IN VITRO GERMINATION OF GRAINS POLLEN OF Prunus persica (L.) BATSCH vulgaris

The objective was to adjust a protocol for peach pollen grains in vitro germination. For that, were realized five experiments with the purpose of establish the ideal concentration of sucrose, agar, calcium nitrate, boric acid, the best pH value, the germination temperature and the polinic tube emission time. As vegetal material, was used the Aurora 1 and Douradao cultivars. For the Aurora 1 cultivar, higher germination of pollen grains was obtained with the use of 48,29 g. L(-1) of sucrose, 10 g. L(-1) of agar, 400 mg.L(-1) of boric acid and pH 5,5. For the Douradao cultivar, higher germination was obtained on medium containing 90 g.L(-1) of sucrose, 10 g.L(-1) of agar, 400 mg.L(-1) of boric acid, 369 mg.L(-1) of calcium nitrate and pH 6,5. The best temperature for the germination of the pollen grains for both cultivars was 25 degrees C, being the pollen grains germination percentage raising proportionally directly to the evaluation time.

EFFECT OF THERMAL TREATMENT ON PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND FUNCTIONALITY LINKED TO TYPE 2 DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT OF PERUVIAN AND BRAZILIAN BEAN CULTIVARS (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.) USING IN VITRO METHODS

The effect of thermal treatment on phenolic compounds and type 2 diabetes functionality linked to alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibition and hypertension relevant angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition were investigated in selected bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L,) cultivars from Peru and Brazil using in vitro models. Thermal processing by autoclaving decreased the total phenolic content in all cultivars, whereas the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity-linked antioxidant activity increased among Peruvian cultivars, alpha-Amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities were reduced significantly after heat treatment (73-94% and 8-52%, respectively), whereas ACE inhibitory activity was enhanced (9-15%). Specific phenolic acids such as chlorogenic and caffeic acid increased moderately following thermal treatment (2-16% and 5-35%, respectively). No correlation was found between phenolic contents and functionality associated to antidiabetes and antihypertension potential, indicating that non phenolic compounds may be involved. Thermally processed bean cultivars are interesting sources of phenolic acids linked to high antioxidant activity and show potential for hypertension prevention.

Effect of Different Cooking Conditions on Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Some Selected Brazilian Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Cultivars

The effects of different cooking conditions such as soaking, atmospheric (100 degrees C) or pressure boiling (121 degrees C), and draining of cooking water following thermal treatment on phenolic compounds and the DPPH radical scavenging capacity from two selected Brazilian bean cultivars (black and yellow-brown seed coat color) were investigated using a factorial design (2(3)). Factors that significantly reduced the total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity in both cultivars were the soaking and draining stage. Independent of cooking temperature, total phenolics and antioxidant capacities were enhanced in treatments without soaking and where cooking water was not discarded, and this was likely linked to an increase of specific phenolic compounds detected by high performance liquid chromatography such as flavonols and free phenolic acids in both cultivars. Cooking of beans either at 100 or 121 degrees C, without a soaking stage and keeping the cooking water, would be recommendable for retaining antioxidant phenolic compounds.

Adsorption of Ni(2+), Zn(2+) and Pb(2+) onto dry biomass of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis and Chlorella vulgaris. I. Single metal systems

Adsorption of Ni(2+), Zn(2+) or Pb(2+) by dry biomass of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis and Chlorella vulgaris was studied as a function of contact time and initial metal concentration. The zero point of charge calculated for these biosorbents (pH(zpc) 4.0 and 3.4, respectively) and additional pH tests suggested the use of pH in the range 5.0-5.5 for the experiments. The equilibrium isotherms were evaluated in terms of maximum sorption capacity and sorption affinity. The pseudo first and second order kinetic models were considered to interpret the experimental data, and the latter best described the adsorption system. Both the Freundlich and Langmuir models were shown to well describe the sorption isotherms, thus suggesting an intermediate mono/multilayer sorption mechanism. Compared to A. platensis (q(e) = 0.354, 0.495 and 0.508 mmol g(-1) for Ni(2+), Pb(2)+ and Zn(2+), respectively), C. vulgaris behaved as a better biosorbent because of higher equilibrium sorption capacity (q(e) = 0.499, 0.634 and 0.664 mmol g(-1), respectively). The removal efficiency decreased with increasing metal concentration, pointing out a passive adsorption process involving the active sites on the surface of the biomasses. The FT-IR spectroscopy evidenced that ions removal occurred mainly by interaction between metal and carboxylate groups present on both the cell walls. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Essential Oil of Thymus vulgaris: Preparation of Pharmaceutical Mouthwash Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of the Bacterial Plaque-Inhibiting Properties.

Essential Oil of Thymus vulgaris: Preparation of Pharmaceutical Mouthwash Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of the Bacterial Plaque-Inhibiting Properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) pure or incorporate in a alcohol-free pharmaceutical mouthwash formulation, against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), being determined the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the effect in the bacterial plate formation. The MIC value obtained for the essential oil was 100 mu g/mL (1 %). The mouthwash pharmaceutical formulation containing commercial essential oil of T. vulgaris was preparated. Microbiological and macroscopic analysis as well as analyses for MEV confirmed the effectiveness of this new alcohol-free mouthwash formulation containing essential oil of T. vulgaris as agent with plaque-inhibiting properties and possible application in the preventive dentistry. The chemical characterization of the bioactive essential oil was accomplished by CG-MS, being verified the presence of carvacrol, p-cimene and alpha-pinene as major constituents.

Prevalence of Acne Vulgaris in Patients with Down Syndrome

Background/Objective: Acne vulgaris exhibits a worldwide prevalence of up to 95% among adolescents. On the other hand, Down syndrome is an autosomal chromosomal disorder with associated dermatoses and a tendency to obesity. There are no data on its association with acne. Our aim was to detect the prevalence of acne, its forms and associated factors in Down syndrome. Method: A cross-sectional study including 89 subjects aged 10-28 years from Associacao de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais-Sao Paulo to verify acne, metabolic and hormonal disorders by interview, clinical and laboratory examinations. Results: We evaluated 49 (55%) males and 40 (45%) females. A weak agreement between self-estimation for acne and examination result was detected. The overall prevalence of acne was 70.8%: 83.7% in males and 55% in females. The prevalence of acne in the age groups 10-17 and 18-28 was 62 and 78.7%, respectively. Facial comedonal acne was mostly detected. The prevalence of obesity was 40%, that of metabolic disorders 7% and that of hyperandrogenism (in females) 15%. Except for gender, no other factor evaluated correlated with acne. Conclusion: A low prevalence of acne in Down syndrome, a predominance in males aged 18-28 and a facial comedonal form were detected. An association with obesity, metabolic disorders or hyperandrogenemia was not assessed. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

Oesophagitis dissecans superficialis: an acute, benign phenomenon associated with pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune dermatosis that may evolve to severely compromise the skin and/or mucosa. Autoantibodies directed against epithelial cadherins, such as desmogleins 1 and 3, lead to acantholysis and culminate in blister formation. Involvement of the oral mucosa is common, but other squamous stratified epithelia may also be the target of the autoimmune aggression. We report a woman with PV that was in partial remission, who developed an unusual acute phenomenon, known as oesophagitis dissecans superficialis.

Photodynamic therapy for acne vulgaris: A critical review from basics to clinical practice Part II. Understanding parameters for acne treatment with photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy requires a photosensitizer, oxygen, and activating light. For acne, pilosebaceous units are ""target"" structures. Porphyrins are synthesized in vivo from 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), particularly in pilosebaceous units. Different photosensitizers and drug delivery methods have been reported for acne treatment. There are a variety of porphyrin precursors with different pharmacokinetic properties. Among them, ALA and methyl-ester of ALA (MAT.) are available for possible off-label treatment of acne vulgaris. In addition, various light sources, light dosimetry, drug incubation time, and pre- and posttreatment care also change efficacy and side effects. None of these variables has been optimized for acne treatment, but a number of clinical trials provide helpful guidance. In this paper, we critically analyze clinical trials, case reports, and series of cases published through 2009. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;63:195-211.)

