Effect of refining and pressing temperature on chemical attributes of canola oil produced in Chile

The consumption of vegetable oils is common in our daily diet. Rapeseed oil (canola oil) is the third most consumed edible oil in the world, followed by palm and soybean oils in terms of production. Rapeseed oil has a low proportion of saturated fatty acids, while it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, as well as in healthy compounds such as phenols, tocopherols, phytosterols, carotenoids, and fat-soluble vitamins. However, processing technologies affect the content and functional activities of bioactive compounds in the oil. Aim: To assess any potential effect of hot or cold pressing and a refining process on the nutritional value and the profile of several bioactive compounds in canola oils produced in Chile. Methods: Canola oils were characterized regarding their fatty acid profile, phytosterol and tocopherol composition, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity, according to the mode of extraction (cold or hot pressed) and before and after bWeing subjected to a refining process. Results: Fatty acid profiles were not significantly different in any of the analyzed canola oils. Refining but not temperature extraction led to a sharp decrease of phytosterols and tocopherols. Hot pressing significantly increased the amount of total phenols (3.1 times) and the antioxidant activity measured by ORAC (3.1 times) and DPPH (8.3 times) compared to the cold extraction. However, phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity decreased after refining. Conclusions: Refining processes should be adjusted to reduce the loss of bioactive compounds in the oil.

El consumo de aceites vegetales es habitual en nuestra dieta diaria. El aceite de colza (aceite de canola) es el tercer aceite comestible más consumido en el mundo, seguido por los aceites de palma y soja en términos de producción. El aceite de colza tiene una baja proporción de ácidos grasos saturados, mientras que es rico en ácidos grasos insaturados, así como en compuestos liposolubles saludables como fenoles, tocoferoles, fitoesteroles, carotenoides y vitaminas. Sin embargo, las tecnologías de procesamiento afectan el contenido y las actividades funcionales de los compuestos bioactivos en el aceite. Objetivo: Evaluar cualquier efecto potencial del prensado en caliente o en frío y un proceso de refinación sobre el valor nutricional y el perfil de varios compuestos bioactivos en los aceites de canola producidos en Chile. Métodos: Los aceites de canola se caracterizaron en cuanto a su perfil de ácidos grasos, composición de fitoesteroles y tocoferoles, contenido de fenoles totales y actividad antioxidante, según el modo de extracción (prensado en frío o en caliente) y antes y después de ser sometidos a un proceso de refinación. Resultados: Los perfiles de ácidos grasos no fueron significativamente diferentes en ninguno de los aceites de canola analizados. La refinación, pero no la extracción en caliente, condujo a una fuerte disminución de los fitoesteroles y tocoferoles. El prensado en caliente aumentó significativamente la cantidad de fenoles totales (3,1 veces) y la actividad antioxidante medida por ORAC (3,1 veces) y DPPH (8,3 veces) en comparación con la extracción en frío. Sin embargo, la concentración de fenoles y la capacidad antioxidante disminuyeron después del refinado. Conclusión: Los procesos de refinación deben ajustarse para reducir la pérdida de compuestos bioactivos en el aceite.

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus dentisani in dental biofilm of children with different caries status: a pilot study / Streptococcus dentisani e Streptococcus mutans no biofilme dental de crianças com diferentes estados de cárie: um estudo piloto

Objective:Streptococcus mutans is one of the etiological agents associated with caries due to its ability to metabolize carbohydrates and resist acidic environments. On the other hand, Streptococcus dentisani, shows characteristics associated with caries control due to its ability to inhibit growth of cariogenic bacteria. The aim of this work was to quantify the levels of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus dentisani from dental biofilm of children related to their caries situation. Material and Methods: After identification of morphologic characteristics of reference strains was performed, clinical isolates of biofilm compatible with these strains were selected and the Polymerase Chain Reaction technique was performed using species-specific primers. Biofilm samples from 25 children with caries and 21 without caries were collected to quantify the levels of S. mutans and S. dentisani. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the levels of S. mutans in the caries group and the levels increased as the severity of the carious lesion increased. By contrast, higher levels of S. dentisaniwere found in the caries-free group, although no statistically significant differences were found. In addition, the levels of S. dentisani decreased as the severity of the carious lesion increased. Conclusion: The increase in the frequency of S. dentisani in the caries-free group suggests the possibility of requiring minimum levels of this species in the dental biofilm to show an actual protective effect. It must also be considered that this effect might be related to intrinsic factors in children and the intraspecies genetic variability found in every individual. (AU)

