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Abstract: The fruits (pitanga) of Eugenia uniflora L. (pitangueira) have pleasant sensory attributes, described as acid, sweet and exotic flavors, and high content of bioactive compounds with antioxidant effects. The botanical characteristics, nutritional, sensory and pharmaceutical properties of leaves and fruits of pitangueira have already been described in several publications, but the information available has never been systematized through a wide literature review such as that carried out in the present study.This study reveals that pitanga is a source of fibers, vitamins A and C, minerals, phenolic compounds and carotenoids. The phenolic compounds myricetin and quercetin, and the carotenoids lycopene, γ-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin are the fruit’s major compounds. Furthermore, in the essential oil of this fruit, compounds beneficial to health, such as oxygenated sesquiterpenes, were found. These compounds, in an in vitro study, were related to the reduction/reversal of damage caused by oxidative stress and inhibition of key enzymes linked to diabetes, dyslipidemia and Alzheimer's. Several studies reveal potential health benefits (antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, anti-proliferative and anti-neurodegenerative activities) resulting from bioactive compounds present in the leaf or fruit of the pitangueira. This review shows the promising use of this species for the prevention and control of different diseases and its potential for pharmaceutical and food purposes.

Among the fruits, the apple stands out among the most used for elaboration of processed foods. However, the importance of prebiotics in apple products has never been widely analyzed. Prebiotic is a food component resistant to gastric acidity, digestion by mammalian enzymes and gastrointestinal absorption. But following fermentation in the colon, prebiotics result in specific changes in the composition and / or metabolism of the gastrointestinal microbiota, conferring benefits to the health of the host. Therefore, fortifying apple-based products with additional prebiotics is an important strategy for improving consumer health benefits. In this review, after compiling and analyzing scientific and technological studies focusing on prebiotics in apple products, the following benefits of these prebiotics became evident: (1) reduction of water loss in the food matrix; (2) preservation of bioactive and volatile compounds; (3) texture improvement (thickening) in the food industry; (4) increased shelf-live and (5) increased survival of probiotic bacteria, promoting positive effects on microbiota. In addition, this review shows the benefits of different prebiotics for stability and sensory acceptance of apple processed foods.

Background Skin cancer is the most common type of malignancy in light-skinned populations and phenolics are promising anticarcinogenic agents. Purpose To characterise and evaluate the protective potential of apple extracts against the DNA damage caused by UV-radiation in culture of human fibroblasts as well as to verify the anticarcinogenic effect of these extracts in murine and human melanoma cells. Methods Acetone-ethanol extracts of apple were purified and fractionated by solid phase extraction. Four phenolic fractions (PF-I, PF-II, PF-III, PF-IV) and one Unfractionated Phenolics (UFP) were obtained. The presence of amygdalin, hydroxycinnamic acid, flavonols, flavanols and dihydrochalcones was confirmed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Results Following 48 h exposure to UV-radiation, UFP, PF-III and PF-IV protected (14–34 %) fibroblast DNA against UV-radiation; the UFP and PF-IV, both at 31.25 μg.mL−1, showed high antiproliferative effect in murine melanoma cells (B16F10); UFP and PF-IV, both at 125 μg.mL−1, and PF-II, at 250 μg.mL−1, were effective against human melanoma cells (SK-Mel-103). Conclusions The results indicate that phenolic extracts from apple (Malus domestica Borkh cv. Gala) have potential for use in the formulation of cosmetic products and/or medicines for the protection of cellular DNA against UV radiation and for the treatment of melanoma.

Hyoscyamus muticus is cultivated in Egypt, India, Pakistan and USA for the production of the medicinally important tropane alkaloids (TA) hyoscyamine and scopolamine. The TA pathway provides an excellent model to test the feasibility of transgenic strategies to modify secondary metabolic flux. However, H. muticus transformation and regeneration has been proven difficult. We report a successful experience obtaining several independent fertile plant lines, genetically engineered to redirect the TA metabolic flux into alternative directions. cDNA from H. niger encoding tropinone reductase enzymes (TR1 or TR2), which catalyse the reduction of tropinone into scopolamine and hyoscyamine or calystegines, respectively, were incorporated in a silencing vector, followed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation. Most explants produced large amounts of calli. Shoot formation occurred in the majority of the calli, being ready for rooting after an average of 9 months. On average, 45% of the shoots formed roots after 4 months. However, most rooted shoots died during ex vitro acclimatization, regardless of substrate type and cultivation conditions. This problem was overcome by the development of a specialized protocol (cultivation on soil like substrate under sterile conditions) that allowed the recovery of a reasonable percentage (44%) of fertile plants per rooted shoot. In this study were obtained 11 tr2 lines (25 plants), three tr1 lines (3 plants), four empty vector lines (13 plants) and three untransformed-regenerated lines (3 plants); a significant result compared to previous attempts to stable transform H. muticus. Twenty-one fertile H. muticus plant lines were regenerated, being the acclimation protocol (cultivation under sterile conditions on high-drainage soil-like substrate and irrigation with Hoagland’s solution) decisive for rooted shoots survival.

