Mucilage Research Articles

Obtaining coffee mucilage microcapsules by spray drying using chemically modified banana starch

The growing global consumption of coffee has positioned Colombia as the third largest producer worldwide. However, the processing of coffee beans generates significant by-products, such as mucilage, which is rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Inadequate disposal of this waste creates environmental problems and economic losses. This research aimed to develop high-quality coffee mucilage capsules using spray drying technology. Chemically modified banana starch with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) and commercial maltodextrin were used as coating materials to enhance the properties of the capsules. Physicochemical and functional characterization was performed on samples of fresh and filtered coffee mucilage (MF), concentrated mucilage (MC), concentrated mucilage with the addition of maltodextrin and OSA-modified starch (MCMA), and finally, spray-dried coffee mucilage powder (MP). The antioxidant capacity (AC) of the mucilage was evaluated throughout the processing stages. MF showed an AC of 179.2 µmol of trolox/100 g, while the final coffee mucilage powder (MP) showed a significantly higher AC of 5444.35 µmol of trolox/100 g. Additionally, the MP showed a stability index of 0.48, water activity (aw) of 0.19, solubility of 14.64%, and a high water retention capacity of 90.53%. Microscopic analysis revealed amorphous structures with an average size of 29.16 ± 2.12 µm in the MP. These findings highlight the potential of spray drying with food-grade matrices such as OSA-modified banana starch to encapsulate coffee mucilage, preserving its antioxidant capacity and creating a new functional food ingredient with water retention properties.

Effect of cactus pear mucilage as a moistening additive for corn grain silage

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different proportions of cactus pear mucilage as a moistening additive on chemical composition, ammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids, microbial dynamics, fermentation losses, pH, and aerobic stability of corn grains in the form of silage throughout storage periods. The study was carried out in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement (5×2), with four replications. The factors corresponded to five forms of moistening for corn grain silage, 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40% of cactus pear mucilage (MA) associated or not with urea (U) in the level of 1.5% of DM. The lowest DM content was found in the silage moistened with 40% of cactus pear mucilage, and the greatest CP content was found in the same treatment but when urea was added. Lower contents of propionic and butyric acids were observed in the silages moistened with 5 and 10% of cactus pear without and with the addition of urea. Dry matter recovery was higher in the treatments with water and 10% of cactus pear. The use of urea affected the LAB population only at 15 d of silo opening, providing a bigger population (6.58 logs CFU g-1) when compared to silages without urea (6.27 logs CFU g-1). The lower concentrations of propionic and butyric acids observed in the silage moistened with 5 and 10% of cactus pear mucilage, regardless of the addition of urea. However, it is recommended to use 10% of cactus pear mucilage without the addition of urea, as it provides better indicators of good-quality silage.

Novel bioactive adhesive dressing based on gelatin/ chitosan cross-linked cactus mucilage for wound healing.

The development of natural-based wound dressings is of great interest in the field of skin tissue engineering. Herein, different bioactive molecules such as gelatin (GEL), chitosan (CH) and mucilage (MU) were used to prepare a wound dressing. The physico-chemical and biological characterizations occurring after γ-irradiation were investigated. Results showed that Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of un-irradiated GEL-CH-MU biomaterial showed two paramagnetic centers which correspond to g = 1.89 and g = 2.033. A generated new active center appeared at g = 2.003 at 25 kGy due to the interactions of gamma rays with the polymer chain creating signals at the absorbing functional groups. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra preserved the semi-crystalline structures between a range of 2θ (5° and 45°). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the initiation of cross linking phenomena. Moreover, γ-rays significantly increased antioxidant activity (9.1 ± 0.07%, p < 0.05) and exhibited a high anti-inflammatory activity (70%) at 25 kGy. Significant antibacterial activities in vitro liquid medium was observed. In addition GEL-CH-MU dressing exhibited high hemocompatibility. Conducted investigations state that such innovative dressing natural-based polymers for advanced wound care may be considered as useful for biomedical purposes.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical characterization of Maerua angolensis DC.

Maerua angolensis DC is a medicinal plant widely used in ethnomedicine in northern Nigeria. It is used to treat disease conditions like skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases, peptic ulcers and wounds amongst others. The plant is well known in Fulani Fulfude as leggal baali (or leggal mbaali). The plant was subjected to pharmacognostic and physicochemical characterization to establish standard profiles for authentication of the plant which could be useful for further study on the plant. The chromatographic (TLC and HPLC) and phytochemical profiles were conducted along with the leaf microscopy and chemomicroscopy, using standard methods. The result established the chromatographic profile of the leaf extract. The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. The chemomicroscopy revealed the presence of lignin, cellulose, tannin, starch and oil, while mucilage and protein were not seen. The total ash content and moisture content were 12.1 and 7.0%, respectively and were within WHO limits. Extracts of the plant showed high hygroscopic character. The result provides good information for the authentication and use of the plant in further research and development. Key words: Maerua angolensis, pharmacognostic character; phytochemicals, chromatographic profile.

Olive oil-based emulsion gels containing chia (Salvia hispanica L.) mucilage delivering healthy claims to low-saturated fat Bologna sausages

This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding emulsion gels (EGs) based on chia mucilage (MC) and olive oil while reducing pork back fat (PBF) and phosphate levels on the physicochemical, sensory, and structural properties of Bologna sausages. Four treatments were produced with EG based on MC, 40 % olive oil, and with 0.25 % phosphate (COL - 2 % collagen; ALG - 2 % sodium alginate; COL + WHEY, and ALG + WHEY both with 3 % of whey protein and 2 % of COL or 2 % of ALG respectively), besides control (20 % PBF, 0.5 % phosphate). Levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids were increased above 56 % compared to the control. Low liquid exudation was found in the samples with EGs, without significant differences (P > 0.05) among all treatments. The samples with EGs were less cohesive and more elastic. The microstructural images showed a change in the Bologna sausages' structure containing EGs with a less dense protein matrix, with smaller protein aggregates. However, no significant differences were found in the sensory evaluation (P > 0.05) for the texture attributes between treatments. The Bologna sausages reformulated with reduced-fat were considered accepted by the consumers, demonstrating that the EGs with MC can be promising ingredients for developing healthier meat products.

Análise sensorial de bolo do tipo muffin isento em glúten, lactose e com teor reduzido de fenilalanina

O bolo é um produto que se destaca pela conveniência, porém pacientes fenilcetonúricos encontram dificuldades para consumir tais produtos, pois a maioria pode conter ingredientes com proteínas tais como ovos, albumina e derivados de soja que contribuem para os seus atributos sensoriais típicos. A substituição destes ingredientes pode causar perda do padrão de identidade reduzindo sua aceitação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as características sensoriais de três formulações de bolo do tipo muffin, isentos em sacarose, glúten e lactose e restrito em fenilalanina (Phe), contendo mucilagem de inhame (MI) e gel de Linhaça (GL). As formulações de bolos nas proporções MI/GL: 37,09/11,45 (MRF1); 30/10 (MRF2) e 30/20 (MRF3) foram submetidas aos testes de aceitação através da escala hedônica de nove pontos e intenção de compra através da escala de cinco pontos, ambas estruturadas. Não houve diferença significativa (p&gt; 0,05) para aroma, aparência e cor entre os bolos, mas as amostras com mais linhaça (MRF1 e MRF3) receberam notas significativamente maiores nos atributos sabor, textura e impressão global (p≤ 0,05). MRF3 com maior adição de MI e GL representa uma nova opção para os pacientes com fenilcetonúria, celíacos e intolerantes à lactose no mercado.

Understanding the role of chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) mucilage on olive oil-based emulsion gels as a new fat substitute in emulsified meat products

This study aimed to develop a chia mucilage (MC)-based emulsion gel (EG) with olive oil to replace pork back fat in emulsified meat products. Six variables (alginate—ALG; collagen—COL; whey—WHEY; carboxymethylcellulose—CMC; transglutaminase—MTG; carrageenan—CAR) with MC were evaluated using a Plackett–Burman (PB) design. Then, a complete factorial design was applied to evaluate the interactions and properties of the selected variables (ALG, COL, and WHEY) for the manufacture of EGs. The responses evaluated in the EGs were pH, color, emulsion stability, rheological, and texture parameters. In PB, the variables CMC, COL, ALG, and WHEY did not lead to any significant effects on the pH values of EGs, which ranged from 5.6 to 5.8. WHEY had a significant effect on the increase in luminosity of the EGs. ALG and WHEY decreased the liquid release of the samples showing greater stability of EGs and meat model systems. All samples of EGs, apart from run 5 (CMC, MTG, CAR, and ALG), showed a typical gel-like behavior (Gʹ > Gʺ) and a frequency-independent behavior. Even the formulation with only mucilage (run 12) showed a dominant Gʹ forming a gel-like structure. The complete factorial design showed stable and strong interactions between WHEY, MC, and olive oil, since a small or no liquid release, were observed in all experiments with WHEY. This study contributed to understanding the interactions among MC, biopolymers, and proteins, disclosing the potentiality of chia mucilage-based emulsion gels for the replacement of animal fat in emulsified meat products.

Development and Characterization of Niosomal Gel System using Lallementia royaleana Benth. mucilage for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Niosomes structural framework comprises of non-ionic surfactant-based microscopic lamellar structures which carries the potential to sustain the effect of drug from its delivery system. In present work, the attempt was made to identify the effect of different ingredients such as effect of Tweens and natural mucilage of Lallemantia royaleana Benth. on the performance of developed niosomal gel formulations in order to prolong the duration of action of drug and to minimize its side effects of topical conventional drug administration. All Ibuprofen loaded niosomes formulationswere prepared by ether injection method; using cetosteryl alcohol with different variants of Tweens and Spans. Various evaluation parameters were performed to confirm niosome formation. Further, the niosomes were incorporated into gel system and evaluated for in-vitro permeability study (ex-vivo) on excised rat skin by membrane diffusion method and in-vivo study by carrageenan induced rat paw edema model. The best selected niosome formulation F9 gave no sedimentation, layer separation and unchanged particle shapes and thus selected for gel preparation using Lallemantia royaleana Benth. mucilage and carbopol in different ratios. Ex-vivo and in-vivo studies indicated high skin retention and penetration rates within the skin for tests niosomal gel formulations (G1 & G2). The present study suggested that developed topical gel formulation provides enhance permeability and longer duration of drug action over conventional gels.

Satiety and in vitro digestibility of low saturated fat Bologna sausages added of chia mucilage powder and chia mucilage-based emulsion gel

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the replacement of pork back fat by chia mucilage (MC) and a chia mucilage-based emulsion gel in Bologna sausages on the appetite sensations of healthy volunteers, and to investigate the microstructural changes during simulated in vitro digestion. Three treatments were made: FMC (10% fat and 4% MC); MC-EG (20% chia-mucilage-based emulsion gel); FC (20% fat as a control). The meals were served as breakfast after an overnight fast for 23 people. Similar appetite sensations were perceived by volunteers (P > 0.05) for all treatments. The microscopy images revealed a pronounced aggregation of the samples containing MC in the gastric phase. In conclusion, MC was an effective fat replacer with the same satiating capacity than pork back fat. Besides, MC demonstrated that it might interfere in protein digestibility, consequently increased retention time in the stomach, which may result in early satiety.

Physicochemical standardization of mucilage obtained from Althaea officinalis Linn – Root

Introduction: Plant derived mucilage has been explored as a drug, pharmaceutical excipient, and in cosmetics. Several mucilage and mucilage-containing drugs are being utilized in Unani medicine. These are to be standardized for authentications owing to immense utilization. A mucilage-containing drug obtained from root of Althaea officinalis L. (AO) – family Malvaceae, an important Unani drug, has been subjected to physicochemical studies for standardization. Materials and Methods: Mucilage of roots of the drug was isolated by classical and reference method. The physicochemical method included determination of ash values, moisture content, viscosity, swelling index (SI), and pH value. Powder characterization study included bulk density, tapped density, Hausner's ratio, and angle of repose. For preliminary phytochemical analysis, qualitative tests for organic constituents and test for mucilage were carried out. Analytical methods, namely Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) were also applied. Results: The yield percentage taken by acetone method was 36.80 ± 1.25 whereas that of classical method was 42.93 ± 1.35. Values of pH, loss on drying, viscosity, and SI were 4.08 ± 0.032, 14.46 ± 0.13, 34.40 ± 0.61, and 334.36 ± 23.77, respectively. Data for ash value and powder characterization (Micromeritic Properties) were set in. Preliminary confirmative test confirmed that the isolated polysaccharide is mucilage. HPTLC fingerprinting of aqueous extract gave 6 and 4 peak at 254 nm, 4 and 5 peak at 366 nm and 5 and 6 peaks at 550 nm in mobile phase chloroform (90): methanol (10): acetic acid (2). FTIR data for the mucilage were also set in. Conclusion: Physicochemical standardization data/monograph for AO root mucilage were developed.

Comparative evaluation of properties of paracetamol tablets formulated with three local starches as binders

This study was carried out to comparatively evaluate the tableting and release characteristics of paracetamol tablets prepared with three indigenous starches as binder. These parameters were compared with those tablets prepared with Maize starch BP as standard. Starches currently being used in pharmaceutical industry are largely imported into the country, hence there is the need to source for some indigenous starches whose binding properties would sufficiently ameliorate the brittle fracture tendency that has been a major problem in tableting. Starches from African bitter yam (Dioscorea dumetorium), cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) and cassava (Mannihot utilissama) tubers were extracted and characterized with Maize starch BP as standard. Their true particle densities were determined with the specific gravity bottle method. Viscosities of the starch mucilage were also determined. The mucilage of each of these starches was used as binder at concentrations (1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5% w/w) per tablet in the formulation of paracetamol granules. The granules were compressed to tablets with and without a centre hole at varying compression loads (3, 4 and 5 arbitrary units). The tablets were flat faced with mean diameter of 12.1 ± 0.02 mm and mean thickness 4.1 ± 0.02 mm. The tablets’ tensile strength (T), brittle fracture index (BFI), packing fraction (Pf), disintegration time (DT) and dissolution profiles were determined. The centre hole in the tablet served as a model defect to represent void that are formed in the tablet during compression due to air entrapments. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the physicochemical characteristics of the tablets whose granules were prepared with the 3 test starches and those prepared with the standard maize starch BP (p > 0.05). There was a general increase in the tablet viscosities as the mucilage concentration increased. Cassava starch mucilage was more viscous hence expected to impact more plasticity to the granules. Tablet tensile strength (T) increased with increase in the binder concentration but was more marked with tablets produced with cassava starch mucilage. At all m binder concentrations, cassava starch produced tablets with lowest BFI and highest Pf compared to the other starches including maize starch BP. Increase in compression load resulted in tablets with increase in T, BFI, Pf and DT. The increase in BFI is attributed to increase in die wall stress on the tablet at the point of ejection during compression. All the tablets released between 79.2 - 89.6% of the drug in 45 min. Although drug release was influenced by increase in binder concentration, the release rate was nevertheless significantly affected by the types of starch binders under investigation. The results permit the conclusion that the three (3) sourced indigenous starches (African bitter yam, cocoyam and cassava) could be substituted for maize starch BP as binder in the preparation of paracetamol tablets.Keywords: Cassava starch, African bitter yam starch, cocoyam starch, binder, tablet properties, paracetamol

Observation on the effect of body position intervention combined pronase in sifting gastroscopy

Objective To explore the application of body position intervention combined pronase in gastric mucosal cleaning in painless gastroscopy. Methods A total of 200 patients who underwent painless gastroscopy from July 2016 to July 2017 in the digestive endoscopy center were selected as the subjects. According to the random digital table method, the patients were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group of 100 cases. In the experimental group, before the gastroscope was examined, pronase plus Dimethicone Powder and lidocaine mucilage was used, and then the body position intervention (right supine 5 min-supine 5 min-left lying position 5 min) was examined, and the control group was taken Dimethicone Powder and Lido before the intensive examination. The caking mortar was then placed on the left side of the examination bed 15 min for examination. The upper gastrointestinal tract visual field definition and endoscopic operation time were compared between the two groups under magnifying endoscopy under white light and narrowband imaging. Results In the experimental group, 72.0% (72/100), 20.0% (20/100), 6.0% (6/100) and 2.0% (2/100) of A, B, C, D grade of the visual field clarity of mucosa under white light were better than 32.0% (32/100), 30.0% (30/100), 13.0% (13/100) and 25.0% (25/100) of the control group, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (χ2= 39.54, P < 0.05). There were 0, 6, 29 and 65 cases of 1, 2, 3, 4 scores of microvascular visual field intelligibility scores under magnifying endoscopy combined with narrow band imaging in the experimental group, which were better than those in the control group (11, 31, 28 and 30 cases respectively). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (Z=-6.07, P < 0.05). The examination time of the experimental group was (10.64 ± 3.83) minutes, which was lower than that of the control group (11.67 ± 4.89) minutes, and the difference was statistically significant (t=1.978, P < 0.05). Conclusions The effect of pronase as an anti mucilage agent combined with body position is obvious, and the effect of dispelling the mucus and removing the mucus is comprehensive, and it can effectively shorten the time of examination. It is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Posture intervention; Painless gastroscopy; Pronase; Visual clarity

Application of dyclonine mucilage in prostatic hyperplasia patients with catheterization

Objective To explore the effects of dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage and tetracaine hydrochloride jelly on improving the comfort degree in prostatic hyperplasia patients with catheterization. Methods A total of 52 prostatic hyperplasia inpatients with catheterization of urinary surgery at the People's Hospital of Wuzhou, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from January 2015 to March 2017 were selected as the object. All of the patients were divided into two groups by envelope method, 26 cases in each group. Patients in observation group accepted the following treatments involved that an 8-10F improved double channel Foley catheter was covered with little dyclonine mucilage for lubrication firstly; the catheter was inserted as well as the dyclonine mucilage was injected in 1.5 ml; the dyclonine mucilage was injected in 5 ml when the catheter reached the membranous part of posterior urethra and the catheter was drawn; the glans was held with fingers; the front end (15 cm) of draft 16F catheter was covered with the left dyclonine mucilage; the 16F catheter covered with the left dyclonine mucilage was indwelt with routine urethral catheterization 4 minutes after injecting dyclonine mucilage. Patients in control group accepted the 16F catheter with routine urethral catheterization after injecting tetracaine jelly to urethra in 5 ml. The degree of pain, onset time and total duration time of clonic pain, paroxysmal incontinentia urinae, sense of obstruction during indwelling catheter and indwelling time were compared in two groups. Results There was no significant difference in degree of intubation obstruction and intubation time between the two groups (P>0.05) . The pain level in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P 0.05) . The incidence rate of paroxysmal incontinentia urinae in the observation group was less than that in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusions There was no obvious sense of obstruction during indwelling catheter and with light degree of conscious pain in dyclonine group. The dyclonine mucilage can smooth the indwelling catheter by assist catheterization, relieve the pain of patients, improve the degree of comfort and has advantages in preventing and curing the pain of clonic pain of urethra and bladder after indwelling catheter. Key words: Prostatic hyperplasia; Urinary catheterization; Anesthesia, local; Analgesia; Tetracaine; Dyclonine

Anatomía e histoquímica de los órganos subterráneos de plantas trepadoras medicinales rioplatenses (Argentina)

Fil: Colares, Marta Noemi. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales; Argentina. Universidad de Belgrano. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina

Evaluation of phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Guazuma tomentosa L.

Guazuma tomentosa. L is belonging to the family Sterculiaceae and commonly called Bastard cedarain Sanskrit Rudraakshi. Medium-sized tree that grows up to 20 m height. Guazuma tomentosa is indigenous to tropical america on both continents and found throughout the amazon rainforest. Guazuma is called guasima or guacima in mexico, where it has a very long history of indigenous use. Ethnobotanical uses of guazuma tomentosa . Antidysenteric, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, astringent, antimicrobial, diaphoretic, depurative, febrifuge, hepatoprotective, emollient, pectoral, stomachic, refrigerant, sudorific and styptic. Phytochemically plant contains steroids, fatty acids, flavanoids, glycosides, tannins, carbohydrates, mucilage. Guazuma tomentosa holds a place in herbal medicine systems in many tropical countries. Guazuma tomentosa has long history of effective uses in herbal medicine propelling. Researchers to begin studied its properties and activities in the laboratory. It has been the subjectof numerous research since. In the first study examined using various in-vitro and in-vivo research study onexperimental animal models (rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats and insects). Pharmacological evaluation on plant demonstrate till date are anti-diabetic action, anti-hypertensive, anti-microbial action, anti-oxidant, antiulceraction, hair growth promoter, weight loss agent. The plant appears to have a broad spectrum of activity on several ailments.

A single-center randomized controlled study of the effect of dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage on bubble removing in bowel preparation

Objective To evaluate the effect of two dosages of the dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage on removing bubbles in bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Methods Data of 774 patients who received colonoscopy from November 2015 to April 2016 in People′s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were randomly divided into groups A, B and C. As the control group, group A only used four boxes of polyethylene glycol (PEG) for bowel preparation and drank 50 mL water after bowel preparation; group B was given 10 mL dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage with 50 mL water after four boxes of PEG for bowel preparation; group C was given 20 mL dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage with 50 mL water after four boxes of PEG. Intestinal cleanliness, intraluminal gas bubbles and satisfaction were graded by endoscopic physicians. Polyps of less than 5 mm were recorded and adverse reactions were observed. Results There were no significant differences in intestinal cleanliness among groups A, B and C (P>0.05). The intraluminal gas bubbles grading, physician satisfaction and detection rate of polyps of less than 5 mm of groups B and C were significantly better than those of group A(P<0.01), and group C was superior to group B in these variables(P<0.01). The proportion of level Ⅰ and Ⅱ in foam evaluation in group C was higher than that in group B(P<0.01). Conclusion Dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage can eliminate the bubbles inside the intestine, and the effect of 20 mL dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage for bowel preparation is superior to 10 mL. Key words: Colonoscopy; Dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage; Polyethylene glycol; Patient satisfaction

Ethanol prodution from mucilage and pulp of processed coffee

Ethanol prodution from mucilage and pulp of processed coffee

Desarrollo Anatómico de los Meristemas y tallos de Alnus jorullensis H. B. K.

The shoot apex of Alnus jorullensis comprises two well-defined tunica layers and a corpus, which gives rise to foliar primordial and to procambial strands maturing acropetally. The primary shoot shows a eustek within abundant perenchyma consisting of isodiametric cells. Three leaf traces and three leaf gaps are seen at each node. Secondary xylem is made up of abundant, poorly lignified fiber tracheids, with apotracheal wood parenchyma, uniseriate and scantily biseriate xylem rays and apparently mucilaginous secretory cells. Vessel clements range about a mean length of 710 µm and a mean width of 70 µm with end-wall angles averaging 24° 56'. Perforation plates are scalariform, ranging fron 9 to 26 bars (Av. 16.48). In the course of the first year's growth, side-wall pitting changes from the metaxylemic reticulate-scalariform to the secondary opposite, bordered pattern.

Value of premedication of pronase and simethicone for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of premedication of pronase and simethicone before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods A total of 4 690 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from January 2014 to November 2014 were recruited at gastrointestinal endoscopy center in Beijing Military General Hospital. All patients were randomized into 3 groups. The pronase plus simethicone group(n=1 602) took 40 ml mixed solution of pronase, sodium bicarbonate and simethicone orally 20 minutes before endoscopy. The simethicone group(n=1 548) took 40 ml simethicone orally 20 minutes before endoscopy. And the control group(n=1 540) took 10 ml lidocaine hydrochloride mucilage orally 5 minutes before endoscopy. The visibility during gastroscopy was observed. Results Each patient underwent gastroscopy, and no severe adverse event occurred during the procedure. The visibility of 82.3%(n=1 318) of the pronase plus simethicone group, 67.7%(n=1 048) of the simethicone group and 28.1% patients(n=432) of the control group respectively reached grade A or B. The visibility during gastroscopy in the pronase plus simethicone group was higher than that in the simethicone group(χ2=89.42, P=0.000), while that in the simethicone group was higher than that of the control group(χ2=486.30, P=0.000). Conclusion Premedication of pronase and simethicone can improve the visibility during gastroscopy. Key words: Gastroscopy; Pronase; Simethicone; Visual fields

Morphophysiological aspects of Selenicereus megalanthus (K. Schum ex Vaupel) Moran

Selenicereus megalanthus (K. Schumer Vaupel) Moran is known as yellow Pitaya because of yellow peel color. Originated from Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, it belongs to the family Cactaceae and has climbing habit, besides being edible and currently grown. In Brazil the production of yellow pitaya is incipient. Pitaya propagates through cuttings, seed or grafting. Its seeds have sarcotesta mucilaginous, which may be a deterrent factor or decrease germination. This study aimed to study biometric aspects and germination of seeds with and without mucilage removal. The removal of mucilage was made by immersion in 25% sucrose solution and were evaluated biometric aspects of fruit and seed quality through tests of germination and tetrazolium, rate of germination speed and imbibition curve. Through biometrics establishes the relationship between the size of the fruit and seed number, where the number of seeds per unit mass is greater in smaller fruits. The continuous production of mucilage prevented the establishment of imbibition curve. The result obtained in the tetrazolium test was not consistent with the germination. Seeds with mucilage removal by pretreatment with sucrose solution showed better germination and IVG, producing stronger plants.