Evaluation of Guava Pulp Microencapsulated in Mucilage of Aloe Vera and Opuntia ficus-indica as a Natural Dye for Yogurt: Functional Characterization and Color Stability.

The substitution of artificial colorants for pigments extracted from fruits is a highly desirable strategy in the food industry for the manufacture of natural, functional, and safe products. In this work, a 100% natural spray-dried (SD) microencapsulated colorant of pink guava pulp, using aloe vera (AV) or Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) mucilage as functional encapsulating material, was prepared and evaluated as an additive into a yogurt (Y) matrix. The characterization of yogurt samples supplemented with OFI (Y-SD-OFI) and AV (Y-SD-AV) mucilage-covered guava pulp microcapsules was carried out through carotenoid quantification using UV-vis and HPLC-MS techniques, dietary fiber content, antioxidant capacity, colorimetry, and textural analysis, as well as by an evaluation of color stability after 25 days of storage at 4 °C in the dark. These physicochemical characteristics and color stability on the Y-SD-OFI and Y-SD-AV samples were compared with those of a commercial yogurt (control sample, Y-C) containing sunset yellow FCF synthetic colorant (E110). Y-SD-OFI and Y-SD-AV samples exhibited a high content of lycopene, dietary fiber, and antioxidant activity, which were absent in the control sample. Microencapsulated lycopene imparted a highly stable color to yogurt, contrary to the effect provided by the E110 dye in the control sample. The texture profile analysis revealed an increase in firmness, consistency, and cohesion in the Y-SD-OFI sample, contrary to the Y-SD-AV and Y-C samples, which was attributed to the variation in fiber concentration in the microcapsules. The incorporation of OFI and AV mucilage microparticles containing pink guava pulp into yogurt demonstrated its potential application as a functional natural colorant for dairy products.

[Papular mycosis fungoides in elderly: Report of two cases]. / Micosis fungoide papular en el anciano: a propósito de 2 casos.

Papular mycosis fungoides (MF) is an uncommon clinical variant of early MF without prognostic implications that follows an indolent course over years. It is characterized by the presence of multiple, small, pruritic, flat-topped, erythematous papules, often presenting as a nonspecific papular eruption which makes early diagnosis difficult. We describe two cases of elderly patients with papular MF, a probably underdiagnosed entity, which causes a significant deterioration in quality of life of patients who may benefit from specific treatments such as phototherapy.

Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivatives of Purple Sweet Potato as Modulators of Mitochondrial Function in Mouse Primary Hepatocytes.

Owing to their antioxidant properties, caffeoylquinic acid (CQA)-derivatives could potentially improve the impaired metabolism in hepatic cells, however, their effect on mitochondrial function has not been demonstrated yet. Here, we evaluated the impact of three CQA-derivatives extracted from purple sweet potato, namely 5-CQA, 3,4- and 4,5-diCQA, on mitochondrial activity in primary hepatocytes using an extracellular flux analyzer. Notably, an increase of maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity were observed when 5-CQA and 3,4-diCQA were added to the system indicating the improved mitochondrial function. Moreover, 3,4-diCQA was shown to considerably increase glycolytic reserve which is a measure of cell capability to respond to an energy demand through glycolysis. Conversely, 4,5-diCQA did not modify mitochondrial activity but increased glycolysis at low concentration in primary hepatocytes. All compounds tested improved cellular capacity to oxidize fatty acids. Overall, our results demonstrated the potential of test CQA-derivatives to modify mitochondrial function in hepatic cells. It is especially relevant in case of dysfunctional mitochondria in hepatocytes linked to hepatic steatosis during obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Association of significant risk perception with the use of complementary and alternative medicine: A cross-sectional study in Hispanic patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Risk perception (RP) describes patient´s judgment of the likelihood of experiencing something unpleasant, and has been associated to the adoption of health behaviors. Current rheumatoid arthritis (RA) guidelines recommend early and intensive treatment, although patients also commonly use Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). We aimed to investigate if significant RP was associated to CAM use in Hispanic RA outpatients and to describe additional associated factors. METHODS: Between March and August 2019, 266 consecutive outpatients were invited to a face-to-face interview to collect socio-demographic and RA-related information, to assess comorbidity and the following patient-reported-outcomes: pain, overall-disease and treatment adherence with visual analogue scales, disease activity with RAPID-3, RP with a validated questionnaire, and CAM use with a translated and cross-culturally adapted for Argentina version of the International CAM questionnaire. Medical records were reviewed to corroborate the data provided by the patients. CAM use definition was restricted to "in the last 3 months". Significant RP was defined based on published cut-off. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated to CAM use. The study received IRB approval. RESULTS: There were 246 patients included, primarily middle-aged women, with substantial disease duration, moderate disease activity and 70 patients (28.5%) had significant RP. Two hundreds patients (81.3%) were CAM users. Significant RP (OR: 2.388, 95%CI: 1.044-5.464, p = 0.039) and access to Federal health care system (OR: 2.916, 95%CI: 1.081-7.866, p = 0.035) were associated to CAM use. CONCLUSIONS: Patient´s perception of RA-related negative consequences was associated to recent CAM use in Hispanic RA outpatients.

Metabolic shift in the production of corrinoid compounds by Lactobacillus coryniformis in the absence of purines.

Lactobacillus coryniformis CRL 1001 and L. reuteri CRL 1098 have the complete genes necessary to synthesize pseudo-cobalamin as final product in a vitamin B12 free commercial medium. Unlike vitaminB12 (the most biologically active form), the pseudo-cobalamin contains adenine instead of 5,6-dimethlbenzimidazole (DMB) in the Coα-ligand. Considering the vitamin B12-gene clusters of these bacteria, the aim of this work was to analyze the production of corrinoids with DMB (vitamin B12) instead of adenine (pseudo-B12) as lower ligand base in a vitamin B12 free chemically defined medium (CDM) without purines. Genome-wide screening of genes related to purine metabolism showed that both strains possess all pur genes necessary for the synthesis of inositol monophosphate, the main precursor for purine biosynthesis. Accordingly, both strains were able to grow in B12 free CDM without purines, with the supplementation of different synthetic intermediaries. Isolated compounds with positive vitamin B12 activity were quantified and characterized by LC/MS-MS. Total corrinoids values were higher for both strains in comparison to those obtained in vitaminB12 free commercial medium. Interestingly, CRL 1001 strain synthesized cobalamin, suggesting that this strain is able to activate DMB as nitrogenous base instead adenine when it is in excess in a purine-free medium. The present paper represents the first demonstration of a partial metabolic shift to produce vitamin B12 in a Lactobacillus strain.

New acylated cyanidin glycosides extracted from underutilized potential sources: Enzymatic synthesis, antioxidant activity and thermostability.

Interest in anthocyanins has increased remarkably in recent decades, although their wider application has been hampered by instability problems. Thus, this study aimed at developing a strategy to gain access to more stable anthocyanins via enzymatic esterification. For that purpose, three cyanidin derivatives were obtained from underutilized, but easily accessible sources, and their total anthocyanin content was quantified. The purity of cyanidins obtained ranged from 40% to 88% depending on their source. Subsequently, the critical enzymatic reaction conditions were established, and the best results were found using tert-butanol as a solvent, 20 g/L of lipase B from Candida Antarctica, and vinyl cinnamate as acyl donor at ratio 250:1 (acyl donor to anthocyanin). Finally, five new acylated anthocyanin derivatives were synthesized with improved antioxidant activity and thermostability, in comparison to the cyanidin-3-glucoside, which is an advantageous feature for industrial applications.

Síndromes dolorosos musculotendinosos. revisión de literatura / Musculotendinous painful syndromes. Literature review

Introducción: los síndromes dolorosos musculotendinosos se presentan a nivel de hombro, codo, muñeca, cadera, rodilla, tobillo y pie. Manifiestan una clínica localizada y el tratamiento está compuesto por infiltraciones locales, iontoforesis y en ciertas ocasiones TENS y ultrasonidos. Objetivo: resumir las características de los síndromes dolorosos tendinosos. Desarrollo: los síndromes dolorosos musculotendinosos se manifiestan a escala de hombro, codo, muñeca, cadera, rodilla, tobillo y pie. Se identifican por presentar una clínica localizada y el tratamiento se compone de infiltraciones locales, iontoforesis y en algunos ejemplos TENS y ultrasonidos. Conclusiones: el síndrome de dolor miofascial se concibe como un cuadro de dolor regional manifestado habitualmente en cintura escapular y pélvica. Provoca unos puntos desencadenantes del dolor y contractura muscular. El tratamiento está compuesto por control del dolor, restablecimiento de la fuerza muscular y movilidad(AU)

Introduction: musculotendinous pain syndromes occur at the level of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot. They manifest a localized clinic and the treatment is composed of local infiltrations, iontophoresis and, in some cases, TENS and ultrasound. Objective: to summarize the characteristics of the tendinous pain syndromes. Development: musculotendinous painful syndromes manifest at shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot scales. They are identified by presenting a localized clinic and the treatment consists of local infiltrations, iontophoresis and, in some cases, TENS and ultrasound. Conclusions: the myofascial pain syndrome is conceived as a regional pain pattern usually manifested in the scapular and pelvic girdle. It provokes some trigger points of pain and muscular contracture. The treatment consists of pain control, restoring muscle strength and mobility(AU)

The Phytoestrogen Genistein Produces Similar Effects as 17ß-Estradiol on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats at 12 Weeks after Ovariectomy.

