Differential biological activity of two extracts of ripe fruits of Carica candamarcensis Hook on human neutrophils / Actividad biologica diferencial de dos extractos de frutos maduros de Carica candamarcensis Hook en neutrófilos humanos

We evaluated the effect of the total macerate (TM) and seed oil (SO) of mature Carica candamarcensis fruits, on the release of Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and the phosphorylation of MAPK in neutrophils. The antioxidant capacity of these extracts was evaluated by ABTS assay. Neutrophils stimulated with different dilutions of TM or SO were analyzed for cytotoxicity, MMP9 release, and MAPK phosphorylation, using trypan blue exclusion assays, zymography, and immunoblotting, respectively. Both extracts show antioxidant activity, being higher in TM; none presented cytotoxic effect. The 5% and 2.5% dilutions of TM significantly reduced MMP9 release, and all decreased MAPK phosphorylation. SO significantly increased the release o f MMP9 and MAPK phosphorylation, the effect being greater when they were prestimulated with lipopolysaccharide.TM may have anti - inflammatory potential, while SO could have a priming effect that needs to be confirmed

Evaluamos el efecto del macerado total (MT) y aceite de semillas (AV) de frutos maduros de Carica candamarcensis , en la liberación de Matriz metaloproteinasa 9 (MMP9) y la fosfor ilación de MAPK en neutrófilos. La capacidad antioxidante de estos extractos se evaluó por ensayo ABTS. En neutrófilos estimulados con diferentes diluciones de MT o AV se analizó la citotoxicidad, liberación de MMP9 y fosforilación de MAPK, mediante ensayo s de exclusión con azul de tripano, zimografía e inmunotransferencia, respectivamente. Ambos extractos muestran actividad antioxidante, siendo mayor en MT; ninguno presentó efecto citotóxico. Las diluciones 5% y 2,5% de MT redujeron significativamente la l iberación de MMP9, y todas disminuyeron la fosforilación de MAPK. El AV incrementó significativamente la liberación de MMP9 y la fosforilación de MAPK, el efecto fue mayor cuando se preestimularon con lipopolisacárido. El MT puede tener potencial antiinfla matorio, mientras que el AV podría tener un efecto "priming" que necesita ser corroborado.

Infestation of Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) plants by Neotuerta platensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in Brazil: evaluations for five consecutive years

Abstract The bioecology and infestation aspects of Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on plants are poorly known. This insect fed on the leaves of common purslane, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) for two consecutive years, which triggered its study in the following five years in Januária, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The objective of this work was to study the bioecology and infestation aspects of N. platensis on P. oleracea plants in the field and laboratory. The mean duration (± SD) of the egg, larva and pupa stages was 3.6 ± 0.89, 11.5 ± 2.81 and 10.7 ± 1.97 days, respectively. The mean numbers of egg masses and eggs per female (± SD) were 3.8 ± 1.16 and 891.6 ± 116.83, respectively. The percentage of infested plants was 59, 74, 0, 78 and 75% and the mean numbers of larvae per plant (± SD) ranged from 0.7 ± 0.45 to 1.6 ± 0.49 individuals, respectively from 2015 to 2019. Neotuerta platensis larvae infested P. oleracea plants in four out of five years evaluated.

Resumo Os aspectos de bioecologia e infestação de Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em plantas são pouco conhecidos. Esse inseto se alimentou das folhas de beldroega comum, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) por dois anos consecutivos, o que desencadeou seu estudo nos cinco anos seguintes em Januária, Minas Gerais, Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a bioecologia e os aspectos da infestação de N. platensis em plantas de P. oleracea em campo e laboratório. A duração média (± DP) dos estágios de ovo, larva e pupa foi de 3,6 ± 0,89, 11,5 ± 2,81 e 10,7 ± 1,97 dias, respectivamente. Os números médios de posturas e ovos por fêmea (± DP) foram de 3,8 ± 1,16 e 891,6 ± 116,83, respectivamente. A porcentagem de plantas infestadas foi de 59, 74, 0, 78 e 75% e os números médios de larvas por planta (± DP) variaram de 0,7 ± 0,45 a 1,6 ± 0,49 indivíduos, respectivamente de 2015 a 2019. Larvas de N. platensis infestaram plantas de P. oleracea em quatro dos cinco anos avaliados.

Infestation of Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) plants by Neotuerta platensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in Brazil: evaluations for five consecutive years / Infestação de plantas de Portulaca oleracea (Portulacaceae) por larvas de Neotuerta platensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) no Brasil: avaliações por cinco anos consecutivos

The bioecology and infestation aspects of Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on plants are poorly known. This insect fed on the leaves of common purslane, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) for two consecutive years, which triggered its study in the following five years in Januária, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The objective of this work was to study the bioecology and infestation aspects of N. platensis on P. oleracea plants in the field and laboratory. The mean duration (± SD) of the egg, larva and pupa stages was 3.6 ± 0.89, 11.5 ± 2.81 and 10.7 ± 1.97 days, respectively. The mean numbers of egg masses and eggs per female (± SD) were 3.8 ± 1.16 and 891.6 ± 116.83, respectively. The percentage of infested plants was 59, 74, 0, 78 and 75% and the mean numbers of larvae per plant (± SD) ranged from 0.7 ± 0.45 to 1.6 ± 0.49 individuals, respectively from 2015 to 2019. Neotuerta platensis larvae infested P. oleracea plants in four out of five years evaluated.

