UPLC-QTOF-MSE based metabolomics and chemometrics study of the pitaya processing.

The search for knowledge related to the Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus [F.A.C. Weber] Britton & Rose, family Cactaceae) is commonly due to its beneficial health properties e aesthetic values. But process to obtain pitaya pulp is a first and important step in providing information for the subsequent use of this fruit as colorant, for example. Therefore, the effects of the pulping process on the metabolomic and chemometric profile of non-volatile compounds of pitaya were assessed for the first time. The differences in metabolic fingerprints using UPLC-QTOF-MSE and multivariate modeling (PCA and OPLS-DA) was performed in the following treatments: treatment A, which consists of pelled pitaya and no ascorbic acid addition during pulping; treatment B, use of unpelled pitaya added of ascorbic acid during pulping; and control, unpelled pitaya and no ascorbic acid addition during pulping. For the metabolomic analysis, UPLC-QTOF-MSE shows an efficient method for the simultaneous determination of 35 non-volatile pitaya metabolites, including isorhamnetin glucosyl rhamnosyl isomers, phyllocactin isomers, 2'-O-apiosyl-phylocactin and 4'-O-malonyl-betanin. In addition, the chemometric analysis efficiently distinguished the metabolic compounds of each treatment applied and shows that the use of unpelled pitaya added of ascorbic acid during pulping has an interesting chemical profile due to the preservation or formation of compounds, such as those derived from betalain, and higher yields, which is desirable for the food industry.

Fatores dietéticos e microbianos que interferem no tratamento da osteoartrite / Dietary and microbial factors that interfere in the treatment of osteoarthritis / Factoresdietéticos y microbianos que interfieren en el tratamento de la artroses

Introdução:A osteoartrite é uma doença degenerativa caracterizada pela deterioração progressiva da cartilagem articular, resultando em dor e incapacidade articular total em estágios avançados.Éconsiderada um dos distúrbios articulares mais comuns em todo o mundo e sua prevalência está aumentando constantemente devido ao envelhecimento, dietas inflamatórias e inatividade física. Objetivo:Investigar a contribuição da microbiota intestinal e dos componentes dietéticos, naperspectiva dediminuir as patologias associadas à osteoartrite. Metodologia:Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa desenvolvida a partir da seleção de artigos disponíveis escritos nalíngua inglesa, publicados nas bases de dados Pubmed e Science Direct. Resultados:No total, 25.583 artigos foram encontrados na busca, após os critérios de exclusão, 19 artigos compuseram o corpo de análise da revisão. Pesquisas em animais mostram que os efeitos induzidos por dieta rica em gordura foram evidentes e indicaram uma inflamação sistêmica de baixo grau resultando no agravamento da oesteoartritepor meio do aumento da degeneração da cartilagem. Dado ao impacto potencial da dieta na oesteoartrite, foram realizados estudos para avaliar a dieta mediterrânea, os níveis de ômega 3 e 6, vitamina C e E, com destaque para a oligofrutose, uma abordagem nova para tratar a oesteoartriteda obesidade. Conclusões:Conclui-se que apesar de já existir alguma evidência da utilidade da nutrição por meioda dieta alimentar como complemento da terapêutica na osteoartrite são necessários mais estudos que comprovem as intervenções na redução máxima dos marcadores inflamatórios ocasionando o alíviodos sintomas em pacientes com oesteoartrite (AU).

Introduction:Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage, resulting in pain and total joint disability in advanced stages. It is considered one of the most common joint disorders worldwide and its prevalence is steadily increasing due to aging, inflammatory diets and physical inactivity. Objective:The aim of this literature review was to investigate the contribution of intestinal microbiota and dietary components to try to reduce the pathologies associated with osteoarthritis.Methodology:This is an integrative review, developed from the selectionof available articles written in English, published in the Pubmed and Science Direct databases. Results:Intotal, 25.583articleswerefoundinthesearch,aftertheexclusioncriteria,19 articles madeupthebodyofanalysisofthereview.Animal research shows that the effects induced by a high-fat diet were evident and indicated low-grade systemic inflammation resulting in worsening osteoarthritis by increasing cartilage degeneration. Given the potential impact of diet on osteoarthritis, studies have been conducted to evaluate the Mediterranean diet, omega 3 and 6 levels, vitamin C and E, especially oligofructose, a new approach to treat obesity osteoarthritis.Conclusions:It is concluded that although there is already some evidence of the usefulness of nutrition through the diet as a complement to therapy in osteoarthritis, further studiesare needed to prove the interventions in the maximum reduction of inflammatory markers will cause the relief of symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis (AU).

