Assessing the impact of voluntary sustainability standards in Amazonian enterprises involved in the açaí value chain.

The diversity of sustainable certifications raises questions about the credibility, intentions, and impacts of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) on Global Value Chains (GVC). Few studies show the impacts of VSS on different sustainable dimensions in sectors such as the non-timber forest product (NTFP) sector. This paper aims to investigate in the value chain of the most important NTFP in the Amazon, açaí, whether VSS contributes to sustainable outcomes in the Governance, Environmental, Economic, and Social dimensions. Using case studies in enterprises of the açaí chain and the use of tools and indicators was possible to generate information that is currently scarce for NTFPs in the Amazon from the VSS perspective. The results show that there is a great distance that the weakest links of the GVC (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises - MSMEs) must walk to adopt VSS and be inserted into the global market. The requirements are based on bureaucratic management activities, which are extraordinarily complex and involve many issues and indicators. The VSS lacks supplements that evaluate and validate the results reported by the companies as sustainable. Finally, the VSS is still far from ensuring an inclusive and fully sustainable chain by itself.

Optimization of petroleum products distribution via pipeline systems: Modeling and computational challenges.

Optimizing the distribution of refined oil products using pipeline systems has been posing a meaningful challenge to the operations research field of exceptional economic importance for the oil and gas industry. The solution of this problem stands on the interface of chemical engineering and operations research, the former has been the most important contributor, and the latter has been paying an increasing amount of attention to its solution over the last ten years or so. The goal of this work is fourfold: to unveil the current shape of the accomplished research work on this topical area according to its descriptive analytics, to present and discuss its modeling research perspectives, to outline its emerging research trends and to trigger discussions on its future research avenues. A future research agenda should study more realistic mathematical models for the system and solution procedures that exploit their algebraic structure.

Pinhão potential and their parts (failures, shells, and almonds) in the elaboration of yogurts containing acai pulp: physicochemical, nutritional, and functional properties, antimicrobial activity, and multi-elemental profile.

This study applies natural resources, prioritizing recyclable and renewable inputs produced by pinhão cultivation, whose purpose is to use the failures, shells, and almonds as a source of bioactive compounds addition in yogurt, ensuring intelligent use of these natural resources. Thus, one açaí yogurt sample and eight yogurt formulations containing portions of pinhão byproducts between 5 % and 10 % were elaborated. These formulations were compared regarding their physicochemical, nutritional, functional properties, antimicrobial activity, and multi-elemental profile properties. Enriching açaí yogurt with pinhão byproducts does not significantly differ in protein, lipid, moisture, and mineral salt content between all samples with pinhão byproducts. Açaí yogurts enriched with pinhão byproducts had 5.71 to 26.07 % times total protein than the control sample, and total fiber also had a significant increase in samples ranging between 18.62 to 85.29 % times more than the control sample. Regarding color settings, all yogurt samples tended to be red-purple. A sample of açaí yogurt with pine nut flour and whole pine nut flour caused a biofilm mass amount of 46.58, 45.55, and 11.85 % for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The behavior of pathogenic bacteria is related to the total polyphenol content in yogurts enriched with pinhão byproducts, which increased from 8.27 to 18.24 mg/100 g. Yogurt with açaí enriched with whole pinhão flour showed high antioxidant capacity. The sample's antioxidant activity results increased by 47.62 % and 130.38 % in the ABTS and DPPH analyses, respectively. The compounds in pinhão failure nanosuspensions, pinhão flour, whole pinhão flour, and yogurts were identified and divided into hydrophilic and lipophilic classes. Five classes (amino acids, organic acids, sugars, phenols, and cyclitols) were identified as hydrophilic. Lipophilic compounds were identified and separated into six classes (carboxylic acids, diterpenes, alcohols, Α-hydroxy acids, sterols, and triterpenes). The addition of pinhão byproducts increased the contents of Ca, Fe, K, Na, and P. Açaí yogurt with pinhão nanosuspension, pinhão flour, and whole pinhão flour had the highest Ca content (2164.38 ± 2.16 µg/L). Açaí yogurt with pinhão flour and whole pinhão flour had the highest Fe content (84.02 ± 0.08 µg/L).

Toxicology of anhydroecgonine methyl ester: A systematic review of a cocaine pyrolysis product.

Anhydroecgonine Methyl Ester (AEME), also known as methylecgonidine, is the main pyrolysis product of smoking cocaine (cocaine base paste or basuco, crack, or freebase). This review aims to synthesize the available scientific evidence on the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic effects of AEME. A search of scientific articles published in Science Direct, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE up to May 2024 was conducted. Twenty-four articles, including 13 experimental animal studies, 2 clinical trials, and 3 observational studies, were reviewed. AEME is readily deposited in the alveoli; its absorption improves in combination with cocaine and has a broad tissue distribution. It is metabolized primarily in the liver, with a half-life of approximately one hour, and is mainly excreted through urine. Moreover, AEME acts as a partial agonist of M1 and M3 muscarinic cholinergic receptors, influences dopaminergic system neuroadaptation, increases the production of reactive oxygen species, imbalances the activity of glutathione-associated enzymes, and reduces melatonin levels, affecting its antioxidant regulatory properties. When combined with cocaine, AEME activates the non-apoptotic pathway of caspase-9 and then, the apoptotic pathway via caspase-8, reducing neuronal viability in half the time of cocaine. AEME plays a significant role in cocaine toxicity and AEME itself.

Soybean molasses can be used as a substitute for corn in grazing beef cattle supplements during the rainy season.

Soybean molasses (SBMO) is a byproduct derived from the production of soy protein concentrate, obtained through solubilization in water and alcohol. The utilization of SBMO as an animal feed ingredient shows promising potential, primarily due to its low cost and as a potential energy concentrate. This study aimed to assess the intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters (pH and ruminal ammonia - NH3), nitrogen retention (NR) and microbial protein synthesis in grazing beef cattle supplemented with SBMO as a substitute for corn during the rainy season. Five Nellore (10-month-old) bulls with an average initial weight of 246 ± 11.2 kg were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The animals were housed in five paddocks, each consisting of 0.34 ha of Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha). Five isonitrogenous protein-energy supplements (300 g crude protein [CP]/kg supplement) were formulated, with SBMO replacing corn at varying levels (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 g-1 g). The supplements were provided daily at a quantity of 2.0 kg-1 animal. The inclusion of SBMO at any level of corn substitution did not significantly affect the intake of pasture dry matter or total dry matter (P > 0.10). Likewise, the intake of CP and, consequently, the ruminal concentration of NH3 did not differ among the SBMO levels. Increasing the inclusion of SBMO did not have a significant impact on NR (P > 0.10), indicating that animals receiving supplements containing 100% SBMO as a substitute for corn may perform similarly to animals receiving supplements with 100% corn (0% SBMO). Soybean molasses represents a viable alternative energy source for grazing beef cattle during the rainy season and can entirely replace corn without adversely affecting animal nutritional performance.

Observed kinetics for the production of diethyl carbonate from CO2 and ethanol catalyzed by CuNi nanoparticles supported on activated carbon.

Monometallic and bimetallic Cu:Ni catalysts with different Cu:Ni molar ratios (3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3) were synthesized by wetness impregnation on activated carbon and characterized by TPR (temperature programmed reduction), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). The synthesized catalysts were evaluated in the gas phase production of diethyl carbonate from ethanol and carbon dioxide. The largest catalytic activity was obtained over the bimetallic catalyst with a Cu:Ni molar ratio of 3:1. Its improved activity was attributed to the formation of a Cu-Ni alloy on the surface of the catalyst, evidenced by XPS and in agreement with a previous assignment based on Vegard law and TPR analysis. During the reaction rate experiments, it observed the presence of a maximum of the reaction rate as a function of temperature, a tendency also reported for other carbon dioxide-alcohol reactions. It showed that the reaction rate-temperature data can be adjusted with a reversible rate equation. The initial rate as a function of reactant partial pressure data was satisfactorily adjusted using the forward power law rate equation and it was found that the reaction rate is first order in CO2 and second order in ethanol.

The sublethal impacts of five insecticidal formulations on Oryzaephilus surinamensis behavioral traits.

