Nutraceutical Potential and Sensory Acceptability of Unripe Plantain-Millet Composite Flour Blends

There is an increasing need globally to eat foods that contain arrays of health promoting phytochemicals as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Therefore, the  present study sought to assess the nutritional  and antioxidant potentials of unripe plantain (UP) and millet (M) composite blends (UP: M); 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100. Some of the evaluated proximate indices (fat, protein, and fiber) gave high values as the composition of millet increases in the blends. On the contrary, the result showed an increasing value in the level of some minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium) as the inclusion of unripe plantain increases in the blend, with the exception of phosphorous. Physico-chemical properties of the blends did not show any particular trend with the proportion of either plantain or millet in the blend. The result of the sensory properties of the porridge prepared from the blend showed a varied rating, with better overall acceptability for two blends (40UP:60M, 20UP:80M). HPLC/DAD analyses of millet and unripe plantain revealed the presence of some flavonoids and phenolic acids. Antioxidant indices were also high as the percentage inclusion of millet increases in the blend. Results from this investigation revealed that millet contributes  higher antioxidant potential and is a better source of protein and fat, while unripe plantain have higher amount of minerals. This by implication is that the combination of these plant food most especially two of the blends (40UP:60M and 20UP:80M) would serve well as a functional food which could be harnessed as in the management of free radical mediated diseases. Keywords: Antioxidant potential; Nutritional value; Phenolic composition; Sensory properties; Millet; Musa paradisiaca

DANÇA JAZZ EM PORTO ALEGRE: origens e evolução

Esse estudo visou identificar como a dança jazz surgiu e evoluiu ao longo dos anos em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul e como ela se encontra na atualidade. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram 7 professores e coreógrafos de dança jazz de Porto Alegre que atuam na área há mais de dez anos. Foram realizadas entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas com perguntas abertas. A partir das entrevistas e da literatura consultada, considera-se que os precursores da dança jazz em Porto Alegre foram: Eneida Dreher e Suzete Otto. A dança jazz iniciou em Porto Alegre por volta de 1975/1976, tendo seu “boom” na década de oitenta. A evolução da dança jazz em Porto Alegre se deu através de intercâmbio e busca de informação pelos professores e surgimento de festivais de dança

Phenolics from grapefruit peels inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and angiotensin-I converting enzyme and show antioxidative properties in endothelial EA.Hy 926 cells

This study sought to investigate the possible mechanisms for the use of phenolic extracts from grapefruit peels in the management/prevention of cardiovascular complications. The effects of the phenolic extracts on key enzymes relevant to cardiovascular diseases [3-hydroxy-methyl-3-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) and angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE)], cellular antioxidant activity in human endothelial cells (EA.Hy 926) and radicals [1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS)] scavenging abilities were investigated. The phenolic contents of the extracts were investigated using HPLC–DAD. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory ability of the two extracts, while the bound phenolic extracts had a stronger ACE inhibitory ability than the soluble free phenolics. The extracts also showed intracellular antioxidant activity in human endothelial (EA.Hy 926) cells. Furthermore, the bound phenolics had significantly higher radicals (DPPH* and ABTS*) scavenging abilities than the free phenolics. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol), phenolics acids (resveratrol, gallic acid, ellagic acid and caffeic acid) and tannin (catechin). The cellular antioxidative properties and inhibition of enzymes relevant to the management of cardiovascular complications showed that grapefruit peels could be used as nutraceuticals for the management of such conditions

Genotoxic and chromatographic analyses of aqueous extracts of Peltodon longipes Kunth ex Benth. (hortelã-do-campo)

Peltodon longipes é utilizada como estimulante e emenagoga. Objetivou-se realizar análises genotóxica e cromatográfica dos extratos de duas amostras de P. longipes, coletadas nos municípios de Santa Maria e Tupanciretã, RS, Brasil. O teste de Allium cepa foi utilizado para análise da genotoxicidade e a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, para determinação dos compostos fenólicos. O experimento de genotoxicidade constou de nove grupos de quatro bulbos de A. cepa. Os bulbos foram enraizados em água destilada e após transferidos para os tratamentos, por 24 horas, permanecendo o controle negativo em água. Os tratamentos foram: extratos aquosos nas concentrações de 5 e 15 g L-1 de cada amostra, além de quatro grupos tratados com glifosato 1%, um deles usado como controle positivo e outros três para testar a recuperação de danos ao DNA, utilizando água e os extratos de P. longipes da amostra de Santa Maria. Todos os extratos de P. longipes demonstraram potencial antiproliferativo, porém o efeito foi significativamente maior para os extratos da amostra de Tupanciretã. Essa amostra também apresentou maior quantidade de ácido rosmarínico e canferol, o que pode estar relacionado com os efeitos encontrados nesses extratos. Somente extratos da amostra de Santa Maria demonstraram potencial genotóxico.Peltodon longipes is used as a stimulant and emmenagogue. The objective of this study was to perform genotoxic and chromatographic analyses of the extracts of two samples of P. longipes, collected from the cities of Santa Maria and Tupanciretã, RS, Brazil. The Allium cepa assay was used to analyze genotoxicity while high-performance liquid chromatography was employed to determine phenolic compounds. The genotoxicity experiment consisted of nine groups each comprising four A. cepa bulbs. Bulb roots were developed in distilled water and then transferred for the treatments, for 24 hours, and the negative control remained in water. The treatments were: aqueous extracts at concentrations of 5 and 15 g L-1 for each sample, plus four groups treated with 1% glyphosate, one of which was used as a positive control and the other three for testing DNA damage recovery using water and the extracts of P. longipes from Santa Maria. All extracts of P. longipes exhibited anti-proliferative potential, although the effect was significantly greater for the extracts from the Tupanciretã sample. This sample also contained the highest amount of rosmarinic acid and kaempferol, which may confer the effects found in these extracts. Only extracts from the Santa Maria sample exhibited genotoxic potential

Chromatographic analysis and antiproliferative potential of aqueous extracts of Punica granatum fruit peels using the Allium cepa test

Punica granatum L., conhecida como romanzeira, é originária da Ásia e encontra-se distribuída por todo Brasil. É usada para o tratamento de doenças inflamatórias, infecciosas e respiratórias. Em decorrência da grande utilização de recursos fitoterápicos, é necessário esclarecer à população sobre a grande quantidade de substâncias existentes nas plantas e sobre os benefícios e prejuízos de tais substâncias à saúde. O presente trabalho objetivou realizar a análise cromatográfica e o estudo da genotoxicidade dos extratos aquosos das cascas dos frutos de P. granatum através do teste de Allium cepa L. Para a montagem do experimento, foram utilizados 7 tratamentos: T1-água destilada, T2-chá 5 g.L-1, T3-chá 10 g.L-1, T4-glifosato a 9,6%, T5-glifosato para recuperação em água destilada, T6-glifosato para recuperação em chá 5 g.L-1 e T7-glifosato para recuperação em chá 10 g.L-1. As radículas foram coletadas e fixadas em etanol:ácido acético (3:1) por 24 horas, e armazenadas em álcool 70%, sob refrigeração. Realizou-se análise por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência para quantificação dos compostos fenólicos. Nos extratos de P. granatum foram observados em maior quantidade: ácido gálico, catequina, ácido cafeico e rutina. Além disso, os extratos demonstraram potencial antiproliferativo, sem apresentar atividade antimutagênica e genotóxica.Punica granatum L., locally known as romanzeira, is native to Asia but found throughout Brazil. P. granatum is used for treating inflammatory, infectious and respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chromatography and genotoxicity of an aqueous extract of P. granatum (pomegranate) fruit peel using the Allium cepa L. test. The experiment set-up entailed 7 treatments: T1-distilled water, T2-tea 5 g.L-1, T3-tea 10 g.L-1, T4-glyphosate at 9.6%, T5-glyphosate with subsequent recovery in distilled water, T6-glyphosate with subsequent recovery in tea 5 g.L-1 and T7-glyphosate with subsequent recovery in tea 10 g.L-1. The rootlets were collected and fixed in ethanol:acetic acid (3:1) for 24 hours, then stored in 70% ethanol under refrigeration. Analysis was performed using high performance liquid chromatography for the quantification of the extracted phenolic compounds. Gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, and rutin were abundant in the extracts of P. granatum. The extracts were found to exhibit antiproliferative potential but not antimutagenic or genotoxic activity

Phenolic Extract from Moringa oleifera

This study was designed to determine the antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects of extract from Moringa oleifera leaves on angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) and arginase activities in vitro. The extract was prepared and phenolic (total phenols and flavonoid) contents, radical (nitric oxide (NO), hydroxyl (OH)) scavenging abilities, and Fe2+-chelating ability were assessed. Characterization of the phenolic constituents was done via high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis. Furthermore, the effects of the extract on Fe2+-induced MDA production in rats’ penile tissue homogenate as well as its action on ACE and arginase activities were also determined. The extract scavenged NO∗, OH∗, chelated Fe2+, and inhibited MDA production in a dose-dependent pattern with IC50 values of 1.36, 0.52, and 0.38 mg/mL and 194.23 µg/mL, respectively. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol were the most abundant phenolic compounds identified in the leaf extract. The extract also inhibited ACE and arginase activities in a dose-dependent pattern and their IC50 values were 303.03 and 159.59 µg/mL, respectively. The phenolic contents, inhibition of ACE, arginase, and Fe2+-induced MDA production, and radical (OH∗, NO∗) scavenging and Fe2+-chelating abilities could be some of the possible mechanisms by which M. oleifera leaves could be used in the treatment and/or management of erectile dysfunction

Dimensionamento do quadro de funcionários das escolas de educação básica no Brasil

Este artigo apresenta lacunas nas políticas educacionais no que diz respeito aos funcionários de escola, reforçadas pela ausência de dados sobre esses profissionais no questionário específico do Censo da Educação Básica (CEB). Nesse sentido, propõe indicadores para dimensionamento do quadro de funcionários das escolas públicas, a partir do único item do CEB que permite obter informações sobre esses profissionais: “Total de funcionários da escola (inclusive profissionais escolares em sala de aula)”. Os resultados, por escola, mostram grande variabilidade, tendo em vista a heterogeneidade do sistema, e sugerem que novos estudos explicativos são necessários para compreender melhor essas diferenças

Movements and social behavior of killer whales (Orcinus orca) off the Brazilian coast

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are cosmopolitan apex predators that occupy important ecological roles and show some variations in feeding and social habits in coastal and pelagic environments worldwide. Although they have been regularly reported along the Brazilian coastline, their natural history in these tropical and subtropical waters remains poorly understood. Here, we provide new information on group size, behavior, movements and the first assessment of their social structure in Brazilian coast. From 2005 to 2021, 57 new records of sightings were opportunistically observed with estimated group sizes ranging from 1 to 11 individuals (mean = 5.61; SD = 2.91), and 47 individuals were photo-identified—28% adult females, 19% adult males, 19% juveniles, 17% calves and 17% adults of unknown sex. Thirty-one individuals (66%) were sighted just once and sixteen (34%) were resighted more than once (resighting rate = 0.30 ± 0.30 SD). Killer whales were observed feeding on rays four times (two out of which on butterfly rays Gymnura altavela), twice on an unidentified fish school of fish, while attacks on marine mammals were recorded. Between 2020 and 2021, photo-identification results of 11 specific individuals revealed both long and short-distance movements from the southeastern and southern Brazilian coasts to the coast of Uruguay. Individuals seem to be resighted together over time, as suggested by the average half-weight association index (HWI = 0.29 ± 0.19 SD) and a permutation test rejecting the null hypothesis of random association (CVreal = 0.67 > CVmean = 0.01, pCV = 1.00), forming small groups of mixed age-sex that engage in both short- and long-term associations. These patterns suggest that they could form stable social units that also experience some degree of fission-fusion dynamics. While the nature of the opportunistic data hinders a definitive portrayal of the social structure of killer whales using the Brazilian coastal waters, these novel insights contribute to mapping the socio-ecology and behavioral diversity of one of the most widely distributed mammals

Potencial antioxidante in vitro, conteúdo de fenóis e flavonóides nos ramos de Scutia buxifolia Reissek

This work describes the antioxidant evaluation through the DPPH free radical methodology, the determination of polyphenol dosage by the method of Folin-Ciocalteau and the content of flavonoids in crude extract and fractions of the Scutia buxifolia twigs (coronilha). The content of flavonoids and polyphenols ranged from 102.02 ± 0.71 to 318.82 ± 1.62 milligram of pirogallic acid per gram of dry plant and 83.47 ± 0.93 to 140.71 ± 2.14 milligram of rutin per gram of dry plant, respectively. The IC50 required concentration to inhibit the activity of DPPH at 50% was: crude extract > CH2Cl2 > AcOEt > n-BuOH. In this study it was established a high positive correlation between fractions of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of these (0.99). These results indicate that S. buxifolia has chemicals that are able to catch free radicals, promising compounds in the search for antioxidant drugs against diseases from oxidative stress, being the n-BuOH and AcOEt fractions the most effective ones.O presente trabalho descreve a avaliação da atividade antioxidante pela metodologia do radical livre DPPH, o doseamento de polifenóis pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteau e teor de flavonóides no extrato bruto e nas frações dos ramos de Scutia buxifolia (coronilha). O conteúdo de polifenóis e flavonóides variaram de 102,02 ± 0,71 a 318,82 ± 1,62 miligrama de ácido pirogálico por grama de planta seca e 83,47 ± 0,93 a 140,71 ± 2,14 miligrama de rutina por grama de planta seca, respectivamente. O IC50, concentração necessária para inibir a atividade do DPPH em 50% foi: extrato bruto > CH2Cl2 > AcOEt > n-BuOH. No presente estudo foi possível estabelecer uma alta correlação positiva entre compostos fenólicos das frações e a atividade antioxidante destas (0,99). Estes resultados indicam que S. buxifolia possui Substâncias químicas capazes de capturarem radicais livres, compostos promissores na busca de fármacos antioxidantes contra doenças decorrentes do estresse oxidativo, sendo as frações n-BuOH e AcOEt as mais efetivas

Potencial antioxidante in vitro das folhas de ipomoea cairica l. sweet

This work describes the antioxidant activity evaluation and determination of polyphenols of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and dichloromethane (CH2 Cl2 ) fractions of the leaves of Ipomoea cairica L. Sweet, a plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. This species is popularly known as corda­de­viola and is used in Brazilian folk medicine as anti­inflammatory and antirheumatic. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and each fraction was the IC50 calculated. The IC50 showed values of 43.06 µg/mL for CH2 Cl2 fraction and 45.43 µg/mL for the EtOAc fraction. The polyphenol content was determined using the patterns pyrogallic and gallic acids. From this work was not possible to establish a positive relationship between amount of phenolics compounds and antioxidant activity performed by ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions. Both showed similar DPPH front, but distinct in the quantification of phenolics compounds.O presente trabalho descreve a avaliação da atividade antioxidante e o doseamento de polifenóis totais das frações acetato de etila (AcOEt) e diclorometano (CH2Cl2) das folhas de Ipomoea cairica L. Sweet, uma planta pertencente à família Convolvulaceae. Essa espécie é conhecida popularmente como corda-de-viola e é utilizada na medicina popular brasileira, como anti-inflamatório e antirreumático. A atividade antioxidante foi determinada pelo método do DPPH e cada fração teve o IC50 calculado. O IC50 apresentou valores de 43,06 μg/mL para a fração CH2Cl2 e de 45,43μg/mL para a fração AcOEt. O conteúdo de polifenóis foi determinado através da utilização dos padrões de ácido pirogálico e ácido gálico. Nesse trabalho não foi possívelestabelecer uma relação positiva entre a quantidade de compostos fenólicos e a atividade antioxidante desempenhada pelas frações acetato de etila e diclorometano, uma vez que ambas apresentaram comportamentos semelhantes frente ao DPPH, mas distintos na quantificação de compostos fenólicos.Palavras-chave: Ipomoea cairica, corda-de-viola, DPPH,atividade antioxidante, compostos fenólicos, folhas