Hematopoietic response of rats exposed to the impact of an acute psychophysiological stressor on responsiveness to an in vivo challenge with Listeria monocytogenes: Modulation by Chlorella vulgaris prophylactic treatment

In this study, we investigated the hematopoietic response of rats pretreated with CV and exposed to the impact of acute escapable, inescapable or psychogenical stress on responsiveness to an in vivo challenge with Listeria monocytogenes. No consistent changes were observed after exposure to escapable footshock. Conversely, the impact of uncontrollable stress (inescapable and psychogenical) was manifested by an early onset and increased severity and duration of myrelossuppression produced by the infection. Small size CFU-CM colonies and increased numbers of clusters were observed, concurrently to a greater expansion in the more mature population of bone marrow granulocytes. No differences were observed between the responses of both uncontrollable stress regimens. CV prevented the myelossuppression caused by stress/infection due to increased numbers of CFU-GM in the bone marrow. Colonies of cells tightly packed, with a very condensed nucleus; in association with a greater expansion in the more immature population of bone marrow granulocytes were observed. Investigation of the production of colony-stimulating factors revealed increased colony-stimulating activity (CSA) in the serum of normal and infected/stressed rats treated with the algae. CV treatment restored/enhanced the changes produced by stress/infection in total and differential bone marrow and peripheral cells counts. Further studies demonstrated that INF-gamma is significantly reduced, whereas IL-10 is significantly increased after exposure to Uncontrollable stress. Treatment with CV significantly increased INF-gamma levels and diminished the levels of IL-10. Uncontrollable stress reduced the protection afforded by CV to a lethal dose of L. monocytogenes, with survival rates being reduced from (50%) in infected rats to 20% in infected/stressed rats. All together, our results suggest Chlorella treatment as an effective tool for the prophylaxis of post-stress myelossupression, including the detrimental effect of stress on the course and outcome of infections. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Seleção varietal de Phaseolus vulgaris quanto à tolerância ao estresse salino com base em variáveis de crescimento

Neste estudo objetivou-se avaliar e selecionar variedades de feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) quanto à tolerância ao estresse salino e identificar, usando variedades de feijoeiro com diferentes graus de tolerância, variáveis que auxiliem na discriminagão de variedades de feijoeiro quanto à tolerância a esse tipo de estresse, independentemente do mecanismo apresentado pela planta. Os experimentos foram realizados em casa de vegetagão. Inicialmente foram avaliadas 48 variedades de P. vulgaris (alocadas nas subparcelas) em dois níveis de salinidade (distribuídos nas parcelas): solução nutritiva normal (SNN) a 0,81 dS m-1 e a teste (SNT) a 5,6 dS m-1, obtida pela adigão de NaCl no delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetigões. A partir da massa seca da parte aérea calculou-se a relagão percentual de crescimento alcançada na SNT relativo à SNN das variedades, que variou de 138,7 a 54,1 %, discriminando-as de acordo com o critério de Scott-Knott em duas populagões: uma com 14 variedades mais "tolerantes" e outra com 34 variedades, onde ficaram agrupadas variedades "moderadamente tolerantes" e "sensíveis". Para identificar variáveis de crescimento que permitam selecionar feijoeiros quanto à tolerância ao estresse salino duas variedades tolerantes (Vermelho e CNF 5574), uma medianamente tolerante (FT 83-86) e uma sensível (LM 30074), classificadas no experimento anterior, foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva com cinco níveis de salinidade (0,81; 2,7; 4,6; 6,5; e 8,4 dS m-1). Analisando-se a massa seca da raiz, do caule, do pecíolo, das folhas e da parte aérea, a área foliar e a área foliar específica, concluiu-se que a área foliar específica foi o índice que efetivamente mais contribuiu para a discriminação das variedades de feijoeiro quanto à tolerância à salinidade.

Aceitabilidade de feijão preto (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), fortificado com micropartículas de ferro

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a aceitabilidade de feijão preto (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), fortificado com micropartículas de ferro, para que seja posteriormente utilizado na prevenção e controle da anemia ferropriva. Foram preparadas três amostras de feijão preto cozido, sendo uma sem adição de micropartículas de ferro (controle); à segunda foi adicionada quantidade equivalente a 5 mg de ferro, para cada concha média de feijão, e, à última amostra, 10 mg de ferro para cada concha média. Utilizou-se escala hedônica de cinco pontos para avaliação dos atributos. Com base nos resultados obtidos, as amostras controle e 5 mg/porção foram as mais aceitas; houve, porém, pouca diferença em relação à amostra com 10 mg/porção. A boa aceitação do alimento pelos provadores mostra ser viável a fortificação de feijão preto com ferro microencapsulado, podendo ser usado na prevenção e controle da anemia ferropriva.

Composition and antioxidant activity of thymus vulgaris volatiles: comparison between supercritical fluid extraction and hydrodistillation

Supercritical fluid extraction (SEE) of the volatile oil from Thymus vulgaris L. aerial flowering parts was performed under different conditions of pressure, temperature, mean particle size and CO2 flow rate and the correspondent yield and composition were compared with those of the essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation (HD). Both the oils were analyzed by GC and GC-MS and 52 components were identified. The main volatile components obtained were p-cymene (10.0-42.6% for SFE and 28.9-34.8% for HD), gamma-terpinene (0.8-6.9% for SFE and 5.1-7.0% for HD), linalool (2.3-5.3% for SFE and 2.8-3.1% for HD), thymol (19.5-40.8% for SFE and 35.4-41.6% for HD), and carvacrol (1.4-3.1% for SFE and 2.6-3.1% for HD). The main difference was found to be the relative percentage of thymoquinone (not found in the essential oil) and carvacryl methyl ether (1.0-1.2% for HD versus t-0.4 for SFE) which can explain the higher antioxidant activity, assessed by Rancimat test, of the SFE volatiles when compared with HD. Thymoquinone is considered a strong antioxidant compound.

Desenvolvimento de uma tecnologia de produção de iogurtes funcionais com leite de cabra contendo fibra Beta vulgaris e frutos de Vaccinium cylindraceum

Dissertação de Mestrado, Tecnologia e Segurança Alimentar, 02 de Junho de 2014, Universidade dos Açores.

Metal accumulation and oxidative stress biomarkers in octopus (Octopus vulgaris) from Northwest Atlantic

Metals are ubiquitous in the environment and accumulate in aquatic organisms and are known for their ability to enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In aquatic species, oxidative stress mechanisms have been studied by measuring antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative damages in tissues. The aim of this study was to apply and validate a set of oxidative stress biomarkers and correlate responses with metal contents in tissues of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris). Antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase — CAT, superoxide dismutase — SOD and glutathione S-transferases — GST), oxidative damages (lipid peroxidation — LPO and protein carbonyl content — PCO) andmetal content (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and As) in the digestive gland and armof octopus, collected in the NWPortuguese coast in different periods, were assessed after capture and after 14 days in captivity. CAT and SOD activitieswere highly responsive to fluctuations inmetal concentrations and able to reduce oxidative damage, LPO and PCO in the digestive gland. CAT activity was also positively correlated with SOD and GST activities, which emphasizes that the three enzymes respond in a coordinated way to metal induced oxidative stress. Our results validate the use of oxidative stress biomarkers to assess metal pollution effects in this ecological and commercial relevant species.Moreover, octopus seems to have the ability to control oxidative damage by triggering an antioxidant enzyme coordinated response in the digestive gland.

Ecotoxicity tests using the green algae chlorella vulgaris — a useful tool in hazardous effluents management

The treatment efficiency of laboratory wastewaters was evaluated and ecotoxicity tests with Chlorella vulgaris were performed on them to assess the safety of their environmental discharge. For chemical oxygen demand wastewaters, chromium (VI), mercury (II) and silver were efficiently removedby chemical treatments.Areduction of ecotoxicitywas achieved; nevertheless, an EC50 (effective concentration that causes a 50% inhibition in the algae growth) of 1.5% (v/v) indicated still high level of ecotoxicity. For chloride determination wastewaters, an efficient reduction of chromium and silver was achieved after treatment. Regarding the reduction of ecotoxicity observed, EC50 increased from 0.059% to 0.5%, only a 0.02% concentration in the aquatic environment would guarantee no effects. Wastewaters containing phenanthroline/iron (II) complex were treated by chemical oxidation. Treatmentwas satisfactory concerning chemical parameters, although an increase in ecotoxicitywas observed (EC50 reduced from 0.31% to 0.21%). The wastes from the kinetic study of persulphate and iodide reaction were treated with sodium bisulphite until colour was removed. Although they did not reveal significant ecotoxicity, only over 1% of the untreated waste produced observable effects over algae. Therefore, ecotoxicity tests could be considered a useful tool not only in laboratory effluents treatment, as shown, but also in hazardous wastewaters management.