Gamma Radiation Effects on Peanut Skin Antioxidants

Peanut skin, which is removed in the peanut blanching process, is rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. The aims of this study were to measure bioactive compounds in peanut skins and evaluate the effect of gamma radiation on their antioxidant activity. Peanut skin samples were treated with 0.0, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 kGy gamma rays. Total phenolics, condensed tannins, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Extracts obtained from the peanut skins were added to refined-bleached-deodorized (RBD) soybean oil. The oxidative stability of the oil samples was determined using the Oil Stability Index method and compared to a control and synthetic antioxidants (100 mg/kg BHT and 200 mg/kg TBHQ). Gamma radiation changed total phenolic content, total condensed tannins, total flavonoid content, and the antioxidant activity. All extracts, gamma irradiated or not, presented increasing induction period (h), measured by the Oil Stability Index method, when compared with the control. Antioxidant activity of the peanut skins was higher than BHT. The present study confirmed that gamma radiation did not affect the peanut skin extracts' antioxidative properties when added to soybean oil.

Molecular characterization by amplified fragment length polymorphism and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus isolated from freshly harvested peanut in Brazil

Brazil contributes substantially to the global peanut production, and the state of Sao Paulo is the largest producer in the country. Peanut crops can be contaminated by Aspergillus flavus strains producing aflatoxins, which are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Thus, the production of high-quality peanuts is crucial both for the commercial peanut industry and as a matter of public health. In this study, we used amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis (AFLP) to investigate the genetic variability among A. flavus strains isolated from fresh peanuts harvested in four different regions in the state of Sao Paulo, and to determine whether the molecular genetic profiles correlated with aflatoxin production or sclerotia formation. AFLP analysis generated 78 fragments ranging from 27 to 365 base pairs in length. Thirteen percent were not polymorphic. Genotyping identified twelve groups of A. flavus. On the basis of the polymorphisms identified, similarity between the isolates ranged from 37% to 100%. Of all isolates collected, 91.7% produced aflatoxins and 83.9% produced small sclerotia. Statistical analysis failed to suggest any relationship between the presence of sclerotia and mean levels of aflatoxins B-1 and B-2. Furthermore, a dendrogram based on AFLP data revealed substantial genetic variability among the A. flavus strains, but showed no correlation between dendrogram groups separated by molecular genetic features and production of aflatoxins B-1 or B-2 or the formation of sclerotia.

In vitro effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on dentine hypersensitivity. Dentine permeability and scanning electron microscopy analysis

The aim of the present study was to determine clinical parameters for the use of Er,Cr:YSGG laser in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity. Two antagonist areas were determined as control and experimental areas for irradiation in 90 premolar roots. Each surface was conditioned with 24% EDTA (sub-group 1) and 35% phosphoric acid (sub-group 2) and irradiated with the following settings: 1) Er:YAG, 60 mJ, 2 Hz, defocused; groups 2 to 9: irradiation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser, 20 Hz, Z6 tip, 0% of air and water: 2) Er,Cr:YSGG 0.25 W; 3) 0.5 W; 4) 0.75 W; 5) 1.0 W; 6) 1.25 W, 7) 1.50 W, 8) 2 W; 9) 2 W. After irradiation, samples were immersed in methylene blue solution and included in epoxy resin to obtain longitudinal cuts. The images were digitalized and analyzed by computer software. Although the samples irradiated with Er:YAG laser showed less microleakage, sub-group 1 showed differences between the groups, differing statistically from groups 3, 6, and 9. The results of sub-group 2 showed that the mean values of Er:YAG samples showed a negative trend, however, no differences were detected between the groups. For scanning electron microscopy analysis, dentine squares were obtained and prepared to evaluate the superficial morphology. Partial closure of dentinal tubules was observed after irradiation with Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser in the 0.25 and 0.50 W protocols. As the energy densities rose, open dentinal tubules, carbonization and cracks were observed. It can be concluded that none of the parameters were capable of eliminating microleakage, however, clinical studies with Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers should be conducted with the lowest protocols in order to determine the most satisfactory setting for dentine hypersensitivity.

