Sustainable use of tropical fruits? Challenges and opportunities of applying the waste-to-value concept to international value chains.

Agriculture and food science literature on waste-to-value applications that allow upcycling of by-product ingredients is increasing. However, this stream of research rarely takes an international trade and sustainability systems perspective. This focused review defines the term of waste-to-value and the sustainable development goals connected to it, and points to the tensions and questions arising when international trade is involved. Further, it exemplifies the challenges and opportunities of waste-to-value in tropical fruit trade through five cases of tropical fruit from South America: Green coconut, açaí, maracujá, cambuci, and jabuticaba. We present a model of the international supply chain that indicates where the opportunities of waste-to-value applications in international tropical fruit trade are situated, and discuss which future research questions need to be addressed to tackle the challenges of waste-to-value in global tropical fruit chains. Establishing the waste-to-value approach in the export of yet-underused tropical fruits can amongst others improve local employment, preserve natural resources, allow favorable use of side-streams in local energy production, environmentally friendly packaging material for transport, and add health functionalities to the end-consumer products, but challenges have to be solved in order to ensure these environmental and social benefits materialize.

Acute management of cerebral venous thrombosis: Indications, technique, and outcome of endovascular treatment in two high-volume centers.

INTRODUCTION: After several uncontrolled studies and one randomized clinical trial, there is still uncertainty regarding the role of endovascular treatment (EVT) in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). This study aims to describe and assess different acute management strategies in the treatment of CVT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of an international two-center registry of CVT patients admitted since 2019. Good outcome was defined as a return to baseline modified Rankin scale at three months. We described and compared EVT versus no-EVT patients. RESULTS: We included 61 patients. Only one did not receive systemic anticoagulation. EVT was performed in 13/61 (20%) of the cases, with a median time from diagnosis to puncture of 4.5 h (1.25-28.5). EVT patients had a higher median baseline NIHSS [6 (IQR 2-17) vs 0 (0-2.7), p = 0.002)] and a higher incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (53.8% vs 20.3%, p = 0.03). Recanalization was achieved in 10/13 (77%) patients. Thrombectomy was performed in every case with angioplasty in 7 out of 12 patients and stenting in 3 cases. No postprocedural complication was reported. An improvement of the median NIHSS from baseline to discharge [6 (2-17) vs 1(0-3.75); p < 0.001] was observed in EVT group. A total of 31/60 patients (50.8%) had good outcomes. Adjusting to NIHSS and ICH, EVT had a non-significant increase in the odds of a good outcome [aOR 1.42 (95%CI 0.73-2.8, p = 0.307)]. CONCLUSIONS: EVT in combination with anticoagulation was safe in acute treatment of CVT as suggested by NIHSS improvement. Selected patients may benefit from this treatment.

Anthocyanin Extraction from Jaboticaba Skin (Myrciaria cauliflora Berg.) Using Conventional and Non-Conventional Methods.

This study evaluated the effect of different extraction technologies and conditions in order to obtain jaboticaba skin extracts. Firstly, the skins were extracted by conventional extraction, according to a rotatable central composite design, varying ethanol concentration, solid:liquid ratio, and temperature. Next, ultrasound-assisted extraction was performed using different power densities and times. Finally, high-pressure extractions were performed with varying pressures and times. For agitated bed extraction, the highest anthocyanin content was observed for ethanol concentrations varying between 60% and 80%. Thus, the independent variables which more influenced anthocyanin content were ethanol concentration and solid:liquid ratio. Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity was linearly affected by the increase in temperature. Ethanol concentration was the variable that most influenced ABTS+. On the other hand, the increase in ethanol concentration decreased the antioxidant capacity by ABTS+. Considering the ultrasound extraction, increasing its power did not affect total monomeric anthocyanins content, while the increase in process time had better yields. The highest antioxidant capacity and total monomeric anthocyanins were found for the highest extraction time. Similarly, with ultrasound, the increase in high hydrostatic-assisted extraction time positively influenced anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity. As a result, the ultrasound-assisted method was found to be the best extraction technology for anthocyanins recovery.

Artisan minas cheese of Serro: proteolysis during ripening.

The Artisan Minas Cheese (AMC) is the oldest and most traditional Brazilian cheese, it is produced in several regions of the state of Minas Gerais, such as the Serro region. The most striking features of the AMC-Serro are the use of raw milk and natural bacteria from the whey, popularly known as pingo, as well as the use of the rind washing process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the proteolysis of the AMC-Serro from three different producers, during 60 days of maturation, and to relate the proteolysis to the producing farms, the production season and the rind washing during ripening. For this purpose, TRICINE-SDS-PAGE, proteolysis extension and depth indices, moisture, and texture (firmness) were evaluated. It was concluded that the temperature and moisture of the cheeses, that were determined by the location of the ripening room, the production season and the rind washing, were the most important factors. The degree of proteolysis also had an impact on the water loss during ripening, with effect on cheese safety. The results obtained in this study may be used to better understand the transformations during ripening of AMC-Serro and help the small traditional farmers to improve their product's quality and stability.

