Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effect of Biodegradable Films Containing Pitaya (Stenocereus thurberi) Extracts during the Refrigerated Storage of Fish.

This study focused on the quality loss inhibition of fish muscle during refrigerated storage. Two parallel experiments were carried out that were focused on the employment of pitaya (Stenocereus thurberi) extracts in biodegradable packing films. On the one hand, a pitaya-gelatin film was employed for hake (Merluccius merluccius) muscle storage. On the other hand, a pitaya-polylactic acid (PLA) film was used for Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) muscle storage. In both experiments, fish-packing systems were stored at 4 °C for 8 days. Quality loss was determined by lipid damage and microbial activity development. The presence of the pitaya extract led to an inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on peroxide, fluorescent compound, and free fatty acid (FFA) values in the gelatin-hake system and to a lower (p < 0.05) formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, fluorescent compounds, and FFAs in the PLA-mackerel system. Additionally, the inclusion of pitaya extracts in the packing films slowed down (p < 0.05) the growth of aerobes, anaerobes, psychrotrophs, and proteolytic bacteria in the case of the pitaya-gelatin films and of aerobes, anaerobes, and proteolytic bacteria in the case of pitaya-PLA films. The current preservative effects are explained on the basis of the preservative compound presence (betalains and phenolic compounds) in the pitaya extracts.

Sequential Biorefining of Bioactive Compounds of High Functional Value from Calafate Pomace (Berberis microphylla) Using Supercritical CO2 and Pressurized Liquids.

A biorefinery process was developed for a freeze-dried pomace of calafate berries (Berberis microphylla). The process consisted of extraction of lipophilic components with supercritical CO2 (scCO2) and subsequent extraction of the residue with a pressurized mixture of ethanol/water (1:1 v/v). scCO2 extracted oil from the pomace, while pressurized liquid extraction generated a crude extract rich in phenols and a residue rich in fiber, proteins and minerals. Response surface analysis of scCO2 extraction suggested optimal conditions of 60 °C, 358.5 bar and 144.6 min to obtain a lipid extract yield of 11.15% (d.w.). The dark yellow oil extract contained a good ratio of ω6/ω3 fatty acids (1:1.2), provitamin E tocopherols (406.6 mg/kg), and a peroxide index of 8.6 meq O2/kg. Pressurized liquid extraction generated a polar extract with good phenolic content (33 mg gallic acid equivalents /g d.w.), anthocyanins (8 mg/g) and antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test = 25 µg/mL and antioxidant activity = 63 µM Te/g). The extraction kinetics of oil by scCO2 and phenolic compounds were optimally adjusted to the spline model (R2 = 0.989 and R2 = 0.999, respectively). The solid extracted residue presented a fiber content close to cereals (56.4% d.w.) and acceptable values of proteins (29.6% d.w.) and minerals (14.1% d.w.). These eco-friendly processes valorize calafate pomace as a source of ingredients for formulation of healthy foods, nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements.

Impact of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin on Bovine Milk Composition and Fatty Acidome: A Multidose Longitudinal Study.

Somatotropin is a species-specific polypeptide hormone produced in the pituitary gland of vertebrates. When administered exogenously to cattle, it can increase milk yield. However, the trade and administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) to farm animals have been banned in the European Union (EU). Aside from food safety issues, very little is known about the effects of this hormone on milk composition and quality. In this work, a wide profile of fatty acids (the so-called fatty acidome) was determined by GC-FID in raw milk collected from control and rbST-treated lactating cows in a multidose longitudinal study. Milk composition (lactose, protein, fat, dry matter), including minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P), was also determined, and milk yield was recorded. A tendency toward a less saturated profile was observed in the milk collected from animals treated with rbST, with higher concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids. In addition, less calcium and potassium and more lactose and protein content were observed in milk from treated animals than in regular milk. As a result of this multicomponent profiling of milk, a clear impact of somatotropin treatment on milk quality was observed. The obtained results should be particularly interesting for those countries that permit the use of this hormone in dairy production.

Antimicrobial Activity of Red Alga Flour (Gelidium sp.) and Its Effect on Quality Retention of Scomber scombrus during Refrigerated Storage.