Os aspectos de bioecologia e infestação de Neotuerta platensis Berg, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em plantas são pouco conhecidos. Esse inseto se alimentou das folhas de beldroega comum, Portulaca oleracea L. (Portulacaceae) por dois anos consecutivos, o que desencadeou seu estudo nos cinco anos seguintes em Januária, Minas Gerais, Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a bioecologia e os aspectos da infestação de N. platensis em plantas de P. oleracea em campo e laboratório. A duração média (± DP) dos estágios de ovo, larva e pupa foi de 3,6 ± 0,89, 11,5 ± 2,81 e 10,7 ± 1,97 dias, respectivamente. Os números médios de posturas e ovos por fêmea (± DP) foram de 3,8 ± 1,16 e 891,6 ± 116,83, respectivamente. A porcentagem de plantas infestadas foi de 59, 74, 0, 78 e 75% e os números médios de larvas por planta (± DP) variaram de 0,7 ± 0,45 a 1,6 ± 0,49 indivíduos, respectivamente de 2015 a 2019. Larvas de N. platensis infestaram plantas de P. oleracea em quatro dos cinco anos avaliados.

Habilidad combinatoria de los caracteres relacionados con la producción de habichuela (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Las variedades de habichuela cultivadas en Colombia presentan un bajo potencial de producción, por lo que se hace necesario adelantar programas de mejoramiento, cuya ejecución depende del conocimiento de la habilidad combinatoria de los cultivares disponibles. Con el objetivo de evaluar la acción génica predominante en caracteres de importancia económica, se evaluaron 15 híbridos directos y seis progenitores. Las habilidades combinatorias general (HCG) y específica (HCE), se estimaron con el Método 2 modelo 1 de Griffing, que considera a los progenitores y sus cruzamientos directos. Se midieron los caracteres: número de vainas y producción por planta, peso promedio y longitud de la vaina. Los resultados indicaron efectos genéticos aditivos para longitud de la vaina; por el contrario, el número de vainas y producción por planta, se vieron influenciados por efectos genéticos no aditivos, mientras que el peso promedio de la vaina fue controlado por efectos genéticos, tanto aditivos como no aditivos. Los progenitores 1 y 6 mostraron efectos positivos más altos de HCG, para el peso promedio y longitud de la vaina, mientras los progenitores 5 y 6, lo fueron para la producción de vainas por planta y los progenitores 4 y 5, para el número de vainas por planta. La estimación de HCE más alta para todos los caracteres, se presentó en el hibrido 1x2, siendo la más adecuada para mejorar la producción de la habichuela.

Green bean varieties grown in Colombia have low production potential, therefore it is necessary to carry out plant breeding programs, which execution depends on the knowledge of the combinatorial ability of the available cultivars. To evaluate the predominant gene action in economically important traits 15 direct hybrids and six parents were evaluated. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were estimated with Griffing's Method 2 model 1, which considers parents and their direct crosses. The characters: number of pods and yield per plant, average weight and pod length were measured. The results indicated additive genetic effects for pod length. In contrast, pod number and yield per plant were influenced by non-additive genetic effects, while average pod weight was controlled by both additive and non-additive genetic effects. Parents 1 and 6 showed higher positive effects of HCG for average pod weight and pod length, while parents 5 and 6 for pod yield per plant and parents 4 and 5 for number of pods per plant. The highest ECGH estimation for all traits was found in the 1x2 hybrid, being the most suitable for improving bean production.

Potencial antibacteriano de un enjuague bucal a base de Azadirachta indica (neem) sobre patógenos orales

