Development of alginate/inulin carrier systems containing non-conventional Amazonian berry extracts.

Different carriers, such as the combination of sodium alginate and inulin, have been employed to protect foods against environmental effects. The goal of this work was to use the ionic gelation encapsulation process to produce microparticles containing Clidemia rubra extract, ranging the concentration of inulin from 1.5 to 3.5 g inulin.100 g-1 of solution. Characteristic signals of sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds were identified in the extract using the 1H NMR technique. The carriers containing inulin presented significant difference in the moisture content when compared to the pure sodium alginate beads. The produced beads were found in the range of 0.81-1.06 mm. The addition of inulin to sodium alginate was significant for the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the antioxidant compounds when compared to the beads formed only using pure sodium alginate. The microspheres presenting inulin and sodium alginate presented higher content of spherical particles. The addition of 2.5 g inulin.100 g-1 of solution allowed its incorporation into the pores of the beads, favoring a possible chemical interaction between inulin and sodium alginate. This interaction resulted in a different crystal structure and better EE. Furthermore, beads containing inulin presented higher protection of the encapsulated bioactive compounds during the gastric phase.

High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HR-MAS) NMR-Based Fingerprints Determination in the Medicinal Plant Berberis laurina.

Berberis laurina (Berberidaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional medicine since ancient times; however, it is scarcely studied to a large-scale fingerprint. This work presents a broad-range fingerprints determination through high-resolution magical angle spinning (HR-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, a well-established flexible analytical method and one of most powerful "omics" platforms. It had been intended to describe a large range of chemical compositions in all plant parts. Beyond that, HR-MAS NMR allowed the direct investigation of botanical material (leaves, stems, and roots) in their natural, unaltered states, preventing molecular changes. The study revealed 17 metabolites, including caffeic acid, and berberine, a remarkable alkaloid from the genus Berberis L. The metabolic pattern changes of the leaves in the course of time were found to be seasonally dependent, probably due to the variability of seasonal and environmental trends. This metabolites overview is of great importance in understanding plant (bio)chemistry and mediating plant survival and is influenceable by interacting environmental means. Moreover, the study will be helpful in medicinal purposes, health sciences, crop evaluations, and genetic and biotechnological research.

Análisis crítico de metodologías empleadas en la evaluación de selladores en endodoncia / Critical analysis of methodologies used in the evaluation of sealants in endodontics

La incompleta obturación del sistema de conductos radiculares es uno de los motivos del fracaso en el tratamiento endodóntico. La presencia de espacios en el material obturador puede permitir la filtración en los sentidos apical y coronario. A medida que nuevos materiales son propuestos, se deben realizar investigaciones para la evaluación de todas sus propiedades. Dentro de ellas se puede destacar la capacidad selladora del material obturador en el interior de los conductos radiculares. Varias metodologías han sido preconizadas para esta finalidad. La literatura indica que han sido cuestionables la falta de estandarización y correlación entre estos métodos y los resultados de estas investigaciones. La falta de métodos confiables hace que estos materiales sean empleados en la práctica clínica de forma enpírica, en lo que respecta a esta propiedad. El propósito de este trabajo fue analizar metodologías de evaluación de la capacidad selladora de materiales obturadores endodónticos, buscando estudiar detalladamente sus variables y correlacionar los resultados de estas investigaciones con la práctica clínica

The incomplete filling of the root canal systen is one of the reasons for endodontic treatment failure. The presence of gaps in the seal material can allow leakage into the apical and coronary senses. As new materials are proposed, investigations must be conducted for the evaluation of all its properties. Within then you can highlight the sealing capacity of the filling material inside the root canals. Several methods have been advocated for this purpose. Therefore, the literature points towards the lack of standardization and correlation between these methods and the results of these investigations have been questionable. The lack of reliable methods makes the clinical use of these materials enpirical. The goal of this paper is to discuss methodologies for assessing the sealing ability of endodontic filling materials, seeking to study in detail the variables and correlate the results of these researchs with the clinical practice