Apples ripening stage and nutraceutic properties evaluation through a Vis-NIR portable device and an on-line NIR system.

Apples production, with 60 millions of tons processed in a year, has a very important role for the world produce market. Non-destructive and rapid tools in fruit production are required for predicting the optimum harvest window and for monitoring fruit quality during postharvest period. At the present the evaluation of nutraceutic compounds has also become interesting because the main function of this kind of molecules in the prevention of degenerative diseases and their role in quality preservation of fruits during storage, due to their antioxidant properties. With this aim, an optical, portable, experimental device (Vis-NIR spectrophotometer) for single sample, non-destructive and quick prediction of the ripening time period and sensorial properties of the fruits (chlorophyll, soluble solids content and fruit firmness) in the wavelength range 450-980 nm was built and tested. This device was also used for the evaluation of nutraceutic compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and ascorbic acid. At the same time an automatic on-line NIR system (QS-online, Unitec®) was tested to predict fruit quality directly on a processing line in the wavelength range 800-1200 nm. Regression models were built on the samples of two apple varieties (Golden Delicious e Stark Red Delicious). PLS models based on spectral data of portable Vis-NIR device show, for both varieties, good prediction skills for soluble solids content, carotenoids, chlorophyll and titrable acidity. The results of the on-line NIR system, regarding the classical parameters, supplied fair PLS models for both soluble solids content and firmness. These data show system’s effectiveness for quick evaluation of fruits quality

The impact of mechanically stimulated muscle-derived stromal cells on aged skeletal muscle

Perivascular stromal cells, including mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), secrete paracrine factor in response to exercise training that can facilitate improvements in muscle remodeling. This study was designed to test the capacity for muscle-resident MSCs (mMSCs) isolated from young mice to release regenerative proteins in response to mechanical strain in vitro, and subsequently determine the extent to which strain-stimulated mMSCs can enhance skeletal muscle and cognitive performance in a mouse model of uncomplicated aging. Protein arrays confirmed a robust increase in protein release at 24 h following an acute bout of mechanical strain in vitro (10%, 1 Hz, 5 h) compared to non-strain controls. Aged (24 month old), C57BL/6 mice were provided bilateral intramuscular injection of saline, non strain control mMSCs, or mMSCs subjected to a single bout of mechanical strain in vitro (4 ×104). No significant changes were observed in muscle weight, myofiber size, maximal force, or satellite cell quantity at 1 or 4 wks between groups. Peripheral perfusion was significantly increased in muscle at 4 wks post-mMSC injection (p < 0.05), yet no difference was noted between control and preconditioned mMSCs. Intramuscular injection of preconditioned mMSCs increased the number of new neurons and astrocytes in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus compared to both control groups (p < 0.05), with a trend toward an increase in water maze performance noted (p=0.07). Results from this study demonstrate that acute injection of exogenously stimulated muscle-resident stromal cells do not robustly impact aged muscle structure and function, yet increase the survival of new neurons in the hippocampus

In Vitro Cytogenetic Assays: Chromosomal Aberrations and Micronucleus Tests

Chromosome damage is a very important indicator of genetic damage relevant to environmental and clinical studies. Detailed descriptions of the protocols used for detection of chromosomal aberrations induced by genotoxic agents in vitro both in the presence or absence of rat liver-derived metabolizing systems are given in this chapter. Structural chromosomal aberrations that can be observed and quantified at metaphases are described here. For the detection of chromosomal damage (fragments or whole chromosome) in interphase, the micronucleus test can be used, and a description of this test is also presented. Criteria for determining a positive result using appropriate statistical methods are described