Effects of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers on dentine hypersensitivity. Short-term clinical evaluation

Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is a painful condition and is a clinical challenge due to the different treatment strategies available. High-intensity lasers have been studied as a possible option. The aim of this randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical study was to evaluate the effects of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers on DH. The study group comprised 28 subjects who met the inclusion criteria. A visual analogue scale was used to quantify sensitivity before treatment as baseline, immediately before and immediately after treatment, and 1 week and 1 month after treatment. Teeth were assigned to four groups: group 1 control (no treatment), group 2 Er:YAG laser treatment (2 Hz/32.4 mJ/5.9 J/cm(2)), group 3 Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment (0.25 W/4.4 J/cm(2)), and group 4 Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment (0.50 W/ 8.9 J/cm(2)). Data were collected and submitted to statistical analysis for both evaporative (air) and mechanical (probe) stimulation. For both the air and probe stimulation no differences were observed between the pretreatment sensitivities. With the evaporative stimulus, the pain level immediately after treatment was reduced; however, after this the values remained stable. Irradiation with the Er:YAG laser was associated with the lowest level of pain. With the mechanical stimulus, group 4 showed the most pronounced decrease in pain immediately after treatment; however, by the end of the study, pain levels had increased. Groups 1, 2 and 3 showed a reduction in pain that was significantly different from that in group 4 after the 4 weeks of clinical follow up. Based on the results and within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that none of the laser treatments studied was capable of completely eliminating pain, but the Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers are suitable for the treatment of DH.

A cross-sectional study on canine Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi infection in Amazonian Brazil ratifies a higher prevalence of specific IgG-antibody response than delayed-type hypersensitivity in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs

This was a cross-sectional study which analyzed the prevalence and the clinical and immunological spectrum of canine Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi infection in a cohort of 320 mongrel dogs living in an endemic area of American visceral leishmaniasis in the Amazonian Brazil by using, mainly, the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT-IgG) and the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), and the parasite research by the popliteal lymph node aspiration. The IFAT and DTH reactivity recognized three different immune response profiles: (1) IFAT((+))/DTH(-) (107 dogs), (2) IFAT((-))/DTH(+) (18 dogs), and (3) IFAT((+))/DTH(+) (13 dogs), providing an overall prevalence of infection of 43 % (138/320). Thus, the specific prevalence of IFAT ((+)) /DTH ((-)) 33.4 % (107/320) was higher than those of IFAT ((-)) /DTH ((+)) 5.6 % (18/320) and IFAT ((+)) /DTH ((+)) 4.0 % (13/320). Moreover, the frequency of these profiles among 138 infected dogs showed that the IFAT ((+)) /DTH ((-)) rate of 77.5 % (107/138) was also higher than those of 13.0 % (18/138) of IFAT ((-)) /DTH ((+)) and 9.5 % (13/138) of IFAT ((+)) /DTH ((+)) rates. The frequency of asymptomatic dogs (76 %-105) was higher than those of symptomatic (16.6 %-23) and oligosymptomatic ones (7.4 %-10). A total of 16 (11.6 %) L. (L.) i. chagasi isolates were obtained from infected dogs, all from the IFAT ((+)) /DTH ((-)) profile: 41 % (9/22) from symptomatic, 33.3 % (3/9) from oligosymptomatic, and 5.2 % (4/76) from asymptomatic dogs. These findings strongly suggested that despite the higher frequency of asymptomatic dogs (76 %-105), the majority (72.4 %-76) was characterized by the IFAT ((+)) /DTH ((-)) profile with a doubtful immunogenetic resistance against infection.

