Structuring of oils with high PUFA content: Evaluation of the formulation conditions on the oxidative stability and structural properties of ethylcellulose oleogels.

This study evaluated the formulation of ethylcellulose oleogels as a fat substitute, based on oils with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Optimal processing conditions for canola, linseed, and chia oil oleogels were determined. The results showed that the oxidative stability was affected to a greater extent in chia oil oleogel, however, the addition of BHT improved the oxidative stability, mainly the peroxide value. Linseed and chia oil oleogels with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (64.28 and 73.02 g/100 g, respectively) were obtained despite the reduction of these with respect to their oils, and no trans fatty acids were produced. Chia oil oleogels were shown to exhibit similar physical properties to linseed oil oleogels in terms of firmness (463.51 ± 7.42 g and 443.03 ± 7.14 g respectively) and rheological behavior. Such a structure led to a dominant elastic character of the oleogels to mimic the mechanical properties of animal fat.

Ethanolic extract from Lepidium virginicum L. ameliorates DNBS-induced colitis in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lepidium virginicum L. (Brassicaceae) is a plant widely used in traditional Mexican medicine as an expectorant, diuretic, and as a remedy to treat diarrhea and dysentery, infection-derived gastroenteritis. However, there is no scientific study that validates its clinical use as an anti-inflammatory in the intestine. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic extract of Lepidium virginicum L. (ELv) in an animal model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) animal model of IBD was used. Colitis was induced by intrarectal instillation of 200 mg/kg of DNBS dissolved vehicle, 50% ethanol. Control rats only received the vehicle. Six hours posterior to DNBS administration, ELv (3, 30, or 100 mg/kg) was administered daily by gavage or intraperitoneal injection. The onset and course of the inflammatory response were monitored by assessing weight loss, stool consistency, and fecal blood. Colonic damage was evaluated by colon weight/length ratio, histopathology, colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). RESULTS: Rats treated with DNBS displayed significant weight loss, diarrhea, fecal blood, colon shortening, a significant increase in immune cell infiltration and MPO activity, as well as increased proinflammatory cytokine expression. Intraperitoneal administration of ELv significantly reduced colon inflammation, whereas oral treatment proved to be ineffective. In fact, intraperitoneal ELv significantly attenuated the clinical manifestations of colitis, immune cell infiltration, MPO activity, and pro-inflammatory (CXCL-1, TNF-α, and IL-1ß) gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Traditional medicine has employed ELv as a remedy for common infection-derived gastrointestinal symptoms; however, we hereby present the first published study validating its anti-inflammatory properties in the mitigation of DNBS-induced colitis.

Monitoring Heavy Metals in Royal Sun Medicinal Mushroom, Agaricus brasiliensis (Agaricomycetes).

Agaricus brasiliensis is popular because of its nutritional and medicinal properties. Brazil supplies this edible mushroom to international markets, where quality standards are very restrictive regarding the allowable concentrations of heavy metals, especially cadmium. In order to evaluate the accumulation of cadmium, chromium, and lead in A. brasiliensis, the fungus was grown as producers cultivate it, using plastic bags containing inoculated compost with soil as a covering. We analyzed the soil and compost using atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine their physical and chemical properties and natural concentrations of the heavy metals cadmium, chromium, and lead. In addition to the metals naturally found in the soil and compost, 6.6 mgkg-1 cadmium chloride, 13.2 mgkg-1 chromium sulfate, and 1.2 mgkg-1 lead nitrate were added to the soil covering to simulate contaminated soils and to allow us to evaluate potential adsorption by the fungus. An analysis of the fruiting bodies after fructification showed accumulation of the heavy metals, with the greatest amount in those fruiting bodies that had been contaminated with cadmium. Furthermore, the contaminated fruiting bodies had the least raw protein content, were physically deformed, and exhibited variations in the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses.

Uso del laser de baja potencia como coadyuvante en el tratamiento de lesiones periapicales. Revisión sistemática / Use of low power laser as an adjuvant in the treatment of periapical lesions. Systematic review

Resumen Las lesiones periapicales son el resultado de la exposición crónica de la pulpa dental a los microorganismos del medio oral, y afectan progresivamente la región periapical del diente afectado. En la actualidad, el láser de baja potencia (LBP) se emplea como coadyuvante en el tratamiento de este tipo de lesiones, al cual se le atribuyen propiedades analgésicas, antiinflamatorias, bio-estimulantes y promotoras de la respuesta tisular. Este trabajo consistió en revisar sistemáticamente la literatura que evidenciara el uso y la efectividad terapéutica del LBP como coadyuvante en el tratamiento de lesiones periapicales. Para esto se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos PubMed empleando los termino MeSH [low-level light therapy], [periapical diseases], [endodontics] y [laser therapy]. Tras realizar la búsqueda no se encontró literatura relacionada que demostrara la efectividad del LBP. Sin embargo, cuatro documentos reportaron la utilidad del láser de alta potencia como alterativa terapéutica de primera elección o como coadyuvante de terapéuticas actuales. No se encontró evidencia que sustente el uso del LBP en el tratamiento de lesiones periapicales.

