Effect of high-hydrostatic pressure and pH treatments on the emulsification properties of gum arabic

This study investigated the emulsification properties of the native gums and those treated at high pressure (800 MPa) both at their “natural” pH (4.49 and 4.58, respectively) and under “acidic and basic” pH (2.8 and 8.0) conditions. The emulsification behaviour of KLTA gum was found to be superior to that of the GCA gum. High pressure and pH treatment changed the emulsification properties of both gums. The acidic amino acids in gum arabic were shown to play an important role in their emulsification behaviour, and mechanisms of emulsification for the two gums were suggested to be different. The highly “branched” nature of the carbohydrate in GCA gum was also thought to be responsible for the “spreading” of droplet size distributions observed. Coomassie brilliant blue binding was used to indicate conformational changes in protein structure and Ellman’s assay was used to estimate any changes in levels of free thiols present.

Commercial thickeners used by patients with dysphagia: rheological and structural behaviour in different food matrices

In order to achieve a safe swallowing in patients with dysphagia, liquids must be thickened. In this work, two commercial starch based thickeners dissolved in water, whole milk, apple juice and tomato juice were studied. The thickeners were Resource®, composed of modified maize starch and Nutilis®, composed of modified maize starch and gums. They were formulated at two different concentrations corresponding to nectar- and pudding-like consistencies. Influence of composition, concentration and food matrix on rheological properties and structure of the resulting pastes were analysed. Viscoelastic measurements and microscopic observations of the thickeners dissolved in water revealed structural differences due to the presence of gums. When the thickeners were dissolved in the other food matrices significant statistical interactions were found between the matrix and the thickener-type in both the viscoelastic and flow parameters. The most relevant differences were observed for the nectar-like consistency with Nutilis® thickener in milk and apple juice. These samples had lower zero viscosity values and higher loss tangent values, that corresponded to weaker structured systems. Light microscopy images showed that the matrix formed by swollen starch granules was interrupted by the presence of gums. The structure of the matrices in pudding-like formulations became more continuous irrespectively of the matrix employed, and also differences in viscoelasticity among samples diminished. Although differences were observed in zero shear viscosity values among samples, the viscosity of the beverages at 50 s−1 – commonly used as a reference for swallowing – was similar for all samples regardless of the matrix used.

Long-term conditioning of soil by plantation eucalypts and pines does not affect growth of the native jarrah tree

Plant species can condition the physico-chemical and biological properties of soil in ways that modify plant growth via plant–soil feedback (PSF). Plant growth can be positively affected, negatively affected or neutrally affected by soil conditioning by the same or other plant species. Soil conditioning by other plant species has particular relevance to ecological restoration of historic ecosystems because sites set aside for restoration are often conditioned by other, potentially non-native, plant species. We investigated changes in properties of jarrah forest soils after long-term (35 years) conditioning by pines (Pinus radiata), Sydney blue gums (Eucalyptus saligna), both non-native, plantation trees, and jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata; dominant native tree). Then, we tested the influence of the conditioned soils on the growth of jarrah seedlings. Blue gums and pines similarly conditioned the physico-chemical properties of soils, which differed from soil conditioning caused by jarrah. Especially important were the differences in conditioning of the properties C:N ratio, pH, and available K. The two eucalypt species similarly conditioned the biological properties of soil (i.e. community level physiological profile, numbers of fungal-feeding nematodes, omnivorous nematodes, and nematode channel ratio), and these differed from conditioning caused by pines. Species-specific conditioning of soil did not translate into differences in the amounts of biomass produced by jarrah seedlings and a neutral PSF was observed. In summary, we found that decades of soil conditioning by non-native plantation trees did not influence the growth of jarrah seedlings and will therefore not limit restoration of jarrah following the removal of the plantation trees.

Differential Acetyl Cholinesterase Inhibition by Volatile Oils from two Specimens of Marlierea racemosa (Myrtaceae) Collected from Different Areas of the Atlantic Rain Forest

The volatile oil composition and anti-acetyl cholinesterase activity were analyzed in two specimens of Marlierea racemosa growing in different areas of the Atlantic Rain Forest (Cananeia and Caraguatatuba, SP, Brazil). Component identifications were performed by GUMS and their acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory activity was measured through colorimetric analysis. The major constituent in both specimens was spathulenol (25.1 % in Cananeia and 31.9% in Caraguatatuba). However, the first one also presented monoterpenes (41.2%), while in the Carguatatuba plants, this class was not detected. The oils from the plants collected in Cananeia were able to inhibit the acetyl cholinesterase activity by LIP to 75%, but for oils from the other locality the maximal inhibition achieved was 35%. These results suggested that the monoterpenes are more effective in the inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase activity than sesquiterpenes as these compounds are present in higher amounts in the M. racemosa plants collected in Cananeia.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil from Croton heterocalyx Baill. (Euphorbiaceae s.s.) Leaves

The chemical composition and the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Croton heterocalyx leaves were evaluated. The oil which was analyzed by GC and GUMS was found to contain germacrene D (12.5%), bicyclogermacrene (11.2%), delta-elemene (9.2%) beta-elemene (8.2%), spathulenol (6.9%), linalool (5.4%) and 1,8-cineole (3.7%) its major components. Croton. heterocalyx oil displayed a high inhibitory activity against the fungi Aspergillus niger (16404) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231.) as well its the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), hut a very weak activity was observed for the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027).

Chemical analysis of the essential oil extracted from the seeds of Licaria puchury-major

The essential oil from seeds of Licaria puchury-major was isolated by hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of the oil was analyzed by GC and GUMS. Sixteen compounds were identified, representing 91.4% of the total oil. The major components were safrole (58.4%), dodecanoic acid (13.7%) and alpha-terpineol (8.4%). Oxygenated monoterpenoids were the main group of compounds.

Obtenção de novos derivados de ß-naftol e cardanol hidrogenado e avaliação dos seus efeitos antioxidativos em gasolina automotiva

The chemical nature of the hidrocarbons found in gasoline directly affects the formation of oxidation complexes known as gums. Such complexes are slightly soluble in gasoline and their formation is delayed with the use of inhibitors, known as antioxidants. In this study, a synthetic compound (βnaphtol) and a natural subproduct (hydrogenated cardanol, derived from cashewnut shell liquid CNSL) have been used in order to generate novel antioxidant substances. These compounds were submitted to chemical reactions including alkylation, nitration and reduction, with the purpose of forming the following derivatives: 6(Nethyl,Nethylamino)βnaphtol (AO1); 6(Nethyl,Ndiethylamino)βnaphtol (AO2); aminoβnaphtol (AO3); 2(Nethyl,Nethylamino)pentadecylphenol (AOC1), 2(Nethyl,Ndiethylamino)pentadecylphenol (AOC2) and aminopentadecylphenol (AOC3). The derivatives were subjected to accelerated oxidative stability assays (Potential Gum and Induction Period) and to storage assays (Washed Gum and ASTM Color) during six months, with naphtha provided by the petroleum refinery RPBC (Refinaria Presidente Bernardes de Cubatão, in Brazil). The results for the derivatives were compared to those for commercial additives [DBPC (2,6ditbutyl4methylpcresol) and PDA (N,N disecbutylpphenylenediamine)], which were also added to the naphtha produced at RPBC at the moment of sampling. From all tested antioxidants, the novel antioxidant AOC1 (derived from hydrogenated cardanol) yielded a better global performance. During the period of time in which the naphtha was stored, an examination of this material was carried out in parallel, using the mass spectrometry technique. This study allowed to monitor the formation of a triolefinic compound, as well as the observation of subsequent formation and rupture of the olefinic constituents. As an eventual result from these experimental investigations, a reaction route leading to gum formation has been suggested

Evidence of ecotypic differentiation between populations of the tree species Parapiptadenia rigida due to flooding

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Natural Polysaccharides as Active Biomaterials in Nanostructured Films for Sensing

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Nanocompósitos eletroativos de poli-o-metoxianilina e polissacarídeos naturais

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Percepção dos idosos sobre saúde bucal

