Sugarcane straw polyphenols as potential food and nutraceutical ingredient

The sugarcane processing industry generates a large amount of straw, which has a negative environmental impact, and high costs are associated with their elimination, wasting their potential bioactive value attributed to their richness in polyphenols. In this study, an ethanolic extract produced from sugarcane straw was screened for its phenolic compounds content, and the potential use of this extract in the development of a food ingredient was further evaluated. Fifty different secondary metabolites belonging to the hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoids were identified by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–ultrahigh-resolution—quadrupole time of flight–mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-UHR-QqTOF-MS). The predominant phenolic compounds found were 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, chlorogenic acid, and 5-O-feruloylquinic acid. The obtained extracts showed strong potential as food preservatives by exhibiting (a) antioxidant activity using both 2.2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods; and (b) antimicrobial capacity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, 74% inhibition for Bacillus cereus, and 44% for Salmonella enterica; and (c) the capacity to inhibit a food browning enzyme, tyrosinase (28–73% for 1–8 mg/ mL). Moreover, the extracts showed antidiabetic potential by inhibiting the enzymes α-glucosidase (15–38% for 1.25–5.00 mg/mL) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) (62–114% for 0.31–5.00 mg/mL). The extract (0.625 mg/mL) also exhibited the capacity to reduce proinflammatory mediators (i.e., interleukins 6 and 8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) when Caco-2 cells were stimulated with interleukin 1 beta. Thus, sugarcane straw extract, which is rich in phenolic compounds, showed high potential to be used in the development of food-preservative ingredients owing to its antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, and to be explored as a food supplement in diabetes prevention and as coadjuvant to reduce intestinal inflammation by reducing proinflammatory mediators.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Toxicological Study Employing Repeated Doses of Garcinielliptone FC, a Polyisoprenylated-Benzophenone Isolated from Seed of Platonia Insignis Mart

The major constituent from the hexane extract of the seeds of P. insignis is GFC (garcinielliptone FC). Doses of 25, 50and 75 mg/kg of GFC were aseptically suspended in 0.05% Tween 80 dissolved in 0.9% saline (vehicle) and orally administered for30, 90 and 120 consecutive days to adult Swiss mice. In this work, the repeated oral administration, in animals of both sexes,demonstrates that this compound is not able to induce mortality and/or behavioral changes in adult mice. In addition, body weightgain, feed intake and disposal of excreta were not altered by the administration of this compound with repeated doses. Furthermore,no differences in weight and macroscopic structure of the brain, liver, kidney, lung, heart and spleen between groups of male andfemale adult mice were observed after treatment. During the periods of treatment, GFC produced no significant changes onhaematological and biochemical parameters in male and female mice treated with all doses used. The aim of this study was toinvestigate the toxicological potential of GFC through behavioral, hematological, biochemical and morphological parameters inanimals in order to ensure the safe use of Platonia insignis in folk medicine.Fil: Silva, Ana P.. Federal University of Piauí; BrasilFil: Filho, José Carlos C. L. S.. North Union of Parana; BrasilFil: da Costa Júnior, Joaquim S.. Federal Institute of Piauí; BrasilFil: Peláez, Walter José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Faillace, Martín Sebastián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Falcão Ferraz, Alexandre de B.. Lutheran University of Brazil; BrasilFil: David, Jorge M.. Institute Of Chemistry, Federal University Of Bahia; Brasil. Universidade Federal da Bahia; BrasilFil: Freitas, Rivelilson M.. Federal University of Bahia; Brasi

The force method to calculate stress intensity factors for arbitrary meshes

The force method is a simple and accurate technique to obtain the stress intensity factors (SIF) for both modes I, II and also mixed I+II modes of fracture. The method uses the summation of internal nodal forces in the vicinity of the crack tip to compute SIFs. Recently, de Morais1 showed that the force method is able to yield accurate SIF values from FE models constructed with regular meshes of linear elements. In this paper, the force method is applied successfully to general finite element meshes, in such a way that it can be used on crack propagation algorithms with arbitrary crack paths

Elucidation of the nematicidal mode of action of 3-octanol on the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans

The root-lesion nematode (RLN), Pratylenchus penetrans, is one of the most severe plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), responsible for productivity losses in a significant number of plant hosts. The chemical control of these PPNs relies on fumigants and non-fumigants compounds, which offer a systemic protection. Such control methods are costly and hazardous to the environment and to humans. Compounds naturally produced by plants may play an important role in nematode control. The aim of this study is to analyze the molecular response of P. penetrans to the nematicidal agent 3-octanol (C8H18O) using a De novo transcriptome assembly approach. Previous work showed that 3-octanol is a strong nematicide of P. penetrans causing 100% mortality in standard direct contact for 24h. The mode of action of this nematicide was studied at sub-lethal exposure for 30 min. Overall, the aliphatic alcohol 3-octanol induced the activation of detoxification mechanisms of P. penetrans with up-regulation of metabolic pathways related with metabolism of xenobiotics by CP450, steroid hormone synthesis, retinol metabolism, drug metabolism among others, while affecting ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, starch/sucrose metabolism and several signaling pathways related with cellular immune response. Understanding the defense mechanisms of P. penetrans against natural nematicides can lead to development of tailor- made control solutions

Fire-resistant bio-based polyurethane foams designed with two by-products derived from sugarcane fermentation process

There is a growing interest in replacing conventional fossil-based polymers and composites with waste-based materials and fillers for environmental sustainability. This study designed water-blown polyurethane rigid foams using two by-products from the Amyris fermentation process of producing β-farnesene. The distillation residue (FDR) served as the main polyol component in the foam’s formulation (PF), supplemented with 4.5% sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a fire-retardant filler (PFA). The study assessed the impact on foam properties. Based on the analysis of all compiled data (foam structure, mechanical, and thermal properties), it can be inferred that ash particles acted as nucleating points in the reaction media, leading to a reduction in foam density (from 134 to 105 kg/m3), cell size (from 496 to 480 nm), and thermal conductivity. The absence of chemical interaction between the ash filler and the polyurethane matrix indicates that the ash acts as a filler with a plasticizing effect, enhancing the polymer chain mobility. As a result, the glass transition temperature of the foam decreases (from 74 to 71.8 ºC), and the decomposition onset temperature is delayed. Although, the incorporation of 4.5% SCBA (grain size below 250 μm) was ineffective in the increment of the compressive strength, that small amount was enough to increase the foam’s specific strength from 1009 to 1149 m2/s2 suggesting that other factors (e.g. polyol feedstock, grain size, ash packing, etc.) are yet to be accounted. The flammability test results indicate that sugarcane bagasse ash improved the foam performance, reducing burning time from 251 to 90 s, time of extinguishment from 255 to 116 s, and burning length from 132 to 56.7 mm, meeting the fire protection standard UL 94, class HB. Despite the need for further improvement and detailed flammability evaluation, the results support the notion that polyurethane foams from renewable waste by-products offer a sustainable alternative to both edible and fossil-based sources. Additionally, sugarcane bagasse ash can be a suitable silica source for reinforcing composites with reduced flammability, potentially replacing harmful halogenated chemicals used for the same purpose.Work funded by AICEP (Agência para o Investimento e Comércio Externo de Portugal, E. P. E) through Alchemy—Capturing High Value from Industrial Fermentation Bio Products. Granting agency: Portugal 2020, European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). UIDB/04708/2020 and Programmatic Funding—UIDP/04708/2020 of the CONSTRUCT—Instituto de I&D em Estruturas e Construções—funded by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC)

Promoting social plasticity in developmental disorders with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques

Being socially connected directly impacts our basic needs and survival. People with deficits in social cognition might exhibit abnormal behaviors and face many challenges in our highly social-dependent world. These challenges and limitations are associated with a substantial economical and subjective impact. As many conditions where social cognition is affected are highly prevalent, more treatments have to be developed. Based on recent research, we review studies where noninvasive neuromodulatory techniques have been used to promote Social Plasticity in developmental disorders. We focused on three populations where non-invasive brain stimulation seems to be a promising approach in inducing social plasticity: Schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Williams Syndrome (WS). There are still very few studies directly evaluating the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the social cognition of these populations. However, when considering the promising preliminary evidences presented in this review and the limited amount of clinical interventions available for treating social cognition deficits in these populations today, it is clear that the social neuroscientist arsenal may profit from non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for rehabilitation and promotion of social plasticity

Long-term stability of a non-adapted aerobic granular sludge process treating fish canning wastewater associated to EPS producers in the core microbiome

The tolerance of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) to variable wastewater composition is perceived as one of its greatest advantages compared to other aerobic processes. However, research studies select optimal operational conditions for evaluating AGS performance, such as the use of pre-adapted biomass and the control of wastewater composition. In this study, non-adapted granular sludge was used to treat fish canning wastewater presenting highly variable organic, nutrient and salt levels over a period of ca. 8 months. Despite salt levels up to 14 g NaCl L−1, the organic loading rate (OLR) was found to be the main factor driving AGS performance. Throughout the first months of operation, the OLR was generally lower than 1.2 kg COD m−3 day−1, resulting in stable nitrification and low COD and phosphorous levels at the outlet. An increase in OLR up to 2.3 kg COD m−3 day−1 disturbed nitrification and COD and phosphate removal, but a decrease to average values between 1 and 1.6 kg COD m−3 day−1 led to resuming of those processes. Most of the bacteria present in the AGS core microbiome were associated to extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production, such as Thauera and Paracoccus, which increased during the higher OLR period. Ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) species were detected in AGS biomass; while AOB were identified throughout the operation, NOB were no further identified after the period of increased OLR. Different polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) were detected along the process: Candidatus Accumulibacter, Tetrasphaera and Gemmatimonas. A non-adapted granular sludge was able to treat the fish canning wastewater and to tolerate salinity fluctuations up to 14 g L−1. Overall, a high microbial diversity associated to EPS producers allowed to preserve bacterial groups responsible for nutrients removal, contributing to the adaptation and long-term stability of the AGS system.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Preparation of controlled release microspheres using supercritical fluid technology for delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs

Ethylcellulose/methylcellulose blends were produced using different precipitation techniques and impregnated with naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Solvent-evaporation technique was used not only for the preparation of ethylcellulose/methylcellulose microspheres but also to encapsulate naproxen. Supercritical fluid (SCF) impregnation was also performed to prepare naproxen loaded microspheres. The microspheres, impregnated by the SCF technique, were prepared both by solvent-evaporation and by a supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process. In vitro release profiles at pH 7.4 and 1.2, of naproxen-loaded microspheres were evaluated and the results were modelled Fick’s law of diffusion and Power law. Miscrospheres prepared by supercritical antisolvent have a higher loading capacity and present a slower release profile. The systems studied present a release mechanism controlled by drug diffusion which complies Fick’s law of diffusion

Novel lipids to regulate obesity and brain function: comparing available evidence and insights from QSAR in silico models

Lipid molecules, such as policosanol, ergosterol, sphingomyelin, omega 3 rich phosphatidylcholine, α-tocopherol, and sodium butyrate, have emerged as novel additions to the portfolio of bioactive lipids. In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss these lipids, and their activity against obesity and mental or neurological disorders, with a focus on their proposed cellular targets and the ways in which they produce their beneficial effects. Furthermore, this available information is compared with that provided by in silico Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) models in order to understand the usefulness of these tools for the discovery of new bioactive compounds. Accordingly, it was possible to highlight how these lipids interact with various cellular targets related to the molecule transportation and absorption (e.g., α-tocopherol transfer protein for α-Tocopherol, ATP-binding cassette ABC transporters or Apolipoprotein E for sphingomyelins and phospholipids) or other processes, such as the regulation of gene expression (involving Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Proteins for ergosterol or Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in the case of policosanol) and inflammation (the regulation of interleukins by sodium butyrate). When comparing the literature with in silico Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) models, it was observed that although they are useful for selecting bioactive molecules when compared in batch, the information they provide does not coincide when assessed individually. Our review highlights the importance of considering a broad range of lipids as potential bioactives and the need for accurate prediction of ADMET parameters in the discovery of new biomolecules. The information presented here provides a useful resource for researchers interested in developing new strategies for the treatment of obesity and mental or neurological disorders.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio