Pulses protein quality control at different storage conditions for further protein extraction – a review: Poster

The storage conditions are of extreme importance with regards to grains (cereal & pulses) components (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) preservation and quality for industry (that may interfere to whole process and quality of the final product). In addition, the vegetarian consumers’ interest of protein supplement (capsules) from pulses such as beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), lentils (Lens culinaris L.), peas (Pisum sativum L.), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), also soybeans (Glycine max L.) has grown considerably, mainly due to their non-lactose&non-animal-based ingredients and also non-transgenic in some of the pulses. Therefore, there is a need of information regarding pulses storage conditions on their components’ quality/quantity and so for safety of the raw material utilized for protein extract purposes. In addition, to get safe pulses raw materials for protein extraction aimed for vegetarian supplements, one needs to take into account (a) quite controlled storage conditions, apart from (b) pesticide residues and mycotoxins contamination control. Therefore, the present reviewgathers and compiles the characterization of six different pulses by evaluating amino acids profile as indicators of protein quality, and compares them with different varieties for further protein extraction.The storage conditions are of extreme importance with regards to grains (cereal & pulses) components (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) preservation and quality for industry (that may interfere to whole process and quality of the final product). In addition, the vegetarian consumers’ interest of protein supplement (capsules) from pulses such as beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), lentils (Lens culinaris L.), peas (Pisum sativum L.), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), also soybeans (Glycine max L.) has grown considerably, mainly due to their non-lactose&non-animal-based ingredients and also non-transgenic in some of the pulses. Therefore, there is a need of information regarding pulses storage conditions on their components’ quality/quantity and so for safety of the raw material utilized for protein extract purposes. In addition, to get safe pulses raw materials for protein extraction aimed for vegetarian supplements, one needs to take into account (a) quite controlled storage conditions, apart from (b) pesticide residues and mycotoxins contamination control. Therefore, the present reviewgathers and compiles the characterization of six different pulses by evaluating amino acids profile as indicators of protein quality, and compares them with different varieties for further protein extraction

The early Aurignacian dispersal of modern humans into westernmost Eurasia

Documenting the first appearance of modern humans in a given region is key to understanding the dispersal process and the replacement or assimilation of indigenous human populations such as the Neanderthals. The Iberian Peninsula was the last refuge of Neanderthal populations as modern humans advanced across Eurasia. Here we present evidence of an early Aurignacian occupation at Lapa do Picareiro in central Portugal. Diagnostic artifacts were found in a sealed stratigraphic layer dated 41.1 to 38.1 ka cal BP, documenting a modern human presence on the western margin of Iberia ∼5,000 years earlier than previously known. The data indicate a rapid modern human dispersal across southern Europe, reaching the westernmost edge where Neanderthals were thought to persist. The results support the notion of a mosaic process of modern human dispersal and replacement of indigenous Neanderthal populations.BCS-1420299 / BCS-1724997 / BCS-1420453 / BCS-1725015 / SGS-2020-017 / DL 57/2016/CP1361/CT0026 / IF/01075/2013info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Quality and safety conditions of flocked oats (Avena sativa L.) stored in bags: Poster

