Human adenovirus-associated health risk in the recreational waters of the Yal-ku lagoon in the Mexican Caribbean.

The study objective was to evaluate human faecal contamination impacts in the Yal-ku lagoon in the Mexican Caribbean and to estimate adenovirus infection and illness risks associated with recreational exposure during water activities. A total of 20 water samples (10 from each site × two sites) (50 L) were collected monthly over a period of 12 months from two selected sampling sites in the swimming area of the Yal-ku lagoon. The occurrence of faecal-associated viruses was explored, and human adenovirus (HAdV) and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) concentrations were quantified. A quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model was used to estimate exposure and subsequent adenovirus infection and illness risk for 1 h of swimming or snorkelling. Somatic and F + -specific coliphages occurred in 100% of the samples. Both HAdV and PMMoV were detected at a 60% frequency thereby indicating persistent faecal inputs. PMMoV concentrations (44-370 GC/L) were relatively lower than the concentrations of HAdV (64-1,000 GC/L). Estimated mean adenovirus risks were greater for snorkelling than for swimming by roughly one to two orders of magnitude and estimated mean illness risks for snorkelling were >32/1,000. Human faecal contamination is frequent in the Yal-ku lagoon, which is associated with human gastrointestinal illness.

Plasticizer concentration effect on films and coatings based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and cationic starch blends.

Films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and cationic starch (CS) were combined with different percentages of sorbitol (S; 15.0, 22.5, and 30.0% w v-1) to assess the effect of plasticizer on the films. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed the interaction between them. However, micrographs indicated the formation of sorbitol crystals on the surface of the films, especially at higher sorbitol concentrations. The blends presented low water vapor transmission rate values, reaching (7.703 ± 0.000) g h-1 m-2 (PVA75CS25S15), and low solubility values for the films containing higher CS amounts. The lack of statistical differences in most parameters suggests that no significant gain comes from increasing the amount of sorbitol at percentages higher than 15%. As a coating, the blend PVA75CS25S15 successfully decreased the loss of moisture content in acerolas by 1.15 times (compared to the control), confirming the suitability of this matrix as a fruit coating.

Identifying, Quantifying, and Recovering a Sorbitol-Type Petrochemical Additive in Industrial Wastewater and Its Subsequent Application in a Polymeric Matrix as a Nucleating Agent.

Currently, polypropylene (PP) is highlighted using sorbitol-based clarifying agents since these agents are high quality, low cost, and work as a barrier against moisture, which makes PP ideal for packaging food, beverages, and medical products, among others. The use of analytical methods capable of recovering these additives in wastewater streams and then reusing them in the PP clarification stage represents an innovative methodology that makes a substantial contribution to the circular economy of the PP production industry. In this study, a method of extraction and recovery of the Millad NX 8000 was developed. The additive was recovered using GC-MS and extracted with an activated carbon column plus glass fiber, using an injection molded sample, obtaining a recovery rate greater than 96%. TGA, DSC, and FTIR were used to evaluate the recovered additive's glass transitions and purity. The thermal degradation of the recovered additive was found to be between 340 and 420 °C, with a melting temperature of 246 °C, adopting the same behavior as the pure additive. In FTIR, the characteristic absorption peak of Millad NX 8000 was observed at 1073 cm-1, which indicates the purity of the extracted compound. Therefore, this work develops a new additive recovery methodology with high purity to regulate the crystallization behavior and of PP.

Rheological parameters of mixed Brazilian Cerrado fruits sugar-free preserves: the effect of body agents.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the bodying agents (erythritol, sorbitol, xylitol, and polydextrose) and their mixtures on the preparation of mixed Brazilian Cerrado fruit preserves (marolo, soursop, and sweet passion fruit). Mixture design was used for product optimization and the preserves were evaluated by texture profile, stress relaxation test, and uniaxial compression test. The research data were analyzed using regression equations on SAS software. The results indicated that the rheological parameters were affected by the body agents. Erythritol should not be used as an isolated component because it provoked changes in the properties of the final product (harder and brittle preserves); xylitol and sorbitol made preserves more elastic, cohesive, and more fragile; and polydextrose showed a synergistic effect with erythritol for rupture deformation and lesser effects for hardness, adhesiveness, and gumminess.

Metabolomic exhibits different profiles and potential biomarkers of Vitis spp. co-cultivated with Fusarium oxysporum for short, medium, and long times.

Differential rootstock tolerance to Fusarium spp. supports viticulture worldwide. However, how plants stand against the fungus still needs to be explored. We hypothesize it involves a differential metabolite modulation. Thus, we performed a gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Paulsen P1103 and BDMG573 rootstocks, co-cultured with Fusarium oxysporum (FUS) for short, medium, and long time (0, 4, and 8 days after treatment [DAT]). In shoots, principal component analysis (PCA) showed a complete overlap between BDMG573 non-co-cultivated and FUS at 0 DAT, and P1103 treatments showed a slight overlap at both 4 and 8 DAT. In roots, PCA exhibited overlapping between BDMG573 treatments at 0 DAT, while P1103 treatments showed overlapping at 0 and 4 DAT. Further, there is a complete overlapping between BDMG573 and P1103 FUS profiles at 8 DAT. In shoots, 1,3-dihydroxyacetone at 0 and 4 DAT and maltose at 4 and 8 DAT were biomarkers for BDMG573. For P1103, glyceric acid, proline, and sorbitol stood out at 0, 4, and 8 DAT, respectively. In BDMG573 roots, the biomarkers were ß-alanine at 0 DAT, cellobiose and sorbitol at both 4 and 8 DAT. While in P1103 roots, they were galactose at 0 and 4 DAT and 1,3-dihydroxyacetone at 8 DAT. Overall, there is an increase in amino acids, glycolysis, and tricarboxylic acid components in tolerant Paulsen P1103 shoots. Thus, it provides a new perspective on the primary metabolism of grapevine rootstocks to F. oxysporum that may contribute to strategies for genotype tolerance and early disease identification.

Prevention of hospital pathogen biofilm formation by antimicrobial peptide KWI18.

This study investigated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of KWI18, a new synthetic peptide. KWI18 was tested against planktonic cells and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida parapsilosis biofilms. Time-kill and synergism assays were performed. Sorbitol, ergosterol, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation assays were used to gain insight into the mechanism of action of the peptide. Toxicity was evaluated against erythrocytes and Galleria mellonella. KWI18 showed antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.5 to 10 µM. KWI18 at 10 × MIC reduced P. aeruginosa and C. parapsilosis biofilm formation and cell viability. Time-kill assays revealed that KWI18 inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa in 4 h and that of C. parapsilosis in 6 h. The mechanism of action was related to ergosterol as well as induction of oxidative damage in cells and biofilms. Furthermore, KWI18 demonstrated low toxicity to erythrocytes and G. mellonella. KWI18 proved to be an effective antibiofilm agent, opening opportunities for the development of new antimicrobials.