Introducción: La artrosis es una enfermedad degenerativa caracterizada por el deterioro progresivo del cartílago articular, que se traduce en dolor e incapacidad articular total en estadios avanzados. Se considera uno de los trastornos articulares más comunes en todo el mundo y su prevalencia aumenta constantemente debido al envejecimiento, las dietas inflamatorias y la inactividad física. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión fue investigar la contribución de la microbiota intestinal y los componentes de la dieta, en un intento por reducirlas patologías asociadas a la artrosis. Metodología: Se trata de una revisión integradora, desarrollada a partir de la selección de artículos disponibles escritos en inglés, publicados en las bases de datos Pubmed y Science Direct. Resultados: En total, se encontraron 25.583 artículos en la búsqueda, después de los criterios de exclusión, 19 artículos conformaron el cuerpo de análisis de la revisión.La investigación en animales muestra que los efectos inducidos por una dieta alta en grasas fueron evidentes e indicaron una inflamación sistémica de bajo grado que resultó en un empeoramiento de la osteoartritis a través de una mayor degeneración del cartílago. Dado el impacto potencial de la dieta en la osteoartritis, se han realizado estudios para evaluar ladieta mediterránea, los niveles de omega 3 y 6, vitamina C y E, con énfasis en la oligofructosa, un nuevo enfoque para tratar la osteoartritis por obesidade.Conclusiones: Se concluye que aunque ya existe alguna evidencia de la utilidad de la nutrición a través de la dieta como complemento al tratamiento de la artrosis, son necesarios más estudios que prueben intervenciones en la reducción máxima de los marcadores inflamatorios, provocando el alivio de los síntomas en pacientes con osteoartritis (AU).

Hypolipidemic and reduced nitrergic effects of p-hydroxycinnamic diesters extracted from Copernicia prunifera in mice challenged by a high-fat diet.

Dyslipidemia is a chronic non-transmissible condition that has increased due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Statins have been used as the standard treatment to control hyperlipidemia. However, side effects and high costs may be associated with its prolonged treatment, so plants derivatives have been an attractive therapy to overcome these problems. Among the compounds extracted from plants, the p-hydroxycinnamic diesters (HCE), present in carnauba wax (CW), have been found with good pharmacological properties. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-hypercholesterolemic and possible toxicological effects of HCE in C57BL/6J mice under a high-fat (HF) diet. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed during 60 days under the HF diet and therefore were either treated with HCE (200 and 400 mg/kg) or simvastatin (20 mg/kg) or received saline (controls) by gavage for 30 days under the same diet. HCE treatment was able to reduce serum total cholesterol and LDL levels. Besides, this compound increased liver X receptor (LXR) and but not significantly affected IL-1ß and TNF-α liver mRNA transcription activity. In conclusion, HCE treatment was found safe and may attenuate the deleterious effects of dyslipidemia due to chronic feeding with western diets.

Effects of processing on the chemical, physicochemical, enzymatic, and volatile metabolic composition of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose).

The effects of processing on the chemical, physicochemical, enzymatic, and volatile metabolic composition of pitaya pulp were assessed for the first time. To this end, the following treatments to obtain pitaya pulp were evaluated: Treatment A (TA, pulp processing without ascorbic acid), Treatment B (TB, whole fruit processing with ascorbic acid), and Control (whole fruit processing without ascorbic acid). The treatment employed in TB resulted in low polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity, and no significant chemical or physicochemical alterations in most parameters evaluated. In addition, TB presents high yields and fiber content compared to the TA or Control. For metabolic analysis, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was effective for the simultaneous determination of 80 volatile metabolites in pitaya. Chemometric analyses was used to efficiently distinguish the volatile compounds of each treatment, and demonstrated that TB presents an interesting volatile profile due the conservation or agregation of compounds.

Metabolic profile of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose) by UPLC-QTOF-MSE and assessment of its toxicity and anxiolytic-like effect in adult zebrafish.

Pitaya is a Cactacea with potential for economic exploitation, due to its high commercial value and its functional components - such betalains, oligosaccharides and phenolic compounds. Although the biological activities of pitaya have been studied using in vivo and in vitro models (anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities, as example), its anxiolytic-like effect is still unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this work was to perform a characterization of pulp and peel of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose) using UPLC-QTOF-MSE, and to assess its toxicity and anxiolytic-like effect in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed 16 and 15 compounds (in pulp and peel, respectively), including maltotriose, quercetin-3-O-hexoside, and betalains, putatively identified by UPLC-QTOF-MSE. Thus, pitaya pulp and peel showed no toxicity in both models tested (Vero cell lines and zebrafish model, LC50 ˃ 1 mg/mL); and a significant anxiolytic activity, since the treated fish reduced the permanence in the clear zone (Light & Dark Test) compared to that in the control, exhibiting anxiolytic-simile effect of diazepam. However, these effects were reduced by pre-treatment with the flumazenil suggesting that the pulp and peel of pitaya are anxiolytics agents mediated via the GABAergic system. These findings suggested that H. polyrizhus has the potential of developing an alternative plant-derived anxiolytic therapy. In addition, pitaya peel (which is a waste in the food industry) should be regarded as a valuable product, which has the potential as an economic value-added ingredient for anxiety disorders.

Phonological awareness and early reading and writing abilities in early childhood education: preliminary normative data / Consciência fonológica e habilidades iniciais de leitura e escrita na educação infantil: dados normativos preliminares

ABSTRACT Objective: to provide preliminary normative data for the Reading and Writing Test by type of school, and normative data for the Phonological Awareness Test by Oral Production for private schools and update their normative data available for public schools, all of which are for children in the final year of early childhood education. Methods: 267 children, in the age range of 5 years, and typical development. Identification Questionnaire for Parents, Phonological Awareness Test by Oral Production and Reading and Writing Test were used. The means of performance in the tests of the present sample were compared with the existing normative data to justify normative data provision and updating. Results: Student's t-test revealed that the private school children outperformed those of the public schools in all measures, reinforcing the need for specific standards, according to the type of school. There were strong to very strong relationships among the variables evaluated, demonstrating a marked association between phonological awareness and initial reading and writing abilities. The Wilcoxon test revealed significant differences between the performance of the children of the present study, from both private and public schools, and the data from the Phonological Awareness Test by Oral Production standardization sample, suggesting the need to update the Phonological Awareness Test by Oral Production standards. Finally, the new normative data were presented. Conclusion: the need to make available and update the test standards used, according to the type of school, was confirmed. Further studies are necessary to expand the data presented to other age groups.

RESUMO Objetivo: disponibilizar dados normativos preliminares do Teste de Leitura e Escrita por tipo de escola, disponibilizar dados normativos da Prova de Consciência Fonológica por Produção Oral para escolas particulares e atualizar seus dados normativos disponíveis para escolas públicas, sendo todos para crianças do último período da Educação Infantil. Métodos: participaram 267 crianças, idade média de 5 anos, com desenvolvimento típico. Foram utilizados: Questionário de Identificação para pais, Prova de Consciência Fonológica por Produção Oral e Teste de Leitura e Escrita. Para justificar a disponibilização e atualização das normas, foram comparadas as médias de desempenho entre os testes da amostra atual e com dados normativos existentes. Resultados: teste t de Student revelou que as crianças da escola particular tiveram desempenho superior em relação às da escola pública em todas as medidas, reforçando a necessidade de normas específicas por tipo de escola. Houve relação alta a muito alta entre as varáveis avaliadas, demonstrando forte associação entre consciência fonológica e habilidades iniciais de leitura e escrita. Teste de Wilcoxon revelou diferenças significativas entre os desempenhos das crianças do presente estudo, tanto as de escola particular quanto da pública, com os da amostra de normatização da Prova de Consciência Fonológica por Produção Oral, sugerindo a necessidade de atualização das mesmas. Por fim, foram apresentados os novos dados normativos. Conclusão: foi confirmada a necessidade de disponibilização e atualização das normas dos testes utilizados em função do tipo de escola. Espera-se que pesquisas futuras possam expandir os dados apresentados para outras faixas etárias.

Screening of Bioactivities and Toxicity of Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl.

The caatinga, an exclusively Brazilian biome, is one of the most endangered vegetation systems in the planet. To be exploited rationally, its potential needs to be scientifically demonstrated. Among these is the faveleira, used in northeastern Brazil. It stands out for its extraordinary drought resistance and medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of compounds extracted from Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl in preventing disease and its rational use as a herbal therapeutic tool. The methodology began with the collection and herborization of the plant material, to obtain the chemical compounds, preliminary phytochemical analysis, and extraction of the constituents of the active extracts. To determine the biological activities the authors conducted investigation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, inhibition capacity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, and initial assessment of toxicity of the extracts. The results demonstrated great potential as an antimicrobial agent, an important antioxidant capacity, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition response with no significant difference compared with the reference drug. The authors expect to develop a new herbal product, resulting in lower production costs and that, consequently, could be commercialized in more accessible form to the population, highlighting the risk reduction of contraindication of this category of medications.