Introducción: La alta prevalencia de enfermedades orales y los efectos colaterales de los fármacos sintéticos ha impulsado el estudio de alternativas terapéuticas como las plantas medicinales que sean seguras, efectivas y económicas para la población. Objetivo: Evaluar el potencial antibacteriano de 2 enjuagues bucal a base de Azadirachta indica (neem) sobre Streptococcus mutans y Enterococcus faecalis. Métodos: Estudio experimental. Se elaboraron 2 enjuagues bucales del extracto hidroetanólico de neen con concentraciones de 25 mg/mL y 50 mg/mL. El potencial antibacteriano se evaluó por el método de difusión en disco. Los datos fueron analizados con ANOVA y Tukey en el paquete estadístico SPSS v.26. Resultados: Para Streptococcus mutans el halo del enjuague bucal con 25 mg/mL de extracto de neem fue de 25,12 ± 0,798 mm; el de 50 mg/mL formó un halo de 29,40 ± 1,197 mm; el control negativo un halo de 8,62 ± 0,132 mm y la clorhexidina 0,12 % un halo de 17,64 ± 0,160 mm. Para Enterococcus faecalis, el halo del enjuague bucal con 25 mg/mL fue de 18,23 ± 1,150 mm; el de 50 mg/mL un halo de 20,93 ± 0,487 mm; el control negativo un halo de 7,91 ± 0,417 mm y la clorhexidina 0,12 % un halo de 16,50 ± 0,505 mm. Conclusión: Los enjuagues bucales a base de neem presentan potencial antibacteriano in vitro sobre Streptococcus mutans y Enterococcus faecalis y podrían ser utilizados en un futuro en su control y el de otros patógenos orales.

Introduction: The high prevalence of oral diseases and the side effects of synthetic drugs has promoted the study of therapeutic alternatives such as medicinal plants that are safe, effective and economical for the population. Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial potential of 2 mouthwashes based on Azadirachta indica (neem) on Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: Experimental study. Two mouthwashes were made from the hydroethanolic extract of neen with concentrations of 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. The antibacterial potential was evaluated by the disk diffusion method. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey in the statistical package SPSS v.26. Results: For Streptococcus mutans, the halo of the mouthwash with 25 mg/mL of neem extract was 25.12 ± 0.798 mm; that of 50 mg/mL formed a halo of 29.40 ± 1.197 mm; the negative control a halo of 8.62 ± 0.132 mm and chlorhexidine 0.12% a halo of 17.64 ± 0.160 mm. For Enterococcus faecalis, the halo of the mouthwash with 25 mg/mL was 18.23 ± 1,150 mm; that of 50 mg/mL a halo of 20.93 ± 0.487 mm; the negative control a halo of 7.91 ± 0.417 mm and chlorhexidine 0.12% a halo of 16.50 ± 0.505 mm. Conclusion: Neem-based mouthwashes have in vitro antibacterial potential against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis and could be used in the future to control them and other oral pathogens.

Dietary risk assessment of neonicotinoid pesticide in 21 kinds of market-sold vegetables in Guangzhou City / 预防医学

Objective@#To evaluate the dietary risk of neonicotinoid insecticides in market-sold vegetables in Guangzhou City, so as to provide insights into ensuring food safety for residents.@*Methods@#Forty-five samples of 21 kinds of vegetables were collected from supermarkets and farmer's markets in Guangzhou City from June to September in 2022, and 10 kinds of neonicotinoid insecticides were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The vegetable consumption was obtained through the survey of food consumption and nutrients intake of residents in Guangzhou City. The dietary risk was evaluated by calculating daily exposure and non-carcinogenic risk quotients of neonicotinoid insecticides. @*Results@#A total of 27 samples of vegetables were detected with neonicotinoid insecticides, and the detection rate was 60.00%. Among 10 kinds of neonicotinoid insecticides, 6 kinds were identified, including clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, dinotefuranand and nitenpyram. The detection rates of clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid were relatively high (26.67%, 11.11% and 6.67%), and some samples exceeded the standard, with the rate of 4.44%, 2.22% and 2.22%, respectively. The total exposure of neonicotinoid pesticides (IMIRPF) was 3 053.00 ng/g, and the contents and IMIRPF of imidacloprid were the highest in roots and tubers. The daily exposure of imidacloprid, acetamiprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin, thiamethoxam and nitenpyram was 34.58, 3.85, 1.20, 6.87, 7.19 and 0.86 ng/(kg·d). Non-carcinogenic risk quotients of imidacloprid, acetamiprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin, thiamethoxam and nitenpyram was 5.76×10-4, 0.55×10-4, 0.06×10-4, 0.69×10-4, 0.90×10-4 and 0.02×10-4, respectively, which was lower than 1; and the sum of non-carcinogenic risk quotients was 7.98×10-4, which was lower than 1. @*Conclusions@#The dietary risk of neonicotinoid pesticides is low in 21 kinds of market-sold vegetables in Guangzhou City; however, the contents of neonicotinoid insecticides in some vegetable samples exceed the standard. The supervision of vegetable markets should be strengthened.

Trans-fatty acid content in edible vegetable oil under different high temperatures / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveAn experimental method was established to determine the level of trans-fatty acids in edible vegetable oil and the changes of trans-fatty acid content during high-temperature simulated cooking. MethodsFour common edible vegetable oils on the market were selected， and three temperature points were set at 180 ℃ （light stir-fry）， 220 ℃ （fry） and 260 ℃ （stir fry）. The samples were taken after the heat treatment of 0， 1， 2， 3， 4， 5， 6 and 7 hours，respectively， to investigate the changes of trans-fatty acid content. ResultsUnder the heat treatment of 180 ℃ and 220 ℃， the content of trans-fatty acids remained basically stable in rapeseed oil， corn oil， soybean oil and olive oil. Under the heating condition of 260 ℃， the content of trans-fatty acids in these four vegetable oils increased significantly， and the absolute content of trans-fatty acids in rapeseed oil was the highest， reaching 6.84%. Soybean oil showed the larger increase， up to 247.90% from the initial content. The content of trans-fatty acids in olive oil increased from 0.26% to 1.69%， although the increase was large， but the absolute content of trans-fatty acids was still low. The content of trans-fatty acids in sesame oil increased significantly under the three temperatures， reaching 4.79% when heated at 260 ℃， and an increase of 369.61% compared with no heating. ConclusionTrans-fatty acid content in edible vegetable oils increases significantly in the cooking process， the higher the temperature and the longer the cooking time， the more significant the increase. It is recommended to avoid high temperature cooking and long time fried food.

Monitoring of foodborne pathogens in some ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables in Shanghai in 2021 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveThe contamination of foodborne pathogens in ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables in Shanghai was analyzed to provide a scientific basis for food safety， risk assessment and related supervision. MethodsFrom June to September 2021， a total of 143 batches of12 kinds of ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables such as lettuce， chicory， and cherry tomatoes were collected from farmers’ markets， supermarkets， and e-commerce platforms. The total number of bacterial colonies， Salmonella， Listeria monocytogenes， Staphylococcus aureus， Cronobacter spp. and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in the samples were tested according to National Food Contamination and Harmfulness Risk Monitoring Manual. ResultsAmong the 143 batches， foodborne pathogens were detected in 68 batches， with a total detection rate of 47.55% （68/143）. A total of 79 strains of foodborne pathogens were detected. The detection rate of Staphylococcus aureus was the highest （32.87%， 47/143）， followed by Cronobacter spp. （20.98%， 30/143）， Salmonella （0.70%， 1/143）， Listeria monocytogenes （0.70%， 1/143）， Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli （0.00%）. Furthermore， the detection rate was higher in different ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables： chicory （17.33%）， cucumber （17.14%）， cherry tomatoes （16.00%）， and honeydew melon （15.38%）， respectively. Meanwhile， the contamination rate of pathogens in ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets， supermarkets， and e-commerce platforms was relatively high. ConclusionReady-to-eat fruits and vegetables in Shanghai are contaminated by foodborne pathogens. The prevention and control of the contamination of post-harvest fruits and vegetables should be strengthened to reduce the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks.

Prevalence and risk factors of hookworm infections among vegetable growers in Anhui Province from 2018 to 2019 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hookworm infections among vegetable growers in Anhui Province, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the control strategy and interventions for hookworm human infections.. Methods A total of 1 179 vegetable growers were randomly sampled from 7 counties in Anhui province according to the natural ecological function areas in 2018 and 2019, and the basic features and risk factors of hookworm infections were collected from all subjects using a self-designed questionnaire, including living environment, vegetable planting and fertilization, type of household crops, animal feeding, hygiene and labor habits. In addition, stool samples were collected from all participants, and each stool sample was subjected to twice tests with the Kato-Katz technique. The risk factors of hookworm infections were identified among vegetable growers with the Bayesian log-binomial regression model. Results The prevalence of hookworm infection was 3.90% among the 1 179 vegetable growers. The prevalence of hookworm infection was 10.07% (15/149) among unemployed subjects, 5.32% (31/583) among farmers, and 0 among full-time vegetable growers (0/377) and subjects with other occupations (0/70), and there was a significant difference among subjects in terms of occupation (χ2=36.37, P < 0.01). Bayesian log-binomial regression analysis showed that fertilization with human feces [relative risk (RR)=18.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): (4.31, 77.17)], barefoot labor in vegetable fields [RR=2.86, 95% CI: (1.43, 5.70)], and living in plain ecological areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River [RR=4.19, 95% CI: (1.19, 14.81)] were independent risk factors of hookworm infections among vegetable growers. Stratified analysis showed that fertilization with human feces, barefoot labor in vegetable fields, drinking well water or mountain spring, and living in plain ecological areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were independent risk factors of hookw, orm infection among farmers, and living in plain ecological areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and growing rice were independent risk factors of hookw, orm infection among unemployed individuals. Conclusions The prevalence of hookworm infection is high among vegetable growers in Anhui Province, and fertilization with human feces, barefoot labor in vegetable fields and living in plain ecological areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are risk factors of hookw, orm infections among vegetable growers.

