Ubuntu para Heróis : estudo piloto com crianças do 1° Ciclo

O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo avaliar o impacto da implementação do programa ‘’Ubuntu para Heróis’’ que resultou da combinação de outros dois, o HIP (Heroic Imagination Project) e a ALU (Academia de Líderes Ubuntu), no desenvolvimento socioemocional de crianças de 1º ciclo. Participaram neste estudo seis alunos envolvidos no programa ‘’Ubuntu para Heróis’’, os seus encarregados de educação (n=6) e os seus professores (n=2). Os instrumentos de recolha de dados foram três guiões de entrevista semiestruturada construídos e adaptados para este estudo. Os resultados destacam o impacto positivo que o programa ‘’Ubuntu para Heróis’’ teve nos alunos ao nível da dimensão comportamental, social, cognitiva, emocional e ainda ao nível da consciência ambiental. Este impacto também se releva na elevada satisfação que todos os participantes demonstraram com o programa. Na sua maioria, os alunos demonstraram aquisição dos conhecimentos ao nível das dinâmicas prossociais. Considerando os resultados, são sugeridas algumas orientações práticas, tais como implementar o programa ‘’Ubuntu para Heróis’’ em mais escolas e expandi-lo aos grupos de risco. Também seria pertinente adaptar as metodologias e prolongar o número de sessões, de forma a ser possível assegurar que os conteúdos mais complexos sejam compreendidos por todos os alunos. Seria ainda importante, dar a possibilidade aos encarregados de educação de participarem neste tipo de programas, bem como capacitar os professores para implementarem os programas de desenvolvimento socioemocional nos seus alunos.The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the ''Ubuntu for Heroes'' programme, which resulted from the combination of two others, the HIP (Heroic Imagination Project) and the ALU (Ubuntu Leaders Academy), on the socioemotional development of primary school children. Six students involved in the program ''Ubuntu for Heroes'', their parents (n=6) and their teachers (n=2) participated in this study. The data collection instruments were three semi-structured interview scripts built and adapted for this study. The results highlight the positive impact that the ‘’Ubuntu for Heroes’’ program had on students in terms of behavioral, social, cognitive, emotional and environmental awareness. This impact is also reflected in the high satisfaction that all participants showed with the programme. Most of the students demonstrated the acquisition of knowledge in terms of prosocial dynamics. Considering the results, some practical guidelines are suggested, such as expanding the ‘’Ubuntu for Heroes’’ programme to other schools as well as to risk groups. It would also be pertinent to adapt the methodologies and extend the number of sessions, in order to ensure that the more complex contents are understood by all students. It would also be important to give parents the possibility to participate in this type of programmes, as well as train teachers to implement socio-emotional development programmes with their students

Strategies to assess the impact of sustainable functional food ingredients on gut microbiota

Nowadays, it is evident that food ingredients have different roles and distinct health benefits to the consumer. Over the past years, the interest in functional foods, especially those targeting gut health, has grown significantly. The use of industrial byproducts as a source of new functional and sustainable ingredients as a response to such demands has raised interest. However, the properties of these ingredients can be affected once incorporated into different food matrices. Therefore, when searching for the least costly and most suitable, beneficial, and sustainable formulations, it is necessary to understand how such ingredients perform when supplemented in different food matrices and how they impact the host's health. As proposed in this manuscript, the ingredients' properties can be first evaluated using in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT) simulation models prior to validation through human clinical trials. In vitro models are powerful tools that mimic the physicochemical and physiological conditions of the GIT, enabling prediction of the potentials of functional ingredients per se and when incorporated into a food matrix. Understanding how newly developed ingredients from undervalued agro-industrial sources behave as supplements supports the development of new and more sustainable functional foods while scientifically backing up health-benefits claims.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Applied microbiology on poultry industry: from nutrition to the gut microbiota

Poultry products (i.e., meat and eggs) are one of the major protein sources for the human diet. The animal’s diet is one of the key elements that the poultry industry has been focused on, to improve the animal’s performance, maintaining their healthy growth and, ultimately, high quality end products. The incorporation of functional ingredients in feed formulations, aiming to provide extra benefits and/or prevent diseases, has been considered efficient in maintaining the animal’s productivity and simultaneously ensure its well-being. Nutrient’s bioavailability varies throughout digestion and absorption within the poultry’s gastrointestinal tract (GIT). A reliable in vitro model, as the one developed and used in this study, capable of mimicking all digestion, absorptive and cecal fermentation processes, is a useful tool to study the potential benefits of feed supplemented with functional and/or bioactive ingredients. The developed in vitro gastrointestinal model simulates the chemical, enzymatic, and mechanical conditions prevailing in the chicken´s GIT, from beak to cecum. Fresh broiler’s cecal samples were used as inoculum for batch cecal fermentation and the impact of different feed formulations, on bacteria modulation, organic acids, and total ammonia nitrogen production, were assessed. Overall, this approach enables to evaluate, as close to reality as possible, the potential of target additives, providing a trustworthy tool for the development of functional feeds.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Human and animal in vitro gastrointestinal models: importance and applications

