Inhibition of Protein and Lipid Oxidation in Ready-to-Eat Chicken Patties by a Spondias mombin L. Bagasse Phenolic-Rich Extract

This study evaluated the impact of yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) bagasse extract (YMBE) on the color degradation, protein and lipid oxidation in ready-to-eat chicken patties during 15 days of refrigerated storage. Two formulations of chicken patties were developed: chicken patties control - PCON (without the antioxidant extract) and chicken patties with yellow mombin extract - PYME (with the antioxidant extract). The extract was effective in maintaining red color and inhibiting myoglobin degradation in the evaluated samples. The generation of lipid oxidation compounds during storage of the treated samples was delayed by 92.37% for peroxide index, 89.89% for conjugated dienes, 74.29% for tiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and 92.55% for ρ-anisidine compared to the control samples. Moreover, the addition of YMBE inhibited the formation of carbonyl compounds during cold storage compared to the control samples. Extracts obtained from the yellow mombin bagasse act as a good natural antioxidant for ready-to-eat chicken patties inhibiting protein and lipid oxidative damage during cold storage, being a potential preservative to replace synthetic antioxidants in meat products

Antioxidant and vasorelaxant activities induced by northeastern Brazilian fermented grape skins

Abstract Background In northeastern Brazil, grape pomace has become a potential alternative byproduct because of the recover phenolic compounds from the vinification process. Comparative analyses were performed between lyophilized extract of grape skins from pomace, described as fermented (FGS), and fresh, unfermented (UGS) grape skins to show the relevant brand’s composition upon the first maceration in winemaking. Methods The use of in vitro testing such as Folin-Ciocalteu’s, DPPH free radical scavenger and HPLC methods were performed to evidence antioxidant effect and phenolic compounds. Additionally, vascular reactivity studies were performed in third-order branches of rat superior mesenteric arteries, which were obtained and placed in organ baths containing Krebs-Henseleit solution, maintained at 37 °C, gassed with a mixture of 95% O2 and 5% CO2, and maintained at pH 7.4. The in situ formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated in small mesenteric rings using oxidative fluorescent dihydroethidium dye. Results We found higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity in FGS when compared to UGS. HPLC analyses identified a significant number of phenolic compounds with antioxidant potential in both samples. The vasorelaxant effect induced by FGS was more potent than that induced by UGS, and the activity was attenuated after removal of vascular endothelium or by blockade of endothelium-derived relaxing factors, such as NO and EDHF. Conclusions The FGS extract may be a great source of natural polyphenol products with potent antioxidant effects and endothelium-dependent vasodilatory actions involving NO and EDHF pathways

Hemocyte quantitative changes in Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae infected by AgMNPV

The initial effects of the infection by AgMNPV in the total and differential counts of the hemocytes in Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae were studied. The total number of the hemocytes did not decrease in infected larvae, as it occurred in non infected larvae. In infected larvae, the hemocyte types showed the following frequencies: plasmatocytes - 47.8%, esferulocytes - 25.9%, granulocytes - 15.8%, oenocytoids - 7.2%, prohemocytes - 2.8%, vermicytes - 0,5%. Only the percentage of the granulocytes was different among infected and non infected larvae, indicating that these cells responded quickly to the initial viral infection. These results showed the effective role of the hemocytes in the response of the A. gemmatalis to the infection by AgMNPV. The comprehension of the immunological mechanisms of this insect is an important tool to understand its biological control.<br>Os efeitos iniciais da infecção por AgMNPV nas contagens total e diferencial dos hemócitos em Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) foram estudados. O número total de hemócitos não diminuiu nas larvas infectadas, como ocorreu nas larvas não infectadas. Nas larvas infectadas, os tipos de hemócitos apresentaram as seguintes freqüências: plasmatócitos - 47,8%, esferulócitos - 25,9%, granulócitos - 15,8%, oenocitóides - 7,2%, prohemócitos - 2,8%, vermiformes - 0,5%. Apenas a porcentagem de granulócitos foi diferente entre larvas infectadas e não infectadas, indicando que estas células responderam rapidamente à infecção viral inicial. Estes resultados mostraram o papel efetivo que dos hemócitos na resposta de A. gemmatalis à infecção por AgMNPV. A compreensão dos mecanismos imunológicos deste inseto é uma ferramenta importante para compreender seu controle biológico

Implementation of a Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional (BALANCE) Program for improvement on quality of diet and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: A randomized, multicenter trial

Background: Appropriate dietary recommendations represent a key part of secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated the effectiveness of the implementation of a nutritional program on quality of diet, cardiovascular events, and death in patients with established CVD. Methods: In this open-label, multicenter trial conducted in 35 sites in Brazil, we randomly assigned (1:1) patients aged 45 years or older to receive either the BALANCE Program (experimental group) or conventional nutrition advice (control group). The BALANCE Program included a unique nutritional education strategy to implement recommendations from guidelines, adapted to the use of affordable and regional foods. Adherence to diet was evaluated by the modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, stroke, myocardial revascularization, amputation, or hospitalization for unstable angina. Secondary end points included biochemical and anthropometric data, and blood pressure levels. Results: From March 5, 2013, to Abril 7, 2015, a total of 2534 eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the BALANCE Program group (n = 1,266) or the control group (n = 1,268) and were followed up for a median of 3.5 years. In total, 235 (9.3%) participants had been lost to follow-up. After 3 years of follow-up, mean modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (scale 0-70) was only slightly higher in the BALANCE group versus the control group (26.2 ± 8.4 vs 24.7 ± 8.6, P <.01), mainly due to a 0.5-serving/d greater intake of fruits and of vegetables in the BALANCE group. Primary end point events occurred in 236 participants (18.8%) in the BALANCE group and in 207 participants (16.4%) in the control group (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI 0.95-1.38; P =.15). Secondary end points did not differ between groups after follow-up. Conclusions: The BALANCE Program only slightly improved adherence to a healthy diet in patients with established CVD and had no significant effect on the incidence of cardiovascular events or death. © 2019 The Author

Characterisation of microbial attack on archaeological bone

As part of an EU funded project to investigate the factors influencing bone preservation in the archaeological record, more than 250 bones from 41 archaeological sites in five countries spanning four climatic regions were studied for diagenetic alteration. Sites were selected to cover a range of environmental conditions and archaeological contexts. Microscopic and physical (mercury intrusion porosimetry) analyses of these bones revealed that the majority (68%) had suffered microbial attack. Furthermore, significant differences were found between animal and human bone in both the state of preservation and the type of microbial attack present. These differences in preservation might result from differences in early taphonomy of the bones. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved