Aims
To investigate the probiotic potential of yeasts isolated from naturally fermented Brazilian table olives.
Methods and Results
Eighteen yeast strains were tested in terms of: safety; survival of ...gastrointestinal and digestion conditions; antimicrobial activity; cellular hydrophobicity; autoaggregation ability and adhesion to epithelial cells; coaggregation and inhibition of pathogenic bacteria adhesion. Six yeasts showed favourable results for all probiotic attributes: Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 1746, Pichia guilliermondii CCMA 1753, Candida orthopsilosis CCMA 1748, Candida tropicalis CCMA 1751, Meyerozyma caribbica CCMA 1758 and Debaryomyces hansenii CCMA 1761. These yeasts demonstrated resistance to 37°C, pH 2·0 and bile salts, and survived in vitro digestion (≥106 CFU per ml). Furthermore, the yeasts exhibited a hydrophobic cell surface (42·5–92·2%), autoaggregation capacity (41·0–91·0%) and adhesion to Caco‐2 (62·0–82·8%) and HT‐29 (57·6–87·3%) epithelial cell lines. Also, the strains showed antimicrobial activity against Salmonella Enteritidis as well as the ability to coaggregate and reduce the adhesion of this pathogen to intestinal cells.
Conclusions
Autochthonous yeasts from naturally fermented Brazilian table olives have probiotic properties, with potential for development of new probiotic food products.
Significance and Impact of Study
These data are important and contribute to the knowledge of new potential probiotic yeasts capable of surviving gastrointestinal tract conditions and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria.
Rationale
Annona species are of interest for the isolation of bioactive molecules; however, studies of Annona jahnii Saff. are limited. The exploration of bioactive metabolites of endophytes isolated ...from this species is unprecedented and allows the preservation of the host plant, in addition to enabling the discovery of compounds with promising biological activities.
Methods
Ethyl acetate extracts from the cultured media of five fungi were obtained. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was measured using the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical method. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the microdilution method in broth in 96‐well plates. The exploration of the metabolic profile of the extracts and dereplication of the compounds were performed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/ESI‐MS/MS) combined with analysis using molecular networking (MN).
Results
A total of 1818 MS features were detected in the five selected extracts, of which 39 compounds were putatively identified. The secondary metabolites with the highest abundance were alkaloids, naphthopyrons, and cytochalasins. Other secondary metabolites include fumonisins, coumarin, and a meroterpenoid. Most of these compounds are related to specific biological properties such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antitumor activities. Extracts F398 and F403 showed inhibitory activity of the four pathogens tested. Extracts F475 and F506 did not inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, and F407 did not inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli in addition to having potent antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 10 μg/mL or less.
Conclusions
The use of UHPLC/ESI‐MS/MS data combined with MN proved useful in the dereplication of bioactive molecules of complex extracts that are still unexplored. These initial investigations should significantly assist in further research and increase the efficiency and speed in the discovery of new sources of secondary metabolites and new natural products.
A child with Down syndrome, like any other child, may benefit from interacting with memory stimuli, but needs additional support and help. The use of special teaching methods, which add playfulness ...and use of the computer, can enhance the memory processes of these children. In this work, we present the virtual environment "Nossa Vida (Our Life)", which was developed to assist children with Down syndrome to memorize action sequences of their daily routine. A daily routine memorization test (DRMT), consisting of a weekly reminder of typical daily routines completed by the children and parents, was performed before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention. The work involved a multidisciplinary team and assessed the effectiveness of the test performed by 30 children with Down syndrome from APAE, a special education school for children with intellectual disabilities in São Paulo, Brazil. The children were separated into two groups (Experimental - GE and Control - GC) with homogeneity and normality of the data. Two hypotheses were tested in this study: H0 and H1, where: H0 = There is no statistical difference between memorizing daily tasks between individuals with Down syndrome who used our ludic virtual environment and those who used the conventional memory method.H1 = There is a difference between the group of subjects with Down Syndrome who used our virtual game environment and the group that did not use it in relation to memorizing the daily task. This produces t = -14.98 and p <0.0001, with H1 being accepted. The results showed that the EG presented significance in relation to the CG and the evolution mean of the children in the EG was 81.82% higher. According to experts (psychologist and pedagogue) from APAE and parents, the playful activities implemented in this virtual environment have been of great interest to children, who had fun, tested hypotheses and questioned them about the sequences of actions performed in their routine daily.
Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is the most widely used activator in the rubber industry; however, there is growing concern about its use as it can become toxic to the environment, particularly in aquatic ...systems. This study describes the synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) assisted by the
Alpinia zerumbet
extract, which is then used as an activator in the replacement of ZnO to vulcanize nitrile rubber (NBR) containing 33% and 45% acrylonitrile (ACN). The
t
90
for NBR‐33% and NBR‐45% are 20 and 15 min, respectively. This indicates a reduction of 5 min in
t
90
with an increase in ACN. In comparison, ZnO‐activated NBR compounds exhibit the opposite trend, with
t
90
increasing from 10 for NBR‐33% to 19 min for NBR‐45%. Furthermore, the decrease in activation energy (
E
a
) with the increase in conversion for 33%‐MgO and 45%‐MgO indicates that vulcanization with MgO is a complex process. This behavior is comparable to that of 45%‐ZnO, but not for 33%‐ZnO because its
E
a
remains oscillating at 80–90 kJ mol
−1
in the entire conversion range. The crosslink densities of 33%‐MgO and 45%‐MgO are 5.87 and 4.78 mol cm
−3
, respectively. These values are slightly higher than those for 33%‐ZnO (5.77 mol cm
−3
) and 45%‐ZnO (4.38 mol cm
−3
).
Epithelial cells play an important role in reparative events. Therefore, therapies that can stimulate the proliferation and metabolism of these cells could accelerate the healing process. To evaluate ...the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), human keratinocytes were irradiated with an InGaAsP diode laser prototype (LASERTable; 780 ± 3 nm; 40 mW) using 0.5, 1.5, 3, 5, and 7 J/cm
2
energy doses. Irradiations were done every 24 h totaling three applications. Evaluation of cell metabolism (MTT assay) showed that LLLT with all energy doses promoted an increase of cell metabolism, being more effective for 0.5, 1.5, and 3 J/cm
2
. The highest cell counts (Trypan blue assay) were observed with 0.5, 3, and 5 J/cm
2
. No statistically significant difference for total protein (TP) production was observed and cell morphology analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed that LLLT did not promote morphological alterations on the keratinocytes. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed that LLLT also promoted an increase of type I collagen (Col-I) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression, especially for 1.5 J/cm
2
, but no change on fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) expression was observed. LLLT at energy doses ranging from 0.5 to 3 J/cm
2
promoted the most significant biostimulatory effects on cultured keratinocytes.
The natural alkaloid epiisopiloturine has recently become the focus of study for various medicinal properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and antischistosomal effect. The incorporation of ...active molecules in natural polymeric matrices has garnered increasing interest during recent decades. A new derivative of cashew gum successfully obtained by gum acetylation has shown great potential as a carrier in controlled drug release systems. In this work, epiisopiloturine was encapsulated in acetylated cashew gum nanoparticles in order to increase solubility and allow slow release, whereas the morphology results were supported by computer simulations. The particles were produced under a variety of conditions, and thoroughly characterized using light scattering and microscopic techniques. The particles were spherical and highly stable in solution, and showed drug incorporation at high levels, up to 55% efficiency. Using a dialysis-based in vitro assay, these particles were shown to release the drug via a Fickian diffusion mechanism, leading to gradual drug release over approximately 6 h. These nanoparticles show potential for the use as drug delivery system, while studies on their potential anti-inflammatory action, as well as toxicity and efficacy assays would need to be performed in the future to confirm their suitability as drug delivery candidates.
