Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of Chenopodin-Derived Synthetic Peptides.

Antimicrobial peptides have been developed based on plant-derived molecular scaffolds for the treatment of infectious diseases. Chenopodin is an abundant seed storage protein in quinoa, an Andean plant with high nutritional and therapeutic properties. Here, we used computer- and physicochemical-based strategies and designed four peptides derived from the primary structure of Chenopodin. Two peptides reproduce natural fragments of 14 amino acids from Chenopodin, named Chen1 and Chen2, and two engineered peptides of the same length were designed based on the Chen1 sequence. The two amino acids of Chen1 containing amide side chains were replaced by arginine (ChenR) or tryptophan (ChenW) to generate engineered cationic and hydrophobic peptides. The evaluation of these 14-mer peptides on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed that Chen1 does not have antibacterial activity up to 512 µM against these strains, while other peptides exhibited antibacterial effects at lower concentrations. The chemical substitutions of glutamine and asparagine by amino acids with cationic or aromatic side chains significantly favoured their antibacterial effects. These peptides did not show significant hemolytic activity. The fluorescence microscopy analysis highlighted the membranolytic nature of Chenopodin-derived peptides. Using molecular dynamic simulations, we found that a pore is formed when multiple peptides are assembled in the membrane. Whereas, some of them form secondary structures when interacting with the membrane, allowing water translocations during the simulations. Finally, Chen2 and ChenR significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings demonstrate that Chenopodin is a highly useful template for the design, engineering, and manufacturing of non-toxic, antibacterial, and antiviral peptides.

Recent Patents on the Industrial Application of Biosurfactants.

BACKGROUND: Biosurfactants are natural bioactive compounds produced from fungi, bacteria and plants. These molecules have several properties that enable them to be involved in various industrial applications. The surface-active properties of biosurfactants allow their use in various sectors, such as agriculture, health, cosmetics, bioremediation/ petroleum, mining, and bioprocess. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the patents deposited in intellectual property databases for applications of biosurfactants in the areas of agriculture, health, cosmetics, bioremediation/petroleum, mining, and bioprocesses, with the research period consisting of the last six years. METHODS: This study targeted the use of biosurfactants in various industrial sectors. The patent search was carried out using the Google Patents platform, a platform that is commonly used for this purpose and freely accessible. RESULTS: During the search for patents related to applications of biosurfactants in industry filed in the last 6 years, results were found to be distributed in the following areas: agriculture (70), cosmetics (2311), bioremediation/petroleum (179), health (1794), mining (5), and bioprocess (133). Six patents were selected from each area, except for health and mining, for which the search resulted in only 5 and 4 patents, respectively, to be discussed and provide information on the biotechnological applications of biosurfactants in the industry. CONCLUSION: The present study showed a wide area of application of biosurfactants in industry. The interest in the inclusion of biosurfactants in the industry is directly related to the need for more sustainable solutions to solve real market problems. The cosmetics sector presented the most patents that employ the use of biosurfactants.

Chenopodin as an anti-inflammatory compound.

Chenopodin is an 11S-type globulin purified from Chenopodium quinoa seeds, which can bind carbohydrates and hemagglutinating human erythrocytes. The present study aimed to evaluate the N-terminal structure of the heterodimeric Chenopodin and its effects in models of inflammation. Chenopodin presented two subunits on its structure and has N-terminal homology with other Chenopodin in 92%. Chenopodin decreased paw edema and neutrophil recruitment induced by carrageenan in mice. Concluding, we demonstrated that Chenopodin exhibits in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

Optimization of bioprocess of Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis Ca12 and its viability in frozen Brazilian berries (Açai, Euterpe oleracea Mart.).

Amazonian palm berries (açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart.) are fruits with high nutritional value and antioxidant activity and have aroused the interest of consumers, popularizing fruit pulps enriched with probiotics. Amazonian palm berries (açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart.) are fruits with high nutritional potential, providing a source of carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, açai provides several health benefits, including antioxidant activity. Nutritionally enhanced foods have aroused the interest of consumers, popularizing fruit pulps enriched with probiotics. Probiotics are dietary supplements consisting of live, beneficial microorganisms in the host which improve the intestinal microbiota. The objective of this study was to isolate, identify, and characterize the probiotic potential of an isolated Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis strain (dubbed Ca12) and provide an optimized bioprocess for its production, using the complete factorial and central rotational compound design to supplement the frozen açai pulp. The isolated strain S. harbinensis Ca12 presented adequate resistance to gastric juice and bile salts, microbial activity against different Candida strains, self-aggregation and coaggregation properties, high adhesion in HT-29 cells, and 35% inhibition of Salmonella in HT-29 cells. When optimized, the cellular biomass production of the S. harbinensis Ca12 strain was approximately 600% higher than the unsupplemented whey, with a production of 3.6 × 1010 CFU mL-1. The S. harbinensis Ca12 strain's viability in the creamy and traditional frozen açai pulp was shown to be stable for up to 6 months at 20 °C. The impact of this study involved for the first time the S. harbinensis Ca12 described in the Brazilian cocoa pulp with activity against Candida albicans of clinical importance, creating the potential of a new functional food with important benefits to human health as prevention for candidiasis.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian children using three different sets of international criteria / Prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en niños brasileños utilizando tres diferentes criterios internacionales

BACKGROUND: the aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian children aged 6-10 years using three different international criteria. METHODS: systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and insulin levels were measured in 290 schoolchildren, and the presence of metabolic syndrome was analyzed according to the criteria established by Cook, Boney, and Ferreira. RESULTS: the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 2.27 % (Boney and Ferreira criteria) and 7.58 % (Cook criteria) for girls, and 3.8 % (Boney and Ferreira criteria) and 5.06 % (Cook criteria) for boys. Agreement in pairs showed a concordance of 57.5 % (Kappa = 0.57) between Boney and Cook criteria, and 65.2 % (Kappa = 0.65) between Cook and Ferreira. The greatest concordance found was 77 % (Kappa = 0.77) between Boney and Ferreira criteria, demonstrating a substantial agreement. CONCLUSION: prevalences according to Boney and Ferreira criteria was lower than according to Cook criteria. Therefore, we suggest the use of Cook criteria in clinical practice for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, since this criterion provided a wider diagnostic range, thereby reducing the risk of underdiagnosis

ANTECEDENTES: el objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en niños brasileños de 6 a 10 años de edad, usando tres diferentes criterios internacionales. MÉTODOS: se midieron la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, el colesterol de alta y baja densidad, los triglicéridos, la glucemia en ayunas y la insulinemia en 290 escolares, y se analizó la presencia del síndrome metabólico de acuerdo con los criterios de Cook, Boney y Ferreira. RESULTADOS: la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico encontradas fueron del 2,27 % (criterios de Boney y Ferreira) y 7,58 % (criterios de Cook) para las niñas, y del 3,8 % (criterios de Boney y Ferreira) y 5,06 % (criterios de Cook) para los niños. La concordancia por pares fue del 57,5 % (Kappa = 0,57) entre los criterios de Boney y Cook, y del 65,2 % (Kappa = 0,65) entre los criterios de Cook y Ferreira. La mayor concordancia encontrada fue del 77 % (Kappa = 0,77) entre los criterios de Boney y Ferreira, demostrando una concordancia sustancial. CONCLUSIONES: la prevalencia de acuerdo con los criterios de Boney y Ferreira fue inferior a la encontrada con los criterios de Cook. Por lo tanto, sugerimos el uso de los criterios de Cook en la práctica clínica para el diagnóstico del síndrome metabólico, ya que utilizando este criterio se obtiene un rango diagnóstico más amplio, reduciéndose así el riesgo del infradiagnóstico

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian children using three different sets of international criteria.

INTRODUCTION: Background: the aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian children aged 6-10 years using three different international criteria. Methods: systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and insulin levels were measured in 290 schoolchildren, and the presence of metabolic syndrome was analyzed according to the criteria established by Cook, Boney, and Ferreira. Results: the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 2.27 % (Boney and Ferreira criteria) and 7.58 % (Cook criteria) for girls, and 3.8 % (Boney and Ferreira criteria) and 5.06 % (Cook criteria) for boys. Agreement in pairs showed a concordance of 57.5 % (Kappa = 0.57) between Boney and Cook criteria, and 65.2 % (Kappa = 0.65) between Cook and Ferreira. The greatest concordance found was 77 % (Kappa = 0.77) between Boney and Ferreira criteria, demonstrating a substantial agreement. Conclusion: prevalence according to Boney and Ferreira criteria was lower than according to Cook criteria. Therefore, we suggest the use of Cook criteria in clinical practice for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, since this criterion provided a wider diagnostic range, thereby reducing the risk of underdiagnosis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: el objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en niños brasileños de 6 a 10 años de edad, usando tres diferentes criterios internacionales. Métodos: se midieron la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, el colesterol de alta y baja densidad, los triglicéridos, la glucemia en ayunas y la insulinemia en 290 escolares, y se analizó la presencia del síndrome metabólico de acuerdo con los criterios de Cook, Boney y Ferreira. Resultados: las prevalencias del síndrome metabólico encontradas fueron del 2,27 % (criterios de Boney y Ferreira) y 7,58 % (criterios de Cook) para las niñas, y del 3,8 % (criterios de Boney y Ferreira) y 5,06 % (criterios de Cook) para los niños. La concordancia por pares fue del 57,5 % (Kappa = 0,57) entre los criterios de Boney y Cook, y del 65,2 % (Kappa = 0,65) entre los criterios de Cook y Ferreira. La mayor concordancia encontrada fue del 77 % (Kappa = 0,77) entre los criterios de Boney y Ferreira, demostrando una concordancia sustancial. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de acuerdo con los criterios de Boney y Ferreira fue inferior a la encontrada con los criterios de Cook. Por lo tanto, sugerimos el uso de los criterios de Cook en la práctica clínica para el diagnóstico del síndrome metabólico, ya que utilizando este criterio se obtiene un rango diagnóstico más amplio, reduciéndose así el riesgo del infradiagnóstico.

Vancomycin-loaded N,N-dodecyl,methyl-polyethylenimine nanoparticles coated with hyaluronic acid to treat bacterial endophthalmitis: Development, characterization, and ocular biocompatibility.

Vancomycin-loaded N,N-dodecyl,methyl-polyethylenimine nanoparticles coated with hyaluronic acid (VCM-DMPEI nanoparticles/HA) were synthesized as an adjuvant for the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis. The nanoparticles were formulated by experimental statistical design, thoroughly characterized, and evaluated in terms of bactericidal activity and both in vitro and in vivo ocular biocompatibility. The VCM-DMPEI nanoparticles/HA were 154 ± 3 nm in diameter with a 0.197 ± 0.020 polydispersity index; had a + 26.4 ± 3.3 mV zeta potential; exhibited a 93% VCM encapsulation efficiency; and released 58% of the encapsulated VCM over 96 h. VCM and DMPEI exhibited a synergistic bactericidal effect. The VCM-DMPEI nanoparticles/HA were neither toxic to ARPE-19 cells nor irritating to the chorioallantoic membrane. Moreover, the VCM-DMPEI nanoparticles/HA did not induce modifications in retinal functions, as determined by electroretinography, and in the morphology of the ocular tissues. In conclusion, the VCM-DMPEI nanoparticles/HA may be a useful therapeutic adjuvant to treat bacterial endophthalmitis.

Recent Patents on Impact of Lipopeptide on the Biofilm Formation onto Titanium and Stainless Steel Surfaces.

BACKGROUND: Numerous causes of infection in arthroplasties are related to biofilm formation on implant surfaces. In order to circumvent this problem, new alternatives to prevent bacterial adhesion biosurfactants-based are emerging due to low toxicity, biodegradability and antimicrobial activity of several biosurfactants. We revised all patents relating to biosurfactants of applicability in orthopedic implants. METHODS: This work aims to evaluate the capability of a lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis ATCC 19659 isolates acting as inhibitors of the adhesion of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 onto titanium and stainless steel surfaces and its antimicrobial activity. RESULTS: The adhesion of the strains to the stainless-steel surface was higher than that of titanium. Preconditioning of titanium and stainless-steel surfaces with 10 mg mL-1 lipopeptide reduced the adhesion of E. coli by up to 93% and the adhesion of S. aureus by up to 99.9%, suggesting the strong potential of lipopeptides in the control of orthopedic infections. The minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were 10 and 240 µg mL-1 for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. CONCLUSION: The lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis ATCC 19659 presented high biotechnological application in human health against orthopedic implants infections.