This study analyzed the antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts of flour obtained from red alga (Gelidium sp.) both in vitro, against most common food pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, and in a food model system during the chilled storage of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Results of in vitro assays allowed the conclusion that the aqueous flour extracts have antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and proteobacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus), and against Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis. In the food model study, different concentrations of the flour extract were present in the icing medium, microbial and chemical analyses being carried out in fish muscle at different storage times. An inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on microbial growth (aerobes, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae, and proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria) and on chemical quality indices (pH, total volatile amines, and trimethylamine) was concluded. This effect was more pronounced when the flour extract concentration in the ice increased and at advanced storage times. This study provides a first approach to the beneficial use of flour of the alga Gelidium as a new preserving strategy for chilled fish.

Experiencia en angioplastia percutánea de recoartación de aorta en un solo centro. Resultados a corto, medio y largo plazo / Experience in percutaneous angioplasty of aortic recoartation in a single centre. Short, medium and long-term outcomes

Resumen Introducción: La angioplastia con balón es una técnica que ofrece buenos resultados, especialmente en los casos de recoartación tras cirugía correctora. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados de un centro hospitalario a partir de la introducción de la técnica. Método: Se analizaron 73 pacientes con una edad media de 3.3 años; el 74% eran menores de 1 año y el 72.6% estaban por debajo de 10 kg de peso. Todos los pacientes incluidos fueron casos de recoartación tras cirugía correctora. Resultados: Se observó un resultado efectivo en el 93.1% de los casos, con gradiente residual < 20 mmHg. Durante el seguimiento, el 20.5% precisaron reintervención, la cual fue más frecuente en caso de angioplastia sobre el arco, lesiones asociadas y menores de 1 año. Solo se objetivó una complicación grave relacionada con el procedimiento, que correspondió a una rotura aórtica que no pudo ser solventada con implante de stent cubierto. Conclusiones: La angioplastia percutánea de recoartación de aorta es una técnica segura y efectiva, en especial en los casos de recoartación tras cirugía correctora de lesiones circunscritas al istmo.

Abstract Introduction: Balloon angioplasty is a technique with good outcomes, specially in cases aortic recoartation after correcting surgery. Objective: To analyze our centre results since the introduction of the technique. Method: We analyzed 73 patients with medium age of 3,3 years; 74% were under 1 years old and 72,6% under 10 kg weight. All patients included were cases of recoartation after surgery. Results: Effective results was achieved in 93,1%, obtaining residual gradient less than 20 mmHg. During the following up 20,5% of patients required reintervention, being more frequent in case of aortic arch hypoplasia, associated lesions or patients under 1 year. Only a severe complication was referred, a case of aortic rupture that couldn’t be solved with a covered stent. Conclusions: Percutaneous angioplasty of aortic recoartation is a safe and effective technique, specially in discrete istmic lesions after correcting surgery.

Protective Effect of Red Algae (Rhodophyta) Extracts on Essential Dietary Components of Heat-Treated Salmon.

Salmon paste contains nutritious components such as essential fatty acids (EPA, DHA), vitamin E and astaxanthin, which can be protected with the addition of red algae extracts. Phenolic extracts were prepared with an ethanol: water mixture (1:1) from the red seaweeds Gracilaria chilensis, Gelidium chilense, Iridaea larga, Gigartina chamissoi, Gigartina skottsbergii and Gigartina radula, obtained from the Pacific Ocean. Most algae had a high content of protein (>7.2%), fiber (>55%) and ß-glucans (>4.9%), all expressed on a dry weight basis. Total polyphenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF), antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP) and antibacterial power of the extracts were measured. In addition, the nutritional components of the algae were determined. Results showed that the content of TP in the six algae varied between 2.6 and 11.3 mg EAG/g dw and between 2.2 and 9.6 for TF. Also, the extracts of G. skottsbergii, G. chamissoi, G. radula and G. chilensis showed the highest antiradical activity (DPPH, FRAP). All samples exhibited a low production of primary oxidation products, and protection of the essential components and the endogenous antioxidants tocopherols and astaxanthin, particularly in the case of G. skottsbergii, G. chamissoi, G. radula and G. chilensis. Furthermore, all algae had inhibitory activity against the tested microorganisms, coincident with their antioxidant capacity. Results show that the extracts may have future applications in the development and preservation of essential dietary components of healthy foods.

Preservative Effect of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of the Macroalga Bifurcaria bifurcata on the Quality of Chilled Hake (Merluccius merluccius).

