Tetracyclic homoisoflavanoid (+)-brazilin: a natural product inhibits c-di-AMP-producing enzyme and Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

The tenacious biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans are resistant to conventional antibiotics and current treatments. There is a growing need for novel therapeutics that selectively inhibit S. mutans biofilms while preserving the normal oral microenvironment. Previous studies have shown that increased levels of cyclic di-AMP, an important secondary messenger synthesized by diadenylate cyclase (DAC), favored biofilm formation in S. mutans. Thus, targeting S. mutans DAC is a novel strategy to inhibit S. mutans biofilms. We screened a small NCI library of natural products using a fluorescence detection assay. (+)-Brazilin, a tetracyclic homoisoflavanoid found in the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan, was identified as one of the 11 "hits," with the greatest reduction (>99%) in fluorescence at 100 µM. The smDAC inhibitory profiles of the 11 "hits" established by a quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography assay revealed that (+)-brazilin had the most enzymatic inhibitory activity (87% at 100 µM) and was further studied to determine its half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 = 25.1 ± 0.98 µM). (+)-Brazilin non-competitively inhibits smDAC's enzymatic activity (Ki = 140.0 ± 27.13 µM), as determined by a steady-state Michaelis-Menten kinetics assay. In addition, (+)-brazilin's binding profile with smDAC (Kd = 11.87 µM) was illustrated by a tyrosine intrinsic fluorescence quenching assay. Furthermore, at low micromolar concentrations, (+)-brazilin selectively inhibited the biofilm of S. mutans (IC50 = 21.0 ± 0.60 µM) and other oral bacteria. S. mutans biofilms were inhibited by a factor of 105 in colony-forming units when treated with 50 µM (+)-brazilin. In addition, a significant dose-dependent reduction in extracellular DNA and glucan levels was evident by fluorescence microscopy imaging of S. mutans biofilms exposed to different concentrations of (+)-brazilin. Furthermore, colonization of S. mutans on a representative model of enamel using suspended hydroxyapatite discs showed a >90% reduction with 50 µM (+)-brazilin. In summary, we have identified a drug-like natural product inhibitor of S. mutans biofilm that not only binds to smDAC but can also inhibit the function of smDAC. (+)-Brazilin could be a good candidate for further development as a potent therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.IMPORTANCEThis study represents a significant advancement in our understanding of potential therapeutic options for combating cariogenic biofilms produced by Streptococcus mutans. The research delves into the use of (+)-brazilin, a natural product, as a potent inhibitor of Streptococcus mutans' diadenylate cyclase (smDAC), an enzyme crucial in the formation of biofilms. The study establishes (+)-brazilin as a non-competitive inhibitor of smDAC while providing initial insights into its binding mechanism. What makes this finding even more promising is that (+)-brazilin does not limit its inhibitory effects to S. mutans alone. Instead, it demonstrates efficacy in hindering biofilms in other oral bacteria as well. The broader spectrum of anti-biofilm activity suggests that (+)-brazilin could potentially serve as a versatile tool in a natural product-based treatment for combating a range of conditions caused by resilient biofilms.

The Impact of Sibling Relationships on Behavioral and Sexual Health among Latino Sexual Minority Men.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective method for preventing HIV acquisition and plays a crucial role in the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US initiative. However, there are various barriers that hinder the access and uptake of PrEP among Latino sexual minority men (SMM) at individual, interpersonal, and cultural levels. While the significance of cultural factors in designing and implementing HIV prevention programs for Latino populations has been consistently emphasized in the literature and prioritized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, few studies have directly integrated these cultural factors into their programs. Our study aimed to investigate the potential influence of siblings in promoting the utilization of PrEP for HIV prevention, an area that has received limited attention. We conducted interviews with 31 pairs of siblings between December 2020 and January 2021, which were held in either English or Spanish and lasted approximately 45-60 min. The data were analyzed using a deductive thematic content analysis approach. The interviews revealed several key themes and categories, including: (1) Sibling support for coming out; (2) Types of support that siblings provide to each other for behavior change; (3) Sibling support for PrEP; and (4) The impact of the study interview on the quality of the sibling relationships. Our findings indicated that siblings were willing to provide support for PrEP in various ways, ranging from emotional support for brothers who may be concerned about potential rejection to practical support such as transportation or financial assistance. These results have significant implications for the design of HIV prevention interventions for Latinos. Incorporating siblings or other extended family members into these interventions can facilitate communication between siblings and their brothers, ultimately encouraging the use of PrEP or similar prevention methods. By considering the unique dynamics and support systems within Latino communities, researchers can develop more effective strategies to promote HIV prevention and support the well-being of Latino SMM.

Would the Siblings of Latinx Men Who Have Sex With Men Encourage Their Brothers to Use PrEP? Findings From a Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

We explored whether siblings can be engaged in PrEP promotion. We used the Information-Motivation-Behavior model to develop and conduct surveys and dyadic interviews with Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) and their siblings (n = 31) and three sibling-only focus groups (n = 20). For LMSM, only n = 14 (45%) agreed they would benefit from taking PrEP, yet n = 22 (71%) would take PrEP to make their sibling worry less about them, and n = 23 (74%) requested a PrEP referral. For siblings, n = 20 (65%) believed PrEP would benefit their brother, and n = 19 (95%) in the focus groups said they would take PrEP to help their brother get started. Qualitative results include (1) siblings' support for PrEP use, (2) explicit conversations about sex were not necessary for discussing sexual health, and (3) siblings wanted to understand what they could do to encourage their brother to consider PrEP. We conclude siblings can be engaged in PrEP promotion.

Yeast cells-xanthan gum coacervation for hydrosoluble bioactive encapsulation.

This study assessed the technological feasibility of microencapsulating vitamin C (VC) via coacervation between yeast cells (YC) and xanthan gum (XG). The interaction efficiency between YC and XG was examined across various pHs and ratios, while characterizing the microcapsules in terms of encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and thermal and chemical stability. Additionally, in vitro digestion experiments were conducted to determine the digestion efficiency and bioavailability of the bioactive compound. The optimally produced microcapsules exhibited favorable functional attributes, including low water activity (≤ 0.3) and particle size (≤ 33.52 µm), coupled with a high encapsulation efficiency (∼ 86.12 %). The microcapsules were able to increase the stability of VC at high temperatures and during storage when compared to the control. The in vitro experiment revealed that the microcapsules effectively retained approximately 50 % of the VC in simulated gastric fluid, with up to 80 % released in simulated intestinal fluid. However, due to prior degradation in the simulated gastric fluid, the achieved bioavailability was around 68 %. These results are promising, underscoring the potential of these microcapsules as a viable technology for encapsulating, protect, and releasing water-soluble bioactives in the GI tract.

Hydrogel-Encapsulated Biofilm Inhibitors Abrogate the Cariogenic Activity of Streptococcus mutans.

We designed and synthesized analogues of a previously identified biofilm inhibitor IIIC5 to improve solubility, retain inhibitory activities, and to facilitate encapsulation into pH-responsive hydrogel microparticles. The optimized lead compound HA5 showed improved solubility of 120.09 µg/mL, inhibited Streptococcus mutans biofilm with an IC50 value of 6.42 µM, and did not affect the growth of oral commensal species up to a 15-fold higher concentration. The cocrystal structure of HA5 with GtfB catalytic domain determined at 2.35 Å resolution revealed its active site interactions. The ability of HA5 to inhibit S. mutans Gtfs and to reduce glucan production has been demonstrated. The hydrogel-encapsulated biofilm inhibitor (HEBI), generated by encapsulating HA5 in hydrogel, selectively inhibited S. mutans biofilms like HA5. Treatment of S. mutans-infected rats with HA5 or HEBI resulted in a significant reduction in buccal, sulcal, and proximal dental caries compared to untreated, infected rats.

Double emulsions as delivery systems for iron: Stability kinetics and improved bioaccessibility in infants and adults.

Iron deficiency is one of the main causes of anemia in the world, especially in children and women, so food fortification through microencapsulation is a viable alternative to combat this deficiency. The present work aimed to encapsulate iron in a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion (W1/O/W2), which was formed with whey protein isolate and polyglycerol polyricinoleate as the emulsifying agents, tara gum as a thickening agent, and sucrose as an osmotic active substance. The double emulsion formed with 12% whey protein isolate, 0.8% tara gum, and 2% sucrose presented high encapsulation efficiency (96.95 ± 1.00%) and good stability (up to 7 days). Additionally, after the in vitro gastrointestinal simulations, the bioaccessibility was high for adults (49.54 ± 5.50%) and infants (39.71 ± 2.33%). Finally, the study show that double emulsions can form stable systems with high iron bioaccessibility even in infant gastric systems, which indicates the possibility of using double emulsions to fortify food with iron.

