Accuracy of respiratory muscle assessments to predict weaning outcomes: a systematic review and comparative meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several bedside assessments are used to evaluate respiratory muscle function and to predict weaning from mechanical ventilation in patients on the intensive care unit. It remains unclear which assessments perform best in predicting weaning success. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize and compare the accuracy of the following assessments to predict weaning success: maximal inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory pressures, diaphragm thickening fraction and excursion (DTF and DE), end-expiratory (Tdiee) and end-inspiratory (Tdiei) diaphragm thickness, airway occlusion pressure (P0.1), electrical activity of respiratory muscles, and volitional and non-volitional assessments of transdiaphragmatic and airway opening pressures. METHODS: Medline (via Pubmed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CINAHL were comprehensively searched from inception to 04/05/2023. Studies including adult mechanically ventilated patients reporting data on predictive accuracy were included. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) models were used to estimate the SROC curves of each assessment method. Meta-regression was used to compare SROC curves. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by excluding studies with high risk of bias, as assessed with QUADAS-2. Direct comparisons were performed using studies comparing each pair of assessments within the same sample of patients. RESULTS: Ninety-four studies were identified of which 88 studies (n = 6296) reporting on either PImax, DTF, DE, Tdiee, Tdiei and P0.1 were included in the meta-analyses. The sensitivity to predict weaning success was 63% (95% CI 47-77%) for PImax, 75% (95% CI 67-82%) for DE, 77% (95% CI 61-87%) for DTF, 74% (95% CI 40-93%) for P0.1, 69% (95% CI 13-97%) for Tdiei, 37% (95% CI 13-70%) for Tdiee, at fixed 80% specificity. Accuracy of DE and DTF to predict weaning success was significantly higher when compared to PImax (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01, respectively). Sensitivity and direct comparisons analyses showed that the accuracy of DTF to predict weaning success was significantly higher when compared to DE (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DTF and DE are superior to PImax and DTF seems to have the highest accuracy among all included respiratory muscle assessments for predicting weaning success. Further studies aiming at identifying the optimal threshold of DTF to predict weaning success are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020209295, October 15, 2020.

Clinical and laboratorial performance of rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to analyze the clinical (survival rate, failure risk, or fracture) and laboratory performance (fracture mode or failure) of rehabilitations of endodontically treated teeth, with and without posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and OpenGrey databases up to March 2023, according to PRISMA guidelines. In vitro and clinical studies that compared the clinical and laboratory performance of endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular posts were included. Studies selection, data extraction, and risk of bias analysis were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-one in vitro and 7 clinical studies were included. For in vitro studies, fiberglass post (n = 24) was the most mentioned. The follow-up time of the clinical studies ranged from 1 to 17 years, with the fiber-reinforced composite post (n = 3) being the most evaluated, and only failure risk proved to be more favorable for using intraradicular posts. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitations of endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular retainers showed no difference in fracture resistance and failure mode, evaluated by in vitro studies. Clinical studies showed no difference in survival rate, but failure risk proved to be more favorable for the use of posts. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This analysis revealed significant variability between results, however, most laboratory and clinical studies revealed no difference with using the post. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize the need to evaluate the coronary remnant and the general characteristics of the tooth in each situation.

Obtention and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Industrial Melon Residues Following a Biorefinery Approach.

Residual melon by-products were explored for the first time as a bioresource of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) obtention. Two alkaline extraction methods were employed, the traditional (4.5% NaOH, 2 h, 80 °C) and a thermo-alkaline in the autoclave (2% NaOH, 1 h, 100 °C), obtaining a yield of MCC ranging from 4.76 to 9.15% and 2.32 to 3.29%, respectively. The final MCCs were characterized for their chemical groups by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), crystallinity with X-ray diffraction, and morphology analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). FTIR spectra showed that the traditional protocol allows for a more effective hemicellulose and lignin removal from the melon residues than the thermo-alkaline process. The degree of crystallinity of MCC ranged from 51.51 to 61.94% and 54.80 to 55.07% for the thermo-alkaline and traditional processes, respectively. The peaks detected in X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the presence of Type I cellulose. SEM analysis revealed microcrystals with rough surfaces and great porosity, which could remark their high-water absorption capacity and drug-carrier capacities. Thus, these findings could respond to the need to valorize industrial melon by-products as raw materials for MCC obtention with potential applications as biodegradable materials.

Occurrence Rate and Outcomes of Weaning Groups According to a Refined Weaning Classification: A Retrospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: The weaning according to a new definition (WIND) classification groups mechanically ventilated (MV) patients into "short weaning," "difficult weaning," "prolonged weaning," and "no weaning." The aims of the study were: 1) to describe the weaning group distribution, 2) to evaluate if "short weaning" patients can be divided into groups with distinct characteristics and outcomes depending on the MV duration, and 3) to study 1-year outcomes related to weaning groups. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary center with a mixed, mainly surgical ICU population. PATIENTS: MV patients admitted between April 11, 2018, and April 10, 2019. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A refined WIND classification was used, dividing "short weaning" patients into patients MV less than or equal to 24 hours, "short weaning a," and those MV greater than 24 hours, "short weaning b." Data were collected from electronic medical records. Of 1,801 MV patients, 65% were categorized as "short weaning a," 13% "short weaning b," 8% "difficult weaning," 6% "prolonged weaning," and 8% "no weaning." "Short weaning a" patients were older, more frequently male, and had lower disease severity compared with "short weaning b." Weaning duration (days: 0 [0-0] to 14 [10-21]), weaning success rate (99-69%), ICU length of stay (days: 2 [1-4] to 28 [19-48]), ICU mortality (1-37%), and hospital length of stay (days: 10 [7-18] to 48 [27-89]) and hospital mortality (4-42%; all p < 0.01) increasingly worsened from "short weaning a" to "prolonged weaning." One-year mortality increased from "short weaning a" (9%) to "short weaning b" (27%), "difficult weaning" (39%), and "prolonged weaning" (49%). In adjusted analyses, weaning groups remained independently associated with 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The high proportion of "short weaning" patients in this mainly surgical ICU population could be divided into two groups with distinct characteristics. This refined WIND classification allowed to enhance prognostication, also beyond hospitalization, highlighting the need to further optimize the weaning process.

Preheating of dental composite resins: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review was to analyze the available evidence on the preheating process and its effects on physicochemical properties of composite resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed in August 2021 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases and gray literature without language or date restriction. Inclusion criteria were in vitro studies that assessed the physicochemical properties and marginal adaptation of preheated composite. Exclusion criteria were studies with experimental composite, literature reviews, clinical studies. Data from selected studies were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 104 studies were found from which 39 were included. The most used composite resin was Filtek Z350 XT (3 M/ESPE), preheated at 68°C in a Calset device (AdDent Inc., Danbury, CT, USA) for 5 or 15 min. Most studies showed decreased viscosity, increased conversion degree and microhardness of composite resins, and better marginal adaptation of direct and indirect restorations. Also, flexural strength was not affected, and data about bond strength were inconclusive due to heterogeneity among studies. CONCLUSION: The parameters used for preheating composite resins are heterogeneous. Preheating decreased viscosity, increased the conversion degree and microhardness of composite resins, and improved the marginal adaptation of direct and indirect restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The analysis of evidence showed a high heterogeneity among preheating protocols. Preheating may benefit the handling and physicochemical properties of composite resins.

