Neither nectar nor deception: the role of floral rewards in the pollination system of Laelia (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae).

Orchids offer a variety of floral rewards to pollinators. In many orchid groups, however, the transfer of pollen is based on food-deception, as in the case of Laelia (including Schomburgkia s.s.), a genus assigned to the Neotropical subtribe Laeliinae. Here, we report on the reproductive biology of a Brazilian member of this subtribe, namely, Laelia gloriosa, occurring in the forested areas of southeastern Brazil. The study includes analyses of floral morphology, histochemistry, and the chemical analysis of floral rewards and scents. Pollinators and pollination mechanism data were collected in the field by means of focal observations. Analyses of breeding systems and the percentage of potentially viable seed were also recorded. The floral morphology of Laelia gloriosa indicates that this species is melittophilous. The flowers release a citrus-like fragrance that attracts many species of bee. The flowers offer waxy material as a reward, and this is collected exclusively by Meliponini bees. Several bee species visit the flowers. However, those of L. gloriosa are pollinated exclusively by Trigona spinipes. Pollinaria are deposited on the bee's scutellum. Plants of the studied population were entirely self-compatible, but pollinator-dependent. The frequency of visits to these flowers was greater than in rewardless Laeliinae. Our study provides the first evidence of lipoidal substances as a resource in Laeliinae. The discovery that an orchid species (Laelia gloriosa) of this subtribe, hitherto considered to be entirely pollinated by nectar-seeking pollinators, offers a floral waxy material and provides new insights into the evolution of this important subtribe.

2-Methyloxolane as an effective bio-based solvent for the removal of ßN-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamines from Arabica green coffee beans.

ßN-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamines (Cn-5HTs) are the main constituents of coffee wax and may be responsible for the increased severity of gastric disorders in sensitive consumers. Their removal from green coffee beans can result in a "stomach-friendly" brew. This work presents a green approach to Cn-5HTs extraction using the bio-based solvent 2-methyloxolane (2-MeOx). HPLC/DAD analyses on Arabica Brazil samples show that mild conditions (30 min at 50 °C) extract about 90% of the wax, without affecting the caffeine content of the beans, whereas almost complete removal is achieved in 60 min at reflux. 2-MeOx forms an azeotrope with water, its possible re-use has been demonstrated using aqueous 2-MeOx (95.5%) as the solvent. These preliminary results make 2-MeOx a possible candidate for the replacement of dichloromethane (DCM) in coffee dewaxing. The importance of fermentation in reducing Cn-5HTs by about 36% has been demonstrated in an analysis of green beans subjected to different post-harvest treatments.

Impact of binary mixtures of natural waxes in mechanical properties and microstructure of oleogels.

BACKGROUND: Solid fats are critical to obtaining a wide range of food texture and quality characteristics, but their consumption is strongly associated with higher cardiovascular disease risks. Structuring unsaturated oils with natural waxes into oleogels (OG) is an innovative solution to develop fat mimics with a healthier profile. RESULTS: Soy wax (SW), beeswax (BW) and carnauba wax (CW), have been used in binary mixtures of waxes, aiming to understand their interactions and influence on OG quality properties and microstructural characteristics. In the present study, OGs were produced using binary wax mixtures and analyzed for texture, color, smoke point, microstructure, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Wax combinations led to antagonistic (mixtures with SW) and synergistic interactions (BW/CW) based on their mechanical properties. At the microstructural level BW/CW blends showed a reduction in crystal size and with a more compact structure. XRD and FTIR spectra revealed a packing of orthorhombic perpendicular subcell for most OGs, whereas SW produced samples with an arrangement with ß' crystals, characteristic of edible solid fats. Additionally, when compared to commercial beef fat, BW/CW mixtures showed similar quality attributes indicating that they could act as fat mimic. CONCLUSION: The combined analysis of microstructure, spectroscopic and mechanical properties enhanced the understanding of how the nature of the interactions between waxes and lipid phases impact in the final quality of the structured oils. The study's insights indicate that binary wax combinations can efficiently replace solid fats, offering healthier alternatives at the same time as preserving desired sensory characteristics. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison of Policosanols via Incorporation into Reconstituted High-Density Lipoproteins: Cuban Policosanol (Raydel®) Exerts the Highest Antioxidant, Anti-Glycation, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (rHDL) containing each policosanol from Cuba (Raydel®), China (Shaanxi Pioneer), and the United States (Lesstanol®) were synthesized to compare the physiological properties of policosanol depending on sources and origin countries. After synthesis with apolipoproteinA-I (apoA-I) into rHDL, all policosanols bound well with phospholipid and apoA-I to form discoidal rHDL. An rHDL containing Cuban policosanol (rHDL-1) showed the largest rHDL particle size of around 83 ± 3 nm, while rHDL containing Chinese policosanol (rHDL-2) or American policosanol (rHDL-3) showed smaller particles around 63 ± 3 nm and 60 ± 2 nm in diameter, respectively. The rHDL-1 showed the strongest anti-glycation activity to protect the apoA-I degradation of HDL from fructose-mediated glycation: approximately 2.7-times higher ability to suppress glycation and 1.4-times higher protection ability of apoA-I than that of rHDL-2 and rHDL-3. The rHDL-1 showed the highest antioxidant ability to inhibit cupric ion-mediated LDL oxidation in electromobility and the quantification of oxidized species. A microinjection of each rHDL into a zebrafish embryo in the presence of carboxymethyllysine (CML) showed that rHDL-1 displayed the strongest anti-oxidant activity with the highest embryo survivability, whereas rHDL-2 and rHDL-3 showed much weaker protection ability, similar to rHDL alone (rHDL-0). An intraperitoneal injection of CML (250 µg) into adult zebrafish caused acute death and hyperinflammation with an elevation of infiltration of neutrophils and IL-6 production in the liver. On the other hand, a co-injection of rHDL-1 resulted in the highest survivability and the strongest anti-inflammatory ability to suppress IL-6 production with an improvement of the blood lipid profile, such as elevation of HDL-C and lowering of the total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride. In conclusion, Cuban policosanol exhibited the most desirable properties for the in vitro synthesis of rHDL with the stabilization of apoA-I, the largest particle size, anti-glycation against fructation, and antioxidant activities to prevent LDL oxidation. Cuban policosanol in rHDL also exhibited the strongest in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with the highest survivability in zebrafish embryos and adults via the prevention of hyperinflammation in the presence of CML.

