Capsicum pubescens as a functional ingredient: Microencapsulation and phenolic profilling by UPLC-MSE.

The aim of the present investigation is to study the effect of inlet temperatures on the physicochemical properties of spray-dried jamun juice powder. The inlet temperatures varied from 140 to 160 °C, whereas other parameters like outlet temperature (80 °C), maltodextrin concentration (25%) and feed flow rate (10 mL/min) were kept constant. Moisture content, water activity, bulk density, solubility, hygroscopicity, colour, powder morphology, particle size and glass transition temperatures were analyzed for the powder samples. Higher inlet temperature increased the moisture content of the powder, and led to the formation of larger particles. Powder samples showed water activity values below 0.3, which is good for powder stability. The colour of the jamun juice powder was mainly affected by inlet temperature, leading to the formation of powders that were significantly brighter and less purple as the inlet temperature increased. Glass transition temperature ranged from 55.85 to 71.78 °C. Powders produced at lower inlet temperatures showed smoother particle surfaces, whereas higher inlet temperature showed spherical particles with some shrinkage as analyzed by scanning electron microscope.

Modern Approaches in the Identification and Quantification of Immunogenic Peptides in Cereals by LC-MS/MS.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immunogenic disorder that affects the small intestine. It is caused by the ingestion of gluten, a protein network formed by prolamins and glutelins from cereals such as wheat, barley, rye and, possibly, oats. For predisposed people, gluten presents epitopes able to stimulate T-cells causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, among others unrelated to the gastrointestinal system. The only treatment for CD is to maintain a gluten-free diet, not exceeding 20 mg/kg of gluten, what is generally considered the safe amount for celiacs. Due to this context, it is very important to identify and quantify the gluten content of food products. ELISA is the most commonly used method to detect gluten traces in food. However, by detecting only prolamins, the results of ELISA tests may be underestimated. For this reason, more reliable and sensitive assays are needed to improve gluten quantification. Because of high sensitivity and the ability to detect even trace amounts of peptides in complex matrices, the most promising approaches to verify the presence of gluten peptides in food are non-immunological techniques, like liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Different methodologies using this approach have been developed and described in the last years, ranging from non-targeted and exploratory analysis to targeted and specific methods depending on the purpose of interest. Non-targeted analyses aim to define the proteomic profile of the sample, while targeted analyses allow the search for specific peptides, making it possible to quantify them. This review aims to gather and summarize the main proteomic techniques used in the identification and quantitation of gluten peptides related to CD-activity and gluten-related allergies.

Comparative metabolomic responses to gibberellic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine in Cunila menthoides Benth. (Lamiaceae): a contribution to understand the metabolic pathways.

KEY MESSAGE: Gibberellic acid elicited synthesis of many phenols from different classes and enhanced production of sesquiterpenoids, polyterpenoids, steroids and monoterpenoids compared to control and 6-benzylaminopurine. Little is known about the effects of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on the synthesis of secondary metabolites in species of Lamiaceae. In this study, for the first time, the profile of secondary metabolites in plantlets of Cunila menthoides was characterized, using UPLC-ESI-Qq-oaTOF-MS. Ninety metabolites were identified, including polyphenols and terpenes. BA down-regulated most of the identified molecules in relation to GA3 and MS0 (control). The results showed that GA3 elicited synthesis of many phenols from different classes, and seemed to play a major role in the shikimate pathway in relation to BA. GA3 enhanced production of sesquiterpenoids, polyterpenoids, steroids and monoterpenoids compared to MS0 and BA, and also seemed to positively influence the MEP/DOXP and MVA pathways. These data show the most comprehensive metabolomic profile of Cunila menthoides to date, and the effects of BA and GA3 on the synthesis of secondary metabolites, modulating quantitative aspects of metabolism in Lamiaceae.

Ecological restoration success is higher for natural regeneration than for active restoration in tropical forests.