•Nanoparticles made with acetylated cashew gum were shown to be viable drug delivery vehicles.•Biomolecular interactions between epiisopiloturine and cashew gum acetylated are carried out.•These nanoparticles show potential for the use as drug delivery system.
The production of triploids and apomictic reproduction are important processes for polyploid establishment and cytotype coexistence, but we know little about the interaction between triploids and ...facultatively apomictic plants. To bridge this gap, we studied the pollen‐dependent, facultatively apomictic orchid Zygopetalum mackayi from high‐elevation outcrops of southeast Brazil.
We described the nature of the contact between Z. mackayi cytotypes and patterns of genetic diversity and structure based on eight microsatellite markers and 155 individuals of pure tetraploid, pure diploid and mixed cytotype populations.
Our results revealed high values of genetic and genotypic diversity within all populations of Z. mackayi. Each cytotype emerged as a genetic distinct cluster, combining individuals from different populations. Triploids clustered in an intermediate position between diploids and tetraploids. Most genetic variance is associated with individuals within populations and genetic differentiation is high among populations.
Mixed cytotype populations of Z. mackayi originate from secondary contact. Triploids are hybrids between diploids and tetraploids and likely act as a bridge. Our results point to the predominance of sexual reproduction in all populations but do not corroborate previous basic chromosome number for this species. Polyploidy rather than facultative apomixis may explain the larger geographic distribution of tetraploids of Z. mackayi.
Cytotypes of Zygopetalum mackayi brazilian orchids are genetically diverse despite facultative apomixis and high triploid frequency.
An acid digestion procedure of the forage palm (
Opuntia ficus-indica
Mill and
Nopalea cochenilifera
) employing a closed digestor block applied full 2
4
factorial design was optimized. The optimal ...conditions were HNO
3
5.0 mol L
−1
, 2.0 mL of H
2
O
2
30% m m
−1
, 120 min of digestion, and heating temperature of 180 °C. The certified reference materials of apple leaves (NIST 1515) and tomato leaves (Agro C1003a) were used to evaluate the accuracy of the analytical method. The concentrations of the macroelements were (in % m m
−1
) Ca (1.32–3.71), K (0.88–5.29), Mg (0.70–1.78), and P (0.03–0.32). For the microelements, the concentrations (in μg g
−1
) obtained were As (< 1.39), Cd (< 0.10), Cu (< 0.17–5.6), Fe (8.0–50.2), Na (< 1.85), Sr (41–348), and Zn (17.3–159). Essential elements such as Ca, Mg, and Zn made good contributions to daily intake, being an alternative to meet the nutritional needs of these macroelements and microelements in humans. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to evaluate the results, obtaining trends between the samples in relation to their mineral composition.
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical studies have shown that patients with Diabetic Neuropathy Pain (DNP) present with increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) serum concentration, whereas studies ...with diabetic animals have shown that TNF-α induces an increase in Na
V
1.7 sodium channel expression. This is expected to result in sensitization of nociceptor neuron terminals, and therefore the development of DNP. For further study of this mechanism, dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were exposed to TNF-α for 6 h, at a concentration equivalent to that measured in STZ-induced diabetic rats that developed hyperalgesia. Tetrodotoxin sensitive (TTXs), resistant (TTXr) and total sodium current was studied in these DRG neurons. Total sodium current was also studied in DRG neurons expressing the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) SUMO-incompetent mutant protein (CRMP2-K374A), which causes a significant reduction in Na
V
1.7 membrane cell expression levels. Our results show that TNF-α exposure increased the density of the total, TTXs and TTXr sodium current in DRG neurons. Furthermore, TNF-α shifted the steady state activation and inactivation curves of the total and TTXs sodium current. DRG neurons expressing the CRMP2-K374A mutant also exhibited total sodium current increases after exposure to TNF-α, indicating that these effects were independent of SUMOylation of CRMP2. In conclusion, TNF-α sensitizes DRG neurons via augmentation of whole cell sodium current. This may underlie the pronociceptive effects of TNF-α and suggests a molecular mechanism responsible for pain hypersensitivity in diabetic neuropathy patients.
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