Effect of simulated brushing with dentifrices on surface roughness and the mass loss of acrylic resin: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Brushing with dentifrice is the most commonly used denture cleaning method. However, it can result in the mass loss of acrylic resin and an increase in surface roughness, which favors the adherence of microorganisms. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies was to assess the influence of simulated brushing by using dentifrices and water on surface roughness and the mass loss of acrylic resins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Embase, Open Gray, and Google Scholar databases in September 2022. The study selection process, data extraction, and risk of bias analysis were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the Open Science Framework (DOI number 10.17605/OSF.IO/QD4GH). Meta-analysis was performed by using a random effects model (α=.05) in the RevMan (Cochrane Collaboration) software program. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 2 studies in the quantitative synthesis. The manual toothbrush was the most analyzed (n=9), followed by the electric toothbrush (n=5) and denture brush (n=1). Denture base resin (n=8) was evaluated more than acrylic resin for the abrasiveness of toothpaste (n=6). Most studies used conventional toothpaste (n=12), whereas 6 used specific dentifrices. The period of brushing corresponding to 1 year was the most predominant (n=6). Surface roughness (n=13) was evaluated more than mass loss (n=4). In general, dentifrices resulted in greater surface roughness than water. According to meta-analysis results, brushing by using dentifrices reported higher mass loss values than brushing with distilled water (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Brushing acrylic resins with dentifrice was more abrasive than brushing with water.

Early Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Addition to Early Mobilization Improves Functional Status and Decreases Hospitalization Days of Critically Ill Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the additional use of early neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on an early mobilization (EM) protocol. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: ICU of the Clinical Hospital of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. PATIENTS: One hundred and thirty-nine consecutive mechanically ventilated patients were included in the first 48 hours of ICU admission. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were divided into two groups: EM and EM+NMES. Both groups received EM daily. In the EM+NMES group, patients additionally received NMES 5 days a week, for 60 minutes, starting in the first 48 hours of ICU admission until ICU discharge. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Functional status, muscle strength, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), frequency of delirium, days on mechanical ventilation, mortality, and quality of life were assessed. Patients in the EM+NMES group presented a significant higher score of functional status measured by the Functional Status Score for the ICU scale when compared with the EM group in the first day awake: 22 (15-26) versus 12 (8-22) (p = 0.019); at ICU discharge: 28 (21-33) versus 18 (11-26) (p = 0.004); and hospital discharge: 33 (27-35) versus 25 (17-33) (p = 0.014), respectively. They also had better functional status measured by the Physical Function Test in the ICU scale, took less days to stand up during the ICU stay, and had a significant shorter hospital LOS, lower frequency of ICU-acquired weakness, and better global muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: The additional application of early NMES promoted better functional status outcomes on the first day awake and at ICU and hospital discharge. The patients in the EM+NMES group also took fewer days to stand up and had shorter hospital LOS, lower frequency of ICU-acquired weakness, and better muscle strength. Future studies are still necessary to clarify the effects of therapies associated with EM, especially to assess long-term outcomes.

Study of antimycobacterial, cytotoxic, and mutagenic potential of polymeric nanoparticles of copper (II) complex.

This study aimed to encapsulate and characterise a potential anti-tuberculosis copper complex (CuCl2(INH)2.H2O:I1) into polymeric nanoparticles (PNs) of polymethacrylate copolymers (Eudragit®, Eu) developed by nanoprecipitation method. NE30D, S100 and, E100 polymers were tested. The physicochemical characterisations were performed by DLS, TEM, FTIR, encapsulation efficiency and, in vitro release studies. Encapsulation of I1 in PN-NE30D, PN-E100, and PN-S100 was 26.3%, 94.5%, 22.6%, respectively. The particle size and zeta potentials were 82.3 nm and -24.5 mV for PNs-NE30D, 304.4 nm and +18.7 mV for PNs-E100, and 517.9 nm and -6.9 mV for PNs-S100, respectively. All PDIs were under 0.5. The formulations showed an I1 controlled release at alkaline pH with 29.7% from PNs-NE30D, 7.9% from PNs-E100 and, 28.1% from PNs-S100 at 1 h incubation. PNs were stable for at least 3 months. Particularly, PNs-NE30D demonstrated moderate inhibition of M. tuberculosis and low cytotoxic activity. None of the PNs induced mutagenicity.

