Effect of Continuous and Discontinuous Microwave-Assisted Heating on Starch-Derived Dietary Fiber Production.

Dietary fiber can be obtained by dextrinization, which occurs while heating starch in the presence of acids. During dextrinization, depolymerization, transglycosylation, and repolymerization occur, leading to structural changes responsible for increasing resistance to starch enzymatic digestion. The conventional dextrinization time can be decreased by using microwave-assisted heating. The main objective of this study was to obtain dietary fiber from acidified potato starch using continuous and discontinuous microwave-assisted heating and to investigate the structure and physicochemical properties of the resulting dextrins. Dextrins were characterized by water solubility, dextrose equivalent, and color parameters (L* a* b*). Total dietary fiber content was measured according to the AOAC 2009.01 method. Structural and morphological changes were determined by means of SEM, XRD, DSC, and GC-MS analyses. Microwave-assisted dextrinization of potato starch led to light yellow to brownish products with increased solubility in water and diminished crystallinity and gelatinization enthalpy. Dextrinization products contained glycosidic linkages and branched residues not present in native starch, indicative of its conversion into dietary fiber. Thus, microwave-assisted heating can induce structural changes in potato starch, originating products with a high level of dietary fiber content.

Proof-of-Concept Study of Multifunctional Hybrid Nanoparticle System Combined with NIR Laser Irradiation for the Treatment of Melanoma.

The global impact of cancer emphasizes the importance of developing innovative, effective and minimally invasive therapies. In the context of superficial cancers, the development of a multifunctional nanoparticle-based system and its in vitro and in vivo safety and efficacy characterization are, herein, proposed as a proof-of-concept. This multifunctional system consists of gold nanoparticles coated with hyaluronic and oleic acids, and functionalized with epidermal growth factor for greater specificity towards cutaneous melanoma cells. This nanoparticle system is activated by a near-infrared laser. The characterization of this nanoparticle system included several phases, with in vitro assays being firstly performed to assess the safety of gold nanoparticles without laser irradiation. Then, hairless immunocompromised mice were selected for a xenograft model upon inoculation of A375 human melanoma cells. Treatment with near-infrared laser irradiation for five minutes combined with in situ administration of the nanoparticles showed a tumor volume reduction of approximately 80% and, in some cases, led to the formation of several necrotic foci, observed histologically. No significant skin erythema at the irradiation zone was verified, nor other harmful effects on the excised organs. In conclusion, these assays suggest that this system is safe and shows promising results for the treatment of superficial melanoma.

Relevance of genipin networking on rheological, physical, and mechanical properties of starch-based formulations.

The small amount of proteins in starch-rich food industry byproducts can be an advantage to crosslink with genipin and tailor the performance of biobased films. In this work, genipin was combined with non- purified starch recovered from industrial potato washing slurries and used for films production. Starch recovered from potato washing slurries contained 0.75% protein, 2 times higher than starch directly obtained from potato and 6 times higher than the commercial one. Starch protein-genipin networks were formed with 0.05% and 0.10% genipin, gelatinized at 75 °C and 95 °C in presence of 30% glycerol. Bluish colored films were obtained in all conditions, with the higher surface roughness (Ra, 1.22 µm), stretchability (elongation, 31%), and hydrophobicity (water contact angle, 127°) for 0.10% genipin and starch gelatinized at 75 °C. Therefore, starch-rich byproducts, when combined with genipin, are promising for surpassing the starch-based films hydrophilicity and mechanical fragilities while providing light barrier properties.

Preliminary Assays towards Melanoma Cells Using Phototherapy with Gold-Based Nanomaterials.

Cancer like melanoma is a complex disease, for which standard therapies have significant adverse side effects that in most cases are ineffective and highly unspecific. Thus, a new paradigm has come with the need of achieving alternative (less invasive) and effective therapies. In this work, biocompatible gold nanoparticles (GNPs) coated with hyaluronic acid and oleic acid were prepared and characterized in terms of size, morphology and cytotoxicity in the presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and two cell lines, the keratinocytes (healthy skin cells, HaCat) and the melanoma cells (B16F10). Results showed that these GNPs absorb within the near-infrared region (750-1400 nm), in the optical therapeutic window (from 650 to 1300 nm), in contrast to other commercial gold nanoparticles, which enables light to penetrate into deep skin layers. A laser emitting in this region was applied and its effect also analyzed. The coated GNPs showed a spherical morphology with a mean size of 297 nm without cytotoxic effects towards yeast and tested cell lines. Nevertheless, after laser irradiation, a reduction of 20% in B16F10 cell line viability was observed. In summary, this work appears to be a promising strategy for the treatment of non-metastatic melanoma or other superficial tumors.

Tailoring the surface properties and flexibility of starch-based films using oil and waxes recovered from potato chips byproducts.

