RESUMO

The present study aims to analyze the interaction between Rhodotorula toruloides and magnetic nanoparticles and evaluate their effect on carotenoid production. The manganese ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized without chitosan (MnFe2O4) and chitosan coating (MnFe2O4-CS) by the co-precipitation method assisted by hydrothermal treatment. XRD (X-ray diffraction), Magnetometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), are used to characterize the magnetic nanoparticles. The crystallite size of MnFe2O4 was 16 nm for MnFe2O4 and 20 nm for MnFe2O4-CS. The magnetic saturation of MnFe2O4-CS was lower (39.6 ± 0.6 emu/g) than the same MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (42.7 ± 0.3 emu/g), which was attributed to the chitosan fraction presence. The MnFe2O4-CS FTIR spectra revealed the presence of the characteristic chitosan bands. DLS demonstrated that the average hydrodynamic diameters were 344 nm for MnFe2O4 and 167 nm for MnFe2O4-CS. A kinetic study of cell immobilization performed with their precipitation with a magnet demonstrated that interaction between magnetic nanoparticles and R. toruloides was characterized by an equilibrium time of 2 h. The adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) were fitted to the experimental values. The trypan blue assay was used for cell viability assessment. The carotenoid production increased to 256.2 ± 6.1 µg/g dry mass at 2.0 mg/mL MnFe2O4-CS. The use of MnFe2O4-CS to stimulate carotenoid yeast production and the magnetic separation of biomass are promising nanobiotechnological alternatives. Magnetic cell immobilization is a perspective technique for obtaining cell metabolites.

RESUMO

Ethical considerations regarding our treatment of animals have gained strength, leading to legislation and a societal focus across various disciplines. This is a subject of study within curricula related to agri-food sciences. The aim was to determine the perceptions of agronomy university students concerning animal welfare in livestock production systems. A survey was conducted to encompass various aspects, from participants' sociodemographic attributes to their attitudes and behaviors regarding animal welfare and the consumption of animal products. Statistical analysis, performed using R software, delved into the associations between participants' characteristics and their perspectives on the ethical, bioethical, and legal dimensions of animal welfare. Associations between demographic factors and ethical viewpoints among students were identified. Gender differences emerged in animal treatment perceptions, while rural and urban environments impacted perspectives on various animals. Bioethical considerations revealed distinctive disparities based on gender and education in concerns regarding animal welfare, value perceptions, evaluations of animal behaviors, and opinions on animal research. It is crucial to distinguish between animal welfare and the ethical considerations arising from coexisting with sentient beings capable of experiencing suffering. Ethical theories provide a lens through which we perceive our obligations toward animals. The responsibility to ensure animal welfare is firmly rooted in recognizing that animals, like humans, experience pain and physical suffering. Consequently, actions causing unjustified suffering or mistreatment, particularly for entertainment purposes, are considered morally unacceptable.

RESUMO

In Mexico, mistletoes have several applications in traditional medicine due to the great variety of compounds with biological activities that have not been characterized to date. The goals of the present study are to analyze the composition of minerals and phytochemical compounds in Mexican mistletoes Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum qualitatively and quantitatively, identify the compounds using HPLC-MS, and assess the antimicrobial potential in phytopathogenic microorganism control. Mineral content was evaluated with X-ray fluorescence. Three types of extracts were prepared: ethanol, water, and aqueous 150 mM sodium chloride solution. Characterization was carried out using qualitative tests for phytochemical compound groups, analytical methods for proteins, reducing sugars, total phenol, flavonoids quantification, and HPLC-MS for compound identification. The antimicrobial activity of mistletoe's liquid extracts was evaluated by microplate assay. K and Ca minerals were observed in both mistletoes. A qualitative test demonstrated alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and quinones. Ethanolic extract showed flavonoids, 3845 ± 69 and 3067 ± 17.2 mg QE/g for Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively, while aqueous extracts showed a total phenol content of 65 ± 6.9 and 90 ± 1.19 mg GAE/g Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively. HPLC-MS identified largely hydroxycinnamic acids and methoxycinnamic acids. Clavibacter michiganenses was successfully inhibited by aqueous extract of both mistletoes.