Association between Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Arterial Stiffness: The China-PAR Project / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable intake and arterial stiffness.@*METHODS@#We conducted a cohort-based study comprising 6,628 participants with arterial stiffness information in the Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China (China-PAR) project. A semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess baseline (2007-2008) and recent (2018-2021) fruit and vegetable intake. We assessed changes in fruit and vegetable intake from 2007-2008 to 2018-2021 in 6,481 participants. Arterial stiffness was measured using the arterial velocity-pulse index (AVI) and arterial pressure-volume index (API). Elevated AVI and API values were defined according to diverse age reference ranges.@*RESULTS@#Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models revealed that every 100 g/d increment in fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a 0.11 decrease in AVI ( B= -0.11; 95% confidence interval [ CI]: -0.20, -0.02) on average, rather than API ( B = 0.02; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.13). The risk of elevated AVI (odds ratio [ OR] = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.97) is 18% lower in individuals with high intake (≥ 500 g/d) than in those with low intake (< 500 g/d). Furthermore, maintaining a high intake in the past median of 11.5 years of follow-up was associated with an even lower risk of elevated AVI compared with a low intake at both baseline and follow-up ( OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.83).@*CONCLUSION@#Fruit and vegetable intake was negatively associated with arterial stiffness, emphasizing recommendations for adherence to fruit and vegetable intake for the prevention of arterial stiffness.

Effect of Different Cooking Methods on the Concentration of Vitamin C in Cowpea Vegetable (Vigna unguiculata)

Background: Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin widely distributed in nature, mostly rich in fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. The amount of Vitamin C in a given food depends on soil condition, climate in their area of growth, storage condition after harvest, and methods of preparation. Much amount of Vitamin C in vegetables is lost during cooking and there are still limited information on the impact of different cooking methods on the vitamin C content in leafy vegetable like cowpea vegetable (Vigna unguiculata). It is upon this background that this study aimed to determine the concentration of Vitamin C in cowpea vegetable when cooked using different cooking methods. Methodology: Vitamin C concentration in a solution of cowpea vegetable cooked by different cooking methods (boiling, steaming and microwave methods) was determined by a redox titration using iodine in the presence of starch indicator. This was conducted at Busitema University, Faculty of Science and Education, Biology Laboratory in Uganda. Results: The study revealed that cooking cowpea vegetable using microwave yields the highest concentration of vitamin C (154.8 mg/L), followed by steaming (142.9 mg/L) and boiling yielding the least concentration of vitamin C (130.4 mg/L). Conclusion: The concentration of vitamin C obtained by the three methods of cooking cowpea vegetable has shown that microwaving method of cooking yields the highest concentration of vitamin C followed by steaming method and finally boiling. Further studies should be done to explain the variation of vitamin C concentration in cowpea vegetable when cooked using the above cooking methods. Similar studies should be conducted on other leafy vegetables which are potential sources of Vitamin C.

Prototipo de alimento deshidratado con base en harina de auyama enriquecido con fuentes proteicas no convencionales / Prototype of dehydrated food based on butternut squash flour enriched with non-conventional protein sources

RESUMEN Debido al contenido de macronutrientes, micronutrientes y antioxidantes, la ingesta de hortalizas y de legumbres en la dieta puede reducir el riesgo de enfermedades, por tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue desarrollar un prototipo de alimento deshidratado con base en harina de auyama (Cucurbita moschata Duchense), enriquecido con fuentes proteicas, provenientes de granos. Se establecieron seis tratamientos empleando nueve materias primas, variando el porcentaje de cada una de ellas, donde la mayor proporción correspondió a la harina de auyama, se realizó un análisis bromatológico para cada materia prima y tratamiento. Posteriormente, se adelantó el análisis de carotenos totales, carbohidratos y calorías; para las variables materia seca (MS), cenizas, grasa, proteína cruda (PC), fibra detergente ácida (FDA) y fibra detergente neutra (FDN), se empleó un análisis de varianza y para la prueba sensorial, se aplicó la prueba Friedman, con 60 jueces. Al emplear los factores de conversión Atwater, los resultados indicaron que los materiales seleccionados para formular un prototipo de alimento deshidratado presentan bajo contenido de fibra detergente neutra (FDN) y fibra detergente ácida (FDA). La prueba de Friedman estableció que el mejor tratamiento para los 60 evaluadores fue el 6 seguido del 1, con la inclusión de harina de auyama del 15 y 20 %, respectivamente. Se concluye que, a partir de la inclusión de harina de hortaliza y de leguminosas es posible obtener un producto deshidratado con alto contenido de macronutrientes.

ABSTRACT Due to the content of macronutrients, micronutrients, and antioxidants, the intake of vegetables and legumes in the diet can reduce the risk of diseases, therefore, the objective of this research was to develop a prototype of dehydrated food based on butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchense) enriched with protein sources from grains. six treatments were established using nine raw materials, varying the percentage of each of them, where the highest proportion corresponded to butternut squash, a bromatological analysis was carried out for each raw material and treatment. Subsequently, the analysis of total carotenoids, carbohydrates, and calories was carried out; for the variables dry matter (DM), ashes, fat, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), an analysis of variance was used and for the sensory test the Friedman test was performed with 60 judges. When using the Atwater conversion factors, the results indicated that the materials selected to formulate a dehydrated food prototype have a low content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The Friedman test established that the best treatment for the 60 evaluators was 6 followed by 1, with the inclusion of butternut squash at 15 and 20 %, respectively. It is concluded that, from the inclusion of vegetable and legume flour, it is possible to obtain a dehydrated product with a high content of macronutrients.

Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Bitter Leaf Vegetables - Onugbu (Vernonia amygdalina): A Case Study of Farms in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

im: Vegetables form a major component of the human diet; however, some agricultural practices may put consumers at risk of parasitic infections. There is high consumption of bitter leaf (Onugbu) in the rural part of Nigeria. They are eaten raw as medicinal herbs by some people. The culture of inadequate or poor washing of vegetables could pose significant and major health threats to the consumers. The aim of the study was to identify some of the parasites that may be attached to the locally consumed edible vegetable Vernonia amygdalina called Onugbu amongst Igbo speaking dialect in south eastern Nigeria. Study Design: This study is a survey that evaluated the parasitic contamination of bitter leaf grown in selected farms in Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Duration: The study lasted for six months. Methodology: V. amygdalina leaf samples were bought directly from the farmers at 300 Naira per rap. The examination of sample was carried out using sedimentation method. Samples weighing 50g were gently washed in normal saline water. The water used in washing was filtered and centrifuged at 300g to concentrate the parasitic stages and also to avoid damages. The sediments obtained were transferred unto labelled clean slides and examined under the light microscope at x 40 objective lens. Results: Parasites were detected in all samples collected from the farm. The commonest parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (cyst 45.5%); other parasites seen are Entamoeba coli (cyst 13.6%), B. coli (trophozoite 27.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides (ova 9.1%) and Strongyloides stercolaris (larva 4. 6%). Conclusion and Recommendations: The results provide evidence of contamination of bitter leaves from farms in Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria with parasites of public health importance. To avoid infection, humans should wash the leaves of this vegetable with running water or salt and water before it is eating raw.

Validation of questionnaire for assessing perceived benefits and barriers of vegetable consumption in Japanese adults

@#Introduction: This study aimed to develop and validate a diet consultation tool that assesses the perceived benefits and barriers of vegetable consumption attached to the stage of change in Japanese adults. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted among university and vocational school students, medical staffs, and local residents in the Aichi, Osaka, and Kyoto prefectures of Japan between September 2017 and January 2018. Participants comprised of 379 adults aged 20–70 years (mean age: 30.5±12.6 years; men: 21.4%). The scale for decisional balance of vegetable consumption contained 15 benefit items and 15 barrier items. The internal consistency of the scale was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and construct validity was examined using an exploratory factor analysis with Promax rotation. Results: The developed questionnaire had 12 items across two domains for benefits and 12 items across three domains for barriers that were structured with high internal consistencies (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.82, 0.79, 0.82, 0.76 and 0.76, respectively). The intraclass correlation coefficient in the test-retest reliability study was substantial (0.77). We found a very clear association between decreasing barrier score with increasing vegetable consumption and progress in the stage of change. The decisional balance score (benefits score minus barriers score) was positively correlated with the number of vegetable servings as an external parameter (Spearman’s correlation: 0.461; p<0.001). Conclusion: The developed questionnaire was a valid, reliable, and useful tool for diet consultants to assess the perceived benefits and barriers of vegetable consumption in Japanese adults.

Preliminary assessment of weed population in vegetable and fruit farms of Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract A significant level of yield losses in the vegetable and fruit farms are attributed to the weed populations of the area. This study was conducted for eighteen months during 2019-2020 to assess the presence of various weed families, related species, and their densities in the vegetable (CROP A) and fruit (CROP B) farms of Taif, Saudi Arabia. During the study, fourteen and ten weed families were noted in the vegetable and fruit farms of the studied area, respectively. Poaceae family weeds (729) were significantly higher in numbers followed by the families Asteraceae (414), Chenopodiaceae (338), and Gisekiaceae (153). In the vegetable farms, two weed species of the family Poaceae including Setaria viridis (437) and Eleusine indica ssp (277) were present in the higher numbers followed by Chenopodium murale (166) of the Chenopodiaceae family. In the fruit farms, the weed species Cynodon dactylon of the family Poaceae represented the highest weed density (172) followed by Gisekia pharnaceoides L. species (153) of family Gisekiaceae and Portulaca oleracea (59) belonging to the family Portulacaceae. The vegetable and fruit farms of the Taif region face severe weed pressure that affects the cultivated crops. This study depicts a comprehensive picture of weed diversity and density in the vegetable and fruit farms of the area. The results of this study will be beneficial in developing effective weed management practices for better crop production.

Resumo Um nível significativo de perdas de rendimento nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas é atribuído às populações de ervas daninhas da área. Este estudo foi conduzido por dezoito meses durante 2019-2020 para avaliar a presença de várias famílias de ervas daninhas, espécies relacionadas e suas densidades nas fazendas de vegetais (CROP A) e frutas (CROP B) de Taif, Arábia Saudita. Durante o estudo, catorze e dez famílias de plantas daninhas foram observadas nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da área estudada, respectivamente. As plantas daninhas da família Poaceae (729) foram significativamente maiores em número, seguidas pelas famílias Asteraceae (414), Chenopodiaceae (338) e Gisekiaceae (153). Nas hortas, duas espécies de plantas daninhas da família Poaceae, incluindo Setaria viridis (437) e Eleusine indica ssp (277), estavam presentes em maior número, seguidas por Chenopodium murale (166) da família Chenopodiaceae. Nas fruticulturas, a espécie de plantas daninhas Cynodon dactylon da família Poaceae representou a maior densidade de plantas daninhas (172) seguida das espécies Gisekia pharnaceoides L. (153) da família Gisekiaceae e Portulaca oleracea (59) pertencentes à família Portulacaceae. As fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da região de Taif enfrentam uma forte pressão de ervas daninhas que afeta as culturas cultivadas. Este estudo apresenta um quadro abrangente da diversidade e densidade de plantas daninhas nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da região. Os resultados deste estudo serão benéficos no desenvolvimento de práticas eficazes de manejo de plantas daninhas para uma melhor produção das culturas.

Preliminary assessment of weed population in vegetable and fruit farms of Taif, Saudi Arabia / Avaliação preliminar da população de plantas daninhas em fazendas de hortaliças e frutas de Taif, Arábia Saudita

A significant level of yield losses in the vegetable and fruit farms are attributed to the weed populations of the area. This study was conducted for eighteen months during 2019-2020 to assess the presence of various weed families, related species, and their densities in the vegetable (CROP A) and fruit (CROP B) farms of Taif, Saudi Arabia. During the study, fourteen and ten weed families were noted in the vegetable and fruit farms of the studied area, respectively. Poaceae family weeds (729) were significantly higher in numbers followed by the families Asteraceae (414), Chenopodiaceae (338), and Gisekiaceae (153). In the vegetable farms, two weed species of the family Poaceae including Setaria viridis (437) and Eleusine indica ssp (277) were present in the higher numbers followed by Chenopodium murale (166) of the Chenopodiaceae family. In the fruit farms, the weed species Cynodon dactylon of the family Poaceae represented the highest weed density (172) followed by Gisekia pharnaceoides L. species (153) of family Gisekiaceae and Portulaca oleracea (59) belonging to the family Portulacaceae. The vegetable and fruit farms of the Taif region face severe weed pressure that affects the cultivated crops. This study depicts a comprehensive picture of weed diversity and density in the vegetable and fruit farms of the area. The results of this study will be beneficial in developing effective weed management practices for better crop production.

Um nível significativo de perdas de rendimento nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas é atribuído às populações de ervas daninhas da área. Este estudo foi conduzido por dezoito meses durante 2019-2020 para avaliar a presença de várias famílias de ervas daninhas, espécies relacionadas e suas densidades nas fazendas de vegetais (CROP A) e frutas (CROP B) de Taif, Arábia Saudita. Durante o estudo, catorze e dez famílias de plantas daninhas foram observadas nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da área estudada, respectivamente. As plantas daninhas da família Poaceae (729) foram significativamente maiores em número, seguidas pelas famílias Asteraceae (414), Chenopodiaceae (338) e Gisekiaceae (153). Nas hortas, duas espécies de plantas daninhas da família Poaceae, incluindo Setaria viridis (437) e Eleusine indica ssp (277), estavam presentes em maior número, seguidas por Chenopodium murale (166) da família Chenopodiaceae. Nas fruticulturas, a espécie de plantas daninhas Cynodon dactylon da família Poaceae representou a maior densidade de plantas daninhas (172) seguida das espécies Gisekia pharnaceoides L. (153) da família Gisekiaceae e Portulaca oleracea (59) pertencentes à família Portulacaceae. As fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da região de Taif enfrentam uma forte pressão de ervas daninhas que afeta as culturas cultivadas. Este estudo apresenta um quadro abrangente da diversidade e densidade de plantas daninhas nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da região. Os resultados deste estudo serão benéficos no desenvolvimento de práticas eficazes de manejo de plantas daninhas para uma melhor produção das culturas.

Behaviors related to chronic non-communicable diseases development in university students

Abstract Introduction: The scientific literature has reported the trend of the impact of non- communicable diseases on public health, and therefore, the investment of resources that interfere in the development of a country. Objective: To identify the presence of specific behaviors associated with the development of chronic non-communicable diseases in university students, since they are a susceptible population to the modification of these tendencies. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on a 375 university students' sample. The stepwise method was applied to identify risk factors associated with the development of chronic non-communicable diseases. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used to determine possible relationships between the variables studied. Results: The prevalence of tobacco use was 7.5%, frequent alcohol consumption was 91.5%, fruit intake was 96.3%, and vegetable intake was 95%. Additionally, only 48% of the sample practiced intense physical activity. Also, a relationship among the male sex, with the consumption of tobacco and the practice of low physical activity was found. Conclusions: Behaviors associated with chronic non-communicable diseases such as alcohol and tobacco consumption were identified in university students.

Consumo de frutas, verduras y legumbres en adultos de Santiago Oriente, Chile: ¿Ha influido el confinamiento por COVID-19?

RESUMEN El confinamiento por la pandemia del COVID-19 pudo impactar negativamente los hábitos alimentarios en Chile, principalmente debido al menor acceso a alimentos y los efectos psicológicos del encierro, cambiando patrones de consumo de frutas, verduras y legumbres. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la frecuencia y cantidad consumida de frutas, verduras y legumbres y el cumplimiento de las guías alimentarias para estos alimentos en adultos residentes del sector oriente de Santiago, antes y durante el confinamiento. Se realizó mediante una encuesta digital de frecuencia de consumo y participaron 1.351 residentes de las comunas en confinamiento pertenecientes al sector oriente, mayores de 18 años y ambos sexos. En los resultados se observó una disminución en la frecuencia y cantidad consumida de frutas y verduras y un aumento en la frecuencia y cantidad de legumbres consumidas durante el confinamiento. El cumplimiento de la guía alimentaria de legumbres aumentó, para las frutas disminuyó y para las verduras se mantuvo. El confinamiento afectó negativamente el consumo de frutas, mantuvo el de verduras y el consumo de legumbres aumentó pero sigue siendo insuficiente. Los efectos del confinamiento en la alimentación podrían agravar la situación epidemiológica de los chilenos.

ABSTRACT Confinement due to COVID-19 pandemic could have a negative impact on eating habits in Chile, mainly due to decreased food access, the psychological effects of confinement, and the changing patterns of fruit, vegetable and legume consumption. The objective of the study was to compare frequency and quantity of fruits, vegetables and legumes consumed by adults from the eastern sector of Santiago de Chile before and during confinement, as well as compliance with dietary guidelines for these foods. 1.351 subjects over 18 years old, of both sexes and residents of localities in confinement within the eastern sector of Santiago answered a digital food frequency questionnaire. Results showed a decrease in the frequency and quantity of fruits and vegetables consumed and an increase in the frequency and quantity of legumes consumed during confinement. Compliance with the dietary guideline for legumes increased, it decreased for fruits and was unchanged for vegetables. Confinement negatively affected consumption of fruits, did not alter that of vegetables, and legume consumption increased, yet is still insufficient. The effects of confinement on food habits could aggravate the epidemiological situation of Chileans.

Faunistic analysis and seasonal fluctuation of ladybeetles in an agro-ecological system installed for organic vegetable production

Plans for an agro-ecological system for agricultural production must consider vegetal diversification in agricultural properties because, among other advantages, it can help the biological control of pests when it focuses on such an end. Predator ladybeetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) can be found in different environments; they play an important role in biological control. The aims of the present study were to feature ladybeetle populations through faunistic analysis and determine their fluctuations in an agro-ecological system comprising seven sub-systems subjected to different cultivation systems in Seropédica County, RJ. The experiment was conducted from December/2018 to December/2019 at Módulo de Cultivo Orgânico Intensivo de Hortaliças (MCOIH), which is located at Sistema Integrado de Produção Agroecológica (SIPA). In total, 1,231 adult ladybeetles were captured, distributed into 13 species, 3 genera and 2 tribes of Coccinellidae, which resulted in S (taxon richness) = 19, Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') = 0.65 (at 0 to 1 scale) and Margalef diversity index (α) = 2.53 (values lower than 2.0 represent low diversity sites). Equitability was low (E = 0.22), since one of the ladybeetle species has prevailed: Cycloneda sanguinea (most frequent, dominating and constant) in MCOIH, as well as in each of the sub-systems. However, the simplest sub-systems installed for vegetable production (monoculture gardens) were not favorable for ladybeetle diversity, whereas sub-systems installed for polyculture of leafy vegetables recorded the greatest taxa diversity of ladybeetles, including species that predate in aphids that attack vegetables [Coleomegilla maculata, Coleomegilla quadrifasciata, Cycloneda sanguinea, Eriopis connexa, Harmonia axyridis, Hippodamia convergens and Hyperaspis (Hyperaspis) festiva]. The sub-system comprising gliricidia was used to produce fertilization biomass and favored the predominance of C. sanguinea in comparison to the other ladybeetle species in MCOIH. Spring was the season mostly favoring the occurrence of C. sanguinea and H. convergens adults; which were dominant species in ladybeetle assemblage in MCOIH; however, C. sanguinea was constant and H. convergens was accessory.