Characterization of starch-based bioplastics from jackfruit seed plasticized with glycerol.

Biodegradable films based on starches from different botanical sources exhibited physicochemical and functional properties which were related with the starch characteristics. However, had inadequate mechanical properties and were hard and brittle. In this research, jackfruit seed starch plasticized with glycerol were developed and characterized. The starch and glycerol concentrations ranged from 2 to 6% w/w and 20 to 60 g/100 g starch, respectively. Bioplastics were obtained by the casting method and characterized in terms of color, mechanical properties, solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), morphology and free energy of the hydrophobic interaction. Electronic micrographics showed the presence of some intact starch granules. The bioplastics were hydrophilic and those of 6% starch and 40% glycerol were the most hydrophilic ([Formula: see text] = 41.35 mJ m-1). The solubility of the films presented a direct relationship with the starch concentration ranging from 16.42 to 23.26%. Increased opacity and color difference were observed with increasing starch concentration. The WVP ranged from 1.374 × 10-3 to 3.07 × 10-4 g m/day m2 which was positively related with the concentration of starch and glycerol. Tensile strength, percent elongation and Young's Modulus indicated that the jackfruit starch and glycerol provided a film with good mechanical properties. The results replaced that jackfruit starch can be used to develop films, with low opacity, moderate WVP and relatively high mechanical stability, by using glycerol in the gelatinized starch dispersions.

Effect of Antioxidant-Rich Moringa Leaves on Quality and Functional Properties of Strawberry Juice.

Moringa oleifera and strawberry are cultivated extensively worldwide and are divinely blessed with an enormous amount of nutritional and medicinal constituents, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, potassium, and phenolic antioxidants that play a pivotal role in treating, confining, and preventing diabetes and many kinds of cancer. The focus of the study is to develop different samples of highly acceptable ready to serve (RTS) Moringa strawberry juice blend by underutilizing Moringa and strawberry juice in different proportions. Moringa oleifera's bitter taste and green color steeply limits its acceptability and counter this drawback utilized with strawberry juice. The physicochemical analysis of blended juice was performed to investigate the suitability and keeping quality of the juice mixture. The collected data signify that pH titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) the slight modification after the inclusion of Moringa juice extract and throughout the storage. The Moringa treatment positively improved the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, and vitamin C from 12 to 49.17 mg GAE/100g, 61.41 to 87.69%, and 64.03 to 86.65 mg/100 mL, respectively, but there was a slight decline in antioxidant quantity while stored under refrigerated conditions for one month. An assimilative trend was noticed in TPC and vitamin C, which collapsed from 49.17-36.32 mg GAE to 86.65-79.19 mg, respectively. In accordance with sensory analysis T 2 (90% strawberry juice and 10% Moringa extract), the juice blend was rated best in context to flavor, color, and taste. This juice blend proved to be greatly effective especially for children suffering from malnutrition as well as women to counter with its appreciable number of nutritional constituents.

Perfil sociodemográfico, internações e óbitos por obesidade nas regiões brasileiras / Sociodemographic profile, hospitalizations and deaths by obesity in the Brazilian regions

Introdução: Os números relacionados à presença de obesidade são crescentes tanto no Brasil, quanto no mundo.Objetivo: Descrever o perfil sociodemográfico, internações e óbitos por obesidade nas regiões do Brasil. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo investigativo, observacional, retrospectivo, de delineamento quantitativo. A coleta de dados, referente ao período de 2008 a 2018, foi realizada no sistema de informação hospitalar do SUS (SIH/SUS), disponibilizado pelo departamento de informática do SUS (DATASUS). Resultados: Em relação ao número de internações e taxa de mortalidade por obesidade, de acordo com o sexo no período pesquisado, houve um predomínio no sexo feminino (N= 91889) em relação ao masculino (N= 13568), entretanto ao analisar a taxa de mortalidade percebeu-se que apesar do número de internações nos homens ter sido menor, a taxa de mortalidade foi maior do que nas mulheres respectivamente (0,52 e 0,17). A maior taxa de prevalência de pacientes internados por obesidade foi na região Sul (N= 169,65) e o menor número ocorreu na região Norte (N= 6,11). Em relação à taxa de mortalidade, a maior foi na região Norte (0,53%) e a menor na região Sul (0,2%). Conclusão: O índice de internações por obesidade durante o período analisado apresentou um aumento considerável na maioria das regiões, sendo que a taxa de mortalidade foi maior nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Além disso, notou-se que o sexo feminino concentra os maiores números de internações, que ocorreram com maior frequência no caráter eletivo do sistema de saúde privado.