Injectable Composite Resin Technique: An Alternative for Anterior Esthetic Restorations - Case Report / Técnica de Resina Compuesta Inyectable: Una Alternativa para Restauraciones Estéticas Anteriores - Reporte de Caso

This article aims to describe a clinical case of the use of the injectable restorative technique with composite resin in a patient with an esthetic complaint in the anterior teeth. Producing direct restorations in anterior teeth when performed with composite resin demands a long clinical time. Results often depend on the operator's ability to reproduce proper form, function, and esthetics. Lately, the versatility of composite resins has increased. As this material evolved, new techniques were introduced to simplify the restorative process and save time. The restorative technique with injectable fluid composite resin, in addition to delivering faster and with a certain ease, is capable of increasing the predictability of treatment results. However, it is known that flowable resins have lower wear resistance and color stability compared to conventional resins. Thus, a version of this material with a higher filler content in its composition was introduced to the market, to improve wear resistance and gloss retention. Long-term studies evaluating the use of low-viscosity resins are needed. The injectable technique can accurately reproduce the morphology obtained in the wax-up of the case, generating a satisfactory esthetic and functional result. Despite simplifying the fabrication of restorations when compared to the conventional technique, it is still necessary for the operator to have some experience and aptitude. The clinical time for the production of restorations has been considerably reduced. The material showed good flow, shine, and polish in the immediate result. However, the finishing and polishing of the restorations required a longer clinical period than usual and in the short- term follow-up, flaws in the gingival margins and a new finishing and polishing procedure were necessary. Therefore, the technique described in this article can be considered a restorative alternative, but it is still not able to replace the tradit ional method of making previous esthetic restorations.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir un caso clínico del uso de la técnica restauradora inyectable con resina compuesta en un paciente con una queja estética en los dientes anteriores. Producir restauraciones directas en dientes anteriores cuando se realizan con resina compuesta demanda un largo tiempo clínico. Los resultados a menudo dependen de la capacidad del operador para reproducir la forma, la función y la estética adecuadas. Últimamente, la versatilidad de las resinas compuestas ha aumentado. A medida que este material evolucionó, se introdujeron nuevas técnicas para simplificar el proceso de restauración y ahorrar tiempo. La técnica restauradora con resina compuesta fluida inyectable, además de una entrega más rápida y segura, es capaz de aumentar la previsibilidad de los resultados del tratamiento. Sin embargo, se sabe que las resinas fluidas tienen menor resistencia al desgaste y estabilidad del color en comparación con las resinas convencionales. Así, se introdujo en el mercado una versión de este material con un mayor contenido de relleno en su composición, con el objetivo de mejorar la resistencia al desgaste y la retención del brillo. Se necesitan estudios a largo plazo que evalúen el uso de resinas de baja viscosidad. La técnica inyectable es capaz de reproducir fielmente la morfología obtenida en el encerado del caso, generando un resultado estético y funcional satisfactorio. A pesar de simplificar la fabricación de restauraciones en comparación con la técnica convencional, todavía es necesario que el operador tenga cierta experiencia y aptitud. El tiempo clínico para la producción de restauraciones se ha reducido considerablemente. El material mostró buena fluidez, brillo y pulido en el resultado inmediato. Sin embargo, el acabado y pulido de las restauraciones requirió de un período de tiempo clínico más largo de lo habitual y en el seguimiento a corto plazo, fueron necesarios defectos en los márgenes gingivales y un nuevo procedimiento de acabado y pulido. Por lo tanto, la técnica descrita en este artículo puede considerarse una alternativa restauradora, pero aún no es capaz de reemplazar el método tradicional de realizar restauraciones estéticas previas.