Effect of universal adhesives and self-etch ceramic primers on bond strength to glass ceramics: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: To simplify dental procedures, multicomponent products such as universal adhesives and self-etch ceramic primers have been recommended for glass-ceramic bonding; however, studies have shown a wide range of results. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the in vitro bond strength promoted by hydrofluoric acid+silane-containing universal adhesives and a self-etch ceramic primer to glass-ceramics and compare it with that of conventional treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, LILACS, and ISI Web of Science databases up to April 2021. In vitro studies assessing the resin-mediated bond to glass-ceramics by using a self-etch ceramic primer and hydrofluoric acid+silane-containing universal adhesives and/or compared with traditional hydrofluoric acid+glass-ceramic primers were included. Selection of studies, data extraction, and risk-of-bias analysis were performed. Statistical analysis was performed by using a review management software program using a random effects model (α=.05). RESULTS: A total of 33 studies were included in the qualitative analysis and 26 studies in the quantitative analysis. Bond strength to lithium disilicate ceramic was higher when a hydrofluoric acid+glass-ceramic primer was used than when using a hydrofluoric acid+silane-containing universal adhesive (P<.05), except when 9% to 10% acid concentration was used in combination with static aging (P=.100). A self-etch ceramic primer promoted bond strength values to lithium disilicate that were similar to those of the hydrofluoric acid+glass-ceramic primer (P>.100). CONCLUSIONS: Hydrofluoric acid+silane-containing universal adhesive was not as effective as the hydrofluoric acid+glass-ceramic primer in promoting bond strength to glass-ceramic. Bond strength values generated by a self-etch ceramic primer to glass-ceramic were similar to those generated by the conventional treatment.

Effects of long-term cinnamaldehyde immersion on the surface roughness and color of heat-polymerized denture base resin.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Cinnamaldehyde has been successfully used for the short-term disinfection of dentures; however, its long-term effects on the surface and color properties of denture base materials remain unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of simulated immersion in cinnamaldehyde for up to 5 years on the surface roughness and color parameters of a heat-polymerized denture resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty Ø10×5-mm disk-shaped specimens were prepared from microwave heat-polymerized polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and immersed in 4 solutions (n=20): TW-tap water (control), SH - 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, PX-alkaline peroxide, and CA-cinnamaldehyde (27 µg/mL). The immersion protocol simulated 104 cycles (3.5 months), 913 cycles (2.5 years), and 1825 immersion cycles (5 years) of a daily immersion cleaning protocol, with immersion times ranging from 10 to 20-minutes. Surface roughness (Sa) and the color parameters of CIELab (L∗ a∗ b∗, ΔEab), CIEDE2000 (ΔE00), and the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) were analyzed at baseline (t=0) and after the immersion cycles. The data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures and the Tukey post hoc test (α=.01). RESULTS: Sa was significantly increased in all groups after 1825 cycles compared with baseline (P<.01), regardless of the solution. Only the time factor significantly affected ΔEab, ΔE00, and NBS parameters, which were below the perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. After a simulated 5-year immersion, the surface roughness and color values of CA-treated specimens were not statistically different from those of the other groups (P>.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cinnamaldehyde solution (27 µg/mL) produced minor effects on the surface roughness and color parameters of a heat-polymerized denture base resin similar to those of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite and alkaline peroxide after a 5-year simulated immersion.

Polyelectrolyte Precipitation: A New Green Chemistry Approach to Recover Value-Added Proteins from Different Sources in a Circular Economy Context.

Proteins have always been vital biological molecules used for industrial purposes, human nutrition and health. Nowadays, seeking new alternatives and sources of these biomolecules is becoming an increasing research trend derived from the present consumer awareness between food consumption and health promotion, but also on environmental sustainability. Although there are different consolidated/traditional downstream processes to obtain proteins, such as chromatography tools, alkali hydrolysis, precipitation by inorganic salts and organic solvents, their industrial-scale application still demands urgent innovation due to the poor recovery yields, high costs and time-consuming steps, environmental impact as well as some toxic concerns. Polyelectrolyte precipitation represents a green, innovative alternative for protein recovery; however, there are reduced data regarding its pilot or industrial-scale application. In this literature work, the action mechanism and principles with regards to its functionality and insights for its application on a big scale are reviewed. Overall, this review discusses the novelty and sustainability of protein precipitation by polyelectrolytes from different sources against traditional techniques as well as highlights the relationship between protein source, production relevance and bioactive properties that are key factors to maximize the application of this extractive method on a circular economy context.

Antibacterial activity of a new monocarbonyl analog of curcumin MAC 4 is associated with divisome disruption.

Curcumin (CUR) is a symmetrical dicarbonyl compound with antibacterial activity. On the other hand, pharmacokinetic and chemical stability limitations hinder its therapeutic application. Monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin (MACs) have been shown to overcome these barriers. We synthesized and investigated the antibacterial activity of a series of unsymmetrical MACs derived from acetone against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Gram-negative and Gram-positive species. Phenolic MACs 4, 6 and 8 showed a broad spectrum and potent activity, mainly against M. tuberculosis, Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values ranging from 0.9 to 15.6 µg/mL. The investigation regarding toxicity on human lung cells (MRC-5 and A549 lines) revealed MAC 4 was more selective than MACs 6 and 8, with SI (selectivity index) values ranging from 5.4 to 15.6. In addition, MAC 4 did not demonstrate genotoxic effects on A549 cells and it was more stable than CUR in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) for 24 h at 37 °C. Fluorescence and phase contrast microscopies indicated that MAC 4 has the ability to disrupt the divisome of Bacillus subtilis without damaging its cytoplasmic membrane. However, biochemical investigations demonstrated that MAC 4 did not affect the GTPase activity of B. subtilis FtsZ, which is the main constituent of the bacterial divisome. These results corroborated that MAC 4 is a promising antitubercular and antibacterial agent.

Preventive activity of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. leaves extract and its major compounds, afzelin and quercitrin, on DNA damage in in vitro and in vivo models.

Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. is a plant found in South America, especially in Brazil. Oleoresin and the leaves of this plant is used as a popular medicinal agent. However, few studies on the chemical composition of aerial parts and related biological activities are known. This study aimed to examine the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic potential of C. langsdorffii aerial parts hydroalcoholic extract (CLE) and two of its major compounds afzelin and quercitrin. The cytotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of CLE was determined as follows: 1) against genotoxicity induced by doxorubicin (DXR) or methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) in V79 cells; 2) by direct and indirect-acting mutagens in Salmonella typhimurium strains; and 3) by MMS in male Swiss mice. The protective effects of afzelin and quercitrin against DXR or MMS were also evaluated in V79 and HepG2 cells. CLE was cytotoxic as evidenced by clonogenic efficiency assay. Further, CLE did not induce a significant change in frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei; as well as number of revertants in the Ames test demonstrating absence of genotoxicity. In contrast, CLE was found to be antigenotoxic in mammalian cells. The results also showed that CLE exerted inhibitory effect against indirect-acting mutagens in the Ames test. Afzelin and quercitrin did not reduce genotoxicity induced by DXR or MMS in V79 cells. However, treatments using afzelin and quercitrin decreased MMS-induced genotoxicity in HepG2 cells. The antigenotoxic effect of CLE observed in this study may be partially attributed to the antioxidant activity of the combination of major components afzelin and quercitrin.

Impact of Phlorotannin Extracts from Fucus vesiculosus on Human Gut Microbiota.

