Home-Drying Operation Effect on Moisture Content, Electric Energy Consumption, Ascorbic Acid, Total Polyphenol Content, and Color of Sliced "Fuji" Apples.

A home dehydrator allows obtaining dried apples that are beneficial to human health, but its operations will affect the chemical and organoleptic quality of this fruit. In this study, the effect of the drying temperature and mass load of sliced fresh "Fuji" apples in a home dehydrator was evaluated with regard to moisture content, electric energy consumption, ascorbic acid, total polyphenol content, and color of the dried fruit. Fresh "Fuji" apples were cut to obtain a uniform slice with a thickness of 4 mm and diameter from 60 to 75 mm. A home dehydrator was operated at 50 and 70°C (nominal temperatures), with a total sliced apple load of 250 and 500 g, uniformly distributed in five trays. Drying was carried out for 7 hours, and every hour, the trays were rotated, changing their position from the top to the bottom. Only the middle tray was always kept in the same position. As result, the level of nominal temperature (50/70°C) was not reached for any of the trays, regardless of the mass load (250/500 g) in the home dehydrator. The temperature average for fruits dried in trays of the home dehydrator that were rotated (top and bottom) and kept in the same position (middle) did not differ (p > 0.05) among them. At the end of drying, the apple treatment at 50°C/250 g, 50°C/500 g, 70°C/250 g, and 70°C/500 g reached 23.1, 26.2, 4.3, and 4.5% (w.b.), respectively. The drying conditions at nominal 50°C favored the quality of the dried sliced apples with regard to ascorbic acid and total polyphenol content; however, the treatment at nominal 70°C produced less variation in color with respect to the fresh fruit. The home dehydrator allowed obtaining sliced dried "Fuji" apples that adequately preserve the ascorbic acid, total polyphenol, and color with respect to the fresh fruit.

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz): A Natural Antioxidant to Improve Quality of Meat Patties.

Aristotelia chilensis is an endemic shrub of the South Pacific with high concentrations of bioactive compounds in its leaves and, therefore, it is highly valued. The effect of Aristotelia chilensis leaf powders (maqui leaf powders; Ma) on the quality and shelf life of beef patties during 7 days of storage was investigated. Five beef patties treatments were prepared: (1) Control without antioxidants (CT); (2) Beef patties with synthetic antioxidants plus color (250 mg/kg) (PL); (3) Beef patties with 500 ppm of maqui leaf powders (Ma500); (4) Beef patties with 1000 ppm of maqui leaf powders (Ma1000); and (5) Beef patties with 2000 ppm of maqui leaf powders (Ma2000). The quality of the beef patties was evaluated on day 0 and day 7 of storage by physicochemical analysis (moisture, ash and lipid content, color, pH, fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation) and organoleptic analysis. The addition of maqui leaf powders did not produce changes in the proximate composition of the beef patties. The pH for all treatments showed a range of 5.50−5.75 and significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed at the beginning and end of storage. The pH of the control beef patties increased during storage while the pH of the beef patties with synthetic and natural antioxidants decreased. Redness (a*) was the color indicator that was mostly affected by the inclusion of 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm powders. High lipid oxidation was observed in control samples on the seventh day of storage due to the high percentage of fat used in the formulation and the absence of any antioxidant. However, the Ma500, Ma1000, and Ma2000 treatments presented the lowest lipid oxidation rates (42.05%, 40.29%, and 43.14%, respectively) in comparison with the synthetic antioxidant (52.23%). This lipid inhibition is related to the strong antioxidant activity (29.75 µg/mL IC50 DPPH) of the maqui leaf powder due to its high content of total polyphenols (148.76 mg GAE/g), mainly characterized by having great amounts of hydroxybenzoic acids (82.5 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (7.1 mg QE/g), and hydroxycinnamic acids (3.7 mg CAE/g). Although minimal variations were observed in some individual fatty acids, and despite the trend to decrease MUFA and increase SFA with the maqui leaf powder addition, these differences were minimal and, according to the nutritional indices results, without any influence on the nutritional quality of the beef patties. The organoleptic analysis showed that the addition of maqui leaf powders did not affect the general acceptability of the new formulations. This study reports for the first time the substitution of synthetic antioxidants with Aristotelia chilensis leaves extract. Based on the results, it can be concluded that this ingredient can be used as an alternative for the production of raw meat products with clean labels.

Antioxidant Effect of a Polyphenol-Rich Murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz.) Extract and Its Effect on the Regulation of Metabolism in Refrigerated Boar Sperm.