Orthodontists' preferences in the use and timing of appliances for the correction of malocclusions in growing patients / Preferencias de los ortodoncistas en el uso y momento oportuno de uso de aparatos para la corrección de maloclusiones en pacientes en crecimiento

Objective: To evaluate orthodontists' preferences in the use and timing of appliances for the correction of Class II and Class III malocclusions in growing patients and the sociodemographic factors that influence these preferences. Material and Methods: Active members of the Colombian Orthodontics Society (SCO) were invited to complete a previously validated survey on the use of Class II and Class III correctors in growing patients. Results: 180 orthodontists responded (80 male, 100 female). The appliances used most frequently in the treatment of Class II malocclusion were Planas indirect tracks (32.78%) and Twin-blocks (30.56%). Facemasks (62.22%) and Progenie plates (25%) were the most prevalent appliances used in the treatment of Class III malocclusions. Regarding treatment timing, 52% of the orthodontists stated that Class II malocclusions must be treated during late mixed dentition or early permanent dentition, 42% stated that treatment for Class III malocclusions should occur during early mixed dentition. Appliance use and treatment timing were significantly associated with sex (p= 0.034), years of practice (p= 0.025), and area of work (private clinics or public institutions), (p= 0.039). Conclusion: Twin-blocks and Facemask appliances were the preferred appliances for Class II and Class III treatment, respectively, in growing patients. Most of the orthodontists believed that Class II malocclusions must be treated during late mixed dentition and that Class III malocclusions must be treated during early mixed dentition. Sociodemographic variables are related factors that influence orthodontists' preferences in the use of these appliances.

Objetivo: Evaluar las preferencias de los ortodoncistas en el uso y momento oportuno de uso de aparatología para la corrección de maloclusiones Clase II y Clase III en pacientes en crecimiento y los factores sociodemográficos que influyen en estas preferencias. Material y Métodos: Se invitó a miembros activos de la Sociedad Colombiana de Ortodoncia (SCO) a completar una encuesta previamente validada, sobre el uso de correctores para Clase II y Clase III en pacientes en crecimiento. Resultados: Respondieron un total de 180 ortodoncistas (80 hombres, 100 mujeres). La aparatología más utilizada en el tratamiento de las maloclusiones de Clase II fueron pistas indirectas de Planas (32,78%) y bloques gemelos (30,56%). La máscara facial (62,22%) y las placas progenie (25%) fueron los aparatos más utilizados en el tratamiento de las maloclusiones de Clase III. En cuanto al momento oportuno del tratamiento, el 52% de los ortodoncistas afirmó que las maloclusiones de Clase II deben tratarse durante la dentición mixta tardía o la dentición permanente temprana, el 42% afirmó que el tratamiento para las maloclusiones de Clase III debe ocurrir durante la dentición mixta temprana. El uso de aparatos y el momento oportuno del tratamiento se asociaron significativamente con el sexo (p= 0,034), los años de práctica (p= 0,025) y el área de trabajo (clínicas privadas o instituciones públicas) (p= 0,039). Conclusión: Los aparatos bloques gemelos y la máscara facial fueron los preferidos para el tratamiento de Clase II y Clase III, respectivamente, en pacientes en crecimiento. La mayoría de los ortodoncistas consideran que las maloclusiones de Clase II deben tratarse durante la dentición mixta tardía y que las maloclusiones de Clase III deben tratarse durante la dentición mixta temprana. Las variables sociodemográficas son factores relacionados que influyen en las preferencias de los ortodoncistas en el uso de estos aparatos.

Ultrasonic depolymerization of aqueous tara gum solutions: kinetic, thermodynamic and physicochemical properties.