Impact of Fat Replacement by Using Organic-Candelilla-Wax-Based Oleogels on the Physicochemical and Sensorial Properties of a Model Cookie.

Oleogelation is an alternative process to improve the nutritional properties of food by creating soft-matter structures with the same functionality as commercial fats (shortenings). In this study, oleogels were produced by adding organic candelilla wax at 3% (OC03), 6% (OC06), and 9% (OC09) to extra-virgin linseed oil, and then characterized by their physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the physicochemical and sensorial properties of five cookie formulations were evaluated. Organic candelilla wax influenced the oleogel formulations, giving higher values of color (L* and b*), texture, acidity index, and melting point. In the cookie formulations, the luminosity values decreased when the percentage of oleogel was increased; reddish trends were obtained (a* values) for the cookie where 70% of the fat was replaced by the oleogel (C70), and more yellow trends were obtained (b* values) for C100. The moisture content was higher in cookies with oleogels, but it was within quality limits. The percentage of fat migration was lower in cookies with a mixture of fats and oleogels. In terms of hardness, the substitution of oleogels resulted in softer cookies. In terms of the sensory evaluation, the most accepted cookie was C70. Therefore, this study demonstrates the possibility of using organic-candelilla-wax-based oleogels in a real food model rich in unsaturated fats.

In Planta Study Localizes an Effector Candidate from Austropuccinia psidii Strain MF-1 to the Nucleus and Demonstrates In Vitro Cuticular Wax-Dependent Differential Expression.

Austropuccinia psidii is a biotrophic fungus that causes myrtle rust. First described in Brazil, it has since spread to become a globally important pathogen that infects more than 480 myrtaceous species. One of the most important commercial crops affected by A. psidii is eucalypt, a widely grown forestry tree. The A. psidii-Eucalyptus spp. interaction is poorly understood, but pathogenesis is likely driven by pathogen-secreted effector molecules. Here, we identified and characterized a total of 255 virulence effector candidates using a genome assembly of A. psidii strain MF-1, which was recovered from Eucalyptus grandis in Brazil. We show that the expression of seven effector candidate genes is modulated by cell wax from leaves sourced from resistant and susceptible hosts. Two effector candidates with different subcellular localization predictions, and with specific gene expression profiles, were transiently expressed with GFP-fusions in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Interestingly, we observed the accumulation of an effector candidate, Ap28303, which was upregulated under cell wax from rust susceptible E. grandis and described as a peptidase inhibitor I9 domain-containing protein in the nucleus. This was in accordance with in silico analyses. Few studies have characterized nuclear effectors. Our findings open new perspectives on the study of A. psidii-Eucalyptus interactions by providing a potential entry point to understand how the pathogen manipulates its hosts in modulating physiology, structure, or function with effector proteins.

Natural history and morphology of immature stages of Tolype medialis (Jones, 1912) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae: Macromphaliinae).

Lasiocampidae belongs to superfamily Lasiocampoidea and contains more than a thousand species nearly distributed worldwide. Despite the great species richness and wide distribution, this group has internal phylogenetic relationships still little explored and with few studies on the morphology and biology of its immatures. This study describes the immature stages of the neotropical species Tolype medialis (Jones, 1912), focusing on the morphology and natural history. The eggs of T. medialis are oviposited freely inside a conical structure, and the larvae showed gregarious behavior in all instars. The seventh and eighth instar bear a pair of abdominal rounded flattened reddish brown glands on the segments A1, A2, A7, and A8 that produce a wax-like secretion that covers the pupae and the internal walls of the cocoon. In order to add information to the Lasiocampidae family, we compare and discuss these and other traits from the morphology and natural history of T. medialis immatures.

Toxicity evaluation of Pinus radiata D.Don bark wax for potential cosmetic application.