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in boar spermatozoa increases in refrigeration; this can have an impact on sperm quality and fertilization capacity. We evaluated the effect of polyphenol-rich aqueous extract of murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz) on boar sperm stored at 17°C in order to reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm quality in the long term. Five experiments were performed: first, characterization of the polyphenol content from five genotypes of murtilla; second, determination of the genotype with the best antioxidant effect (MT-Ex); third, the antioxidant capacity on O2 - and lipid peroxidation; fourth, the influence of MT-Ex on motility, calcium movement, cAMP, and metabolic parameters; and fifth, analysis of long-term refrigeration. The average phenolic content was 344 ppm; gallic acid, catechin, quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol were detected. All extracts evaluated presented a concentration-dependent antioxidant effect. MT-Ex reduces intracellular O2 -/peroxides but low lipid peroxidation. MT-Ex in nonstimulated ROS conditions reduces sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, cAMP, and ATP, but the succinate dehydrogenase activity remained normal; also, we observed a reduction in calcium movement in in vitro sperm capacitation. The long-term analyses showed that MT-Ex improved sperm motility decay and reduced membrane damage and ROS at 168 h. Based on this study, we propose MT-Ex as a supplement in semen extenders.

Antioxidant and Vasodilator Activity of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Murtilla) and Its Modulatory Mechanism in Hypotensive Response.

Hypertension is a systemic condition with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, which poses an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we demonstrated the antioxidant and vasodilator activity of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Murtilla) fruit, a berry native to Chile and proposed models to explain its modulatory mechanism in hypotensive response. Murtilla fruits were cultivated in a germplasm bank and submitted to chemical and biological analyses. The phenolic compounds gallic acid, Catechin, Quercetin-3-ß-D-glucoside, Myricetin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol were identified. Murtilla extract did not generate toxic effects on human endothelial cells and had significant antioxidant activity against ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide anion production. Furthermore, it showed dose-dependent vasodilator activity in aortic rings in the presence of endothelium, whose hypotensive mechanism is partially mediated by nitric oxide synthase/guanylate cyclase and large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels. Murtilla fruits might potentially have beneficial effects on the management of cardiovascular diseases.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Laureliopsis philippiana (Looser) essential oil / Composición química y actividad antibacteriana del aceite esencial de Laureliopsis philippiana (Looser)

Laureliopsis philippiana (Looser) is native evergreen specie from Chile and Argentina used in traditional medicine. In this study, chemical composition as well as its in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus of essential oil from leaves of this species was determinated. Chemical analysis by GC-MS resulted in the identification of 19 compounds representing 98.8 percent onoterpenes; linalool (32.3 percent) and eucalyptol (37.4 percent) were the main constituents. To evaluate the antibacterial activity disc diffusion method and broth dilution method were used. The essential oil exhibited inhibitory activity against Gram (-) and Gram (+) bacteria, whereas similar activity to essential oil was showed for linalool against E. aerogenes and S. epidermidis whereas linalool alone, achieves an inhibitory effect against E. aerogenes and S. epidermidis comparable to the essential oil.

Laureliopsis philippiana (Looser) es una especie siempre verde nativa de Chile y Argentina usado en medicina tradicional. En este estudio se determinó tanto la composición química del aceite esencial obtenido a partir de hojas de esta especie, así como su actividad antibacterial in vitro contra Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. El análisis químico por GC-MS permitió la identificación de 19 compuestos, representando el 98,8 por ciento de la composición del aceite. Monoterpenos oxigenados, eucaliptol y linalol fueron los mayores constituyentes del aceite con un 37,4 por ciento y 32,3 por ciento respectivamente. Para evaluar la actividad antibacteriana se utilizaron los métodos de difusión en agar y dilución en caldo. El aceite esencial muestra actividad inhibitoria contra las bacterias Gram (-) y Gram (+) evaluadas, mientras que linalol por si solo logra un efecto inhibitorio comparable con el aceite esencial contra E. aerogenes y S. epidermidis mientras que el linalol por si solo, logra un efecto inhibitorio contra E. aerogenes y S. epidermidis comparable al del aceite esencial.

