New and potential properties, characteristics, and analytical methods of ferulic acid: A review

Abstract Phenolic compounds are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and in the microorganisms. Cinnamic acid and its hydroxylated derivative-ferulic acid, are phenolic compounds. Ferulic acid possesses antioxidant potential, as well as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It prevents the harmful effects of radiation both as an ultraviolet absorber and as a free radical scavenger; it is not cytotoxic. Although ferulic acid has beneficial properties, it is hardly used in cosmetic preparations and has been rarely studied in the literature. Herein, we review the literature on ferulic acid, to provide information which can contribute to further research on the compound.

Effects of the addition of docosahexaenoic acid and a-tocopherol on quality of equine spermatozoa stored at 5ºC / Efeitos da adição de ácido docosahexaenoico e a-tocoferol na qualidade do espermatozoide equino armazenados a 5ºC

Plasma membrane composition has impact on phase transition from liquid crystal to gel state of cooled sperm cell. The incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids increases its fluidity and can contribute to sperm motility. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of adding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and α-tocopherol (α-Toh) to the cooling extender, singly or combined, to the equine sperm parameters, submitted to cooling, up to 72 hours. Two ejaculates of ten stallions collected with artificial vagina were used, and evaluated for motility, plasma membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation, mitochondrial activity and lipid peroxidation, according to the following treatments: C; DHA; α-Toh; DHA/α-Toh; EtOH 100: and EtOH 140 (corresponding to control; 10 ng mL-1 of DHA; 2 mM of α-Toh; : 10 ng mL-1 of DHA + 2 mM of α-Toh; 100 µL of ethanol and 140 µL of ethanol respectively). DHA treatment showed higher motility (68.2 ± 12.3; p < 0.05) when compared to control (62.1 ± 16.2), DHA/α-Toh (61.3 ± 12.7) and EtOH (58.1 ± 8.6) groups. In lipid peroxidation assay, the control group showed 2,506.2 ± 796.4 ng of MDA 108 spermatozoa-1, being significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the groups treated with DHA (2,036.0 ± 687.0), α-Toh (1,890.8 ± 749.5) and DHA/α-Toh (1,821.1 ± 627.2). In conclusion, α-Toh was effective in diminishing lipid peroxidation of equine sperm subjected to cooling, and DHA improved sperm motility and, in spite of being a polyunsaturated fatty acid with high susceptibility to peroxidation, reduced lipid peroxidation.

A composição da membrana plasmática tem impacto na transição de fase do estado cristal líquido para o estado gel das células espermáticas submetidas à refrigeração. A incorporação de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados aumenta sua fluidez e pode contribuir para a motilidade espermática. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito da adição de ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA) e α-tocoferol (α-Toh) ao diluidor de refrigeração, isoladamente ou combinado, aos parâmetros do sêmen equino, submetidos à refrigeração por até 72 horas. Foram utilizados dois ejaculados de dez garanhões coletados com vagina artificial e avaliados quanto à motilidade, integridade da membrana plasmática, fragmentação da cromatina, atividade mitocondrial e peroxidação lipídica, de acordo com os seguintes tratamentos: C; DHA; a-Toh; DHA / a-Toh; EtOH 100: e EtOH 140 (correspondentes ao controle; 10 ng mL-1 de DHA; 2 mM de α-Toh;: 10 ng mL-1 de DHA + 2 mM de α-Toh; 100 µL de etanol e 140 µL de etanol, respectivamente). O tratamento com DHA mostrou maior motilidade (68,2 ± 12,3; p < 0,05) quando comparado aos grupos controle (62,1 ± 16,2), DHA/α-Toh (61,3 ± 12,7) e EtOH (58,1 ± 8,6). Na análise de peroxidação lipídica, o grupo controle mostrou 2.506,2 ± 796,4 ng de MDA 108 espermatozoides-1, sendo significativamente maior (p < 0,05) do que os grupos tratados com DHA (2.036,0 ± 687,0), α-Toh (1.890,8 ± 749,5) e DHA / a-Toh (1.821,1 ± 627,2). Em conclusão, α-Toh foi eficaz na diminuição da peroxidação lipídica de espermatozoide equino submetido ao resfriamento, e o DHA melhorou a motilidade espermática e, apesar de ser um ácido graxo poliinsaturado com alta suscetibilidade à peroxidação, reduziu a peroxidação lipídica.

