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Introduction Acupoints have bioelectrical properties distinct from common skin. Besides the higher electrical conductivity and lower resistance, acupoints show capacitor-like properties, which can be related to their endogenous electrical potential. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) postulates that meridians are physiological structures connecting acupoints and working as a conduit for the flow of two essential substances known as qi and xue. Objectives: This pilot study was focused in evaluating whether the electrical potential of acupoints can be correlated objectively to the functional properties as described by ancient Chinese medical theories, such as the theories of coupled meridians of the same phase ('elements'), and the principle of coupled points. Methods: Direct needle moxibustion on LU5 and needle dispulsion of LI4 were performed in 21 subjects. The electrical potential of each acupoint was measured with a high-resolution data acquisition system taking to reference the acupoint SP6 of the Spleen conduit. Results: The results may indicate a functional relationship between the therapeutics and the electrical potential response on the selected acupoints. These effects seem to be explainable considering the specific properties of each acupoint, the relationship between TCM phases, and the dynamics between coupled conduits. Conclusion: The evaluation of the endogenous electrical potential of acupoints and the changes caused by an external stimulus might contribute to the understanding of TCM concepts, mechanisms, and the effects of associated therapeutics. The observed phenomena encourage the systematic assessment of the functional vegetative status via skin electrophysiology and using objective measurements.

Introduction The development and well-being of children are directly linked to several aspects. Among those aspects, physical activity, an adequate nutrition, and a healthy mind, seem to be of crucial importance. Psychopathologies, such as anxiety and depression, have a negative impact on life, especially when co-occurring (mixed-anxiety depression disorder/cothymia), and the clinical implications include a higher risk of suicide and psychiatric hospitalization, elevated disability, decreased compliance with medical treatment, and considerably increased usage of medical services. Thus, research in conventional and nonconventional modalities is necessary to address this issue. The main objective of this study was to understand if TJQ and QG could be effective as a mindfulness cognitive-behavioural based therapeutic tool with body movement, for the treatment of children suffering from cothymia. Methods In this small study, six selected children, four males and two females aged between 7 and 11 years old, were taught a set of exercises of TaijiQuan (TJQ) and Qi Gong (QG). To obtain the results, the Achenbach Teacher's Report Form (TRF) was applied at the beginning of the experimental period, as well as at the ending of the experimental period. The resulting scores were analysed to observe the difference between both moments of evaluation. Results Results showed some improvements in symptoms, with an average improvement of 46%. Conclusion TJQ and QG seem to be a promising complementary therapeutic tool in cognitive-behavioural approaches for children who suffer from cothymia, as well as prevention and control for children who may not display symptoms at a clinical level. However, further research is needed in order to understand the full potential of these therapeutic exercises.

The Inga genus comprises approximately 300 species that can be found from Mexico to northern Argentina. In folk medicine, Inga species are used to treat various diseases. The species Inga laurina is widely found in the Brazilian flora; however, there are few studies about its biological activity and chemical composition. The main purpose of this study was to identify and isolate the chemical constituents of Inga laurina barks and to evaluate the antifungal and cytotoxic activities. The total content of phenolics, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids from the barks of Inga laurina were performed by spectrophotometric methods and the ethyl acetate (EAF) and n-butanol (BF) fractions showed the best results. Eleven compounds were identified in EAF by HPLC-ESI(−)-MS/MS, which showed good antifungal activity with MIC values of 23.4 and 46.8 μg mL−1, evaluated by broth microdilution method. Five new compounds of the genus Inga were isolated for the first time. Three of these compounds were isolated and reported on the literature for the first time: a proanthocyanidin B-type, gallocatechin-(4α→8)-4’-O-methylgallocatechin (XI) and two proanthocyanidins A-type, gallocatechin-(2→O→7,4→8)-4’-O-methylgallocatechin (XII) and gallocatechin-3-O-galloyl-(2→O→7,4→8)-4’-O-methylgallocatechin (XIII). The chemical study of the plant bark showed that this species is rich in phenolic compounds and it has great potential for the discovery of new bioactive compounds.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:16:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-01-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Despite the recent research on Isoptera reproduction strategies, few studies have focused on the morphophysiology of the reproductive system in Neotropical termite species. The classic literature emphasizes the development of the female reproductive apparatus, generating a knowledge gap on the male reproductive system, including its neotenic differentiation and the evolution of the seminal vesicles. The development of the reproductive system in males of Silvestritermes euamignathus was followed from first-instar nymphs until primary kings, with emphasis on the histology of the gonads and seminal vesicles of primary and neotenic kings from field colonies. The maturation of the reproductive system follows post-embryonic development, reaching a peak of development in primary functional kings from field colonies. The testicles are already present in first-instar nymphs and show a progressive development that is completed in primary kings, which are characterized by an enlarged size and greater sperm production. Although spermatogenesis is observed in third-instar nymphs, only in fifth-instar nymphs are spermatozoa present in the testicles and in the seminal vesicles. Spermatozoa are also present in the testicles of neotenic reproductives, derived from different nymphal instars. After the foundation of a new colony and the maturation of the king, there is a significant increase in the reproductive apparatus and the testicular lobes, which mostly occupy the whole posterior abdomen in kings from field colonies. These individuals have a minimum of seven testicular lobes that are completely separated from each other and contain rounded, aflagellated spermatozoa, which are approximately 2–3 μm in diameter. Four-month old kings from laboratory colonies seem to be in a period of reproductive pause, as they display fewer sperm in the seminal vesicles. The seminal vesicles are specialized portions of the vasa deferentia that play a role in storage of spermatozoa. These structures produce a proteinaceous secretion in alates that is not observed in kings. The overall results indicate early maturation of the reproductive system in males of S. euamignathus; furthermore, the reproductive status of the different individuals might be linked to the development of the testicles and the production, storage and release of spermatozoa. The lack of a proteinaceous secretion in the seminal vesicles of kings, in comparison to alates, might be related to the maturation of the individuals after colony establishment. The development of the male reproductive system is consistent with queen physogastry, but in more discreet proportions. Laboratório de Cupins Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista Instituto de Ciências Agrárias Universidade Federal de Uberlândia UFU Campus Monte Carmelo, Rodovia LMG 746, km 01 Laboratório de Cupins Departamento de Biologia Instituto de Biociências Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista

Objective The purpose of this clinical study is to demonstrate the effect of classical acupuncture on the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and the relationships that integrate the view of classical acupuncture treatment with current anatomical-physiological knowledge. Design A clinical study was carried out with patients with CTS. Setting The treatments were conducted in a private healthcare practice by a licensed acupuncturist. Participants The five participants presented symptomatology for a period of no less than 6 months, had been diagnosed through electromyography, and additionally showed a positive test for Phalen's maneuver test. All the patients had surgical indications. Interventions Classical Chinese acupuncture was applied during a cycle of treatments. Main measurements The Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the level of discomfort regarding daytime paresthesia, nighttime paresthesia, pain, decrease in strength, and a proposed converted value of pressure pain threshold. Results All the parameters showed significant improvement. The mean difference was negative for pain (− 7,4 points), daytime paresthesia (− 5,2 points), nighttime paresthesia (− 6,2 points), and loss of strength (− 4,6 points), whereas the estimation for the pressure pain threshold was positive (+ 0,683 kgf/cm2). Conclusions In the analysis of the results obtained through the classical acupuncture therapy, all parameters showed an improvement, which suggests and supports evidence of clinical efficacy on the CTS.

Annona crassiflora Mart., a member of the Annonaceae family found in the Brazilian Savannah, is acknowledged as a plant rich in a variety of isoquinoline alkaloids. The isoquinoline skeleton-derivative alkaloids have been reported as pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitors. However, the presence of these bioactive compounds in the fruit peel of A. crassiflora remains unclear. This study was conducted to find a bioactive alkaloid not yet described in the fruit peel of A. crassiflora and evaluate its capacity to inhibit the PL activity through in vitro kinetic assay using p -nitrophenyl palmitate as substrate. The ethanolic extract (EtOH) of the peels of A. crassiflora fruits was subjected to liquid−liquid extraction, which yielded an alkaloidal fraction. After a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation, the purified alkaloid was subjected to structural characterization by high-resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization and electron impact, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy using 1 H, 13 C, correlation spectroscopy (COSY), heteronuclear single-quantum correlation spectroscopy (HSQC), heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation spectroscopy (HMBC) and HMBC-N analyses. The metabolite stephalagine (1,2-methylenedioxy-3-methoxyaporphine), an aporphine alkaloid, was identified. The purified stephalagine was further evaluated as a PL inhibitor. Stephalagine showed high PL inhibitory activity (IC 50 of 8.35 μg mL −1 ) with low cytotoxicity, suggesting a potential anti-obesity agent. This is the first report of the isolation of stephalagine in Annonaceae and its inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase activity.

