Progress in understanding the structural mechanism underlying prestin's electromotile activity.

Prestin (SLC26A5), a member of the SLC26 transporter family, is the molecular actuator that drives OHC electromotility (eM). A wealth of biophysical data indicates that eM is mediated by an area motor mechanism, in which prestin molecules act as elementary actuators by changing their area in the membrane in response to changes in membrane potential. The area changes of a large and densely packed population of prestin molecules sum up, resulting in macroscopic cellular movement. At the single protein level, this model implies major voltage-driven conformational rearrangements. However, the nature of these structural dynamics remained unknown. A main obstacle in elucidating the eM mechanism has been the lack of structural information about SLC26 transporters. The recent emergence of several high-resolution cryo-EM structures of prestin as well as other SLC26 transporter family members now provides a reliable picture of prestin's molecular architecture. Thus, SLC26 transporters including prestin generally are dimers, and each protomer is folded according to a 7+7 transmembrane domain inverted repeat (7TMIR) architecture. Here, we review these structural findings and discuss insights into a potential molecular mechanism. Most important, distinct conformations were observed when purifying and imaging prestin bound to either its physiological ligand, chloride, or to competitively inhibitory anions, sulfate or salicylate. Despite differences in detail, these structural snapshots indicate that the conformational landscape of prestin includes rearrangements between the two major domains of prestin's transmembrane region (TMD), core and scaffold ('gate') domains. Notably, distinct conformations differ in the area the TMD occupies in the membrane and in their impact on the immediate lipid environment. Both effects can contribute to generate membrane deformation and thus may underly electromotility. Further functional studies will be necessary to determine whether these or similar structural rearrangements are driven by membrane potential to mediate piezoelectric activity. This article is part of the Special Issue Outer hair cell Edited by Joseph Santos-Sacchi and Kumar Navaratnam.

Pharmaceutical services in primary health care: dissatisfaction among users, managers and pharmacists

Abstract To assess the performance indicators for pharmaceutical services (PS) in primary health care (PHC), the level of satisfaction with pharmacy services among users and managers / pharmacists' impressions in relation to the findings were evaluated. The study used mixed methods, including a retrospective and descriptive study of the performance indicators for PS in PHC, an observational study on the level of satisfaction and a qualitative study of users' perception of pharmacy services at Health Units. Managers and pharmacists' impressions of the study results were also collected. Only 44.4% of pharmacies had a full-time pharmacist. From the establishments visited, 5.3% did not have an air-conditioned environment, and only 33.3% of the items essential to the Good Practices of Storage of Medicines and Supplies criteria were fulfilled. Although 77.9% of the prescribed medicines were dispensed, it did not reach the 80% standard. The satisfaction level of users was 3.2±0.6, indicating dissatisfaction with pharmacies' services. By means of an evaluation of each item within the questionnaire, it was possible to observe that variables related to pharmaceutical care presented low scores in relation to other domains, thus evidencing the fragility of the pharmaceutical- patient relationship in users' perception. Managers and pharmacists suggested that these results were related to the inadequate physical infrastructure of pharmacies, work overload, lack of recognition and undervaluation of pharmacists, lack of interaction within the PHC team, high turnover of pharmacists, and lack of PS prioritization by the administration. PS in PHC has structural and organizational weaknesses that require changes. In general, users are dissatisfied with pharmacies' services, especially with pharmaceutical care.

Long-acting insulin in a public health system: analysis of compliance with clinical protocol in public pharmacies.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease marked by elevated blood glucose levels. Controlling DM involves adequate diet, physical exercises, medicines and monitoring the blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. This was a retrospective study of the process of dispensing long-acting insulin analogues to users with diabetes (types 1 and 2) who were registered at high-cost public pharmacies in public health system in a southeast state of Brazil, that sought to evaluate the fulfillment of the criteria of all the clinical protocol to provide these analogs. Of the 987 users registered in the health service, 315 met the inclusion criteria for the study. The evaluation of the dispensing processes of the long-acting insulin analogues revealed that the inclusion, exclusion, and suspension criteria of the protocol related with these insulin analogues were in some extend only partially fulfilled. Additionally, there was no difference between the initial and final fasting glycemic and HbA1c levels. It is concluded that the established criteria for dispensing long-acting insulin analogues were partly fulfilled by pharmacies, compromising the rational use of these analogues. It can directly impact the cost of maintaining the public health service and users' health.

Long-acting insulin in a public health system: analysis of compliance with clinical protocol in public pharmacies / Insulina de ação prolongada no sistema público de saúde: análise da adesão ao protocolo clínico em farmácias públicas

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease marked by elevated blood glucose levels. Controlling DM involves adequate diet, physical exercises, medicines and monitoring the blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. This was a retrospective study of the process of dispensing long-acting insulin analogues to users with diabetes (types 1 and 2) who were registered at high-cost public pharmacies in public health system in a southeast state of Brazil, that sought to evaluate the fulfillment of the criteria of all the clinical protocol to provide these analogs. Of the 987 users registered in the health service, 315 met the inclusion criteria for the study. The evaluation of the dispensing processes of the long-acting insulin analogues revealed that the inclusion, exclusion, and suspension criteria of the protocol related with these insulin analogues were in some extend only partially fulfilled. Additionally, there was no difference between the initial and final fasting glycemic and HbA1c levels. It is concluded that the established criteria for dispensing long-acting insulin analogues were partly fulfilled by pharmacies, compromising the rational use of these analogues. It can directly impact the cost of maintaining the public health service and users' health.

Resumo Diabetes mellitus (DM) é uma doença crônica marcada por níveis sanguíneos elevados de glicose. O controle do DM envolve dieta adequada, exercícios físicos, medicamentos e monitoramento dos níveis sanguíneos de glicose e de hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c). Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo do processo de dispensação de análogos de insulina de ação prolongada a usuários com diabetes (tipos 1 e 2) cadastrados em farmácias públicas de alto custo do sistema público de saúde de um estado do Sudeste do Brasil, que buscou avaliar o cumprimento dos critérios do protocolo clínico para fornecimento desses análogos. Dos 987 usuários cadastrados no serviço de saúde, 315 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A avaliação dos processos de dispensação dos análogos de insulina de ação prolongada revelou que os critérios de inclusão, exclusão e suspensão do protocolo dos análogos de insulina eram parcialmente cumpridos. Além disso, não houve diferença entre os níveis inicial e final de glicemia em jejum e HbA1c. Conclui-se que os critérios estabelecidos para dispensação de análogos de insulina de ação prolongada foram parcialmente cumpridos pelas farmácias, comprometendo o uso racional dos análogos. Os achados podem impactar diretamente no custo de manutenção do serviço público de saúde e na saúde do usuário.

Supply of enteral diets in the Espirito Santo state public health system in Brazil / Suministro de dietas enterales en el sistema público de salud del estado de Espirito Santo en Brasil

BACKGROUND: Brazil includes food as a social right, making the State responsible to the courts for the sufficient and adequate supply of enteral food. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the supply of enteral diets in pharmacies in the state of Espirito Santo. METHODS: to do this, we used the forms filled out by patients or legal representatives, containing medical records, to analyze the nutritional and social profiles of the users over two years, and the compliance of the administrative processes with the ordinance that instituted enteral food supplies was verified. RESULTS: the sample was comprised of 204 patients receiving enteral nutrition, and the administrative procedures required to supply these patients were surveyed in seven (7/9) pharmacies. The data showed that the most common group was that of women (51 %), who were white (51 %), legally represented (91 %), and 73.5 years old (11 to 109 years). Information regarding missing anthropometric data, use of terms and calculations for obtaining enteral food other than those recommended, incomplete documents, alterations to the physical examinations suggestive of error, and nonobservance of inclusion and exclusion criteria were collected for this study. CONCLUSIONS: this study revealed that there were gaps in the process of enteral diet supply by the Espírito Santo pharmacies, both concerning compliance with the protocol and patient follow-up by the professional who assists both the patient and the pharmacist who provides the input