Reducing chilling injury in 'Palmer' mangoes submitted to quarantine cold treatment.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with low temperatures can be used to quarantine mangoes against fruit-fly infestation. However, mangoes can develop chilling injury (CI) when stored at temperatures below 13 °C. We demonstrated that the immersion in polyol solutions can alleviate CI symptoms in 'Palmer' mangoes stored at 8 °C. These suggest that polyols can be used to reduce CI in mangoes during quarantine at low temperatures. Thus, we investigated the efficacy of applying 0.1% (v/v) glycerol, propylene glycol, or sorbitol to 'Palmer' mangoes subjected to cold treatment (1.0 °C) for 28 days. Mangoes were then ripened at 23 °C for 7 days. RESULTS: Among these polyols, sorbitol was the most effective in alleviating CI for up to 14 days of cold treatment. Mangoes treated with sorbitol showed lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), and reduced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. These fruit also had elevated levels of ascorbate (AsA), especially in the epicarp, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity. CONCLUSION: Sorbitol can reduce the CI, but to an unsatisfying level, and it should be combined with other treatments storage at low temperature. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Curación de úlceras venosas crónicas inducida con un hidrogel de aloe vera, sorbitol, alantoína y glicerol.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia de un hidrogel compuesto con aloe vera, sorbitol, alantoína y glicerol, y estudiar clínicamente los niveles de interleucina 6 (IL-6) para el tratamiento de úlceras venosas (UV). MÉTODO: Se realizó un ensayo clínico no aleatorizado de un solo brazo en 10 sujetos. Cada sujeto fue tratado con el hidrogel durante ocho semanas. Tras completar el período de seguimiento, se realizó una evaluación final de las puntuaciones clínicas y moleculares de cada paciente, que se comparó con los datos iniciales. RESULTADOS: Los pacientes tratados con el hidrogel presentaron una reducción media del área de la UV de -1,12 cm5 (±2,53), reducción media del volumen de -1,47 cm6 (±3,43) y valor medio de IL-6 perilesional de -1,81 pg/mL (±8,07). También, se encontró una reducción media de la puntuación de la gravedad clínica venosa (VCSSr) de -9,3 (±2,62) y de la puntuación del dolor en la escala visual analógica (VAS) de -5,5 (±2,22). CONCLUSIÓN: La IL-6 es un indicador molecular útil para la vigilancia de la cicatrización de heridas. El tratamiento con un hidrogel a base de aloe vera, sorbitol y alantoína favorece la cicatrización de la herida, mejora la calidad de vida y reduce los niveles de dolor de la UV. CONFLICTO DE INTERÉS: El investigador principal, Dr Jorge Ulloa, declara recepción de recursos para investigación por parte de Humany Care. Este proyecto fue financiado por Humany Care.

Curación de úlceras venosas crónicas inducida con un hidrogel de aloe vera, sorbitol, alantoína y glicerol.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia de un hidrogel compuesto con aloe vera, sorbitol, alantoína y glicerol, y estudiar clínicamente los niveles de interleucina 6 (IL-6) para el tratamiento de úlceras venosas (UV). MÉTODO: Se realizó un ensayo clínico no aleatorizado de un solo brazo en 10 sujetos. Cada sujeto fue tratado con el hidrogel durante ocho semanas. Tras completar el período de seguimiento, se realizó una evaluación final de las puntuaciones clínicas y moleculares de cada paciente, que se comparó con los datos iniciales. RESULTADOS: Los pacientes tratados con el hidrogel presentaron una reducción media del área de la UV de -1,12 cm5 (±2,53), reducción media del volumen de -1,47 cm6 (±3,43) y valor medio de IL-6 perilesional de -1,81 pg/mL (±8,07). También, se encontró una reducción media de la puntuación de la gravedad clínica venosa (VCSSr) de -9,3 (±2,62) y de la puntuación del dolor en la escala visual analógica (VAS) de -5,5 (±2,22). CONCLUSIÓN: La IL-6 es un indicador molecular útil para la vigilancia de la cicatrización de heridas. El tratamiento con un hidrogel a base de aloe vera, sorbitol y alantoína favorece la cicatrización de la herida, mejora la calidad de vida y reduce los niveles de dolor de la UV. CONFLICTO DE INTERÉS: El investigador principal, Dr Jorge Ulloa, declara recepción de recursos para investigación por parte de Humany Care. Este proyecto fue financiado por Humany Care.