Effects of the addition of docosahexaenoic acid and a-tocopherol on quality of equine spermatozoa stored at 5ºC / Efeitos da adição de ácido docosahexaenoico e a-tocoferol na qualidade do espermatozoide equino armazenados a 5ºC

Plasma membrane composition has impact on phase transition from liquid crystal to gel state of cooled sperm cell. The incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids increases its fluidity and can contribute to sperm motility. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of adding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and α-tocopherol (α-Toh) to the cooling extender, singly or combined, to the equine sperm parameters, submitted to cooling, up to 72 hours. Two ejaculates of ten stallions collected with artificial vagina were used, and evaluated for motility, plasma membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation, mitochondrial activity and lipid peroxidation, according to the following treatments: C; DHA; α-Toh; DHA/α-Toh; EtOH 100: and EtOH 140 (corresponding to control; 10 ng mL-1 of DHA; 2 mM of α-Toh; : 10 ng mL-1 of DHA + 2 mM of α-Toh; 100 µL of ethanol and 140 µL of ethanol respectively). DHA treatment showed higher motility (68.2 ± 12.3; p < 0.05) when compared to control (62.1 ± 16.2), DHA/α-Toh (61.3 ± 12.7) and EtOH (58.1 ± 8.6) groups. In lipid peroxidation assay, the control group showed 2,506.2 ± 796.4 ng of MDA 108 spermatozoa-1, being significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the groups treated with DHA (2,036.0 ± 687.0), α-Toh (1,890.8 ± 749.5) and DHA/α-Toh (1,821.1 ± 627.2). In conclusion, α-Toh was effective in diminishing lipid peroxidation of equine sperm subjected to cooling, and DHA improved sperm motility and, in spite of being a polyunsaturated fatty acid with high susceptibility to peroxidation, reduced lipid peroxidation.(AU)

A composição da membrana plasmática tem impacto na transição de fase do estado cristal líquido para o estado gel das células espermáticas submetidas à refrigeração. A incorporação de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados aumenta sua fluidez e pode contribuir para a motilidade espermática. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito da adição de ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA) e α-tocoferol (α-Toh) ao diluidor de refrigeração, isoladamente ou combinado, aos parâmetros do sêmen equino, submetidos à refrigeração por até 72 horas. Foram utilizados dois ejaculados de dez garanhões coletados com vagina artificial e avaliados quanto à motilidade, integridade da membrana plasmática, fragmentação da cromatina, atividade mitocondrial e peroxidação lipídica, de acordo com os seguintes tratamentos: C; DHA; a-Toh; DHA / a-Toh; EtOH 100: e EtOH 140 (correspondentes ao controle; 10 ng mL-1 de DHA; 2 mM de α-Toh;: 10 ng mL-1 de DHA + 2 mM de α-Toh; 100 µL de etanol e 140 µL de etanol, respectivamente). O tratamento com DHA mostrou maior motilidade (68,2 ± 12,3; p < 0,05) quando comparado aos grupos controle (62,1 ± 16,2), DHA/α-Toh (61,3 ± 12,7) e EtOH (58,1 ± 8,6). Na análise de peroxidação lipídica, o grupo controle mostrou 2.506,2 ± 796,4 ng de MDA 108 espermatozoides-1, sendo significativamente maior (p < 0,05) do que os grupos tratados com DHA (2.036,0 ± 687,0), α-Toh (1.890,8 ± 749,5) e DHA / a-Toh (1.821,1 ± 627,2). Em conclusão, α-Toh foi eficaz na diminuição da peroxidação lipídica de espermatozoide equino submetido ao resfriamento, e o DHA melhorou a motilidade espermática e, apesar de ser um ácido graxo poliinsaturado com alta suscetibilidade à peroxidação, reduziu a peroxidação lipídica.(AU)

Optimization of cosmetic formulations development using Box-Behnken design with response surface methodology: physical, sensory and moisturizing properties

Considering the importance of an adequate composition of the formulation in the development of stable, safe and effective cosmetic products, experimental design techniques are tools that can optimize the formulation development process. The objective of this study was to develop topical formulations using the Box-Behnken design with response surface methodology and evaluate its physical, sensory and moisturizing properties. The experimental design used in the first step allowed to identify and to quantify the influence of raw materials, as well as the interaction between them. In the second step, the analysis identified the influence of soy lecithin, the phytantriol and capric acid triglyceride and caprylic on the consistency index, stickiness and greasiness and skin hydration. Cetearyl alcohol, dicetyl phosphate and cetyl phosphate 10EO and acrylates/C10-30 alkylacrylate crosspolymer showed effects in rheological parameters. The addition of soy lecithin had significant effects in terms of consistency index, stickiness, oiliness and immediate moisturizing effects. Phytantriol showed effects on increasing consistency index and oiliness sensation. Thus, the experimental design was shown to be an effective tool for research and development of cosmetics, since it allowed the assessment of the individual and interaction effects of raw materials in the responses: rheological parameters, sensory and clinical efficacy.

Enraizamento de estacas caulinares de Passiflora actinia Hook: concentrações de IBA e formas de aplicação / Rooting of Passiflora actinia Hook stem cuttings: IBA concentrations and application forms

O maracujá-do-mato (Passiflora actinia Hook) é utilizado como porta-enxerto para diferentes espécies de maracujá devido à sua tolerância à baixas temperaturas. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a eficiência da técnica de estaquia caulinar na propagação vegetativa de P. actinia em função de concentrações de ácido indol butírico (IBA) e método de aplicação. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação da Universidade Federal do Paraná, no período de agosto a outubro de 2016. Estacas semilenhosas com 10 cm de comprimento foram tratadas com 0, 1.500 e 3.000 mg Kg-1/mg L-1 de IBA na forma de talco e em solução, plantadas em tubetes, o substrato foi vermiculita. Após 60 dias, foram avaliadas a porcentagem de enraizamento, presença de calos, sobrevivência, brotações novas, número de raízes/estacas e comprimento médio da maior raiz. A maior porcentagem de enraizamento (85,94%) e número de raízes/estaca foram encontradas nos tratamentos com IBA na forma de talco, nas concentrações de 3.000 mg kg-1 e 1.500 mg Kg-1, respectivamente. A estaquia de P. actinia é um método de propagação eficiente. O uso de IBA, em ambas as formas de aplicação, promoveu de forma eficiente o enraizamento da espécie, sendo recomendada a aplicação na concentração de 1.500 mg Kg-1 ou mg L-1.

The Caatinga passion fruit (Passiflora actinia Hook) is used as rootstock for different passion fruit species due to its tolerance to low temperatures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the stem cutting technique in the vegetative propagation of P. actinia according to different concentrations of indole butyric acid (IBA) and application methods. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of Federal University of Parana, between August and October 2016. Semi-woody stem cuttings measuring 10 cm long were treated with 0, 1500, and 3000 mg Kg-1/mg L-1 IBA in talc and solution, and then planted in plastic tubes with vermiculite as substrate. After 60 days, the stem cuttings were evaluated for rooting percentage, presence of callus, survival, new shoots, number of roots per cuttings and average length of the longest root. The best rooting percentage (85.94%) and number of roots/cuttings were found in cuttings treated with IBA in talc at 3.000 mg Kg-1 and 1.500 mg Kg-1, respectively. P. actinia propagation by stem cuttings is an efficient method. IBA, in both application forms, efficiently promoted the rooting of the species and can be recommended at the concentration of 1.500 mg Kg-1 or mg L-1.

Enraizamento de estacas caulinares de Passiflora actinia Hook: concentrações de IBA e formas de aplicação / Rooting of Passiflora actinia Hook stem cuttings: IBA concentrations and application forms

O maracujá-do-mato (Passiflora actinia Hook) é utilizado como porta-enxerto para diferentes espécies de maracujá devido à sua tolerância à baixas temperaturas. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a eficiência da técnica de estaquia caulinar na propagação vegetativa de P. actinia em função de concentrações de ácido indol butírico (IBA) e método de aplicação. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação da Universidade Federal do Paraná, no período de agosto a outubro de 2016. Estacas semilenhosas com 10 cm de comprimento foram tratadas com 0, 1.500 e 3.000 mg Kg-1/mg L-1 de IBA na forma de talco e em solução, plantadas em tubetes, o substrato foi vermiculita. Após 60 dias, foram avaliadas a porcentagem de enraizamento, presença de calos, sobrevivência, brotações novas, número de raízes/estacas e comprimento médio da maior raiz. A maior porcentagem de enraizamento (85,94%) e número de raízes/estaca foram encontradas nos tratamentos com IBA na forma de talco, nas concentrações de 3.000 mg kg-1 e 1.500 mg Kg-1, respectivamente. A estaquia de P. actinia é um método de propagação eficiente. O uso de IBA, em ambas as formas de aplicação, promoveu de forma eficiente o enraizamento da espécie, sendo recomendada a aplicação na concentração de 1.500 mg Kg-1 ou mg L-1.(AU)

The Caatinga passion fruit (Passiflora actinia Hook) is used as rootstock for different passion fruit species due to its tolerance to low temperatures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the stem cutting technique in the vegetative propagation of P. actinia according to different concentrations of indole butyric acid (IBA) and application methods. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of Federal University of Parana, between August and October 2016. Semi-woody stem cuttings measuring 10 cm long were treated with 0, 1500, and 3000 mg Kg-1/mg L-1 IBA in talc and solution, and then planted in plastic tubes with vermiculite as substrate. After 60 days, the stem cuttings were evaluated for rooting percentage, presence of callus, survival, new shoots, number of roots per cuttings and average length of the longest root. The best rooting percentage (85.94%) and number of roots/cuttings were found in cuttings treated with IBA in talc at 3.000 mg Kg-1 and 1.500 mg Kg-1, respectively. P. actinia propagation by stem cuttings is an efficient method. IBA, in both application forms, efficiently promoted the rooting of the species and can be recommended at the concentration of 1.500 mg Kg-1 or mg L-1.(AU)

Meta-analytic study of organic acids as an alternative performance-enhancing feed additive to antibiotics for broiler chickens.

The effect of organic acids as an alternative to antibiotics on the performance of broiler chickens was evaluated by meta-analysis, identifying and quantifying the main factors that influence results. A total of 51,960 broilers from 121 articles published between 1991 and 2016 were used. Interactions of additives [non-supplemented group (control), organic acids, and growth promoter antibiotics] with microbial challenge (with or without inoculation of pathogenic microorganisms) were studied on performance variables. Moreover, the effects of organic acids, used individually or in blends, were evaluated. Relative values of average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were obtained in relation to control: ΔADG and ΔADFI, respectively. Analysis of variance-covariance revealed lower ADG with organic acids when compared to antibiotics (P < 0.05). There was a significant interaction between the additives and the challenge on feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.01) and on viability (P < 0.05). Without challenge, organic acids improved broilers' FCR (P < 0.01), presenting results similar to antibiotics (P > 0.05). Under challenge, the organic acids were again effective on FCR (-5.67% in relation to control, P < 0.05), but they did not match antibiotics (-13.40% in relation to control, P < 0.01). Viability was improved only under challenge conditions, and only by antibiotics (+4.39% in relation to control, P < 0.05). ADG (P < 0.05) and FCR (P < 0.01) were increased by blends of organic acids, but not by the organic acids used alone (P > 0.05). ADFI and production factor were not influenced by the treatments (P > 0.05). ΔADFI of organic-acid supplemented group showed a linear influence on ΔADG, which increases 0.64% at every 1% increase in ΔADFI. In conclusion, organic acids can be utilized as performance enhancing, but the results are lower than those found with antibiotics, particularly under microbial challenge. The blends of organic acids provide better results than the utilization of one organic acid alone.