This work addressed the preservative behaviour of different icing media containing extracts from the alga Bifurcaria bifurcata. A comparative study of the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of this macroalga was carried out. Whole hake (Merluccius merluccius) pieces were stored in ice containing either kind of extract and analysed for quality changes throughout a 13-day storage period. A progressive loss of microbial and biochemical quality was detected in all batches as chilling time increased. A significant inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on microbial activity could be observed as a result of including the aqueous (lowering of psychrotrophic and lipolytic counts and pH value) and ethanolic (lowering of psychrotrophic and lipolytic counts) extracts. Additionally, both kinds of extract led to a substantial inhibition (p < 0.05) in the lipid hydrolysis rate (formation of free fatty acids), greater in the case of the batch containing ethanolic extract. Concerning lipid oxidation, a similar inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on the formation of secondary compounds (thiobarbituric acid substances) was noticed in fish specimens corresponding to both alga extracts; however, more (p < 0.05) peroxide formation was detected in fish corresponding to the ethanolic extract batch. A preservative effect can be concluded for both kinds of extract; this effect agrees with previous studies reporting the presence of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds in B. bifurcata.

Ternary Quantum Dots in Chemical Analysis. Synthesis and Detection Mechanisms.

Ternary quantum dots (QDs) are novel nanomaterials that can be used in chemical analysis due their unique physicochemical and spectroscopic properties. These properties are size-dependent and can be adjusted in the synthetic protocol modifying the reaction medium, time, source of heat, and the ligand used for stabilization. In the last decade, several spectroscopic methods have been developed for the analysis of organic and inorganic analytes in biological, drug, environmental, and food samples, in which different sensing schemes have been applied using ternary quantum dots. This review addresses the different synthetic approaches of ternary quantum dots, the sensing mechanisms involved in the analyte detection, and the predominant areas in which these nanomaterials are used.

The Effect of Gelatine Packaging Film Containing a Spirulina platensis Protein Concentrate on Atlantic Mackerel Shelf Life.

The use of packaging films containing natural preservative compounds attracts great attention for the quality improvement of seafood. Microalga spirulina (Spirulina platensis) represents a potential source of high added-value and preservative biocompounds. The goal of this study was to enhance the quality of refrigerated Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) by including a protein concentrate (PC) of spirulina in a gelatine-based film. Quality changes in fish muscle were monitored by microbial and chemical analyses throughout an 11-day refrigerated storage (4 °C). As a result of the presence of spirulina PC in the film, an antimicrobial effect (p < 0.05) was concluded as determined by comparative evolution of aerobes and psychrotrophs, while no effect (p > 0.05) was concluded for Enterobacteriaceae, proteolytics and lipolytics counts. Furthermore, a lower (p < 0.05) formation of trimethylamine and free fatty acids was detected. Lipid oxidation, measured by fluorescent compounds formation, also exhibited lower average values in fish corresponding to the batch containing spirulina concentrate. The preservative effects observed can be explained on the basis of the presence of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds in the microalga concentrate. It is proposed that the current packaging system may constitute a novel and promising strategy to enhance the quality of commercial refrigerated fatty fish.

Chemical Biopreservative Effects of Red Seaweed on the Shelf Life of Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon).

Hypnea musciformis (HM) and Acanthophora muscoides (AM) red seaweeds were evaluated for their antioxidant properties and efficacy to extend the chemical shelf life of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) during 14-daystorage. Treated shrimp were soaked in five percent ethanolic solution with 500 µg/mL of AM or HM powder for 30 min. HM had more phenols and flavonoids, increased radical scavenging activity, and greater H2O2 reducing power than AM in vitro. Biochemical quality indicators were significantly higher in the control group, followed by HM- and AM-treated samples during storage. On day 14 of storage, controls contained significantly higher amounts of biogenic amines than HM- or AM-treated samples. The shelf life of chilled stored shrimp increased due to the presence of compounds of butylated hydroxytoluene, sulfurous acid, heptadecane, mono (2-ethylhexyl), and 1,2-propanediol found in AM extract and sulfurous acid and 1,2-propanediol found in HM extract. A control group was soaked in the same ethanolic solution as treated samples without algae powder for 30 min. Each group was kept ice-cold during the soaking period. The results obtained demonstrate the usefulness of two seaweed extracts, Hypnea musciformis and Acanthophora muscoides, combined with ice by decreasing the formation of toxic biogenic amines in shrimp, enhancing its shelf life during ice storage.