Oats (Avena sativa L.) have reached the healthy food market worldwide due to its special nutrients composition and fiber high quality. Therefore, quality & safety control is a must, both during the storage and commercialization stages. The current study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics (flakes size/variation %, pH, moisture content-mc, water activity-aw), living organisms (insects & mites / mycoflora - fungi load& genera identification), mycotoxins(ochratoxin A – OTA / zearalenone – ZON / aflatoxins – AFLs / esterigmatocistin – EST)andthe storage conditions of flocked oats stored inbags.Regarding the oats physicochemical characteristics, flakes particle size varied, however most of the samples present size uniformityand only one sample had high percentage of residue. That indicates high insects and other living organisms activity (consumption / proliferation) of oats starch and other nutrients. The analysis through stereomicroscope showed intense presence of insects and mites. Samples were seen also sheltering those living organisms (27%), which are not allowed by regulation (no soils, parasites and larvae presence). As expected, mc (10.8-13.2%) and/or aw (0.61-0.90) varied, however they kept on the safer levels (< 13% / 0.90) insects/mites and fungi growth wise. With respect to pH, it varied from4.1to 5.85, indicating some rancidity/fermentation reactions taking place, thus changes in organoleptic parameters. The total fungi load ranged from 3x102 to 1.29x105 CFU/g, with Aspergillus and Rhizopusthe genera more identified. Only one sample was toxin contaminated (OTA - 80 µg/kg). Insects are known vectors of fungal spores and can spread their hyphae on their dead/live skeleton, apart from mites that can trigger allergies in humans and animals. Therefore, current data demonstrate that despite the storage conditions control application, living organisms can occur in flocked oats (stored in bags) and it is necessary to apply decontamination methods to control/prevent their proliferation.Oats (Avena sativa L.) have reached the healthy food market worldwide due to its special nutrients composition and fiber high quality. Therefore, quality & safety control is a must, both during the storage and commercialization stages. The current study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics (flakes size/variation %, pH, moisture content-mc, water activity-aw), living organisms (insects & mites / mycoflora - fungi load& genera identification), mycotoxins(ochratoxin A – OTA / zearalenone – ZON / aflatoxins – AFLs / esterigmatocistin – EST)andthe storage conditions of flocked oats stored inbags.Regarding the oats physicochemical characteristics, flakes particle size varied, however most of the samples present size uniformityand only one sample had high percentage of residue. That indicates high insects and other living organisms activity (consumption / proliferation) of oats starch and other nutrients. The analysis through stereomicroscope showed intense presence of insects and mites. Samples were seen also sheltering those living organisms (27%), which are not allowed by regulation (no soils, parasites and larvae presence). As expected, mc (10.8-13.2%) and/or aw (0.61-0.90) varied, however they kept on the safer levels (< 13% / 0.90) insects/mites and fungi growth wise. With respect to pH, it varied from4.1to 5.85, indicating some rancidity/fermentation reactions taking place, thus changes in organoleptic parameters. The total fungi load ranged from 3x102 to 1.29x105 CFU/g, with Aspergillus and Rhizopusthe genera more identified. Only one sample was toxin contaminated (OTA - 80 µg/kg). Insects are known vectors of fungal spores and can spread their hyphae on their dead/live skeleton, apart from mites that can trigger allergies in humans and animals. Therefore, current data demonstrate that despite the storage conditions control application, living organisms can occur in flocked oats (stored in bags) and it is necessary to apply decontamination methods to control/prevent their proliferation

1000 Norms Project: Protocol of a cross-sectional study cataloging human variation

Background Clinical decision-making regarding diagnosis and management largely depends on comparison with healthy or ‘normal’ values. Physiotherapists and researchers therefore need access to robust patient-centred outcome measures and appropriate reference values. However there is a lack of high-quality reference data for many clinical measures. The aim of the 1000 Norms Project is to generate a freely accessible database of musculoskeletal and neurological reference values representative of the healthy population across the lifespan. Methods/design In 2012 the 1000 Norms Project Consortium defined the concept of ‘normal’, established a sampling strategy and selected measures based on clinical significance, psychometric properties and the need for reference data. Musculoskeletal and neurological items tapping the constructs of dexterity, balance, ambulation, joint range of motion, strength and power, endurance and motor planning will be collected in this cross-sectional study. Standardised questionnaires will evaluate quality of life, physical activity, and musculoskeletal health. Saliva DNA will be analysed for the ACTN3 genotype (‘gene for speed’). A volunteer cohort of 1000 participants aged 3 to 100 years will be recruited according to a set of self-reported health criteria. Descriptive statistics will be generated, creating tables of mean values and standard deviations stratified for age and gender. Quantile regression equations will be used to generate age charts and age-specific centile values. Discussion This project will be a powerful resource to assist physiotherapists and clinicians across all areas of healthcare to diagnose pathology, track disease progression and evaluate treatment response. This reference dataset will also contribute to the development of robust patient-centred clinical trial outcome measures

