Costus spiralis (Jacq.) Roscoe leaves fractions have potential to reduce effects of inflammatory diseases.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Since drugs currently used to manage pain and inflammatory conditions present several side effects, the investigation of new anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agents from folk-medicine plants is an important approach. Costus spiralis (Costaceae) has been used in Brazilian medicinal teas to treat urinary infection, cough, inflammation, arthritis, among others.

Aim Of The Study: The current study focused on investigating anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of fractions from C.

Bacterial cellulase from the intestinal tract of the sugarcane borer.

Cellulolytic enzymes have wide use in several industrial segments (e.g. biofuels, pulp and paper, food, and cosmetics).

Characterization and kinetic study of the brain and muscle acetylcholinesterase from Danio rerio.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays an important role in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease and in the detection of pesticides such as organophosphates which are also widely used in chemical warfare. The aim of this study is the physicochemical and kinetic characterization of brain and muscle ChE from Danio rerio (Zebrafish). Optimal activity was found for brain ChE at alkaline pH 9.

Angiotensin processing activities in the venom of Thalassophryne nattereri.

The venom of marine animals is a rich source of compounds with remarkable functional specificity and diversity. Thalassophryne nattereri is a small venomous fish inhabiting the northern and northeastern coast of Brazil, and represents a relatively frequent cause of injuries. Its venom causes severe inflammatory response followed frequently by the necrosis of the affected area.

Large litters rearing changes brain expression of GLUT3 and acetylcholinesterase activity in adult rats.

Effects of malnutrition in the brain are more pronounced during the period of growth spurt, corresponding to the suckling in rodents. Neuronal glucose transporter GLUT3 expression and acetylcholinesterase activity were studied in the brain of adult young rats (84 days old) suckled in litters formed by 6 (control group) or 12 pups (malnourished group). In the adult rats, brain weight, blood glucose levels and GLUT3 expression were decreased in malnourished group (5%, 18%, 58%, respectively, P<0.

[Liver function abnormalities in undernourished and Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice].

There are few studies on liver function abnormalities in mice with schistosomiasis associated with malnutrition. In this study, animals were divided into four groups, according to their diet (normal or low protein) and whether they were infected with Schistosoma mansoni or not. All the groups grew slower than the control did (p < 0.