BACKGROUND: Mortality caused by various pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids has been studied for stored-product insects in the past, yet limited information exists on the sublethal effects they can induce to Oryzaephilus surinamensis. In the current study, the sublethal effects of deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, α-cypermethrin, etofenprox, and the mixture of acetamiprid with d-tetramethrin and piperonyl butoxide on the mobility of O. surinamensis in the presence or the absence of a food source was investigated. RESULTS: Lethal concentrations (LCs) were lower for deltamethrin, α-cypermethrin, and λ-cyhalothrin (LC10 = 0.000233, 0.000211, and 0.000271 mg active ingredient (a.i.) cm-2, LC30 = 0.000413, 0.000398, and 0.000447 mg a.i. cm-2, respectively), followed by etofenprox, and the mixture of acetamiprid with d-tetramethrin and piperonyl butoxide (LC10 = 0.00228 and 0.003267 mg a.i. cm-2, LC30 = 0.00437 and 0.01188 mg a.i. cm-2, respectively). Deltamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin negatively impacted adult walking behavior, increasing stop durations compared to controls. Adults exposed to LC10 and LC30 of λ-cyhalothrin, and LC30 of deltamethrin exhibited prolonged periods on their backs compared to the remaining treatments and the controls. The α-cypermethrin LC30-exposed adults exhibited significantly shorter walking and stopping durations than controls but demonstrated prolonged climbing on the arena walls compared to adults exposed to the remaining a.i. and the control. A similar trend was observed for etofenprox. CONCLUSIONS: Under sublethal concentrations, λ-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin increased stop intervals and reduced the duration of climbing attempts of O. surinamensis versus α-cypermethrin. These findings advance comprehension of the underexplored sublethal impacts of the tested a.i. on O. surinamensis adults, holding potential for leveraging insecticide-induced behavioral effects to enhance warehouse pest management. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Selective Antineoplastic Potential of Fractionated Caribbean Native Ganoderma Species Extracts on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 expression. It is known for its high malignancy, invasiveness, and propensity for metastasis, resulting in a poor prognosis due to the absence of beneficial therapeutic targets. Natural products derived from mushrooms have gained significant attention in neoplastic therapy due to their potential medicinal properties. The therapeutic potential of Ganoderma lucidum in breast cancer has been highlighted by our group, suggesting its use as an adjuvant treatment. The present study aims to assess the potential antineoplastic capacity of two Caribbean native Ganoderma species found in Puerto Rico, Ganoderma multiplicatum (G. multiplicatum) and Ganoderma martinicense (G. martinicense). Antiproliferative studies were conducted via cell viability assays after cultivation, harvesting, and fractionation of both species. The obtained results indicate that most of the fractions show some cytotoxicity against all cell lines, but 33% of the fractions (F1, F2, F7, F12) display selectivity towards cancer cell models. We demonstrate for the first time that native Ganoderma species can generate metabolites with anti-TNBC properties. Future avenues will focus on structure elucidation of the most active fractions of these Ganoderma extracts.

Biflavonoids: Preliminary Reports on Their Role in Prostate and Breast Cancer Therapy.

Dimeric flavonoids, also called biflavonoids, are bioactive compounds that exhibit various activities described in the literature, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, vasorelaxant, and anticancer properties. This work focuses on the anticancer action of naturally occurring dimeric flavonoids against prostate and breast cancer, as well as on the mechanisms of action involved in their activity and presents the most current information on this subject in the literature. In the present review, we summarize the latest findings on the antiproliferative activity of 33 dimeric flavonoid-based compounds selected from recently published studies. The tests conducted were in silico and in vitro and demonstrated the cytotoxic activity potential of biflavonoids against prostate and breast tumor cells. Biflavonoids were capable of interfering with the migration and replication of cancer cells and their mechanism of action is related to cell death pathways, especially apoptosis, necrosis, and ferroptosis. These compounds decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and significantly increased intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, they significantly upregulated the expression of p21, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3, while downregulating Bcl-2 and caspase-3 levels, indicating their cell death mechanism of action is through the Bcl-2/Bax/cleaved caspase-3 pathway and cell cycle arrest. The biflavonoids here related have shown promising anticancer activity and are considered potential drug candidates for prostate and breast cancer treatment.

The Fumigation Toxicity of Three Benzoate Compounds against Phosphine-Susceptible and Phosphine-Resistant Strains of Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophilus oryzae.

Phosphine (PH3) has been widely used as a fumigant in food storage, but increasing PH3 resistance in major pests makes finding alternative fumigants urgent. Methyl benzoate (MBe), a volatile organic compound regarded to be a food-safe natural product, has recently demonstrated significant toxicity against a variety of insect pests. This study is the first evaluation of the fumigation toxicity of three benzoate compounds, MBe, vinyl benzoate, and ethyl benzoate, against PH3-susceptible and PH3-resistant strains of Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophilus oryzae. All strains were exposed to the compounds at concentrations up to 20 µL/1.5 L air for 24 h. Compared to vinyl benzoate and ethyl benzoate, MBe induced higher mortality rates in all strains at all concentrations. When food was made available, the lethal median concentration for MBe was 10-17-fold higher than when tested without food. Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the responses of the PH3-susceptible and PH3-resistant strains to the compounds. Notably, S. oryzae was more susceptible to MBe. In laboratory settings, MBe successfully controlled PH3-resistant strains of R. dominica and S. oryzae, making it a viable option for PH3-resistance management. Thus, MBe might be suitable for food security programs as an environmentally benign alternative fumigant.

Deep brain stimulation in Latin America in comparison with the US and Europe in a real-world population: indications, demographics, techniques, technology, and adverse events.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide geographic comparisons of deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures in Latin America with the US and Europe regarding primary indications, demographic information, clinical and device-related adverse events, technology used, and patient outcomes using the Medtronic Product Surveillance Registry data as of July 31, 2021. METHODS: Two thousand nine hundred twelve patients were enrolled in the registry (2782 received DBS and 1580 are currently active). Fourteen countries contributed 44,100 years of device experience to the registry. DBS centers in Latin America are located in Colombia (n = 3), Argentina (n = 1), Brazil (n = 1), and Mexico (n = 1). Fisher's exact test was used to compare the difference in proportions of categorical variables between regions. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for the EQ-5D index score change from baseline to follow-up. RESULTS: The most common indication for DBS was Parkinson's disease across all regions. In Latin America, dystonia was the second most common indication, compared to essential tremor in other regions. There was a striking finding with respect to age-patients were an average of 10 years younger at DBS implantation in Latin America. This difference was most likely due to the greater number of patients with dystonia receiving the device implants. The intraoperative techniques were quite similar, showing the same level of quality and covering the main principles of the surgeries with some variations in the brand of frames, planning software, and microrecording systems. Rechargeable batteries were significantly more common in Latin America (72.37%) than in the US (6.44%) and Europe (9.9%). Staging of the DBS procedure differed, with only 11.84% in Latin America staging the procedure compared with 97.58% and 34.86% in the US and Europe, respectively. The EQ-5D score showed significant improvements in all regions during the first 6-12 months (p < 0.0001). However, the 24-month follow-up only showed an improvement in the scale for Latin America (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: DBS was performed in Latin America with similar indications, techniques, and technology as in the US and Europe. Important differences were found, with Latin America implementing more regular use of rechargeable devices, including younger patients at the time of surgery, and showing more sustained quality of life improvements at 24 months of follow-up. The authors hypothesize that these disparities stem from differences in resources among regions. However, more studies are needed to standardize DBS practice across the world to improve patients' quality of life and provide high-quality care.

Antitumor Effects of Resveratrol Opposing Mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Cancer.

Gastric cancer is an aggressive and multifactorial disease. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is identified as a significant etiological factor in gastric cancer. Although only a fraction of patients infected with H. pylori progresses to gastric cancer, bacterial infection is critical in the pathology and development of this malignancy. The pathogenic mechanisms of this bacterium involve the disruption of the gastric epithelial barrier and the induction of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis and metastasis. Adherence molecules, virulence (CagA and VacA) and colonization (urease) factors are important in its pathogenicity. On the other hand, resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Resveratrol also inhibits cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis, suggesting a role as a potential therapeutic agent against cancer. This review explores resveratrol as an alternative cancer treatment, particularly against H. pylori-induced gastric cancer, due to its ability to mitigate the pathogenic effects induced by bacterial infection. Resveratrol has shown efficacy in reducing the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the synergistic effects of resveratrol with chemotherapy and radiotherapy underline its therapeutic potential. However, further research is needed to fully describe its efficacy and safety in treating gastric cancer.

Ligand-based analysis of the antifungal potential of phytosterols and triterpenes isolated from Cryptostegia grandiflora against Candida auris FKBP12.

Candida auris, a pathogenic fungus, has posed significant challenges to conventional medical treatments due to its increasing resistance to antifungal agents. Consequently, due to their promising pharmacological properties, there is a compelling interest in exploring novel bioactive compounds, such as phytosterols and triterpenes. This study aimed to conduct virtual screening utilizing computational methods, including ADMET, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics, to assess the activity and feasibility of phytosterols extracted from Cryptostegia grandiflora as potential therapeutic agents. Computational predictions suggest that compounds bearing structural similarities to Fsp3-rich molecules hold promise for inhibiting enzymes and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) modulators, with particular emphasis on ursolic acid, which, in its conjugated form, exhibits high oral bioavailability and metabolic stability, rendering it a compelling drug candidate. Molecular docking calculations identified ursolic acid and stigmasterol as promising ligands. While stigmasterol displayed superior affinity during molecular dynamics simulations, it exhibited instability, contrasting with ursolic acid's slightly lower affinity yet sustained stability throughout the dynamic assessments. This suggests that ursolic acid is a robust candidate for inhibiting the FKBP12 isomerase in C. auris. Moreover, further investigations could focus on experimentally validating the molecular docking predictions and evaluating the efficacy of ursolic acid as an FKBP12 isomerase inhibitor in models of C. auris infection.

Probiotics and the reduction of SARS-CoV-2 infection through regulation of host cell calcium dynamics.

Calcium is a secondary messenger that interacts with several cellular proteins, regulates various physiological processes, and plays a role in diseases such as viral infections. Next-generation probiotics and live biotherapeutic products are linked to the regulation of intracellular calcium levels. Some viruses can manipulate calcium channels, pumps, and membrane receptors to alter calcium influx and promote virion production and release. In this study, we examined the use of bacteria for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases, such as coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Vaccination programs have helped reduce disease severity; however, there is still a lack of well-recognized drug regimens for the clinical management of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the host cell calcium (Ca2+), manipulates proteins, and disrupts Ca2+ homeostasis. This article explores how viruses exploit, create, or exacerbate calcium imbalances, and the potential role of probiotics in mitigating viral infections by modulating calcium signaling. Pharmacological strategies have been developed to prevent viral replication and block the calcium channels that serve as viral receptors. Alternatively, probiotics may interact with cellular calcium influx, such as Lactobacillus spp. The interaction between Akkermansia muciniphila and cellular calcium homeostasis is evident. A scientific basis for using probiotics to manipulate calcium channel activity needs to be established for the treatment and prevention of viral diseases while maintaining calcium homeostasis. In this review article, we discuss how intracellular calcium signaling can affect viral replication and explore the potential therapeutic benefits of probiotics.

Efficient Anthocyanin Recovery from Black Bean Hulls Using Eutectic Mixtures: A Sustainable Approach for Natural Dye Development.

There is a growing interest in exploring new natural sources of colorants. This study aimed to extract anthocyanins from broken black bean hulls (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by modifying water with a eutectic mixture (choline chloride:citric acid (ChCl:Ca)). Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was employed and optimized in terms of temperature (30-70 °C), ultrasound power (150-450 W), and eutectic mixture concentration in water (1-9% (w/v)), resulting in an optimal condition of 66 °C, 420 W, and 8.2% (w/v), respectively. The main quantified anthocyanins were delphinidin-3-O-glycoside, petunidin-3-O-glycoside, and malvidin-3-O-glycoside. The half-life of the anthocyanins at 60 °C increased twelvefold in the eutectic mixture extract compared to the control, and when exposed to light, the half-life was 10 times longer, indicating greater resistance of anthocyanins in the extracted eutectic mixture. Additionally, the extracts were concentrated through centrifuge-assisted cryoconcentration, with the initial cycle almost double the extract value, making this result more favorable regarding green metrics. The first concentration cycle, which showed vibrant colors of anthocyanins, was selected to analyze the color change at different pH levels. In general, the technology that uses eutectic mixtures as water modifiers followed by cryoconcentration proved to be efficient for use as indicators in packaging, both in quantity and quality of anthocyanins.

Alkaloids from Siparuna (Siparunaceae) are predicted as the inhibitors of proteolysis and plasma coagulation caused by snake venom and potentially counteract phospholipase A2 activity of Bothrops jararaca.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Snakebite envenomation (SBE) is the world's most lethal neglected tropical disease. Bothrops jararaca is the species that causes the greatest number of SBEs in the South and Southeastern of Brazil. The main symptoms are local (inflammation, edema, hemorrhage, and myonecrosis) and systemic (hemorrhage, hemostatic alterations with consumptive coagulopathy, and death) effects. Species of the genus Siparuna, Siparunaceae, are used in folk and traditional medicine to treat SBE. However, limited information is available concerning Brazilian Siparuna species against SBE. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the correlation between the compounds present in the extracts of five Siparuna species as potential agents against proteolytic activity, plasma coagulation, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity caused by B. jararaca venom, using data obtained by UHPLC-MS/MS, biological activity, and multivariate statistics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanol extracts from leaves of S. ficoides, S. decipiens, S. glycycarpa, S. reginae, and S. cymosa were fractionated by liquid-liquid extraction using different solvents of increasing polarity (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol), affording their respective extracts, totaling 25 samples that were assayed through in vitro plasma coagulation and proteolytic activity assays. Moreover, the extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS, using electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in negative and positive ionization modes. The data was processed in MZmine v. 2.53 and evaluated by multivariate statistical tests (PLS) using the software UnscramblerX v. 10.4. These data were also used to build molecular networks (GNPS), and some ions of interest could be annotated using the library of molecules on the GNPS platform. RESULTS: A total of 19 extracts inhibited B. jararaca-induced plasma coagulation, with emphasis on S. cymosa and S. reginae (800 s). The inhibition of the proteolytic activity was also promising, ranging from 16% (S. glycycarpa) to 99% (S. cymosa, S. decipiens, and S. reginae). In addition, most extracts from S. cymosa and S. reginae inhibited 70-90% of PLA2 activity. Based on data from positive mode APCI analyses, it was possible to obtain a statistic model with reliable predictive capacity which exhibited an average R2 of 0.95 and a Q2 of 0.88, indicating a robust fit. This process revealed five ions, identified as the alkaloids: coclaurine (1), stepholidine (2) O-methylisopiline (3), nornantenine (4) and laurolitsine (5). This is the first study to evidence the potential antivenom of alkaloids from Siparuna species. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our results give support to the popular use of Siparuna extracts in SBE accidents, suggesting their potential as an alternative or complementary strategy against envenoming by B. jararaca venom. The predicted ions in the chemometric analysis for the assayed activities can also be correlated with the blocking activity and encourage the continuation of this study for possible isolation and testing of individual compounds on the used models.

Identification and Characterization of Rotigotine Degradation Products by HPLC Coupled DAD and CAD Detectors and HRMS Through Q-Orbitrap and Electrospray Ionization.

Rotigotine (RTG) is a dopamine agonist used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. As it is susceptible to oxidation, stability studies must be carefully designed for the identification and characterization of all possible degradation products. Here, RTG degradation was evaluated according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines under various stress conditions, including acidic and basic hydrolysis, oxidative, metallic, photolytic, and thermal conditions. Additionally, more severe stress conditions were applied to induce RTG degradation. Significant degradation was only observed under oxidative and photolytic conditions. The samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detectors, charged aerosol, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Chromatographic analyses revealed the presence of eight substances related to RTG, four of which were already described and were qualified impurities (impurities B, C, K and E) and four new degradation products (DP-1 - DP-4), whose structures were characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry through Q-Orbitrap and electrospray ionization. In the stress testing of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in solid form, significant RTG degradation was observed in the presence of the oxidative matrix. The results corroborate the literature that confirm the high susceptibility of RTG to oxidation and the importance of using different detectors to detect degradation products in forced degradation studies.

