Mineral bioaccessibility in 3D printed gels based on milk/starch/ĸ-carrageenan for dysphagic people.

Dysphagia is a condition that affects the ability to chew and swallow food and beverages, having a major impact on people's health and wellbeing. This work developed gel systems with a customized texture suitable for intake by dysphagic people using 3D printing and milk. Gels were developed using skim powdered milk, cassava starch (native and modified by the Dry Heating Treatment (DHT)), and different concentrations of kappa-carrageenan (ĸC). The gels were evaluated in relation to the starch modification process and concentration of gelling agents, 3D printing performance, and suitability for dysphagic people (following both the standard fork test described by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI), and also using a new device coupled to a texture analyzer). Moreover, the best formulations were evaluated for mineral bioaccessibility through simulated gastrointestinal digestion based on INFOGEST 2.0 standardized method. The results showed that ĸC had a dominant effect compared to the DHT-modified starch on gel texture, 3D printing performance, and fork tests. The gels obtained by molding or 3D printing resulted in different behaviors during the fork test, which was associated with the gel extrusion process that breaks down their initial structure. The strategies applied to tailor the texture of the milk did not affect the mineral bioaccessibility, which was kept high (>80%).

Hypoglycemic effect of Coffea arabica leaf extracts and major bioactive constituents.

The present study focused on investigating the antioxidant, antiglycation activity, digestive enzymes inhibition, bioaccessibility and hypoglycemic effect of C. arabica leaves extracts. The extracts deactivated the O2•-, ROO•, H2O2, HOCl reactive oxygen species. Coffee leaves showed strong inhibition of α-glucosidase (IC50 = 40.30 µg mL-1) greater than the isolated metabolites and acarbose. There was also inhibition of pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 56.43 µg mL-1) in addition to a hypoglycemic effect in zebrafish similar to acarbose and metformin. With the exception of rutin, all biocompounds were detected at all stages of in vitro digestion. Finally, these results suggest that C. arabica leaf extracts possess antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties that can be attributed to the main metabolites and the synergistic action between them.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Effects of convective drying assisted by ultrasound and osmotic solution on polyphenol, antioxidant and microstructure of murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz) fruit.

The effects of pretreatment with ultrasound and an osmotic solution combined with hot air convection drying on the total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity and microstructural of murtilla skin fruit were evaluated. The effects of ultrasound frequency (0 and 130 kHz), osmotic solution concentration (0 and 70 °Brix) and time (60 or 120 min) on the TPC and the antioxidant activities as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays were evaluated. The TPC and DPPH antioxidant activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) when ultrasound was applied at 0 °Brix for 60 min. Higher FRAP activity was obtained upon treatment with ultrasound and an osmotic solution for 60 min. The ORAC values did not significantly differ based on the pretreatment methods but decreased when an osmotic solution was applied for 120 min without ultrasound. When ultrasound and the osmotic solution were applied, the skin cells of the dried murtilla fruit became more distorted, resulting in larger spaces between them and causing loss of shape. Although the application of pretreatment procedures before murtilla fruit drying did not positively affect the TPC, DPPH or ORAC individually, the application of a Global Standardized Response based on the followed by a mathematical model adjustment indicated that a 70 °Brix osmotic solution applied for 60 min was the best treatment for preparing murtilla fruit aiming a high antioxidant activity in dried product.

Chemical composition and antifungal potential of Brazilian propolis against Candida spp.

Propolis is known to have biological properties against numerous microorganisms of clinical interest. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and antifungal activity of Brazilian propolis (types 3 and 13) against Candida spp. and their effects on the morphology of preformed and mature Candida biofilms. Samples of propolis (3 and 13) collected by Apis mellifera honeybees were obtained from different regions in Brazil. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared, fractionated and submitted to chemical analysis by GC/MS. The extracts and their hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were tested for their ability to inhibit Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. kruzei, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis) by determination of the minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC/MFC). Additionally, their effects on morphology of preformed and mature biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The phenolic compounds p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), kaempferol and quercetin were identified in the EEP-3 and its bioactive dichloromethane fraction; and isoflavonoids such as medicarpin, vestitol and formononetin were found in the EEP-13, and triterpenes in its bioactive hexane fraction. The EEP-3 and EEP-13 and their bioactive fractions showed MIC values ranging from 0.2 to 125µg/mL and MFC values between 125 and 500µg/mL. The EEP and fractions were predominantly fungistatic agents. All extracts and fractions disrupted biofilm structures at 500µg/mL and amorphous areas with cell damage were clearly observed in preformed and mature biofilms. Propolis types 3 and 13 have strong anti-Candida activity and should be considered as promising candidates to treat oral and systemic candidiasis.

Conversion of Isoflavone Glucosides to Aglycones by Partially Purified ß-Glucosidases from Microbial and Vegetable Sources.

Isoflavone aglycones have been shown to be more rapidly and efficiently absorbed into intestines than isoflavone glucosides. Helpfully, ß-glucosidases can be used to convert isoflavone glucosides to aglycones. In this study, ß-glucosidases from microbial (Aspergillus niger) and vegetable lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) sources were characterized, purified, and then employed to convert isoflavone glycosides to aglycones. The microbial crude extract showed maximum activity at 60 °C and pH 5.0. It was highly stable between 40 and 60 °C and between pH 4.0 and 9.0. Optimum activity for the vegetable crude extract was achieved also at 60 °C and pH 5.5. Similarly, it presented great stability at high temperatures and a wide pH range. The microbial enzyme was purified by a factor of 14-fold to a yield of 2.2 % and a specific activity of 17 IU/mg. The vegetable enzyme was purified by a factor of fourfold to a yield of 77 % and a specific activity of 0.18 IU/mg protein. Both ß-glucosidases produced satisfactory conversion rates of daidzin and genistin into daidzein and genistein; however, the microbial enzyme performed better than the vegetable enzyme. Our results suggest a potential use of these enzymes to enhance the bioavailability of isoflavones in food products.

Peanut skin extract reduces lipid oxidation in cooked chicken patties.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of peanut skin extract and its effect on the color and lipid oxidation of cooked chicken patties over 15 d of refrigerated storage. The extract was obtained using 80% ethanol and evaluated in terms of total phenolic content, reducing power based on the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) reagent, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The patties were made with ground thigh fillets, chicken skin, and 2% salt. They were homogenized and divided into the following two groups: a control treatment without antioxidants and a peanut skin treatment with 70 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg per patty. Analyses of the fatty acid profiles, instrumental colors (L*, a*, and b*) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were performed on d 1, 8, and 15 of storage at 1±1ºC. The peanut skin extract resulted in a phenolic content of 32.6±0.7 mg GAE/g dry skin, an antioxidant activity (FRAP) of 26.5±0.8 6 µmol Trolox equivalent/g dry skin, and an efficient concentration (EC50) of 46.5 µg/mL. The total unsaturated fatty acid was approximately 73%, and 39% of this fatty acid content was monounsaturated. The peanut skin extract slowed the decrease in the a* values (P<0.05) but reduced the L* and b* values compared to the control samples during storage (P<0.05). Lipid oxidation was minimized by the peanut skin extract (P<0.05), which resulted in a maximum value of 0.97 malondialdehyde (MDA)/kg compared to values that were close 19 mg MDA/kg patties in the control sample at the end of storage period. Thus, it can be concluded that although peanut skin extract causes little color change, it can be applied as a natural antioxidant to cooked chicken patties because it efficiently inhibits lipid oxidation in this product during refrigerated storage.

Effect of neovestitol-vestitol containing Brazilian red propolis on accumulation of biofilm in vitro and development of dental caries in vivo.

The present study examined the influences of the neovestitol-vestitol (NV) containing fraction isolated from Brazilian red propolis on the development of biofilm and expression of virulence factors by Streptococcus mutans using saliva-coated surfaces of hydroxyapatite. In addition, NV was tested in a rodent model of dental caries to assess its potential effectiveness in vivo. Topical applications of NV (800 µg ml(-1)) significantly impaired the accumulation of biofilms of S. mutans by largely disrupting the synthesis of glucosyltransferase-derived exopolysaccharides and the expression of genes associated with the adaptive stress response, such as copYAZ and sloA. Of even greater impact, NV was as effective as fluoride (positive control) in reducing the development of carious lesions in vivo. NV is a promising natural anti-biofilm agent that targets essential virulence traits in S. mutans, which are associated with the formation of cariogenic biofilm and the subsequent onset of dental caries disease.

Antimicrobial activity of Rheedia brasiliensis and 7-epiclusianone against Streptococcus mutans.

This in vitro study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from Rheedia brasiliensis fruit (bacupari) and its bioactive compound against Streptococcus mutans. Hexane, ethyl-acetate and ethanolic extracts obtained (concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 800 microg/ml) were tested against S. mutans UA159 through MIC/MBC assays. S. mutans 5-days-old biofilms were treated with the active extracts (100 x MIC) for 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4h (time-kill) and plated for colony counting (CFU/ml). Active extracts were submitted to exploratory chemical analyses so as to isolate and identify the bioactive compound using spectroscopic methods. The bioactive compound (concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 80 microg/ml) was then tested through MIC/MBC assays. Peel and seed hexane extracts showed antimicrobial activity against planktonic cells at low concentrations and were thus selected for the time kill test. These hexane extracts reduced S. mutans biofilm viability after 4h, certifying of the bioactive compound presence. The bioactive compound identified was the polyprenylated benzophenone 7-epiclusianone, which showed a good antimicrobial activity at low concentrations (MIC: 1.25-2.5 microg/ml; MBC: 10-20 microg/ml). The results indicated that 7-epiclusianone may be used as a new agent to control S. mutans biofilms; however, more studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of action and the anticariogenic potential of such compound found in R. brasiliensis.

Chemical composition and biological activity of a new type of Brazilian propolis: red propolis.

Propolis has been used as a medicinal agent to treat infections and promote wound healing for centuries. The aim of the present study was to test the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of a new type of Brazilian propolis, popularly called red propolis, as well as to analyze its chemical composition. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus mutans UA159 was evaluated and the chloroform fraction (Chlo-fr) was the most active with lower MIC ranging from 25 to 50 microg/ml. The hexane fraction (H-fr), having the highest concentration of total flavonoids, showed the best sequestrating activity for the free radical DPPH. The ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) showed cytotoxic activity for the HeLa tumor cells with an IC(50) of 7.45 microg/ml. When the EEP was analyzed by GC-MS, seven new compounds were found, among which four were isoflavones. Our results showed that the red propolis has biologically active compounds that had never been reported in other types of Brazilian propolis.

O perfil da emergência do Hospital da Restauração: uma análise dos possíveis impactos após a municipalização dos serviços de saúde / Profile of emergency users of Hospital da Restauração: an analysis of impacts following the municipalization of healthcare

Estudo do perfil demográfico e epidemiológico da clientela atendida na emergência de adultos do hospital da restauração, unidade de grande porte pertencente à Secretaria de Saúde de Pernambuco e que atende pacientes provenientes de todas as regiões de todas as regiões do Estado. Identificar o perfil da clientela atendida, sua adequação à missão institucional e avaliar as mudanças ocorridas após a municipalização dos serviços de saúde, em 1994. O desenho de estudo foi o de análise de série de dados, sendo a amostra constituída por 16.383 prontuários de pacientes atendidos nos anos de 1993, 1997 e 2001. Foram estudadas as variáveis diagnóstico (adequados e inadequados), municipalização, Programa de Saúde da Família, e as co-variáveis sexo, faixa etária, dia, hora e procedência. Em relação à variável diagnóstico, constatou-se que a grande maioria foi inadequada (74,5 por cento). A municipalização dos serviços de saúde e a implantação do Programa de Saúde da Família ao que parece não acarretaram modificações significativas na demanda aos serviços. Duas faixas etárias (20-29 e 30-49 anos) perfazem mais da metade dos atendimentos. Por especialidades, a maior demanda é para a traumatologia, seguindo-se a clínica cirúrgica. A quase totalidade dos pacientes (90 por cento) procede do Recife ou da região metropolitana, sendo a segunda-feira e o horário diurno os de maior demanda. Os resultados indicam que o hospital cumpre sua missão de atendimento preferencial a politraumatismos, neurocirurgia e emergências clínicas. No entanto, atende uma grande parcela de pacientes que não estão adequados ao seu perfil, comprometendo a qualidade da assistência prestada àqueles que o demandam.

Effect of a new variety of Apis mellifera propolis on mutans Streptococci.

The effects of a new variety of propolis, from Northeastern Brazil (BA), on growth of mutans streptococci, cell adherence, and water-insoluble glucan (WIG) synthesis were evaluated. Propolis from Southeastern (MG) and Southern (RS) Brazil were also tested as an extension of our previous work. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared and analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC. For the antibacterial activity assays, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of EEPs against Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, and S. cricetus were determined. Cell adherence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus to a glass surface was measured spectrophotometrically at 550 nm. WIG synthesized from sucrose by glucosyltransferase (Gtf) was extracted and quantified by the phenol-sulfuric method. The HPLC profile of the new variety of propolis was entirely different from Southeastern and Southern propolis. Neither flavonoid aglycones nor p-coumaric acid were detected in EEP BA. All EEPs demonstrated biological activities against mutans streptococci; EEP BA showed the highest potency in all in vitro parameters evaluated in this study. The ranges of MIC values were 50 (EEP BA)-400 microg/ml (MG), for S. mutans; and 25 (BA)-400 microg/ml (MG), for S. sobrinus and S. cricetus. The bactericidal concentration of EEPs was four to eight times the MIC values. The adherence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus cells and WIG synthesis were markedly inhibited by EEPs, demonstrating significant inhibition at all concentrations compared with the control (80% ethanol) (p<0.05). EEP BA showed 80% inhibition of cell adherence and WIG synthesis at concentrations as low as 12.5 and 7.8 microg/ml, respectively. The results show that the new variety of propolis was exceptionally effective in all in vitro parameters tested against mutans streptococci; biological effects of propolis are likely not to be due solely to flavonoids and (hydroxy)cinnamic acid derivatives.