Araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.): A critical review for the food industry.

This review aimed to critically and comparatively analyze the physicochemical, proximate, nutritional, phytochemical composition, and bioactivities of araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) (AAc), a fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado. Additionally, the potential applications of this fruit in the food industry were reviewed. Data and information were collected from the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. AAc, a fruit mainly studied in the Brazilian regions of Minas Gerais and Goiás, has well-documented physicochemical, proximate, and nutritional characteristics. It is rich in fiber, sugars, vitamins A and C, minerals, and oil, making it attractive to the food industry. However, there are research gaps, such as the impact of climatic conditions on the AAc chemical composition. Additional studies are needed, especially for the peel and seeds, and investigations of pre-treatments effect on the chemical composition are recommended. The application of AAc in food products is mainly limited to pulp, but there is potential for using peels and seeds. AAc is a rich source of phytochemical compounds with various biological properties, such as antioxidants, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial activities. Future studies should explore other phytochemicals present in the fruit beyond phenolic compounds. The consumption of AAc can contribute to combating food insecurity malnutrition, and promoting the conservation of the Brazilian Cerrado.

Reconstrução mamária com TRAM: avaliação tomográfica abdominal / Breast reconstruction with TRAM: abdominal tomographic evaluation

Introdução: O retalho transverso do músculo reto abdominal (TRAM) é um método de reconstrução mamária com bons resultados estéticos e dispensa o uso de próteses de silicone para melhor contorno corporal. Foi originalmente descrito por Holmstrom em 1979, como uma elipse de pele e gordura com base em um músculo isolado no seu pedículo vascular. A reconstrução sistematizada do defeito da parede instalado após a transposição do retalho com o uso de tela de polipropileno foi descrita em estudo prévio por Cunha. O artigo tem como objetivo avaliar as alterações na parede abdominal, após a sistematização da colocação da tela de polipropileno durante a cirurgia de reconstrução com TRAM. Método: É um trabalho de coorte retrospectivo que avalia as possíveis alterações da parede abdominal de pacientes submetidos ao retalho TRAM com tomografia computadorizada de abdome pré e pós-operatórias. Resultados: Foi evidenciada uma redução do tamanho da cavidade abdominal de, em média, 14,5% e 14,2% na espessura da parede abdominal submetidas ao TRAM. A maior redução da espessura da parede abdominal foi de um paciente submetido ao retalho bipediculado, com 50,7%. As complicações apresentadas foram hérnia umbilical, seroma tardio, fibrose peritela e granuloma de fio. Conclusão: Nesse estudo, a tomografia após a cirurgia demonstrou a redução no volume da cavidade abdominal e espessura da parede abdominal, o que não influenciou estatisticamente no aparecimento de hérnia abdominal, abaulamentos, extrusão da malha ou outras deformidades.

Introduction: The transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap (TRAM) is a method of breast reconstruction with good aesthetic results and does not require the use of silicone implants for better body contouring. It was originally described by Holmstrom in 1979 as an ellipse of skin and fat based on an isolated muscle on its vascular pedicle. The systematic reconstruction of the wall defect installed after flap transposition using polypropylene mesh was described in a previous study by Cunha. The article aims to evaluate changes in the abdominal wall, after the systematization of polypropylene mesh placement during TRAM reconstruction surgery. Method: This is a retrospective cohort study that evaluates possible changes in the abdominal wall of patients undergoing the TRAM flap with preand postoperative abdominal computed tomography. Results: A reduction in the size of the abdominal cavity of, on average, 14.5% and 14.2% in the thickness of the abdominal wall subjected to TRAM was evidenced. The greatest reduction in abdominal wall thickness was in a patient who underwent a bipedicled flap, with 50.7%. The complications presented were umbilical hernia, late seroma, perithellal fibrosis, and thread granuloma. Conclusion: In this study, tomography after surgery demonstrated a reduction in the volume of the abdominal cavity and thickness of the abdominal wall, which did not statistically influence the appearance of abdominal hernia, bulging, mesh extrusion, or other deformities.

Chocolates, compounds and spreads: A review on the use of oleogels, hydrogels and hybrid gels to reduce saturated fat content.

This study is a bibliometric analysis and literature review on the use of oleogels (OGs), hydrogels (HGs) and hybrid gels (HYGs) in chocolate, compounds and spreads with the aim of reducing the saturated fat in these products. The articles were selected by analyzing titles, keywords and abstracts in the Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Supplementary documents were obtained from government sources, including patent registrations. The theoretical and practical aspects were critically analyzed, highlighting the main points of agreement and disagreement between the authors. The results revealed a lack of regulations and official guidelines that widely allow the use of OGs, HGs and HYGs in chocolate confectionery products. The type and characteristics of raw materials affect the properties of products. Replacing cocoa butter (CB) with OGs, HGs or HYGs also affects texture, melting point and behavior, and nutritional aspects. These substitutions can result in products with better sensory acceptance and health benefits, such as reducing saturated fat and promoting cardiovascular health. However, it is important to find the ideal combination and proportions of components to obtain the desired properties in the final products.

On the compression of neural networks using ℓ0-norm regularization and weight pruning.

Despite the growing availability of high-capacity computational platforms, implementation complexity still has been a great concern for the real-world deployment of neural networks. This concern is not exclusively due to the huge costs of state-of-the-art network architectures, but also due to the recent push towards edge intelligence and the use of neural networks in embedded applications. In this context, network compression techniques have been gaining interest due to their ability for reducing deployment costs while keeping inference accuracy at satisfactory levels. The present paper is dedicated to the development of a novel compression scheme for neural networks. To this end, a new form of ℓ0-norm-based regularization is firstly developed, which is capable of inducing strong sparseness in the network during training. Then, targeting the smaller weights of the trained network with pruning techniques, smaller yet highly effective networks can be obtained. The proposed compression scheme also involves the use of ℓ2-norm regularization to avoid overfitting as well as fine tuning to improve the performance of the pruned network. Experimental results are presented aiming to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme as well as to make comparisons with competing approaches.

Deep eutectic solvents as an alternative for extraction of flavonoids from soybean (Glycine max (L) Merrill) and okara: An experimental and computational approach based on COSMO-SAC model.

In this study, different Deep Eutectic Solvents based on choline chloride ([Ch]Cl) with carboxylic acids, sugars, and glycerol, were investigated as alternative solvents for the extraction of flavonoids from soybean and okara. Initially, the COSMO-SAC was investigated as a tool in solvent screening for the extraction of flavonoids. Experimental validation was performed using total flavonoid analysis with the solvents that showed greater interaction with the solutes. The extracts obtained from soybean and okara using the DES [Ch]Cl:acetic acid added with 30 % water showed the highest total flavonoid content, 1.05 mg eq. of catechin/g dry soybean and 0.94 mg eq. of catechin /g dry okara, respectively. For phenolic compound extraction, [Ch]Cl: acetic acid DES extracted approximately 1.16 mg GAE/g of soybean and 0.69 mg GAE/g of okara. For antioxidant activity, soybean and okara extracts obtained with [Ch]Cl: acetic acid showed FRAP results of 0.40 mg Trolox/mL of extract and 0.45 mg Trolox/mL of extract, respectively. In addition, the isoflavones daidzein, genistein, glycitein, daidzin, genistin, and glycitin were identified and quantified in the soybean and okara extracts obtained with DES [Ch]Cl: acetic acid with 30% water, totaling 1068.05 and 424.32 µg total isoflavones/g dry sample. Therefore, The COSMO-SAC model was a useful tool in solvent screening, saving time and costs. Also, DES can be an alternative solvent for extracting flavonoids to replace conventional organic solvents, respecting current environmental and human health concerns.

Solid-liquid equilibria of triacylglycerols and vitamin E mixtures.

Oils and fats are important ingredients for food and pharmaceutical industries. Their main compounds, such as triacylglycerols (TAG), are responsible for determining their physical properties during food storage and consumption. Lipid-rich foods are also sources of minority compounds, which is the case of vitamin E, mainly represented by (±)-α-tocopherol. These compounds can interact with the main lipid molecules in food formulation leading to modification on lipids' physicochemical properties during processes, storage, as well as during digestion, possibly altering their nutritional functionalities, which is the case of vitamin E antioxidant abilities, but also their solubility in the systems. In this case, the study of the phase-behavior between (±)-α-tocopherol and lipid compounds can elucidate these physicochemical changings. Therefore, this work was aimed at determining the solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) of binary mixtures of TAG (tripalmitin, triolein and tristearin) and (±)-α-tocopherol including the complete description of their phase diagrams. Melting data were evaluated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and thermodynamic modeling by using Margules, UNIFAC, and COSMO-SAC models. Experimental results showed that systems presented a monotectic-like behavior, with a significant decreasing in TAG melting temperature by the addition of (±)-α-tocopherol. This high affinity and attractive strengths between these molecules were also observed by thermodynamic modeling, whose absolute deviations were below 2 %. Micrographs and X-ray diffraction evidenced the possible formation of solid solutions. Both behaviors are interesting by avoiding phase separation on food in solid and liquid phases, possibly improving the antioxidant role the (±)-α-tocopherol in lipid-base systems.

Phytophthora Species Involved in Alnus glutinosa Decline in Portugal.

Recent field surveys conducted in five common alder ecosystems in Portugal have shown the occurrence of severe canopy dieback, bleeding canker and root rot symptoms indicative of Phytophthora infections. Isolations from symptomatic tissues, rhizosphere and water samples yielded a total of 13 Phytophthora species belonging to 6 phylogenetic clades, including P. lacustris (13 isolates), P. multivora (10), P. amnicola (9), P. chlamydospora (6), P. polonica (6), P. bilorbang (4), P. plurivora (4), P. cinnamomi (3), P. asparagi (2), P. cactorum (2), P. pseudocryptogea (2), P. gonapodyides (1) and P. rosacearum (1). Results of the pathogenicity test confirmed the complex aetiology of common alder decline and the additional risk posed by Phytophthora multivora to the riparian habitats in Portugal. At the same time, the diversity of Phytophthora assemblages detected among the investigated sites suggests that different species could contribute to causing the same symptoms on this host. Two species, P. amnicola and P. rosacearum, are reported here for the first time in natural ecosystems in Europe.

Perception of Brazilian medical students toward organ donation.

OBJECTIVE: Brazil ranks second in gross numbers of kidney and liver transplantations, but deceased organ donation is still far below the national demand for organs. Apart from a high family refusal rate, another significant barrier is healthcare workers' inappropriate knowledge concerning organ donation and transplantation. Since most of them have recently graduated from university, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness and attitudes of medical students concerning organ donation. METHODS: Between August and September 2021, a web-based survey with 10 overlapping questions was sent to medical students from several Brazilian universities after advertisements on social media. RESULTS: A total of 391 (60% female, mean age: 23 [17-41] years) students answered the survey. Most of them (91%) would like to donate organs in case of death, and 75% have already notified their family. The main reasons for not becoming a donor were fear of body manipulation (n=3) or family reaction (n=2) and religious reasons (n=2). When inquired, 54% were unaware of brain death criteria, and half of them claimed to have never discussed the topic in medical classes. Except for Glasgow coma scale (97%), pupillary (72%), and corneal (53%) reflexes, less than 25% knew other reflexes required for brain death diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Most medical students declared themselves as organ donors, and most informed their families. However, many students have never learned about crucial steps toward organ donation, which may impact their adequate recognition of potential organ donors later in life.

Espaços Formativos e de Sensibilização Quanto às Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família: Potencialidades e Desafios

Diante do contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde e das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para os Cursos de Medicina, o Módulo Horizontal A-2 traz uma proposta de conectar os aprendizados teóricos e a prática na rede de saúde. Com objetivos de construção de conhecimentos em práticas educativas em saúde, foram realizados dois cursos de Práticas Integrativas centrados em princípios da educação popular e em uma construção horizontal do conhecimento. Esses cursos foram realizados na Unidade de Saúde da Família - Vila Saúde e a sua construção deu-se em conjunto com a equipe e usuários da mesma. Os participantes entraram em contato com diversas práticas como a fitoterapia, terapia floral, biodança e vivências teatrais. Nesse contexto, foi possível identificar muitas potencialidades e dificuldades no desenvolvimento desses cursos, como a importância do interesse dos participantes e os problemas de infraestrutura na Unidade. Durante os cursos, o conhecimento construído permitiu um contato maior dos participantes com as práticas integrativas e uma visão ampliada sobre o cuidado. Além disso, os profissionais puderam se capacitar e conhecer novas práticas, o que possibilita uma melhoria no atendimento realizado. Para os estudantes, o curso trouxe uma visão ampla do sistema e da importância da educação em saúde no Sistema Único de Saúde.

Espaços Formativos de Cuidado em Auriculoterapia na Atenção Primária à Saúde: Potencialidades e Desafios de uma Experiência

O objetivo do estudo é descrever a experiência de graduandos do segundo semestre do curso de medicina da UFPB durante o desenvolvimento de dois cursos de formação em Auriculoterapia oferecidos à comunidade da USF-Vila Saúde do bairro Cristo Redentor na cidade de João Pessoa/PB. Foi constituído a partir da experiência dos organizadores, associados a consulta documental, vídeos contendo depoimentos dos participantes e palestrantes sobre as avaliações sobre o andamento das atividades. Seguiu-se também o referencial teórico e metodológico da sistematização de experiências de Oscar Jara. No que tange à promoção de espaços formativos em Auriculoterapia na APS atualmente, elencamos alguns desafios e potencialidades evidenciados a partir das experiências vivenciadas. Os desafios relacionam-se a estrutura das unidades de saúde, que não oferecem infraestrutura adequada para tais atividades em grupo, com falta de materiais e insumos para organização da atividade, fato que foi sanado no segundo curso, transferindo-o para o salão paroquial da comunidade. Enquanto aspectos positivos destacamos o acesso a conhecimentos sobre Auriculoterapia e outras PICS na comunidade, tornando acessível esta prática na comunidade e fomentando o protagonismo comunitário relacionado às práticas integrativas para a promoção da saúde. Nesse sentido, o curso surge como uma tentativa de efetivar uma prática integral e complementar em saúde Bairro. A estruturação de espaços formativos trouxe grandes benefícios para usuários e profissionais de saúde e discentes. A criação e fomento de espaços dialógicos e pedagógicos como esse é de suma importância para a efetivação de práticas humanizadas e dialógicas no contexto da APS.

Extraction optimization, biological activities, and application in O/W emulsion of deep eutectic solvents-based phenolic extracts from olive pomace.

This study evaluated the phenolic compound extraction from olive pomace with deep eutectic solvents (DES) prepared with choline chloride ([Ch]Cl) and four (poly-)carboxylic acids. Temperature, water addition in the solvent, and solid-liquid ratio were evaluate in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained with DES and ethanol, as control. Moreover, the antimicrobial activities of solvents and extracts were evaluated. Oil-in-water emulsion with DES extract was prepared, characterized and its oxidative stability analyzed. The extract with the highest total phenolic content was obtained with [Ch]Cl:malonic acid. Under optimal conditions, DES extracted 9 % more total phenolic content than ethanol. DES extract showed superior antibacterial activity to the ethanolic extract, and its presence in oil-in-water emulsion increased the induction time in 10-fold when compared to the one prepared with water. These results reinforce that DES are a potential solvent for phenolic compound extraction from olive pomace with antibacterial and technological benefits.