BACKGROUND: Tara gum (TG) is characterized by its high viscosity and medium solubility, which is a result of its high molecular mass. However, for many applications, these characteristics are undesirable, making the use of TG infeasible. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of high-intensity ultrasound on the depolymerization of aqueous solutions of TG. The effect of ultrasonication was investigated by viscometry analysis as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and solubility. RESULTS: The intrinsic viscosity (η) and the molecular weight (Mw ) of TG decreased after ultrasound, achieving a molecular weight reduction of 13.50 × 105 g mol-1 after 60 min of sonication at 25 °C compared to 22.04 × 105 g mol-1 before treatment. Degradation kinetics were applied to estimate the rate constant of degradation (k). It was found that the k value of TG increased with increasing temperature from 25 to 55 °C. Partially hydrolyzed TG showed greater solubility at the two temperatures investigated (25 and 80 °C). Ultrasonic treatment did not change the chemical structure of the TG molecules according to the structural analysis by FTIR, confirming its action only as breaking the structure of the polymer. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is a simple method for effectively reducing the molecular weight and viscosity and increasing the solubility of TG without using chemical reagents. The synthesis of partially hydrolyzed TG expands its potential for use in food products, including as a soluble dietary fiber. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Proteins from pseudocereal seeds: solubility, extraction, and modifications of the physicochemical and techno-functional properties.

Pseudocereals (amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa) are emerging as popular gluten-free crops. This may be attributed to their wide-ranging health benefits, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic and serum-cholesterol reducing properties. Proteins of these crops have a high nutritional quality as a result of the presence of essential amino acids. Additionally, amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa proteins (AP, BP and QP, respectively) have physicochemical properties that are useful for the manufacture of different types of food. However, native pseudocereal proteins demonstrate a low solubility in water, mainly because of their composition. The major components of these proteins are albumins (water-soluble) and globulins (salt-soluble), although some proportions of glutelin (alkali-soluble) and prolamins (alcohol-soluble) are also found. The most commonly used method for extracting pseudocereal proteins is the alkaline extraction method, which may contribute to the low solubility of pseudocereal protein. Fortunately, different methods for modifying physicochemical (or techno-functional) properties have been proposed to extend their industrial application. For example, high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) proved useful for improving the solubility of API and QP. Heating can allow for the formation of soluble aggregates of QP. The combination of heating and HIUS can improve the digestibility, solubility and foam properties of AP. Conjugation through the Maillard reaction can improve BPI and QP interfacial properties. Thus, present study provides a review of the solubility, extraction and modification of the techno-functional properties of AP, BP and QP. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of cosolutes on the rheological and thermal properties of Tara gum aqueous solutions.

The influence of the concentration (5-20 mg/mL) of different cosolutes (sucrose and NaCl) on the rheological and thermal properties of concentrated Tara gum (TG) solutions (1.5-2.5% w/v) was investigated. Furthermore, the structural properties of the TG, TG-sucrose and TG-NaCl solutions were studied. The TG, TG-sucrose and TG-NaCl solutions exhibited a pseudoplastic and typical viscoelastic behavior of an entangled network structure. An increase in the TG concentration increased the pseudoplasticity and the elasticity of the solutions, while the incorporation of NaCl reduced these properties. Sucrose had little influence on the rheological properties of the TG solutions. The texture profile and the water holding capacity of the TG solutions were significantly influenced by the concentration of the TG and did not change with the addition of the cosolutes. The thermal stability of the TG solutions was reduced by NaCl and was not altered by sucrose. The microstructures of the TG solutions was significantly affected by NaCl, supporting the results obtained from rheological and thermal analyses. The results of this study may be useful for the formulation and processing of foods containing TG.

Productive, nutritional, and metabolic performance of Chino Santandereano cattle receiving different degrees of protein-energy supplementation.

Cattle of Colombian creole breed Chino Santandereano in the raising phase were subjected to stabling for 100 days in order to determine the productive, nutritional, and metabolic capacity when exposed to different degrees of protein-energy supplementation. Sixteen whole males with an initial mean weight of 377.69 ± 16.55 kg were used in completely randomized delineation with four treatments and four repetitions per treatment, as follows: UNS, not supplemented; low, supplemented with amounts relative to 0.5% of body weight; medium, supplemented with amounts relative to 1.0% of the live weight; and high, supplemented with amounts relative to 1.5% of body weight. At the end of each experimental period, the animals were weighed, and samples of feed, feces, blood, and urine were collected to determine the performance, consumption, and digestibility of the nutritional components, and nitrogen balance. In the greater performance, consumption, and digestibility of DM, OM, C-NFCP, EE, and NFC, the concentration of ureic nitrogen in blood and urine (P <0.05) was observed in supplemented animals when contrasted with UNS. Bovine Chinese Santandereano presents high productive, nutritional, and metabolic potential as a response to high levels of protein-energy supplementation.