ANTECEDENTES: Brasil incluyó la alimentación como un derecho social, haciendo que el Estado sea responsable ante los tribunales del suministro suficiente y adecuado de alimentos. OBJETIVOS: evaluar el suministro de dietas enterales en las farmacias estatales de Espírito Santo. MÉTODOS: para hacer esto utilizamos los formularios cumplimentados por los pacientes y representantes legales que contienen registros médicos con el fin de analizar los perfiles nutricionales y sociales de los usuarios durante dos años; además, se verificó el cumplimiento de los procesos administrativos con la ordenanza que instituyó el suministro de alimentos. RESULTADOS: la muestra comprendió 204 pacientes que recibieron nutrición enteral, investigándose los procedimientos administrativos requeridos para suministrar a estos pacientes en siete (7/9) farmacias. Los datos mostraron que el grupo más común era el de mujeres (51 %), de raza blanca (51 %) y representadas legalmente (91 %), de 73,5 años de edad (11 a 109 años). Para este estudio se recopiló información sobre los datos antropométricos faltantes, el uso de términos y cálculos para obtener alimentos distintos a los recomendados, documentos incompletos, alteraciones en los exámenes físicos sugestivos de error y la no observancia de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. CONCLUSIONES: este estudio reveló que había vacíos en el proceso de suministro de dietas enterales por parte de las farmacias de Espírito Santo en lo que respecta tanto al cumplimiento del protocolo como al seguimiento del paciente por el profesional que lo atiende y el farmacéutico que proporciona la información

Supply of enteral diets in the Espirito Santo state public health system in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Background: Brazil includes food as a social right, making the State responsible to the courts for the sufficient and adequate supply of enteral food. Objectives: to evaluate the supply of enteral diets in pharmacies in the state of Espirito Santo. Methods: to do this, we used the forms filled out by patients or legal representatives, containing medical records, to analyze the nutritional and social profiles of the users over two years, and the compliance of the administrative processes with the ordinance that instituted enteral food supplies was verified. Results: the sample was comprised of 204 patients receiving enteral nutrition, and the administrative procedures required to supply these patients were surveyed in seven (7/9) pharmacies. The data showed that the most common group was that of women (51 %), who were white (51 %), legally represented (91 %), and 73.5 years old (11 to 109 years). Information regarding missing anthropometric data, use of terms and calculations for obtaining enteral food other than those recommended, incomplete documents, alterations to the physical examinations suggestive of error, and nonobservance of inclusion and exclusion criteria were collected for this study. Conclusions: this study revealed that there were gaps in the process of enteral diet supply by the Espírito Santo pharmacies, both concerning compliance with the protocol and patient follow-up by the professional who assists both the patient and the pharmacist who provides the input.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: Brasil incluyó la alimentación como un derecho social, haciendo que el Estado sea responsable ante los tribunales del suministro suficiente y adecuado de alimentos. Objetivos: evaluar el suministro de dietas enterales en las farmacias estatales de Espírito Santo. Métodos: para hacer esto utilizamos los formularios cumplimentados por los pacientes y representantes legales que contienen registros médicos con el fin de analizar los perfiles nutricionales y sociales de los usuarios durante dos años; además, se verificó el cumplimiento de los procesos administrativos con la ordenanza que instituyó el suministro de alimentos. Resultados: la muestra comprendió 204 pacientes que recibieron nutrición enteral, investigándose los procedimientos administrativos requeridos para suministrar a estos pacientes en siete (7/ 9) farmacias. Los datos mostraron que el grupo más común era el de mujeres (51 %), de raza blanca (51 %) y representadas legalmente (91 %), de 73,5 años de edad (11 a 109 años). Para este estudio se recopiló información sobre los datos antropométricos faltantes, el uso de términos y cálculos para obtener alimentos distintos a los recomendados, documentos incompletos, alteraciones en los exámenes físicos sugestivos de error y la no observancia de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Conclusiones: este estudio reveló que había vacíos en el proceso de suministro de dietas enterales por parte de las farmacias de Espírito Santo en lo que respecta tanto al cumplimiento del protocolo como al seguimiento del paciente por el profesional que lo atiende y el farmacéutico que proporciona la información.

