Comparative analysis of selected nutrients in Pereskia species

Abstract This investigation undertakes a comparative quantitative assessment of the macronutrient and micronutrient profiles of Pereskia grandifolia (Haworth) and Pereskia aculeata (Miller), commonly known as Ora-pro-nóbis, categorized as Non-Conventional Food Plants (NCFPs), juxtaposing these profiles against established food crops. Quantitative analysis revealed that both Pereskia species exhibit elevated concentrations of micronutrients such as iron and zinc, surpassing those of Phaseolus vulgaris (Linnaeus) and Lens culinaris (Linnaeus). Specifically, solubilized zinc levels in P. aculeata (13.6 mg/100g) and P. grandifolia (13.9 mg/100g) exceed those of lentils (7.5 mg/100g) and beets (3.7 mg/100g). Similarly, solubilized iron levels in P. grandifolia (12.4 mg/100g) and P. aculeata (10.5 mg/100g) surpass those of lentils (3.0 mg/100g) and beets (3.8 mg/100g). However, phytate levels are comparatively lower in the Pereskia species, with P. grandifolia demonstrating reduced concentrations at 1500 mg/kg, alongside significant preponderance in protein (20.8 g/100g) and nitrogen (14.6 g/100g). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied, demonstrating a strong associative propensity of iron, zinc, and protein with the Pereskia genus. In contrast, Pearson's correlation coefficients elucidated a complex interdependency among the nutrient variables, except for an inverse correlation between phytate concentration and both iron and protein levels. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the enriched nutritional profiles of P. grandifolia and P. aculeata, emphasizing their potential as valuable dietary resources

Effect of power densities and irradiation times on the degree of conversion and temperature increase of a microhybrid dental composite resin

The different parameters used for the photoactivation process provide changes in the degree of conversion (DC%) and temperature rise (TR) of the composite resins. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the DC (%) and TR of the microhybrid composite resin photoactivated by a new generation LED. For the KBr pellet technique, the composite resin was placed into a metallic mould (1-mm thickness and 4-mm diameter) and photoactivated as follows: continuous LED LCU with different power density values (50-1000 mW/cm(2)). The measurements for the DC (%) were made in a FTIR Spectrometer Bomen (model MB-102, Quebec-Canada). The spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra for both uncured and cured samples were analyzed using an accessory for the diffuse reflectance. The measurements were recorded in the absorbance operating under the following conditions: 32 scans, 4-cm(-1) resolution, and a 300 to 4000-cm(-1) wavelength. The percentage of unreacted carbon-carbon double bonds (% C=C) was determined from the ratio of the absorbance intensities of aliphatic C=C (peak at 1638 cm(-1)) against an internal standard before and after the curing of the specimen: aromatic C-C (peak at 1608 cm-1). For the TR, the samples were made in a metallic mould (2-mm thickness and 4-mm diameter) and photoactivated during 5, 10, and 20 s. The thermocouple was attached to the multimeter to allow the temperature readings. The DC (%) and TR were calculated by the standard technique and submitted to ANOVA and Tukey`s test (p < 0.05). The degree of conversion values varied from 35.0 (+/- 1.3) to 45.0 (+/- 2.4) for 5 s, 45.0 (+/- 1.3) to 55.0 (+/- 2.4) for 10 s, and 47.0 (+/- 1.3) to 52.0 (+/- 2.4) for 20 s. For the TR, the values ranged from 0.3 (+/- 0.01) to 5.4 (+/- 0.11)degrees C for 5 s, from 0.5 (+/- 0.02) to 9.3 (+/- 0.28)degrees C for 10 s, and from 1.0 (+/- 0.06) to 15.0 (+/- 0.95)degrees C for 20 s. The power densities and irradiation times showed a significant effect on the degree of conversion and temperature rise.FAPESP Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Diffusion analysis of one photosensitizer in bovine teeth using fluorescence optical imaging

Some photosensitizers (PSs) used for PACT (Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy) show an affinity for bacterial walls and can be photo-activated to cause the desired damage. However, on dentine bacterias may be less susceptible to PACT as a result of limited penetration of the PS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diffusion of one PS based on hematoporphyrin on dentine structures. Twelve bovine incisors were used. Class III cavities (3 x 3 x 1 mm) were prepared on the mesial or distal surfaces using a diamond bur. Photogem (R) solution at 1 mg/mL (10 uL for each cavity) was used. The experimental Groups were divided according to thickness of dentine remaining and etched or no-etched before the PS application. The fluorescence excitation source was a VelScope (R) system. For image capture a scientific CCD color camera PixelFly (R) was coupled to VelScope. For image acquisition and processing, a computational routine was developed at Matlab (R). Fick's Law was used to obtain the average diffusion coefficient of PS. Differences were found between all Groups. The longitudinal temporal diffusion was influenced by the different times, thickness and acid etching

Estereótipos de género na publicidade em Portugal

O principal objectivo deste estudo é identificar e analisar a presença de estereótipos de género na publicidade emitida em Portugal, procurando-se compreender como o homem e a mulher são retratados na publicidade, em que contextos, e que posição ocupam relativamente um ao outro. Pretende-se analisar a publicidade que contenha apenas elementos humanos (não crianças como personagem principal) por forma a compreender como a publicidade explora as dimensões abaixo referidas: Estereótipos de género Procura-se compreender como o homem e a mulher são retratados na publicidade, se é feito apelo a papéis de género diferenciados ou não. Se ao homem se atribuem os papéis sociais, exteriores, de status e se à mulher se atribuem os papéis de dona de casa, mãe e no interior de uma casa. Perceber se para além destas diferenças se o homem ou a mulher são descriminados um em relação ao outro, se um se subordina ao outro ou não.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Optical characterization of one dental composite resin using bovine enamel as reinforcing filler

The use of composite resins for restorative procedure in anterior and posterior cavities is highly common in Dentistry due to its mechanical and aesthetic properties that are compatible with the remaining dental structure. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the optical characterization of one dental composite resin using bovine enamel as reinforcing filler. The same organic matrix of the commercially available resins was used for this experimental resin. The reinforcing filler was obtained after the gridding of bovine enamel fragments and a superficial treatment was performed to allow the adhesion of the filler particles with the organic matrix. Different optical images as fluorescence and reflectance were performed to compare the experimental composite with the human teeth. The present experimental resin shows similar optical properties compared with human teeth. © 2012 SPIE