Effectiveness of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of complete dentures

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of simulated complete dentures. Materials and Methods: Eighty dentures were fabricated in a standardized procedure and subjected to ethylene oxide sterilization. The dentures were individually inoculated (10 7 cfu/mL) with tryptic soy broth (TSB) media containing one of the tested microorganisms (Candida albicans, Streptoccus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). After 48 hours of incubation at 37°C, 40 dentures were individually immersed in 200 mL of water and submitted to microwave irradiation at 650 W for 6 minutes. Forty nonirradiated dentures were used as positive controls. Replicate aliquots (25 μL) of suspensions were plated at dilutions of 10 -3 to 10 -6 on plates of selective media appropriate for each organism. All plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. TSB beakers with the microwaved dentures were incubated at 37°C for 7 more days. After incubation, the number of colony-forming units was counted and the data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (α = .05). Results: No evidence of growth was observed at 48 hours for S aureus, B subtilis, and C albicans. Dentures contaminated with P aeruginosa showed small growth on 2 plates. After 7 days incubation at 37°C, no growth was visible in the TSB beakers of S aureus and C albicans. Turbidity was observed in 3 broth beakers, 2 from P aeruginosa and 1 from B subtilis. Conclusion: Microwave irradiation for 6 minutes at 650 W produced sterilization of complete dentures contaminated with S aureus and C albicans and disinfection of those contaminated with P aeruginosa and B subtilis.

Analysis of fluoride concentration in mother's milk substitutes

The aim of the present study was to determine the fluoride concentration in some brands of mother's milk substitutes and evaluate the possibility of developing dental fluorosis by consuming these products. The products, all powdered, were divided into 3 groups: infant formulae (group I, n = 7), milk-based (group M, n = 8) and soy-based (group 8, n = 3). Samples from 3 cans of different batches of each brand were reconstituted in deionized water and analyzed using the specific electrode method, after hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) facilitated diffusion. The fluoride content (mg F/L) of the products ranged from 0.044 to 0.326 (I), 0.014 to 0.045 (M) and 0.253 to 0.702 (S). There was significant difference in the fluoride content of cans from distinct batches (p < 0.05) in most of the brands. The reconstitution of all products in water with optimal fluoride concentration for consumption during the mineralization phase of the primary teeth could result in daily fluoride intake above 0.07 mg F/kg body weight/day. Therefore, the consumption of these products, especially when reconstituted with optimally fluoridated water, could increase the risk of developing dental fluorosis.

Características reológicas e sensoriais de bebidas lácteas funcionais

This research studied the effects of the independent variables whey protein concentrate - WPC (3.0; 3.5; 4.0%), skimmed milk powder - SMP (4.0; 5.0; 6.0%), and isolated soy protein - IPS (1.5; 2.0; 2.5%) on the rheological and sensorial characteristics of functional dairy beverages. In all tests 7% of sucrose was added to the ingredients. The rheological parameters were obtained in duplicate at the temperature of 10° C using a cone and plate rheometer, and fitted to the Power law model. The samples revealed a non-Newtonian fluid behavior both in the upward and downward curves, typical of a tixotropic fluid. The dairy beverages were submitted to a sensory analysis by a group of fifty untrained tasters who used a hedonic scale of nine points, the extremes being 1 - disliked extremely and 9 - liked extremely, in order to evaluate the following parameters: general acceptability; appearance and color; consistency; taste and aroma. The dairy beverage produced with 3% WPC, 6% SMP and 1.5% IPS, (treatment 3), was the one that obtained the best average score for those attributes and was preferred by the tasters. The variables SMP and IPS and the interaction between WPC and SMP presented a positive effect on the sensory consistency attributes: the higher amount of those ingredients in the formula the more the tasters liked the consistency.

Fatores antinutricionais e coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da proteína de produtos de soja para o pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus)

This study aimed to determine the activities of trypsin inhibitors, hemagglutinant and tannin levels in soybean meal and in raw and processed soy, as well evaluate the protein apparent digestibility coefficient for pacu juveniles. The apparent coefficients of raw, extruded, toasted and milled soy were determined using chromium oxide (0.5%) as marker. A reference diet was created with 26% crude protein and 4,352 kcal kg-1, with each feed containing 30% of the test diet. Feces were collected by abdominal pressure. All analyzed products presented anti-nutritional factors, but the lowest trypsin inhibitor activity was observed in soybean meal. Soy that received thermal treatment presented better digestibility coefficients and lower hemagglutinating activity values than raw soy. No effects of trypsin and tannin inhibitor were observed on the protein digestibility coefficient, but a negative relationship was observed between hemagglutinin levels and protein digestibility coefficient. The use of soybean meal and extruded or toasted soy is recommended for pacu feeding.

