Thermal condition of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) processing / Análise das condições térmicas do processamento da erva-mate

ABSTRACT: The Ilex paraguariensis is a species native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentine, valued by its positive effects on human health. Mate processing consists of the following stages: pre-drying (rapid drying at high temperature, known as sapeco operation), drying, and milling. In order to verify the current process and to propose future improvements to the mate processing, thermal and mass balance analysis were applied to industrial mate processing units. Results showed that the consumption of energy in sapeco and drying operations exceeds the calorific input necessary for these operations. These results verify the need for a change in the management of temperatures in the sapeco and drying stages of mate processing in order to optimize the consumption of energy, resulting in lower costs, with positive effects on the quality of the mate products.

RESUMO: A Ilex paraguariensis é uma espécie nativa do Brasil, Paraguai e Argentina, valorizada por seus efeitos positivos na saúde humana. O processamento do mate consiste nas seguintes etapas: pré-secagem (secagem rápida em alta temperatura, conhecida como operação de sapeco), secagem e moagem. A fim de verificar o atual processo e propor melhorias futuras no processamento de mate, foram aplicadas análises térmicas e de balanço de massa em unidades industriais de processamento de mate. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo de energia nas operações de sapeco e secagem supera o aporte calorífico necessário para essas operações. Esses resultados comprovam a necessidade de uma mudança no gerenciamento das temperaturas nas etapas de sapeco e secagem do processamento da erva-mate, a fim de otimizar o consumo de energia, resultando em menores custos, com efeitos positivos na qualidade dos produtos da erva-mate.

Thermal condition of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) processing / Análise das condições térmicas do processamento da erva-mate

The Ilex paraguariensis is a species native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentine, valued by its positive effects on human health. Mate processing consists of the following stages: pre-drying (rapid drying at high temperature, known as sapeco operation), drying, and milling. In order to verify the current process and to propose future improvements to the mate processing, thermal and mass balance analysis were applied to industrial mate processing units. Results showed that the consumption of energy in sapeco and drying operations exceeds the calorific input necessary for these operations. These results verify the need for a change in the management of temperatures in the sapeco and drying stages of mate processing in order to optimize the consumption of energy, resulting in lower costs, with positive effects on the quality of the mate products.

A Ilex paraguariensis é uma espécie nativa do Brasil, Paraguai e Argentina, valorizada por seus efeitos positivos na saúde humana. O processamento do mate consiste nas seguintes etapas: pré-secagem (secagem rápida em alta temperatura, conhecida como operação de sapeco), secagem e moagem. A fim de verificar o atual processo e propor melhorias futuras no processamento de mate, foram aplicadas análises térmicas e de balanço de massa em unidades industriais de processamento de mate. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo de energia nas operações de sapeco e secagem supera o aporte calorífico necessário para essas operações. Esses resultados comprovam a necessidade de uma mudança no gerenciamento das temperaturas nas etapas de sapeco e secagem do processamento da erva-mate, a fim de otimizar o consumo de energia, resultando em menores custos, com efeitos positivos na qualidade dos produtos da erva-mate.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of carvacrol against shrimp pathogens and its use as feed additive for the pacific white shrimp / Atividade antimocrobiana in vitro do carbacrol contra patógenos de camarões e seu uso como aditivo alimentar na dieta do camarão-branco-do-pacífico

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of the phenolic compound carvacrol on different microorganisms of importance in shrimp farming, and it's in vivo effect on zootechnical, immunological and microbiological performance, and resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In particular, the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol was evaluated in vitro by analysis of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and by agar diffusion with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The in vivo experiment was conducted using different concentrations of carvacrol (1, 3, 4 and 6 mg mL-¹) added to shrimp feed, together with a control diet without carvacrol. After four weeks, zootechnical, immunological and microbiological parameters and resistance of animals challenged with V. parahaemolyticus were evaluated. The MIC of carvacrol was 0.078 mg mL-¹ for Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio harveyi, while for the other bacteria, it was 0.156 mg mL-¹ of carvacrol. The greatest halos of inhibition were observed in V. parahaemolyticus and V. harveyi with significant differences demonstrated for the other microorganisms, except Escherichia coli. The in vivo results showed no significant differences among treatments. In conclusion, the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol was confirmed with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and it is suggested that its antimicrobial potential is more effective against Vibrio spp. However, the concentrations of carvacrol used in vivo did not affect the parameters evaluated.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito in vitro do carvacrol contra diferentes microrganismos de importância na carcinicultura e o seu efeito in vivo no desempenho zootécnico, imunológico, microbiológico e na resistência de Litopenaeus vannamei desafiados com Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A atividade antimicrobiana do carvacrol foi realizada in vitro pela análise da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e por difusão em ágar, com bactérias Gram-negativas e Gram-positivas. Para o experimento in vivo foram adicionadas diferentes concentrações do carvacrol (1, 3, 4 e 6 mg mL-¹) na alimentação dos camarões e uma dieta controle. Após quatro semanas, foram avaliados parâmetros zootécnicos, imunológicos, microbiológicos e a resistência dos animais desafiados com V. parahaemolyticus. A CIM do carvacrol para Vibrio alginolyticuse Vibrio harveyi foi de 0,078 mg mL-¹, enquanto nas demais bactérias foi de 0,156 mg mL-¹ de carvacrol. Os maiores halos de inibição foram observados em V. parahaemolyticus e V. harveyie demonstraram diferenças significativas em relação aos demais microrganismos, exceto Escherichia coli. Os resultados in vivo não demonstraram diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos. Em conclusão, a atividade antimicrobiana do carvacrol foi confirmada com bactérias Gram-negativas e Gram-positivas e sugere-se que seu potencial antimicrobiano seja mais eficaz contra Vibrio spp. No entanto, as concentrações de carvacrol utilizadas in vivo não afetaram os parâmetros avaliados.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of carvacrol against shrimp pathogens and its use as feed additive for the pacific white shrimp / Atividade antimocrobiana in vitro do carbacrol contra patógenos de camarões e seu uso como aditivo alimentar na dieta do camarão-branco-do-pacífico

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of the phenolic compound carvacrol on different microorganisms of importance in shrimp farming, and it's in vivo effect on zootechnical, immunological and microbiological performance, and resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In particular, the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol was evaluated in vitro by analysis of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and by agar diffusion with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The in vivo experiment was conducted using different concentrations of carvacrol (1, 3, 4 and 6 mg mL-¹) added to shrimp feed, together with a control diet without carvacrol. After four weeks, zootechnical, immunological and microbiological parameters and resistance of animals challenged with V. parahaemolyticus were evaluated. The MIC of carvacrol was 0.078 mg mL-¹ for Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio harveyi, while for the other bacteria, it was 0.156 mg mL-¹ of carvacrol. The greatest halos of inhibition were observed in V. parahaemolyticus and V. harveyi with significant differences demonstrated for the other microorganisms, except Escherichia coli. The in vivo results showed no significant differences among treatments. In conclusion, the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol was confirmed with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and it is suggested that its antimicrobial potential is more effective against Vibrio spp. However, the concentrations of carvacrol used in vivo did not affect the parameters evaluated.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito in vitro do carvacrol contra diferentes microrganismos de importância na carcinicultura e o seu efeito in vivo no desempenho zootécnico, imunológico, microbiológico e na resistência de Litopenaeus vannamei desafiados com Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A atividade antimicrobiana do carvacrol foi realizada in vitro pela análise da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e por difusão em ágar, com bactérias Gram-negativas e Gram-positivas. Para o experimento in vivo foram adicionadas diferentes concentrações do carvacrol (1, 3, 4 e 6 mg mL-¹) na alimentação dos camarões e uma dieta controle. Após quatro semanas, foram avaliados parâmetros zootécnicos, imunológicos, microbiológicos e a resistência dos animais desafiados com V. parahaemolyticus. A CIM do carvacrol para Vibrio alginolyticuse Vibrio harveyi foi de 0,078 mg mL-¹, enquanto nas demais bactérias foi de 0,156 mg mL-¹ de carvacrol. Os maiores halos de inibição foram observados em V. parahaemolyticus e V. harveyie demonstraram diferenças significativas em relação aos demais microrganismos, exceto Escherichia coli. Os resultados in vivo não demonstraram diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos. Em conclusão, a atividade antimicrobiana do carvacrol foi confirmada com bactérias Gram-negativas e Gram-positivas e sugere-se que seu potencial antimicrobiano seja mais eficaz contra Vibrio spp. No entanto, as concentrações de carvacrol utilizadas in vivo não afetaram os parâmetros avaliados.(AU)

Botanical source investigation and evaluation of the effect of seasonality on Brazilian propolis from Apis mellifera L

Bees generally use different botanical sources of resins for the production of propolis. The elucidation of botanical sources of propolis and identification of the effects of seasonality on the chemical profile of propolis are recognized as two important aspects in the development of a high quality product. Thus, our objective was to elucidate the botanical source and identify the effect of the seasons on the chemical profile of propolis produced in southern Brazil. The chemical profile of the samples was analysed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques and the results were coupled to multivariate analysis. Field observation of the foraging behaviour of Apis mellifera L. revealed its preference for the Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. species. p-Coumaric acid, 3, 4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, drupanin, and artepillin C which were identified in both plant and propolis samples. Moreover, higher artepillin C amounts have been detected in samples collected in the summer and autumn, while the main compounds of p-coumaric acid and quercetin were available in spring and winter sampled propolis, respectively. Baccharis dracunculifolia has been identified as a plant species preferred by A. mellifera in foraging resin for the production of propolis in southern Brazil. The contents of balsam, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoids varied significantly over the seasons, with values above the minimum required by the legislation, thus assuring a quality pattern for this biomass.

Botanical source investigation and evaluation of the effect of seasonality on Brazilian propolis from Apis mellifera L

Bees generally use different botanical sources of resins for the production of propolis. The elucidation of botanical sources of propolis and identification of the effects of seasonality on the chemical profile of propolis are recognized as two important aspects in the development of a high quality product. Thus, our objective was to elucidate the botanical source and identify the effect of the seasons on the chemical profile of propolis produced in southern Brazil. The chemical profile of the samples was analysed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques and the results were coupled to multivariate analysis. Field observation of the foraging behaviour of Apis mellifera L. revealed its preference for the Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. species. p-Coumaric acid, 3, 4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3, 5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, drupanin, and artepillin C which were identified in both plant and propolis samples. Moreover, higher artepillin C amounts have been detected in samples collected in the summer and autumn, while the main compounds of p-coumaric acid and quercetin were available in spring and winter sampled propolis, respectively. Baccharis dracunculifolia has been identified as a plant species preferred by A. mellifera in foraging resin for the production of propolis in southern Brazil. The contents of balsam, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoids varied significantly over the seasons, with values above the minimum required by the legislation, thus assuring a quality pattern for this biomass.(AU)

Anatomical and biochemical changes associated with thedevelopment and germination of Araucaria angustifolia seeds

This study aimed at assessing the cell cycle, and anatomical and biochemical changes that the embryonic axis of Araucaria angustifolia undergoes during development, focusing on the maturation stage. During all development, cells exhibited intense metabolic activity with an abundance of mitochondria, lipid bodies, and vacuolated cells. The continued accumulation of starch and protein was observed by LM and TEM and indicated by spectra of FTIR. Cell differentiation of the procambium was observed with a thickening of the cell wall and the formation of resiniferous ducts. At Stage III and IV, cells exhibited structural changes such as altered or elongated mitochondria and presence of plastoglobules. These results suggest that there is a gradual transition from developmental metabolism to germination metabolism. Such changes can contribute to the rapid germination of seeds right after their dispersion, making it an ecological strategy to reduce post-dispersal exposure to predators and to avoid damage from reduced moisture.

Anatomical and biochemical changes associated with thedevelopment and germination of Araucaria angustifolia seeds

This study aimed at assessing the cell cycle, and anatomical and biochemical changes that the embryonic axis of Araucaria angustifolia undergoes during development, focusing on the maturation stage. During all development, cells exhibited intense metabolic activity with an abundance of mitochondria, lipid bodies, and vacuolated cells. The continued accumulation of starch and protein was observed by LM and TEM and indicated by spectra of FTIR. Cell differentiation of the procambium was observed with a thickening of the cell wall and the formation of resiniferous ducts. At Stage III and IV, cells exhibited structural changes such as altered or elongated mitochondria and presence of plastoglobules. These results suggest that there is a gradual transition from developmental metabolism to germination metabolism. Such changes can contribute to the rapid germination of seeds right after their dispersion, making it an ecological strategy to reduce post-dispersal exposure to predators and to avoid damage from reduced moisture.(AU)

Effect of dietary supplementation with propolis and Aloe barbadensis extracts on hematological parameters and parasitism in Nile tilapia / Efeito da suplementação dietária com extratos de própolis e Aloe barbadensis sobre parâmetros hematológicos e parasitismo em tilápia do Nilo

This study evaluated the influence of diet supplementation with propolis and Aloe barbadensis on hematological parameters and parasitism in tilapia. One hundred and eighty fish were distributed among 12 water tanks forming four treatments: fish supplemented with a 1:1 mixture of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% propolis and aloe extracts. After the fish had been fed on the experimental diets for 15 and 21 days, blood samples were taken and parasites collected. The monogeneans Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. halli, C. thurstonae and Scutogyrus longicornis were identified in the gills. Between the sampling times, there were increases in the numbers of erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes and lymphocytes, as observed after 21 days, possibly due to the stress level over the course of the assay and/or accumulation of substances in the organism. Supplementation with the mixture of propolis and aloe for 15 days showed the highest efficacy against the parasites. This was possibly due to the association between the two compounds. The results demonstrated that supplementation with mixtures of extracts did not produce hematological alterations and also favored a significant reduction in the number of gill parasites. The best results were achieved after 15 days of feeding with a diet with 0.5% and 1% supplementation with the extract mixture, which increased efficiency by 83 and 85% respectively.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou a influência da alimentação de tilápias com dieta suplementada com extratos de própolis e Aloe barbadensis sobre os parâmetros hematológicos e parasitismo. Setenta e dois peixes foram distribuídos em 12 tanques, formando 4 tratamentos: peixes suplementados na dieta com extrato de própolis e aloe (0%, 0,5%, 1% e 2%). Após 15 e 21 dias de alimentação com dietas experimentais foram realizadas coletas de sangue e parasitos. Os monogeneas Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. halli, C. thurstonae e Scutogyrus longicornis foram identificados nas brânquias. Entre os períodos de coleta, observou-se aumento nos valores de eritrócitos, leucócitos, trombócitos e linfócitos, após 21 dias de alimentação, o que pode significar estresse ao longo do período experimental e/ou acúmulo dos produtos no organismo.A suplementação com a mistura de própolis e aloe, por 15 dias, apresentou melhor eficácia frente parasitos, possivelmente, devido à associação dos compostos. Os resultados demonstram que a suplementação com a mistura dos extratos não alterou os parâmetros hematológicos, além de favorecer redução significativa no número de parasitos branquiais. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos em 15 dias de alimentação com a dieta suplementada com 0,5% e 1% da mistura dos extratos, respectivamente por 83% e 85% de eficiência.(AU)

Effect of dietary supplementation with propolis and Aloe barbadensis extracts on hematological parameters and parasitism in Nile tilapia

This study evaluated the influence of diet supplementation with propolis and Aloe barbadensis on hematological parameters and parasitism in tilapia. One hundred and eighty fish were distributed among 12 water tanks forming four treatments: fish supplemented with a 1:1 mixture of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% propolis and aloe extracts. After the fish had been fed on the experimental diets for 15 and 21 days, blood samples were taken and parasites collected. The monogeneans Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. halli, C. thurstonae and Scutogyrus longicornis were identified in the gills. Between the sampling times, there were increases in the numbers of erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes and lymphocytes, as observed after 21 days, possibly due to the stress level over the course of the assay and/or accumulation of substances in the organism. Supplementation with the mixture of propolis and aloe for 15 days showed the highest efficacy against the parasites. This was possibly due to the association between the two compounds. The results demonstrated that supplementation with mixtures of extracts did not produce hematological alterations and also favored a significant reduction in the number of gill parasites. The best results were achieved after 15 days of feeding with a diet with 0.5% and 1% supplementation with the extract mixture, which increased efficiency by 83 and 85% respectively

Este estudo avaliou a influência da alimentação de tilápias com dieta suplementada com extratos de própolis e Aloe barbadensis sobre os parâmetros hematológicos e parasitismo. Setenta e dois peixes foram distribuídos em 12 tanques, formando 4 tratamentos: peixes suplementados na dieta com extrato de própolis e aloe (0%, 0,5%, 1% e 2%). Após 15 e 21 dias de alimentação com dietas experimentais foram realizadas coletas de sangue e parasitos. Os monogeneas Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. halli, C. thurstonae e Scutogyrus longicornis foram identificados nas brânquias. Entre os períodos de coleta, observou-se aumento nos valores de eritrócitos, leucócitos, trombócitos e linfócitos, após 21 dias de alimentação, o que pode significar estresse ao longo do período experimental e/ou acúmulo dos produtos no organismo.A suplementação com a mistura de própolis e aloe, por 15 dias, apresentou melhor eficácia frente parasitos, possivelmente, devido à associação dos compostos. Os resultados demonstram que a suplementação com a mistura dos extratos não alterou os parâmetros hematológicos, além de favorecer redução significativa no número de parasitos branquiais. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos em 15 dias de alimentação com a dieta suplementada com 0,5% e 1% da mistura dos extratos, respectivamente por 83% e 85% de eficiência.

Effects of astaxanthin on spawning performance of the scallop Nodipecten nodosus (Linnaeus, 1759) / Efeito da astaxantina na desova da vieira Nodipecten nodosus (Linnaeus, 1759)

In worldwide aquaculture, scallops are important bivalve mollusks with high economic and nutritional value. In many countries scallop culture relies on seeds obtained from hatcheries. For this reason, broodstock conditioning is an important step for the production of spats. The experiment was conducted with an astaxanthin-enriched diet and a control diet. Accumulation of astaxanthin and sexual stage of the Nodipecten nodosus females gonads before and after spawning and larvae survival were evaluated. The astaxanthin-enriched diet showed a higher astaxanthin accumulation in the scallop gonad (18.73 ± 1.42 µg mL-1) and 100% of the animals in advanced prespawning stage before spawning. A positive effect on the spawning process of the scallop, as well as D-larvae (34.96 ± 1.55%) and pediveliger (4.28 ± 0.42%) survival for animals treated with astaxanthin-enriched diet was observed.(AU)

Na aquicultura mundial, as vieiras são importantes moluscos bivalves com alto valor econômico e excelente fonte nutricional. Em muitos países, a sua produção está baseada na obtenção de sementes em laboratório. Neste sentido, o condicionamento de reprodutores é um passo importante para a produção de sementes. O experimento foi realizado com dieta enriquecida com astaxantina e uma dieta controle. Foi avaliado o acúmulo de astaxantina e o estágio sexual da gônada feminina de reprodutores de Nodipecten nodosus antes e após a eliminação de gametas, o desempenho na desova, além da sobrevivência das larvas. A dieta enriquecida mostrou maior acúmulo de astaxantina na gonada das vieiras (18,73 ± 1,42 µg mL-1) e 100% dos animais em estágio de pré-desova avançada antes da desova. Foi observado um efeito positivo no processo de eliminação de gametas da vieira, bem como na sobrevivência de larvas D (34,96 ± 1,55%) e pediveliger (4,28 ± 0,42%) para os animais tratados com a dieta enriquecida com astaxantina.(AU)

Effects of astaxanthin on spawning performance of the scallop Nodipecten nodosus (Linnaeus, 1759) / Efeito da astaxantina na desova da vieira Nodipecten nodosus (Linnaeus, 1759)

In worldwide aquaculture, scallops are important bivalve mollusks with high economic and nutritional value. In many countries scallop culture relies on seeds obtained from hatcheries. For this reason, broodstock conditioning is an important step for the production of spats. The experiment was conducted with an astaxanthin-enriched diet and a control diet. Accumulation of astaxanthin and sexual stage of the Nodipecten nodosus females gonads before and after spawning and larvae survival were evaluated. The astaxanthin-enriched diet showed a higher astaxanthin accumulation in the scallop gonad (18.73 ± 1.42 µg mL-1) and 100% of the animals in advanced prespawning stage before spawning. A positive effect on the spawning process of the scallop, as well as D-larvae (34.96 ± 1.55%) and pediveliger (4.28 ± 0.42%) survival for animals treated with astaxanthin-enriched diet was observed.

Na aquicultura mundial, as vieiras são importantes moluscos bivalves com alto valor econômico e excelente fonte nutricional. Em muitos países, a sua produção está baseada na obtenção de sementes em laboratório. Neste sentido, o condicionamento de reprodutores é um passo importante para a produção de sementes. O experimento foi realizado com dieta enriquecida com astaxantina e uma dieta controle. Foi avaliado o acúmulo de astaxantina e o estágio sexual da gônada feminina de reprodutores de Nodipecten nodosus antes e após a eliminação de gametas, o desempenho na desova, além da sobrevivência das larvas. A dieta enriquecida mostrou maior acúmulo de astaxantina na gonada das vieiras (18,73 ± 1,42 µg mL-1) e 100% dos animais em estágio de pré-desova avançada antes da desova. Foi observado um efeito positivo no processo de eliminação de gametas da vieira, bem como na sobrevivência de larvas D (34,96 ± 1,55%) e pediveliger (4,28 ± 0,42%) para os animais tratados com a dieta enriquecida com astaxantina.

Genetic variability for carotenoid content of grains in a composite maize population

Local maize (Zea mays L.) varieties are cultivated by small-scale farmers in western Santa Catarina (SC) State, in southern Brazil. These small areas frequently present many problems related to biotic and non-biotic stresses, which have limited the economic output and income of the farmers. Production from local varieties for human consumption would be an alternative way of improving income and stimulating on farm conservation. The genetic variability of the total carotenoid content (TCC) of kernels in a local maize population was evaluated for their economic exploitation potential as biofortified food. Two independent samples of 96 half-sib families (HSF) plus four checks were evaluated in two groups of experiments in western SC and each one was carried out in two environments. They were set out in a 10 × 10 partially balanced lattice with three replications per location; plots consisted of one row, 5.0 m long with 1.0 m between rows. TCC ranged from 11 to 23 µg g-1, averaging 16 µg g-1 in the pooled analysis over the two sets. The local composite population exhibited genetic variability in order to increase the TCC of grains in the second cycle of selection by the convergent-divergent scheme.

Genetic variability for carotenoid content of grains in a composite maize population

Local maize (Zea mays L.) varieties are cultivated by small-scale farmers in western Santa Catarina (SC) State, in southern Brazil. These small areas frequently present many problems related to biotic and non-biotic stresses, which have limited the economic output and income of the farmers. Production from local varieties for human consumption would be an alternative way of improving income and stimulating on farm conservation. The genetic variability of the total carotenoid content (TCC) of kernels in a local maize population was evaluated for their economic exploitation potential as biofortified food. Two independent samples of 96 half-sib families (HSF) plus four checks were evaluated in two groups of experiments in western SC and each one was carried out in two environments. They were set out in a 10 × 10 partially balanced lattice with three replications per location; plots consisted of one row, 5.0 m long with 1.0 m between rows. TCC ranged from 11 to 23 µg g-1, averaging 16 µg g-1 in the pooled analysis over the two sets. The local composite population exhibited genetic variability in order to increase the TCC of grains in the second cycle of selection by the convergent-divergent scheme.(AU)

Effects of perioperative hypothermia and reactive oxygen species in the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats

PURPOSE:We evaluated the hypothesis that induced perioperative hypothermia (32 ± 1ºC) affects the redox balance in the tissue of colonic anastomosis in rats by modifying biochemical enzymatic and non-enzymatic markers related to oxidative stress.METHODS:Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight experimental groups of six animals each and underwent laparotomy, sigmoid section and immediate anastomosis. Four groups were operated under normothermia (36 ± 1ºC), and the other four under hypothermia (32 ± 1ºC). The animals were reoperated on days 3, 7 and 14 postoperatively, and two groups underwent SHAM at 3 days. From the scar tissue samples, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was evaluated, and the levels of non-enzymatic markers of oxidative stress, such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation, were measured by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. The means were compared between groups corresponding to each day of sampling and euthanasia.RESULTS:The hypothermic groups showed a significant reduction on the activity of SOD on day 7 postoperatively, on the activity of CAT on days 7 and 14 postoperatively and on the levels of GSH on day 7 postoperatively. The level of lipid peroxidation was increased in the hypothermia group on day 7 postoperatively and decreased on day 14 compared with the normothermic groups.CONCLUSION:Perioperative hypothermia reduced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, glutathione levels and increased lipid peroxidation in the scar tissue of colonic anastomoses in rats.(AU)

Rapid analysis for predicting the expansion of the polvilho azedo

Sour cassava starch (polvilho azedo) is a chemically and enzymatically modified starch. It is used to prepare the traditional baked goods. Because of its satisfactory expansion property, a light and alveolar structure is produced in baked food prepared with sour cassava starch, without adding any chemical or biological ferment. This study reports some easy and simple procedures for pre-estimating sour cassava starch expansion property.The correlation between the native cassava starches and the laboratory-produced sour cassava starch was analyzed. An investigation among the local bakers was carried out for inquiring into the polvilho azedo choice,and it disclosed some product brands. The polvilho azedo samples from these brands were also evaluated. Acid factor, pH, specific volume, swelling power and intrinsic viscosity characteristics were directly correlated with expansion property. The procedures for determining acid factor, pH and weight loss are easy and accessible methodologies which might be carried out at small industries and bakeries.(AU)