Itamar Luís Gonçalves

Effects of UV light on the physic-chemical properties of yerba-mate

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light on the color, secondary metabolites and sensory acceptance of processed yerba-mate. Design/methodology/approach – Samples were exposed to UV light for 72 hours. The colorimetric coordinates (L*, a* and b*) were analyzed every 6 hours, while secondary metabolites and sensory acceptance were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Methylxanthines and phenolic compounds were quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography photodiode array detectors and vegetable pigments by UV/visible spectrophotometry. Findings – Decreases in methylxanthines, rutin and isomers of chlorogenic acids were found, along with an increase in isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acids. The product showed less sensory acceptance compared to the control. These results show that UV light treatment of yerba-mate accelerates the maturation process. Practical implications – UV light can be used in yerba-mate maturation with a reduction t...

Physico-chemical characterization of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. during the maturation

In Brazil, yerba mate is consumed after processing; however, in Chile and Uruguay, the consumers prefer the cured product, which acquires a yellow color. For that yerba-mate is stored for a period of six months to one year, which increases the cost of the final product for the overseas market. This study evaluated the effect of humidity and temperature in maturation chamber on the time required for the product to get this characteristic. The changes in the color, pH, moisture and water activity were evaluated during the time of storage in different conditions of temperature and humidity. Yerba-mate subjected to higher temperature and humidity showed nearest color of the product submitted to natural storage. The loss of green color was related to the reduction in pH and increase in the moisture of the samples. The higher humidity allowed the mate to reach conditions near to market requirements abroad in approximately 60 days of maturation.

Phytochemical profile of morphologically selected yerba-mate progenies

Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) is a native South American species. Plant progenies are populations that differ in terms of their productivity, morphology and phytochemical profile. This study aimed to determine the concentration of primary and secondary metabolites, such as antioxidants, in leaves, of yerba-mate progenies selected based on morphological characteristics. We evaluated the centesimal composition of secondary metabolites in the leaves of five yerba-mate plants. Methylxanthines and phenolic compounds were determined by UPLC-PDA, and antioxidant activity by measuring DPPH scavenging. Significant differences were found in centesimal composition and the contents of caffeine, theobromine, rutin and chlorogenic acid, as well as antioxidant activities, in selected progenies. The IC50 values were correlated with the chlorogenic acid levels ( r2 = 0.5242) and soluble content ( r2 = 0.7686). The morphological characteristics observed in yerba-mate leaves can be used as a tool for plant selection, to obtain matrices with different phytochemical profiles as a genetic material source.

Candida species distribution and fluconazole susceptibility of blood isolates at a regional hospital in Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil

Introduction: Candidemia is a bloodstream infection produced by Candida genus yeasts. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the epidemiology and the fluconazole susceptibility in Candida species isolated from patients at a regional hospital in Passo Fundo, RS. Methods: Records from the laboratory were used to identify patients with positive blood cultures for Candida between 2010 and 2011. The in vitro activity of fluconazole was determined using the disk diffusion method. Results: Were analyzed 24 positive blood cultures for Candida and found a 54.16% mortality rate. C. albicans was the most prevalent species, followed by C. parapsilosis and C. krusei. For susceptibility to fluconazole, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis showed 100% sensitivity. However, C. krusei was 100% resistant; and C. glabrata, 50% resistant. Conclusion: The high mortality and fluconazole resistance rates emphasize the importance of the diagnosis of candidemia in a hospital environment.

Beverages of coffee tree leaves

The Canadian company Wize Monkey makes use of coffee leaves in non-productive fruit periods for the production of coffee leaf tea. There are consumers of the coffee leaf beverage on three continents. Coffee and Caméllia sinensis, are the two species most consumed and investigated around the world have functional effects, due to their secondary metabolites. The majority phytochemical components are methylxanthines, and phenolic compounds.1,2 The last group is very heterogeneous in chemical diversity, involving phenolic acids, chlorogenic acids, and flavonoids, who have proved antioxidant effect. The main biological action of methylxanthines is related with modifications in vigil status, in order to improve cognitive abilities.3

Assessment of total cholesterol levels in individuals attended in a university laboratory

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among adults attended in a university laboratory, localized in Erechim/RS. Methods: Cholesterol total levels were obtained from s transversal retrospective analysis with individuals of both genders and age between 20-79 years, from 2010 to 2013. Results: The total cholesterol levels of 1.475 patients, including 479 men and 996 women were analyzed. In female gender 46.89% of participants showed normal total cholesterol levels, and this value in masculine population corresponded to 50.31%. Was found a significantly correlation between age and total cholesterol in female participants (p=0.019). In both genders was observed a increase in total cholesterol levels during the first life decades, followed by stabilization from fifth and sixth life decade, respectively for men and women. Conclusion: The prevalence hypercholesterolemia was high in study population, which necessitates appropriate intervention strategies to prevent cardiovascular risk.

1-[2-(4-Methyl-7-coumarinyloxy)ethyl]-4-(5-{1-[2-(4-methyl-7-coumarinyloxy)ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}pentyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole

Nature often produces compounds with a high degree of symmetry to reduce structural information and complexity. Synthesis of identical twin drugs, through the linkage of two identical pharmacophoric entities, is a classical strategy to produce more potent and/or selective drugs. Herein, two units of the privileged core of the coumarin hymecromone were linked together using “click chemistry”. Synthesis of 1-[2-(4-Methyl-7-coumarinyloxy)ethyl]-4-(5-{1-[2-(4-methyl-7-coumarinyloxy)ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}pentyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole was achieved by coupling of two identical units of an azido coumarin with a symmetrical alkine using copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction, in good yields and with complete regioselectivity.

Accelerated maturation of processed yerba-mate under the controlled conditions of temperature and humidity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to assess the changes in secondary metabolites and color during yerba-mate aging under controlled conditions. In Uruguay and Paraguay, the yerba-mate matured, in which chlorophyll degradation occurs, is preferred. For the matured product, the yerba-mate is stored for six months to one year. Design/methodology/approach – Processed yerba-mate was submitted to 35°C and 80 per cent humidity during 42 days in a climatic chamber. Samples were collected every seven days, and the phenolic compounds/methylxanthines were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography – photodiode array and chlorophylls/phaeophytins by spectrophotometry. L*, a* and b* colorimetric coordinates were measured. Findings – The most expressive changes in the color occur in the first 14 days. At this time, 23.161 ± 2.984 per cent of total chlorophyll was degraded, considering that in 42 days, 37.458 ± 0.955 per cent is degraded, according to an exponential model. A positive correlation between...

AVALIAÇÃO DA CONTAMINAÇÃO PARASITOLÓGICA DE RÚCULAS (Eruca sativa) COMERCIALIZADAS EM ERECHIM, RS, BRASIL

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of enteroparasites in arugula (Eruca sativa) commercialized in Erechim, RS. In the period from March to May 2013 were analyzed, through spontaneous sedimentation method, 40 samples, obtained from markets. Among the argulas analysed, 22.5 showed contamination with trophozoites and/or cysts of amoeba. Eggs or larvae of pathogenic helminths were not found in the analysed samples. Vegetables consumed without previous cooking can present standard of sanitary and hygienic quality inadequate, condition that emphasizes the need for greater guidance to producers and handlers, with regard to its correct handling and hygiene.

Surgical resection of a cutaneous nodule in the left foot caused by mycobacteria

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are etiologic agents of opportunistic human infections. Although they usually affect superficial tissues, infections in bones and joints have been described. The contamination is associated with increased environmental exposure. With appropriate therapy, the cases usually progress to complete recovery of the patient. This study reports the case of a patient who developed a cutaneous nodule in her left foot acquired when her skin was punctured by a fish. The anatomopathological examination revealed chronic central suppurative granulomatous dermo-hypodermal inflammation. Furthermore, the screening for resistant acid-fast bacilli was positive.