The assessment of oral health status in elderly patients is essential for the development of specific health policies. The prevalence of oral diseases is high in this population. The self-perception of oral health conditions influences the demand for oral care and quality of life for seniors. The aim of this study was to assess self-perception of oral health status in 100 elderly of both sexes, aged 60 years or older and functionally independent the Basic Health Unit of Felipe Camarão II, Natal, Brazil. For comparison of self-perception data was collected in Bom Pastor, Natal / RN. In this research data were collected a questionnaire grouped into two parts. The first part with the socio-demographic data, subjective and objective condition of oral health and access to the service, the second part GOHAI Index. This index consists of 12 items that make it possible to obtain information involving aspects of chewing, speech, phonation, and self-assessed oral health. The results were subjected to statistical tests of Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 0.05), to identify possible predictors of self-evaluation. As a result, 69% were female, ages ranged from 60 to 86 years, with a median of 65 years. In relation to marital status 48% were married. For the years of study, the sample had an average of 3 years. For the last visit to the dentist, only 27% of seniors had visited the Dentist for less than a year. Regarding the questions about the presence of gingival and dental problems were answered by 46% and 21% respectively. The data on the perception of your teeth and gums, 44%. The index showed GOHAI value for self-perception of 30 points to Felipe Camarão and 28 points for the Bom Pastor, both considered a low perception. We identified predictors of self-rated number of people in the room, participate in any associational activity, there is problems with your teeth and your gums. Concluded a negative self-perception of oral health condition by Gone in both areas, influenced by socioeconomic and cultural issues, although they realize the importance given to oral health, but by the misfortunes of other prominent favored little valuing of oral health

Estudo clínico e níveis de ansiedade em uma série de casos de líquen plano oral

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a relatively common, cronic inflammatory disease. Its etiopathogenesis is no completely understood and several factors have proposed in attempt to explain the appearance, variety of clinical manifestations and periods of exacerbation and remission of the symptons of the lesions. The objective of the present study was to assess the presence of local factors, systemic diseases and levels of anxiety in patients with OLP, investigating their association with the clinical characteristics of the lesions. The sample consisted of 37 patients with histopathologically confirmed OLP that were submitted to a clinical exam to evaluate the presence of smoking habits, consumption of alcoholic beverages, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The existence of skin lesions, as well as the time course, clinical form, symptomatology, number and location of the oral lesions were also registered. The trait anxiety was measured by Spielberger s Stai-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and to associate the variables we used the chi-square or Fisher s exact test. It was observed that females were the most affected (75%) and the mean age of the patients was 53,3 years. Most cases were non-smoker (97,3%) and none was drinker. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were present in 10,8% e 16,2% of the sample, respectively and only one patient was HCV-seropositive (2,7%). Moderate levels of anxiety were seen in most cases (78,4%) and 21,6% had elevated levels. The oral lesions persisted in 95% of the cases for a period of 6 months to 13 years. The erosive form was the most prevalent (57,1%) and symptons were reported by 45,7% of the patients. Multiple lesions were frequent (60%), affecting mainly the buccal mucosa, followed by gums e tongue. There was no significant association of the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and levels of anxiety with the clinical form or symptomatology of the oral lesions (p>0,005), despite a trend in patients with hypertension to have erosive lesions. It was concluded that, in the sample studied, moderate levels of anxiety were commonly observed, and the HCV infection apparently is not related to the onset of the OLP. In this study, the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and levels of anxiety seem not to be associated with the clinical characteristics of the lesions of OLP

Imunoexpressão de fatores reguladores da osteoclastogênese na doença periodontal em humanos e sua relação com os parâmetros clínicos

Periodontal disease is an infection initiated by oral periodontal pathogens that trigger an immune response culminating in tissue destruction. This destruction is mediated by the host by inducing the production and activation of lytic enzymes, cytokines and the stimulation of osteoclastogenesis. The aim of this study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of factors involved in bone resorption, RANKL (Ligand Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa B), OPG (Osteoprotegerin) and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) between the gingival healthy, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis and correlate them with clinical parameters. The sample consisted of 83 cases and 12 clinically healthy gums, 42 gingivitis and 29 periodontitis, from 74 adolescent and adult patients with a mean age of 35 years, without systemic changes and non-smokers, predominantly female and race brown. There was no statistically significant difference for the expression of anti-RANKL (p = 0.581) and RANKL / OPG ratio (p = 0.334) when comparing the three conditions, but the anti-OPG and anti-TNF-α showed statistically significant between the types of injury (p = 0.001 and p <0.001, respectively), showing greatest expression in periodontitis. In cases of periodontitis, the variable clinical attachment loss (PIC) was statistically significant and positive correlation, respectively, with immunostaining of anti-RANKL (p = 0.002, p = 0.001 and r = 0.642), anti-OPG (p = 0.018, p = 0.014 and r = 0.451), anti-TNF-α (p = 0.032, p = 0.014 and r = 0.453) and the percentage ratio of RANKL / OPG (p = 0.018, p = 0.002 and r = 0.544). The tooth mobility (MB) showed a statistically significant difference only with immunohistochemical anti-RANKL (p = 0.026), and probing depth (PD) was positively correlated with anti-RANKL (p = 0.028 and r = 0.409), both in cases of periodontitis. Only in cases of gingivitis TNF-α was positively correlated with RANKL (p = 0.012 and r = 0.384) and the RANKL / OPG ratio (p = 0.027 and r = 0.341). Given these results, we conclude that the greatest expression of TNF-α in periodontitis demonstrates a relationship with the progression and severity of periodontal disease and the correlation between all antibodies and clinical attachment loss demonstrates their involvement in periodontal bone resorption

Expressão Imuno-histoquímica de COX-2, EMMPRIN, HIF-1α e GLUT-1 no tecido gengival normal e inflamado

The aim of this study was determine whether an association exists in the gum tissue between the expression of markers of tissue hypoxia (HIF-1α and GLUT-1) with a marker of inflammatory activity (COX-2) and a marker of collagen degradation (EMMPRIN). Was performed immunohistochemistry with antibodies specific for these markers on 60 samples of gingival tissue divided into two groups: gums (n = 26) and gingivitis (n = 34) and expression was analyzed in the epithelial tissue and connective tissue . The reactivity epithelial for COX-2 was observed in only two cases as the HIF-1α, GLUT-1 and EMMPRIN was strongly expressed in the epithelial basal layer and the immunostaining was gradually decreased as the cells away from this layer, and negative in the region suprabasal in most specimens. In connective tissue, and HIF-1α EMMPRIN were strongly positive for most cases analyzed as GLUT-1 was negative in most cases. Immunostaining for COX-2 showed an association with gingival inflammatory infiltrate. The expression of EMMPRIN, HIF-1α and GLUT-1 in normal gums confirms the physiological role of these markers, however there was no association with tissue inflammation. Given the findings we can conclude that the inflammatory changes installed in frames of chronic gingivitis may not be sufficient to activate the factors of hypoxia to levels that can be quantified by immunohistochemical analysis, in addition, the findings are not conclusive in relationship to involvement of EMMPRIN in the secretion of MMPs to degrade collagen in the frames of gingivitis. We suggest the use of technical analysis and quantification of RNA of EMMPRIN and MMPs in order to determine whether collagen degradation observed in gingivitis suffers or not, significant influence of EMMPRIN for secretion and activation of MMPs

Métodos para abandono do tabagismo e tratamento da dependência da nicotina

O tabagismo está relacionado a 30% das mortes por câncer. É fator de risco para desenvolver carcinomas do aparelho respiratório, esôfago, estômago, pâncreas, cérvix uterina, rim e bexiga. A nicotina induz tolerância e dependência pela ação nas vias dopaminérgicas centrais, levando às sensações de prazer e recompensa mediadas pelo sistema límbico. É estimulante do sistema nervoso central (SNC), aumenta o estado de alerta e reduz o apetite. A diminuição de 50% no consumo da nicotina pode desencadear sintomas de abstinência nos indivíduos dependentes: ansiedade, irritabilidade, distúrbios do sono, aumento do apetite, alterações cognitivas e fissura pelo cigarro. O aconselhamento médico é fundamental para o sucesso no abandono do fumo. A farmacoterapia da dependência de nicotina divide-se em: primeira linha (bupropiona e terapia de reposição da nicotina), e segunda linha (clonidina e nortriptilina). A bupropiona é um antidepressivo não-tricíclico que age inibindo a recaptação de dopamina, cujas contra-indicações são: epilepsia, distúrbios alimentares, hipertensão arterial não-controlada, abstinência recente do álcool e uso de inibidores da monoaminoxidase (MAO). A terapia de reposição de nicotina pode ser feita com adesivos e gomas de mascar. Os efeitos da acupuntura no abandono do fumo ainda não estão completamente esclarecidos. As estratégias de interrupção abrupta ou redução gradual do fumo têm a mesma probabilidade de sucesso.