Nephroprotective activity of the enriched polyphenol extract of Euterpe edulis Martius

Contrast-induced nephropathy (NIC) is directly related to increased morbidity and mortality, and its treatment and prevention might be achieved by the administration of antioxidant products. The juçara palmetto (Euterpe edulis Martius) has fruits rich in phenolic compounds, which are known for their antioxidant activity. This work aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of E. edulis pulp in the NIC animal model. The collected fruits were pulped, their contents of polyphenols and anthocyanins were quantified, and their antioxidant activity were evaluated. The nephroprotective effects were determined based on iodine contrast induction and evaluated by biochemical and histological analyses. The results showed that E. edulis pulp was rich in polyphenols (811 ± 16.7 mg EAG/g) and anthocyanins (181.25 mg/100 g) and had very strong antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) method, which revealed an antioxidant activity index (AAI) of 3.4, and the 2,29-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method, which revealed an IC50 of 0.59 ± 0.03 mg/mL. In the in vivo experiments, E. edulis pulp tended to provide renal protection and reduce renal dysfunction and tubular morphological lesions in mice after the induction of NIC, and these effects were obtained through the antioxidant activities of the polyphenols in the pulp.

Finasteride promotes worsening of the cardiac deleterious effects of nandrolone decanoate and protects against genotoxic and cytotoxic damage

Metabolism of anabolic androgenic steroids is important for its physiological effects. The aim was to investigate the effects of finasteride (a 5α-reductase inhibitor - 5αR) on cardiac and mutagenic effects promoted by ND. Male Wistar rats were separated into three groups: CONT, received the vehicles of ND and finasteride (Peanut oil+Saline); DECA group, received ND (20 mg.kg.week-1, i.m.), and DECAF received ND and finasteride (100 µg.kg-1, i.p.), for four weeks. After, hypertrophy, cytokines and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) activity was determined in heart. Bone marrow was used for micronucleus evaluation. Treatment with ND promotes increase in cardiac hypertrophy, ACE activity and disbalance among pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and combination with finasteride worsened those effects. Association with finasteride ameliorates the toxic effects of ND on bone marrow cells, as was observed by a normalization of the number of micronucleate polychromatic erythrocytes and the mitotic index. Our data demonstrates that deleterious effects promoted by ND are depend, at least in part, of its metabolization. Also, inhibition of 5αR by finasteride present variated effects dependent on organ studied. It can promote increase on cardiac damage and a reduction on mutagenic effects of ND, which demonstrated that dehydronandrolone has diverse role on ND effects..

Lack of Standardization in Commercial Thickeners Used in the Management of Dysphagia.

INTRODUCTION: Oral feeding safety is necessary to provide nutrition, hydration, and eating pleasure for patients with dysphagia. Commercial thickeners are prescribed for these patients to change food viscosity and may alter the proper preparation of modified food. OBJECTIVE: Analyze composition, employed terminology, preparation instructions, recommended amount and weight of provided measuring spoons, nutritional information, and viscosity of 7 commercial thickeners. METHODS: The sample comprised all thickeners from different brands available in Brazil, named A to G. Products were submitted to viscosity analysis using viscometer and the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) test. Samples were prepared with mineral water (25°C) and with the amount of thickener recommended to obtain intermediate viscosity (level 2) according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: Products B, C, and E presented similar composition. Manufacturer's information about the amount and preparation procedure, time, temperature, and base liquid was incomplete. Viscosity tests revealed that thickener C was basically solid while D displayed results out of the desired viscosity level. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed differences in components and viscosity, beyond the lack of label details. There was no established correlation between viscosity classifications provided by National Dysphagia Diet and IDDSI.

Cell wall dynamics and gene expression on soybean embryonic axes during germination.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Identification of the structural changes and cell wall-related genes likely involved in cell wall extension, cellular water balance and cell wall biosynthesis on embryonic axes during germination of soybean seeds. Cell wall is a highly organized and dynamic structure that provides mechanical support for the cell. During seed germination, the cell wall is critical for cell growth and seedling establishment. Although seed germination has been widely studied in several species, key aspects regarding the regulation of cell wall dynamics in germinating embryonic axes remain obscure. Here, we characterize the gene expression patterns of cell wall pathways and investigate their impact on the cell wall dynamics of embryonic axes of germinating soybean seeds. We found 2143 genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis and assembly in the soybean genome. Key cell wall genes were highly expressed at specific germination stages, such as expansins, UDP-Glc epimerases, GT family, cellulose synthases, peroxidases, arabinogalactans, and xyloglucans-related genes. Further, we found that embryonic axes grow through modulation of these specific cell wall genes with no increment in biomass. Cell wall structural analysis revealed a defined pattern of cell expansion and an increase in cellulose content during germination. In addition, we found a clear correlation between these structural changes and expression patterns of cell wall genes during germination. Taken together, our results provide a better understanding of the complex transcriptional regulation of cell wall genes that drive embryonic axes growth and expansion during soybean germination.

