Contaminação pelo Covid-19 em profissionais de hospital de referência no Pará / Contamination by Covid-19 in professionals of a reference hospital in Para's state / Contaminación por Covid-19 en profesionales de un hospital de referencia del estado de Pará

A pandemia do novo coronavírus colocou em alerta os sistemas de saúde, estabelecendo sentimentos de instabilidade e de medo. O trabalho é e importante pilar para o traçado de políticas públicas. Objetivo: analisar a contaminação pelo COVID-19 em profissionais de hospital de referência no Pará. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo, quantitativo, observacional, com aplicação de série temporal no período de março de 2020 a março de 2022. Foram incluídos todos os servidores atuantes durante a pandemia, que apresentaram atestados médicos com diagnóstico de COVID, e/ou testagem positiva, ou atestados por suspeita de contaminação. O perfil de servidores foi analisado, explorando as variáveis sexo, idade, convivência ou não com parceiros, grau de escolaridade, cargo e setor; juntamente com a incidência de casos confirmados e incidência total (suspeitos e confirmados). Resultados: O total de afastamentos do trabalho devido ao diagnóstico de COVID-19 foi de 1.420 casos, mais 839 casos suspeitos; sendo que 173 trabalhadores apresentaram reincidência. A incidência foi maior nos meses de maio de 2020, março de 2021 e janeiro de 2022. Houve predominância do sexo feminino e da categoria de enfermagem. Setores administrativos e financeiros apresentaram maior porcentagem de contaminados durante a pandemia (73,40%), proporcionalmente ao quantitativo de servidores atuantes na lotação. Entretanto, foram servidores da assistência direta ao paciente que apresentaram maior porcentagem de reinfecção. Conclusão: Foi possível visualizar três ondas na distribuição temporal dos casos de COVID-19, com destaque para elevação nos primeiros meses de 2022. O declínio no diagnóstico de casos novos no hospital estudado após dois anos de pandemia pode representar esforços individuais e coletivos em resistir às dificuldades da conjuntura. É importante observar o comportamento da pandemia em distintas regiões do Brasil para atualização de estratégias de enfrentamento como um todo.

The new coronavirus pandemic has put health systems on alert, establishing feelings of instability and fear. Working is an important pillar for the design of public policies. Objective: to analyze the contamination by COVID-19 in professionals of a reference hospital in Para's State. Methodology: This is a retrospective, quantitative, observational study, with the application of a time series from March 2020 to March 2022. All civil servants working during the pandemic, who presented medical certificates with a diagnosis of COVID, and/or or positive test, or attestations for suspected contamination. The servants' profile was analyzed, exploring the variables sex, age, living or not with partners, education level, position and sector; along with the incidence of confirmed cases and total incidence (suspected and confirmed). Results: The total number of absences from work due to the diagnosis of COVID-19 was 1,420 cases, plus 839 suspected cases; 173 workers presented recurrence. The incidence was higher in the months of May 2020, March 2021 and January 2022. There was a predominance of females and the nursing category. Administrative and financial sectors had a higher percentage of people infected during the pandemic (73.40%), proportionally to the number of servers working in the capacity. However, it was direct patient care workers who had the highest percentage of reinfection. Conclusion: It was possible to visualize three waves in the temporal distribution of COVID-19 cases, with emphasis on an increase in the first months of 2022. The decline in the diagnosis of new cases in the hospital studied after two years of the pandemic may represent individual and collective efforts to resist to the difficulties of the situation. It is important to observe the behavior of the pandemic in different regions of Brazil to update coping strategies in a general scenery.