Radiata pine bark is a widely available organic waste, requiring alternative uses due to its environmental impact on soil, fauna, and forest fires. Pine bark waxes could be used as cosmetic substitutes, but their toxicity requires evaluation since pine bark may contain toxic substances or xenobiotics, depending on the extraction process. This study evaluates the toxicity of radiata pine bark waxes obtained through various extraction methods on human skin cells grown in vitro. The assessment includes using XTT to evaluate mitochondrial activity, violet crystal dye to assess cell membrane integrity, and ApoTox-Glo triple assay to measure cytotoxicity, viability, and apoptosis signals. Pine bark waxes extracted via T3 (acid hydrolysis and petroleum ether incubation) and T9 (saturated steam cycle, alkaline hydrolysis, and petroleum ether incubation) exhibit non-toxicity up to 2% concentration, making them a potential substitute for petroleum-based cosmetic materials. Integrating the forestry and cosmetic industries through pine bark wax production under circular economy principles could promote development while replacing petroleum-based materials. Extraction methodology affects pine bark wax toxicity in human skin cells due to the retention of xenobiotic compounds including methyl 4-ketohex-5-enoate; 1-naphthalenol; dioctyl adipate; eicosanebioic acid dimethyl ester; among others. Future research will investigate whether the extraction methodology alters the molecular structure of the bark, affecting the release of toxic compounds in the wax mixture.

Integração dos componentes curriculares Escultura Dental e Prótese Parcial Removível no desenvolvimento de material didático auxiliar para a pré-clínica / Integración de los componentes curriculares Escultura Dental y Prótesis Parcial Removible en el desarrollo de material didáctico auxiliar para el preclínico / Integration of Dental Sculptureand Removable Partial Denture courses in developing instructional material for pre-clinical use

O objetivo deste relato de experiência foi integrar os componentes curriculares Escultura Dental e Prótese Parcial Removível por meio da confecção de macromodelos com nichos em dentes anteriores e posteriores a serem usados como material didático auxiliar.A metodologia teve abordagem descritiva. Foram confeccionados macromodelos em cera dos seguintes elementos dentários: caninos superiores e inferiores, pré-molar superior e molares superiores e inferiores. Em seguida, nichos foram preparados nos elementos,reproduzindo as características da etapa de Preparo de Boca Tipo II ou Protético. Macromodelos com as características individuais de nichos oclusais simples e duplo (interdental) em dentes posteriores foram obtidos, bem como com nichos em cíngulos, tanto confecionados por desgaste como por acréscimo. Diante do conhecimento da anatomia dental e a habilidade manual desenvolvidos na Escultura Dental, os macromodelos confeccionados permitiram uma melhor visualização das características morfológicas dos nichos,sendo considerado um recurso complementar no processo ensino-aprendizagem em Prótese Parcial Removível (AU).

El objetivo de este relato de experiencia fue integrar los componentes curriculares Escultura Dental y Prótesis Parcial Removible mediante la creación de macromodelos con nichos en dientes anteriores y posteriores para ser utilizados como material didáctico auxiliar. La metodología tuvo un enfoque descriptivo. Se realizaron macromodelos en cera de los siguientes dientes: caninos superiores e inferiores, premolares superiores y molares superiores e inferiores. A continuación, se prepararon nichos en los elementos, reproduciendo las características de la etapa de Preparación de la Boca Tipo II o Prótesis. Se obtuvieron macromodelos con las características individuales de nichos oclusales simples y dobles (interdentales) en dientes posteriores, así comonichos en cingulados, ambos creados por desgaste y adición. Dado el conocimiento de la anatomía dental y la habilidad manual desarrollada en la Escultura Dental, los macromodelos realizados permitieron una mejor visualización de las características morfológicas de los nichos, considerándose un recurso complementario en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en Prótesis Parcial Removible (AU).

The objective of this experience report was to integrate the curricular components of Dental Sculpture and Removable Partial Dentures through the creation of macromodels with rest seat in anterior and posterior teeth to be used as auxiliary teaching material. The methodology had a descriptive approach. Wax macromodels were made of the following teeth: upper and lower canines, upper premolar and upper and lower molars. Next, rest seats were prepared in the elements, reproducing the characteristics of the Type II or Prosthetic Mouth Preparation stage. Macromodels with the individual characteristics of single and double (interdental) occlusal rest seats in posterior teeth were obtained, as well as rest seats in cingulum, both created by wear and with composites. Given the knowledge of dental anatomy and the manual skill developed in Dental Sculpture, the macromodels made enabled better visualization of the morphological characteristics of the rest seats, being considered a complementary resource in the teaching-learning process in Removable Partial Prosthesis (AU).

Cuban Sugar Cane Wax Alcohol Exhibited Enhanced Antioxidant, Anti-Glycation and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Reconstituted High-Density Lipoprotein (rHDL) with Improved Structural and Functional Correlations: Comparison of Various Policosanols.