Introduction: The numbers related to the presence of obesity are increasing both in Brazil and worldwide. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic profile, hospitalizations and deaths due to obesity in the regions of Brazil. Material and Methods: This is an investigative, observational, retrospective, quantitative study. Data collection, referring to the period from 2008 to 2018, was performed in the SUS hospital information system (SIH/SUS), made available by the computer department of SUS (DATASUS). Results: In relation to the number of hospitalizations and mortality rate for obesity, according to sex in the research period, there was a predominance in females (N= 91889) compared to males (N= 13568), however, when analyzing the mortality rate it was noticed that although the number of hospitalizations in men was lower the mortality rate was higher than in women respectively (0.52 and 0.17). The highest prevalence rate of patients hospitalized for obesity was in the South region (N= 169.65) and the lowest number occurred in the North region (N= 6.11). Regarding the mortality rate, the highest was in the Northern region (0.53%) and the lowest in the Southern region rate (0.2%). Conclusion: The rate of hospitalizations for obesity during the analyzed period showed a considerable increase in most regions, and the mortality rate was higher in the northern and northeastern regions. Moreover, it was noted that the female gender concentrated the largest numbers of hospitalizations, which occurred more frequently in the elective character of the private health system.

Sexual dysfunction in the climacteric period and associated factors / Disfunção sexual no climatério e fatores associados

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate associated factors with sexual dysfunction among middle-aged women. Methods: cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out with climacteric women attended at a Family Health Strategy Unit in the city of Montes Claros, MG. Brazil. The eligible women answered a question form containing sociodemographic, behavioral, anthropometric, gynecological factors and sexuality. The Body Mass Index and waist circumference were used to assess nutritional status and metabolic risk. To evaluate quality of life and sexual performance the Menopause Rating Scale and the Sexual Quotient - Female Version were used, respectively. Bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were used to identify associated factors with sexual dysfunction in the climacteric period. Results: among 195 women, 29.6% had sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of unsatisfactory sexual performance was higher among women who reported moderate to severe climacteric symptoms (OR=2.47) and lower schooling level was also associated (OR=1.95). However, age at menarche below 12 years (OR=0.43) and non-white (OR=0.36) seem to have a protective effect for good sexual performance. Conclusion: the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high and the level of schooling and climacteric symptomatology were associated factors with this outcome.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar os fatores associados à disfunção sexual entre as mulheres de meia-idade. Métodos: estudo de corte transversal e analítico realizado com mulheres climatéricas atendidas em uma Unidade de Estratégia de Saúde da Família no município de Montes Claros-MG, Brasil. As mulheres elegíveis responderam a um formulário contendo questões sociodemográficas, comportamentais, antropométricas, fatores ginecológicos e sexualidade. Utilizou-se o Índice e Massa Corporal e a circunferência da cintura para avaliar o estado nutricional e risco metabólico. Para avaliar a qualidade de vida e o desempenho sexual foram utilizados a Menopause Rating Scale e o Quociente Sexual -Versão Feminina, respectivamente. Empregou-se análise bivariada e regressão múltipla hierarquizada para identificar fatores associados à disfunção sexual no climatério. Resultados: dentre 195 mulheres, 29,6% apresentaram disfunção sexual. A prevalência de desempenho sexual insatisfatório foi maior entre as mulheres que declararam sintomas climatéricos moderados a graves (OR = 2,47) e o menor grau de escolaridade (OR = 1,95). No entanto, a idade da menarca abaixo de 12 anos (OR = 0,43) e a cor de pele não branca (OR = 0,36) parecem ter efeito protetor para o bom desempenho sexual. Conclusão: a prevalência de disfunção sexual foi elevada e o nível de escolaridade e a sintomatologia climatérica foram fatores associados a esse resultado.

Efeito da chia sobre a função intestinal, parâmetros antropométricos e hemodinâmicos em idosas / The effect of chia on intestinal function, anthropometric andHemodynamic parameters in elderly women

O processo de envelhecimento vem associado à diversas alterações funcionais, evidenciando-se a constipação intestinalcomo uma das mais prevalentes. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da semente de chia na constipação intestinale sua interferência nas medidas de peso, circunferência da cintura e pressão arterial. Inicialmente foi realizada aidentificação das idosas com o quadro de constipação intestinal por meio da aplicação do questionário Roma III. Apóseste procedimento aferiu-se as medidas antropométricas peso e altura para o cálculo e diagnóstico do estado nutricionalsegundo o Índice de Massa Corporal e Circunferência da Cintura para análise do risco de doenças cardiovasculares eParâmetro Hemodinâmico. As participantes da pesquisa receberam a semente de chia para consumo durante 45 dias,sendo orientadas a ingerir diariamente em jejum 1 colher de sopa da semente (correspondente a 12g/dia), e tambémquanto a ingestão de água. Depois de transcorridos os 45 dias, as idosas foram reavaliadas. Observou-se, que a sementefoi capaz de reverter o quadro da constipação intestinal, verificando a melhora em todos os fatores investigados peloQuestionário Roma III. Notou-se redução nos valores apresentados antes e após o experimento no que se refereao peso, Índice de Massa Corporal e Circunferência da Cintura, mas sem significância estatística. Quanto aos níveispressóricos, não foi observada alteração de valores. A chia se mostrou uma importante fonte de alimento funcionalsendo eficaz nas pacientes que apresentaram constipação, porém mais trabalhos devem ser realizados a fim de explorartodos os efeitos benéficos da semente

The aging process has been associated with several functional disorders, and constipation has proven to be one ofthe most prevalent. Aim: To evaluate the effect of chia seeds on intestinal constipation and its influence on weight,waist circumference, and blood pressure measurements. Initially, the identification of the elderly women withintestinal constipation was carried out by using the Roma III questionnaire. After this procedure the anthropometricmeasurements, weight and height, were checked to calculate and diagnose their nutritional status according to the BodyMass Index and Waist Circumference, in order to analyze the risk of cardiovascular diseases and analyze hemodynamicparameters. The study participants consumed chia seeds during 45 days, and they were instructed to eat 1 tbsp of theseed (corresponding to 12 g/day) as well as to drink water. After 45 days, the elderly women were re-evaluated. Results:We have observed that the seed was able to suppress the intestinal constipation, and we verified an improvement inall the factors investigated by the Roma III Questionnaire. There was a reduction in the values presented before andafter the experiment regarding weight, Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference, but with no statistical relevance. Forblood pressure levels, no changes in values were observed. Chia seed is an important source of functional food and iseffective in patients who presented constipation, but more work should be done in order to explore all the beneficialeffects of this seed

Qualidade Microbiológica de Farinhas de Linhaça Dourada e Marrom / Microbiological Quality of Golden and Brown Flaxseed Flours

A linhaça (Linum usitatissimum L.) é uma das maiores fontes de ácidos graxos essenciais ômega 3 e 6 e de outros nutrientes, tais como fibras e compostos fenólicos, que exercem ações relevantes na saúde humana. Com relação à composição nutricional, a semente de linhaça marrom e dourada não se diferem, pois ambas são ricas em lignanas e fibras dietéticas. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade microbiológica da farinha de linhaça dourada e marrom comercializada na cidade de Vitoria da Conquista- Bahia. As farinhas foram coletadas em três estabelecimentos diferentes, sendo duas comercializadas a granel e uma em supermercado com marca especifica. Foram avaliados os seguintes microrganismos: aeróbios mesófilos, Coliformes Totais e Termotolerantes, Fungos (Bolores e Leveduras) e Staphylococcus aureus, utilizando a técnica de Petrifilm. Por não existir legislação específica para este produto, utilizou-se a citada para sementes comestíveis cruas. Todas as farinhas de linhaça analisadas se encontram com algum nível de contaminação microbiana, porém dentro dos padrões exigidos pela Legislação de sementes cruas comestíveis. No entanto, vale salientar que quanto maior a carga microbiana nos alimentos menor a vida de prateleira do produto comercializado. Por isso, sugere-se um maior monitoramento a respeito das boas práticas de higiene e cuidadosna manipulação e conservação deste produto, a fim de não comprometer a qualidade microbiológica, sensorial e nutricional dos alimentos, garantindo ao consumidor um alimento próprio para consumo e prevenindo o aparecimento de doenças transmitidas por alimentos.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a major source of essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 and other nutrients such as fiber and phenolic compounds, with relevant actions on human health. Regarding the nutritional composition, the brown and golden flaxseed does not differ, since both are rich in lignans and dietary fiber. This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of golden and brown flaxseed flour marketed in the city of Vitoria da Conquista -Bahia. Flours were collected in three different establishments including two sold in bulk and one in a supermarket. The following microbiological analyses were carried out: aerobic mesophilic counts, Total and fecal coliforms, fungi (molds and yeasts) and Staphylococcus aureus using the petrifilm technique. Once there is no specific legislation for this product, the legislation used for raw edible seeds was assessed. All samples presented levels of microbial contamination, which was within the standards required by the legislation of edible raw seeds. However it is worth emphasizing that the higher the microbial load, the lower the product?s shelf life is. Therefore, it is suggested a greater monitoring with good hygiene practices and care in handling and storage of this product to provide microbiological, sensory, and nutritional quality of foods, thus preventing the occurrence of foodborne illness.