Beneficial Effects of Capybara Oil Supplementation on Steatosis and Liver Apoptosis in Obese Mice.

Obesity is a complex chronic disease characterized by excess body fat (adipose) that is harmful to health and has been a major global health problem. It may be associated with several diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are lipid mediators that have anti-inflammatory characteristics and can be found in animals and plants, with capybara oil (CO) being a promising source. So, we intend to evaluate the hepatic pathophysiological alterations in C57Bl/6 mice with NAFLD, caused by obesity, and the possible beneficial effects of OC in the treatment of this disease. Eighteen 3-month-old male C57Bl/6 mice received a control or high-fat diet for 18 weeks. From the 15th to the 18th week, the animals received treatment-through orogastric gavage-with placebo or free capybara oil (5 g/kg). Parameters inherent to body mass, glucose tolerance, evaluation of liver enzymes, percentage of hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, the process of cell death with the apoptotic biomarkers (Bax, Bcl2, and Cytochrome C), and the ultrastructure of hepatocytes were analyzed. Even though the treatment with CO was not able to disassemble the effects on the physiological parameters, it proved to be beneficial in reversing the morphological and ultrastructural damage present in the hepatocytes. Thus, demonstrating that CO has beneficial effects in reducing steatosis and the apoptotic pathway, it is a promising treatment for NAFLD.

Photoinactivation of microorganisms using bacteriochlorins as photosensitizers.

In recent years, some microorganisms have shown resistance to conventional treatments. Considering this increase in resistant pathogens, treatment alternatives are needed to promote greater treatment efficiency. In this sense, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been an alternative treatment. This technique uses a photosensitizer that is activated by light with a specific wavelength producing reactive species, leading to the death of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, bacteriochlorophyll derivatives such as bacteriochlorin metoxi (Bchl-M) and bacteriochlorin trizma (Bchl-T) obtained from purple bacterium (Rhodopseudomonas faecalis), were evaluated as photosensitizers in the aPDT. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated with both bacteriochlorins (Bchl-M and Bchl-T) at different concentrations (1, 15 and 30 µM for S. aureus; 1, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 µM for M. luteus; 30, 60, 90, 105, 120 and 150 µM for C. albicans; and 200 µM for P. aeruginosa) and different doses of light (20 and 30 J/cm2 for S. aureus and M. luteus; 30 and 45 J/cm2 for C. albicans; and 45 J/cm2 for P. aeruginosa) to inactivate them. Both photosensitizers showed good activation against S. aureus and for M. luteus, we observed the inactivation of these microorganisms at approximately 3 log, showing to be a good photosensitizers for these microorganisms.

Capybara Oil Improves Renal Pathophysiology and Inflammation in Obese Mice.

Obesity is an inflammatory disease associated with secondary diseases such as kidney disease, which can cause lipotoxicity, inflammation and loss of organ function. Polyunsaturated fatty acids act in the production of lipid mediators and have anti-inflammatory characteristics. In this work, the objective was to evaluate renal histopathology in obese mice and the effects of treatment with capybara oil (CO) (5000 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks). Parameters such as body mass, lipid profile, systolic blood pressure, urinary creatinine and protein excretion, structure and ultrastructure of the renal cortex, fibrosis, tissue inflammation and oxidative stress were analyzed. CO treatment in obese mice showed improvement in the lipid profile and reduction in systolic blood pressure levels, in addition to beneficial remodeling of the renal cortex. Our data demonstrated that CO decreased inflammation, oxidative stress and renal fibrosis, as evidenced by quantifying the expression of TNF-α, IL-10, CAT, SOD, α-SMA and TGF-ß. Although treatment with CO did not show improvement in renal function, ultrastructural analysis showed that the treatment was effective in restoring podocytes and pedicels, with restructuring of the glomerular filtration barrier. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that treatment with CO is effective in reducing kidney damage, being considered a promising treatment for obesity.

Role of biotransformation in the diazinon-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells and antioxidant protection by tetrahydrocurcumin.

Diazinon (DZN) is an insecticide extensively used to control pests in crops and animals. However, its indicriminated use may lead to liver damage in animals and humans. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of DZN (25-150 µM) on human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells after 24 and 48 h of exposure and the role of its biotransformation on the toxicological potential. We also tested the protective effect of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), an antioxidant agent, in the DZN-induced citotoxicity. DZN caused cytotoxicity in the HepG2 cells, inhibiting cell proliferation and reducing cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The pre-incubation of HepG2 cells with chemical inducers of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital resulted in a further decrease of cell viability associated with DZN exposure. In addition, the metabolite diazoxon was more toxic than DZN. Our results also revealed that THC alleviated DZN-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generation in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our data provide novel insights into the involvement of biotransformation in the mechanisms of DZN-induced cytotoxicity and suggest that amelioration of RONS accumulation might be involved in the protective effect of THC on DZN-induced liver injury.

Consumer food environment assessment and its association with socioeconomic factors in a midsize city in Brazil / Avaliação do ambiente alimentar do consumidor e suas associações com fatores socioeconômicos em uma cidade brasileira de médio porte

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the consumer food environment and its associations with socioeconomic factors in a midsize Brazilian city. Methods An ecological study that assessed the consumer food environment through audits in a stratified and proportional sample of food stores. The ESAO-S and the ESAO-R instruments were used. Access to healthy food was assessed using the Healthy Food Store Index and the Healthy Meal Restaurant Index. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and the Health Vulnerability Index were obtained from the 2010 Demographic Census. Statistical analyses were performed using the IBM®SPSSNo-Break®No-Break software. Result A total of 280 food stores were assessed. Only 47.1% of food stores for home consumption had fruits, vegetables, or legumes. High availability of ultra-processed food was identified, such as sugar-sweetened beverages (85.0%) and chocolate sandwich cookies (77.8%). The prices of some unprocessed foods and the availability of snacks were different according to socioeconomic characteristics. In food stores for immediate consumption, low availability of healthy options was identified, and, in most of them, natural juices had higher prices than sugar-sweetened beverages (87.1%). The mean Healthy Food Store Index score was 5.1 (SD=3.6), and the Healthy Meal Restaurant Index was 2.4 (SD=1.2). Conclusion These findings allow us to expand the knowledge about the consumer food environment, helping to implement public policies related to food supply.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o ambiente alimentar do consumidor e suas associações com fatores socioeconômicos em uma cidade brasileira de médio porte. Métodos Estudo ecológico, no qual avaliou-se o ambiente alimentar do consumidor por meio de auditorias em uma amostra estratificada e proporcional de estabelecimentos que comercializam alimentos. Utilizaram-se os instrumentos ESAO-S e ESAO-R. O acesso a alimentos saudáveis foi avaliado por meio do Healthy Food Store Index e do Healthy Meal Restaurant Index. As características socioeconômicas, demográficas e o índice de vulnerabilidade da saúde foram obtidos a partir do Censo Demográfico de 2010. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas no software IBMNo-Break®No-BreakSPSSNo-Break®No-Break. Resultados Avaliaram-se 280 estabelecimentos, onde apenas 47,1% dos comércios de alimentos para consumo em domicílio possuíam frutas, verduras ou legumes. Foi identificada uma elevada disponibilidade de alimentos ultraprocessados, como refrigerantes (85,0%) e biscoitos (77,8%). Os preços de alguns alimentos in natura e a disponibilidade de salgadinhos foram diferentes segundo as características socioeconômicas. Nos comércios de alimentos para consumo imediato, foi identificada baixa disponibilidade de opções saudáveis e, na maioria deles, os sucos naturais apresentaram preços superiores a refrigerantes (87,1%). A pontuação média do Healthy Food Store Index foi 5,1 (DP=3,6) e do Healthy Meal Restaurant Index de 2,4 (DP=1,2). Conclusão Os resultados permitem ampliar o conhecimento sobre o ambiente alimentar do consumidor, auxiliando na implantação de políticas públicas relacionadas ao abastecimento alimentar.

Prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em pessoas vivendo com HIV / Prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en personas que viven con el VIH / Prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases in people living with HIV

Resumo Objetivo Identificar a prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e fatores associados em pessoas vivendo com HIV (PVHIV). Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal retrospectivo realizado por meio de uma análise secundária dos dados coletados entre outubro de 2014 a maio de 2018. O banco analisado incluiu amostra de 550 pessoas, provenientes de cinco Serviços de Atendimento Especializado. Foi realizado teste qui-quadrado, Odds Ratio (OR), Razão de Prevalência (RP) e seus respectivos Intervalos de Confiança (IC) de 95%, teste de Wald da estimativa e valor p<0,05. Resultados As doenças crônicas não transmissíveis mais prevalentes foram hipertensão arterial (17,89%), diabetes mellitus (7,51%) e Doença Renal Crônica (4,83%). Ter doença crônica foi associado ao sexo feminino (RP=1,18, OR=1,3, p=0,022), idade maior que 45 anos (RP=2,15, OR=6,36, p=0,001), tempo de estudo menor ou igual a oito anos (RP=1,23, OR=1,92, p=0,005), ter dislipidemia (RP=1,16, OR=2,01, p=0,001), carga viral detectável (RP=2,32, OR=2,59, p=0,001) e a contagem de células TCD4+ menor que 350 células/mm3 (RP=1,5, OR= 1,6, p=0,019), o padrão se repetiu com a razão de prevalência. Conclusão Identificou-se alta prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre pessoas vivendo com HIV e diversos fatores associados, considerando assim uma exposição multifatorial. Neste contexto, ressalta-se o importante papel da equipe multiprofissional na prevenção das comorbidades.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar la prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y factores asociados en personas que viven con el VIH (PVVIH). Métodos Se trata de un estudio transversal retrospectivo realizado mediante un análisis secundario de los datos recopilados entre octubre de 2014 y mayo de 2018. El banco analizado incluyó la muestra de 550 personas provenientes de cinco Servicios de Atención Especializada. Se realizó la prueba χ2 de Pearson, Odds Ratio (OR), Razón de Prevalencia (RP) y sus respectivos Intervalos de Confianza (IC) del 95 %, prueba de Wald de la estimación y valor p<0,05. Resultados Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles más prevalentes fueron la hipertensión arterial (17,89 %), diabetes mellitus (7,51 %) y enfermedad renal crónica (4,83 %). Padecer enfermedad crónica estuvo asociado al sexo femenino (RP=1,18, OR=1,3, p=0,022), edad superior a 45 años (RP=2,15, OR=6,36, p=0,001), tiempo de estudio inferior o igual a ocho años (RP=1,23, OR=1,92, p=0,005), padecer dislipidemia (RP=1,16, OR=2,01, p=0,001), carga viral detectable (RP=2,32, OR=2,59, p=0,001) y el recuento de células TCD4+ inferior a 350 células/mm3 (RP=1,5, OR= 1,6, p=0,019), el patrón se repitió con la razón de prevalencia. Conclusión Se Identificó alta prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en personas que viven con el VIH y distintos factores asociados, considerando, de esa forma, una exposición multifactorial. En este contexto, se destaca el importante papel del equipo multiprofesional para la prevención de las comorbilidades.

Abstract Objective To identify the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases and associated factors in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out through a secondary data analysis, collected between October 2014 and May 2018. The analyzed database included a sample of 550 people from five Specialized Care Services. Chi-square test, Odds Ratio (OR), Prevalence Ratio (PR) and their respective Confidence Intervals (CI) of 95%, Wald test of the estimate and p-value <0.05 were performed. Results The most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases were hypertension (17.89%), diabetes mellitus (7.51%) and chronic kidney disease (4.83%). Having a chronic disease was associated with being female (PR=1.18, OR=1.3, p=0.022), age greater than 45 years (PR=2.15, OR=6.36, p=0.001), study time less than or equal to eight years (PR=1.23, OR=1.92, p=0.005), having dyslipidemia (PR=1.16, OR=2.01, p=0.001), detectable viral load (PR=2.32, OR=2.59, p=0.001) and TCD4+ cell count less than 350 cells/mm3 (PR=1.5, OR= 1.6, p=0.019). The pattern was repeated with the Prevalence Ratio. Conclusion A high prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases was identified among people living with HIV and several associated factors, thus considering a multifactorial exposure. In this context, the important role of a multidisciplinary team in comorbidity prevention is emphasized.

Ideologia em produções científicas sobre empreendedorismo em enfermagem no Brasil / Ideology in scientific productions on entrepreneurship in nursing in Brazil

Resumo Este artigo objetiva analisar a produção científica brasileira sobre empreendedorismo em enfermagem produzida de 2008 a 2020. Considera-se, como método, a crítica à ideologia proposta pelo materialismo histórico-dialético, enfocando, em particular, a problemática entre ideologia e ciência. A pesquisa conclui que os textos acadêmico-científicos reproduzem o tratamento apaziguador das contradições da forma societária do capital, pelo qual ocultam-se as relações entre empreendedorismo e exploração, bem como coloca-se a atividade empreendedora como a única e inovadora possibilidade de sobrevivência, e mesmo existência, para a classe trabalhadora.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the Brazilian scientific production on entrepreneurship in nursing from 2008 to 2020. It considers, as a method, the critique of the ideology proposed by the historical-dialectical materialism, focusing, in particular, on the problem between ideology and science. The research concludes that academic-scientific texts reproduce the appeasement treatment of the contradictions of the social form of capital, by which the relation between entrepreneurship and exploitation is hidden, as well as place entrepreneurial activity as the only and innovative possibility of survival, or even existence, for the working class.

Eating contexts and their associations with socio-demographic factors in Brazilian adolescents (EVA-JF Study).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the eating contexts and estimate their associations with socio-demographic factors in a sample of Brazilian adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. We used an exploratory questionnaire about eating contexts (encompassing regularity of meals, places where they occur and if they take place with attention and in company), which was submitted to cluster analysis. Subsequently, three clusters were identified: cluster 1, 'appropriate eating contexts at breakfast, lunch and dinner'; cluster 2, 'inappropriate eating context at breakfast' and cluster 3, 'inappropriate eating context at dinner'. Multinomial logistic regression models were performed, without and with adjustments, using cluster 1 as reference. SETTING: Twenty-nine public schools of Juiz de Fora, MG, Southeast Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents, 14-19-year-olds (n 835). RESULTS: We observed relevant prevalence of adolescents omitting breakfast (52·9 %) and dinner (39·3 %), and who had the habit of eating sitting/lying on the couch/bed or standing/walking, and in front of screens. Breakfast usually occurred unaccompanied (70·8 %); around half (47·5 %) and little over a third (36·1 %) of the sample also would usually have lunch and dinner unaccompanied, respectively. Furthermore, through multivariate analysis, we found associations of eating contexts clusters with female sex (more likely in clusters 2 and 3), age range 14-15-year-olds (less likely in cluster 2) and higher mother's schooling (more likely in cluster 3). CONCLUSIONS: We verified an alarming prevalence of adolescents with eating contexts unaligned with healthy eating recommendations. Additionally, inappropriate eating contexts at breakfast and/or at dinner were associated with socio-demographic factors (sex, age range and mother's schooling).

Grass pea natural variation reveals oligogenic resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi.

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an annual legume species, phylogenetically close to pea (Pisum sativum L.), that may be infected by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi (Fop), the causal agent of fusarium wilt in peas with vast worldwide yield losses. A range of responses varying from high resistance to susceptibility to this pathogen has been reported in grass pea germplasm. Nevertheless, the genetic basis of that diversity of responses is still unknown, hampering its breeding exploitation. To identify genomic regions controlling grass pea resistance to fusarium wilt, a genome-wide association study approach was applied on a grass pea worldwide collection of accessions inoculated with Fop race 2. Disease responses were scored in this collection that was also subjected to high-throughput based single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) screening through genotyping-by-sequencing. A total of 5,651 high-quality SNPs were considered for association mapping analysis, performed using mixed linear models accounting for population structure. Because of the absence of a fully assembled grass pea reference genome, SNP markers' genomic positions were retrieved from the pea's reference genome v1a. In total, 17 genomic regions were associated with three fusarium wilt response traits in grass pea, anticipating an oligogenic control. Seven of these regions were located on pea chromosomes 1, 6, and 7. The candidate genes underlying these regions were putatively involved in secondary and amino acid metabolism, RNA (regulation of transcription), transport, and development. This study revealed important fusarium wilt resistance favorable grass pea SNP alleles, allowing the development of molecular tools for precision disease resistance breeding.

Towards a Trait-Based Approach to Potentiate Yield under Drought in Legume-Rich Annual Forage Mixtures.

Mediterranean annual forage mixtures are facing the impact of climate change, especially higher frequencies of winter-time drought. Increased mixture plasticity to climate variability is needed to mitigate this impact. However, little information exists regarding the specificities and complementarities of each forage species component to potentiate mixture resilience under drought. In this study, we identified traits with breeding potential under water scarcity through a detailed characterization of leaf and root-related parameters of 10 legume and grass species components of Mediterranean annual forage mixtures, complemented by their photosynthetic response evaluation under well-watered and water deficit conditions. This integrated approach also allowed us to identify the most resilient species to water deficit. In particular, we found that the highest canopy height and root to shoot ratio of grass components complemented well the highest aerial and root biomass and superior photosynthetic performance of the legume components. Trifolium squarrosum and Triticosecale showed the most adequate combination of traits and the best photosynthetic performance under water deficit within each species family. Although some of these traits are not commonly used in annual forage selection, they may in part explain the potential higher resilience of the grass-legume mixture under water deficit and should be considered in forage breeding.

Characterization of a municipality as free of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the context of One Health.

Dogs are the main urban reservoir of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which is transmitted by sand flies. In the state of Paraná, the first detection of a positive dog for VL was in 2014, this year Paraná lost free status for this disease (VL). The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Palotina, the occurrence of vectors that may transmit Leishmania infantum, and the number of notifications of human visceral leishmaniasis cases from period 2010 to 2020. To determine the occurrence of canine visceral leishmaniasis, blood samples from 204 dogs were analyzed using the rapid test DPP® to detect anti-L. infantum antibodies. To investigate the occurrence of potential vectors, monthly collections were made at 18 points within the urban area of the municipality. The number of human visceral leishmaniasis cases was investigated from Epidemiological Surveillance records. None of the serologically tested dogs showed positive titration. Only two specimens of Lutzomyia neivai, one of Lutzomyia sp. and four of Brumptomyia brumpti specimens were collected. No human visceral leishmaniasis cases were reported. These results suggest that there is no evidence of circulation of L. infantum in Palotina.

Evaluation of group education strategies and telephone intervention for type 2 diabetes. / Avaliação das estratégias de educação em grupo e intervenção telefônica para o diabetes tipo 2.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate group education strategies and telephone intervention regarding the variables empowerment, self-care practices, and glycemic control of people with diabetes. METHOD: Clinical trial with eight randomized clusters, conducted between 2015 and 2016, with 208 users with type 2 diabetes mellitus allocated for group education, telephone intervention, or control group. Sociodemographic data, glycated hemoglobin, empowerment, and self-care practices were collected. RESULTS: The user mean age was of 63.5 years (SD = 8.9 years), with the participation of 124 women, which amounts to 59.6% of these users. The strategies led to a statistically significant reduction in the levels of glycated hemoglobin (p < 0.001). The telephone intervention was also observed to present statistically significant results regarding self-care practices (p < 0.001) and empowerment in diabetes (p < 0.001) when compared to group education. CONCLUSION: The telephone intervention presented statistically significant results for empowerment and practices of self-care when compared to group education. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos): RBR-7gb4wm.

Fermentation of Coffea canephora inoculated with yeasts: Microbiological, chemical, and sensory characteristics.

This work aimed to evaluate Coffea canephora's microbiological, chemical, and sensory characteristics at 300 and 600 m elevation plantations processed by the natural method inoculated with yeasts. The coffee was spread on suspended terraces and sprayed with approximately 107 cfu/mL of Meyerozyma caribbica CCMA 1738 or Pichia kluyveri CCMA 1743, separately. Cherries containing bark and parchment were collected during fermentation for microbial groups counting, qPCR, quantification of organic acids, and sugars (HPLC). Volatile compounds (GC-MS) and sensory analyses, cupping test with expert coffee tasters and triangular test with consumers, were performed on roasted coffee beans. The inoculated yeasts persisted during the entire fermentation process. M. caribbica reduced the filamentous fungal population by 63% and 90% in the 300- and 600-m coffees, respectively. The 300-m coffee fruits showed higher concentrations of organic acids in all fermentation times when compared to the 600-m reaching out to 8 times more. Twenty-four volatile compounds were identified in the roasted coffee beans, with the predominance of pyrazines. The 600-m coffee inoculated with M. caribbica showed an increase of more than one point in the score given by certified tasters. Consumers noticed the M. caribbica inoculation in the 300- and 600-m-elevation coffees. M. caribbica is a promising starter culture for Conilon coffee with the potential to increase the beverage quality.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Under Conservative Treatment

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is commonly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These diseases have a significant impact on life expectancy. Individuals with CKD are more likely to die from CVD than to progress to end-stage kidney disease. Objective To assess cardiovascular risk factors of patients with CKD under conservative treatment. Methods This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Socioeconomic, anthropometric, biochemical, and physical inactivity data were assessed, and 10-year risk for CVD were estimated using the Framingham Score in patients with CKD under conservative treatment. For statistical analysis, the Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-square test were performed. Results A total of 172 individuals were evaluated, 57% of whom were male, with an average age of 68.85 ± 11.41 years. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were 87.2% and 53.5%, respectively; 62.2% were physically inactive; 9.9% of men were smokers and 12.8% consumed alcohol. According to BMI, 82.4% of adults <60 years old and 60.6% of those older than 60 years were overweight. High waist circumference and a high waist-hip ratio were highly prevalent in females (91.9% and 83.8%, respectively) and males (64.3% and 39.8%, respectively); 92.4% had a high body fat percentage and 73.3% high uric acid levels. According to the Framingham score, 57% have a medium or high risk of developing CVD in 10 years. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the population studied. The assessment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CKD makes it possible to guide the conduct of health professionals to prevent mortality from cardiovascular causes. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Microbial diversity and chemical characteristics of Coffea canephora grown in different environments and processed by dry method.

This study aimed to assess the microbial diversity in Coffea canephora grown in four different environments of Espirito Santo state, Brazil. Coffee cherries of two different altitudes (300 and 600 m) and two terrain aspects (Southeast-facing and Northwest-facing slopes) were processed by the dry method. Samples were collected during the drying/fermentation process. Microorganisms were counted, isolated, and identified by MALDI-TOF, followed by sequencing of the ribosomal region. Sugars and organic acids were quantified by HPLC and volatile compounds of the roasted coffees were evaluated by GC-MS. Bacteria population presented a significant number of isolates as well as higher counts during the drying/fermentation process with respect to the population of yeasts. The principal genera of microorganisms found were Bacillus, Pichia, Candida, and Meyerozyma. Meyerozyma guilliermondii was the most frequent yeast in all environments. On the other hand, Pichia kluyveri was found only in coffee cherries from the 600 m altitude. The highest concentration of acetic and succinic acids observed was 6.06 mg/g and 0.84 mg/g, respectively. Sucrose concentrations ranged from 0.68 to 5.30 mg/g, fructose from 1.30 to 4.60 mg/g, and glucose from 0.24 to 1.25 mg/g. Thirty-six volatile compounds, belonging to the groups of pyrazines, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and furans were identified in roasted coffee, with differences between altitude and terrain aspects. Information about microbial diversity is crucial to better understand the coffee quality and distinct characteristics of coffee produced in different environments.

Common bean SNP alleles and candidate genes affecting photosynthesis under contrasting water regimes.

Water deficit is a major worldwide constraint to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production, being photosynthesis one of the most affected physiological processes. To gain insights into the genetic basis of the photosynthetic response of common bean under water-limited conditions, a collection of 158 Portuguese accessions was grown under both well-watered and water-deficit regimes. Leaf gas-exchange parameters were measured and photosynthetic pigments quantified. The same collection was genotyped using SNP arrays, and SNP-trait associations tested considering a linear mixed model accounting for the genetic relatedness among accessions. A total of 133 SNP-trait associations were identified for net CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophylls a and b, carotenes, and xanthophyll contents. Ninety of these associations were detected under water-deficit and 43 under well-watered conditions, with only two associations common to both treatments. Identified candidate genes revealed that stomatal regulation, protein translocation across membranes, redox mechanisms, hormone, and osmotic stress signaling were the most relevant processes involved in common bean response to water-limited conditions. These candidates are now preferential targets for common bean water-deficit-tolerance breeding. Additionally, new sources of water-deficit tolerance of Andean, Mesoamerican, and admixed origin were detected as accessions valuable for breeding, and not yet explored.

Effect of altitude and terrain aspect on the chemical composition of Coffea canephora cherries and sensory characteristics of the beverage.

BACKGROUND: The terrain slope and field altitude where the plant is cultivated influence the composition of coffee cherries. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different levels of altitude and terrain slope on the Coffea canephora cherries, as well as on the quality of the final beverage. C. canephora harvested in fields with 300 and 600 m altitude and with southeast- and northwest-facing slopes was evaluated. RESULTS: Lower pH values were observed for cherries cultivated at higher altitudes. The highest percentage of soluble solids (525.00 g kg-1 ) was found on northwest-facing slopes at 300 m. The highest values of phenolic compounds were observed at 600 m. Significant differences were found in the moisture of coffee cherries grown in different terrain slope and in the fiber content at different altitudes. The results do not enable us to conclude how the altitude and terrain slope influence the mineral content of cherries. Acidity, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates were not influenced by altitude or terrain slope. The scores of cup quality were significantly affected by the altitude but not by the terrain slope. Coffees from cherries harvested in fields with 600 m altitude obtained the higher scores. CONCLUSION: Results show that altitude and terrain slope influence some compounds of coffee fruits, whereas others remain unaffected. The findings are important because, during coffee fruits processing, these compounds are used to produce others that will have an influence on the bean and coffee beverage quality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Availability and access to food in supermarkets before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in a mid-size city / Disponibilidade e preço de alimentos em supermercados antes e durante a pandemia de Covid-19 em uma cidade de médio porte

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the availability and price of fresh and ultra-processed foods in supermarkets before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in a mid-size city in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Methods Ecological and longitudinal study. A proportionate stratified random sampling method was applied to supermarkets in the municipality. To assess the availability, variety, and price of fresh and ultra-processed foods, we applied the Estudo do Ambiente Obesogênico em São Paulo (ESAO, Obesogenic Environment Study in São Paulo, Brazil) Food Store Observation Tool questionnaire and calculated the Healthy Food Store Index. The audits took place from December 2019 to January 2020, and we returned to the establishments in September 2020. Descriptive analyzes, McNemar tests, paired Student's T or Wilcoxon tests were performed using the SPSS software, version 20.0, with a 5% significance level. Results Ten supermarkets were evaluated. The prices of oranges (p=0.012), bananas (p=0.043), apples (p=0.004), and onions (p=0.004) were significantly increased during the time frame. Sugar-free soft drinks (p=0.044), powdered drinks (p=0.032), and corn snacks (p=0.015) showed a greater variety of brands and flavors during the pandemic. The Healthy Food Store Index score was 9.50±0.85 before the pandemic and 9.00±1.15 during it. Conclusion The prices of some fruits and vegetables increased, and supermarkets sold a greater variety of ultra-processed foods. Such findings highlight the importance of assessing the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the food environment.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a disponibilidade e preço de alimentos in natura e ultraprocessados em supermercados no período anterior e durante a pandemia de Covid-19 em uma cidade de médio porte de Minas Gerais. Métodos Estudo ecológico e longitudinal. Realizou-se amostragem aleatória estratificada proporcional dos supermercados do município. Foi aplicado o questionário ESAO Food Store Observation Tool, o qual avalia a disponibilidade, variedade e preço de alimentos in natura e ultraprocessados, e calculou-se o índice Healthy Food Store Index. As auditorias ocorreram nos meses de dezembro de 2019 e janeiro de 2020 e retornou-se aos estabelecimentos em setembro de 2020. Foram realizados análises descritivas, testes de McNemar, T de Student pareado ou Wilcoxon utilizando-se o software SPSS, versão 20.0, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Foram avaliados dez supermercados. Os preços da laranja (p=0,012), banana (p=0,043), maçã (p=0,004) e cebola (p=0,004) apresentaram aumento significativo, e uma variedade maior de marcas e sabores de refrigerantes sem açúcar (p=0,044), refresco em pó (p=0,032) e salgadinhos de milho (p=0,015) foram encontradas durante a pandemia. A pontuação do índice Healthy Food Store Index antes da pandemia foi de 9,50 ± 0,85 e durante a pandemia foi de 9,00 ± 1,15. Conclusão Foram verificados aumentos nos preços de frutas e legumes e uma maior variedade de alimentos ultraprocessados disponíveis na auditoria feita durante a pandemia. Esses achados contribuem para salientar a importância da avaliação das consequências da pandemia de covid-19 no ambiente alimentar.