Experimental composite containing silicon dioxide-coated silver nanoparticles for orthodontic bonding: Antimicrobial activity and shear bond strength.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity and shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets to bovine enamel using experimental composites with different concentrations of silicon dioxide-coated silver nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2 NPs). METHODS: Fifty bovine incisors were divided into five groups according to the composite (n = 10): G1 - Control Group (Transbond XT Resin), G2 - Experimental composite without Ag@SiO2 NPs; G3 - Experimental composite with 0.5% of Ag@SiO2 NPs; G4 - Experimental composite with 1% of Ag@SiO2 NPs; G5 - Experimental composite with 3% of Ag@SiO2 NPs. The SBS test was performed using a universal mechanical testing machine, and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was analyzed by optical microscopy. For the antimicrobial activity evaluation, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm was formed for three days in hydroxyapatite discs. Posteriorly, S. mutans colony forming units (CFU) were evaluated. For SBS analysis, Analysis of Variance was used, followed by the Tukey test, at a 5% statistical significance level. The CFU data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Dunn as a post-hoc test. The ARI results were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in SBS values between the experimental and control groups (p>0.05). A 3% incorporation of Ag@SiO2 NPs statistically reduced the SBS values (p<0.05) compared to the 1% group. The addition of 3% of Ag@SiO2 NPs to the composites significantly reduced S. mutans biofilm formation, compared to group G2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Composites incorporating 3% of Ag@SiO2 NPs presented similar SBS values compared to the control group, and showed significant antimicrobial activity.

Perception of Brazilian medical students toward organ donation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Brazil ranks second in gross numbers of kidney and liver transplantations, but deceased organ donation is still far below the national demand for organs. Apart from a high family refusal rate, another significant barrier is healthcare workers' inappropriate knowledge concerning organ donation and transplantation. Since most of them have recently graduated from university, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness and attitudes of medical students concerning organ donation. METHODS: Between August and September 2021, a web-based survey with 10 overlapping questions was sent to medical students from several Brazilian universities after advertisements on social media. RESULTS: A total of 391 (60% female, mean age: 23 [17-41] years) students answered the survey. Most of them (91%) would like to donate organs in case of death, and 75% have already notified their family. The main reasons for not becoming a donor were fear of body manipulation (n=3) or family reaction (n=2) and religious reasons (n=2). When inquired, 54% were unaware of brain death criteria, and half of them claimed to have never discussed the topic in medical classes. Except for Glasgow coma scale (97%), pupillary (72%), and corneal (53%) reflexes, less than 25% knew other reflexes required for brain death diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Most medical students declared themselves as organ donors, and most informed their families. However, many students have never learned about crucial steps toward organ donation, which may impact their adequate recognition of potential organ donors later in life.

Bloqueio do Nervo Hipogástrico Superior (BNHS) para o manejo da dor após Embolização de Artérias Uterinas (EAU): revisão de literatura / Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block (SHNB) for pain management in Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): a literature review

Introdução: a embolização de artérias uterinas (EAU) é uma opção terapêutica no tratamento de miomas uterinos sintomáticos; todavia, a dor pós-procedimento representa um grande desafio para essa técnica. Nesse contexto, o Bloqueio do Nervo Hipogástrico Superior (BNHS), já utilizado no tratamento de dor pélvica crônica associada à malignidade, apresenta-se como opção de intervenção intraprocedimento para melhorar a recuperação das pacientes e fomentar o uso da EAU na prática clínica. Objetivo: realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura disponível sobre o BNHS no manejo de dor pós EAU. Métodos: bases de dados PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs e Medline foram avaliadas a partir da combinação dos termos "uterine artery embolization", "pain" e "superior hypogastric block". Foram incluídos estudos clínicos, disponíveis em texto completo, com pacientes adultas, submetidas à EAU, cujo objetivo era avaliar o uso do BNHS e seu impacto na dor pós-procedimento. Foram excluídos artigos de revisão, carta ao editor, e publicação em anais de congresso. Resultados: 8 artigos, em maior parte retrospectivos, indicaram consistência do BNHS em termos de sucesso terapêutico a curto prazo e redução da dor. Apenas uma complicação foi relatada, e evoluiu de forma satisfatória. Conclusões: BNHS tem potencial de aprimorar o manejo da dor após EAU, podendo impactar positivamente no tempo e na qualidade da recuperação, com redução da dor e consumo de opiodes no período pós-operatório. Esses benefícios valorizam o procedimento de embolização como uma alternativa a ser considerada no tratamento de leiomiomas sintomáticos para mulheres candidatas à preservação uterina.