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Development and characterization of a novel sustainable probiotic goat whey cheese containing second cheese whey powder and stabilized with thyme essential oil and sodium citrate

Probiotic goat whey cheeses with added second cheese whey powder (SCWP) were developed, resulting in creamy and spreadable products. The products contained Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis, as well as thyme essential oil and sodium citrate. Matrices of probiotic whey cheeses, with and without additives, were produced and stored at 5 °C for 21 days. Microbial and chemical profiles were evaluated weekly. The composition of the optimum matrix, formulated with whey cheese, probiotic culture, SCWP, thyme essential oil and sodium citrate (WCPSTC) was, expressed in % (w/w): protein (10.78 ± 0.08), fat (7.59 ± 0.03), dry matter (25.64 ± 0.13), ash (2.81 ± 0.02) and lactose (3.16 ± 0.04). Viable cell numbers of both probiotic cultures in matrix WCPSTC remained above 107 CFU g−1. This finding is of the utmost importance since it proves that both probiotic bacteria, citrate and thyme essential oil can be combined in order to increase the shelf-life and functional value of dairy products. All matrices’ pH values decreased during storage, yet only matrix WCPSTC remained above 5.0 pH units. The results indicated that the development of a probiotic whey cheese incorporating a dairy by-product, SCWP, is possible without compromising its chemical, microbiological or sensorial stability.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ingredients from integral valorization of Isabel grape to formulate goat yogurt with stimulatory effects on probiotics and beneficial impacts on human colonic microbiota in vitro

Isabel grape (IG) products have high contents of phenolic compounds and fiber recognized for their positive impacts on microorganisms associated with health benefits to host. This study evaluated the effects of goat yogurts formulated with ingredients from IG integral valorization on the growth and metabolism of different probiotic strains, as well as on the population of selected bacterial groups and metabolic activity of human colonic microbiota in vitro. Goat yogurts with IG ingredients (IGI) stimulated the growth of tested Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic strains during a 48-h cultivation, as well as decreased the pH values and enhanced the organic acid production. Goat yogurts with IGI increased the population of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. during a 24-h in vitro colonic fermentation. A stable Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio close to 1 was found in media with goat yogurt formulations during the colonic fermentation, being similar to the effect caused by fructooligosaccharides. Goat yogurt formulations with IGI caused increased production of short-chain fatty acids and sugar consumption during colonic fermentation. Goat yogurts with IGI should be a valuable strategy for development of novel added-value foods with beneficial effects on gut microbiota and human health.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Biochemical and thermodynamic characteristics of a new serine protease from Mucor subtilissimus URM 4133

A protease from the fungus Mucor subtilissimus URM 4133, capable of producing bioactive peptides from goat casein, was purified. SDS-PAGE and zymography showed a molecular mass of 30 kDa. The enzyme was active and stable in a wide pH range (6.0–10.5) and (5.0–10.5), respectively. Optimum temperature was at 45–50 °C and stability was above 80 % (40 °C/2 h). Activity was not influenced by ions or organic substances (Triton, Tween, SDS and DMSO), but was completely inhibited by PMSF, suggesting that it belongs to the serine protease family. The Km and Vmax were 2.35 mg azocasein.mL-1 and 333.33 U.mg protein-1, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters of irreversible denaturation (40–60 °C) were enthalpy 123.63 – 123.46 kJ.mol-1, entropy 120.24–122.28 kJ.mol-1 and Gibbs free energy 85.97 – 82.45 kJ.mol-1. Any peptide sequences compatible with this protease were found after analysis by MALDI-TOF, which suggests that it is a new serine protease.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Uso integral da uva Isabel na elaboração de novos produtos com valor nutricional e potencial funcional

The benefits of grape consumption are widely recognized and mostly due to phenolic compounds. These beneficial effects will depend on the bioaccessibility of these compounds on grape and its derivatives. This study elaborated two formulations of Isabel grape preparation: PAX (with agave and xylitol) and PS (with sucrose); and two formulations of Isabel grape flour: FAX (from the PAX process residues) and the FS (from the PS process residues). The products were analyzed regarding their nutritional and antioxidant properties; their phenolic compounds’ bioaccessibility was also verified through a simulated digestion model. The preparation and flour exhibited relevant sugars levels (10.83-49.71 g 100 g-1). Those produced with natural sweeteners had a reduction in sugar concentration of 51% and 29% for preparation and flour, respectively, compared to formulations with sucrose, with the high fiber content in the flour is being further highlighted (20.14-21.95 g 100 g-1). The catechin (2.37-28.11 mg 100 g-1) was the most bioaccessible compound (22% to 168%), which together with the caftaric acid (2.31-69.43 mg 100 g-1) and malvidin 3-glucoside (8.65-16.47 mg 100 g-1) represent the compounds observed in greater quantity. The preparations showed higher bioaccessibility regarding grapes and flours for most of the phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the products elaborated presented higher values of anthocyanins and antioxidant activity than the in natura grape, highlighting the beneficial effect of grape processing.Os benefícios do consumo da uva já são amplamente reconhecidos e devem-se em grande parte aos compostos fenólicos. Esses efeitos benéficos irão depender da bioacessibilidade desses compostos na uva e em seus derivados. Foram elaboradas duas formulações de preparado de uva Isabel: PAX (com agave e xilitol) e PS (com sacarose); e duas formulações de farinha de uva Isabel: FAX (a partir do resíduo do processamento do PAX) e FS (a partir do resíduo do processamento do PS). Os produtos foram analisados quanto às suas propriedades nutricionais e antioxidantes, e a bioacessibilidade de seus compostos fenólicos foi verificada por meio de um modelo de digestão simulada. O preparado e a farinha apresentaram níveis relevantes de açúcares (10,83-49,71 g 100 g-1), sendo que aqueles produzidos com adoçantes naturais tiveram uma redução na concentração dos açúcares de 51% e 29% para o preparado e a farinha, respectivamente, em comparação com formulações com sacarose, destacando-se também o alto teor de fibras na farinha (20,14-21,95 g 100 g-1). A catequina (2,37-28,11 mg 100 g-1) foi o composto mais bioacessível (22% a 168%), que juntamente com o ácido caftárico (2,31-69,43 mg 100 g-1) e o malvidina 3-glicosídeo (8,65-16,47 mg 100 g-1) representam os compostos observados em maior quantidade. O preparado teve maior bioacessibilidade tanto em relação à uva quanto à farinha para a maioria dos compostos fenólicos. Além disso, os produtos elaborados apresentaram maiores valores de antocianinas e atividade antioxidante que a uva in natura, destacando o efeito benéfico do processamento da uva.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effects of added Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis probiotics on the quality characteristics of goat ricotta and their survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of incorporating the probiotics Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 (B. lactis) or Lactobacillus acidophilus La-05 (L. acidophilus) into goat ricotta on the technological, physicochemical, physical and sensory parameters of this product during refrigerated storage, as well as the protective effects of the goat ricotta on the survival of the tested probiotics during exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Incorporating the tested probiotics did not affect the yield or syneresis of the obtained goat ricotta. The counts of L. acidophilus and B. lactis during the chosen storage period were approximately 6 log CFU/g. The ricotta samples containing a probiotic strain presented smaller and greater amounts of lactose and lactic acid, respectively, and exhibited greater hardness and lower brightness after storage compared with the samples lacking a probiotic. No differences were observed in the fatty acid profiles of the goat ricotta containing or not containing a probiotic. All of the ricotta samples were described as a soft cheese with a homogeneous texture; however, the goat ricotta cheeses containing L. acidophilus or B. lactis were described as having a more acidic flavor. At the end of a challenge using experimental human digestive conditions, the counts of each of the tested probiotic strains were approximately 6 log CFU/g if it had been incorporated into goat ricotta. These results demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating L. acidophilus or B. lactis into goat ricotta because these probiotics did not negatively affect the quality characteristics of this product and suggested that goat ricotta is an efficacious food matrix for maintaining the viability of these probiotics during storage and under the stressful conditions imposed by the human gastrointestinal tract

Development of edible coatings based on pineapple peel (Ananas comosus L.) and yam starch (Dioscorea alata) for application in acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC)

Acerola fruit has great nutritional and economic relevance; however, its rapid degradation hinders commercialization. The use of coatings reduces post-harvest biochemical modifications and provides physical and biological protection for vegetables such as acerola. This study developed and characterized an edible coating made from pearl pineapple peel flour (PPPF) and yam starch (YS) to preserve the quality standards of acerola fruits during storage at room temperature and under refrigeration. The edible coating, composed of 4 g of PPPF, 3 g of starch, and 10% glycerol, presented excellent moisture content (11%), light tone (L* 83.68), and opacity (45%), resistance to traction of 27.77 Mpa, elastic modulus of 1.38 Mpa, and elongation percentage of 20%. The total phenolic content of the coating was 278.68 ± 0.45 mg GAE/g and the antioxidant activity by DPPH was 28.85 ± 0.27%. The quality parameters of acerolas were evaluated with three treatments: T1—uncoated fruits; T2—fruits coated with 1% glycerol; and T3—fruits coated with PPPF-YS. The T3 treatment reduced the weight loss of stored acerolas, maintaining the light and bright color of the fruits, and delayed the decrease in soluble solids, especially in refrigerated fruits. Therefore, edible coatings based on pineapple flour and yam starch are effective technologies for controlling the physical and physicochemical parameters of acerolas during storage, benefiting the post-harvest quality of this fruit.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio