Health literacy, pain-related interference and pain-related distress of patients with musculoskeletal pain.

The present study aimed to compare pain-related interference and pain-related distress in patients with musculoskeletal pain and differing levels of health literacy. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 243 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults classified the level of health literacy. Outcome measures included pain-related interference (pain intensity and functional limitation) and pain-related distress (psychosocial factors). Analysis of variance methods were used. One hundred twenty-three (50.62%) participants were classified as adequate, 24 (9.88%) as marginal and 96 (39.50%) as inadequate health literacy. Patients with inadequate health literacy had higher values of pain severity compared to the other groups, when controlled for age. The group adequate health literacy showed less kinesiophobia compared to their counterparts. Functional limitations and other psychosocial factors were similar among groups. Pain severity and kinesiophobia had disadvantageous findings in participants with inadequate health literacy. Still, the results of pain severity must be approached cautiously because the differences were observed when controlled for age solely.

The relationship between low back pain and the basic lumbar posture at work: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between work-related lumbar posture (sitting, standing, walking, alternating posture) and LBP in workers. METHODS: This is a retrospective study comprising 529 records of adult workers from a database of a private company. Predominant work-related lumbar posture was classified based on time spent in each posture. A total of 22 personal, occupational, clinical, and psychosocial covariates were evaluated. LBP symptoms in the last 12 months and during the last 7 days were the outcomes of the study. The multivariate analysis model evaluated the independent relationship between the work-related lumbar posture classification and other potential exposure factors with LBP. RESULTS: The adjusted logistic regression model indicated that predominant walking reduced the likelihood to report LBP during the last 12 months when compared to standing (OR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.30, 0.99; p = 0.048), but there is no association between work-related postures and recent LBP. The adjusted analyses also revealed an association between LBP during the last 12 months and female sex, blue-collar task, frequently feeling tiredness, pain at any other body region previous 12 months, previous LBP, and monotonous work. Recent LBP was associated with female sex, pain at any other body region last 7 days, and previous LBP. CONCLUSIONS: Standing posture increases the likelihood to report LBP during the last 12 months when compared to walking. LBP over previous year and during the previous 7 days was associated with personal and clinical factors.

Electrical impedance tomography in pediatric patients with COVID-19, the first reports.

INTRODUCTION: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a noninvasive, radiation-free, bedside tool to monitor ventilation distribution in real time. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, in pediatric COVID-19 patients, the ventilation distribution using EIT and compare it to thoracic computed tomography (TCT) or chest radiograph results obtained in these patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational clinical study including pediatric patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital. The patients monitored with EIT tested positive for COVID-19 and were submitted to the previously mentioned radiation exams. EIT monitoring lasted 15 min and no sedation was used. RESULTS: Six patients were included in this study. The main differences observed in the EIT were in the right-left distribution and were compatible with the morphological changes found in the TCT or radiograph images due to COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSION: We conclude that EIT is ready to investigate the ventilatory profile present at different lung diseases, including COVID-19, and might postpone or mitigate the need of repeated ionizing radiation exams in the pediatric population, although larger pediatric cohorts comparing to standard radiological imaging are needed.

The Reliability and Concurrent Validity of PainMAP Software for Automated Quantification of Pain Drawings on Body Charts of Patients With Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of painful areas through printed body charts is a simple way for clinicians to identify patients with widespread pain in primary care. However, there is a lack in the literature about a simple and automated method designed to analyze pain drawings in body charts in clinical practice. PURPOSE: To test the inter- and intra-rater reliabilities and concurrent validity of software (PainMAP) for quantification of pain drawings in patients with low back pain. METHODS: Thirty-eight participants (16 [42.10%] female; mean age 50.24 [11.54] years; mean body mass index 27.90 [5.42] kg/m2 ; duration of pain of 94.35 [96.11] months) with a current episode of low back pain were recruited from a pool of physiotherapy outpatients. Participants were instructed to shade all their painful areas on a body chart using a red pen. The body charts were digitized by separate raters using smartphone cameras and twice for one rater to analyze the intra-rater reliability. Both the number of pain sites and the pain area were calculated using ImageJ software (reference method). The PainMAP software used image processing methods to automatically quantify the data from the same digitized body charts. RESULTS: The reliability analyses revealed that PainMAP has excellent inter- and intra-rater reliabilities to quantify the number of pain sites (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]2,1 : 0.998 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.996 to 0.999]; ICC2,1 : 0.995 [95% CI 0.991 to 0.998]) and the pain area [ICC2,1 : 0.998 (95% CI 0.995 to 0.999); ICC2,1 : 0.975 (95% CI 0.951 to 0.987)], respectively. The standard error of the measurement was 0.22 (4%) for the number of pain sites and 0.03 cm2 (4%) for the pain area. The Bland-Altman analyses revealed no substantive differences between the 2 methods for the pain area (mean difference = 0.007 [95% CI -0.053 to 0.067]). CONCLUSION: PainMAP software is reliable and valid for quantification of the number of pain sites and the pain area in patients with low back pain.

The Variation of Cross-Sectional Area of the Sciatic Nerve in Flexion-Distraction Technique: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the cross-sectional area of the sciatic nerve in different positions of spinal manipulation using flexion-distraction technique. METHODS: Thirty healthy participants were assessed in 6 different flexion-distraction technique positions of varying lumbar, knee, and ankle positions. Participants stood in the following 3 positions with the lumbar in the neutral position: (A) with knee extended, (B) with knee flexed, and (C) with the knee extended and ankle dorsiflexion. Participants then stood in the following 3 positions with the lumbar flexed: (D) with the knee extended, (E) with the knee flexed, and (F) with knee extended and ankle dorsiflexion. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the sciatic nerve was measured with ultrasound imaging in transverse sections in the posterior medial region of the left thigh. The CSA values measured at each position were compared. RESULTS: We analyzed 180 ultrasound images. The cross-sectional area of the sciatic nerve (in mm2) in position B (mean; standard deviation) (59.71-17.41) presented a higher mean cross-sectional area value compared with position D (51.18-13.81; P =.005), position F (48.71-15.16; P = .004), and position C (48.37-16.35; P = .009). CONCLUSION: The combination of knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion reduced the CSA of the sciatic nerve, and flexing the knee and keeping the ankle in the neutral position increased it.

Ridge Preservation After Maxillary Third Molar Extraction Using 30% Porosity PLGA/HA/ß-TCP Scaffolds With and Without Simvastatin: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinically and radiographically, in humans, the healing of maxillary third molars postextraction sockets after application of different ridge preservation techniques 3 months after tooth extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six sockets (13 patients) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment modalities: deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBM-C), poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) with hydroxyapatite/ß-TCP scaffold (PLGA/HA), PLGA/HA/ß-TCP with 2.0% simvastatin scaffold (PLGA/HA/S), and spontaneous healing (control). Clinical complications were assessed, and cone-beam computed tomographies were taken in 5 patients 3 months after surgeries. For statistical purposes, the Fisher exact test was used (P < 0.05). RESULTS: After 3 months, 6 of 9 grafts from the PLGA/HA group were lost (P < 0.05). PLGA/HA/S' loss was only 2 of 8 (P > 0.05), but no loss was observed in the DBBM-C group. Pain was present in 3 of 8 sites that lost the graft (37.5%) (P > 0.05) and infection in 1 of 8 (12.5%) (P > 0.05), with these only occurring in the PLGA/HA group. CONCLUSIONS: Poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) with hydroxyapatite/ß-TCP (PLGA/HA/ß-TCP) scaffolds, with and without simvastatin, failed to obtain the initial expected results and presented more complications. Scaffolds with simvastatin showed to be superior, with less clinical complications than scaffolds without simvastatin.

Planning of dental implant size with digital panoramic radiographs, CBCT-generated panoramic images, and CBCT cross-sectional images.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the implant size (width and length) planned with digital panoramic radiographs, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-generated panoramic views, or CBCT cross-sectional images, in four implant systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients with a total of 103 implant sites in the upper premolar and/or lower molar regions were examined with digital panoramic radiography (D-PAN) and (CBCT). A metal ball 5 mm in diameter was placed in the edentulous area for the D-PAN. CBCT data sets were reformatted to a 10-mm thick CBCT panoramic view (CBCT-pan) and 1-mm cross-sections (CBCT-cross). Measurements were performed in the images using dedicated software. All images were displayed on a monitor and assessed by three observers who outlined a dental implant by placing four reference points in the site of the implant-to-be. Differences in width and length of the implant-to-be from the three modalities were analyzed. The implant size selected in the CBCT-cross images was then compared to that selected in the other two modalities (D-PAN and CBCT-pan) for each of the implant systems separately. RESULTS: The implant-to-be (average measurements among observers) was narrower when measured in CBCT-cross compared with both D-PAN and CBCT-Pan. For premolar sites, the width also differed significantly between D-PAN and CBCT-pan modalities. The implant-to-be was also significantly shorter when recorded in CBCT-cross than in D-PAN. In premolar sites, there were no significant differences in implant length among the three image modalities. It mattered very little for the change in implant step sizes whether CBCT-cross was compared to D-PAN or CBCT-pan images. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the selected implant size differs when planned on panoramic or cross-section CBCT images. In most cases, implant size measured in cross-section images was narrower and shorter than implant size measured in a panoramic image or CBCT-based panoramic view.

Pain and disability were related to Y-balance test but not with proprioception acuity and single-leg triple-hop test in patients with patellofemoral pain: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral pain is a common complaint between physically active subjects. Patients with patellofemoral pain present limitations to performing daily activities. Pain could alter proprioceptive acuity and lead to movement impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of pain and disability with proprioception acuity and physical performance in patients with patellofemoral pain. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with patellofemoral pain [age 31.15 (5.91) years; 30 (62.50%) males] were recruited. Data collected included pain intensity, pain duration, disability, joint position sense (JPS) test at 20° and 60° of knee flexion, and physical performance tests (Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test and Y- Balance Test). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to assess the relationship between the variables. RESULTS: Pain intensity was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (rs = -0.32, 95%CI = -0.55 to -0.03, p = 0.029) and the composite score (rs = -0.35, 95%CI = -0.58, -0.07, p = 0.015). Pain duration was correlated with Y-Balance Test posterolateral component (rs = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.53 to -0.01, p = 0.047). Disability was correlated with Y-Balance Test posteromedial component (rs = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.62, p = 0.004). Pain and disability were not correlated with JPS and the Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test. CONCLUSION: Pain and disability were related to Y-Balance Test but not to proprioceptive acuity and Single-Leg Triple-Hop Test in patients with patellofemoral pain.

Uncovering emotional and network dynamics in the speech of patients with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Computational linguistics allows an understanding of language structure and different forms of expression of patients' perceptions. AIMS: The aims of this study were (i) to carry out a descriptive analysis of the discourse of people with chronic low back pain using sentiment analysis (SA) and network analysis; (ii) to verify the correlation between patients' profiles, pain intensity and disability levels with SA and network analysis; and (iii) to identify clusters in our sample according to language and SA using an unsupervised machine learning technique. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of a qualitative study including participants with chronic non-specific low back pain. We used the data related to participants' feelings when they received the diagnosis. The SA and network analysis were performed using the Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner, and the Speech Graph, respectively. Clustering was performed using the K-means algorithm. RESULTS: In the SA, the mean composite score was -0.31 (Sd. = 0.58). Most participants presented a negative discourse (n = 41; 72%). Word Count (WC) and Largest Strongly connected Component (LSC) positively correlated with education. No statistically significant correlations were observed between pain intensity, disability levels, SA, and network analysis. Two clusters were identified in our sample. CONCLUSION: The SA showed that participants reported their feeling when describing the moment of the diagnosis using sentences with negative discourse. We did not find a statistically significant correlation between pain intensity, disability levels, SA, and network analysis. Education level presented positive correlation with WC and LSC.

One spinal manipulation session reduces local pain sensitivity but does not affect postural stability in individuals with chronic low back pain: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend spinal manipulation for patients with low back pain. However, the effects of spinal manipulation have contradictory findings compared to placebo intervention. Therefore, this study investigated the immediate effects of lumbar spinal manipulation on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and postural stability in people with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Second, we investigated the immediate effect of lumbar spinal manipulation on pain intensity and the interference of the participant beliefs about which treatment was received in the PPT, postural stability, and pain intensity. METHODS: A two-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was performed. Eighty participants with nonspecific cLPB and a minimum score of 3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale received one session of lumbar spinal manipulation (n = 40) or simulated lumbar spinal manipulation (n = 40). Primary outcomes were local and remote PPTs and postural stability. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity and participant's perceived treatment allocation. Between-group mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated the treatment effect. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to assess whether beliefs about which treatment was received influenced the outcomes. RESULTS: Participants had a mean (SD) age of 34.9 (10.5) years, and 50 (62.5%) were women. Right L5 [between-group mean difference = 0.55 (95%CI 0.19 to 0.90)], left L5 [between-group mean difference = 0.45 (95%CI 0.13 to 0.76)], right L1 [between-group mean difference = 0.41 (95%CI 0.05 to 0.78)], left L1 [between-group mean difference = 0.57 (95%CI 0.15 to 0.99)], left DT [between-group mean difference = 0.35 (95%CI 0.04 to 0.65)], and right LE [between-group mean difference = 0.34 (95%CI 0.08 to 0.60)] showed superior treatment effect in the spinal manipulation group than sham. Neither intervention altered postural stability. Self-reported pain intensity showed clinically significant decreases in both groups after the intervention. A higher proportion of participants in the spinal manipulation group achieved more than two points of pain relief (spinal manipulation = 90%; sham = 60%). The participants' perceived treatment allocation did not affect the outcomes. CONCLUSION: One spinal manipulation session reduces lumbar pain sensitivity but does not affect postural stability compared to a sham session in individuals with cLPB. Self-reported pain intensity lowered in both groups and a higher proportion of participants in the spinal manipulation group reached clinically significant pain relief. The participant's belief in receiving the manipulation did not appear to have influenced the outcomes since the adjusted model revealed similar findings.

Questionnaires assessing knowledge and beliefs about musculoskeletal conditions are potentially suitable for use, but further research is needed: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the measurement properties of Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for knowledge and/or beliefs about musculoskeletal conditions. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A systematic review was performed according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO - ID: CRD42022303111. Electronic databases, reference lists, forward citation tracking, and contact with experts were used to identify studies. Eligible studies were reports developing or assessing a measurement property of a PROM measuring musculoskeletal condition specific-knowledge and/or beliefs. We assessed the methodological quality and measurement properties of included studies. A modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation approach was used to rate the quality of evidence for each PROM. RESULTS: The literature search was performed from inception to 11th September 2023. Sixty records were included, reporting 290 individual studies, and provided information on 25 PROMs. Five PROMs presented sufficient structural validity, three presented sufficient cross-cultural validity, ten presented sufficient reliability, three presented sufficient criterion validity, six presented sufficient hypothesis-testing, and four presented sufficient responsiveness. No PROM presented sufficient evidence for content validity, internal consistency, and measurement error. Based on the available evidence, no PROM was classified as suitable for use according to the COSMIN recommendations. Twenty-four PROMs are potentially suitable for use, and one PROM is not recommended for use. CONCLUSION: No PROM designed to assess knowledge and/or beliefs about musculoskeletal conditions meets the COSMIN criteria of suitable for use. Most PROMs identified in this systematic review were considered as potentially suitable for use and need further high-quality research to assess their measurement properties.

Evaluation of nutritional, technological, oxidative, and sensory properties of low-sodium and phosphate-free mortadellas produced with bamboo fiber, pea protein, and mushroom powder.

This study examined the effects of replacing alkaline phosphate (AP) with bamboo fiber (BF), isolated pea protein (PP), and mushroom powder (MP) on the nutritional, technological, oxidative, and sensory characteristics of low-sodium mortadellas. Results indicated that this reformulation maintained the nutritional quality of the products. Natural substitutes were more effective than AP in reducing water and fat exudation. This led to decreased texture profile analysis (TPA) values such as hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness. The reformulation reduced the L* values and increased the b* values, leading to color modifications rated from noticeable to appreciable according to the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) index. Despite minor changes in oxidative stability indicated by increased values in TBARS (from 0.19 to 0.33 mg MDA/kg), carbonyls (from 2.1 to 4.4 nmol carbonyl/mg protein), and the volatile compound profile, the sensory profile revealed a beneficial increase in salty taste, especially due to the inclusion of MP, which was enhanced by the synergy with BF and PP. In summary, the results confirmed the potential of natural alternatives to replace chemical additives in meat products. Incorporating natural antioxidants into future formulations could address the minor oxidation issues observed and enhance the applicability of this reformulation strategy.

Three-dimensional assessment of buccal alveolar bone after rapid and slow maxillary expansion: a clinical trial study.

INTRODUCTION: The purposes of this study were to analyze and compare the immediate effects of rapid and slow maxillary expansion protocols, accomplished by Haas-type palatal expanders activated in different frequencies of activation on the positioning of the maxillary first permanent molars and on the buccal alveolar bones of these teeth with cone-beam computerized tomography. METHODS: The sample consisted of 33 children (18 girls, 15 boys; mean age, 9 years) randomly distributed into 2 groups: rapid maxillary expansion (n = 17) and slow maxillary expansion (n = 16). Patients in the rapid maxillary expansion group received 2 turns of activation (0.4 mm) per day, and those in the slow maxillary expansion group received 2 turns of activation (0.4 mm) per week until 8 mm of expansion was achieved in both groups. Cone-beam computerized tomography images were taken before treatment and after stabilization of the jackscrews. Data were gathered through a standardized analysis of cone-beam computerized tomography images. Intragroup statistical analysis was accomplished with the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, and intergroup statistical analysis was accomplished with analysis of variance. Linear relationships, among all variables, were determined by Spearman correlation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Both protocols caused buccal displacement of the maxillary first permanent molars, which had more bodily displacement in the slow maxillary expansion group, whereas more inclination was observed in the rapid maxillary expansion group. Vertical and horizontal bone losses were found in both groups; however, the slow maxillary expansion group had major bone loss. Periodontal modifications in both groups should be carefully considered because of the reduction of spatial resolution in the cone-beam computerized tomography examinations after stabilization of the jackscrews. Modifications in the frequency of activation of the palatal expander might influence the dental and periodontal effects of palatal expansion.

Pain-related interference and pain-related psychosocial factors of three different subgroups of patients with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) subgroup identification and management are a research priority. The clarification of subgroup differences could assist clinicians in clinical decisions contributing to a tailored treatment. OBJECTIVES: To compare pain-related interference and pain-related psychosocial factors among subgroups of chronic low back pain (localised low back pain, peripheral neuropathic back pain, and widespread pain). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 444 participants with chronic low back pain. Pain-related interference was investigated by the Brief Pain Inventory and Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Pain-related psychosocial factors assessment included psychosocial factors from Brief Screening Questions and maladaptive beliefs from Back Beliefs Questionnaire, self-efficacy, and expectation questions. Participants' characteristics, pain-related interference, and pain-related psychosocial factors were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: A one-way ANCOVA presented statistically significant differences among the groups for current pain intensity [F(2,441) = 6.77, p = 0.001], pain duration [F(2,425) = 9.83, p < 0.001], pain-related interference by Brief Pain Inventory [F(2,441) = 11.97, p < 0.001], and pain-related psychosocial factors regarding symptoms of anxiety [F(2,441) = 3.85, p = 0.022], symptoms of depression [F(2,441) = 6.74, p = 0.001], social isolation [F(2,441) = 6.54, p = 0.002], catastrophising [F(2,441) = 9.72, p < 0.001], perceived stress [F(2,441) = 3.93, p = 0.020], maladaptive beliefs [F(2,441) = 6.89, p = 0.001], and expectation [F(2,441) = 6.66, p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Participants with widespread pain presented higher pain-related interference and pain-related psychosocial factors compared to the localised low back pain group. Participants with peripheral neuropathic back pain and widespread pain presented with similar characteristics.

Hydrogelled emulsion from linseed oil and pea protein as a strategy to produce healthier pork burgers with high technological and sensory quality.

Hydrogelled emulsions (HEs) produced with linseed oil and different levels of pea protein (PP) (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) were used to replace 50% of animal fat in burgers. The effect of this lipid reformulation on the nutritional, technological, oxidative, microbiological, and sensory quality of the burgers was evaluated during their refrigerated storage (4 °C for 12 days). The reformulated burgers displayed a reduction of >40% in fat and an increase of up to 10% in protein content. Lipid reformulation also increased the PUFA/SFA ratio and reduced the n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio and the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices of the lipid fraction of the burgers. Including 5 and 10% of PP in the HEs made it possible to obtain burgers of high technological quality and with a sensory profile similar to full-fat products. PP was also efficient in reducing the increase in the lipid oxidation caused by the enrichment with n-3 PUFAs.

Replacing Animal Fat with Gels of Psyllium Fiber and Combined Linseed Oil-Psyllium Fiber in Salamis: Impacts on Technological, Nutritional, Oxidative, and Sensory Properties.

This study produced two gels: one solely using psyllium fiber (GP) and another combining this fiber with linseed oil (GL+P). Both gels replaced 15% and 30% of the animal fat content of salamis. The objective was to evaluate the impact of this lipid reformulation on the technological, nutritional, oxidative, and sensory properties of the salamis. The lipid reformulation did not alter the evolution of pH and lactic acid bacteria during processing. The addition of GL+P did not interfere with the product's drying process. However, replacing 30% of animal fat with the GP resulted in greater weight loss and a lower final Aw value. The lipid reformulation minimally affected the color of the salamis but significantly enhanced their nutritional profile. This improvement was marked by a decrease in fat content and an increase in protein. Specifically, in the samples with GL+P, there was a rise in linolenic acid content and a reduction in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Adding GP did not affect the salamis' oxidative stability and sensory profile. However, substituting 30% of the animal fat with GL+P increased the TBARS values, and volatile compounds derived from lipid oxidation hampered the products' sensory profiles. A reduction in these negative effects was observed when replacing 15% of the fat with GL+P, suggesting this to be the ideal dosage for balancing the nutritional benefits with maintaining the product's oxidative stability.

Jabuticaba peel extract and nisin: A promising combination for reducing sodium nitrite in Bologna-type sausages.

This study investigated the effect of a 50% reduction in sodium nitrite and the addition of nisin (200 mg/kg) and different concentrations (0, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) of jabuticaba peel extract (JPE) on the main attributes affected by this chemical additive in Bologna-type sausages. The modified treatments showed approximately 50% lower residual nitrite than the control throughout the storage (60 days at 4 °C). The proposed reformulation did not affect the color (L*, a*, and b*), and the ΔE values (< 2) demonstrated high color stability during storage. Physicochemical (TBARS and volatile compounds) and sensory analyses performed to evaluate oxidative stability indicated that JPE exhibited antioxidant activity comparable to sodium nitrite. The microbiological quality of the reformulated products was similar to the control, but further studies should be conducted to assess the effect of this reformulation strategy on the growth of pathogenic microorganisms impacted by nitrite.

Pea Protein Isolate as a Meat Substitute in Canned Pork Pâté: Nutritional, Technological, Oxidative, and Sensory Properties.

This study investigated the feasibility of replacing pork meat with pea protein isolate in canned pâtés at proportions ranging from 12.5% to 50%. The results indicated that protein reformulation did not significantly impact the protein content and lipid oxidation of the pâtés. Reformulated products exhibited a decrease in a∗ values and an increase in b∗ values. These color changes were also sensorially identified in the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) test, where the reformulated pâtés were associated with attributes such as 'yellow color' and 'unpleasant color', which were inversely related to product acceptance. The protein reformulation reduced the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness parameters of the pâtés. These textural changes were positively reflected in the CATA test, where the reformulated products were characterized by attributes like 'soft texture', 'pleasant texture', and 'good spreadability', which strongly correlated with higher consumer acceptance. Notably, pâtés with 37.5% and 50% substitutions of pork meat with pea protein showed acceptability levels comparable to the control, and those with up to a 25% substitution exhibited superior sensory acceptability. However, the color alteration suggests the need for future optimization, such as using natural colorants. In summary, the results of this study not only validate the feasibility of replacing pork meat with pea protein in pâtés but also offer valuable insights for future investigations to develop more innovative and sustainable meat products.

High-power ultrasound, micronized salt, and low KCl level: An effective strategy to reduce the NaCl content of Bologna-type sausages by 50.

This study evaluated the combination of high-power ultrasound (HPU), micronized salt (MS), and low KCl levels as a strategy to produce reduced sodium Bologna-type sausages. Samples with 50% NaCl reduction were produced with regular salt (RS) or MS and 0.5% KCl. The sausages were sonicated for 0 or 27 min in an ultrasonic bath (25 kHz, 60% amplitude, normal mode, 20 °C) immediately after filling. The sodium reformulation strategy was effective in compensating for the defects in the emulsion stability and texture profile caused by the NaCl reduction. Besides, the combination of HPU, MS, and KCl did not cause major impacts on the evolution of pH, Eh, and TBARS values of the sausages during storage (21 days at 4 °C). The use of MS and KCl also allowed a reduction by 50% of the NaCl content (< 42% Na; Na/K ratio: 1.2 to 1.3) of the samples without affecting the salty taste, which was enhanced by the HPU treatment.