Associations of the TNF-alpha-308 G/A, IL6-174 G/C and AdipoQ 45 T/G polymorphisms with inflammatory and metabolic responses to lifestyle intervention in Brazilians at high cardiometabolic risk

Background: Cytokines secreted by the adipose tissue influence inflammation and insulin sensitivity, and lead to metabolic disturbances. How certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) interfere on lifestyle interventions is unclear. We assessed associations of selected SNPs with changes induced by a lifestyle intervention. Methods: This 9-month intervention on diet and physical activity included 180 Brazilians at high cardiometabolic risk, genotyped for the TNF-alpha -308 G/A, IL-6 -174 G/C and AdipoQ 45 T/G SNPs. Changes in metabolic and inflammatory variables were analyzed according to these SNPs. Individuals with at least one variant allele were grouped and compared with those with the reference genotype. Results: In the entire sample (66.7% women; mean age 56.5 +/- 11.6 years), intervention resulted in lower energy intake, higher physical activity, and improvement in anthropometry, plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, lipid profile and inflammatory markers, except for IL-6 concentrations. After intervention, only variant allele carriers of the TNF-alpha -308 G/A decreased plasma glucose, after adjusting for age and gender (OR 2.96, p = 0.025). Regarding the IL-6 -174 G/C SNP, carriers of the variant allele had a better response of lipid profile and adiponectin concentration, but only the reference genotype group decreased plasma glucose. In contrast to individuals with the reference genotype, carriers of variant allele of AdipoQ 45 T/G SNP did not change plasma glucose, apolipoprotein B, HDL-c and adiponectin concentrations in response to intervention. Conclusion: The TNF alpha -308 G/A SNP may predispose a better response of glucose metabolism to lifestyle intervention. The IL-6 -174 G/C SNP may confer a beneficial effect on lipid but not on glucose metabolism. Our findings reinforce unfavorable effects of the AdipoQ 45 T/G SNP in lipid profile and glucose metabolism after intervention in Brazilians at cardiometabolic risk. Further studies are needed to direct lifestyle intervention to subsets of individuals at cardiometabolic risk.State of Sao PauloState of Sao Paul

Frequência e perfil de suscetibilidade aos carbapenêmicos de bastonetes Gram-negativos não fermentadores de glicose isolados de amostras clínicas entre 2007 e 2012

Introdução: Um dos grandes problemas nos serviços de saúde é a ocorrência de infecções relacionadas com assistência à saúde (IRAS) por microrganismos resistentes a vários antimicrobianos. Objetivos: Descrever a frequência e o perfil de suscetibilidade de Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Acinetobacter baumannii aos carbapenêmicos no hospital da Fundação Santa Casa de Franca, São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Retrospectivamente, a suscetibilidade de P. aeruginosa e A. baumannii aos carbapenêmicos foi analisada em 304 isolados clínicos entre 2007 e 2012, a partir de um banco de dados do setor de microbiologia do laboratório clínico do hospital da Fundação Santa Casa de Franca, São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados: Das cepas isoladas e identificadas, 236 (5,3%) P. aeruginosa eram suscetíveis a imipenem (2007 - 69,6% a 2012 - 41,7%) e meropenem (2007 - 63,3% a 2012 - 25%). Além disso, todos os 68 (1,7%) isolados de A. baumannii eram suscetíveis aos dois antibióticos. Conclusão: Não foi identificada resistência de A. baumannii aos carbapenêmicos, no entanto houve diminuição da suscetibilidade aos carbapenêmicos no decorrer dos anos para P. aeruginosa.Introduction: One of the major problems in health services is the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) by microorganisms resistant to various antimicrobials. Objectives: To describe the frequency and susceptibility profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii to carbapenems in the hospital from Fundação Santa Casa de Franca, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: The susceptibility of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii to carbapenems from 304 clinical isolates between 2007 and 2012 was retrospectively analyzed from a microbiology database at the clinical laboratory of the hospital of Fundação Santa Casa de Franca, São Paulo, Brazil. Results: From isolated and identified strains, 236 (5.3%) P. aeruginosa were susceptible to imipenem (2007 - 69.6% to 2012 - 41.7%) and meropenem (2007 - 63.3% to 2012 - 25%). In addition, all 68 (1.7%) A. baumannii isolates were susceptible to both antibiotics. Conclusion: A. baumannii resistance to carbapenems was not identified; however, there was a decrease in susceptibility to carbapenems over the years for P. aeruginosa