Prevalence of polymorphisms in the ANKK1, DRD2, DRD3 genes and metabolic syndrome in refractory schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate the prevalence of TaqIA, -141C and rs6280 polymorphisms of the ANKK1, DRD2 and DRD3 genes and evaluate their association with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in patients with refractory schizophrenia. METHOD: cross-sectional study conducted in the Extended Western Region of Minas Gerais, with refractory schizophrenic patients using the antipsychotic clozapine. Sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, biochemical and genetic data were collected. Univariate analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS: seventy-two patients participated in the study and the occurrence of Metabolic Syndrome was observed in 47.2% of them. There was no association between Metabolic Syndrome and the studied polymorphisms. There was a statistically significant difference in the low HDL parameter with homozygous genotype for the C allele of the -141C polymorphism of the DRD2 gene. CONCLUSION: a high prevalence of MS was evidenced. The -141C polymorphism was associated with low HDL. Genetic analysis and identification of metabolic alterations in this group of patients can guide drug treatment and provide a better quality of life.

New lipopeptide produced by Corynebacterium aquaticum from a low-cost substrate.

Conventional biosurfactants have high production costs. Therefore, the use of low-cost carbon sources for their production is attractive for industry. The ability to remain stable under various environmental conditions further extends industrial application. Here we aimed to evaluate the stability of a new lipopeptide produced by Corynebacterium aquaticum using fish residue as an unconventional energy source. The biosurfactant was produced using 3% fish residue, 2% of the microorganism, and mineral medium. Biosurfactant characterization was performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), as well as by testing its infrared, surface tension, emulsifying activity, and ionic character. The stability of the biosurfactant was evaluated by testing its surface tension at a range of temperatures, pH, and saline concentrations, as well as after 6 months of storage. The biosurfactant was characterized as a lipopeptide due to its retention time, which was coincident with the amino acid and lipid chains obtained in the TLC analysis, being confirmed by some regions of absorption verified in the infrared analysis. The surface tension and emulsifying activity of the biosurfactant were 27.8 mN/m and 87.6%, respectively, and showed anionic character. The biosurfactant was stable at temperatures of 20 to 121 °C, in saline concentrations of 1 to 7%, and at pH close to neutrality. Based on our findings, it is possible to use unconventional sources of energy to produce a lipopeptide biosurfactant that can act under various environments.

Prevalence of polymorphisms in the ANKK1, DRD2, DRD3 genes and metabolic syndrome in refractory schizophrenia / Prevalência de polimorfismos nos genes ANKK1, DRD2, DRD3 e síndrome metabólica na esquizofrenia refratária / Prevalencia de polimorfismos en los genes ANKK1, DRD2, DRD3 y síndrome metabólico en la esquizofrenia refractária

ABSTRACT Objective: to estimate the prevalence of TaqIA, -141C and rs6280 polymorphisms of the ANKK1, DRD2 and DRD3 genes and evaluate their association with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in patients with refractory schizophrenia. Method: cross-sectional study conducted in the Extended Western Region of Minas Gerais, with refractory schizophrenic patients using the antipsychotic clozapine. Sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, biochemical and genetic data were collected. Univariate analysis of the data was performed. Results: seventy-two patients participated in the study and the occurrence of Metabolic Syndrome was observed in 47.2% of them. There was no association between Metabolic Syndrome and the studied polymorphisms. There was a statistically significant difference in the low HDL parameter with homozygous genotype for the C allele of the -141C polymorphism of the DRD2 gene. Conclusion: a high prevalence of MS was evidenced. The -141C polymorphism was associated with low HDL. Genetic analysis and identification of metabolic alterations in this group of patients can guide drug treatment and provide a better quality of life.