Impact of multi-functional fermented goat milk beverage on gut microbiota in a dynamic colon model.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of grape probiotic fermented beverages made of goat milk, with or without added grape pomace on gut microbiota in a Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®). SHIME® model was used to investigate to assess changes in microbial composition and fermentation metabolites (short- and branched-chain fatty acids and ammonium), as well as under the antioxidant capacity. The results demonstrated that the beverages formulated, with or without grape pomace extract, exhibited high dietary fiber, oleic acid, phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity. Both beverages also kept L. rhamnosus and S. thermophilus viable during their passage through the intestinal tract and had a positive effect on gut microbiota metabolism, increasing the antioxidant capacity and the production of short-chain fatty acids, and decreasing the ammonium concentration. Therefore, the multifunctional beverages formulated in this study can offer a new perspective for the production of foods with positive potential effects on human health.

Metronomic oral cyclophosphamide plus prednisone in docetaxel-pretreated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of metronomic oral cyclophosphamide (CTX) and prednisone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. We analyzed retrospectively patients with mCRPC previously treated with docetaxel, and who received metronomic CTX (from 50 mg PO daily to 150 mg PO, 14 days/7 days off) and prednisone 10 mg PO daily between September 2009 and April 2014 were analyzed. The primary endpoint was prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decrease ≥50 %. Secondary analysis included PSA decrease ≥30 %, time-to-treatment failure (TTF) and toxicity. Demographics and baseline characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. PSA response and adverse events were reported as relative rates. Kaplan-Meier estimates were calculated and plotted for time-to-event endpoints. Forty patients were evaluated. The median age was 69 years old (52-86), 12 (30.0 %) patients presented a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) of <80 %, and 34 (85 %) presented with bone with or without nodal metastases. Median pre-treatment PSA was 192 ng/dL (7-2696 ng/dL). All patients were previously exposed to docetaxel, including 33 (82.5 %) with docetaxel-refractory disease. PSA response rate was achieved in eight (20.0 %) out of 40 patients. Additionally, PSA declines of ≥30 % occurred in 14 (35.0 %) patients. The median TTF was 3 months (95 % confidence interval 2.5-3.5). The treatment was well tolerated. Grade 3/4 lymphopenia was reported in 11 (27.5 %) patients and was the only grade 3-4 toxicity reported. Metronomic oral CTX showed activity and safety in docetaxel-pretreated mCRPC patients. This regimen deserves further investigation in this setting.

Caracterização físico-química da polpa e da farinha da fibra de manga (Mangifera indica L. Cv. “Tommy Atkins”) / Physico-chemical characterization of pulp and fiber flour from mango (Mangifera indica L. Cv. “Tommy Atkins”)

Após o processamento industrial da manga, cerca de 60% do peso do fruto é resíduo, que é desperdiçado pela indústria de alimentos. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar a polpa e a farinha da fibra da manga. Esse material foi obtido após o descasque, descaroçamento e despolpamento, onde se obteve a polpa e o resíduo que ficou retido no equipamento, o qual foi denominado de fibra. A polpa foi armazenada a -18°C e a fibra foi desidratada e triturada para a obtenção de uma farinha. Após estes processos, determinou-se os valores de pH, umidade, cinzas, teor de sólidos solúveis e ácido ascórbico tanto para a polpa quanto para a farinha, enquanto que a acidez foi determinada somente para a polpa e o teor de fibra alimentar total e lipídeos apenas para a farinha da fibra. Os resultados demonstram que este resíduo tem características interessantes para indústria, podendo ser utilizado como enriquecimento para alimentação animal e humana.

Determinação de compostos bioativos, atividade antioxidante e antimicrobiana do extrato da fibra da manga (Mangifera indica l. cv. Tommy Aktins) / Determination of bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity from mango (Mangifera indica l. cv. Tommy Aktins) fiber extract

Tendo em vista que a manga é um dos principais frutos da economia brasileira, a presente pesquisa teve o objetivo de analisar o teor de carotenoides, compostos fenólicos e a capacidade antioxidante e antimicrobiana da fibra, resíduo da polpa deste fruto. Deste modo foi elaborado um extrato etanólico 80% (v/v) com a fibra desidratada e pelos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que esse resíduo não é rico em nenhum dos compostos bioativos analisados, bem como não possui boa capacidade antioxidante ou atividade antimicrobiana.

Avaliação das condições físicas e sanitárias das fazendas de produção de leite caprino na área rural da região metropolitana de Natal, RN / Evaluation of the physical and sanitary conditions of goat milk farms in the rural area of the metropolitan region of Natal, RN

[{"text": "A caprinocultura leiteira no Nordeste é uma atividade que tem grande\r\ncontribuição para a agricultura familiar. Diante desse cenário esta pesquisa\r\nobjetivou realizar uma avaliação das fazendas de leite caprino na área rural\r\nda região metropolitana de Natal-RN, visando verificar as condições do setor,\r\npropondo apoio para uma melhor qualidade do leite. Inicialmente foram\r\nrealizadas reuniões com os produtores para esclarecimento sobre o projeto\r\ne adesão voluntária dos mesmos. O trabalho teve a aplicação de um questionário\r\nsocioeconômico, abordando variáveis relativas à propriedade e de um\r\nchecklist para verificação do processo de ordenha do leite caprino.Das 14\r\npropriedades visitadas, 36% tem de 5 a 10 anos de atividade, metade dos proprietários\r\npossui ensino superior completo e 72% deles utilizam apenas mão\r\nde obra contratada. Em relação à ordenha, 15% não higienizam os tetos dos\r\nanimais antes da mesma, 86% não realizam o pré-dipping e nenhum deles\r\ntem os funcionários capacitados. Observou-se que ações simples e de baixo\r\ncusto como a lavagem dos tetos dos\r\nanimais e a higiene correta do local\r\nde ordenha e dos ordenhadores são\r\nfatores que precisam ser trabalhados\r\ncom os produtores para melhorar a\r\nqualidade do leite produzido. Durante\r\nas visitas algumas orientações\r\nforam dadas aos produtores e posteriormente\r\nforam entregues relatórios\r\ncom sugestões de melhorias\r\nnas propriedades. A pesquisa conclui\r\nque os produtores de leite caprino na\r\nárea rural da região metropolitana\r\nde Natal-RN necessitam de melhorias\r\nem suas fazendas leiteiras e que\r\nprecisam de apoio e orientações de\r\ndiferentes instituições para ampliar\r\nconhecimentos e aumentar a qualidade\r\ndo leite caprino.(AU)", "_i": "pt"}]

Impact of engineered Streptococcus thermophilus trains overexpressing glyA gene on folic acid and acetaldehyde production in fermented milk

The typical yogurt flavor is caused by acetaldehyde produced through many different pathways by the yogurt starter bacteria L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus. The attention was focused on one specific reaction for acetaldehyde and folic acid formation catalyzed by serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), encoded by the glyA gene. In S. thermophilus, this enzyme SHMT also plays the typical role of the enzyme threonine aldolase (TA) that is the interconvertion of threonine into glycine and acetaldehyde. The behavior of engineered S. thermophilus strains in milk fermentation is described, folic acid and acetaldehyde production were measured and pH and counts were followed. The engineered S. thermophilus strains StA2305 and StB2305, have the glyA gene (encoding the enzyme serine hydroxymethyltransferase) overexpressed. These engineered strains showed normal growth in milk when it was supplemented with Casitione. When they were used in milk fermentation it was observed an increase in folic acid and in acetaldehyde production by StA2305 and for StB2305 it was noticed a significative increase in folic acid formation.

O acetaldeído, responsável pelo sabor e aroma característicos de iogurte, é produzido por diferentes vias metabólicas pelas bactérias lácticas: Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) e Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus). Neste trabalho, a atenção foi focada especificamente na reação para a formação de acetaldeído e de ácido fólico, catalisada pela enzima serina hidroximetil transferase (SHMT), codificada pelo gene glyA. A enzima SHMT catalisa diversas reações e, no caso da bactéria S. thermophilus, ela exerce também a atividade característica da enzima treonina aldolase (TA), definida como a interconversão do aminoácido treonina em glicina e acetaldeído. Foram construídas linhagens de S. thermophilus (StA2305 e StB2305) com super expressão do gene glyA. Estas linhagens modificadas apresentaram crescimento normal quando o leite foi suplementado com hidrolisado de caseína (Casitione). Quando foram usadas para fermentação de leite, observou-se: aumento na produção de ácido fólico e acetaldeído por StA2305 e aumento significativo na formação de ácido fólico por StB2305.

Impact of engineered Streptococcus thermophilus trains overexpressing glyA gene on folic acid and acetaldehyde production in fermented milk

O acetaldeído, responsável pelo sabor e aroma característicos de iogurte, é produzido por diferentes vias metabólicas pelas bactérias lácticas: Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) e Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus). Neste trabalho, a atenção foi focada especificamente na reação para a formação de acetaldeído e de ácido fólico, catalisada pela enzima serina hidroximetil transferase (SHMT), codificada pelo gene glyA. A enzima SHMT catalisa diversas reações e, no caso da bactéria S. thermophilus, ela exerce também a atividade característica da enzima treonina aldolase (TA), definida como a interconversão do aminoácido treonina em glicina e acetaldeído. Foram construídas linhagens de S. thermophilus (StA2305 e StB2305) com super expressão do gene glyA. Estas linhagens modificadas apresentaram crescimento normal quando o leite foi suplementado com hidrolisado de caseína (Casitione). Quando foram usadas para fermentação de leite, observou-se: aumento na produção de ácido fólico e acetaldeído por StA2305 e aumento significativo na formação de ácido fólico por StB2305.