Caracterização de requeijão cremoso potencialmente prebiótico pela adição de inulina e proteína de soja

Requeijão is a typical Brazilian cheese and exhibits a significant consumption in the domestic market and presents high potential for functional foods. In this study the physicochemical characterization of requeijão cheese added of dairy cream, hydrogenated vegetal fat, soy protein isolate and inulin was carried out. For the requeijão cheese making it was used: Lactic mass, sodium chloride, melting salt, starch, whey protein concentrate, xanthan gum, nisin and water. Dairy cream (2.0; 4.0 and 6.0%), hydrogenated vegetable fat (6.0; 8.0 and 10.0%), soy protein isolate - SPI (0.5; 1.0 and 1.5%) and inulin (3.8; 5.05 and 6.3%) were added, according to the trial. The formulated products presented 6.26 to 6.38 of pH value, 0.24 to 0.39% of acidity, 7.29 to 10.04% of protein, 1.62 to 1.77% of ashes, 12.5 to 21.3% of fat, 39.8 to 66.1% of fat dry matter and 28.63 to 35.56% of total solids. The developed requeijão cheeses added of soy protein isolate and inulin are feasible alternatives for healthy foods and potentially prebiotics.

Soybean glycinin (11S) increases HDL-cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rats

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of isolated soy glycinin (11S) on lipid metabolism in animals subjected to a hypercholesterolemic diet. Design/methodology/approach: Male Wistar rats were kept in individual cages under appropriate conditions. The animals were divided into three groups (n=9): normal diet (STD) given a diet containing casein as protein source, recommended in AIN-93M; hypercholesterolemic (HC) fed a normal diet with 1 per cent cholesterol and 0.5 per cent cholic acid; and hypercholesterolemic+glycinin (HC+11S), fed a hypercholesterolemic diet, plus 11S soy protein (300 mg/kg/day), dissolved in saline and administered by gavage. After 28 days, the animals were sacrificed and blood and liver removed for biochemical analysis of total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) in the plasma, hepatic TC and TG. Findings: A single daily dose of glycinin given to the hypercholesterolemic group demonstrated its functional role, particularly in raising HDL-C and reducing triglycerides in the liver. Originality/value: This study demonstrates the action of the 11S globulin in soybean as a serum lipid lowering agent, in addition to its nutritional properties, especially in raising the HDL-C. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Toxicological and histopathological effects of hydramethylnon on Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) workers

The leaf-cut ants are important agricultural pest, because they can cause intense defoliation in plants and destroy large areas cultivated. Although there are several works for the control of these insects by examining the toxicity of natural chemical compounds on various species of ants, few are focused on analyses of morphological changes caused in the affected organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydramethylnon on Atta sexdens rubropilosa workers through toxicological bioassays and morphological analysis of the post-pharyngeal glands, midgut, and Malpighian tubules of these ants. Hydramethylnon dissolved either in acetone (HA) or in a mixture of acetone and soy oil (HAO) was added to the artificial diet at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. The workers fed daily with the diet containing hydramethylnon showed higher mortality than the controls, especially when HAO was used. Moreover, light and electron microscopy revealed morphological alterations in the midgut and Malpighian tubules of workers treated with HA, whereas alterations of the post-pharyngeal glands were observed in the HAO-treated group. These results indicated that the presence of soy oil provided an alternate route for the ingestion of the formicide's active ingredient and corroborated previous studies that suggested a role for the post-pharyngeal glands in lipid metabolism. Our findings suggest that the oil may carry hydramethylnon to the gland lumen, resulting in lower quantity of the active ingredient in the intestinal lumen and Malpighian tubules that explains the lower degree of morphological alterations in these structures in the workers treated with HAO. These results may provide insight into the toxicological effects of hydramethylnon on leaf-cutting ants and the use of vegetable oil as an adjuvant in baits to control ants. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

Chemoprotective activity of the isoflavones, genistein and daidzein on mutagenicity induced by direct and indirect mutagens in cultured HTC cells

Isoflavones are phenolic compounds widely distributed in plants and found in a high percentage in soybeans. They have important biological properties and are regarded as potential chemopreventive agents. The aim of this study was to verify the preventive effect of two soy isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) by a micronucleus assay, analysis of GST activity, and real-time RT-PCR analysis of GSTa2 gene expression. Mutagens of direct (doxorubicin) and indirect (2-aminoanthracene) DNA damage were used. Hepatoma cells (HTC) were treated with genistein or daidzein for 26 h at noncytotoxic concentrations; 10 μM when alone, and 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μM when combined with genotoxic agents. The micronucleus test demonstrated that both isoflavones alone had no genotoxic effect. Genistein showed antimutagenic effects at 10 μM with both direct and indirect DNA damage agents. On phase II enzyme regulation, the current study indicated an increase in total cytoplasmic GST activity in response to genistein and daidzein at 10 μM supplementation. However, the mRNA levels of GSTa2 isozymes were not differentially modulated by genistein or daidzein. The results point to an in vitro antimutagenic activity of genistein against direct and indirect DNA damage-induced mutagenicity. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for treatment of hyperproliferative skin diseases - a review

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

Resistência de genótipos de soja ao nematoide reniforme em ambiente controlado

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Corneal Absorption of a New Riboflavin-Nanostructured System for Transepithelial Collagen Cross-Linking