Docking Prediction, Antifungal Activity, Anti-Biofilm Effects on Candida spp., and Toxicity against Human Cells of Cinnamaldehyde.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the antifungal activity of cinnamaldehyde on Candida spp. In vitro and in situ assays were carried out to test cinnamaldehyde for its anti-Candida effects, antibiofilm activity, effects on fungal micromorphology, antioxidant activity, and toxicity on keratinocytes and human erythrocytes. Statistical analysis was performed considering α = 5%. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of cinnamaldehyde ranged from 18.91 µM to 37.83 µM. MIC values did not change in the presence of 0.8 M sorbitol, whereas an 8-fold increase was observed in the presence of ergosterol, suggesting that cinnamaldehyde may act on the cell membrane, which was subsequently confirmed by docking analysis. The action of cinnamaldehyde likely includes binding to enzymes involved in the formation of the cytoplasmic membrane in yeast cells. Cinnamaldehyde-treated microcultures showed impaired cellular development, with an expression of rare pseudo-hyphae and absence of chlamydoconidia. Cinnamaldehyde reduced biofilm adherence by 64.52% to 33.75% (p < 0.0001) at low concentrations (378.3-151.3 µM). Cinnamaldehyde did not show antioxidant properties. CONCLUSIONS: Cinnamaldehyde showed fungicidal activity through a mechanism of action likely related to ergosterol complexation; it was non-cytotoxic to keratinocytes and human erythrocytes and showed no antioxidant activity.

Estudo do potencial antifúngico e do mecanismo de ação do timol contra cepas de Candida parapsilosis resistentes ao fluconazol e a anfotericina B / Study of the antifungal potential and mechanism of action of thymol against strains of Candida parapsilosis resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B

Objetivo: investigar a suscetibilidade de cepas fúngicas de Candida parapsilosis isoladas de sangue humano frente ao timol, bem como seu mecanismo de ação. Metodologia: foram utilizadas técnicas de microdiluição em placas de 96 poços para determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração fungicida mínima (CFM). Além disso, foram realizados testes com o sorbitol e o ergosterol para investigar a ação do timol na parede e na membrana celular fúngica respectivamente. Resultados: nos testes de CIM e CFM, foi observado que as cepas de C. parapsilosis são resistentes ao fluconazol e a anfotericina B, no entanto, o timol desempenhou efeito fungicida com razão CFM/CIM entre 1 e 2. Além disso, a CIM do timol não aumentou quando o sorbitol ou o ergosterol foi adicionado no meio, sugerindo fortemente que este monoterpeno não age na parede celular fúngica ou por ligação ao ergosterol na membrana plasmática. Conclusão: portanto, esses resultados contribuem para a elucidação do mecanismo de ação do timol, sugerindo outros possíveis alvos de interação fármaco-receptor. No entanto, mais investigações de caráter enzimático e molecular em modelos in vitro são necessários para que se possa elucidar completamente o modo de ação desse promissor monoterpeno.

Objective: to investigate the susceptibility of fungal strains of Candida parapsilosis isolated from human blood against thymol, as well as its mechanism of action. Methodology: microdilution techniques were used in 96-well plates to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). In addition, tests were performed with sorbitol and ergosterol to investigate the action of thymol on the wall and on the fungal cell membrane respectively. Results: in the CIM and CFM tests, it was observed that C. parapsilosis strains are resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B, however, thymol had a fungicidal effect with MFC/MIC ratio between 1 and 2. In addition, thymol MIC did not increase when sorbitol or ergosterol was added in the medium, strongly suggesting that this monoterpene does not act on the fungal cell wall or by binding to ergosterol on the plasma membrane. Conclusion: therefore, these results contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism of action of thymol, suggesting other possible targets of drug-receptor interaction. However, further investigations of enzymatic and molecular character in in vitro models are necessary to fully elucidate the mode of action of this promising monoterpene.

Ovalbumin and guar gum foam and its surface properties as influenced by sucrose and sorbitol.

The surface properties and foaming of ovalbumin and guar gum aqueous solutions was investigated in the presence of sucrose or sorbitol. All solutions had a broad particle size distribution (395.60 at 1137.50 nm). Higher ovalbumin concentrations had lower equilibrium surface tension and higher absolute values of the zeta potential, regardless the presence of sucrose or sorbitol. Mixtures containing ovalbumin and guar gum resulted in a predominantly elastic character of the air-water interface probably due to the formation of a complex (hydrogen bonding and/or hydrophobic interactions) between ovalbumin and guar gum. Besides, the increase in guar gum concentration enhanced the elasticity of the surface film. Higher concentrations of both polymers were required to provide higher kinetic stability to the system, although the increase in guar gum concentration reduced foam capacity due to the increase in the apparent viscosity. Foams formed in the presence of sucrose or sorbitol showed similar half-lives.