Banisteriopsis laevifolia (A. Juss.) B. Gates (Malpighiaceae) is largely distributed in the cerrado Brazilian biome. In this study, phytochemical screening, antimicrobial and antifungal activities of leaves extract and partitions were evaluated. Phytochemical screening tests indicated the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, sugar, steroids, triterpenoids, and tannins compounds. No alkaloids or nitrogenated compounds were found. Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal activities were tested. The extract and partitions from the B. laevifolia leaves demonstrated relevant scavenging free radical DPPH effect. The crude extract and partitions inhibit bacteria growth with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) below 400 mg L −1 for most oral microorganisms tested. Meanwhile, the antifungal activity proved to be very promising for the ethanolic extract and partitions (31–375 μg mL −1 ) against all yeasts tested. The antimicrobial activities results are very promising since the ethanol extract and the more active n -buthanol partition showed great selectivity (0.9–1.2; 0.1–0.7, respectively) against microorganisms and relatively low toxicity to Vero cells. Analysis by UHPLC-ESI–MS n from the most bioactive fractions (ethyl acetate and n -buthanol) permitted to identify ten phenolic compounds reported in the Banisteriopsis family that exert recognized antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Main secondary metabolites found were phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides, mainly derivatives from quercetin and rutin. The biological activity results and MS analysis for the B.laevifolia leaves revealed that they have efficient antimicrobial agents, and contributed to knowledge of the genus.

Host actin cytoskeleton polymerization has been shown to play an important role during Trypanosoma cruzi internalization into mammalian cell. The structure and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton in cells are regulated by a vast number of actin-binding proteins. Here we aimed to verify the impact of AFAP-1L1, during invasion and multiplication of T. cruzi. Knocking-down AFAP-1L1 increased parasite cell invasion and intracellular multiplication. Thus, we have shown that the integrity of the machinery formed by AFAP-1L1 in actin cytoskeleton polymerization is important to hinder parasite infection.

Trypanosoma cruzi has high biological and biochemical diversity and variable tissue tropism. Here we aimed to verify the kinetics of cytokine and chemokine in situ secretion in animals infected with two distinct T. cruzi strains after oral inoculation. Also, we investigated parasite migration, residence and pathological damage in stomach, heart and spleen. Our results showed that host immune response against T. cruzi infection is an intricate phenomenon that depends on the parasite strain, on the infected organ and on the time point of the infection. We believe that a wide comprehension of host immune response will potentially provide basis for the development of immunotherapeutic strategies in order to clear parasitism and minimize tissue injury. In this context, we find that KC poses as a possible tool to be used.

Social insects have numerous exocrine glands, but these organs are understudied in termites compared to hymenopterans. The tarsomere and distal tibial glands of the termites Heterotermes tenuis, Coptotermes gestroi and Silvestritermes euamignathus were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Pore plates are visible in scanning micrographs on the distal tibial surfaces and on the ventral surface of the first and second tarsomeres of workers of H. tenuis and C. gestroi. In contrast, workers of S. euamignathus have isolated pores spread throughout the ventral surfaces of the first, second, and third tarsomeres and the distal tibia. In all three species each pore corresponds to the opening of a class-3 secretory unit, composed of one secretory and one canal cell. Clusters of class-3 glandular cells are arranged side by side underneath the cuticle. The main characteristics of these exocrine glands include their presence on all the legs and the electron-lucent secretion in the secretory cells. Possible functions of these glands are discussed.

The subfamily Syntermitinae comprises 14 genera of termites that are exclusively neotropical. The present study reports morphological data about mandibulate nasute soldiers from termite species belonging to three different genera within this subfamily. We describe tergal glands that were present under all tergites of soldiers of the following species: Cornitermes cumulans, Procornitermes araujoi, Syntermes nanus, and Syntermes wheeleri. The tergal glands were composed of class 2 and class 3 cells. Class 2 cells never reached the cuticle and were located below a flat layer of epidermal cells. Class 3 cells, composed of secretory cells and canal cells, were sporadic, whereas class 2 secretory cells were abundant. Secretory cells of class 3 were narrow and their cytoplasms were filled with several clear, oval-shaped vesicles with limiting membranes. The ultrastructure of class 2 cells showed well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, elongated mitochondria, several electron-lucent vesicles, and electron-dense granules that contain paracrystalline structures in S. nanus. Scanning electron micrographs displayed pores, campaniform sensilla and hairs in the outer cuticle of the soldier tergites. We hypothesize that soldier tergal glands may be involved in the production of defensive compounds, which occur in similar glands of certain cockroaches, or of primer pheromones, that might act in the regulation of soldier differentiation in the termite colony. To date, tergal glands have only been described in termite imagoes, and their occurrence in these soldiers of basal Syntermitinae implies a specific role in this caste that is still speculative and needs to be clarified.