Introduction: Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is a therapeutic option in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids; however, post-procedure pain imposes as a great challenge in this technique. In this context, the Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block (SHNB), already used in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain associated with malignancy, presents itself as an option for intraprocedural intervention, to improve patients' recovery and to promote UAE in the clinical setting. Objective: to perform an integrative literature review about the effectiveness of SHNB in pain management after UAE. Methods: databases PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs and Medline were assessed using the combination of the terms "uterine artery embolization", "pain" and "superior hypogastric block". Clinical studies were included once available in full text, with adult patients submitted to UAE, whose objective was to evaluate the use of SHNB and its impact in post-procedure pain. Review articles, letters to the editor, and publication in conference proceedings were excluded. Results: 8 articles were found, most of them retrospective, indicated SHNB's consistency in terms of short-term therapeutic success and pain reduction. The single reported complication evolved satisfactorily. Conclusions: SHNB has the potential to improve pain management after UAE, which can positively impact recovery time and quality, with reduced pain and consumption of opioids in the postoperative period. Benefits like these can enhance the embolization procedure as an alternative to be considered for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids for women candidates for uterine preservation.

Experimental composite containing silicon dioxide-coated silver nanoparticles for orthodontic bonding: Antimicrobial activity and shear bond strength

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity and shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets to bovine enamel using experimental composites with different concentrations of silicon dioxide-coated silver nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2 NPs). Methods: Fifty bovine incisors were divided into five groups according to the composite (n = 10): G1 - Control Group (Transbond XT Resin), G2 - Experimental composite without Ag@SiO2 NPs; G3 - Experimental composite with 0.5% of Ag@SiO2 NPs; G4 - Experimental composite with 1% of Ag@SiO2 NPs; G5 - Experimental composite with 3% of Ag@SiO2 NPs. The SBS test was performed using a universal mechanical testing machine, and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was analyzed by optical microscopy. For the antimicrobial activity evaluation, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm was formed for three days in hydroxyapatite discs. Posteriorly, S. mutans colony forming units (CFU) were evaluated. For SBS analysis, Analysis of Variance was used, followed by the Tukey test, at a 5% statistical significance level. The CFU data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Dunn as a post-hoc test. The ARI results were analyzed descriptively. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in SBS values between the experimental and control groups (p>0.05). A 3% incorporation of Ag@SiO2 NPs statistically reduced the SBS values (p<0.05) compared to the 1% group. The addition of 3% of Ag@SiO2 NPs to the composites significantly reduced S. mutans biofilm formation, compared to group G2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Composites incorporating 3% of Ag@SiO2 NPs presented similar SBS values compared to the control group, and showed significant antimicrobial activity.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo objetivou investigar a atividade antimicrobiana e a resistência de união ao cisalhamento (RU) de braquetes ortodônticos colados em esmalte bovino, utilizando compósitos experimentais com diferentes concentrações de nanopartículas de prata revestidas com dióxido de silício (NPs Ag@SiO2). Material e Métodos: Cinquenta incisivos bovinos foram divididos em cinco grupos, de acordo com o compósito utilizado (n = 10): G1 - Grupo Controle (Resina Transbond XT); G2 - Compósito Experimental sem NPs Ag@SiO2; G3 - Compósito Experimental com 0,5% de NPs Ag@SiO2; G4 - Composto Experimental com 1% de NPs Ag@SiO2; e G5 - Compósito Experimental com 3% de NPs Ag@SiO2. O teste de RU foi realizado em máquina universal de ensaios mecânicos, e o índice de adesivo remanescente (IAR) foi analisado por microscopia óptica. Para a avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana, biofilme de S. mutans foi formado por três dias em discos de hidroxiapatita. Posteriormente, foram avaliadas as unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) de S. mutans. Para a análise de RU, foi utilizada a Análise de Variância, seguida do teste de Tukey, com nível de significância estatística de 5%. Os dados de UFC foram analisados por meio do teste de Kruskal-Wallis, seguido do teste post-hoc de Dunn. Os resultados de IAR foram analisados descritivamente. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nos valores de RU entre os grupos experimentais e o grupo controle (p> 0,05). A incorporação de 3% de NPs Ag@SiO2 reduziu estatisticamente os valores de RU (p< 0,05), em comparação ao grupo com 1%. A adição de 3% de NPs Ag@SiO2 ao compósito reduziu significativamente a formação de biofilme de S. mutans, em relação ao grupo G2 (p< 0,05). Conclusão: Os compósitos com incorporação de 3% de NPs Ag@SiO2 apresentaram valores de RU semelhantes ao grupo controle e demonstraram significativa atividade antimicrobiana.

Choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents as potential solvent for extraction of phenolic compounds from olive leaves: Extraction optimization and solvent characterization.

This study evaluates the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) prepared with choline chloride ([Ch]Cl) and carboxylic acids for phenolic compound extraction from olive leaves. These extracts were then compared to those obtained using ethanol. The effects of temperature and water addition during DES- and ethanol-based extractions were analyzed using response surface methodology. Due to the lack of solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) data for [Ch]Cl + acetic acid, SLE, and DES density and viscosity with and without water addition were measured and analyzed. [Ch]Cl:acetic acid (54.1 °C, 50.0% water addition) extracted 15% more phenolic compounds than ethanol (54.1 °C, 0.5% water addition), according to UHPLC-MS based analyses. SLE analyses showed that [Ch]Cl + acetic acid presented a eutectic region at close to a 1:2 molar ratio. DES precursors and water addition influenced solvent physical properties and phenolic compound yield. DES was confirmed to be an innovative, strong solvent for phenolic compound extraction from olive leaves.

Evaluation of thyroid nodules in the Brazilian Public Health Care System, Supplementary Health System, and Private Health System in the northeastern region of the State of São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain data about the evaluation of thyroid nodules (TNs) in the northeastern of the State of São Paulo, compared by health care type, and measure the performance of cytology as a screening test for thyroid cancer (TC). METHODS: We collected data of 597 patients treated in the Brazilian public health care system (SUS), supplementary health (SH) and in private health system (PHS) in 2014. A total of 803 TNs were aspirated, and 125 patients underwent surgery. RESULTS: The distribution of all cytologic results according to the Bethesda system was: I, 135 (16.8%); II, 475 (59.2%); III, 107 (13.3%); IV, 32 (4.0%); V, 20 (2.5%); VI, 34 (4.2%). The time between cytologic analysis and surgery was longer in the SUS than in the SH for TNs in general (p < 0.001) and for TNs with Bethesda V and VI cytology (p = 0.01). The sizes of the TNs and resected malignant TNs was larger in the SUS than in the SH (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). The number of PHS surgeries was too small and was not compared. The prevalence of TC was 9.2% and 23.6% of them were treated in the SUS. Cytology showed a 93.6% sensitivity, 95.8% specificity, and 94.7% accuracy when Bethesda III and IV were excluded. CONCLUSION: Cytology was a good screening test for TC categories Bethesda II, V, and VI. The differences between the SUS and SH indicate a need for improved access to consultations and specialized tests in the SUS.