Policosanols from various sources, such as sugar cane, rice bran, and insects, have been marketed to prevent dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension by increasing the blood high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. On the other hand, there has been no study on how each policosanol influences the quality of HDL particles and their functionality. Reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (rHDLs) with apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and each policosanol were synthesized using the sodium cholate dialysis method to compare the policosanols in lipoprotein metabolism. Each rHDL was compared regarding the particle size and shape, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in zebrafish embryos. This study compared four policosanols including one policosanol from Cuba (Raydel® policosanol) and three policosanols from China (Xi'an Natural sugar cane, Xi'an Realin sugar cane, and Shaanxi rice bran). The synthesis of rHDLs with various policosanols (PCO) from Cuba or China using a molar ratio of 95:5:1:1 with palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC): free cholesterol (FC): apoA-I:PCO (wt:wt) showed that rHDL containing Cuban policosanol (rHDL-1) showed the largest particle size and the most distinct particle shape. The rHDL-1 showed a 23% larger particle diameter and increased apoA-I molecular weight with a 1.9 nm blue shift of the maximum wavelength fluorescence than rHDL alone (rHDL-0). Other rHDLs containing Chinese policosanols (rHDL-2, rHDL-3, and rHDL-4) showed similar particle sizes with an rHDL-0 and 1.1-1.3 nm blue shift of wavelength maximum fluorescence (WMF). Among all rHDLs, the rHDL-1 showed the strongest antioxidant ability to inhibit cupric ion-mediated LDL oxidation. The rHDL-1-treated LDL showed the most distinct band intensity and particle morphology compared with the other rHDLs. The rHDL-1 also exerted the highest anti-glycation activity to inhibit the fructose-mediated glycation of human HDL2 with the protection of apoA-I from proteolytic degradation. At the same time, other rHDLs showed a loss of anti-glycation activity with severe degradation. A microinjection of each rHDL alone showed that rHDL-1 had the highest survivability of approximately 85 ± 3%, with the fastest developmental speed and morphology. In contrast, rHDL-3 showed the lowest survivability, around 71 ± 5%, with the slowest developmental speed. A microinjection of carboxymethyllysine (CML), a pro-inflammatory advanced glycated end product, into zebrafish embryos resulted in severe embryo death of approximately 30 ± 3% and developmental defects with the slowest developmental speed. On the other hand, the phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-injected embryo showed 83 ± 3% survivability. A co-injection of CML and each rHDL into adult zebrafish showed that rHDL-1 (Cuban policosanol) induced the highest survivability, around 85 ± 3%, while rHDL-0 showed 67 ± 7% survivability. In addition, rHDL-2, rHDL-3, and rHDL-4 showed 67 ± 5%, 62 ± 37, and 71 ± 6% survivability, respectively, with a slower developmental speed and morphology. In conclusion, Cuban policosanol showed the strongest ability to form rHDLs with the most distinct morphology and the largest size. The rHDL-containing Cuban policosanol (rHDL-1) showed the strongest antioxidant ability against LDL oxidation, anti-glycation activity to protect apoA-I from degradation, and the highest anti-inflammatory activity to protect embryo death under the presence of CML.

Edible coatings on the post-harvest conservation of orange 'Natal CNPMF 112 / Revestimentos comestíveis na conservação pós-colheita da laranja 'Natal CNPMF 112'

Citrus fruit have a lengthy post-harvest lifetime, however owing to water loss, they lose firmness and luster on the skin after being picked. In light of the foregoing, this study aimed to assess the effects of coatings on the post-harvest conservation of 'Natal CNPMF 112' oranges under refrigerated settings using aqueous and alcoholic propolis extracts and carnauba wax. Fruit of 'Natal CNPMF 112' orange tree grafted on 'Rangpur' lime were treated with carnauba wax (100%) and alcoholic and aqueous propolis extracts (30%). The experimental design was totally randomized, with the plots consisting of the coatings plus the control (distilled water), and the subplots separated by the storage time (0, 10, 20, and 30 days) at 12 ºC ± 2, with the exception of weight loss, which was assessed at three-day intervals (0 to 30 days). Loss of fruit mass, average fruit mass, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, maturity index, pH, and technical index were all examined. According to the findings, the alcoholic extract of propolis produced decreased fruit mass loss, a high maturity index, and balanced acidity. The coatings used in the postharvest conservation of refrigerated 'Natal CNPMF 112' oranges had no effect on the other parameters. As a result, propolis alcoholic extract is suggested for the preservation of 'Natal CNPMF 112' orange.