Recent studies indicate that plant polyphenols could be pointed as potential prebiotic candidates since they may interact with the gut microbiota, stimulating its growth and the production of metabolites. However, little is known about the fate of brown seaweeds' phlorotannins during their passage throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This work aimed to evaluate the stability and bioaccessibility of Fucus vesiculosus phlorotannins after being submitted to a simulated digestive process, as well as their possible modulatory effects on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids production following a fermentation procedure using fecal inoculates to mimic the conditions of the large intestine. The stability of phlorotannins throughout the gastrointestinal tract was reduced, with a bioaccessibility index between 2 and 14%. Moreover, slight alterations in the growth of certain commensal bacteria were noticed, with Enterococcus spp. being the most enhanced group. Likewise, F. vesiculosus phlorotannins displayed striking capacity to enhance the levels of propionate and butyrate, which are two important short-chain fatty acids known for their role in intestinal homeostasis. In summary, this work provides valuable information regarding the behavior of F. vesiculosus phlorotannins along the gastrointestinal tract, presenting clear evidence that these compounds can positively contribute to the maintenance of a healthy gastrointestinal condition.

Is there an association between rheumatoid arthritis and bone changes in the temporomandibular joint diagnosed by cone-beam computed tomography? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the relation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and bone changes in the temporomandibular joint diagnosed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were recorded in the PROSPERO database, using the CRD42020153246 protocol. The electronic searches were performed in the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cochrane, and Open Grey. Cross-sectional studies that evaluated patients with RA with bone changes in the temporomandibular joint diagnosed by CBCT, without language restriction or publication date, were included. Meta-analysis was performed in Stata Software (StataCorp, TX, USA, version 12.0), using the metan, and a random effects model, and the risk of different bone alterations occurring in adults with and without arthritis was estimated using odds ratios (ORs) as a pooled measure of effect. Forest plots were used to present the isolated and the pooled effects (ORs and 95% CI). RESULTS: Six studies were used for qualitative synthesis and 2 studies for quantitative synthesis. All studies diagnosed higher prevalence changes in the bone structures of the TMJ of RA patients, described as erosion, flattening, sclerosis, and osteophytes. Meta-analysis showed that the chance of bone changes occurring in components of the TMJ is greater in individuals who have RA. CONCLUSION: There is an association between RA and bone changes in TMJ structures diagnosed through CBCT, as RA patients were more likely to have osteoarthritic changes in this joint. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the existence of an association between bone alterations in TMJ and RA can assist in the management of patients.

Valorisation of food agro-industrial by-products: From the past to the present and perspectives.

Food agro-industrial by-products mainly include peels, seeds, stems, bagasse, kernels, and husk, derived during food processing. Due to their overproduction and the lack of sustainable management, such by-products have been conventionally rejected and wasted in landfills, being the principal strategy for their treatment, but nowadays, this strategy has been associated with several environmental, social and economic issues. Hence, we focused on the use of different consolidated biotechnological processes and methodologies as suitable strategies for food by-products management and valorisation, highlighting them as potential bioresources because they still gather high compositional and nutritional value, owing to their richness in functional and bioactive molecules with human health benefits. Food by-products could be utilised for the development of new food ingredients or products for human consumption, promoting their integral valorisation and reincorporation to the food supply chain within the circular bioeconomy concept, creating revenue streams, business and job opportunities. In this review, the main goal was to provide a general overview of the food agro-industrial by-products utilised throughout the years, improving global sustainability and human nutrition, emphasising the importance of biowaste valorisation as well as the methodologies employed for the recovery of value-added molecules.

New Silver(I) Coordination Compound Loaded into Polymeric Nanoparticles as a Strategy to Improve In Vitro Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity.

Helicobacter pylori inhabits the gastric epithelium and can promote the development of gastric disorders, such as peptic ulcers, acute and chronic gastritis, mucosal lymphoid tissue (MALT), and gastric adenocarcinomas. To use nanotechnology as a tool to increase the antibacterial activity of silver I [Ag(I)] compounds, this study suggests a new strategy for H. pylori infections, which have hitherto been difficult to control. [Ag (PhTSC·HCl)2] (NO3)·H2O (compound 1) was synthesized, characterized, and loaded into polymeric nanoparticles (PN1). PN1 had been developed by nanoprecipitation with poly(ε-caprolactone) polymer and poloxamer 407 surfactant. System characterization assays showed that the PNs had adequate particle sizes and ζ-potentials. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of polymeric nanoparticles (PNs). Compound 1 had a minimum inhibitory concentration for H. pylori of 3.90 µg/mL, which was potentiated to 0.781 µg/mL after loading. The minimum bactericidal concentration of 7.81 µg/mL was potentiated 5-fold to 1.56 µg/mL in PN. Compound 1 loaded in PN1 displayed better activity for H. pylori biofilm formation and mature biofilm. PN1 reduced the toxicity of compound 1 to MRC-5 cells. Loading compound 1 into PN1 inhibited the mutagenicity of the free compound. In vivo, the system allowed survival of Galleria mellonella larvae at a concentration of 200 µg/mL. This is the first demonstration of the antibacterial activity of a silver complex enclosed in polymeric nanoparticles against H. pylori.