Is active restoration the best approach to achieve ecological restoration success (the return to a reference condition, that is, old-growth forest) when compared to natural regeneration in tropical forests? Our meta-analysis of 133 studies demonstrated that natural regeneration surpasses active restoration in achieving tropical forest restoration success for all three biodiversity groups (plants, birds, and invertebrates) and five measures of vegetation structure (cover, density, litter, biomass, and height) tested. Restoration success for biodiversity and vegetation structure was 34 to 56% and 19 to 56% higher in natural regeneration than in active restoration systems, respectively, after controlling for key biotic and abiotic factors (forest cover, precipitation, time elapsed since restoration started, and past disturbance). Biodiversity responses were based primarily on ecological metrics of abundance and species richness (74%), both of which take far less time to achieve restoration success than similarity and composition. This finding challenges the widely held notion that natural forest regeneration has limited conservation value and that active restoration should be the default ecological restoration strategy. The proposition that active restoration achieves greater restoration success than natural regeneration may have arisen because previous comparisons lacked controls for biotic and abiotic factors; we also did not find any difference between active restoration and natural regeneration outcomes for vegetation structure when we did not control for these factors. Future policy priorities should align the identified patterns of biophysical and ecological conditions where each or both restoration approaches are more successful, cost-effective, and compatible with socioeconomic incentives for tropical forest restoration.

Spirometry and volumetric capnography in lung function assessment of obese and normal-weight individuals without asthma / Espirometria e capnografia volumétrica na avaliação da função pulmonar de indivíduos obesos e eutróficos sem asma

Abstract Objective: To analyze and compare lung function of obese and healthy, normal-weight children and adolescents, without asthma, through spirometry and volumetric capnography. Methods: Cross-sectional study including 77 subjects (38 obese) aged 5-17 years. All subjects underwent spirometry and volumetric capnography. The evaluations were repeated in obese subjects after the use of a bronchodilator. Results: At the spirometry assessment, obese individuals, when compared with the control group, showed lower values of forced expiratory volume in the first second by forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and expiratory flows at 75% and between 25 and 75% of the FVC (p < 0.05). Volumetric capnography showed that obese individuals had a higher volume of produced carbon dioxide and alveolar tidal volume (p < 0.05). Additionally, the associations between dead space volume and tidal volume, as well as phase-3 slope normalized by tidal volume, were lower in healthy subjects (p < 0.05). These data suggest that obesity does not alter ventilation homogeneity, but flow homogeneity. After subdividing the groups by age, a greater difference in lung function was observed in obese and healthy individuals aged >11 years (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Even without the diagnosis of asthma by clinical criteria and without response to bronchodilator use, obese individuals showed lower FEV1/FVC values and forced expiratory flow, indicating the presence of an obstructive process. Volumetric capnography showed that obese individuals had higher alveolar tidal volume, with no alterations in ventilation homogeneity, suggesting flow alterations, without affecting lung volumes.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar e comparar a função pulmonar de crianças e adolescentes obesos e eutróficos saudáveis, sem asma, pela espirometria e capnografia volumétrica. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 77 indivíduos (38 obesos) entre cinco e 17 anos. Todos fizeram espirometria e capnografia volumétrica. Os obesos repetiram as avaliações após o uso de broncodilatador. Resultados: Na avaliação da espirometria, os indivíduos obesos, quando comparados com o grupo controle, apresentaram menores valores no volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo pela capacidade vital forçada (VEF1/CVF) e nos fluxos expiratórios a 75% da CVF e entre 25-75% da mesma (p < 0,05). A capnografia volumétrica demonstrou que os obesos apresentam maior volume produzido de dióxido de carbono e volume corrente alveolar (p < 0,05). Além disso, a relação entre o volume espaço morto e volume corrente, bem como o slope da fase 3 normalizado pelo volume corrente, foi menor nos indivíduos saudáveis (p < 0,05). Esses dados sugerem que a obesidade não altera a homogeneidade da ventilação, mas sim dos fluxos. Ao subdividir os grupos por idade, foi observada maior diferença na função pulmonar entre indivíduos obesos e saudáveis na faixa acima de 11 anos (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Mesmo sem o diagnóstico de asma por critérios clínicos e sem resposta ao uso de broncodilatador, os indivíduos obesos apresentaram menores valores no VEF1/CVF e nos fluxos expiratórios forçados, o que indica a presença de processo obstrutivo. A capnografia volumétrica indicou nos indivíduos obesos maior volume corrente alveolar, sem alterações na homogeneidade da ventilação, o que sugere alteração nos fluxos, sem comprometimento dos volumes pulmonares.