Nutrient, fibre, sorbitol and chlorogenic acid content of prunes (Prunus domestica): an updated analysis and comparison of different countries of origin and database values.

Current prune composition data are outdated and require a comprehensive and comparative re-analysis. This novel study aimed to: (i) analyse and compare prune composition from major countries of origin; and (ii) provide a comprehensive compositional analysis of prunes of USA origin and compare this with UK and USA database data. Prune samples were analysed for major nutrients and bioactive compounds and compared between countries of origin. Total fibre was higher in prunes from the USA (12.0 g/100 g) and Chile (11.5 g/100 g) compared with France (8.4 g/100 g) and Argentina (8.9 g/100 g), while prunes from all countries contained high levels of sorbitol (11.2-15.5 g/100 g). Differences in energy and starch values compared with national databases reflected different approaches to sampling and analysis. In conclusion, prunes contain high levels of fibre and other bioactive compounds. Variations between country of origin and database values highlight the importance of transparency in documenting sampling and analysis methods.

Fast and inexpensive protocols for consistent extraction of high quality DNA and RNA from challenging plant and fungal samples for high-throughput SNP genotyping and sequencing applications.

Modern genotyping techniques, such as SNP analysis and genotyping by sequencing (GBS), are hampered by poor DNA quality and purity, particularly in challenging plant species, rich in secondary metabolites. We therefore investigated the utility of a pre-wash step using a buffered sorbitol solution, prior to DNA extraction using a high salt CTAB extraction protocol, in a high throughput or miniprep setting. This pre-wash appears to remove interfering metabolites, such as polyphenols and polysaccharides, from tissue macerates. We also investigated the adaptability of the sorbitol pre-wash for RNA extraction using a lithium chloride-based protocol. The method was successfully applied to a variety of tissues, including leaf, cambium and fruit of diverse plant species including annual crops, forest and fruit trees, herbarium leaf material and lyophilized fungal mycelium. We consistently obtained good yields of high purity DNA or RNA in all species tested. The protocol has been validated for thousands of DNA samples by generating high data quality in dense SNP arrays. DNA extracted from Eucalyptus spp. leaf and cambium as well as mycelium from Trichoderma spp. was readily digested with restriction enzymes and performed consistently in AFLP assays. Scaled-up DNA extractions were also suitable for long read sequencing. Successful RNA quality control and good RNA-Seq data for Eucalyptus and cashew confirms the effectiveness of the sorbitol buffer pre-wash for high quality RNA extraction.

Rectal ulcer due to Kayexalate deposition - an unusual case

SUMMARY Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSP) or Kayexalate is a cation-exchange resin, widely used in the management of hyperkalaemia due to renal disease. A rare, yet potentially dangerous, adverse event related to sodium polystyrene sulfonate use is intestinal mucosal injury, especially in the colon. The injury to the gastrointestinal mucosa can range from mild and superficial to wall necrosis and bowel perforation. The mechanism that leads to mucosal damage remains unclear. However, it is believed that sorbitol, commonly given to counteract PSP's tendency to cause constipation, may play an important role in the development of gastrointestinal injury. Other potential risk factors are uraemia or end-stage renal disease, hemodynamic instability, solid organ transplantation, postoperative status and concomitant opioid administration. The authors present a case of diarrhoea and haematochezia after the administration of PSP without sorbitol, in a patient with hyperkalaemia due to acute kidney injury, in the absence of other risk factors. A colonoscopy was performed and revealed a rectal ulcer which histological findings were suggestive of mucosal injury due to Kayexalate deposition. This case supports the concept that this widely used drug can itself, without sorbitol, cause injury to the gastrointestinal wall. Even though this is a rare adverse effect, the widespread use of this medication may put a large population at risk.

RESUMO O polistireno sulfonato de sódio (PSP) ou kayexalato é uma resina de troca iônica, amplamente usada no tratamento da hipercalemia associada à doença renal. Um efeito adverso raro, mas potencialmente grave, dessa terapêutica é a agressão à parede do trato gastrointestinal, principalmente ao nível do cólon, que pode ser ligeira e superficial ou culminar em necrose e perfuração intestinal. O mecanismo pelo qual o PSP lesa a mucosa intestinal não é totalmente conhecido. Contudo, pensa-se que o sorbitol, frequentemente administrado em simultâneo para contrabalançar o efeito obstipante do PSP, possa ter um papel preponderante no desenvolvimento de lesão gastrointestinal. Outros potenciais fatores de risco são a presença de uremia ou doença renal em estágio terminal, instabilidade hemodinâmica, pós-operatório, pós-transplante renal e a administração concomitante de opioides. Os autores descrevem um caso de diarreia e hematoquesias após a administração de PSP sem sorbitol, numa paciente com hipercalemia secundária a lesão renal aguda, sem outros fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento desse efeito adverso. A investigação etiológica com colonoscopia revelou a presença de uma úlcera retal, cujo estudo histológico foi compatível com lesão por deposição de cristais de kayexalato. Este relato incomum reforça o conceito de que este fármaco de uso frequente, mesmo na ausência de sorbitol, pode ser lesivo para a mucosa intestinal. Assim, e apesar de este ser um efeito adverso raro, a utilização difundida do PSP coloca uma vasta população em risco.

Rectal ulcer due to Kayexalate deposition - an unusual case.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSP) or Kayexalate is a cation-exchange resin, widely used in the management of hyperkalaemia due to renal disease. A rare, yet potentially dangerous, adverse event related to sodium polystyrene sulfonate use is intestinal mucosal injury, especially in the colon. The injury to the gastrointestinal mucosa can range from mild and superficial to wall necrosis and bowel perforation. The mechanism that leads to mucosal damage remains unclear. However, it is believed that sorbitol, commonly given to counteract PSP's tendency to cause constipation, may play an important role in the development of gastrointestinal injury. Other potential risk factors are uraemia or end-stage renal disease, hemodynamic instability, solid organ transplantation, postoperative status and concomitant opioid administration. The authors present a case of diarrhoea and haematochezia after the administration of PSP without sorbitol, in a patient with hyperkalaemia due to acute kidney injury, in the absence of other risk factors. A colonoscopy was performed and revealed a rectal ulcer which histological findings were suggestive of mucosal injury due to Kayexalate deposition. This case supports the concept that this widely used drug can itself, without sorbitol, cause injury to the gastrointestinal wall. Even though this is a rare adverse effect, the widespread use of this medication may put a large population at risk.

Assessment of different systems for the production of aldonic acids and sorbitol by calcium alginate-immobilized Zymomonas mobilis cells.

Equimolar amounts of lactobionic acid and sorbitol may be obtained in a reaction catalyzed by the enzymes glucose-fructose oxidoreductase and glucono-δ-lactonase, which are found in the periplasm of Zymomonas mobilis. These reactions are generally conducted using immobilized bacterial cells, and the cell treatment and immobilization steps are costly and time-consuming. This study evaluated alternatives to simplify the preparation of calcium alginate-immobilized biocatalyst and its application in different operation modes and types of reactors. It was possible to eliminate cell permeabilization with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and the reticulation of Z. mobilis cells with glutaraldehyde sufficed to inhibit the fermentative metabolism of carbohydrates by the bacterium, with accumulation of bioconversion products. When the process was carried out in a mechanically stirred reactor in batch mode, 530 mmol L- 1 of products were obtained in 24 h. The process was also tested in fed-batch mode so as to use of a larger amount of lactose, since it could not be used in the batch because of its low solubility in water. Under this condition, final products concentration reached 745 mmol L- 1 within 42 h. Similar results were obtained for reactions conducted in a pneumatically stirred reactor in batch and fed-batch modes, proving the potential use of this process in several industrial settings.

Freeze-dried EchiTAb+ICP antivenom formulated with sucrose is more resistant to thermal stress than the liquid formulation stabilized with sorbitol.

EchiTAb + ICP is a pan-African antivenom used for the treatment of snakebite envenomation in rural sub-Saharan African communities, where the cold chain can be difficult to maintain. To develop a formulation of EchiTAb + ICP that can be distributed and stored without refrigeration, we submitted three different formulations of EchiTAb + ICP: control (i.e. liquid antivenom formulated without stabilizer), liquid antivenom stabilized with sorbitol, and freeze-dried antivenom formulated with sucrose, to an accelerated stability study (i.e. 38 ± 2 °C and 75% relative humidity for 6 months). We analyzed changes in color, residual humidity, reconstitution time (for freeze-dried preparation), pH, osmolality, total protein concentration, antibody monomers content, turbidity, bacterial endotoxins, and pre-clinical neutralizing efficacy of the lethal effect of Echis ocellatus venom at 0, 3 and 6 months. In the control formulation, instability was evidenced by the development of a yellow coloration and an increment in aggregation and turbidity, without change in its neutralizing activity. The sorbitol-stabilized formulation did not develop marked aggregation or turbidity, but instability was evidenced by the development of yellow coloration and a drop in the neutralizing potency. The freeze-dried formulation maintained its neutralizing potency and did not show marked signs of instability, thus indicating that freeze-drying could confer EchiTAb + ICP with improved thermal stability required for distribution and storage at room temperature in sub-Saharan Africa.

Efeitos de dois adoçantes naturais: Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni e Sorbitol no metabolismo bacteriano para o crescimento e produção de ácidos / Effects of two natural sweeteners Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni and Sorbitol on the growth and acid production of the bacteria

O objetivo da pesquisa foi comparar os efeitos de edulcorantes naturais utilizados como substrato por Streptococcus mutans e Lactobacillus acidophilus, verificando a capacidade desses microrganismos em metabolizar os edulcorantes, favorecendo o crescimento e a produção de ácidos. Para tal estudo, realizou-se um total de 180 leituras para as variáveis crescimento e produção de ácido, e para o processamento dos dados usou-se o pacote estatístico SPSS. Dadas às condições da metodologia, foi possível concluir que a Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni ofereceu melhores resultados na redução do crescimento bacteriano e na produção de ácidos do que o Sorbitol.

This paper aimed at comparing the effects of natural sweeteners used as a substrate for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, in order to verify the ability of these microorganisms to metabolize sweeteners, promoting the growth and the production of acids. For this study, the variables "growth" and "acid production" were analyzed and the processing data was based on the SPSS statistical package. It was concluded that Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni offered better results in reducing bacterial growth and production of the Sorbitol acids.

Antifungal activity, mode of action and anti-biofilm effects of Laurus nobilis Linnaeus essential oil against Candida spp.

OBJECTIVE: The present study demonstrated the antifungal potential of the chemically characterized essential oil (EO) of Laurus nobilis L. (bay laurel) against Candida spp. biofilm adhesion and formation, and further established its mode of action on C. albicans. METHODS: L. nobilis EO was obtained and tested for its minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC/MFC) against Candida spp., as well as for interaction with cell wall biosynthesis and membrane ionic permeability. Then we evaluated its effects on the adhesion, formation, and reduction of 48hC. albicans biofilms. The EO phytochemical profile was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). RESULTS: The MIC and MFC values of the EO ranged from (250 to 500) µg/mL. The MIC values increased in the presence of sorbitol (osmotic protector) and ergosterol, which indicates that the EO may affect cell wall biosynthesis and membrane ionic permeability, respectively. At 2 MIC the EO disrupted initial adhesion of C. albicans biofilms (p<0.05) and affected biofilm formation with no difference compared to nystatin (p>0.05). When applied for 1min, every 8h, for 24h and 48h, the EO reduced the amount of C. albicans mature biofilm with no difference in relation to nystatin (p>0.05). The phytochemical analysis identified isoeugenol as the major compound (53.49%) in the sample. CONCLUSIONS: L. nobilis EO has antifungal activity probably due to monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in its composition. This EO may affect cell wall biosynthesis and membrane permeability, and showed deleterious effects against C. albicans biofilms.