Evaluation of thyroid nodules in the brazilian public health care system, supplementary health system, and private health system in the northeastern region of the state of São Paulo

ABSTRACT Objective: To obtain data about the evaluation of thyroid nodules (TNs) in the northeastern of the State of São Paulo, compared by health care type, and measure the performance of cytology as a screening test for thyroid cancer (TC). Subjects and methods: We collected data of 597 patients treated in the Brazilian public health care system (SUS), supplementary health (SH) and in private health system (PHS) in 2014. A total of 803 TNs were aspirated, and 125 patients underwent surgery. Results: The distribution of all cytologic results according to the Bethesda system was: I, 135 (16.8%); II, 475 (59.2%); III, 107 (13.3%); IV, 32 (4.0%); V, 20 (2.5%); VI, 34 (4.2%). The time between cytologic analysis and surgery was longer in the SUS than in the SH for TNs in general (p < 0.001) and for TNs with Bethesda V and VI cytology (p = 0.01). The sizes of the TNs and resected malignant TNs was larger in the SUS than in the SH (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). The number of PHS surgeries was too small and was not compared. The prevalence of TC was 9.2% and 23.6% of them were treated in the SUS. Cytology showed a 93.6% sensitivity, 95.8% specificity, and 94.7% accuracy when Bethesda III and IV were excluded. Conclusion: Cytology was a good screening test for TC categories Bethesda II, V, and VI. The differences between the SUS and SH indicate a need for improved access to consultations and specialized tests in the SUS.

Phase equilibrium and physical properties of biobased ionic liquid mixtures.

Protic ionic liquid crystals (PILCs) obtained from natural sources are promising compounds due to their peculiar properties and sustainable appeal. However, obtaining PILCs with higher thermal and mechanical stabilities for product and process design is in demand and studies on such approaches using this new IL generation are still scarce. In this context, this work discloses an alternative way for tuning the physicochemical properties of ILCs by mixing PILs. New binary mixtures of PILs derived from fatty acids and 2-hydroxy ethylamines have been synthesized here and investigated through the characterization of the solid-solid-[liquid crystal]-liquid thermodynamic equilibrium and their rheological and critical micellar concentration profiles. The mixtures presented a marked nonideal melting profile with the formation of solid solutions. This work revealed an improvement of the PILCs' properties based on a significant increase in the ILC temperature domain and the obtainment of more stable mesophases at high temperatures when compared to pure PILs. In addition, mixtures of PILs also showed significant changes in their non-Newtonian and viscosity profile up to 100 s-1, as well as mechanical stability over a wide temperature range. The enhancement of the physicochemical properties of PILs here disclosed by such an approach leads to more new possibilities of their industrial application at high temperatures.

Phase Behavior and Physical Properties of New Biobased Ionic Liquid Crystals.

Protic ionic liquids (PILs) have emerged as promising compounds and attracted the interest of the industry and the academy community, due to their easy preparation and unique properties. In the context of green chemistry, the use of biocompounds, such as fatty acids, for their synthesis could disclose a possible alternative way to produce ILs with a low or nontoxic effect and, consequently, expanding their applicability in biobased processes or in the development of bioproducts. This work addressed efforts to a better comprehension of the complex solid-[liquid crystal]-liquid thermodynamic equilibrium of 20 new PILs synthesized by using fatty acids commonly found in vegetable oils, as well as their rheological profile and self-assembling ability. The work revealed that their phase equilibrium and physical properties are significantly impacted by the structure of the ions used for their synthesis. The use of unsaturated fatty acids and bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium for the synthesis of these biobased ILs led to a drastic decreasing of their melting temperatures. Also, the longest alkyl chain fatty acids promoted higher self-assembling and more stable mesophases. Besides their sustainable appeal, the marked high viscosity, non-Newtonian profile, and very low critical micellar concentration values of the PIL crystals here disclosed make them interesting renewable compounds with potential applications as emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, or biolubricants.