela prefere habitats como córregos, rios tranquilos e lagoas de água doce com vegetação ribeirinha proeminente. Sua dieta é composta por insetos aquáticos, larvas, besouros, formigas, aranhas, crustáceos, anfíbios e pequenos peixes. A Picaparra é difícil de ser observado devido ao seu padrão de cor discreto e comportamento secreto. O Parque Natural Municipal de Capanema, no Paraná, foi criado com o objetivo de preservar ecossistemas naturais e permitir pesquisas científicas. A Picaparra foi recentemente avistado nessa área, preenchendo uma lacuna na distribuição geográfica da espécie. A proteção de habitats naturais é crucial para a sobrevivência da Picaparra e outras espécies limícolas
Purification and characterization of lipase from a new strain Staphylococcus argenteus MG2 (MTCC 12820)
No full textThe lipase enzyme was isolated and purified from Staphylococcus argenteus MG2 (MTCC 12820) to homogeneity using ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by chromatographic techniques. This process resulted in a purification factor of 40.96-fold and a 26.25% recovery with a specific activity of 744.68 U mg-1. The molecular weight of the purified lipase was determined by SDS-PAGE to be 45 kDa. The Km and Vmax values of the purified lipase were calculated to be 4.95 mM and 79.36 µmol/min/mg-1, respectively. The maximum lipase activity was observed at pH 7.0 and 30 ºC with 100% stability, and it was also found to be stable in a broad range of pH (5-12) and temperature (30-90 ºC). The enzymatic activity of this Staphylococcal lipase was increased by Ca2+ to 105.71% at a concentration of 1 mM CaCl2. Additionally, it exhibited marked stability and activity in organic solvents. In the presence of 1% SDS surfactant, it retained 85.16% residual activity, while the metal chelator EDTA (inhibitor) reduced the lipase activity to 83.87% residual activity at a concentration of 1% w/v. This alkali-stable and thermo-stable lipase can be exploited by extending its use in the preparation of detergents and in various industrial and biotechnological applications
Effect on performance, serum biochemistry and haematological components of feeding “japanese quails” phytogenic feed additions comprising Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves
No full textThis experiment was carried out to examine the effect on performance, serum biochemistry and haematological components of feeding quails phytogenic feed additions comprising Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves. A total of 400-1 day old “japanese quails” were randomly distributed into five treatments and each treatment had four replicates (20 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. Basal diets were adequate in all nutrients and quails in treatment 1 was fed basal diet with no antibiotics, treatment 2 was fed basal diet supplemented with neomycin at 0.2 g/kg-1 while treatment 3, 4 and 5 were fed basal diet supplemented with M. macrostachyum leaf meal (MML) at 2 g, 4 g and 6 g/kg-1 respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days, feed and fresh clean water were offered ad libitum. Experimental result showed that MML contained several phyto-constituents viz: tannins (318.62 mg/g-1), terpenoids (620.11 mg/g-1), flavonoids (1205.3 mg/g-1), steroids (51.79 mg/g-1), glycosides (42.55 mg/g1-), alkaloids (200.8 mg/g-1) and phenols (1402.4 mg/g-1). Average daily weight gain was higher (P < 0.05) in treatment 4 (3.00 g/bird-1) and 5 (3.02 g/bird-1) relative to the other treatments. Similarly, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were higher (P < 0.05) in treatment 4 and 5, intermediate in treatment 2 and lowest in treatment 1 and 2. Mortality was recorded only among birds in treatment 1 (2.56%) and 2 (1.16%) (P < 0.05). Red blood cell, white blood cell, haemoglobin, pack cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes and heterophil values were influenced (P < 0.05) by the treatments except for monocyte count (P > 0.05). Total protein, Creatinine, alanine phosphatase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by the diet. However, all values were within the established ranges for healthy quails. In conclusion, MML can be supplemented up to 6 g/kg-1 in the diet of quails without causing any deleterious effect on the health status and performance of birds
Can lichens be indicators for air pollution monitoring in Kandy City, Sri Lanka?
No full textThe quality of the surrounding environment significantly impacts lichen diversity and composition, but crustose lichens, particularly those in disturbed environments, can persist. Although the effects of habitat disturbances on the morphology, anatomy, chemical composition, and fertility of lichen species have not been extensively researched, understanding their mechanisms is crucial for understanding their persistence in their environment. The study aimed to identify common lichen species in polluted and semi-polluted environments and compare their morphology, anatomy, chemical composition, and fertility. A two-kilometer stretch along the road that passes through the University of Peradeniya was selected as the semi-disturbed site based on previous records, while the area around Kandy Lake was designated as the polluted site. Using conventional keys, lichen species were identified, and using a hand lens, dissecting microscope, and compound microscope, the morphological traits of the thallus, apothecia, soredia, and isidia, as well as the anatomical features of the thallus, apothecia, and ascospores, were compared between the two sites. Thin-layer chromatography was used to separate and elucidate the secondary metabolites of lichen. Thirty-nine species were discovered on the university site, 15 in the area around Kandy Lake, and species gathered from both locations shared commonalities, including Physcia sp., Parmotrema sp., Lecanora sp., Graphis sp., and Lepraria sp. The color difference between all species, as measured by mean dE, is visible to the naked eye and changes from a pale to a dark hue from a semi-disturbed site to a polluted one. In comparison to disturbed sites, the majority of species displayed an increased mean area in semi-polluted sites. Layer thickness increases or decreases depending on how well each layer can withstand disruptions. Depsinose has been recognized as a potential class of metabolites generated by lichens present in both locations. Only lake sites exhibit toxic metal compounds, as opposed to semi-disturbed sites. Every pH value was acidic, and most species at the lake site had more acidic pH than those at the university site. There is no specific trend in apothecial number and ascospore numbers in common lichen species in both sites. The current study showed that changes in certain morphological and anatomical biochemical characteristics can be triggered by the environment, suggesting that the quality of the environment significantly affects the growth and reproductive success of lichens, thereby survival or extinction, and proposed that bioindicator and bioaccumulator species concerning the changes occurred
Beef calf production: Consumption and cost-effectiveness – A Mini-Review
No full textThe objective of this study was to analyze different forms of supplementation for beef calves, considering the relationship between consumption and cost-benefit, aiming at weaning performance. High concentrate levels may reduce forage consumption, which is undesirable as supplementation should increase the efficiency of forage and milk use. The ideal amount of concentrate is 0.5% of the calves' body mass, without changing feed and milk consumption. The supplement must contain between 8% and 30% protein to avoid metabolic disorders and ensure good performance. Adding 10% salt to the concentrate increases economic viability, even with lower consumption, resulting in greater gains and profitability. Adequate supplementation guarantees greater mass at weaning and better daily gain, as long as nutritional management is balanced and economically viable