Conformation, and Charge Tunneling through Molecules in SAMs.

This paper demonstrates that the molecular conformation (in addition to the composition and structure) of molecules making up self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) influences the rates of charge tunneling (CT) through them, in molecular junctions of the form AuTS/S(CH2)2CONR1R2//Ga2O3/EGaIn, where R1 and R2 are alkyl chains of different length. The lengths of chains R1 and R2 were selected to influence the conformations and conformational homogeneity of the molecules in the monolayer. The conformations of the molecules influence the thickness of the monolayer (i.e. tunneling barrier width) and their rectification ratios at ±1.0 V. When R1 = H, the molecules are well ordered and exist predominantly in trans-extended conformations. When R1 is an alkyl group (e.g., R1 ≠ H), however, their conformations can no longer be all-trans-extended, and the molecules adopt more gauche dihedral angles. This change in the type of conformation decreases the conformational order and influences the rates of tunneling. When R1 = R2, the rates of CT decrease (up to 6.3×), relative to rates of CT observed through SAMs having the same total chain lengths, or thicknesses, when R1 = H. When R1 ≠ H ≠ R2, there is a weaker correlation (relative to that when R1 = H or R1 = R2) between current density and chain length or monolayer thickness, and in some cases the rates of CT through SAMs made from molecules with different R2 groups are different, even when the thicknesses of the SAMs (as determined by XPS) are the same. These results indicate that the thickness of a monolayer composed of insulating, amide-containing alkanethiols does not solely determine the rate of CT, and rates of charge tunneling are influenced by the conformation of the molecules making up the junction.

Microencapsulation of vitamin D3 by complex coacervation using carboxymethyl tara gum (Caesalpinia spinosa) and gelatin A.

Vitamin D3 plays a fundamental role in human health; however, it is highly susceptible to environmental conditions and the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, complex coacervates obtained from gelatin A and carboxymethyl tara gum (CMTG) were used as wall materials for the encapsulation of vitamin D3 (VD3). Zeta potential and turbidity measurements were employed to optimize the pH and ratio (gelatin A:CMTG), and the results showed that the ideal conditions for the complex coacervation were pH 4.0 and a 6:1 ratio. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was determined as a function of the total concentration of biopolymers (TC%) and the core-to-wall ratio, and the greatest EE (80%) was achieved at a TC of 1% and a ratio of 1:2; spherical particles with an average size of 0.25 µm were obtained. The microencapsulation increased the thermal stability of VD3, and FTIR confirmed the presence of the biopolymers and VD3 in the capsules. An in vitro simulation showed a more pronounced release in the small intestine with a vitamin bioaccessibility of 56%. The encapsulation of bioactive lipophilic compounds by complex coacervates of gelatin A and CMTG resulted in improved stability and prolonged release during digestion.

Dynamics of Operation and Identification of Actions to Improve the Peasant Market in the Municipality of Florence: the Case of COOPMERCASAN / Dinámica del funcionamiento y retos del mercado campesino coopmercasan de florencia (caquetá)

RESUMEN El mercado campesino de Coopmercasan inició su funcionamiento en 2011 brindando productos agrícolas frescos e inocuos al municipio de Florencia, departamento del Caquetá. En ocho años de operación, han tenido aciertos y desaciertos, también han recibido el apoyo de diferentes instituciones, sin embargo, a la fecha se desconoce sus realidades actuales y los retos y desafíos que han venido cambiando a lo largo del tiempo. Por lo anterior, esta investigación buscó construir las dinámicas de esta experiencia a través de la autorreflexión, la información base para la toma de decisiones y la orientación de sus acciones de mejora. El trabajo se realizó en el municipio de Florencia, las herramientas para el levantamiento de la información empleadas fueron encuestas, entrevistas y observación participante. Dentro de los principales hallazgos se tiene que, si bien el mercado ha logrado posicionarse con una base interesante de clientes, su oferta no está cumpliendo las expectativas respecto de los volúmenes y la diversidad de demandada de los clientes, y aunque la gran mayoría de los apoyos entregados por las instituciones han sido dirigidos a procesos de fortalecimiento organizativos, sigue siendo el aspecto más débil.

ABSTRACT The COOPMERCASAN peasant market began its operation in 2011, providing fresh and safe agricultural products to the population of Florence. In these eight years of operation, they have had successes and failures, they have also received the support of different institutions, however, to date, their current realities are unknown, as well as the challenges, which have been changing over time. It is because of the above that this research sought to build the dynamics of this experience through self-reflection, base information for decision-making, and the orientation of their improvement actions. The work was carried out in the municipality of Florence, the tools for gathering the information were surveys, interviews, and participant observation. Among the main findings, it was discovered that, although the market has managed to position itself with an interesting customer base, its offer is not meeting expectations in terms of the volumes and diversity demanded by customers and that, although the vast majority of the support provided by the institutions has been directed towards organizational strengthening processes, it continues to be the weakest aspect.

Consumo de fragmentos proteicos y digestibilidad de proteína en dietas suministradas a bovinos Chino Santandereano

RESUMEN Objetivo. Cuantificar la concentración y consumo de los fragmentos de la proteína (NNP, PV, PVAD, PVLD, PIDN y PIDA) presente en la dieta suministrada a bovinos y su efecto en la digestibilidad de la proteína bruta. Materiales y métodos. Fueron analizadas dietas ofrecidas a bovinos Chino Santandereano en estabulación, recibiendo diferentes niveles de suplementación, utilizando cuatro animales en delineamiento en cuadrado latino 4x4, siendo los tratamientos: NS, no suplementados; BAJO, suplementados con cantidad relativa al 0.5% del peso corporal; MEDIO, suplementados con cantidad relativa al 1.0% del peso corporal; ALTO, suplementados con cantidad relativa al 1.5% del peso corporal. El consumo fue determinado diariamente y la digestibilidad a través de colecta total de heces en los dos últimos días de cada periodo. Resultados. Mayor concentración de proteína bruta fue encontrada en suplemento en comparación con el pasto (p<0.001), exhibiendo el forraje mayor concentración de PBNNP (p<0.001), a la vez que el suplemento presentó concentración más elevada de PV (p<0.001) y PVAD (p=0.027). Animales suplementados presentaron mayor consumo de PB, PBNNP (p=0.037), PV, PIDN, PVAD, PIDA y PVLD (p<0.05), no obstante, cuando se determinó la concentración que representa el consumo de PIDA en el consumo de PB, no se observó diferencia entre suplementados y NS (p=0.078). Mayor digestibilidad de la PB fue encontrada en animales suplementados cuando contrastados con NS (p<0.001), observándose entre tratamientos suplementados un efecto lineal ascendente a medida que aumentó el nivel de suplementación. Conclusiones. La suplementación mejora la digestibilidad de la proteína bruta por aportar mayor cantidad de fragmentos nitrogenados de alta digestibilidad.

ABSTRACT Objective. To quantify the concentration and consumption of the protein fragments (NPN, TP, RDTP, SDTP, NDIP, and ADIP) present in the diet supplied to cattle, and its effect on the digestibility of crude protein. Materials and methods. Diets offered to Chino Santandereano cattle in stables were analyzed, receiving different levels of supplementation, using four animals in the 4x4 Latin square outline, the treatments being: NS, not supplemented; LOW, supplemented with an amount relative to 0.5% of body weight; MEDIUM, supplemented with an amount relative to 1.0% of body weight; HIGH, supplemented with a quantity relative to 1.5% of body weight. Consumption was determined daily, and digestibility through total stool collection in the last two days of each period. Results. A higher concentration of crude protein was found in supplement compared to grass (p<0.001), the forage exhibiting a higher concentration of CPNPN (p<0.001), at the same time, that the supplement presented higher concentration of TP (p<0.001) and RDTP (p=0.027). Supplemented animals presented higher consumption of CP, CPNPN (p=0.037), TP, NDIP, RDTP, ADIP and SDTP (p<0.05), however, when the concentration that represents the consumption of ADIP in the consumption of CP was determined, no difference was observed between supplemented and NS (p=0.078). Higher digestibility of CP was found in supplemented animals when contrasted with NS (p<0.001), an upward linear effect was observed between supplemented treatments as the level of supplementation increased. Conclusions. Supplementation improves the digestibility of crude protein by providing a greater amount of highly digestible nitrogenous fragments.

Germplasm Acquisition and Distribution by CGIAR Genebanks.

The international collections of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) hosted by 11 CGIAR Centers are important components of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's global system of conservation and use of PGRFA. They also play an important supportive role in realizing Target 2.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper analyzes CGIAR genebanks' trends in acquiring and distributing PGRFA over the last 35 years, with a particular focus on the last decade. The paper highlights a number of factors influencing the Centers' acquisition of new PGRFA to include in the international collections, including increased capacity to analyze gaps in those collections and precisely target new collecting missions, availability of financial resources, and the state of international and national access and benefit-sharing laws and phytosanitary regulations. Factors contributing to Centers' distributions of PGRFA included the extent of accession-level information, users' capacity to identify the materials they want, and policies. The genebanks' rates of both acquisition and distribution increased over the last decade. The paper ends on a cautionary note concerning the potential of unresolved tensions regarding access and benefit sharing and digital genomic sequence information to undermine international cooperation to conserve and use PGRFA.

Complex coacervates of ß-lactoglobulin/sodium alginate for the microencapsulation of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) essential oil: Simulated gastrointestinal conditions and modeling release kinetics.

This study evaluated the most appropriate conditions (pH and biopolymers ratio) for the formation of the complex between ß-lactoglobulin (ß-lg) and sodium alginate (NaAlg). Furthermore, we microencapsulated black pepper essential oil (EO) using these biopolymers and transglutaminase as a cross-linking agent, and stability during in vitro digestion and its release in food models were studied. A ratio of 17:1 (ß-lg/NaAlg) at a pH of 4.5 was the optimal condition for the formation of the complex. The encapsulation efficiency (85.01% ± 0.26) and chemical and morphological characteristics suggested that black pepper EO was microencapsulated using polymers and cross-linking agent naturals. The particle size demonstrated that the capsules produced were on micro scale. The black pepper EO microcapsules lost lower release in water, and the Rigger-Peppas model indicated that the Fickian diffusion mechanism occurred. The microcapsules demonstrated a low release of black pepper EO during oral and gastric digestion and a higher release in intestinal digestion. The black pepper EO after digestion presented high stability (84.8% ± 0.07), and bioaccessibility (31.16% ± 0.3). The results suggest that the black pepper EO was microencapsulated and, preserved in aqueous food model and during oral and gastric conditions tested in vitro.

Encapsulation of the black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) essential oil by lactoferrin-sodium alginate complex coacervates: Structural characterization and simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Black pepper essential oil (EO) was encapsulated by complex coacervation with lactoferrin and sodium alginate using transglutaminase as a cross-linking agent. The encapsulation efficiency varied from 31.66 to 84.48%. Chemical and morphological characteristics suggest that the EO was encapsulated in a lactoferrin/sodium alginate shell. The chemical composition of the encapsulated EO was identified by gas chromatography (GC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The GC and NMR analyses indicated good core protection with the materials used. The stability of the black pepper EO capsules under in vitro digestion was evaluated. Theses capsules demonstrated the low release of the EO during gastric digestion and higher release in intestinal digestion. These results suggest that these capsules can be used to transport active ingredients and that they are resistant to oral and gastric conditions that were tested in vitro.

Microencapsulation of sacha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis L.) using complex coacervation: Formation and structural characterization.

In this study, sacha inchi oil (SIO) (Plukenetia volubilis L.) was microencapsulated via complex coacervation of ovalbumin (OVA) and sodium alginate (AL), and the microcapsule properties were characterized. The omega-3 content in the SIO was evaluated after in vitro gastric simulation and microencapsulation. The coacervate complex between OVA and AL was evaluated based on electrostatic interactions and developed for use as a wall material via the SIO microencapsulation process. The best mass ratio for the biopolymers (OVA:AL) was 4:1 at pH 3.8, and the complex exhibited a thermal resistance at 189.86 °C. The SIO microcapsules showed a high encapsulation efficiency of approximately 94.12% in the ratio (OVA:AL) of 1:1. Furthermore, microencapsulated SIO presented resistance under gastric conditions with a low release of acyl (ω-3) units. These results demonstrate that it is possible to use OVA:AL as encapsulating agents to protect bioactive compounds and to improve the thermal behavior of microcapsules.