Agrofood byproducts may be exploited as a source of biomolecules suitable for developing bioplastic materials. In this work, the feasibility of using starch, oil, and waxes recovered from potato chips byproducts for films production was studied. The recovered potato starch-rich fraction (RPS) contained an amylopectin/amylose ratio of 2.3, gelatinization temperatures varying from 59 to 71 °C, and a gelatinization enthalpy of 12.5 J/g, similarly to a commercial potato starch (CPS). Despite of its spherical and oval granules identical to CPS, RPS had a more amorphous structure and gave rise to low viscous suspensions, contradicting the typical B-type polymorph crystal structure and sluggish dispersions of CPS, respectively. When used for films production, RPS originated transparent films with lower roughness and wettability than CPS-based films, but with higher stretchability. In turn, when combined with RPS and CPS, oil or waxes recovered from frying residues and potato peels, respectively, allowed to develop transparent yellowish RPS- and CPS-based films with increased surface hydrophobicity, mechanical traction resistance, elasticity, and/or plasticity. Therefore, potato chips industry byproducts revealed to have thermoplastic and hydrophobic biomolecules that can be used to efficiently develop biobased plastics with improved surface properties and flexibility, opening an opportunity for their valorization.

[Acute Generalized Chorea, Dystonia and Brain Calcifications: A Case Report]. / Coreia Aguda Generalizada, Distonia e Calcificações Cerebrais: A Propósito de um Caso Clínico.

Pathological basal ganglia calcification, or Fahr's Syndrome, can be secondary to a variety of diseases, namely parathyroid disturbances. Movement disorders are common clinical features, in which chorea is seen in less than 20% of cases and dystonia just in 8%. We report the clinical case of a 49-year-old male with a history of thyroidectomy, who was admitted in Emergency Service with acute generalized chorea and focal painful feet dystonia. Laboratory analysis showed hypocalcemia and rhabdomyolysis, and computed tomography scan revealed parenchymal calcification with basal ganglia involvement. After complementary studies we established a Fahr's Syndrome diagnosis secondary to an iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism. Clinical management has been successful with stabilized calcium levels, with no more neurologic symptoms. Hypocalcemia should be readily investigated and treated after a thyroidectomy, given the irreversibility of intracerebral calcifications and potential neurological or systemic consequences.

A calcificação dos núcleos da base, ou síndrome de Fahr, pode ser secundária a variadas doenças, nomeadamente as que cursam com envolvimento da paratiróide. Distúrbios do movimento são achados clínicos comuns, mas a coreia é observada em menos de 20% dos casos e a distonia apenas em 8%. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 49 anos com antecedentes de tiroidectomia, admitido no serviço de urgência com coreia aguda generalizada e distonia focal dolorosa dos pés, cujo estudo laboratorial revelava hipocalcémia e rabdomiólise e a tomografia computorizada crânio-encefálica mostrava calcificações parenquimatosas extensas com envolvimento dos núcleos da base. A alargada investigação complementar permitiu fazer o diagnóstico de síndrome de Fahr secundária a hipoparatiroidismo iatrogénico. Após estabilização da calcémia, a evolução clínica foi favorável com resolução dos sintomasneurológicos. A hipocalcémia deve ser investigada e corrigida depois de tiroidectomias, dada a irreversibilidade das calcificações intracerebrais e as potenciais consequências neurológicas e sistémicas.

Experience of the MACE procedure at a regional pediatric surgical unit: a 15-year retrospective review.

INTRODUCTION: The Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure is an established treatment option for children with constipation or fecal incontinence. This study retrospectively analyses the management and outcomes of children who underwent MACE procedures at a regional pediatric surgery unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Children who underwent a MACE procedure in our unit between 1998 and 2012 were identified. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from contemporaneous records. Using the continence scale described by Malone, overall outcomes were categorized as full, partial, or failure (full: totally clean or minor rectal leakage on night of washout; partial: clean but significant stoma or rectal leakage, occasional major leak and/or still wearing protection but perceived by child or parent to be an improvement; failure: regular soiling or constipation persisted, no perceived improvement, procedure was abandoned). Data entry and statistical analysis were performed using Excel and SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). RESULTS: A total of 40 children (29 male) were identified for inclusion. Underlying diagnoses were idiopathic constipation (16), anorectal anomalies (14) and Hirschprung's disease (10). The MACE procedure was performed laparoscopically in 26 cases and using an open technique in 14 cases. Mean age at the time of surgery was 8.9 years (range, 3-19 years) and mean follow-up time was 6.5 years (range, 1-10 years). Outcomes categorized as full were 62.5% for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), 71.4% for anorectal malformation (ARM), and 70% for Hirschsprung disease (HD). Overall success rates (full and partial outcomes combined) were 87.5% for CIC, 92.8% for ARM, 100% for HD, and 92.5% for all diagnoses taken together. Eleven MACE procedures (27.5%) were reversed, in seven (17.5%) due to the return of spontaneous and regular bowel movements and in four (10%) due to stomal problems. CONCLUSION: This study identified a high success rate (combining full and partial outcomes) of 92.5% for MACE procedures within our unit. An encouraging finding is that the procedure was reversed in a significant proportion of patients following the return of normal bowel habits.