Influence of the Intestinal Microbiota on Diabetes Management.

In recent decades, there has been a very rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes globally, with serious health and economic implications. Although today there are several therapeutic treatments for this disease, these do not address the causes of the disease and have serious side effects, so it is necessary to seek new treatments to replace or complement the existing ones. Among these complementary treatments, a strong link between the intestinal microbiota and diabetes has been demonstrated, which has focused attention on the use of biotherapy to regulate the function of the intestinal microbiota and, thus, treat diabetes. In this way, the main objective of this work is to provide a review of the latest scientific evidence on diabetes, gathering information about new trends in its management, and especially, the influence of the intestinal microbiota and microbiome on this pathology. It is possible to conclude that the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and diabetes is carried out through alterations in energy metabolism, the immune system, changes in intestinal permeability, and a state of low-intensity systemic inflammation. Although, currently, most of the experimental work, using probiotics for diabetes management, has been done on experimental animals, the results obtained are promising. Thus, the modification of the microbiota through biotherapy has shown to improve the symptoms and severity of diabetes through various mechanisms related to these alterations.

Analytical Technology in Nutrition Analysis.

The great challenge facing humanity in the coming decades is to secure food for the 9 [...].

Solid-Phase Extraction and Large-Volume Sample Stacking-Capillary Electrophoresis for Determination of Tetracycline Residues in Milk.

Solid-phase extraction in combination with large-volume sample stacking-capillary electrophoresis (SPE-LVSS-CE) was applied to measure chlortetracycline, doxycycline, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline in milk samples. Under optimal conditions, the proposed method had a linear range of 29 to 200 µg·L-1, with limits of detection ranging from 18.6 to 23.8 µg·L-1 with inter- and intraday repeatabilities < 10% (as a relative standard deviation) in all cases. The enrichment factors obtained were from 50.33 to 70.85 for all the TCs compared with a conventional capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). This method is adequate to analyze tetracyclines below the most restrictive established maximum residue limits. The proposed method was employed in the analysis of 15 milk samples from different brands. Two of the tested samples were positive for the presence of oxytetracycline with concentrations of 95 and 126 µg·L-1. SPE-LVSS-CE is a robust, easy, and efficient strategy for online preconcentration of tetracycline residues in complex matrices.

Salmonella and Campylobacter biofilm formation: a comparative assessment from farm to fork.

It takes several steps to bring food from the farm to the fork (dining table), and contamination with food-borne pathogens can occur at any point in the process. Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are the main microorganisms responsible for foodborne disease in the EU. These two pathogens are able to persist throughout the food supply chain thanks to their ability to form biofilms. Owing to the high prevalence of Salmonella and especially of Campylobacter in the food supply chain and the huge efforts of food authorities to reduce these levels, it is of great importance to fully understand their mechanisms of persistence. Diverse studies have evaluated the biofilm-forming capacity of foodborne pathogens isolated at different steps of food production. Nonetheless, the principal obstacle of these studies is to reproduce the real conditions that microorganisms encounter in the food supply chain. While there are a wide number of Salmonella biofilm studies, information on Campylobacter biofilms is still limited. A comparison between the two microorganisms could help to develop new research in the field of Campylobacter biofilms. Therefore, this review evaluates relevant work in the field of Salmonella and Campylobacter biofilms and the applicability of the data obtained from these studies to real working conditions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction for the Analysis of Veterinary Drugs Applied to Food Samples: A Review.

To achieve analytical success, it is necessary to develop thorough clean-up procedures to extract analytes from the matrix. Dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) has been used as a pretreatment technique for the analysis of several compounds. This technique is based on the dispersion of a solid sorbent in liquid samples in the extraction isolation and clean-up of different analytes from complex matrices. DSPE has found a wide range of applications in several fields, and it is considered to be a selective, robust, and versatile technique. The applications of dispersive techniques in the analysis of veterinary drugs in different matrices involve magnetic sorbents, molecularly imprinted polymers, carbon-based nanomaterials, and the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method. Techniques based on DSPE permit minimization of additional steps such as precipitation, centrifugation, and filtration, which decreases the manipulation of the sample. In this review, we describe the main procedures used for synthesis, characterization, and application of this pretreatment technique and how it has been applied to food analysis.

New icing media for quality enhancement of chilled hake (Merluccius merluccius) using a jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) skin extract.