The phytoestrogen genistein produces anxiolytic-like effects in ovariectomized rats, which highlights its potential therapeutic effect in ameliorating anxiety in surgical menopausal women. However, no studies have directly compared the effects of identical doses of genistein and 17ß-estradiol, the main estrogen used in hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women. The present study evaluated the anxiolytic-like effects of identical doses of genistein and 17ß-estradiol (0.045, 0.09, and 0.18 mg/kg/7 days, s.c.) in a surgical menopause model in rats in the elevated plus maze and locomotor activity tests at 12 weeks after ovariectomy. Additionally, the participation of estrogen receptor-ß in the anxiolytic-like effect of genistein and 17ß-estradiol was explored by previous administration of the 5 mg/kg tamoxifen antagonist. Genistein and 17ß-estradiol (0.09 and 0.18 mg/kg) similarly reduced anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and also increased the time spent grooming and rearing, without affecting crossing in locomotor activity test. These effects were blocked by tamoxifen. Present results indicate that the phytoestrogen genistein has a similar behavioral profile as 17ß-estradiol in rats at 12 weeks after ovariectomy through action at the estrogen receptor-ß. Thus genistein has potential for reducing anxiety-like behavior associated with low concentrations of ovarian hormones, which normally occurs during natural and surgical menopause.

Efecto antimicrobiano del aceite de coco sobre cepas de Estreptococos mutans. Estudio in vitro / Antimicrobial effect of coconut oil on strains of mutans streptococci. In vitro study

La planta de coco (Cocos nucifera L) llamada el árbol de la vida, se encuentra en los primeros lugares de las especies de plantas alimenticias vitales para el hombre; debido a las múltiples propiedades que posee es que se planteó la presente investigación con el objetivo fundamental de determinar el efecto antimicrobiano del aceite de coco sobre las cepas ATCC25175 de Estreptococos mutans, considerando que este microorganismo es el principal causante de la formación de la caries, por encontrarse presente en la placa dental y es uno de los productores de ácidos que erosionan el esmalte dando inicio a lesiones cariosas. Por otro lado, a nivel mundial se está consolidando la consciencia sobre la necesidad de utilizar productos naturales en la terapéutica humana, es por ello que la Organización Mundial de la Salud, propuso como objetivo a cumplir el programa "salud para todos" considerando la importancia de establecer estrategias formales de atención primaria en salud con medicina tradicional y elementos terapéuticos naturales de reconocida utilidad lo cual se ha estado realizando en muchas partes del mundo. El presente estudio fue in vitro, realizado en el laboratorio de microbiología de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Central aplicando procedimientos que permitieron conocer el efecto antimicrobiano del aceite de coco mediante la determinación del grado de inhibición sobre cepas ATCC25175 de Estreptococos mutans, estableciendo una comparación con el efecto de la clorhexidina al 0,12%. Los resultados obtenidos manifiestan que el aceite de coco a diferentes concentraciones presenta efecto inhibitorio sobre las cepas de Estreptococos mutans ATCC25175, por lo tanto el microorganismo es "sensible o inhibido", sin demostrar diferencias significativas en el efecto producido por las tres concentraciones. Se evidencia que el microorganismo presenta significativamente mayor sensibilidad frente a la clorhexidina al 0,12% que al aceite de coco en sus tres concentraciones.

Using Non-Traditional Interfaces to Support Physical Therapy for Knee Strengthening.

Physical therapy consists mainly in the execution of rehabilitation processes that aim to help overcome injuries, as well as develop, maintain, or restore maximum body movement. Knee rehabilitation is one kind of physical therapy that requires daily exercises which could be considered monotonous and boring by the patients, discouraging their improvement. This is coupled with the fact that most physical therapists assess exercise performance through verbal and visual means with mostly manual measurements, making it difficult to constantly verify and validate if patients perform the exercises correctly. This article describes a physical therapy monitoring system that uses wearable technology to assess exercise performance and patient progress. This wearable device is able to measure and transfer the movement's data from the patient's limb to a mobile device. Moreover, the user interface is a game, which provides an entertaining approach to therapy exercising. In this article, it is shown that the developed system significantly increases daily user engagement in rehabilitation exercises, through a gameplay that matches physical therapy requirements for knee rehabilitation, as well as offering useful quantitative information to therapists.

The Ciclovia and Cicloruta programs: promising interventions to promote physical activity and social capital in Bogotá, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: We compared participants from the Ciclovia (streets temporarily closed to motorized vehicles and open for pedestrians) and Cicloruta (bicycle paths) programs in Bogotá, Colombia, to assess associations of program participation with physical activity, safety, social capital, and equity. METHODS: We conducted 2 cross-sectional studies in October 2009 with intercept surveys: one among 1000 Ciclovia participants and the other among 1000 Cicloruta participants. RESULTS: Most Ciclovia participants met the physical activity recommendation in leisure time (59.5%), and most Cicloruta participants met it by cycling for transportation (70.5%). Ciclovia participants reported a higher perception of safety (51.2% regarding traffic and 42.4% about crime) and social capital (odds ratio = 2.0; 95% confidence interval = 1.4, 2.8) than did Cicloruta users. Most Cicloruta users reported living in low socioeconomic status categories (53.1%), had lower educational attainment (27%), and did not own cars (82.9%). Most Ciclovia participants reported living in middle socioeconomic status categories (64%), had low-to-middle educational attainment (51.1%), and did not own cars (66.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The Ciclovia and Cicloruta programs have the potential to equitably promote physical activity and provide a mobility alternative in complex urban settings such as Bogotá.