Spirometry and volumetric capnography in lung function assessment of obese and normal-weight individuals without asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare lung function of obese and healthy, normal-weight children and adolescents, without asthma, through spirometry and volumetric capnography. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 77 subjects (38 obese) aged 5-17 years. All subjects underwent spirometry and volumetric capnography. The evaluations were repeated in obese subjects after the use of a bronchodilator. RESULTS: At the spirometry assessment, obese individuals, when compared with the control group, showed lower values of forced expiratory volume in the first second by forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and expiratory flows at 75% and between 25 and 75% of the FVC (p<0.05). Volumetric capnography showed that obese individuals had a higher volume of produced carbon dioxide and alveolar tidal volume (p<0.05). Additionally, the associations between dead space volume and tidal volume, as well as phase-3 slope normalized by tidal volume, were lower in healthy subjects (p<0.05). These data suggest that obesity does not alter ventilation homogeneity, but flow homogeneity. After subdividing the groups by age, a greater difference in lung function was observed in obese and healthy individuals aged >11 years (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Even without the diagnosis of asthma by clinical criteria and without response to bronchodilator use, obese individuals showed lower FEV1/FVC values and forced expiratory flow, indicating the presence of an obstructive process. Volumetric capnography showed that obese individuals had higher alveolar tidal volume, with no alterations in ventilation homogeneity, suggesting flow alterations, without affecting lung volumes.

Forest restoration: a global dataset for biodiversity and vegetation structure.

Restoration initiatives are becoming increasingly applied around the world. Billions of dollars have been spent on ecological restoration research and initiatives, but restoration outcomes differ widely among these initiatives in part due to variable socioeconomic and ecological contexts. Here, we present the most comprehensive dataset gathered to date on forest restoration. It encompasses 269 primary studies across 221 study landscapes in 53 countries and contains 4,645 quantitative comparisons between reference ecosystems (e.g., old-growth forest) and degraded or restored ecosystems for five taxonomic groups (mammals, birds, invertebrates, herpetofauna, and plants) and five measures of vegetation structure reflecting different ecological processes (cover, density, height, biomass, and litter). We selected studies that (1) were conducted in forest ecosystems; (2) had multiple replicate sampling sites to measure indicators of biodiversity and/or vegetation structure in reference and restored and/or degraded ecosystems; and (3) used less-disturbed forests as a reference to the ecosystem under study. We recorded (1) latitude and longitude; (2) study year; (3) country; (4) biogeographic realm; (5) past disturbance type; (6) current disturbance type; (7) forest conversion class; (8) restoration activity; (9) time that a system has been disturbed; (10) time elapsed since restoration started; (11) ecological metric used to assess biodiversity; and (12) quantitative value of the ecological metric of biodiversity and/or vegetation structure for reference and restored and/or degraded ecosystems. These were the most common data available in the selected studies. We also estimated forest cover and configuration in each study landscape using a recently developed 1 km consensus land cover dataset. We measured forest configuration as the (1) mean size of all forest patches; (2) size of the largest forest patch; and (3) edge:area ratio of forest patches. Global analyses of the factors influencing ecological restoration success at both the local and landscape scale are urgently needed to guide restoration initiatives and to further develop restoration knowledge in a topic area of much contemporary interest.

A global meta-analysis on the ecological drivers of forest restoration success.

Two billion ha have been identified globally for forest restoration. Our meta-analysis encompassing 221 study landscapes worldwide reveals forest restoration enhances biodiversity by 15-84% and vegetation structure by 36-77%, compared with degraded ecosystems. For the first time, we identify the main ecological drivers of forest restoration success (defined as a return to a reference condition, that is, old-growth forest) at both the local and landscape scale. These are as follows: the time elapsed since restoration began, disturbance type and landscape context. The time elapsed since restoration began strongly drives restoration success in secondary forests, but not in selectively logged forests (which are more ecologically similar to reference systems). Landscape restoration will be most successful when previous disturbance is less intensive and habitat is less fragmented in the landscape. Restoration does not result in full recovery of biodiversity and vegetation structure, but can complement old-growth forests if there is sufficient time for ecological succession.

Development and Characterization of Edible Films Based on Fruit and Vegetable Residues.