BACKGROUND: An advanced strategy for chilled fish preservation, based on the inclusion in ice of an extract of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) skin (JSS), is proposed. Aqueous solutions including acetic acid-ethanol extracts of JSS were tested at two different concentrations as icing media, with the effects on the quality evolution of chilled hake (Merluccius merluccius) being monitored. RESULTS: A significant inhibition (P < 0.05) of microbial activity (aerobes, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae, proteolytic bacteria; pH, trimethylamine) was obtained in hake corresponding to the icing batch including the highest JSS concentration. Additionally, fish specimens from such icing conditions showed an inhibitory effect (P < 0.05) on lipid hydrolysis development, while no effect (P > 0.05) was depicted for lipid oxidation. Sensory analysis (skin and mucus development; eyes; gills; texture; external odour; raw and cooked flesh odour; flesh taste) indicated a shelf life extension of chilled hake stored in ice including the highest JSS concentration. CONCLUSION: A profitable use of JSS, an industrial by-product during jumbo squid commercialisation, has been developed in the present work, which leads to a remarkable microbial inhibition and a significant shelf life extension of chilled hake. In agreement with previous research, ommochrome pigments (i.e. lipophilic-type compounds) would be considered responsible for this preservative effect. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

A study on toxic and essential elements in wheat grain from the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Little information is currently available about the content of different elements in wheat samples from the Republic of Kazakhstan. The concentrations of toxic (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and U) and essential (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn) elements in 117 sampled wheat grains from the Republic of Kazakhstan were measured. The results indicated that the mean and maximum concentrations of most investigated elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Se, Pb, and U) were higher in samples collected from southern Kazakhstan. The mean and maximum concentrations of toxic elements such as As, Cd, Hg, and Pb did not exceed levels specified by European, FAO, or Kazakh legislation, although the hazard quotient (HQ) values for Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn were higher than 1 and the hazard index (HI) was higher than 1 for samples collected from all areas of Kazakhstan. This indicates that there should be concern about the potential hazards of the combination of toxic elements in Kazakh wheat.

Application of an activated carbon-based support for magnetic solid phase extraction followed by spectrophotometric determination of tartrazine in commercial beverages.

A method is presented for magnetic solid phase extraction of tartrazine from nonalcoholic beverages. The method involves the extraction and clean-up by activated carbon covered with magnetite dispersed in the sample, followed by the magnetic isolation and desorption of the analyte by basified methanol. The tartrazine eluted from the magnetic support was determined by spectrophotometry. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of the calibration curve ranges from 3 to 30 mg L(-1), with a limit of detection of 1 mg L(-1). The method was validated by comparing the results with those obtained by HPLC. A precision of <5.0% was obtained in all cases and no significant differences were observed (P < 0.05).

Egg and egg-derived foods: effects on human health and use as functional foods.

Eggs are sources of protein, fats and micronutrients that play an important role in basic nutrition. However, eggs are traditionally associated with adverse factors in human health, mainly due to their cholesterol content. Nowadays, however, it is known that the response of cholesterol in human serum levels to dietary cholesterol consumption depends on several factors, such as ethnicity, genetic makeup, hormonal factors and the nutritional status of the consumer. Additionally, in recent decades, there has been an increasing demand for functional foods, which is expected to continue to increase in the future, owing to their capacity to decrease the risks of some diseases and socio-demographic factors such as the increase in life expectancy. This work offers a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of egg consumption and the potential market of functional eggs, and it explores the possibilities of the development of functional eggs by technological methods.

Assessment of Tetracyclines Residues and Tetracycline Resistant Bacteria in Conventional and Organic Baby Foods.

Children are very vulnerable to bacterial infections and they are sometimes subject to antimicrobials for healing. The presence of resistance genes may counteract effects of antimicrobials. This work has thereby compared the amount of tetracycline resistance genes, tet(A) and tet(B), between conventional and organic meat-based or vegetable-based baby foods and used the quantification of these genes to assess the presence of tetracycline residues in these samples. Counts of bacteria harboring the tet(A) gene were higher than those containing tet(B), and there was no difference between the organic and the conventional samples. Samples with detectable amounts of tetracycline residues were also positive for the presence of tet genes, and when the presence of the genes was not detected, the samples were also negative for the presence of residues. The percentages of tetracycline residues were higher in organic samples than in conventional ones. It cannot be concluded that organic formulas are safer than conventional ones for the studied parameters.