Comparison between two programs for image analysis, machine learning and subsequent classification.

In the early 1950s, flow cytometry was developed as the first method for automated quantitative cellular analysis. In the early 1990s, the first equipment for image cytometry (laser scanning cytometry, LSC) became commercially available. As flow cytometry was considered the gold standard, various studies found that the results of flow cytometry and LSC generated comparable results. One of the first programs for image analysis that included morphological parameters was ImageJ, published in 1997. One of the newer programs for image analysis that is not limited to fluorescence images is the free software CellProfiler. In 2008, the same group published a new software, CellProfiler Analyst. One part of CellProfiler Analyst is a supervised machine-learning-based classifier that allows users to conduct imaging-based diagnoses, e.g., cellular diagnosis based on morphology. Another relatively new, free software for image analysis is QuPath. The aim of the present study was to compare two free programs for conducting image analysis, CellProfiler and QuPath, and the subsequent classification based on machine learning. For this study, images of renal tissue were analyzed, and the identified objects were classified. The same images were loaded in both software programs. Advanced statistical analysis was used to compare the two methods. The Bland-Altman assay showed that all of the differences were within the mean ± 1.96 * standard deviation, i.e., the differences are normally distributed, and the software programs are comparable. For the analyzed samples (renal tissue stained with HIF and TUNEL), the use of QuPath was easier because it offers image analysis without a previous processing of the images (e.g., conversion to grayscale, inverted intensities) and an unsupervised machine learning process.

An efficient Perkin synthesis of 13 C-labelled cinnamic acids from acetic acid as the source of the rare isotope.

A variation of the Perkin reaction using a nonenolizable anhydride as the condensation agent allows for the effective conversion of valuable carboxylic acids to the corresponding cinnamates.

Development and evaluation of a vegetable oil blend formulation for cutaneous wound healing.

This work aimed to evaluate the in vivo capacity of a vegetable oil blend formulation (VOB) developed to accelerate cutaneous wound closure. Total thickness wounds were punctured on the skin on the back side of each animal and topically treated with the VOB formulation, Dersani® ointment or the vehicle control. After 2, 7, 14, 21 days post-wounding, five animals from each group were euthanized, and the rates of wound closure and re-epithelialization were evaluated. The wounds were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis. VOB resulted in faster and greater re-epithelialization in the in vivo excisional wounds, exhibiting significant wound area reduction of 8.9, 8.0, 35.1, 45.2 and 47.0% after 2, 5, 10, 14 and 21 days post-wounding, respectively, when compared with the vehicle control. Histological and biochemical analyses showed that the VOB-treated wounds exhibited a significant increase of granular tissue and controlled inflammatory response by modulation of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1. Moreover, VOB-treated wounds showed a significant and concrete increase in the deposition and organisation of collagen fibres in the wound site and improved the quality of the scar tissue. Altogether, these data revealed that VOB accelerates wound healing processes and might be beneficial for treating wound disorders.

Automated and Reproducible Detection of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Renal Tissue Sections.

BACKGROUND: Manual analysis of tissue sections, such as for pathological diagnosis, requires an analyst with substantial knowledge and experience. Reproducible image analysis of biological samples is steadily gaining scientific importance. The aim of the present study was to employ image analysis followed by machine learning to identify vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in kidney tissue that had been subjected to hypoxia. METHODS: Light microscopy images of renal tissue sections stained for VEGF were analyzed. Subsequently, machine learning classified the cells as VEGF+ and VEGF- cells. RESULTS: VEGF was detected and cells were counted with high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: With great clinical, diagnostic, and research potential, automatic image analysis offers a new quantitative capability, thereby adding numerical information to a mostly qualitative diagnostic approach.

Long-term treatment with kefir probiotics ameliorates cardiac function in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

This work evaluated the effects of long-term kefir treatment in cardiac function (cardiac contractility and calcium-handling proteins) and the central nervous system (CNS) control of the sympathetic signaling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Male normotensive rats [Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs)] and SHRs were divided into three groups: WKYs and SHRs treated with vehicle, and SHRs treated with milk fermented by the grains of kefir (5%; SHR-Kefir; oral gavage, 0.3 ml/100 g daily/9 weeks). At the end of treatment, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured by direct arterial catheterization. Hemodynamic parameters (left ventricular systolic pressure, left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time constant, maximal and minimal pressure decay) were acquired through a left ventricular catheter implantation. Left ventricle protein expressions of phospholamban (PLB), its phosphorylated form (p-PLB) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) were determined by Western blot. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression was evaluated via immunofluorescence within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). SHR-Kefir group presented lower MAP and HR compared to SHRs. Kefir treatment ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and promoted reduced expression of PLB, p-PLB and SERCA2a contractile proteins. Within the PVN and RVML, TH protein overexpression observed in SHRs was reduced by probiotic treatment. In addition, kefir improved cardiac hemodynamic parameters in SHR-treated animals. Altogether, the data show that long-term kefir treatment reduced blood pressure by mechanisms involving reduction of cardiac hypertrophy, improvement of cardiac contractility and calcium-handling proteins, and reduction in the CNS regulation of the sympathetic activity.

Phytochemical profile of genotypes of Euterpe edulis Martius - Juçara palm fruits.

Juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis) has received attention due to its similarities to Euterpe oleracea (Açaí). The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacities and chemopreventive activities of the fruit pulps of six populations of E. edulis (J1-J6) and one population of E. espiritosantense from different ecological regions. ESI(-)-FT-ICR-MS was used to evaluate the pulp composition. The varieties J1 and J4 presented higher polyphenol contents, while J2 and J5 showed higher anthocyanin contents. ESI-FT-ICR MS identified cyanidin-3-rutinoside (J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J7), protocatechuic acid, methylhydroxybenzoate hexoside and rutin (J1 to J7) and malvidin-glicoside (J2 to J5). The J2, J3, J4, J5 and J6 samples inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The chemoprevention biomarker quinone reductase was significantly induced by J6. Pulp from plants J3, J4, J6 and J7 significantly reduced the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, and J6 was selected as having the most potential for cultivation and consumption.

Colonization and destruction of ants of the genus Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in vitro by the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia in the southeast region of Brazil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the colonization and destruction of ants of the genus Camponotus sp. by the ovicidal fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4 isolate), in the southeast region of Brazil. The insects used in the experiment were worker ants of the genus Camponotus sp., collected periodically in the environment and immediately transported to the laboratory in test tubes. Then, VC4 growth was promoted in 2% chitin agar medium (2% WQ) to obtain a fungal solution containing conidia and/or chlamydospores. Two experimental groups were formed. Treated group consisted of Petri dishes containing 2% agar-water culture medium (2% WA) with nine live insects and 20 µL of fungal solution at the concentration of 15,000 conidia/chlamydospores. Control group consisted of Petri dishes containing 2% WA culture medium and nine live insects. The dishes in the treated and control groups were incubated in BOD at 25 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 10% relative humidity for 4 days. After 4 days, it was observed that the VC4 had grown, colonized, and caused the destruction of the ants. The fungus P. chlamydosporia was efficient at colonizing and destroying the urban ants collected on an experimental basis. Thus, it could open up new ways to reduce the use of chemical compounds in the future, decreasing health and environmental problems.

Induction of NAD (P)H: Quinone reductase 1 (QR1) and antioxidant activities in vitro of 'Toranja Burarama' (Citrus maxima [Burm.] Merr.).

Toranja 'Burarama', Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. (Citrus grandis), is a new citrus discovered in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. As several varieties of citrus are known to possess antioxidant and cancer chemopreventive properties, the aim of the study was to evaluate in vitro if this Toranja possess these properties. The antioxidant activity, the potential to induce quinone reductase 1, and the influence on cell viability were measured. ESI(-)FT-ICR MS analysis was also performed and identified flavonoids, coumarins, and fatty acids in the extract. The ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of the peels presented the highest antioxidant activity in vitro by DPPH (IC50  = 298.3 ± 2.6 µg/ml and 303.8 ± 0.4 µg/ml), ABTS assay (IC50  = 298.2 ± 6.4 µg/ml and 296.4 ± 2.5 µg/ml), and FRAP (IC50  = 234.6 ± 1.8 µg/ml and 398.1 ± 3.8 µg/ml). The ethyl acetate extract of the peel induced quinone reductase 1 activity in Hepa1c1c7 cells, indicating that C. maxima exhibited cancer chemopreventive properties.