RESUMO Objetivo: estimar a prevalência dos polimorfismos TaqIA, -141C e rs6280 dos genes ANKK1, DRD2 e DRD3 e avaliar sua associação com a ocorrência de síndrome metabólica em pacientes com esquizofrenia refratária. Método: estudo de delineamento transversal, realizado na Região Ampliada Oeste de Minas Gerais, que incluiu pacientes com esquizofrenia refratária em uso do antipsicótico clozapina. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, clínicos, antropométricos, bioquímicos e genéticos. Realizou-se análise univariada dos dados. Resultados: participaram 72 pacientes e observou-se a ocorrência de Síndrome Metabólica em 47,2%, não sendo encontrada associação da Síndrome Metabólica com os polimorfismos estudados. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante com o parâmetro do baixo HDL com genótipo homozigoto para alelo C do polimorfismo -141C do gene DRD2. Conclusão: evidenciou-se prevalência de SM elevada. O polimorfismo -141C associou-se ao baixo HDL. A análise genética e a identificação de alterações metabólicas, neste grupo de pacientes, podem nortear o tratamento medicamentoso e propiciar melhor qualidade de vida.

RESUMEN Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de los polimorfismos TaqIA, -141C y rs6280 de los genes ANKK1, DRD2 y DRD3 y evaluar su asociación con el síndrome metabólico en pacientes con esquizofrenia refractária. Método: estudio de delineamiento transversal, realizado en la Región Ampliada Oeste de Minas Gerais, que incluye pacientes con esquizofrenia refractária usando el antipsicótico clozapina. Fueron recogidos datos sociodemográficos, clínicos, antropométricos, bioquímicos y genéticos. Se realizó um análisis univariada de los datos. Resultados: participaron 72 pacientes y se observó el Síndrome Metabólico en 47,2%, no siendo encontrada una asociación del Síndrome Metabólico con los polimorfismos estudiados. Hubo diferencia estadísticamente significante con el parámetro del bajo HDL con genotipo homozigoto para alelo C del polimorfismo -141C del gen DRD2. Conclusión: se vio una prevalencia de SM elevada. El polimorfismo -141C se asoció al bajo HDL. El análisis genético y la identificación de alteraciones metabólicas, en este grupo de pacientes, pueden guiar al tratamiento medicamentoso y propiciar mejor calidad de vida.

Anti-nutritional factors and digestibility of protein in Cayocar brasiliense seeds

Abstract The Brazilian Cerrado presents a wide variety of natural products, including the Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense). The important factor that determines the dietary and nutritional ideality of protein is degestitibility. This work aims to evaluate the protein digestibility of Pequi seeds and the presence of anti-nutritional factors. The protein Pequi almonds were extracted, toasted and untoasted. Evaluation digestibility was structurally characterized by SDS-PAGE 15%, which can be used to analyze simulated gastric fluid (SFG) and digestion in intestinal fluid (SFI) in the presence of pepsin and trypsin/chymotrypsin. The extract from Pequi almonds showed inhibitory activity and was not detected hemagglutination. The intensity of the bands according to 2S albumins, after heat treatment, did not decrease in comparison to the condition native, significantly. In the crisp crude extract, which was incubated under SGF and SIF, the intensity of the corresponding bands at 8 and 3 kDa was resistant to SGF and indigestible after 4 hours under SIF. The characterization of Pequi almonds demonstrated that the product of the crude extract has anti-nutritional factors, which were confirmed by evaluating digestibility.

Frequency of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents from public schools of Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, according to three international diagnostic criteria / Frequência de síndrome metabólica em crianças e adolescentes de escolas públicas de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brasil, conforme três critérios diagnósticos internacionais

AIMS: To assess the frequency of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents according to three international diagnostic criteria determining the level of agreement between these different criteria. METHODS: Waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and serum triglycerides were evaluated in students from public schools of different regions of Divinópolis, MG, Brazil. Children and adolescents aged between 10 and 17 years were selected. Criteria adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Program ­ Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATPIII), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) were used for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the level of agreement among the three criteria. RESULTS: The study evaluated 202 students (86 boys and 116 girls). The frequency of metabolic syndrome was 1.16% for boys and none of the girls presented with metabolic syndrome, according to WHO criteria. According to the NCEP/ATPIII and IDF criteria, metabolic syndrome was not detected in the studied sample. Low blood levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the most frequent metabolic alteration in all teenagers according to the NCEP/ATPIII and IDF criteria, while body mass index was the most frequent one according to WHO criteria. The level of agreement for one altered parameter was poor when comparing WHO and NCEP/ATP/III, moderate when comparing WHO and IDF and high when comparing the NCEP/ATP/III and IDF criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences between the frequencies of individual metabolic syndrome parameters were found in the studied sample of children and adolescents, depending on the criteria used. According to WHO criteria, metabolic syndrome was found at a low frequency and only in boys, while the NCEP/ATPIII and IDF criteria did not diagnose metabolic syndrome. The present findings suggest the need to reach a consensus on the cut-off points for risk factors and a single diagnostic definition of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents.

Prevalência de síndrome metabólica em mulheres acima de 40 anos de Divinópolis-MG / Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women aged 40-59 years using two international criteria Prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en las mujeres de 40-59 años utilizando 2 criterios internacionales

Avaliar prevalência da síndrome metabólica (SM) em mulheres comparando critérios internacionais. Métodos: Estudo descritivo transversal envolvendo 93 mulheres, com idade entre 40 a 59 anos, acompanhadas em Unidades Básicas eProgramas de Saúde da Família de Divinópolis-MG. Foram realizadas avaliações clínicas, antropométricas e bioquímicas. Para o diagnóstico de SM foram empregados critérios internacionais: Adult Treatment Panel IIIof the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP/ATP III) e International Diabetes Federation (IDF), que utilizam a presença de três ou mais dos seguintes parâmetros alterados: circunferência da cintura (CC), triglicerídeos (TG), HDL,pressão arterial e glicemia. Resultados: 54 mulheres entre 40 a 49 anos (58,7%) e 39 entre 50 a 59 anos (41,3%). Parâmetro individual mais alterado foi CC para ambos os critérios. De acordo com NCEP/ATP III, 40,8% das participantes foram diagnosticadas com SM e 53,7% pelo IDF. Faixa etária de 50-59 apresentou maior prevalência de SM para ambos critérios. Demonstrou-se aumento de risco para SM com tabagismo, diabetes e hipertensão em ambos os critérios. Boa concordância entre os critérios da NCEP ATP III e IDF (k=0,74). Conclusão: IDF foi o critério com maior prevalência para SM e a faixa etária de 50-59 foi a mais crítica...

To evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in women compared to international criteria. Methods: Crosssectional descriptive study involving 93 women, aged 40 to 59 years, accompanied in Basic Units and Family HealthPrograms in Divinópolis-MG. Clinical, anthropometric and biochemical assessments were performed. Two International criteria were employedfor the diagnosis of MS: Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program(NCEP/ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF), which use the presence of three or more of the following altered parameters: waist circumference (WC), triglycerides (TG), HDL, blood pressure and blood glucose. Results: 54women aged 40-49 years (58.7%) and 39 aged 50-59 (41.3%). The most altered individual parameter was the WC for both criteria. According to NCEP/ATP III, 40.8% of participants were diagnosed with MS and 53.7% by IDF. The age group 50-59 showed a higher prevalence of MS for both criteria. Increased risk for MS was demonstrated with smoking, diabetes and hypertension in both criteria. There was agreement between the criteria of NCEP/ATP III and IDF (k = 0.74). Conclusion: IDF criteria was most prevalent for SM and the age group of 50-59 was the most critical...

Evaluar la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico (SM) en las mujeres en comparación con los criterios internacionales. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal que involucró a 93 mujeres, entre 40 a 59 años, acompañadas por las UnidadesBásicas y Programas de Salud de la Familia de Divinópolis-MG. Se realizaron evaluaciones clínicas, antropométricas ybioquímicas. Para el diagnóstico de SM criterios internacionales se emplearon: del Programa National de Education porCholesterol - Panel de Tratamiento de Adultos III (NCEP/ATP III) y Federación Internacional de Diabetes (IDF), que utilizan la presencia de tres o más de los siguientes parámetros cambiados: circunferencia de la cintura (CC), triglicéridos (TG), HDL, presión arterial y glucosa enla sangre. Resultados: 54 mujeres de 40-49 años (58,7%) y 39 entre los 50 a 59 años (41,3%). Parámetroindividual más alterado fue CC en ambos criterios. Según NCEP/ATP III, el 40,8% de las participantes fueron diagnosticadas con SM y el 53,7% por IDF. Grupo de edadde 50-59 mostraronmayor prevalencia de SM por ambos criterios. Se demostrómayor riesgo de SM con el tabaquismo, la diabetes y la hipertensión arterial en ambos criterios.Hubo bastante concordancia entre los criterios del NCEP/ATP III y IDF (k = 0,74). Conclusión: criterios de IDF fueron más frecuentes para SM y el grupo de edad de 50 a 59 fue el más crítico...

Storage and ageing of french beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. ): effect on seed viability and vigor

The loss of viability and vigor compromises the agricultural usefulness of seeds and can also affect their nutritional properties. In this work, we examined the viability and vigor of freshly harvested French beans and of beans stored at approximately 8oC for 12 years. Quiescent seeds and seedlings grown until cotyledon abscission were subjected to germination and vigor tests, as well as microscopic analysis. As a control, fresh seeds underwent accelerated ageing for 8 and 16 days, and showed a gradual loss of viability...

Effect of chaotropic agents on reversible unfolding of a soybean (Glycine max) seed acid phosphatase.

In this work we examined the effect of urea and guanidinium chloride on the structural stability of a single isoform of soybean seed acid phosphatase, based on the intensity of tryptophan fluorescence as a function of denaturant concentration. The free energy of unfolding, DeltaGu, was calculated at 25 degrees C as a function of the concentrations of both chaotropic agents; the conformational stability, DeltaG (H2O), was determined to be 2.48 kcal mol(-1). Center of mass, determined from analysis of fluorescence data, was used as a parameter to assess conformational changes. Our results indicate that complete enzyme inactivation occurred before full enzyme unfolding in both cases, and suggest that there are differences between the conformational flexibility of the active-site and that of the macromolecule as a whole.

The thermal stability of a castor bean seed acid phosphatase.

The effect of temperature on the activity and structural stability of an acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2.) purified from castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) seeds have been examined. The enzyme showed high activity at 45 degrees C using p-nitrophenylphosphate (p-NPP) as substrate. The activation energy for the catalyzed reaction was 55.2 kJ mol(-1) and the enzyme maintained 50% of its activity even after 30 min at 55 degrees C. Thermal inactivation studies showed an influence of pH in the loss of enzymatic activity at 60 degrees C. A noticeable protective effect from thermal inactivation was observed when the enzyme was preincubated, at 60 degrees C, with the reaction products inorganic phosphate-P (10 mM) and p-nitrophenol-p-NP(10 mM). Denaturation studies showed a relatively high transition temperature (Tm) value of 75 degrees C and an influence of the combination of Pi (10 mM) and p-NP (10 mM) was observed on the conformational behaviour of the macromolecule.

Inhibition of bovine kidney low molecular mass phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase by uric acid.

Uric acid inhibited 50% of the activity of bovine kidney low molecular mass phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase at concentrations of 1.0, 0.4, 1.3, and 0.2 mM, respectively for p-nitrophenyl phosphate (p-NPP), flavine mononucleotide, beta-naphthyl phosphate and tyrosine phosphate (Tyr-P) as substrates. The mixed type inhibition of p-NPP hydrolysis was fully reversible, with Kic and Kiu values of 0.4 and 1.1 mM, respectively; the inhibition by uric acid shifted the pH optimum from 5.0 to 6.5. When Tyr-P was the substrate, competitive inhibition was observed with a Ki value of 0.05 mM. Inhibition studies by uric acid in the presence of thiol compounds, and preincubation studies in the presence of inorganic phosphate suggest that the interaction of uric acid with the enzyme occurred at the active site, but did not involve SH residues, and that the mechanism of inhibition depended on the structure of the substrates.