Evaluation of a commercially available organic acid product on body weight loss, carcass yield, and meat quality during preslaughter feed withdrawal in broiler chickens: a poultry welfare and economic perspective.

The effect of a commercial organic acid (OA) product on BW loss (BWL) during feed withdrawal and transportation, carcass yield, and meat quality was evaluated in broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted in Brazil. Commercial houses were paired as control groups receiving regular water and treated groups receiving OA in the water. Treated birds had a reduction in BWL of 37 g in experiment 1 and 32.2 g in experiment 2. In experiment 2, no differences were observed in carcass yield between groups. Estimation of the cost benefit suggested a 1:16 ratio by using the OA. In experiment 3, conducted in Mexico, significant differences on water consumption, BWL, and meat quality characteristics were observed in chickens that were treated with the OA (P < 0.05). These data suggest this OA product may improve animal welfare and economic concerns in the poultry industry by reducing BWL and improving meat quality attributes.

Morphological effect of the type, concentration and etching time of acid solutions on enamel and dentin surfaces / Efeito morfológico de tipo, concentração e tempo de condicionamento de soluções ácidas em esmalte e superfícies dentinárias

Thirty-six noncarious human molars were extracted and stored in saline. The buccal surfaces were ground wet on 400--grit silicon carbide paper to create a flat surface. The enamel and dentin surfaces were treated with 35 per cent phosphoric acid gel, 10 per cent phosphoric acid gel and 10 per cent maleic acid gel for 15 and 60 seconds. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed that all the acid atchants modified the micromorphological appearance of enamel and dentin surfaces independent of the type of acid, the etching time and the concentration. On the enamel surface, the 35 per cent and 10 per cent phosphoric acid gels and the 10 per cent maleic acid gel applied for 15 or 60 seconds preferentially removed the prism core material. In the specimens trated for 15 seconds with 10 per cent maleic acid the prism core material was partially removed. On the dentin surface, the phosphoric acid gel (35 per cent and 10 per cent) and the 10 per cent maleic acid gel applied for 15 and 60 seconds removed the smear layer and opened the dentinal tubule orifices; however, the dentinal surface etched for 15 or 60 seconds with 10 per cent maleic acid gel showed residues of the smear layer

Análise comparativa, ao microscópio eletrônico de varredura, de esmalte bovino exposto a diferentes soluçöes ácidas: um estudo in vitro / Scanning electron microscopy analysis of bovine enamel exposed to different acid solutions: an in vitro study

O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar as possíveis alteraçöes ocorridas na superfície de esmalte bovino, hígido ou desmineralizado, exposto por 40 minutos à Coca-cola em fórmula original, ao suco de limäo diluído em água destilada na razäo 1:5 e ao suco de laranja natural integral (Parmalat). Com esse fim, 40 blocos de esmalte bovino de 16 mm² foram previamente limpos com pedra-pomes e água destilada, em baixa rotaçäo. Desse total, 20 foram artificialmente descalcificados. Tanto os blocos hígidos quando os descalcificados foram colocados 6 a 6 em dispositivos de cera, perfazendo um total de 3 dispositivos com 6 blocos de esmalte hígido (Grupo I) e 3 dispositivos com 6 blocos de esmalte descalcificado (Grupo II). Análises comparativas ao Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura demonstraram que o suco de limäo foi o responsável por padröes de erosäo mais acentuados, seguido pela Coca-cola e pelo suco de laranja, tanto no esmalte hígido quanto no desmineralizado. Os resultados evidenciam o potencial erosivo do suco de limäo, da Coca-cola e do suco de laranja