Abstract Periapical lesions result in the chronic exposure of the dental pulp to oral microorganisms that progressively affect the periapical region of the involved tooth. Today, low power laser (LPL) is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of these types of lesions, as it promotes tissue response and because of its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and bio-stimulant properties. The present article consists of a systematic review of the literature that will evidence the effectiveness of low power laser therapy as an adjuvant in the treatment of periapical lesions. A search in the Pubmed database was performed using the MeSH terms [low-level light therapy], [periapical diseases], [endodontics] and [laser therapy]. After the search was performed, no related literature demonstrated the effectiveness of low power laser therapy. However, 4 documents reported the usefulness of high power laser therapy as a first choice alternate therapy or as an adjuvant of actual protocols. No evidence was found that supported the use of low power laser therapy in the treatment of periapical lesions.

Some Prospective Alternatives for Treating Pain: The Endocannabinoid System and Its Putative Receptors GPR18 and GPR55.

Background: Marijuana extracts (cannabinoids) have been used for several millennia for pain treatment. Regarding the site of action, cannabinoids are highly promiscuous molecules, but only two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) have been deeply studied and classified. Thus, therapeutic actions, side effects and pharmacological targets for cannabinoids have been explained based on the pharmacology of cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptors. However, the accumulation of confusing and sometimes contradictory results suggests the existence of other cannabinoid receptors. Different orphan proteins (e.g., GPR18, GPR55, GPR119, etc.) have been proposed as putative cannabinoid receptors. According to their expression, GPR18 and GPR55 could be involved in sensory transmission and pain integration. Methods: This article reviews select relevant information about the potential role of GPR18 and GPR55 in the pathophysiology of pain. Results: This work summarized novel data supporting that, besides cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, GPR18 and GPR55 may be useful for pain treatment. Conclusion: There is evidence to support an antinociceptive role for GPR18 and GPR55.

Medicina alternativa y complementaria: ¿Qué experiencias tienen las personas al utilizarla? / Alternative and Complementary Medicine: What experiences do people have using it?

Introducción: El incremento del uso de la Medicina Alternativa y Complementaria (MAC) se puede sustentar en la eficacia reportada y escasos efectos secundarios. Sin embargo, no hay suficientes investigaciones sobre posibles complicaciones e interacciones con los medicamentos convencionales. Objetivo: Describir las experiencias de mujeres que hayan utilizado la medicina alternativa y complementaria Metodología: Investigación cualitativa con diseño fenomenológico descriptivo. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de entrevistas a profundidad, con una guía que incluyó los temas relacionados con el fenómeno a investigar, observación y notas. El análisis se realizó según lo propuesto por Krueger: lectura, transcripción, codificación, formación de temas y sub temas, se aplicaron los criterios de rigor y el consentimiento informado. Hallazgos: Se encontró que los principales motivos por los cuales las entrevistadas acudieron a la medicina alternativa fueron por recomendación de familiares o conocidos así como la asequibilidad de la misma. Las entrevistadas admiten utilizar 1 o más métodos alternativos, de los cuales sobresale la herbolaria, para tratar patologías específicas y/o síntomas generales. Sobre sus emociones y sentimientos que les causó el uso de la MAC sobresalen la confianza y bienestar que les genera. También se identificó una creencia sobre la inocuidad de los remedios herbolarios ya que creen que son inofensivos. Conclusiones: La experiencia de las participantes con la MAC fue en lo general positiva y ninguna reportó efectos secundarios por el uso de la misma. Por esta sensación de bienestar percibida, las personas tienen una gran confianza en sus efectos sanadores.

High carotenoid bioaccessibility through linseed oil nanoemulsions with enhanced physical and oxidative stability.

Carotenoid (astaxanthin or lycopene) emulsions obtained by high pressure homogenization were investigated for their physical, oxidative and storage stability and biological fate on an in vitro digestion model of bioaccessibility. Emulsion stability evaluated at various processing environments (20-50°C, 2-10 pH, 0-500 mM NaCl, and 0-35 days storage at 25°C) depended on carotenoid and homogenization pressures (5, 10, 100 MPa). Trolox increased the oxidative stability of nanoemulsions (100 MPa) and acted synergistically with BHT in increasing the stability of lycopene nanoemulsion. Intestinal digestibility depended on homogenization pressures with the fastest release and lower amount of free fatty acids observed at 100 MPa. Carotenoid nanoemulsions (100 MPa) were partially (66%) digested and highly bioaccessible (>70%). Therefore, nanoemulsions provide an effective and stable system for efficient astaxanthin or lycopene delivery and bioavailability in foods, beverages, nutraceuticals and/or other agriproducts.

Projeto Araguaia Viver Vendo / Araguaia Project To live with sight

Projeto piloto de atendimento oftalmológico clínico/cirúrgico realizado no próprio local onde vive a populaçäo. Foram estudados 243 pacientes, 36 cirurgias realizadas, no período de 23 a 27 de julho de 1994, no município de Säo Félix do Araguaia (MT). Este estudo foi desenvolvido obedecendo a rotina de exame ocular completo, tendo sido realizado tratamento clínico/cirúrgico nos pacientes que deles mais necessitavam