Graciette Matioli

Deficiência de ferro, prevalência de anemia e fatores associados em crianças de creches públicas do oeste do Paraná, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the iron levels and prevalence of anemia and associated factors in children aged 6 to 24 months attending public daycare centers in Cascavel, Western Parana, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 256 randomly sampled children. Questionnaires were administered and anthropometric data and blood samples were collected from July to September 2007. Iron status was determined by measuring transferrin level, hemoglobin level, mean corpuscular volume, serum iron level and eosinophil count. Crude and adjusted (logistic regression) odds ratios and the respective significance levels (p-value) were obtained by statistical analysis. Analysis of variance and the Tukeys range test were used for identifying significant differences in the quantitative measurements. RESULTS: There was a 29.7% prevalence of anemia and 77.3% of the sample presented low iron levels. Anthropometry did not indicate macronutrient deficiencies but revealed above-average obesity rates. The factors associated with anemia and iron deficiency were family members constantly becoming sick (OR=10.02), poor living conditions (OR=5.05), time attending a daycare center (OR=3.05), number of individuals in the household (OR=2.83) and absence of sanitation (OR=2.20). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia and the high iron deficiency rate evidenced a severe public health problem regarding the preschool children from Cascavel, Parana. Despite the magnitude of the problem, anemia is not being detected, prevented and treated properly. This study suggests some possible interventions.

Use of photoacoustic spectroscopy in the characterization of inclusion complexes of benzophenone-3-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and ex vivo evaluation of the percutaneous penetration of sunscreen

This work is aimed to evaluate the application of photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) in the characterization of inclusion complexes of benzophenone-3 (BZ-3) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) and to analyze the ex vivo percutaneous penetration of sunscreens and their reaction with the skin. The formation of inclusion complexes of BZ-3 and HPCD was performed by co-precipitation in stoichiometric ratios of 1:1 and 1:2. Thermal analysis and PAS characterized these inclusion complexes, and they indicated that the stoichiometric ratio of 1:2 was best. Sunscreen formulations were prepared and applied on the ears of rabbits. PAS suggested that the formulation with the complex resulted in lower penetration of BZ-3. Histological analysis demonstrated that the use of the formulation with BZ-3 was associated with an increase in the comedogenic effect and the presence of acanthosis, while no such effect was found in the formulation with the complex. The formulation with the BZ-3-HPCD complex is a promising strategy for improving the photoprotective effect of BZ-3. PAS can be used in the study of inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins and the evaluation of the percutaneous penetration of sunscreen formulations. Further tests are being conducted using PAS to monitor in vivo changes in the optical absorption spectra of formulations and to investigate their photostability.

Quinoa and flaxseed: potential ingredients in the production of bread with functional quality.

The objective of this work was to compare the physicochemical characteristics of quinoa and flaxseed bread. Sensory acceptance, color and texture were also appraised. They showed appropriate balances between their content of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids and low levels of trans fatty acids. Flaxseed bread had larger amounts of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-3, as well as a more balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Quinoa bread, on the other hand, had the advantage of presenting smaller contents of saturated fatty acids. With regard to color and texture, quinoa bread had similar characteristics to the flaxseed bread. The quinoa bread was well accepted by the consumers, who expressed high interest in buying it.

Microencapsulação do licopeno com ciclodextrinas

Lycopene is one of the important natural substances for industrial coloring of foods. In addition, this carotenoid has importance in human health because of its role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, especially prostate cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. However, because of its high degree of insaturation, it is prone to isomerization and oxidation. In this work, microencapsulation of lycopene was studied, utilizing cyclodextrins (CDs) as encapsulating substances. Extracted from guava and isolated in open column, lycopene in acetone was added to the a-, b-, and g-CD dissolved in water, acetone being subsequently eliminated with nitrogen. Initially, complexation was investigated with the three CDs at a molar ratio of 1:50. Lycopene formed complexes with b- and g-CD, but not with a-CD. After 180 days of storage at refrigeration temperature, lycopene levels remained constant in the lycopene-g-CD complex, but were reduced by 80% in the lycopene-b-CD complex. During evaluation of the best molar ratio of lycopene-CD, inclusion was maximum with g-CD at a molar ratio of 1:200. The complex was dispersible in water, maintaining the red color of lycopene. Stability under light exposure was excellent, retention being 100% during 40 days of monitoring at ambient temperature.

PRODUÇÃO, PURIFICAÇÃO E AUMENTO DA PERFORMANCE DE CICLODEXTRINA GLICOSILTRANSFERASES PARA PRODUÇÃO DE CICLODEXTRINAS

Biospecific affinity chromatography was used to purify three cyclodextrin glycosyl transferases (CGTases) obtained from microorganisms isolated of soil. The cyclodextrins (CDs) production by CGTases was evaluated using starches from different sources. CDs were measured through the Complexation Theory and by HPLC. CGTase from Bacillus firmus strain 7B showed the best production (30 mmol/L of β-CD and 4.3 mmol/L of γ-CD), and its cultivation conditions were optimized. The maximum enzymatic activity was achieved using lung peptone, soluble starch and agitation speed of 160 rpm. Studied CGTases were shown quite interesting for the industrial production of CDs.

Efeito do tempo e da temperatura de estocagem nas determinações de acidez, cálcio, proteínas e lipídeos de leite de doadoras de bancos de leite humano

OBJECTIVES: to verify the effect of three storage conditions on human milk acidity and to determine the quantity of lipids, total solids, ash, calcium, and total proteins. METHODS: the sample comprised healthy milk donors to the Human Milk Bank of the University Hospital of Maringa (n=37), State of Parana, Brazil. The quantities of lipids, protein, total solids, ash and calcium were measured, as well as acidity. The study protocol included three storage conditions: time zero, after 4h storage at room temperature and after 24h under refrigeration. RESULTS: the average concentrations of nutrients found in this study were comparable to those described in milk from lactating mothers of developed countries or other Brazilian regions, which is suitable for feeding newborns. As for acidity, variations were observed between individuals for the storage conditions involving 4h and 24h, which did not occur for the condition of 0h. A weak correlation between the variables of acidity and protein content was observed, as well as for acidity and calcium. CONCLUSIONS: the acidity does not have a significant influence on the concentration of the nutrients, at least under the storage conditions studied here. The best way to preserve human milk is to freeze it immediately after collection.

Substituição da gordura hidrogenada por óleo de soja na elaboração de pães de linhaça e avaliação da aceitabilidade

Flaxseed presents about 60% omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the prevention of the growth of cancerous cells, while trans fatty acids can lead to negative nutritional implications. This work aimed at elaborating a novel formulation of flaxseed bread with the substitution of hydrogenated fat by soy oil. Sensory acceptance was verified and the quantification of trans fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids was accomplished in the modified and standard products. Instrumental parameters of color and texture were evaluated. Physical-chemical analysis and proximate composition were carried out according to Adolfo Lutz Institute and AOAC methodology. Gas chromatography was used to determine fatty acid composition. The novel formulation presented higher quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, in relation to the standard sample. On the other hand, the amount of trans fatty acids was significantly higher in the standard bread. No difference was observed in crust color; however, the formulation with soy oil presented a more yellowish crumb and greater softness than the standard. The bread formulated with soy oil presented good sensory acceptance.

Dietas enterais não industrializadas: análise microbiológica e verificação de boas práticas de preparação

OBJECTIVE: To verify the degree of suitability of production areas and the level of microbial contamination in enteral diets used in three private hospitals in the Northwest region of Parana, Brazil. METHODS: The analysis of the Good Enteral Nutrition Preparation Practices followed the Collegiate Directory Resolution no 63/2000 of the Brazilian National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance, and the microbiological analyses of 15 samples of enteral diets followed the recommendations of the Collegiate Directory Resolution no 12/2001 of the Brazilian National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance, where molds and yeasts, mesophilic bacteria, coliforms at 35 and 45oC, coagulase-positive Staphylococci, Salmonella sp. and Bacillus cereus were sought. RESULTS: The highest percentage of Non-Conformities was from hospital HS (61%) and the lowest from hospital HT (43.5%). In 100% of the samples from hospitals HP and HT, contamination by coliforms at 45oC was higher than the reference standard of the Collegiate Directory Resolution no 12/2001, and in 60% of the samples from hospital HS, contamination by coliforms at 35oC was above the acceptable level. The samples were found to be within the standards for coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella sp., Bacillus cereus and mesophilic bacteria. In hospitals HT and HP, contamination by molds and yeasts was above that permitted by standard regulation. The results of the analyses show that the contamination of the diets is related to the type of ingredients used and to excess handling. CONCLUSION: The hospitals were not in accordance with good enteral nutrition preparation practices regulated by the Collegiate Directory Resolution no 63/2000 and not suited to prepare this type of food.

Potential use of cyclodextrin-glycosyltransferase enzyme in bread-making and the development of gluten-free breads with pinion and corn flours.

Abstract Gluten-free breads are an alternative for celiacs but are characterized by deficient sensory qualities compared with traditional breads. This work aimed to incorporate a commercial CGTase enzyme and the CGTase produced by Bacillus firmus strain 37 in the production of these breads to overcome these drawbacks. The flours employed were corn and pinion flours, which had the best CD production by CGTase, and exhibited good antioxidant activity, respectively. Rice flour was used as a control. The addition of the CGTase enzyme increased the specific volume and improved the texture of the breads. In the sensory analyses, the best score given by non-celiacs was for bread with pinion and rice flours and CGTase from B. firmus strain 37, while celiacs awarded the best score to the bread with rice flour only and same enzyme. The results demonstrate an improvement in the sensory and technological characteristics of gluten-free breads using the CGTase enzyme.

Methyl jasmonate: a phytohormone with potential for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

The phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been identified as a vital cell regulator in plants. This substance is analogous to eicosanoids and similar to that of anti‐inflammatory prostaglandins. In animals and in animal cells, it displayed an efficient neuroprotective, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant action; while in tumoral strains, it demonstrates a potentially highly attractive mechanism of apoptosis induction through various cellular and molecular mechanisms. The aim of the present review was to explore two new hypotheses that explain the action of MeJA, a lipid phytohormone and its potentially anti‐apoptotic mechanism for use as a therapeutic target for future treatment of Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).