Soybean molasses increases subcutaneous fat deposition while reducing lipid oxidation in the meat of castrated lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of including soybean molasses (SM) on performance, blood parameters, carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid, and muscle (longissimus thoracis) transcriptomic profiles of castrated lambs. Twenty Dorper × Santa Inês lambs (20.06 ±â€…0.76 kg body weight [BW]) were assigned to a randomized block design, stratified by BW, with the following treatments: CON: 0 g/kg of SM and SM20: 200 g/kg of SM on dry matter basis, allocated in individual pens. The diet consisted of 840 g/kg concentrate and 160 g/kg corn silage for 76 d, with the first 12 d as an adaptation period and the remaining 64 d on the finishing diet. The SM20 diet increased blood urea concentration (P = 0.03) while reduced glucose concentration (P = 0.04). Lambs fed SM showed higher subcutaneous fat deposition (P = 0.04) and higher subcutaneous adipocyte diameter (P < 0.01), in addition to reduced meat lipid oxidation (P < 0.01). SM reduced the quantity of branched-chain fatty acids in longissimus thoracis (P = 0.05) and increased the quantity of saturated fatty acids (P = 0.01). In the transcriptomic analysis, 294 genes were identified as differentially expressed, which belong to pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation, citric acid cycle, and monosaccharide metabolic process. In conclusion, diet with SM increased carcass fat deposition, reduced lipid oxidation, and changed the energy metabolism, supporting its use in ruminant nutrition.

This study investigated the effects of incorporating soybean molasses (SM) into the diet of castrated lambs on various aspects of their performance and meat quality. Twenty lambs were divided into two groups: one was fed a control diet without SM whereas the other was fed a similar diet but containing 20% of SM. The feeding trial lasted for 76 d. Results showed that the SM inclusion in the diet led to increased blood urea levels and decreased glucose concentrations. SM inclusion also resulted in lambs with higher levels of subcutaneous fat and larger adipocytes, while reducing meat lipid oxidation. Moreover, SM altered fatty acid composition in the meat, decreasing branched-chain fatty acids and increasing saturated fatty acids. In agreement with these findings, transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant change in the expression of genes related to energy metabolism in the muscle of lambs fed SM. In conclusion, incorporating SM in lamb's diet increased fat deposition, improved meat quality, and induced a transcriptomic change in the muscle energy metabolism, supporting its potential use in ruminant nutrition.

Analysis of omarigliptin forced degradation products by ultra-fast liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and in vitro toxicity assay.

Omarigliptin (OMG) is an antidiabetic drug indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Forced degradation studies are practical experiments to evaluate the stability of drugs and to establish degradation profiles. Herein, we present the investigation of the degradation products (DPs) of OMG formed under various stress conditions. OMG was subjected to hydrolytic (alkaline and acidic), oxidative, thermal, and photolytic forced degradation. A stability-indicating ultra-fast liquid chromatography method was applied to separate and quantify OMG and its DPs. Five DPs were adequately separated and detected in less than 6 min, while other published methods detected four DPs. MS was applied to identify and obtain information on the structural elucidation of the DPs. Three m/z DPs confirmed previously published research, and two novel DPs were described in this paper. The toxicity of OMG and its DPs were investigated for the first time using in vitro cytotoxicity assays, and the sample under oxidative conditions presented significant cytotoxicity. Based on the results from forced degradation studies, OMG was found to be labile to hydrolysis, oxidation, photolytic, and thermal stress conditions. The results of this study contribute to the quality control and stability profile of OMG.

Characterization, Biocompatibility and Antioxidant Activity of Hydrogels Containing Propolis Extract as an Alternative Treatment in Wound Healing.

Hydrogels consist of a network of highly porous polymeric chains with the potential for use as a wound dressing. Propolis is a natural product with several biological properties including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. This study was aimed at synthesizing and characterizing a polyacrylamide/methylcellulose hydrogel containing propolis as an active ingredient, to serve as a wound dressing alternative, for the treatment of skin lesions. The hydrogels were prepared using free radical polymerization, and were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, swelling capacity, mechanical and rheological properties, UV-Vis spectroscopy, antioxidant activity by the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays and biocompatibility determined in Vero cells and J774 macrophages by the MTT assay. Hydrogels showed a porous and foliaceous structure with a well-defined network, a good ability to absorb water and aqueous solutions simulating body fluids as well as desirable mechanical properties and pseudoplastic behavior. In hydrogels containing 1.0 and 2.5% propolis, the contents of total polyphenols were 24.74 ± 1.71 mg GAE/g and 32.10 ± 1.01 mg GAE/g and those of total flavonoids 8.01 ± 0.99 mg QE/g and 13.81 ± 0.71 mg QE/g, respectively, in addition to good antioxidant activity determined with all three methods used. Therefore, hydrogels containing propolis extract, may serve as a promising alternative wound dressing for the treatment of skin lesions, due to their anti-oxidant properties, low cost and availability.