A sustainable UPLC-UV method for quantification of donepezil hydrochloride in biorelevant media applied to dissolution profile comparison.

Donepezil hydrochloride is one of the most prescribed anti-Alzheimer's drugs, despite being available for more than two decades, chromatographic methods for the quantification of the drug in biorelevant media that mimics pH physiological conditions in vivo (pH 1.2, 4.5, and 6.8) are not available in the literature. These media are used in the dissolution test, an important tool, for registration and quality control of medicines. Considering the need for methods with this purpose, this work aimed to develop and validate a sustainable UPLC-UV method for quantification of donepezil hydrochloride in tablets, specifically on assay and dissolution profile, with reduced environmental impacts. The proposed method has a run time of 2 min and requires for each run, only 0.8 mL of solvents, providing excellent green analysis. The method proved to be selective, linear, precise, accurate, robust in the range of 2-14 µg/mL. Three products (reference, similar, and generic) were analyzed and showed very rapid dissolution. The average content varied from 100.2 ± 0.6% to 109.5 ± 2.1%. Using dissolution efficiency (DE), the drug release profiles were compared in different biorelevant media.

Management of Fruit Industrial By-Products-A Case Study on Circular Economy Approach.

The management of industrial fruit by-products is important not only to decrease the volume of food waste accumulated in the landfills but also to develop strategies through reuse with the purpose to valorise and add economic value. The disposal of food waste leads to different global issues in different sectors, such as social, environmental and economical. These by-products represent a rich source of valuable compounds (polyphenols) with high antioxidant activity, which can be extracted through biotechnological methodologies for future industrial applications. In this context, the management of fruit by-products is challenged to move from a linear economy to a circular economy. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide a critical view of an integrated valorisation of fruit by-products to overcome a global issue, via the production of antioxidant extracts with high economic value. A case study of pineapple processing industrialization in a circular economy is explored and discussed.

Antibacterial activity of 3,3'-dihydroxycurcumin (DHC) is associated with membrane perturbation.

Curcumin is a plant diphenylheptanoid and has been investigated for its antibacterial activity. However, the therapeutic uses of this compound are limited due to its chemical instability. In this work, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of diphenylheptanoids derived from curcumin against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and also against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in terms of MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) and MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration) values. 3,3'-Dihydroxycurcumin (DHC) displayed activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and M. tuberculosis, demonstrating MIC values of 78 and 156 µg/mL. In addition, DHC was more stable than curcumin in acetate buffer (pH 5.0) and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) for 24 h at 37 °C. We proposed that membrane and the cell division protein FtsZ could be the targets for DHC due to that fact that curcumin exhibits this mode of antibacterial action. Fluorescence microscopy of Bacillus subtilis stained with SYTO9 and propidium iodide fluorophores indicated that DHC has the ability to perturb the bacterial membrane. On the other hand, DHC showed a weak inhibition of the GTPase activity of B. subtilis FtsZ. Toxicity assay using human cells indicated that DHC has moderate capacity to reduce viability of liver cells (HepG2 line) and lung cells (MRC-5 and A549 lines) when compared with doxorubicin. Alkaline comet assay indicated that DHC was not able to induce DNA damage in A549 cell line. These results indicated that DHC is promising compound with antibacterial and antitubercular activities.