La nueva pandemia de coronavirus ha puesto en alerta a los sistemas de salud, estableciendo sentimientos de inestabilidad y miedo. El trabajo es un pilar importante para el diseño de políticas públicas. Objetivo: analizar la contaminación por COVID-19 en profesionales de un hospital de referencia en el Estado de Pará. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo, cuantitativo, observacional, con la aplicación de una serie de tiempo de marzo de 2020 a marzo de 2022. Todos los funcionarios que trabajaron durante la pandemia, que presentaron certificados médicos con diagnóstico de COVID, y/o o test positivo, o atestados por sospecha de contaminación. Se analizó el perfil de los funcionarios, explorando las variables sexo, edad, convivencia o no con la pareja, nivel de escolaridad, cargo y sector; junto con la incidencia de casos confirmados y la incidencia total (sospechosos y confirmados). Resultados: El número total de bajas laborales por diagnóstico de COVID-19 fue de 1.420 casos, más 839 casos sospechosos; 173 trabajadores presentaron recurrencia. La incidencia fue mayor en los meses de mayo de 2020, marzo de 2021 y enero de 2022. Hubo predominio del sexo femenino y de la categoría de enfermería. Los sectores administrativo y financiero presentaron mayor porcentaje de infectados durante la pandemia (73,40%), proporcionalmente al número de servidores que trabajaban en esa función. Sin embargo, fueron los trabajadores de atención directa al paciente los que presentaron el mayor porcentaje de reinfección. Conclusiones: Fue posible visualizar tres olas en la distribución temporal de los casos de COVID-19, destacándose un aumento en los primeros meses de 2022. La disminución en el diagnóstico de nuevos casos en el hospital estudiado después de dos años de pandemia puede representar esfuerzos individuales y colectivos para resistir a las dificultades de la situación. Es importante observar el comportamiento de la pandemia en diferentes regiones de Brasil para actualizar las estrategias de afrontamiento en un escenario general.

Morphoanatomical and biochemical factors associated with rice resistance to the South American rice water weevil, Oryzophagus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The rice water weevil, Oryzophagus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an economically important pest of flooded rice paddies throughout South America, and species with similar life histories are present in many rice-producing regions globally (collectively referred to here as RWWs). Plant resistance is a key strategy for management of RWWs; however, the mechanisms responsible for rice resistance to RWWs are poorly understood. We investigated morphoanatomical and biochemical plant traits potentially involved in rice resistance to O. oryzae. Resistance-associated traits were characterized in two cultivars, 'Dawn' (resistant) and 'BRS Pampa CL' ('Pamp' = susceptible), which were selected from among six cultivars on 2-year field screenings. Anatomical and morphological traits of leaf tissues from 'Pamp' and 'Dawn' were similar, which perhaps explains the lack of antixenosis during host plant selection. However, significant antibiosis effects were found. The activities of antioxidant enzymes involved in plant defense, as well the content of hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids derivatives and lignin, were higher in roots of 'Dawn' than in 'Pamp', over the period of larval infestation in the field. Additionally, 'Dawn' exhibited a root sclerenchyma arranged in three layers of lignified cells, which differed from the arrangement of cells in 'Pamp', regardless of larval infestation. Our results provide the first evidence for specific resistance-related traits associated with mortality and malnutrition of RWWs in rice.

Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer With CNS Metastasis: Disparities From a Real-World Analysis (GBOT-LACOG 0417).

PURPOSE: Despite the advances in the approach to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with CNS metastasis, access to timely diagnosis and treatment may not be optimal in many instances. Our main objective was to describe a cohort of patients with NSCLC with brain metastases from public and private cancer centers, and the differences between patients' presentation, treatment, and outcomes. METHODS: GBOT-LACOG 0417 is a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with NSCLC and CNS metastasis in Brazil. All patients had confirmed diagnosis of NSCLC between January 2010 and December 2015. CNS metastases were identified by imaging. RESULTS: A total of 273 patients were included. Patients treated at public institutions were more often Black or Brown (38.8% v 15.4%), current or former smoker (88.6% v 60.0%), of squamous cell histology (25.0% v 9.1%), EGFR- and ALK-negative (95.9% v 74.9%), and were less frequently assessed by using brain magnetic resonance imaging (38.8% v 83.6%). At public institutions, patients were more often symptomatic (78.1% v 44.6%) and had worse performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 2 or higher 61.5% v 10.3%). CNS metastases were larger (median size 25 v 15 mm) and more often surrounded by edema (67.7% v 55.2%) at public institutions. Patients at public institutions were more frequently treated with whole-brain radiation therapy (72.9% v 45.4%) and less frequently with radiosurgery (6.3% v 24.1%). Among patients from private care, median overall survival was 24.2 months (95% CI, 20.0 to 30.6), significantly higher than in public care (median 12.1 months; 95% CI, 6.7 to 13.6; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the discrepancy between public and private health care system in the critical setting of patients with CNS metastasis from NSCLC.

Chemical, antioxidant and cytotoxic profile of hydroalcoholic extracts of plants from Southern Brazil and their activity against pathogenic fungi isolated from dogs and cats with sensitivity and resistance to conventional antifungals.

We aimed to evaluate the chemical, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antifungal activities of hydroalcoholic extracts of native plants from Southern Brazil: Schinus terebinthifolia (SCH), Persicaria hydropiperoides (PER), Eugenia uniflora (EUG) and Equisetum hyemale (EQU). Ethyl gallate, quercetin, and quinic acid were prevalent compounds identified by LC-MS. For total phenolic/flavonoid contents and the antioxidant potential against ABTS/DPPH radicals, the ascending order was EQU < PER < EUG < SCH. All extracts were low cytotoxic and kept a high Vero cell viability (>75%) at concentrations up to 12.5 mg/mL (MTT assay). By M38-A2/M27-A3 (CLSI) against 68 clinical isolates of animals and strains of Malassezia pachydermatis, Sporothrix brasiliensis, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, all extracts (MIC/MFC ≤3.13-100 mg/mL) were active, except EUG. SCH inhibited and killed S. brasiliensis (MIC/MFC50/90 3.12-12.5 mg/mL) and dermatophytes (MIC/MFC 6.25-25 mg/mL) resistant to ketoconazole and itraconazole. These findings support the promising use of the selected plant extracts as antifungal agents.

Photobiomodulation therapy prevents dysgeusia chemotherapy induced in breast cancer women treated with doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide: a triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBMT) in preventing dysgeusia in breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (AC). METHODS: This is a phase II, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 112 breast cancer patients treated with AC. The patients were divided equally into two groups: a test group treated with 2 J red laser and 3 J infrared laser on 21 points that were symmetrically distributed on the tongue on day 0 of four cycles of AC, and an equal placebo group treated with simulated PBMT to blind the patient, evaluator, and statistician. The clinicopathological and sociodemographic data, results of taste test, and subjective taste analysis, and the QoL, ECOG performance status, body mass index, and other side effects were recorded. The data were analyzed using ANOVA-RM/Bonferroni, Friedman/Dunn, and chi-square/Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: PBMT patients showed less objective and subjective taste loss (p<0.05). On the other hand, the placebo group showed a higher ECOG status (p=0.037) and more significant weight loss (p<0.001) after four cycles of AC. The QoL was significantly higher in the PBMT group (p<0.05) at all assessment periods, and PBMT treatment also reduced the incidence of cachexia (p=0.020), anorexia (p<0.001), diarrhea (p=0.040), oral mucositis (p=0.020), and vomiting (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: PBMT reduced the taste loss and improved the overall health status and QoL of patients with breast cancer treated with AC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry ( www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br ) approval number RBR-9qnm34y, registered on 01/05/2021.

Multiresistant bacteria isolated from domestic and wild animals with skin lesions were susceptible to native plants from Southern Brazil.

We evaluated the chemical composition, toxicity, and antibacterial activity of Schinus terebinthifolia (SCH), Eugenia uniflora (EUG), Persicaria hydropiperoides (PER), Equisetum hyemale (EQU), Solidago chilensis (SOL), and Baccharis trimera (BRA). These plants were tested (7.5-0.01 mg/mL) against Gram-positive (G+; n = 32) and Gram-negative (G-; n = 26) isolates from animals (M07-A9, CLSI). Antibiogram (disk diffusion), chromatographic analysis (UPLC), and toxicity assay (HET-CAM) were also performed. A high incidence of resistance was noted, in which 18.4% (07/38) of G+ (Staphylococcus intermedius/Enterococcus faecium) and 17.7% (06/34) of G- (Pseudomonas aeruginosa/Escherichia coli/Proteus mirabilis) were multidrug-resistant. All bacteria were sensitive (MIC50) to SCH (both 3.75 mg/mL), EUG (3.75 mg/mL and 7.5 mg/mL, respectively) and PER (both 7.5 mg/mL). SCH/EUG/PER highlighted as antibacterial, probably due to the major compounds (ethyl gallate, quinic acid, quercetin). These extracts showed normal embryonic development (SCH/EUG: 7.5-0.94 mg/mL). These findings highlighted the promising use of native plants for therapeutic purposes.

TLR4 deficiency upregulates TLR9 expression and enhances irinotecan-related intestinal mucositis and late-onset diarrhoea.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Severe diarrhoea, a common gastrointestinal manifestation of anticancer treatment with irinotecan, might involve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of toll-like receptors (TLRs), described as critical bacterial sensors in the gut. Here, colorectal cancer patients carrying missense TLR4 A896G (rs4986790) or C1,196T (rs4986791) SNPs and Tlr4 knockout (Tlr4-/-) mice were given irinotecan to investigate the severity of the induced diarrhoea. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Forty-six patients treated with irinotecan-based regimens had diarrhoea severity analysed according to TLR4 genotypes. In the experimental setting, wild-type (WT) or Tlr4-/- mice were given irinotecan (45 or 75 mg·kg-1 , i.p.) or saline (3 ml·kg-1 ). Diarrhoea severity was evaluated by measuring intestinal injury and inflammatory markers expression after animals were killed. KEY RESULTS: All patients with TLR4 SNPs chemotherapy-treated presented diarrhoea, whereas gastrointestinal toxicity was observed in 50% of the wild homozygous individuals. Mice injected with irinotecan presented systemic bacterial translocation and increased TLR4 immunostaining in the intestine. In line with the clinical findings, Tlr4 gene deficiency enhanced irinotecan-related diarrhoea and TLR9 expression in mice. An increased myeloperoxidase activity and Il-18 expression along with IL-10 decreased production in Tlr4-/- mice also indicated an intensified intestinal damage and inflammatory response. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: TLR4 deficiency upregulates TLR9 expression and enhances intestinal damage and the severity of late-onset diarrhoea during irinotecan-based treatment. Identifying patients genetically predisposed to chemotherapy-associated diarrhoea is a strategy toward precision medicine.

Bioactive content of six passion fruit genotypes cultivated in southern Brazil

Passion fruit production in Brazil is concentrated in tropical regions, however, recently production has expanded to regions with temperate climate. Cultivar performance in different climate and soil can lead to variation in the contents of bioactive compounds in the juice and rind of the fruit. This study characterized the bioactive content of passion fruit rind and juice of six passion fruit genotypes ('Catarina Roxo', 'Catarina', 'Urussanga', 'BRS Gigante Amarelo', 'BRS Rubi do Cerrado', and 'BRS Sol do Cerrado') cultivated in southern Brazil. Phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and ascorbic acid contents and the antioxidant potential of each fruit portion from each genotype were evaluated. Fruit composition varied with genotype and evaluated tissue. Bioactive compound contents were greatest in the rind of 'Urussanga' and 'Catarina', whereas the juice of 'BRS Sol do Cerrado' and 'Catarina Roxo' had the greatest bioactive content. Given cultivar and tissue variability for bioactive content, postharvest use of passion fruit will determine the choice of cultivar to obtain a product with maximum bioactive compounds. Passion fruit genotypes evaluated in this study have shown to be potential sources of bioactive compounds. Fruit rind has the potential to be explored in the scientific and technological scope, due to its high amounts of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity.

Metabolism of abscisic acid in two contrasting rice genotypes submitted to recurrent water deficit.

Drought is the main constrain for crops worldwide, however, the effects of recurrent water deficit remain still hidden. We analysed two rice genotypes, 'BRS-Querência' (lowlands) and 'AN-Cambará' (uplands), after 7 days of recurrent drought followed by 24 h of rehydration, hypothesising that genotypes grown in regions with different water availabilities respond differently to water deficits, and that a previous exposure to stress could alter abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism. The results showed that both genotypes reduced stomatal conductance and increased ABA concentration. After rehydration, the ABA levels decreased, mainly in the plants of BRS-Querência subjected to recurrent stress. However, the levels of ABA were higher in plants in recurrent water deficit compared to non-recurrent stress plants in both genotypes. Remarkably in the lowland genotype, the ABA glucosyl-ester (ABA-GE) concentration increased after recovery in the plants under recurrent stress. Regarding of gene expression, the genes associated in ABA biosynthesis with the highest expression levels were NCED2, NCED3, NCED4 and AAO2. However, 'AN-Cambará' showed less transcriptional activation. Taking into account the genes involved in ABA catabolism, ABAH1 appears to play an important role related to the recurrent stress in upland plants. These results indicate that one of the factors that can promote greater tolerance for the upland genotype is the tradeoff between ABA and ABA-GE when plants are subjected to water deficits. In addition, they indicate that abscisic acid metabolism is altered due to the genotype (upland or lowland) and pre-exposure to stress can also modify adaptive responses in rice varieties (recurrent stress).

Susceptibility and resistance of Sporothrix brasiliensis to branded and compounded itraconazole formulations.

Itraconazole is the first drug of choice for the treatment of sporotrichosis and it is available at different concentrations for veterinary patients. However, therapeutic failure has been reported, limiting clinical treatment. This study evaluated the in vitro efficacy of brand-name and compounded itraconazole formulations against Sporothrix brasiliensis and estimated the itraconazole content in each tested formulation. Oral capsules were acquired from two brand-name products for human (H-IND) and veterinary (V-IND) uses, and three from compounding pharmacies in Pelotas, RS, for human (H-COMP1/H-COMP2) and veterinary (V-COMP) uses. Capsule purity was analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Antifungal activity was determined against 29 Sporothrix brasiliensis by the M38-A2 guideline of CLSI. H-IND/H-COMP1/H-COMP2 had high efficacy against S. brasiliensis (approximately 70% of total isolated susceptible), V-COMP showed moderate efficacy (51.7%), and V-IND was the least effective formulation (37.9%). Thirty-four percent of the total isolates were resistant to all formulations. Furthermore, itraconazole content did not match the concentration indicated by the manufacturers, ranging from 387.70 to 7.81 µg/mg (H-COMP2 > V-COMP > H-IND > H-COMP1 > V-IND). Therefore, it is possible that the formulations showed different in vitro efficacy due to the difference in their itraconazole contents. Given the emergence of antifungal resistance for all formulations, the choice product to be used must follow susceptibility testing. Stringent quality control measures are recommended for product manufactures to assure drug content uniformity.

Hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties of phenolic rich Butia odorata fruit extract: potential involvement of paraoxonase activity.

Aim: This study investigated the effects of polar Butia odorata fruit extract on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in rats submitted to a hyperlipidaemia condition induced by tyloxapol.Methods: Animals were divided into 3 groups: saline, saline plus tyloxapol, and B. odorata extract plus tyloxapol. Animals were treated for 15 days with a saline solution or B. odorata fruit extract and after hyperlipidaemia was induced by tyloxapol.Results: Treatment with B. odorata extract reduced serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and adenosine deaminase and butyrylcholinesterase activities when compared to the tyloxapol group. HDL-cholesterol and paraoxonase 1 activity were higher in B. odorata extract treated animals when compared to tyloxapol-treated animals. No differences were observed in hepatic oxidative stress parameters. Phenolic compounds present in B. odorata fruit extract were identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS.Conclusion: These findings indicated that phenolic rich B. odorata extract has hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects in hyperlipidemic rats.

Thermal and irradiation resistance of folic acid encapsulated in zein ultrafine fibers or nanocapsules produced by electrospinning and electrospraying.

The objectives of this study were to characterize zein fibers and capsules prepared by electrospinning and electrospraying techniques, respectively, and then use them to encapsulate folic acid. Folic acid containing fibers and capsules (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%, w/v) were submitted to thermal treatment (100, 140, and 180 °C) and ultraviolet A light (UVA) irradiation to evaluate the resistance of folic acid. Zein fibers and capsules containing folic acid showed high encapsulation efficiency (>80%). Unencapsulated folic acid showed a reduction in folic acid content from 17.17 µg/mL to 5.44 µg/mL (approximately 70%) when exposed to 180 °C. Photodegradation of unencapsulated folic acid lowered its concentration from 17.17 µg/mL to 12.58 µg/mL (~26% of reduction), when exposed for 1 h to UVA irradiation. However, folic acid concentration when encapsulated in fibers (1.5%) was maintained or only slightly reduced from 9.73 µg/mg to 8.88 µg/mg after thermal treatment at 180 °C. The capsules containing 1.5% of folic acid also presented a slight reduction in folic acid concentration from 8.84 µg/mg to 7.88 µg/mg when exposed to 24 h of UVA irradiation. Zein fibers and capsules containing folic acid present promising characteristics for application in foods that require thermal processing or exposure to irradiation.

Untargeted metabolomics of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa 'Camarosa') fruit from plants grown under osmotic stress conditions.

BACKGROUND: Plants activate defense mechanisms to cope with adverse environmental conditions, leading to the accumulation and / or depletion of general and specialized metabolites. In this study, a multiplatform untargeted metabolomics strategy was employed to evaluate metabolic changes in strawberry fruit of cv. Camarosa grown under osmotic stress conditions. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data from strawberries grown under two water-deficit conditions, irrigated at 95% crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and 85% ETc, and one excess salt condition with a 80 mmol L-1 NaCl solution, were analyzed to determine treatment effects on fruit metabolism. RESULTS: Multivariate principal component analysis, orthogonal projections to latent structures - discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and univariate statistical analyses were applied to the data set. While multivariate analyses showed group separation by treatment, T-tests and fold change revealed 12 metabolites differentially accumulated in strawberries from different treatments - among them phenolic compounds, glycerophospholipids, phytosterols, carbohydrates, and an aromatic amino acid. CONCLUSION: Untargeted metabolomic analysis allowed for the annotation of compounds differentially accumulated in strawberry fruit from plants grown under osmotic stress and non-stressed plants. The metabolic disturbance in plants under stress involved metabolites associated with the inhibition of reactive oxygen species and cell-wall and membrane lipid biosynthesis, which might serve as osmotic stress biomarkers. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Selection of native bacterial starter culture in the production of fermented meat sausages: Application potential, safety aspects, and emerging technologies.

The development of standardized and safe food products with the typical characteristics of each region is highly desirable and can be obtained by using native starter cultures that influence the flavor, texture, and color of fermented foods. Therefore, scientists have been employing various techniques for screening and characterizing native bacteria (lactic acid bacteria and Gram-positive catalase-positive cocci) for application in fermented meat sausage. The present review outlines in vitro assays that evaluate the potential application and safety aspects of native isolates and introduces emerging omics technologies applied to the microbiology of fermented meat sausage. Results from current research are presented, and the strengths and limitations of each assay are provided, with references indicating where further details can be obtained. In choosing the most appropriate in vitro method, it is necessary to consider the available analytical infrastructure, the sensitivity and selectivity of the assay, the time it takes to get the results, the ease of the assay, and the costs involved.

Discrimination of genotype and geographical origin of black rice grown in Brazil by LC-MS analysis of phenolics.

Physicochemical properties, cooking time, and phenolics profile of two black rice genotypes grown at six different locations in Brazil were determined. The cultivar IAC 600 and the elite-line AE 153045 were used. The main growing locations for black rice were considered, as follows: Alegrete (ALG), Capão do Leão (CPL), Guaratinguetá (GUA), Roseira (ROS), Santa Vitória do Palmar (SVP), and Taubaté (TBT). Principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data sets showed distinction among genotypes and locations. Quercetin-3-O-glucoside and vanillic acid were the most relevant compounds for discriminating genotypes. SVP location provided the most distinctive black rice, with greater total phenolics content. Characteristics of black rice from SVP location were associated to effects of latitude and wind conditions. Hesperetin, vanillic acid, quercetion-3-O-glucoside, and p-coumaric acid were the most relevant compounds for discriminating locations.

Optimized Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Ilex paraguariensis, and Aspalathus linearis blend presents high antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in a beverage model.

A statistical optimization study was conducted to obtain a tea containing fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), white tea (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis), and roasted mate (Ilex paraguariensis). An optimal combination of these species was proposed. This optimized tea inhibited 64% the lipoperoxidation in vitro and presented a high phenolic content, especially kaempferol, (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, rutin, (-)-epigallocatechin, and (-)-epicatechin-2-O-gallate. Indeed, the antioxidant effect was confirmed by decreasing 30% the reactive oxygen species generation in human hepatoma carcinoma cells (HepG2, 100 and 240 µg/mL). In the cell viability assay, the GI50 for human colorectal adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (Caco-2) was about 547 µg/mL and 481 µg/mL for HepG2. The pasteurization process (65 °C/30 min) did not affect the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the optimized tea formulation. The sensory test indicated an acceptability index of 78%, showing that the analytical approach adopted was feasible to develop a phenolic-rich beverage.

Polar Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceae) extracts with antifungal potential against Sporothrix brasiliensis.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) has anti-Sporothrix spp. activity, including against strains that are resistant to antifungal drugs. As the studies are limited to the essential oil, the aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of polar oregano extracts and their anti-Sporothrix brasiliensis activity. Aerial plant parts were used in the preparation of 10 min (INF10) and 60 min (INF60) infusions, a decoction (DEC) and a hydroalcoholic extract (HAE). Six phenolic acids and four flavonoids were identified and quantified through liquid-chromatography (LC-MS). Extracts in increasing order of total phenolic and flavonoid contents were HAE 40 mg/ml for the other extracts. This is the first report of oregano extracts showing antifungal activity against S. brasiliensis. Its use in the treatment of sporotrichosis may be considered upon toxicity and safe-use conditions are tested.

Stability of bioactive compounds in butiá (Butia odorata) fruit pulp and nectar.

Butia odorata is a palm tree native to southern Brazil whose fruit (known as butiá) and leaves are used to make many food products and crafts. Butiá contain several biologically active compounds with potential health benefits. However, processing conditions can alter quality attributes including bioactive compound content. This study evaluated the stability of bioactive compounds in butiá pulp upon pasteurization, during 12months of frozen storage, and in butiá nectar after a 3-month storage period. Pulp pasteurization resulted in a reduction in phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, and ascorbic acid contents. After a 12-month frozen storage period, flavonoid, phenolic, and ascorbic acid contents decreased while carotenoid content remained unaltered. Carotenoid, ascorbic acid, and phenolic contents were unaffected by the 3-month storage of butiá nectar; however, flavonoid content and antioxidant potential were reduced. Despite bioactive compound degradation upon heat treatment and storage, butiá nectar remained rich in phenolics, especially (-)-epicatechin, rutin, and (+)-catechin.

Chemical composition and cytotoxicity of extracts of marjoram and rosemary and their activity against Sporothrix brasiliensis.

PURPOSE: Motivated by increasing reports of antifungal resistance in human and animal sporotrichosis, this study evaluated the chemical composition, cytotoxicity and anti-Sporothrix brasiliensis activity of extracts of marjoram (Origanum majorana) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). METHODOLOGY: Ten (INF10) and 60 min (INF60) infusions, a decoction and a hydroalcoholic extract (HAE, 70 %) were prepared from both plants (10 % w/v). The extract composition was analysed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and the cytotoxicity was evaluated using a colorimetric assay in canine and feline kidney cells. Using a broth microdilution assay (CLSI M38-A2) adapted to the extracts, 30 Sporothrix brasiliensis isolates from dogs, cats and humans, and one Sporothrix schenckii were tested.Results/Key findings. The predominant phenolic compounds found in all extracts were 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. Luteolin was also one of the predominant compounds, but only in the HAE of marjoram. Extracts of marjoram maintained cell viability in concentrations up to 2.5 mg ml-1 for the feline cell line and up to 10 mg ml-1 for the canine cell line, whereas in rosemary, the cell viability for both kidney lines was maintained with concentrations up to 5 mg ml-1. The activity of rosemary extracts was low or absent. Among the marjoram extracts, HAE was highlighted and had fungistatic activity against Sporothrix brasiliensis (MIC5040 mg ml-1), including in all itraconazole-resistant isolates. S. schenckiisensu stricto was sensitive to marjoram extracts (MIC/MFC ≤5 mg ml-1), with the exception of INF10. CONCLUSION: These findings support the potential usefulness of the HAE of marjoram in the treatment of sporotrichosis.

Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis of Capsicum spp. by GC-MS.

INTRODUCTION: In order to conserve the biodiversity of Capsicum species and find genotypes with potential to be utilised commercially, Embrapa Clima Temperado maintains an active germplasm collection (AGC) that requires characterisation, enabling genotype selection and support for breeding programmes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterise pepper accessions from the Embrapa Clima Temperado AGC and differentiate species based on their metabolic profile using an untargeted metabolomics approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cold (-20°C) methanol extraction residue of freeze-dried fruit samples was partitioned into water/methanol (A) and chloroform (B) fractions. The polar fraction (A) was derivatised and both fractions (A and B) were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Data from each fraction was analysed using a multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) with XCMS software. RESULTS: Amino acids, sugars, organic acids, capsaicinoids, and hydrocarbons were identified. Outlying accessions including P116 (C. chinense), P46, and P76 (C. annuum) were observed in a PCA plot mainly due to their high sucrose and fructose contents. PCA also indicated a separation of P221 (C. annuum) and P200 (C. chinense), because of their high dihydrocapsaicin content. CONCLUSIONS: Although the metabolic profiling did not allow for grouping by species, it permitted the simultaneous identification and quantification of several compounds complementing and expanding the metabolic database of the studied Capsicum spp. in the AGC. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.