Avaliação do estado nutricional e do consumo alimentar de pacientes amputados e com úlceras de pressão atendidos em um centro hospitalar de reabilitação / Evaluation of the nutritional status and food consumption of amputated patients having pressure ulcers in a hospital rehabilitation center / Evaluación del estado nutricional e del consumo alimenticio y de pacientes amputados que tienen úlceras de presión en un centro de rehabilitación hospitalario

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o estado nutricional e a ingestão alimentar de pacientes amputados com úlceras de pressão (UP) atendidos no ambulatório de um Centro Hospitalar de Reabilitação em Curitiba por meio de um estudo retrospectivo. Os critérios de inclusão foram: idade acima de 18 anos, via de alimentação exclusivamente oral, diagnóstico médico de amputação, úlcera de pressão como problema associado e número de consultas com Nutricionista (no mínimo 3). Foram selecionadas para análise as fichasde cinco pacientes. O estudo mostrou que a maioria dos pacientes foi diagnosticada com sobrepeso e que a ingestão de proteínas energiae micronutrientes essenciais para cicatrização de UP (vitaminas A, C e E, cobre e zinco) foram insuficientes. Após a terapia nutricional,todos apresentaram melhoras no processo de cicatrização. Ainda faltam estudos que comprovem uma eficácia na suplementação de nutrientes em pacientes com esse diagnóstico, porém todos concordam que uma melhora no estado nutricional favorece a cura e prevenção de UP quando ainda existem outros fatores associados.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutritional status and food consumption patterns of patients amputated due topressure ulcers (PU) assisted in the clinic of a Hospital Rehabilitation Center in Curitiba by means of a retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were: age above 18 years, exclusively oral feeding, amputated, pressure ulcer as associated problem and at least 3 consultationswith a Nutritionist. The medical history of five patients was selected for analysis. The study has showed that most patients were diagnosedwith overweight and that the essential protein ingestion, energy and micronutrients for cicatrization of PU (vitamins C and E, copper and zinc) were insufficient. After the proposed nutritional therapy, all patients presented improvements in the cicatrization process. Stillthere is a lack of studies that prove the effectiveness of nutrients supplementation in patients with this diagnosis, although all agree thatan improvement in the nutritional status contributes to cure and prevention of PU in cases in which here are other associated factors.

La meta de este trabajo fue evaluar el estado nutricional y los patrones del consumo de alimentos de pacientes amputados debido a úlceras de presión (UP) ayudados en la clínica de un centro de rehabilitación hospitalario en Curitiba por medio de un estudioretrospectivo. Los criterios de inclusión fueran: tener más de 18 años, utilizar exclusivamente alimentación oral, ser amputado, tener úlcera de presión como problema asociado y por lo menos 3 consultas con un nutricionista. El historial médico de cinco pacientes fueseleccionado para el análisis. El estudio ha demostrado que la mayoría de los pacientes ha sido diagnosticada con exceso de peso y que laingestión de proteínas, la energía y los microalimentos esenciales para la cicatrización de UP (vitaminas C y E, cobre y cinc) eran escasos.Después de la terapia alimenticia propuesta, todos los pacientes presentaron mejorías en el proceso de cicatrización. Hay una carenciade estudios que prueben la eficacia de la suplementación nutricional en pacientes con esta diagnosis, aunque todos convengan que una mejoría en el estado alimenticio contribuye a la curación y a la prevención de la UP en los casos que presentan otros factores asociados.

Chronic arthritis leads to disturbances in the bone collagen network.

INTRODUCTION: In this study we used a mice model of chronic arthritis to evaluate if bone fragility induced by chronic inflammation is associated with an imbalance in bone turnover and also a disorganization of the bone type I collagen network. METHODS: Serum, vertebrae and femur bones were collected from eight-month-old polyarthritis SKG mice and controls. Strength of the femoral bones was evaluated using three-point bending tests and density was assessed with a pycnometer. Bone turnover markers carboxy-terminal collagen cross-linking telopeptides (CTX-I) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) were measured in serum. The organization and density of bone collagen were analyzed in vertebrae using second-harmonic generation (SHG) imaging with a two-photon microscope and trabecular bone microstructure was assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: Femoral bones of SKG mice revealed increased fragility expressed by deterioration of mechanical properties, namely altered stiffness (P = 0.007) and reduced strength (P = 0.006), when compared to controls. Accordingly, inter-trabecular distance and trabecular thickness as observed by SEM were reduced in SKG mice. PINP was significantly higher in arthritic mice (9.18 +/- 3.21 ng/ml) when compared to controls (1.71 +/- 0.53 ng/ml, P < 0.001). Bone resorption marker CTX-I was 9.67 +/- 3.18 ng/ml in arthritic SKG mice compared to 6.23 +/- 4.11 ng/ml in controls (P = 0.176). The forward-to-backward signal ratio measured by SHG was higher in SKG animals, reflecting disorganized matrix and loose collagen structure, compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown for the first time that chronic arthritis by itself impairs bone matrix architecture, probably due to disturbed bone remodeling and increased collagen turnover. This effect might predispose patients to bone fragility fractures.