Edible films were developed from the solid residue of the processing of whole fruits and vegetables. The solid residue, processed into flour (FVR flour) was chemically and structurally characterized by microstructure, elemental composition, structural links, and moisture sorption isotherm. Films were prepared by casting using aqueous extracts of 8% and 10% of flour (w/w) and characterized in terms of thickness, water solubility, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The analysis of microstructure and elemental composition, performed on flour (mean particle size 350 µm), showed an essentially granular aspect, with the presence of fibrous particles having potassium as one of the most abundant elements. FTIR results showed similarity between the characteristic bands of other raw materials used in edible films. The sorption isotherm of FVR flour showed a typical profile of foods rich in soluble components, such as sugars. Dried films presented an average thickness of 0.263 ± 0.003 mm, a homogenous aspect, bright yellow color, pronounced fruit flavor, and high water solubility. The FTIR spectra of the edible films revealed that addition of potato skin flour did not change the molecular conformation. Moreover, the films presented low tensile strength at break when compared with fruit starch-based films.

Edible films and coatings based on biodegradable residues applied to acerolas (Malpighia punicifolia L.).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to produce and characterize edible films and coatings from fruit and vegetable residue (FVR) flour and potato peel (P) flour. Two coating approaches (immersion and film) were studied on the quality of acerolas. RESULTS: Film-forming solutions (FFS) presented a viscoelastic behavior and a gelation process occurring at 70 °C. Maximum density (1.018 g cm(-3) ), viscosity (44.404 cP) and starch content were obtained for FFS based on 8% FVR flour with 4% P flour. This same film presented enhanced mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break (0.092 MPa and 36% respectively). Solubility of the films averaged 87%, demonstrating high hydrophilicity. Improved performance was obtained for film-packaged acerolas, which exhibited an increase in shelf life of 50% compared with control fruits. A lower loss of weight was observed for these samples by about 30-57% compared with control fruits, but minor modifications of pH, titratable acidity and soluble solid content occurred during storage. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the potential of FVR flour for edible coating and film formulation. Practical application on acerolas constituted a motivating route to evaluate and optimize this process; however, microbiological and sensory analyses are necessary to assess the material acceptability and safety.

Formulation and characterization of functional foods based on fruit and vegetable residue flour.

Fruits and vegetables are extensively processed and the residues are often discarded. However, due to their rich composition, they could be used to minimize food waste. This study aimed to develop food products based on the solid residue generated from the manufacture of an isotonic beverage. This beverage was produced based on integral exploitation of several fruits and vegetables: orange, passion fruit, watermelon, lettuce, courgette, carrot, spinach, mint, taro, cucumber and rocket. The remaining residue was processed into flour and its functional properties were evaluated. The fruit and vegetable residue (FVR) flour was incorporated with different levels (20 to 35 %) into biscuits and cereal bars. The proximate composition, microbiological stability until 90 days and consumer acceptance were analyzed. The FVR flour presented a higher water holding capacity than oil holding capacity, respectively 7.43 and 1.91 g g(-1) of flour, probably associated with its high levels of carbohydrates (53 %) and fibres (21.5 %). Biscuits enriched with 35 % of FVR flour presented significantly higher fibre, ranging from 57 % to 118 % and mineral contents, from 25 % to 37 % than when only 20 % was added. Cereal bars presented about 75 % of fibres and variable mineral contents between 14 % and 37 %. The incorporation of FVR did not change the fat content. The microbiological examinations are within acceptable limits according to international regulation. The incorporation of FVR flour did not impair consumer acceptance, the sensory attributes averaged around 6. The chemical, microbiological and sensorial results of the designed products attested for an alternative towards applying and reducing agro-industrial wastes.

Relationship between endosperm cells redox homeostasis and glutenin polymers assembly in developing durum wheat grain.

Assembly of glutenin polymers was examined for two contrasted durum wheat cultivars in connection with changes in the redox status of the endosperm cells that accompanied grain development. The evolutions of the redox state of ascorbate and glutathione, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured. Changes in the size distribution profile and redox state of storage proteins were evaluated, with particular emphasis on protein-bound glutathione (PSSG). At the beginning of grain filling phase, the size distribution profile of proteins included an extra peak shoulder at about 40,000 g mol(-1). The shoulder was assimilated to free glutenin subunits as it disappeared concomitantly with the upturn in glutenin polymers accumulation. Irrespective of cultivars, small SDS-soluble polymers accumulated first, followed by larger and insoluble ones, attesting for a progressive polymerization. During the grain filling phase, catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activity dropped, reaching a very low level at physiological maturity. During the same period, superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) activities increased steadily while the equilibrium constant between GSSG and PSSG shifted from 10(-2) to unity. These results demonstrated that grain filling was accompanied by a continuous decrease in cellular redox potential. In this context, formation of protein-bound glutathione would represent a protective mechanism against irreversible thiol oxidation. Storage protein S-glutathionylation instead of limiting glutenin polymer assembly as it has been proposed might be a required intermediate step for glutenin subunits pairing.

Influence of indole acetic acid on antioxidant levels and enzyme activities of glucose metabolism in rat liver.

Indole acetic acid (IAA) is an auxin and can be synthesized in animals. This compound is metabolized in vitro by peroxidase, producing reactive oxygen species. The toxic effect of indole acetic acid in leukocytes is associated with peroxidase activities and these processes have been implicated in activation of glucose and glutamine metabolism. However, studies in vitro have shown that IAA, in absence of peroxidase, is an antioxidant almost as high in potency as those of other indolic compounds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of a toxic effect of indole acetic acid in the liver, as evidenced by oxidative stress and enzyme activities of the glucose pathway. The animals received IAA by subcutaneous or gavage administration in a phosphate buffered saline (the control group received only the phosphate buffered saline). The other groups received IAA at concentrations of 1 mg, 18 mg and 40 mg per kg of body mass per day. Treatments with 18 mg and 40 mg IAA decreased the activity of catalase by both subcutaneous (30% and 26%) or gavage administration (19% and 28%), respectively. A similar effect was observed on the activity of glutathione peroxidase of animals exposed to 18 mg and 40 mg IAA: A decrease of 34% and 29%, respectively, for subcutaneous administration and a decrease of 29% and 25%, respectively, for gavage administration. However, in neither source of administration did the acid alter superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and myeloperoxidase activities. Another alteration was observed in respect of reduced glutathione content in this organ. The lipid peroxidation level showed a significant decrease with subcutaneous (30%, 29% and 24%) and gavage administration (25%, 26% and 24%) using 1 mg, 18 mg and 40 mg of IAA, respectively compared with the control. The reduced glutathione content and catalase activity in the plasma were not altered by either of the two methods of administration. In addition to these findings, after subcutaneous or gavage administration of IAA, the activities of hepatic enzymes of glucose metabolism were not affected (glucokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase). Evidence is presented herein that IAA did not have a pro-oxidant effect in the liver as deduced from a reduction of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, a decrease of lipid peroxidation content and no alteration of the pool of reduced glutathione. The effects of IAA were independent of the way of administration.

Effect of indole acetic acid administration on the neutrophil functions and oxidative stress from neutrophil, mesenteric lymph node and liver.

This study was done to investigate the effect of the in vivo administration of indole acetic acid (IAA) on the neutrophil function, the activities of antioxidants enzymes in neutrophils, the mesenteric lymph node and on the oxidative stress in liver and plasma. The animals received subcutaneous administration of IAA in a phosphate-buffered saline (the control group received only the phosphate-buffered saline). The other groups received IAA at concentrations of 1 mg (T1), 2 mg (T2) and 18 mg (T3) per kg of body mass per day. Administration of IAA in both treatments T2 and T3 promoted a significant rise in the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils (by 51%), in comparison with the control. Another alteration was observed in antioxidant enzyme activities of the neutrophil and lymph node. But in the liver, the treatments imposed a significant decrease in the activity of catalase of 19% and 30% for T2 and T3, respectively, in comparison with the control. A similar effect was observed in the activity of hepatic glutathione peroxidase for T3 where a significant decrease of 31%, compared with the control, was obtained. The IAA did not show another significant alteration of the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase activities in liver. The hepatic lipid peroxidation level, available by reactive products with thiobarbituric acid, has shown a significant decrease of 27% and 29% with T1 and T3 respectively, in comparison with the control. IAA treatment did not show a significant alteration in reduced glutathione contents in comparison with the liver and plasma controls. In conclusion, the IAA administration has a good potential animal utilization for increasing the phagocytic capacity with no prooxidant effect.