Objetivo : Streptococcus mutans é um dos agentes etiológicos associados à cárie devido à sua habilidade de metabolizar carboidratos e resistir a ambientes ácidos. Já o Streptococcus dentisani , apresenta características associadas ao controle da cárie devido à sua capacidade de inibir o crescimento de bactérias cariogênicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar os níveis de Streptococcus mutans e Streptococcus dentisani no biofilme dental de crianças em relação à situação de cárie destas. Material e Métodos: Após a identificação das características morfológicas das cepas de referência, foram selecionados do biofilme isolados clínicos compatíveis com essas cepas e realizada a técnica de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase utilizando primers espécie-específicos. Amostras de biofilme de 25 crianças com cárie e 21 sem cárie foram coletadas para quantificar os níveis de S. mutans e S. dentisani. Resultados: Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos níveis de S. mutans no grupo com cárie e os níveis aumentaram à medida que a gravidade da lesão cariosa aumentou. Por outro lado, foram encontrados níveis mais elevados de S. dentisani no grupo sem cáries, embora não tenham sido encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Além disso, os níveis de S. dentisani diminuíram à medida que a gravidade da lesão cariosa aumentava. Conclusão: O aumento da frequência de S. dentisani no grupo livre de cárie sugere a possibilidade de exigir níveis mínimos desta espécie no biofilme dental para mostrar um efeito protetor real. Deve-se considerar também que esse efeito pode estar relacionado a fatores intrínsecos nas crianças e à variabilidade genética intraespécie encontrada em cada indivíduo. (AU)

Potencial efecto terapéutico de los polifenoles obtenidos de la cáscara de granada en la esteatosis hepática

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La enfermedad por hígado graso no alcohólico (EHGNA) tiene una elevada prevalencia a nivel mundial, y puede ir desde la esteatosis simple hasta hepatocarcinoma. Su origen es multifactorial, siendo la dieta poco saludable un factor clave en su patogenia y progresión. Los polifenoles son antioxidantes que han mostrado beneficios en el tratamiento de la EHGNA. Una fuente emergente de estos compuestos son los residuos agroindustriales, entre ellos, la cáscara de granada. La cáscara de granada tiene un alto contenido de polifenoles, específicamente de elagitaninos. Su extracto fenólico (extracto de cáscara de granada; ECG) ha mostrado efectos promisorios a nivel metabólico. Sin embargo, su uso presenta algunas limitantes que deben ser consideradas antes de recomendar su ingesta mediante alimentos funcionales o nutracéuticos para prevención o tratamiento de EHGNA. Objetivo: Discutir a partir de datos obtenidos en estudios in vitro y modelos animales, el potencial terapéutico de los polifenoles obtenidos de la cáscara de granada para prevención y tratamiento de la EHGNA. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos PubMed y Web of Science (2015 a la fecha) de estudios en modelos de esteatosis hepática in vitro y en animales, además de ensayos clínicos relacionados. Conclusión: Existen datos promisorios sobre el uso del ECG en alteraciones metabólicas propias de la EHGNA y esteatosis hepática, principalmente a nivel de perfil lipídico. Se deben discutir las dosis y formas de administración, con el fin de mejorar su estabilidad y biodisponibilidad. Se requieren ensayos clínicos controlados que confirmen los efectos en humanos.

ABSTRACT Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a high prevalence worldwide and can range from simple steatosis to hepatocarcinoma. Its causes are multifactorial, with an unhealthy diet being a key factor in its pathogenesis and progression. Polyphenols are antioxidants that have shown benefits in treating NAFLD. An emerging source of these compounds is agro-industrial by-products, including pomegranate peels. Pomegranate peels are high in polyphenols, specifically ellagitannins. Its polyphenolic extract (PPE) has shown promising metabolic benefits. However, its use has some limitations that must be considered before recommending its intake through functional foods or nutraceuticals to prevent or treat NAFLD. Objective: This article aims to discuss, using results from in vitro studies and animal models, the therapeutic potential of polyphenols obtained from pomegranate peels to prevent and treat NAFLD. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in PubMed and Web of Science databases (2015 to date) of in vitro and animal model studies of hepatic steatosis, in addition to related clinical trials. Conclusion: There are promising data on the use of PPE in metabolic disorders typical of NAFLD and hepatic steatosis, mainly improving lipid profile. Doses and vehicles of administration should be discussed to improve stability and bioavailability. Controlled clinical trials are required to confirm the effects in humans.

Efecto de cocción en horno convencional y microondas sobre rancidez, pérdida por cocción y diferencia sensorial de hamburguesas / Effect of conventional oven versus microwave cooking on rancidity, cooking loss and sensory difference of hamburger patties

El uso de microondas está muy extendido a nivel doméstico gracias a su rapidez y facilidad de uso. El objetivo del presente trabajo es comparar el efecto de cocción de hamburguesas de distintos tipos de carne, en microondas y en horno convencional, sobre la pérdida de peso y estabilidad oxidativa. Además, determinar si existen diferencias desde el punto de vista sensorial aplicando una prueba triangular, comparando 2 productos presentados en tríos, uno que corresponde a hamburguesa cocida en microondas y otro a hamburguesa cocida en horno convencional. Se adquirieron hamburguesas de pollo, pavo, cerdo y vacuno en el comercio, se cocinaron en horno convencional y en microondas. Se calculó pérdida por cocción, se evaluó la rancidez y diferencias sensoriales entre hamburguesas del mismo tipo de carne, cocidas en distinto tipo de horno. La pérdida por cocción fue menor en hamburguesas cocidas en microondas. La acidez e índice de peróxido aumentaron en las muestras cocidas en ambos tipos de hornos respecto a hamburguesas crudas. La acidez fue mayor en hamburguesas cocidas en horno convencional, y el índice de peróxido fue mayor en hamburguesas cocidas en microondas, llegando a 10,6 meq O2/kg. En el análisis sensorial se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0,05) entre las hamburguesas cocidas en horno convencional y en microondas. Resulta mejor opción cocinar hamburguesas en horno convencional, ya que el índice de peróxidos es menor que al cocinar en microondas; dentro del tipo de hamburguesas, son más estables las de vacuno y cerdo frente a la oxidación.

The use of microwaves is very widespread at the domestic level thanks to its speed and ease of use. The aim of this study was to compare cooking loss, rancidity and sensory differences for hamburger patties cooked in conventional versus microwave ovens. We also determined sensorial differences with the triangular test, comparing two products presented in threesomes, one that corresponded to a patty cooked in the microwave and the other in a conventional oven. Chicken, turkey, pork and beef patties were purchased commercially, cooked in a conventional oven and in microwaves. Cooking loss was calculated, rancidity and sensory differences were evaluated between patties of the same type of meat and cooked in the different oven types. Cooking loss was lower in patties cooked in microwaves compared to those cooked in conventional ovens. For both oven types, acidity and peroxide index increased with respect to raw ones. Acidity was higher in hamburgers cooked in conventional ovens and the peroxide index was higher in burgers cooked in microwaves, reaching 10.6 meq O2/kg. In sensory analysis, significant differences were found (p<0.05) between patties cooked in a conventional oven and in microwaves. It is a better option to cook patties in a conventional oven, because the peroxide index is smaller than in microwaves; and within types of patties, beef and pork are more stable against oxidation.

El cannabis en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: un resumen narrativo / Cannabis in inflammatory bowel disease: a narrative summary

Resumen Introducción: si bien los cannabinoides se han utilizado durante varios años, apenas recientemente se han descrito los descubrimientos sobre sus mecanismos de acción y blancos terapéuticos, así como las alteraciones en el sistema endocannabinoide, observadas en diversas enfermedades y condiciones que se manifiestan con dolor, inflamación, patologías autoinmunes y distintos desórdenes específicos de los órganos. La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) agrupa dos condiciones idiopáticas crónicas con patogénesis incierta, en las que se ha identificado que una desregulación del sistema inmune desempeña un papel importante. Así, pues se necesita desarrollar tratamientos alternativos para estos pacientes, ya que solo una minoría de ellos alcanza una remisión de la enfermedad. Nuestro objetivo es revisar las evidencias recientes relacionadas con el uso de cánnabis en la colitis ulcerativa (CU) y en la enfermedad de Crohn (EC). Métodos: se realizó una revisión narrativa focalizada, a partir de las bases de datos de búsqueda de Pubmed y Embase. Los artículos pertinentes fueron revisados y resumidos en forma narrativa. Resultados: los dos componentes principales del cannabis, el cannabidiol (CBD) y el tetrahidrocannabinol (THC), han sido estudiados extensivamente y han probado causar efectos antiinflamatorios y antinociceptivos. Se han descrito ampliamente las propiedades de estos componentes en el control sintomático de la CU y de la EC. No obstante, se sugieren estudios de alta calidad para seguir evaluando la eficacia y la seguridad del uso del cannabis en pacientes con la EII.

Abstract Introduction: Although cannabinoids have been used for several years, only recently have their mechanisms of action and therapeutic targets been described. Alterations in the endocannabinoid system have been observed in various diseases and conditions such as pain, inflammation, autoimmune diseases and various specific disorders. Inflammatory bowel disease groups two chronic idiopathic conditions with uncertain pathogeneses in which deregulation of the immune system plays an important role. Alternative treatments need to be developed for these patients since only a minority of patients achieve disease remission. Our goal is to review recent evidence related to the use of cannabis to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Methods: This is a focused narrative review based on searches of Pubmed and Embase. Relevant articles have been reviewed and summarized in narrative form. Results: The two main components of cannabis, CBD and THC, have been extensively studied, and their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects have been tested. The effects of these components for control of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have been widely described. However, high quality studies are needed to continue evaluating the efficacy and safety of cannabis use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Caracterización de extractos de piel y hojas de Persea americana Mill. y analisis in vitro de sus potenciales propiedades anti-inflamatorias / Characterization of Persea americana Mill. peels and leaves extracts and analysis of its potential in vitro anti-inflammatory properties

Existe una tendencia mundial de incremento en prevalencia de enfermedades no transmisibles, que se caracterizan por un estado pro-inflamatorio crónico. Por lo tanto, es importante estudiar la relación entre alimentos y salud. La palta (Persea americana), sobresale en la industria por su valor nutricional. El procesamiento de la palta genera gran cantidad de subproductos, que contienen bioactivos con propiedades beneficiosas, como polifenoles. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue caracterizar cuatro extractos de palto (acuoso e hidroalcohólico; de hoja y de cáscara) y analizar sus posibles propiedades anti-inflamatorias in vitro. Fueron determinados polifenoles totales (con el método de Folin­Ciocalteau) y capacidad antioxidante (por FRAP y DPPH) de los extractos. Las propiedades anti-inflamatorias de los extractos fueron determinadas por la liberación de NO y de TNF-, y por la expresión génica de TNF-. Los resultados indican que los extractos hidroalcohólicos presentan más polifenoles (p<0,001) y capacidad antioxidante (p<0,001, por FRAP) que los acuosos. Mas aún, observamos que los extractos hidroalcohólicos de hojas presentaron mayores efectos anti-inflamatorios in vitro, especialmente el hidroalcohólico de hoja en liberación de NO (p<0,001, frente a tratamiento con LPS), acuosos e hidroalcohólicos en liberación de TNF- (p<0,05), y solo los hidroalcohólicos en la expresión de TNF- (p<0,01). En conclusión, los extractos hidroalcohólicos de palto, y especialmente el de hoja, presentan propiedades anti-inflamatorias in vitro que pueden ser consideradas para aplicaciones en mejoría de salud humana.

There is a worldwide trend of increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases characterized by a chronic inflammatory state. Therefore, it is important to study the relationship between food and health. Avocado (Persea americana) stands out in food industry for its nutritional value. Industrials process of avocado generates a large number of by-products, which contain phytochemical compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols. The objective of the present research was to characterize four aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from avocado leaves and peels and analyze it possible anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Total polyphenol content (with the Folin-Ciocalteau method) and antioxidant capacity (by FRAP and DPPH) were determined. Extracts inflammatory features were measured by NO and TNF- release, and by TNF- gene expression. Our results indicated that hydroalcoholic extracts present higher total polyphenol content (p<0.001) and antioxidant capacity (p<0.001, by FRAP) than the aqueous ones. Furthermore, we report that hydroalcoholic leaves extract presented greater in vitro anti-inflammatory effect, especially the leave hydroalcoholic regarding NO release (p<0.001, against LPS treatment), aqueous and hydroalcoholics regarding TNF- release (p<0.05), and only the hydroalcoholic in the TNF- gene expression (p<0.01). In conclusion, the avocado hydroalcoholic extracts, and especially from leaves, present in vitro anti-inflammatory features that might be considered for human health improvement applications.

Atosiban efficacy and safety in pregnant women with threatened preterm delivery: systematic review of the literature with network meta-analysis / Eficacia y seguridad de atosiban en mujeres gestantes con diagnóstico de amenaza de parto pretérmino: revisión sistemática de la literatura con metaanálisis en red

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of atosiban in pregnant women with risk of preterm delivery as compared to nifedipine, indomethacin, terbutaline, fenoterol and placebo. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in eight electronic databases, including Medline, Central, and Embase, using free and standardized search terms. Outcomes assessment included time delay until delivery, neonatal mortality, ratio of adverse maternal events, and ratio of neonatal complications. The quality of the evidence was evaluated per study and for the body of evidence and, whenever feasible, the information was synthesized into a meta-analysis. Alternatively, a narrative summary was presented. Results: Eleven studies were included. Atosiban did not show any statistically significant differences in terms of delaying delivery versus other uterine contraction inhibitors. The neonatal mortality was lower compared to indomethacin (RR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.92), and the percentage of total maternal adverse events was lower compared to fenoterol (RR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.31), nifedipine (RR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.78), and terbutaline (RR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.71). Conclusions: Atosiban has similar efficacy for delivery delay in patients with risk of preterm delivery as compared to other agents (moderate certainty), showing some advantages regarding neonatal mortality (low certainty) versus indomethacin, and compared to fenoterol, nifedipine and terbutaline in terms of maternal adverse events (moderate certainty).

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de atosiban en gestantes con amenaza de parto pretérmino comparado con nifedipino, indometacina, terbutalina, fenoterol y placebo. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en ocho bases de datos electrónicas (Medline, Central, Embase, entre otras), mediante términos de búsqueda libres y estandarizados. Los desenlaces evaluados incluyeron tiempo de retardo del parto, mortalidad neonatal, proporción de eventos adversos maternos y proporción de complicaciones neonatales. Se evaluó la calidad de la evidencia por estudio y para el cuerpo de evidencia, y se sintetizó la información mediante metaanálisis, cuando fue posible; de lo contrario, se resumió de forma narrativa. Resultados: se incluyeron once estudios. Atosiban no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en retardo del parto contra otros uteroinhibidores. Mostró menor mortalidad neonatal que la indometacina (RR = 0,21; IC 95 %: 0,05 a 0,92), y menor proporción de eventos adversos maternos totales que el fenoterol (RR = 0,16; IC 95 %: 0,08 a 0,31), el nifedipino (RR = 0,48; IC 95 %: 0,3 a 0,78) y la terbutalina (RR = 0,44; IC 95 %: 0,28 a 0,71). Conclusiones: atosiban tiene una eficacia similar para retardar el parto ante la amenaza de un parto pretérmino con otros comparadores (certeza moderada), con ventajas frente a indometacina en mortalidad neonatal (certeza baja) y frente a fenoterol, nifedipino y terbutalina en eventos adversos maternos (certeza moderada).

Marine drugs for cancer: surfacing biotechnological innovations from the oceans

This review will discuss the contributions of marine natural molecules, a source only recently found to have pharmaceutical prospects, to the development of anticancer drugs. Of the seven clinically utilized compounds with a marine origin, four are used for the treatment of cancer. The development of these drugs has afforded valuable knowledge and crucial insights to meet the most common challenges in this endeavor, such as toxicity and supply. In this context, the development of these compounds will be discussed herein to illustrate, with successful examples provided by cytarabine, trabectedin, eribulin and brentuximab vedotin, the steps involved in this process as well as the scientific advances and technological innovation potential associated with developing a new drug from marine resources.

Achenbach's syndrome: Case report and systematic review of the literature / Síndrome de Achenbach: presentación de un caso y revisión sistemática de la literatura

Abstract Introduction: Achenbach's syndrome is a vascular disorder of the hands and feet. It is of unknown etiology and has a benign course. Because of its low prevalence, available literature is limited, and most publications are case reports. No Latin-American publications were found on the subject. The case of a 58 year-old man is presented, along with a systematic review of the literature to describe its clinical characteristics. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Lilacs using free terms and controlled vocabulary (MeSH, Emtree, and DeCS). Results: An analysis was made on a total of 23 articles, 19 of which were case reports, with a total of 46 patients, 43 women and 3 men, from 7 countries. The disorder occurs most often in women over 50 years, and is manifested by the sudden appearance of a blue coloration of the palmar surface of the fingers. It is less common in the feet. Conclusions: Achenbach's syndrome is benign, and does not require medical intervention. Diagnostic methods are of little use. Therefore, identification is important to avoid unnecessary procedures.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Achenbach es un trastorno vascular de manos y pies, de etiología desconocida y de curso benigno. Dada su baja frecuencia de presentación, la literatura disponible es escasa; la mayoría son reportes de casos. No se encontraron publicaciones latinoamericanas sobre el tema. Aquí se presenta un caso clínico, en un hombre de 58 anos, y se hace una revisión sistemática de la literatura para describir sus características clínicas. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en PubMed, Embase y Lilacs utilizando términos libres y vocabulario controlado (MeSH, Emtree y DeCS). Resultados: Se evaluaron 23 artículos de los cuales 19 fueron reportes de caso. Los reportes de caso muestran la historia de 46 pacientes, 43 mujeres y 3 hombres, en 7 países. El trastorno se presenta más frecuentemente en mujeres mayores de 50 anos y se manifiesta por la aparición súbita de una coloración azul de la cara palmar de los dedos y menos frecuente en los pies. Conclusiones: El síndrome de Achenbach es benigno y no requiere intervenciones médicas. Los métodos diagnósticos son de poca utilidad. Es necesario reconocerlo para evitar procedimientos innecesarios.

Efecto de edulcorantes no calóricos en la aceptabilidad sensorial de un producto horneado / Effect of non-caloric sweeteners in sensory acceptability of a baked product

Samples of cakes (baked biscuit-type products) made with sugar (control) and samples prepared with non-caloric sweeteners (stevia, saccharin and sucralose) were developed and acceptability evaluated using a 5-point hedonic scale test for color, aroma and flavor. The color and aroma results indicated that the cakes made with sugar have significantly larger acceptability than cakes made with non-caloric sweeteners (p< 0.05). In assessing the acceptability of taste there are significant differences between all samples of cakes, with the following descending order according to the sweetener used: sugar > stevia > sucralose > saccharin. Replacement of sugar by non-caloric sweeteners in cakes, decreased the acceptability of the products. One explanation may be because no non-enzymatic browning reactions occur such as Maillard reaction and caramelization, which generate compounds related to color, aroma and flavor of baked foods.

Se elaboraron muestras de queques (productos horneados tipo bizcocho) con azúcar (control) y con edulcorantes no calóricos (estevia, sacarina y sucralosa). Los queques se evaluaron sensorialmente mediante una prueba de aceptabilidad con una escala hedónica de 5 puntos para los parámetros de color, aroma y sabor. Los resultados de color y aroma indican que los queques elaborados con azúcar tienen una aceptabilidad significativamente mayor que los queques elaborados con los edulcorantes no calóricos (p< 0,05). En la evaluación de sabor hubo diferencias significativas entre todas las muestras de queques, con el siguiente orden decreciente según el edulcorante utilizado: azúcar > estevia > sucralosa > sacarina. El reemplazo de azúcar por edulcorantes no calóricos en los queque, disminuyó la aceptabilidad de los productos. Una explicación posible es que no se producen reacciones de pardeamiento no enzimático como reacción de Maillard y caramelización, las que generan compuestos relacionados con el color, aroma y sabor de productos horneados.

Perezone, from the gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia rigida, induces oxidative stress in human leukemia cells

Abstract Four bisabolanes 1–4, including perezone (1) and triacetyl perezone (2), were isolated through a bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract obtained from the Caribbean gorgonian coral Pseudopterogorgia rigida collected during an expedition cruise to the Bahamas. All isolated compounds showed to be cytotoxic toward panel of four human tumor cell lines, as quantified by the MTT assay after 72 h incubation. Perezone (1), the most active one, was further analyzed, showing to be cytotoxic, but not selective, in a 12-cell line panel comprising tumor and non-tumor, as well as human and murine cells. Additionally, 1 was assayed for cytotoxicity against HL-60 leukemic cells. Pre-treatment with an acute free radical scavenger (L-NAC) before exposure of cells to perezone virtually eliminated the generation of intracellular ROS and lessened its severe cytotoxicity. The protective effect delivered by L-NAC evidences that the mechanism of perezone-induced cytotoxicity is partially associated to production of ROS and a consequent induction of oxidative stress.

Pyrimidine alkaloids from Eudistoma vannamei

Abstract Methanolic extracts of the Brazilian endemic ascidian Eudistoma vannamei have been extensively studied for their cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines. Previous work reported the occurrence of purine derivatives and staurosporine alkaloids as the major nitrogen-containing compounds. In this study, we report the occurrence of three pyrimidine alkaloids in addition to cholesterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol.

Amphidinolide P from the Brazilian octocoral Stragulum bicolor

Abstract Dinoflagellates are an important source of unique bioactive secondary metabolites. Symbiotic species, commonly named zooxanthellae, transfer most of their photosynthetically fixed carbon to their host. The mutualistic relationship provides the organic metabolites used for energy production but there are very few reports of the role of the dinoflagellates in the production of secondary metabolites in the symbiotic association. Corals and other related cnidarians are the most well-known animals containing symbiotic dinoflagellates. In the present paper we describe the isolation of amphidinolide P (1) from the octocoral Stragulum bicolor and its prey, the nudibranch Marionia limceana, collected off the coasts of Fortaleza (Ceará, Brazil). The coral extracts also contained 3-O-methyl derivative (2) of amphidinolide P, together with minor compounds still under investigation. Amphidinolides have been so far reported only in laboratory cultures of Amphidinium sp., thus compounds 1 and 2 represents the first identification of these polyketides in invertebrates. The finding proves the possibility to isolate amphidinolides from a natural symbiosis, enabling further biological and biotechnological studies.

The first, the next, and the cinematographed versions of AZT / Las versiones primera, próxima y cinematográficas de AZT

Ronald Woodroof died of AIDS in September 12, 1992, seven years after he was diagnosed. A lower dose of AZT became widely used in later drug combinations that saved millions of lives". These words end the film Dallas Buyers Club, a recent, highly awarded movie, that tells the true story of a cowboy diagnosed with AIDS in 1985 and illegally receives the firsthand antiviral AZT but, due to the severe side effects that the drug afflicted, begins to experiment with ­ and illicitly distribute among the "Club" ­ non-FDA approved remedies in search of a better treatment for himself and other AIDS patients. Perhaps owing to an artistic strategy, the movie waits until the last couple of lines to do justice to AZT and the impact it had in dealing with AIDS at that day and age

Estaurosporinas de Eudistoma vannamei: química e bioatividade / Staurosporines of Eudistoma vannamei: chemistry and bioactivity

Eudistoma vannamei (Millar, 1977) é uma ascídia endêmica do litoral do Nordeste brasileiro, largamente encontrado nas praias rochosas do estado do Ceará. Previamente, o extrato bruto apresentou um interessante perfil em termos de bioatividade. O fracionamento bioguiado identificou uma mistura 1:1 altamente citotóxica, contendo dois derivados inéditos de estaurosporina, 2-hidroxi-7-oxoestaurosporina (I) e 3-hidroxi-7-oxoestaurosporina (II). IC50 para I/II e estaurosporina (STP) foram obtidas após 72h de incubação com diversas linguagens de células tumorais, utilizando-se o ensaio do MTT, e em linfócitos humanos normais, através do ensaio de AlamarBlue. I/II superou a citotoxicidade de STP em 7 vezes, em média, para as células tumorais, ao passo que mostrou-se tão ativa quanto frente as células normais. Uma análise cinética sobre a progressão de ciclo celular, ativação de resposta a dano e vias de reparo de DNA, e indução de apoptose de células HL-60 (leucemia) foi conduzida com 40 ou 80ng/mL I/II e acessada por citometria de fluxo e western blotting...