RESUMO

In this work, polyphenols from Moringa oleifera (Mor) leaves were extracted by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and encapsulated by spray-drying (SD). Particularly, we explored the influence of tragacanth gum (TG), locust bean gum (LBG), and carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) as wall-materials on the physicochemical behavior of encapsulated Mor. Single or combined wall-material treatments (100:00 and 50:50 ratios, and total solid content 1%) were tested. The results showed the wall-material had a significant effect on the process yield (55.7-68.3%), encapsulation efficiency (24.28-35.74%), color (yellow or pale-yellow), total phenolic content (25.17-27.49 mg GAE g-1 of particles), total flavonoid content (23.20-26.87 mg QE g-1 of particles), antioxidant activity (DPPH• = 5.96-6.95 mg GAE g-1; ABTS•+ = 5.61-6.18 mg TE g-1 of particles), and particle size distribution (D50 = 112-1946 nm) of the encapsulated Mor. On the other hand, SEM analysis showed smooth and spherical particles, while TGA and DSC analyses confirmed the encapsulation of bioactive compounds based on the changes in thermal peaks. Finally, XRD analysis showed that the particles have an amorphous behavior. The encapsulated Mor produced with individual TG or CMC demonstrated better properties than those obtained from mixed gums. Thus, TG or CMC might be feasible wall materials for manufacturing encapsulated Mor that conserve the phenolic content and antioxidant activity.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Citrus wax is a waste generated during the purification process of the citrus essential oil. A lot of citrus wax wastes are globally produced, despite this, its composition and properties are not well known. Here we present comprehensive results proving the chemical composition and the physical properties of citrus wax. Additionally, our study provides the basis for obtaining value-added products from citrus wax wastes. The qualitative/quantitative analysis revealed the presence of different compounds, which range from flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, unsaturated compounds, phenolic hydroxyls, and long-chain fatty acid esters. Given that citrus wax is a source of many bioactive compounds, they were preferably extracted with ethanol. The ethanolic extracts demonstrated the presence in citrus wax of different bioactives, such as 5-5'-dehydrodiferulic acid, 3,7-dimethylquercetin, 5,6-dihydroxy-7,8,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone, tangeretin, and limonene. After the extraction of bioactives from citrus wax, a washed waxy material with high content of long-chain fatty acid esters was obtained. It was shown that this washed wax can be used for the production of biodiesel. The transesterification reactions in acid media was the preferred process because higher content of fatty acid methyl esters (such as hexadecanoic acid methyl ester and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester) were obtained. Currently, citrus wax does not have any industrial application, here we shown that under the concept of waste biorefinery, the citrus wax wastes are useful sources for producing value-added products such as bioactive compounds and biodiesel.

Assuntos

RESUMO

RESUMEN Fundamento: existe una gama de productos naturales, dentro de los que están los fitoterapéuticos, donde se destaca la manzanilla para tratar la enfermedad periodontal inflamatoria debido a la acción antiinflamatoria, cicatrizante, antialérgica, analgésica, antiséptica y bacteriostática que esta planta posee. Se ha demostrado que la manzanilla actúa también sobre la placa dentobacteriana, principal factor de riesgo de la enfermedad periodontal y es utilizada para el tratamiento de procesos agudos y crónicos periodontales. Objetivo: establecer las bases científicas del empleo de la manzanilla en el tratamiento de las enfermedades periodontales. Métodos: la búsqueda de la información se realizó en un periodo de seis meses y se emplearon las siguientes palabras: manzanilla, matricaria recutita; a partir de la información obtenida se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de un total de 150 artículos publicados en las bases de datos PubMed, Hinari, SciELO y Medline mediante el gestor de búsqueda y administrador de referencias EndNote, de ellos se utilizaron 52 citas seleccionadas para realizar la revisión, 40 de ellas de los últimos cinco años. Resultados: la manzanilla es nativa en muchos países de Europa, y se cultivan en países como Alemania, Egipto, Francia, España, Italia, Marruecos, y en partes de Europa del Este. Las diversas plantas de manzanilla son muy distintas y requieren su propio conjunto de condiciones para crecer. Sus propiedades, acciones terapéuticas y principios activos varían de una especie a otra. Conclusiones: la Matricaria chamomilla y la Phania matricarioides son de probada eficacia terapéutica en el tratamiento de enfermedades periodontales agudas y crónicas.

ABSTRACT Background: there is a range of natural products, including phytotherapeutic, which highlights the chamomile to treat inflammatory periodontal disease due to the anti-inflammatory, healing, antiallergic, analgesic, antiseptic and bacteriostatic that this plant possesses. It has been shown that chamomile also acts on dentobacterial plaque, the main risk factor for periodontal disease and is used for the treatment of acute and chronic periodontal processes. Objective: to establish the scientific basis of the use of chamomile in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Methods: the search of the information was carried out in a period of six months and the following words were used: chamomile, matricaria recutita; Based on the information obtained, a bibliographic review was made of a total of 150 articles published in the PubMed, Hinari, SciELO and Medline databases by means of the search manager and the EndNote reference manager. Of these, 52 selected citations were used to perform the review, 40 of them from the last five years. Results: Chamomile is native to many countries in Europe, and is grown in countries such as Germany, Egypt, France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, and in parts of Eastern Europe. The various chamomile plants are very different and require their own set of conditions to grow. Its properties, therapeutic actions and active principles vary from one species to another. Conclusions: Matricaria chamomilla and Phania matricarioides are of proven therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of acute and chronic periodontal diseases.

RESUMO

In the present study, Trichoderma reesei cellulase was covalently immobilized on chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles using glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent. The average diameter of magnetic nanoparticles before and after enzyme immobilization was about 8 and 10 nm, respectively. The immobilized enzyme retained about 37 % of its initial activity, and also showed better thermal and storage stability than free enzyme. Immobilized cellulase retained about 80 % of its activity after 15 cycles of carboxymethylcellulose hydrolysis and was easily separated with the application of an external magnetic field. However, in this reaction, K m was increased eight times. The immobilized enzyme was able to hydrolyze lignocellulosic material from Agave atrovirens leaves with yield close to the amount detected with free enzyme and it was re-used in vegetal material conversion up to four cycles with 50 % of activity decrease. This provides an opportunity to reduce the enzyme consumption during lignocellulosic material saccharification for bioethanol production.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 265 adultos (101 hombres y 164 féminas) de la Facultad de Medicina No. 1 de Santiago de Cuba, desde septiembre hasta octubre del 2014, con vistas a determinar las ecuaciones para la estimación de la estatura y verificar si las que fueron validadas en adultos de otras nacionalidades tienen aplicabilidad en esta población. Se encontró una elevada correlación entre la estatura y la hemibraza (p<0,001), r=0,889; 0,803 y 0,765 para hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. El error entre los modelos y la estatura medida fue menor (0,27 para ellos y 0,36 para ellas) en el propuesto que en los de Bassey (8,83; 9,89) y Shahar (11,72; 12,11). La correlación entre la estatura y la hemibraza posibilitó la obtención de ecuaciones contextualizadas en este medio, lo cual reafirmó la necesidad de poseer dichas ecuaciones para cada población.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 265 adults (101 men and 164 women) of the Medicine Faculty No. 1 in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from September to October, 2014, aimed at determining the equations for the height estimate and verifying if those that were validated in adults of other nationalities have applicability in this population. A high correlation between the height and the hemimainbrace (p<0.001), r=0.889; 0.803 and 0.765 for men and women, respectively was found. The error between the models and the measured height was lower (0.27 for men and 0.36 for women) in the proposed model than in Bassey (8.83; 9.89) and Shahar models (11.72; 12.11). The correlation between height and hemimainbrace facilitated the obtaining of contextualized equations in this mean, which confirmed the necessity to possess these equations for each population.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Introduction: Lumbar spine arthrodesis under regional epidural anesthesia provides adequate hemodynamic stability and timely treatment of acute postoperative pain to patients undergoing the procedure. However, the presence of intimidating comorbidities limits its widespread practice. Objetives: To describe the use of epidural anesthesia for spinal fusion in a patient with Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia and high anesthetic risk of cardiovascular complications. Methodology: Case reports and clinical discussion based on a systematic search of the medical literature. Results: Upon selecting the strategies for a literature search on various databases, some articles were selected from Pubmed, LILACS, and sciencedirect. The articles were screened based on title and abstract and 19 full text articles were analyzed and submitted for discussion of an appointed panel of experts (Anesthesiology Group) for inclusion herein. Conclusion: The use of epidural anesthesia in spinal surgery of a patient with significant hematological and cardiovascular complications was a successful approach and represents one further step forward in the implementation of protocols and robust clinical trials for the management of complex patients like the one herein described.

Introducción: La artrodesis de columna lumbar, bajo anestesia regional epidural, permite a los pacientes programados para éste tipo de procedimiento mantener una adecuada estabilidad hemodinámica y ser tratados oportunamente de su dolor postoperatorio agudo. Sin embargo, la presencia de intimidantes comorbilidades limita su práctica de forma generalizada. Objetivos: Describir la utilización de anestesia epidural para artrodesis lumbar en un paciente con Tromboastenia de Glanzmann y alto riesgo anestésico de complicaciones de predominio cardiovascular. Metodologia: Reporte de Casos y discusión clínica basada en búsqueda sistemática de la literatura médica. Resultados: Tras la selección de estrategias para la búsqueda de la literatura en diferentes bases de datos, se obtuvieron artículos de Pubmed, LILACS y sciencedirect. Posterior a exclusión por titulo y resumen, analizamos 19 artículos en texto completo, los cuales fueron sometidos a sesiones de discusión por parte de un panel de expertos designado (Grupo de Anestesiología), y fueron incluidos en esta revisión. Conclusión: Para este caso, el uso de la anestesia epidural en cirugía de columna, en un paciente con importantes comorbilidades hematológicas y cardiovasculares, fue una medida exitosa, y representa un paso más en la implementación de protocolos y estudios clínicos robustos para su uso en pacientes complejos como el descrito.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Se efectuó una investigación descriptiva, longitudinal y prospectiva de 53 embarazadas, atendidas en el Policlínico Docente "30 de Noviembre'' de Santiago de Cuba, con vistas a determinar la relación entre los factores bioquímicos y el estado nutricional del binomio madre-hijo, durante el 2014. Para la realización de las determinaciones bioquímicas, se hicieron extracciones de sangre en el primer y tercer trimestres de la gestación. Se utilizó la prueba de Ji al cuadrado de independencia con un nivel de significación de 5 %. Existió asociación entre las variables bioquímicas en relación con el estado nutricional del binomio madre-hijo. Entre los efectos adversos asociados a la mala nutrición de las gestantes sobresalieron: anemia, diabetes gestacional y dislipidemias.

A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective investigation of 53 pregnant women, assisted at "30 de Noviembre" Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba was carried out, aimed at determining the relationship between the biochemical factors and the nutritional state of the binomial mother-son, during 2014. Blood extractions were made in the first and third trimester of pregnancy in order to make biochemical determinations. The chi-square test of independence was used with a 5 % level of significance. There was an association between the biochemical variables in connection with the nutritional state of the binomial mother-son. Among the adverse effects associated to the pregnant women poor nutrition there were: anemia, gestational diabetes mellitus and dyslipemias.

Assuntos