Maltodextrin and Gum Arabic-Based Microencapsulation Methods for Anthocyanin Preservation in Juçara Palm (Euterpe edulis Martius) Fruit Pulp.

The juçara fruits (Euterpe edulis Martius), native to the Atlantic Forest, are rich in anthocyanins. To preserve the anthocyanins in juçara fruit pulp, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of microencapsulation by spray drying and freeze drying with maltodextrin (dextrose equivalent 16.5 to 19.5) and gum arabic in different proportions. The obtained microparticles were characterized by quantifying the total polyphenol and anthocyanin contents, by performing differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and infrared spectroscopy and by using scanning electron microscopy to analyze the morphology of the particles. The total amount of polyphenols in the fruit pulp was 750 ± 16.7 mg GAE/100 g of the freeze-dried sample. The total anthocyanins in the fruit pulp was 181.25 ± 5.36 (mg/100 g). The microparticles were formed by employing maltodextrin and gum arabic in a 1:1 proportion as the polymeric matrix; the mixtures of pulp and polymeric matrix were prepared in proportions of 2:3 and 2:1, preserving up to 83.69% of the anthocyanin content. Lyophilization of the 2:1 mixture resulted in an anthocyanin content of 116.89 ± 4.43 (mg/100 g), whereas lyophilization of the 2:3 mixture resulted in 151.68 ± 1.39 (mg/100 g) anthocyanin content, which did not differ from the value obtained by spray drying the 2:3 mixture (150.76 ± 5.79 (mg/100 g)). Thermal analyses showed that the microparticles obtained by freeze drying at a ratio of 2:3 presented greater resistance to degradation with increasing temperature. The incorporation of the pulp in the polymeric matrix was demonstrated by IR analyses. Microparticles obtained by freeze drying showed the formation of various-sized flakes, whereas those obtained by spray drying were spherical in shape. Microencapsulation is a possible alternative for improving the stability of the anthocyanins in this fruit.

The benefits of soluble non-bacterial fraction of kefir on blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy in hypertensive rats are mediated by an increase in baroreflex sensitivity and decrease in angiotensin-converting enzyme activity.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate whether long-term treatment with the soluble non-bacterial fraction of kefir affects mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cardiac hypertrophy through the modulation of baroreflex sensitivity, ACE activity, and the inflammatory-to-anti-inflammatory cytokine ratio in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS: SHRs were treated with the soluble non-bacterial kefir fraction (SHR-kefir) or with kefir vehicle (SHR-soluble fraction of milk). Normotensive control Wistar Kyoto animals received the soluble fraction of milk. All treatments were administered by gavage (0.3 mL/100g/body weight), once daily for eight weeks. At the end, after basal MAP and Heart Rate (HT) measurement, barorreflex sensitivity was evaluated through in bolus administrations of sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine (AP50 [arterial pressure 50%], the lower plateau, and HR range were measured). ACE activity and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10) were evaluated by ELISA. Cardiac hypertrophy was analysed morphometrically. RESULTS: Compared to SHR control, SHR-kefir exhibited a significant decrease in both MAP (SHR: 184 ± 5; SHR-Kefir: 142 ± 8 mmHg), and HR (SHR: 360 ± 10; SHR-kefir: 310 ± 14 bpm). The non-bacterial fraction of kefir also reduced cardiac hypertrophy, TNF-α-to-IL10 ratio, and ACE activity in SHRs. SHR-kefir baroreflex sensitivity, resulted in a partial but significant recovery of baroreflex gain, as demonstrated by improvements in AP50, the lower plateau, and HR range. CONCLUSION: In summary, our results indicate that long-term administration of the non-bacterial fraction of kefir promotes a significant decrease in both MAP and HR, by improving baroreflex, and reduces cardiac hypertrophy in SHRs, likely via ACE inhibition, and reduction of the TNF-α-to-IL10 ratio.