Perioperative latex hypersensitivity reactions: an integrative literature review

This article characterizes hypersensitivity reactions during anesthetic-surgical procedures. This integrative literature review was conducted in the LILACS, CINAHL, COCHRANE and MEDLINE databases including papers published from 1966 to September 2011. A total of 17 case reports, two prevalence studies and one cohort study were identified. Latex reactions were mainly type III and the primary source of intraoperative reaction was latex gloves. The average time for clinical manifestation was 59.8 minutes after anesthetic induction; 44.4% of patients reported a reaction to latex at the pre-anesthetic evaluation. It was determined that the history of allergic reactions to latex obtained in the pre-anesthetic evaluation does not ensure the safety of patients if the staff is inattentive to the severity of the issue. There is also a tendency to initially attribute the anaphylactic event to the anesthetic drugs.

Drug reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) / Drug-induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS): a review of current concepts

The Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms syndrome, also known as Drug Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome presents clinically as an extensive mucocutaneous rash, accompanied by fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, hematologic abnormalities with eosinophilia and atypical lymphocytes, and may involve other organs with eosinophilic infiltration, causing damage to several systems, especially to the kidneys, heart, lungs, and pancreas. Recognition of this syndrome is of paramount importance, since the mortality rate is about 10% to 20%, and a specific therapy may be necessary. The pathogenesis is related to specific drugs, especially the aromatic anticonvulsants, altered immune response, sequential reactivation of herpes virus and association with HLA alleles. Early recognition of the syndrome and withdrawal of the offending drug are the most important and essential steps in the treatment of affected patients. Corticosteroids are the basis of the treatment of the syndrome, which may be associated with intravenous immunoglobulin and, in selected cases, Ganciclovir. The article reviews the current concepts involving this important manifestation of adverse drug reaction.

Hypersensitivity reactions to non beta-lactam antimicrobial agents, a statement of the WAO special committee on drug allergy

Antibiotics are used extensively in the treatment of various infections. Consequently, they can be considered among the most important agents involved in adverse reactions to drugs, including both allergic and non-allergic drug hypersensitivity [J Allergy Clin Immunol 113:832–836, 2004]. Most studies published to date deal mainly with reactions to the beta-lactam group, and information on hypersensitivity to each of the other antimicrobial agents is scarce. The present document has been produced by the Special Committee on Drug Allergy of the World Allergy Organization to present the most relevant information on the incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, possible mechanisms, and management of hypersensitivity reactions to non beta-lactam antimicrobials for use by practitioners worldwide.

Mycobiota, aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid in stored peanut cultivars

This study evaluated the presence of fungi and mycotoxins [aflatoxins (AFs), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), and aspergillic acid] in stored samples of peanut cultivar Runner IAC Caiapó and cultivar Runner IAC 886 during 6 months. A total of 70 pod and 70 kernel samples were directly seeded onto Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus agar for fungi isolation and aspergillic acid detection, and AFs and CPA were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed the predominance of Aspergillus section Flavi strains, Aspergillus section Nigri strains, Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp. and Rhizopus spp. from both peanut cultivars. AFs were detected in 11.4% of kernel samples of the two cultivars and in 5.7% and 8.6% of pod samples of the Caiapó and 886 cultivars, respectively. CPA was detected in 60.0% and 74.3% of kernel samples of the Caiapó and 886 cultivars, respectively. Co-occurrence of both mycotoxins was observed in 11.4% of kernel samples of the two cultivars. These results indicate a potential risk of aflatoxin production if good storage practices are not applied. In addition, the large number of samples contaminated with CPA and the simultaneous detection of AFs and CPA highlight the need to investigate factors related to the control and co-occurrence of these toxins in peanuts.

Comparison of predicted and experimental DSC curves for vegetable oils

We compare experimental and predicted differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves for palm oil (PO), peanut oil (PeO) and grapeseed oil (GO). The predicted curves are computed from the solid-liquid equilibrium modelling and direct minimization of the Gibbs free energy. For PO, the lower the scan rate, the better the agreement. The temperature transitions of PeO and GO were predicted with an average deviation of -0.72 degrees C and -1.29 degrees C respectively, in relation to experimental data from literature. However, the predicted curves showed other peaks not reported experimentally, as computed DSC curves correspond to equilibrium hypothesis which is reached experimentally for an infinitely small scan rate. The results revealed that predicted transitions temperatures using equilibrium hypotheses can be useful in pre-experimental evaluation of vegetable oils formulations seeking for desired melting profiles. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of intrathecal gabapentin on neuropathic pain is independent of the integrity of the dorsolateral funiculus in rats

Aim: This study evaluates the contribution of inhibitory pain pathways that descend to the spinal cord through the dorsolateral funiculus (DLF) on the effect of intrathecal gabapentin against spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced behavioral hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation in rats. Main method: Rats were submitted to a sham or complete ligation of the right LS and L6 spinal nerves and a sham or complete DLF lesion. Next, the changes induced by intrathecal administration of gabapentin on the paw withdrawal threshold of rats to mechanical stimulation were evaluated electronically. Key findings: Intrathecal gabapentin (200 mu g/5 mu l) that was injected 2 or 7 days after surgery fully inhibited the SNL-induced behavioral hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation in sham DLF-Iesioned rats; gabapentin was effective against the SNL-induced behavioral hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation also in DLF-Iesioned rats. Significance: The effect of intrathecally administered gabapentin against SNL-induced behavioral hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation in rats does not depend on the activation of nerve fibers that descend to the spinal cord via the DLF. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 in rat joint inflammation

Objective To determine whether activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV-4) induces inflammation in the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to assess the effects of TRPV-4 agonists and proinflammatory mediators, such as a protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) agonist, on TRPV-4 responses. Methods Four hours after intraarticular injection of carrageenan into the rat joints, expression of TRPV-4 and PAR-2 in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons and in the TMJs were evaluated by real-time reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence, followed by confocal microscopy. The functionality of TRPV-4 and its sensitization by a PAR-2activating peptide (PAR-2AP) were analyzed by measuring the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in TMJ fibroblast-like synovial cells or TG neurons. Plasma extravasation, myeloperoxidase activity, and the head-withdrawal threshold (index of mechanical allodynia) were evaluated after intraarticular injection of selective TRPV-4 agonists, either injected alone or coinjected with PAR-2AP. Results In the rat TMJs, TRPV-4 and PAR-2 expression levels were up-regulated after the induction of inflammation. Two TRPV-4 agonists specifically activated calcium influx in TMJ fibroblast-like synovial cells or TG neurons. In vivo, the agonists triggered dose-dependent increases in plasma extravasation, myeloperoxidase activity, and mechanical allodynia. In synovial cells or TG neurons, pretreatment with PAR-2AP potentiated a TRPV-4 agonistinduced increase in [Ca2+]i. In addition, TRPV-4 agonistinduced inflammation was potentiated by PAR-2AP in vivo. Conclusion In this rat model, TRPV-4 is expressed and functional in TG neurons and synovial cells, and activation of TRPV-4 in vivo causes inflammation in the TMJ. Proinflammatory mediators, such as PAR-2 agonists, sensitize the activity of TRPV-4. These results identify TRPV-4 as an important signal of inflammation in the joint.

In Situ Effect of Dentifrices Associated to CO2 Laser in the Permeability of Eroded Root Dentin