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) has been described as a promising therapy for keratoconus. According to standard CXL protocol, epithelium should be debrided before treatment to allow penetration of riboflavin into the corneal stroma. However, removal of the epithelium can increase procedure risks. In this study we aim to evaluate stromal penetration of a biocompatible riboflavin-based nanoemulsion system (riboflavin-5-phosphate and riboflavin-base) in rabbit corneas with intact epithelium. Two riboflavin nanoemulsions were developed. Transmittance and absorption coefficient were measured on corneas with intact epithelia after 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes following exposure to either the nanoemulsions or standard 0.1% or 1% riboflavin-dextran solutions. For the nanoemulsions, the epithelium was removed after measurements to assure that the riboflavin had passed through the hydrophobic epithelium and retained within the stroma. Results were compared to de-epithelialized corneas exposed to 0.1% riboflavin solution and to the same riboflavin nanoemulsions for 30 minutes (standard protocol). Mean transmittance and absorption measured in epithelialized corneas receiving the standard 0.1% riboflavin solution did not reach the levels found on the debrided corneas using the standard technique. Neither increasing the time of exposure nor the concentration of the riboflavin solution from 0.1% to 1% improved riboflavin penetration through the epithelium. When using riboflavin-5-phosphate nanoemulsion for 240 minutes, we found no difference between the mean absorption coefficients to the standard cross-linking protocol (p = 0.54). Riboflavin nanoemulsion was able to penetrate the corneal epithelium, achieving, after 240 minutes, greater stromal concentration when compared to debrided corneas with the standard protocol (p = 0.002). The riboflavin-5-phosphate nanoemulsion diffused better into the stroma than the riboflavin-base nanoemulsion. © 2013 Bottos et al.

Optimal single-embryo mass spectrometry fingerprinting

In pre-implantation embryos, lipids play key roles in determining viability, cryopreservation and implantation properties, but often their analysis is analytically challenging because of the few picograms of analytes present in each of them. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) allows obtaining individual phospholipid profiles of these microscopic organisms. This technique is sensitive enough to enable analysis of individual intact embryos and monitoring the changes in membrane lipid composition in the early stages of development serving as screening method for studies of biology and biotechnologies of reproduction. This article introduces an improved, more comprehensive MALDI-MS lipid fingerprinting approach that considerably increases the lipid information obtained from a single embryo. Using bovine embryos as a biological model, we have also tested optimal sample storage and handling conditions before the MALDI-MS analysis. Improved information at the molecular level is provided by the use of a binary matrix that enables phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins, phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylinositols and phosphoethanolamines to be detected via MALDI(±)-MS in both the positive and negative ion modes. An optimal MALDI-MS protocol for lipidomic monitoring of a single intact embryo is therefore reported with potential applications in human and animal reproduction, cell development and stem cell research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Quantificação de ácidos graxos de alevinos de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) alimentados com diferentes fontes de óleos vegetais

The present work aimed to quantify the fatty acids in total lipids of Nile tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus) fed with different sources of vegetable oils mechanically extracted. Were used 320 tilapias (O. niloticus) with average initial weight and average total initial length of 2.55±0.57 g and 5.59±0.43 cm, respectively, fed for a period of 60 days, in a randomized block design with eight treatments and four replications. The diets were prepared with 320 g/kg crude protein and 3.500 kcal of digestible energy per kg of feed enriched with eight different oils: sunflower, canola, sesame, linseed, peanut, Para's nut soy and macadamia, with an addition of 4%. Among the major fatty acids the oleic, palmitic, linolenic and linoleic were obtained in higher concentration (mg/g of LT) in fish from all treatments. The sums of polyunsaturated fatty acids after 60 days of cultivation had increased in all treatments compared to the 30 days of the experiment. This is due to the addition of oils with high contents of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The fatty acids in the carcass are a reflection of the energy source of oil used. As a conclusion it is recommended the use of linseed oil in the diet of tilapia fingerlings due to great improvement in the relationship between n-6/n-3.

Spatial Distribution of Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Soybean

Soybean bugs are major crop pests that cause significant reduction in harvest yield and influence grain quality. The aim of this study was to verify the spatial distribution of Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in conventional and transgenic soybean cultivars. The experiment was conducted during the 2010-2011 crop season in UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil, in two fields of 10,000-m2 area that were subdivided into 100 plots (10 m × 10 m). The cultivars sown were M 7908 RR and its isoline M-SOY 8001. The number of the first to fifth instars and the number of adults were determined. To evaluate insect dispersion in the area, the following indices were used: variance/mean ratio, Morisita index, Green coefficient, and the k exponent of the negative binomial distribution. To study probabilistic models to describe the spatial distribution of the insects, the adjustments of the Poisson and negative binomial distributions were tested. The first to third instars showed aggregated spatial distribution, whereas the fourth and fifth instars, and adults, isolated or grouped, showed variation in the arrangement, ranging from moderately aggregated to randomly dispersed. During the adjustment of probability distributions, the negative binomial distribution model showed adjustment for the first to third instars, fourth and fifth instars, adults, and fourth and fifth instars plus adults. © 2013 Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil.

Toxicity of hydramethylnon to the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa forel (hymenoptera: Formicidae)

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