Cynaropicrin- and chlorogenic acid-rich extracts easily prepared from Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus: antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties

Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus, commonly known as globe artichoke, is known for its medicinal and culinary properties since ancient times. Nowadays, with the increasing demand for healthier foods artichoke has been valorized and worldwide production has increased to meet the increasing demand in consumption of the flower and infusion from leaves. The aim of this work was to characterize the main bioactive compounds obtained from artichoke leaf extracts using simple and sustainable techniques. Among different extraction procedures tested, decoction in water gave extracts particularly rich in chlorogenic acid (1) and cynaropicrin (2) as demonstrated by the NMR spectroscopy analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 were efficiently separated by liquid-liquid extraction, as 1 was only found in the aqueous (Aq) fraction and 2 was selectively isolated in the organic (O) fraction. While both fractions showed in vitro antioxidant activity by scavenging activity, only the O fraction was able to protect Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells from oxidative stress. Interestingly, the O fraction was much more antigenotoxic than Aq fraction, suggesting a highly efficient hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Besides being simple and avoiding organic solvents, decoction in water provides maximal extraction of 1 and 2 and, presumably, maximal bioactivities.This work was supported by national funds through the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, FCT I.P. [“Contrato-Programa” UIDB/04050/2020]; the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding [UIDB/ 00686/2020]; and by the Operation Program of Integrated Infrastructure [Advancing University Capacity and Competence in Research, Development and Innovation, ITMS2014+: 313021X329, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund]

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA COMUNIDADE DE MICROALGAS PERIFÍTICAS EM UM RESERVATÓRIO DO SEMIÁRIDO CEARENSE

Devido aos aglomerados urbanos próximos aos recursos hídricos e os usos indevidos da bacia hidrográfica podemos visualizar a constante alteração da qualidade da água. Microalgas são organismos unicelulares, fotossintetizantes, responsáveis por 90% da produção de O2 atmosférico, apresentam ampla distribuição geográfica e elevada taxa de produtividade. Alguns grupos resistem melhor a alterações no meio aquático, inclusive a alterações decorrentes da atividade humana. As algas perifíticas são excelentes bioindicadores da qualidade da água e de seu estado trófico, devido à capacidade de acumular grandes quantidades de substâncias e nutrientes poluentes. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a diversidade de microalgas perifíticas, e a sua influência no ambiente como bioindicadores da qualidade da água e do seu estado trófico no reservatório Rosário no Município de Lavras da Mangabeira – CE. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente no período de março/2013 a janeiro/2014, caracterizando o período seco e o chuvoso, respectivamente. Para o referido estudo foram realizados raspagem de partes submersas de macrófitas aquáticas, tais como, folhas, frutos e raízes. As amostras foram acondicionadas em frascos de polietileno, fixadas com formol a 4%, sendo posteriormente identificadas e encaminhadas ao acervo do Laboratório de Botânica – LaB da Universidade Regional do Cariri – URCA. A comunidade perifítica mostrou-se bastante diversificada, sendo constituída de 92 táxons distribuídos em cinco divisões: Chlorophyta (35%), Bacillariophyta (34%), Cyanobacteria (26%), Euglenophyta (4%) e Dinophyta (1%). Foi registrada a predominância de Chlorophyta, com um maior número de táxons, seguida das divisões Bacillariophyta e Cyanobacteria. O reservatório Rosário vem sofrendo uma grande influência antrópica, sendo necessário um constante monitoramento evitando assim, prejuízos ambientais e humanos. http://dx.doi.org/10.14295/cad.cult.cienc.v14i1.91

Acceptability of short message service (SMS) as a tool for malaria treatment adherence in the Brazilian Amazon: a qualitative study

Background: Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide, and patient adherence to prescribed antimalarials is essential for effective treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study, with in-depth telephone interviews, analyzed participants’ perceptions of short message service (SMS) in adherence to treatment. Results: Five thematic categories emerged: decreased forgetfulness, the novelty of the tool, easy-to-understand language, the impact of SMS messages during treatment, and suggestions for improvement and complaints. Conclusions: SMS could assist patients in adhering to prescribed antimalarials.Fil: Rodovalho, Sheila. Universidade do Estado do Amazonas; BrasilFil: Dias, Ádila Liliane Barros. Universidade do Estado do Amazonas; BrasilFil: Paz Ade, Maria. Pan American Health Organization; ArgentinaFil: Saint Gerons, Diego Macias. Pan American Health Organization; ArgentinaFil: Castro, Jose Luis. Pan American Health Organization; ArgentinaFil: Beratarrechea, Andrea Gabriela. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Murta, Felipe Leão Gomes. Universidade do Estado do Amazonas; BrasilFil: dos Santos, Alicia Cacau Patrine. Universidade do Estado do Amazonas; BrasilFil: Marques, Leonardo Lincoln Gomes. Universidade do Estado do Amazonas; BrasilFil: Sampaio, Vanderson Souza. Universidade do Estado do Amazonas; BrasilFil: Baia da Silva, Djane Clarys. Fundación Oswaldo Cruz; Brasil. Universidade do Estado do Amazonas; BrasilFil: Monteiro, Wuelton Marcelo. Universidade do Estado do Amazonas; Brasi

Avaliação físico-química e microbiológica de cremes de leite UHT comercializados no estado de Pernambuco

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of  UHT creams milk  marketed in Pernambuco, classified by fat as cream and light. Got 40 samples of UHT cream milk of the brands A and B, and 120 samples of UHT light cream milk of the brands C, D, E, F, G and H, being two lots/brand and 10 samples/lot, from supermarkets located in the Mesoregions of Pernambuco. The samples were collected and properly stored, for later analysis of acidity, fat and research of aerobic mesophiles, in the Laboratório de Inspeção de Carne e Leite of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. The two (100%) brands of UHT cream milk (A and B) and the six (100%) brands of UHT light cream milk (C, D, E, F, G and H) met the physicochemical standards determined. The 20 (100%) samples of UHT cream milk, brand B (50%), and the 20 (100%) samples of UHT light cream milk, brand C (16.7%), showed aerobic mesophilic values ??above of the standard of 100 CFU/g, which characterizes as unsuitable for human consumption. Considering the UHT creams milk and UHT light creams milk analyzed, 20 (50%) and 100 (83.3%) samples, respectively, are considered suitable for direct consumption. Failures in the self-control programs of dairy establishments may be related to the excess of pathogenic microorganisms in samples of UHT cream milk and UHT light cream milk, marketed in Pernambuco.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade físico-química e microbiológica de cremes de leite UHT comercializados no estado de Pernambuco, classificados quanto ao teor de gordura como creme e leve. Foram obtidas 40 amostras de creme de leite UHT das marcas A e B e 120 amostras de creme de leite leve UHT das marcas C, D, E, F, G e H, sendo dois lotes/marca e dez amostras/lote, totalizando 20 amostras de 200g por marca, provenientes de supermercados localizados nas Mesorregiões de Pernambuco: Metropolitana do Recife, Mata, Agreste e Sertão. As amostras foram coletadas e analisadas para acidez, gordura e pesquisa de aeróbios mesófilos no Laboratório de Inspeção de Carne e Leite da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. As duas (100%) marcas de creme de leite UHT (A e B) e as seis (100%) marcas de creme de leite leve UHT (C, D, E, F, G e H) atenderam aos padrões físico-químicos estabelecidos pela legislação vigente. Todas as amostras de creme de leite UHT, da marca B, e todas as amostras de creme de leite leve UHT, marca C, apresentaram valores de aeróbios mesófilos acima do padrão de 100 UFC/g, o que as caracterizam como impróprias à alimentação humana. Falhas nos programas de autocontrole de estabelecimentos de leite podem estar relacionadas ao excesso de microrganismos em amostras de creme de leite UHT e de creme de leite leve UHT, comercializadas no estado de Pernambuco

Avaliação físico-química e microbiológica de cremes de leite UHT comercializados no estado de Pernambuco

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade físico-química e microbiológica de cremes de leite UHT comercializados no estado de Pernambuco, classificados quanto ao teor de gordura como creme e leve. Foram obtidas 40 amostras de creme de leite UHT das marcas A e B e 120 amostras de creme de leite leve UHT das marcas C, D, E, F, G e H, sendo dois lotes/marca e dez amostras/lote, totalizando 20 amostras de 200g por marca, provenientes de supermercados localizados nas Mesorregiões de Pernambuco: Metropolitana do Recife, Mata, Agreste e Sertão. As amostras foram coletadas e analisadas para acidez, gordura e pesquisa de aeróbios mesófilos no Laboratório de Inspeção de Carne e Leite da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. As duas (100%) marcas de creme de leite UHT (A e B) e as seis (100%) marcas de creme de leite leve UHT (C, D, E, F, G e H) atenderam aos padrões físico-químicos estabelecidos pela legislação vigente. Todas as amostras de creme de leite UHT, da marca B, e todas as amostras de creme de leite leve UHT, marca C, apresentaram valores de aeróbios mesófilos acima do padrão de 100 UFC/g, o que as caracterizam como impróprias à alimentação humana. Falhas nos programas de autocontrole de estabelecimentos de leite podem estar relacionadas ao excesso de microrganismos em amostras de creme de leite UHT e de creme de leite leve UHT, comercializadas no estado de Pernambuco

Quality of UHT whole milk marketed in Pernambuco, Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical properties and microbiological quality of Ultra-high temperature (UHT) whole milk marketed in Pernambuco state, Brazil. In total, 390 samples of UHT whole milk were purchased from commercial establishments located in the mesoregions of Pernambuco, and transported to the Laboratory of Meat and Milk Inspection at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. The physical-chemical analyses and the microbiological evaluations were carried out in order to meet specific legislative mandates. All 13 brands tested met the determined physical-chemical standards. However, it was found that 105 (26.9%) samples did not meet microbiological standards. It is important to highlight the need for further development of integrated actions involving the inspection bodies and the processing plants, in order to adjust the product to the quality standards established in the legislation, respecting the rights and health of consumers.The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical properties and microbiological quality of Ultra-high temperature (UHT) whole milk marketed in Pernambuco state, Brazil. In total, 390 samples of UHT whole milk were purchased from commercial establishments located in the mesoregions of Pernambuco, and transported to the Laboratory of Meat and Milk Inspection at Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. The physical-chemical analyzes and the microbiological evaluations were carried out following specific legislation. All 13 brands tested met the determined physical-chemical standards. However, it was found that 105 (26.9%) samples were in disagreement with microbiological standardization. It is important to highlight the need of further development of integrated actions involving the inspection bodies and the processing plants, in order to adjust the product to the quality standards established in the legislation, respecting the rights and health of consumers

Performance of the CMS Cathode Strip Chambers with Cosmic Rays

The Cathode Strip Chambers (CSCs) constitute the primary muon tracking device in the CMS endcaps. Their performance has been evaluated using data taken during a cosmic ray run in fall 2008. Measured noise levels are low, with the number of noisy channels well below 1%. Coordinate resolution was measured for all types of chambers, and fall in the range 47 microns to 243 microns. The efficiencies for local charged track triggers, for hit and for segments reconstruction were measured, and are above 99%. The timing resolution per layer is approximately 5 ns

Performance and Operation of the CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter

The operation and general performance of the CMS electromagnetic calorimeter using cosmic-ray muons are described. These muons were recorded after the closure of the CMS detector in late 2008. The calorimeter is made of lead tungstate crystals and the overall status of the 75848 channels corresponding to the barrel and endcap detectors is reported. The stability of crucial operational parameters, such as high voltage, temperature and electronic noise, is summarised and the performance of the light monitoring system is presented

Calibration of the CMS Drift Tube Chambers and Measurement of the Drift Velocity with Cosmic Rays

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