Associations of the TNF-alpha -308 G/A, IL6 -174 G/C and AdipoQ 45 T/G polymorphisms with inflammatory and metabolic responses to lifestyle intervention in Brazilians at high cardiometabolic risk

Abstract\ud \ud \ud \ud Background\ud \ud Cytokines secreted by the adipose tissue influence inflammation and insulin sensitivity, and lead to metabolic disturbances. How certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) interfere on lifestyle interventions is unclear. We assessed associations of selected SNPs with changes induced by a lifestyle intervention.\ud \ud \ud \ud Methods\ud \ud This 9-month intervention on diet and physical activity included 180 Brazilians at high cardiometabolic risk, genotyped for the TNF-α -308 G/A, IL-6 -174 G/C and AdipoQ 45 T/G SNPs. Changes in metabolic and inflammatory variables were analyzed according to these SNPs. Individuals with at least one variant allele were grouped and compared with those with the reference genotype.\ud \ud \ud \ud Results\ud \ud In the entire sample (66.7% women; mean age 56.5 ± 11.6 years), intervention resulted in lower energy intake, higher physical activity, and improvement in anthropometry, plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, lipid profile and inflammatory markers, except for IL-6 concentrations. After intervention, only variant allele carriers of the TNF-α -308 G/A decreased plasma glucose, after adjusting for age and gender (OR 2.96, p = 0.025). Regarding the IL6 -174 G/C SNP, carriers of the variant allele had a better response of lipid profile and adiponectin concentration, but only the reference genotype group decreased plasma glucose. In contrast to individuals with the reference genotype, carriers of variant allele of AdipoQ 45 T/G SNP did not change plasma glucose, apolipoprotein B, HDL-c and adiponectin concentrations in response to intervention.\ud \ud \ud \ud Conclusion\ud \ud The TNFα -308 G/A SNP may predispose a better response of glucose metabolism to lifestyle intervention. The IL-6 -174 G/C SNP may confer a beneficial effect on lipid but not on glucose metabolism. Our findings reinforce unfavorable effects of the AdipoQ 45 T/G SNP in lipid profile and glucose metabolism after intervention in Brazilians at cardiometabolic risk. Further studies are needed to direct lifestyle intervention to subsets of individuals at cardiometabolic risk.Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo

Genetic diversity in natural populations of Jacaranda decurrens Cham. determined using RAPD and AFLP markers

Jacaranda decurrens (Bignoniaceae) is an endemic species of the Cerrado with validated antitumoral activity. The genetic diversity of six populations of J. decurrens located in the State of São Paulo was determined in this study by using molecular markers for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Following optimization of the amplification reaction, 10 selected primers generated 78 reproducible RAPD fragments that were mostly (69.2%) polymorphic. Two hundred and five reproducible AFLP fragments were generated by using four selected primer combinations; 46.3% of these fragments were polymorphic, indicating a considerable level of genetic diversity. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) using these two groups of markers indicated that variability was strongly structured amongst populations. The unweighted pair group method with arithmatic mean (UPGMA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient (RAPD -0.16, p = 0.2082; AFLP 0.37, p = 0.1006) between genetic matrices and geographic distances suggested that the population structure followed an island model in which a single population of infinite size gave rise to the current populations of J. decurrens, independently of their spatial position. The results of this study indicate that RAPD and AFLP markers were similarly efficient in measuring the genetic variability amongst natural populations of J. decurrens. These data may be useful for developing strategies for the preservation of this medicinal species in the Cerrado