Os frutos cítricos apresentam prolongado período pós-colheita, no entanto, devido à perda de água, após colhidos, perdem a firmeza e ficam com pouco brilho na casca. Face ao exposto, objetivou-se neste trabalho determinar os efeitos dos revestimentos na conservação pós-colheita da laranja 'Natal CNPMF 112' com utilização de extratos de própolis aquoso e alcoólico e a cera de carnaúba em condição refrigerada. Frutos da laranjeira 'Natal CNPMF 112', enxertada em limoeiro 'Cravo', foram tratados com cera de carnaúba (100%) e extratos de própolis alcoólico e aquoso (30%). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas constituídas pelos revestimentos mais a testemunha (água destilada), e as subparcelas pelo período de armazenamento (0, 10, 20 e 30 dias) a 12 ºC ± 2, com exceção para perda de massa, a qual foi avaliada a intervalos de três dias (0 a 30 dias). Avaliaram-se: perda de massa dos frutos, massa média dos frutos, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, ácido ascórbico, índice de maturação, pH e índice tecnológico. Conforme os resultados, observou-se que o extrato alcoólico de própolis promoveu menor perda de massa do fruto, bom índice de maturação e acidez equilibrada. As demais características não foram afetadas pelos revestimentos utilizados na conservação pós-colheita da laranja 'Natal CNPMF 112' refrigerada. Portanto, recomenda-se o extrato alcoólico de própolis para a conservação da laranja 'Natal CNPMF 112'.

Enzymatic production of wax esters by esterification using lipase immobilized via physical adsorption on functionalized rice husk silica as biocatalyst.

The present study consists of developing an enzymatic process for the production of wax esters (lauryl stearate and cetyl stearate) by esterification in a heptane medium. Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) immobilized via interfacial activation on silica particles from rice husks functionalized with triethoxy(octyl)silane (TLL-Octyl-SiO2 ) was used as biocatalyst. Maximum immobilized protein loading of around 22 mg g-1 (that corresponds to an immobilization yield of ≈55%) of support was observed using an initial protein loading of 40 mg g-1 of Octyl-SiO2 . Its hydrolytic activity (olive oil emulsion hydrolysis) was of 620 U g-1 of biocatalyst. The effect of certain factors on the cetyl estearate production was evaluated using a central composite rotatable design (CCDR). Under optimal conditions (64°C, 21% of mass of biocatalyst per volume of reaction mixture, 170 rpm, and stoichiometric acid:alcohol molar ratio 1 mol L-1 of each reactant), maximum acid conversion percentage of 91% was observed after 60 min of reaction. Lauryl stearate was also produced under such conditions, and an acid conversion of 93% after 60 min of reaction was also achieved. Free lipase exhibited acid conversion of only 15%-20% for both reaction mixtures. After nine successive esterification batches, TLL-Octyl-SiO2 retained 85%-90% of its original activity. These results show the promising use of the prepared biocatalyst in wax esters production due to its high catalytic activity and reusability.

Candelilla Wax Extracted by Traditional Method and an Ecofriendly Process: Assessment of Its Chemical, Structural and Thermal Properties.

A comparative study was carried out on the chemical, structural and thermal properties of candelilla wax from four wax-producing communities in Mexico, which was obtained by two extraction processes, the conventional one using sulfuric acid (SA) and an eco-friendly alternative process using citric acid (CA) as the extracting agent. The waxes were analyzed by basic chemistry (acidity, saponification, ester indexes, and others), color, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman micro-spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and hardness and brittleness measurements. The waxes obtained by the environmentally friendly process showed differences in their physicochemical properties when compared to waxes from the conventional process. In addition, they showed some improvements, such as lighter shades and harder waxes, suggesting that the new environmentally friendly process is a viable option.

Molecular Biology, Composition and Physiological Functions of Cuticle Lipids in Fleshy Fruits.

Fleshy fruits represent a valuable resource of economic and nutritional relevance for humanity. The plant cuticle is the external lipid layer covering the nonwoody aerial organs of land plants, and it is the first contact between fruits and the environment. It has been hypothesized that the cuticle plays a role in the development, ripening, quality, resistance to pathogen attack and postharvest shelf life of fleshy fruits. The cuticle's structure and composition change in response to the fruit's developmental stage, fruit physiology and different postharvest treatments. This review summarizes current information on the physiology and molecular mechanism of cuticle biosynthesis and composition changes during the development, ripening and postharvest stages of fleshy fruits. A discussion and analysis of studies regarding the relationship between cuticle composition, water loss reduction and maintaining fleshy fruits' postharvest quality are presented. An overview of the molecular mechanism of cuticle biosynthesis and efforts to elucidate it in fleshy fruits is included. Enhancing our knowledge about cuticle biosynthesis mechanisms and identifying specific transcripts, proteins and lipids related to quality traits in fleshy fruits could contribute to the design of biotechnological strategies to improve the quality and postharvest shelf life of these important fruit crops.

Ursolic acid increases strength in mdx mice model and may decrease fibrosis deposition by tgf-ß downregulation / El ácido ursólico aumenta la resistencia en el modelo de ratones mdx y podría disminuir la deposición de fibrosis mediante la regulación decreciente de tgf-ß

SUMMARY: Dystrophin disfunction results in sarcolemma destabilization, leading muscle cell damage by continuous degeneration cycles and limited regeneration. In muscle dystrophy, caused by dystrophin dysfunction, inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis are pathophysiological muscle function loss characteristics. As a genetic disease, this muscle dystrophy has no cure, however, advances in drug therapy using glucocorticoids can decrease the disease progression. Subsequently, alternative therapies were studied, such as ursolic acid (UA), that inhibits muscle atrophy and increases muscle mass and strength. Herein, we used 10 mg/kg daily supplementation in mdx mice for 4 weeks to evaluate serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), muscle strength (Kondziela test), muscular organization (histology) and expression of fibrosis related genes (TGF-ß, TNF-α, mstn and ostn). UA supplementation increased muscle morphological organization, motor strength and decreased muscular TGF-ß expression. Altogether, the gene expression profile, histological organization and strength could suggest that UA treatment did not stop the fibrogenesis but decreased its progress.

RESUMEN: La disfunción de la distrofina resulta en la desestabilización del sarcolema, llevando al daño de las células musculares por ciclos continuos de degeneración y regeneración limitada. En la distrofia muscular, debido a la disfunción de la distrofina, la inflamación, la necrosis y la fibrosis, son características fisiopatológicas de la pérdida de la función muscular. Como enfermedad genetica no es possible remediar esta distrofia muscular, sin embargo, los avances en la terapia de medicamentos con glucocorticoides pueden disminuir la progresión de la enfermedad. Se estudiaron terapias alternativas, como el ácido ursólico (UA), que inhibe la atrofia muscular y aumenta la masa y la fuerza muscular. En este estudio, utilizamos una suplementación diaria de 10 mg / kg en ratones mdx durante 4 semanas para evaluar la creatina fosfoquinasa (CPK) sérica, la fuerza muscular (prueba de Kondziela), la organización muscular (histología) y la expresión de genes relacionados con la fibrosis (TGF-ß, TNF- α, mstn y ostn). La suplementación con AU aumentó la organización morfológica muscular, la fuerza motora y la disminución de la expresión muscular de TGF-ß. El perfil de expresión génica, la organización histológica y la fuerza simultáneamente podrían sugerir que el tratamiento con AU no detuvo la fibrogénesis sino que disminuyó su progreso.

Soybean oil organogelled emulsions as oral delivery systems of hydroxytyrosol and hydroxytyrosol alkyl esters.

Water-in-soybean oil organogelled emulsions (OGEs) were formulated as fat replacers and evaluated as delivery systems of hydroxytyrosol (HT, hydrophilic compound), hydroxytyrosol octanoate (HTC18, hydrophobic compound) and hydroxytyrosol decanoate (HTC10, with intermediate hydrophobicity and the highest antioxidant activity measured by conjugated autoxidizable triene assay). OGEs formulated with 55% of water and a ternary blend of candelilla wax, fully hydrogenated palm oil and monoacylglycerols showed mechanical properties similar to lard and solid-like behavior. The increase in the water content, together with a higher concentration of structuring agents in the oil phase, led to an increase in oil retention capacity and texture parameters. A slight desesterification of HTC10 and HTC18 was found during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The three bioactive compounds loaded in OGEs showed high bioaccessibility values (∼84%) at the end of digestion, regardless their chain length and hydrophobicity. These OGEs designed as fat replacers showed a great potential for vehiculation of both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds.

Influence of the Mixtures of Vegetable Oil and Vitamin E over the Microstructure and Rheology of Organogels.

Candelilla wax (CW) and 12-hydroxystearic acid (12HSA) are classic solid-fiber-matrix organogelators. Despite the high number of studies using those ingredients in oily systems, there is scarce literature using a mixture of oil and antioxidants. Vitamin E (VE) is an important candidate for its lipophilicity and several applications on pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries. In this work, we investigated the influences of mixtures between vegetable oil (VO) and VE on the microstructures and rheological properties of CW and 12HSA organogels. A weak gel (G''/G' > 0.1) with a shear-thinning behavior was observed for all samples. The presence of VE impacted the gel strength and the phase transition temperatures in a dose-dependent pattern. Larger and denser packed crystals were seen for 12HSA samples, while smaller and more dispersed structures were obtained for CW organogels. The results obtained in this work allowed the correlation of the structural and mechanical properties of the organogels, which plays an important role in the physical-chemical characteristics of these materials.