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate, through a crossover 2 x 2 in situ trial, the effect of a desensitizing dentifrice associated with CO2 laser irradiation to control the permeability of eroded root dentin. Background data: Facing the increased prevalence of erosive lesion and the need for preventive means to control painful symptoms related to them. Methods: Eighty slabs of bovine root dentin were subjected to initial erosive challenge (citric acid 0.3%, 2 h), followed by a remineralizing period in artificial saliva (24 h). Specimens were then divided according to dentin treatment: desensitizing dentifrice, desensitizing dentifrice + CO2 laser, fluoride anticavity dentifrice. and fluoride anticavity dentifrice + CO2 laser. After a 2-day lead-in period, 10 volunteers wore an intraoral palatal appliance containing four root dentin slabs, in two phases of 5 days each. During the intraoral phase, one side of the appliance was immersed in 0.3% citric acid, and the opposite side was immersed in deionized water, four times a day. One hour after the immersions, all specimens were brushed with dentifrice slurry provided by the researcher. After a 7-day washout period, volunteers were crossed over on the different dentifrice group. Each phase having been completed, the specimens were evaluated for permeability through an optical microscope. Results: Data were analyzed using ANOVA and no significant difference (p = 0.272) was found between the surface treatments performed on bovine root dentin. Conclusions: It can be concluded that fluoride anticavity or desensitizing dentifrice, regardless of the association with the CO2 laser irradiation, was able to control the permeability of eroded root dentin.

Plasma corticosterone levels in mouse models of pain

Background: Pain markedly activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and increases plasma corticosterone release interfering significantly with nociceptive behaviour as well as the mechanism of action of analgesic drugs. Aims/Methods: In the present study, we monitored the time course of circulating corticosterone in two mouse strains (C57Bl/6 and Balb/C) under different pain models. In addition, the stress response was investigated following animal handling, intrathecal (i.t.) manipulation and habituation to environmental conditions commonly used in nociceptive experimental assays. We also examined the influence of within-cage order of testing on plasma corticosterone. Results: Subcutaneous injection of capsaicin precipitated a prompt stress response whereas carrageenan and complete Freund's adjuvant induced an increased corticosterone release around the third hour post-injection. However, carrageenan induced a longer increased corticosterone in C57Bl/6 mice. In partial sciatic nerve ligation, neuropathic pain model corticosterone increased only in the first days whereas mechanical hypersensitivity remained much longer. Animal handling also represents an important stressor whereas the i.t. injection per se does not exacerbate the handling-induced stress response. Moreover, the order of testing animals from the same cage does not interfere with plasma corticosterone levels in the intrathecal procedure. Animal habituation to the testing apparatus also does not reduce the immediate corticosterone increase as compared with non-habituated mice. Conclusion: Our data indicate that HPA axis activation in acute and chronic pain models is time dependent and may be dissociated from evoked hyperalgesia. Therefore, HPA-axis activation represents an important variable to be considered when designing experimental assays of persistent pain as well as for interpretation of data.

Characterization of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from corn grains of different geographic origins in Brazil

Aflatoxins can cause great economic losses and serious risks to humans and animals health. The largest aflatoxin producers belong to Aspergillus section Flavi and can occur naturally in food commodities. Studies showed that molecular tools as well as the type of sclerotia produced by the strains could be helpful for identification of Aspergillus species and could be correlated with levels of toxin production. The purpose of this work was to characterize the genetic diversity using AFLP technique, the type of sclerotia and the ability of aflatoxin production by isolated strains from corn of different origins in Brazil, and to verify whether qPCR based on aflR and aflP genes is appropriate for estimating the level of aflatoxin production. All the 75 strains were classified as A. flavus and the AFLP technique showed a wide intraspecific variability within them. Regarding sclerotia production, 34% were classified as S and 66% as L type. Among the aflatoxin-producers, 52.8% produced aflatoxin B-1, while 47.2% aflatoxins B-1 and B-2. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between sclerotia production and aflatoxigenicty, and no correlation between the phylogenetic clusters and aflatoxin production. Concerning the relative expression of aflR and aflP, Pearson's correlation test demonstrated low positive correlation between the expression of the aflR and aflP genes and the production of AFB(1) and AFB(2), but showed high positive correlation between aflR and aflP expression. In contrast to the other reference strains, A. oryzae ATCC 7282 showed no amplification of aflR and aflP. The results highlight the need for detection of reliable and reproducible markers with a high positive correlation with aflatoxin production.