Stearoyl CoA desaturase and fatty acid synthase gene polymorphisms and milk fatty acid composition in Chilean Black Friesian cows / Polimorfismos en genes Estearoyl CoA desaturasa y ácido graso sintasa y composición de ácidos grasos en la leche de las vacas Frisón Negro Chileno / Polimorfismos no gene Estearoyl CoA desaturase e ácido graxo sintase e composição de ácidos graxos do leite de vacas Frison Preto Chileno

Background: in recent years, market attention has increasingly focused on improving the quality of dairy products. Therefore, animal selection for healthier milk fatty acid composition are therefore of interest. Objective: the aim of this study was to identify whether two polymorphisms (c.878T>C in the SCD gene and g.17924A>G in the FASN gene) are related with the fatty acid composition of milk. Methods: individual milk samples were collected from 50 Chilean Black Friesian cows. Fatty acids (FA) from each milk sample were extracted, analyzed, and quantified (mg FA/g of milk) by gas chromatography. The genotype of each sample was also determined using PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism). Results: milk from cows with a c.878CC genotype in the SCD gene exhibited a greater content of C14:1, C17:1, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c, and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), as well as a higher 14:1/14 ratio than other SCD genotypes. In addition, considering the importance of the predominant isomer of conjugated linoleic acid for human diet, we identified a higher content of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid in milk samples from animals that had the c.878CC genotype. For the FASN gene, cows with the g.17924GG genotype presented high contents of C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c, and MUFA. Conclusion: therefore, these polymorphisms could be useful genetic markers for studying the fatty acid composition of dairy milk.

Antecedentes: en los últimos años, la atención del mercado se ha centrado cada vez más en mejorar la calidad los productos lácteos. Por lo tanto, la selección de animales con una composición de ácidos grasos de leche más saludable es de interés. Objetivo: el principal objetivo de este estudio fue identificar dos polimorfismos (c.878T>C en el gen SCD y g.17924A>G en el gen FASN) y su relación con la composición de ácidos grasos de leche. Métodos: muestras individuales de leche fueron recolectadas de 50 vacas Frison Negro Chileno. Los ácidos grasos (FA) de cada muestra de leche fueron extraídos, analizados y cuantificados (mg FA/g leche) por cromatografía de gases. El genotipo de cada muestra se determinó mediante la técnica PCR-RFLP (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa - polimorfismo de longitud de fragmentos de restricción). Resultados: los animales con el genotipo c.878CC en el gen SCD presentaron un mayor contenido de C14:1, C17:1, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c y total de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (MUFA), así como elevados índices de 14:1/14 que otros genotipos SCD. Además, debido a la importancia en la dieta humana del isómero predominante de ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA), hemos identificado un mayor contenido de cis-9, trans-11 CLA en muestras de leche de animales que poseen el genotipo c.878CC. Para el gen FASN, vacas con el genotipo g.17924GG presentaron un mayor contenido de C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c y contenido total de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (MUFA). Conclusión: por lo tanto, estos polimorfismos podrían servir como marcadores genéticos para el estudio de la composición de ácidos grasos en la leche de vaca.

Antecedentes: nos últimos anos, o mercado fornecedor de laticínios tem-se voltado ao melhoramento da qualidade dos seus produtos. Por conseguinte, é de interesse a seleção de animais que apresentem uma composição de ácidos graxos mais saudáveis no seu leite. Objetivo: o objetivo principal deste estudo foi identificar dois polimorfismos (c.878T>C no gene SCD e g.17924A>G no gene FASN) e sua associação com a composição de ácidos graxos do leite. Métodos: as amostras de leite foram coletadas de 50 vacas Frison Preto Chileno. Os ácidos graxos (FA) de cada amostra de leite foram extraídos, analisados e quantificados (mg FA/g leite) por cromatografia gasosa. O genótipo de cada amostra foi determinado pela reação de PCR-RFLP (Reação em cadeia de polimerase - polimorfismo de comprimento dos fragmentos de restrição). Resultados: os animais com o genótipo c.878CC no gene SCD têm um teor mais elevado de C14:1, C17:1, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c e do total de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGM), além de níveis mais elevados de 14:1/14 que outros genótipos SCD. Além disto, devido à importância na dieta humana do isômero predominante do ácido linoléico conjugado (CLA), identificou-se um maior teor de cis-9, trans-11 CLA nas amostras de leite de animais que tinham o genótipo c.878CC. Para o gene FASN, as vacas com o genótipo g.17924GG tinham um teor mais elevado de C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c e AGM. Conclusão: estes polimorfismos poderiam ser usados como marcadores genéticos para o estudo da composição de ácidos graxos do leite de vaca.

Effect of operating conditions in freeze-drying on the nutritional properties of blueberries.

The effect of particle size, use of infrared radiation, and type of freeze-drying (vacuum or atmospheric) on some nutritional properties of blueberries was investigated. Ascorbic acid was decreased in freeze-dried blueberries compared with fresh fruit, while polyphenols were decreased in atmospheric freeze-drying-unlike in vacuum freeze-drying, where this nutritional property was increased. Antioxidant activity of freeze-dried blueberries did not differ significantly from that found in fresh fruits. In order to minimize the impairment of the nutritional properties of freeze-dried blueberries, it is suggested to use infrared radiation, a relatively small particle size and vacuum freeze-drying.