Effects of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) and rooting media on rooting and survival of air layered wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) CV Jambu Madu / Efeitos do Ácido Indol-3-Butírico (AIB) e meio de enraizamento no enraizamento e sobrevivência de maçã de cera em camada de ar (Syzygium samarangense) CV Jambu Madu

The wax apple or jambu madu, is a non-climacteric tropical fruit from Myrtaceae family and widely cultivated in South East Asia. The limited availability of good quality seedlings of wax apple is the main problem to development of flourish it's market share in the current fruit industry. Therefore, in order to produce good quality planting materials, a study aimed at optimizing propagation and adventitious rooting technique and survivability of wax apple air layer was conducted. In this study, four different levels of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) concentration (0, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg L-1) and three rooting media (sphagnum moss, vermicompost and garden soil) were applied after removal of bark (phloem) on the shoot to determine the effect on rooting and survivability of the wax apple air layer under field conditions. The results showed that the wax apple shoots treated with 2000 mg L-1 IBA produced the significantly higher number of roots, increased length of root, diameter of branch, length of branch, number of leaf and leaf area of air layers. In addition, the highest chlorophyll content and stomatal aperture were recorded in 2000 mg L-1 IBA treatment compared to other treatments including control. Vermicompost medium was better than garden soil and sphagnum moss in respect of rooting and survivability of air layers. The results showed that the combination of 2000 mg L-1 IBA and vermicompost as rooting media give the best combination to root initiation, root number, root length and survival rate (100%) of wax apple air layers. From this study, it can be concluded that 2000 mg L-1 IBA and vermicompost treatment enhance the root initiation, early establishment and survivability of wax apple air layered under field conditions.

A maçã de cera, ou jambu madu, é uma fruta tropical não climatérica da família Myrtaceae e amplamente cultivada no Sudeste Asiático. A disponibilidade limitada de mudas de macieira de boa qualidade é o principal problema para o desenvolvimento de sua participação de mercado na fruticultura atual. Portanto, com o objetivo de produzir materiais de plantio de boa qualidade, foi realizado um estudo visando otimizar a técnica de propagação e enraizamento adventício e a sobrevivência da camada aérea da cera de macieira. Neste estudo, quatro diferentes níveis de concentração de ácido indol-3-butírico (AIB) (0, 1000, 1500 e 2000 mg L-1) e três meios de enraizamento (musgo esfagno, vermicomposto e solo de jardim) foram aplicados após a remoção da casca (floema) na parte aérea para determinar o efeito no enraizamento e capacidade de sobrevivência da camada de ar da macieira em condições de campo. Os resultados mostraram que os brotos de macieira tratados com 2000 mg L-1 de AIB produziram significativamente maior número de raízes, maior comprimento de raiz, diâmetro de galho, comprimento de galho, número de folhas e área foliar das camadas aéreas. Além disso, o maior teor de clorofila e abertura estomática foram registrados no tratamento 2000 mg L-1 IBA em comparação com outros tratamentos, incluindo o controle. O meio de vermicomposto foi melhor do que o solo de jardim e o musgo esfagno em relação ao enraizamento e capacidade de sobrevivência das camadas aéreas. Os resultados mostraram que a combinação de 2000 mg L-1 de AIB e vermicomposto como meio de enraizamento proporciona a melhor combinação para iniciação radicular, número de raízes, comprimento radicular e taxa de sobrevivência (100%) das camadas aéreas de macieira. A partir deste estudo, pode-se concluir que 2.000 mg L-1 de AIB e tratamento com vermicomposto melhoram a iniciação radicular, o estabelecimento precoce e a capacidade de sobrevivência de macieiras em camadas de ar em condições de campo.

Nanoemulsions as Edible Coatings: A Potential Strategy for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Preservation.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are perishable commodities requiring technologies to extend their postharvest shelf life. Edible coatings have been used as a strategy to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to cold storage and/or controlled atmosphere. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a new strategy for improving coating properties. Coatings based on plant-source nanoemulsions in general have a better water barrier, and better mechanical, optical, and microstructural properties in comparison with coatings based on conventional emulsions. When antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds are incorporated into the coatings, nanocoatings enable the gradual and controlled release of those compounds over the food storage period better than conventional emulsions, hence increasing their bioactivity, extending shelf life, and improving nutritional produce quality. The main goal of this review is to update the available information on the use of nanoemulsions as coatings for preserving fresh fruits and vegetables, pointing to a prospective view and future applications.