Demand for minimally processed apples (MPA) is growing, as it is an easy-to-consume food rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phenolic compounds that benefit consumer health. However, MPA perishability is a hindrance in meeting this demand due to enzymatic browning of the pulp. To minimize this problem, the effectiveness of different concentrations (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3%) of 4-hexylresorcinol (4-HR) were tested on MPA (sliced Fuji apples) for up to nine days at 4.0 °C. Distilled water (DW) and l-cysteine chloride (LC) 0.6% (m v− 1), were used as negative control and positive control, respectively. The color, mass loss, pulp firmness, bioactive compounds, enzymatic activity and sensorial characteristics were evaluated. After the evaluations, it was found that the different concentrations of 4-HR exerted undesirable effects on the color variables (L *, a *, oHue and browning index), because it did not effectively inhibit the browning of the apple pulp. During storage, fruits treated with 4-HR gradually lost weight without affecting quality; had greater firmness and their total phenolic content and antioxidant activity remained superior to controls (DW and LC). Although the activity of the peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes was decreased, the sensorial analysis revealed that dark spots formed in the endocarp, and also in the mesocarp, impairing the purchase intention of the MPA. Based on these considerations, immersion in 4-hexylresorcinol was considered not suitable for controlling pulp darkening of ‘Fuji’ apples minimally processed during refrigerated storage.

Objetivo: Descrever compostos bioativos presentes em três espécies da Plinia sp. e investigar os seus benefícios à saúde. Métodos: Estudo de revisão de literatura com busca no Pubmed/Medline e ScienceDirect a partir dos descritores ('jabuticaba' OR 'jaboticaba' OR 'Plinia sp.' OR ') AND ('composition' OR 'characterization') AND ('benefícios a saúde') sem limite de tempo. Os critérios de inclusão foram artigos publicados em português, espanhol e inglês que avaliassem qualquer parte da fruta de três espécies de Plinia sp. (P. cauliflora, P. trunciflora e P. jaboticaba). Resultados: A fruta é rica em compostos fenólicos totais com grande quantidade de antocianinas na casca. A capacidade antioxidante das três espécies foi demonstrada por diferentes métodos e a atividade biológica foi relatada em 20 estudos. Além disto, foram demonstrados efeitos benéficos no metabolismo lipídico, glicídico, efeitos antiobesidade e anti-inflamatório, bem como ação benéfica nos sistemas cerebral e cardíaco. Ademais, apresentam ação contra bactérias patogênicas e melhora no microbioma, sem apresentar toxicidade. Considerações finais: Plinia sp. tem potencial para ser utilizada pela indústria farmacêutica por suas características bioativas devido à presença de compostos funcionais, ou na indústria alimentícia pelos altos teores de antocianinas.

Psidium cattleianum Sabine, commonly known as araçá, is a Brazilian native fruit, which is very juicy, with sweet to sub acid pulp and a spicy touch. The fruit can be eaten fresh or processed into juice, jellies and ice creams. Araçás are source of vitamin C, minerals, fatty acids, polysaccharides, volatile compounds, carotenoids and phenolic compounds, which can provide nutrients and phytochemical agents with different biological functions. Different pharmacological studies demonstrate that P. cattleianum exerts antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiaging effects. Thus, this article aims to review the chemical composition and biological effects reported for araçá fruit in the last years.

“Araçá” has been reported with different biological activities such as antioxidant, antiproliferative and antimicrobial as well as inhibitors of digestive enzymes. The digestive pancreatic lipase enzyme plays a fundamental role in lipid metabolism, and its inhibition has been studied as a target for obesity treatment. This study quantified the bioactive compounds present in different parts of “araçá” fruit and evaluated their antioxidant activity and lipase inhibition properties. Three samples were analyzed for total anthocyanins, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and pancreatic lipase inhibition. Anthocyanins were reported only in pulp-peel of red “araçá” sample. Phenolic compounds concentration was higher in pulp-peel than in seeds for all samples. The antioxidant activity followed the same trend. A positive correlation was observed between total phenolic content and both antioxidant activity and lipase inhibition. Lipase inhibition activity was higher for pulp-peel compared to the seeds. Overall, the results showed that “araçá” fruit extracts could be beneficial for the treatment of obesity. RESUMO: A fruta araçá tem sido destacada por suas diferentes atividades biológicas como antioxidante, antiproliferativa e antimicrobiana, além de inibidores de enzimas digestivas. A enzima digestiva lipase tem papel fundamental no metabolismo lipídico, e sua inibição tem sido estudada como alvo para o tratamento da obesidade. Este estudo teve como objetivo quantificar os compostos bioativos presentes em diferentes partes do fruto do araçá e avaliar sua atividade antioxidante e propriedades de inibição da lipase. Três amostras foram analisadas quanto a antocianinas totais, compostos fenólicos totais, atividade antioxidante e inibição da lipase pancreática. Antocianinas foram encontradas apenas na polpa-casca da amostra de araçá vermelho. A concentração de compostos fenólicos foi maior na polpa-casca do que nas sementes para todas as amostras. A atividade antioxidante seguiu a mesma tendência. Os compostos fenólicos totais, a atividade antioxidante e a inibição da lipase apresentaram uma correlação positiva. A atividade de inibição da lipase foi ligeiramente superior para a polpa-casca em comparação com as sementes. No geral, os resultados revelaram que os extratos da fruta do araçá podem ser benéficos para o tratamento da obesidade.

O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi compreender como professores da educação básica avaliaram a aprendizagem de estudantes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) no período de pandemia. Os objetivos específicos foram os seguintes: 1) conhecer a preparação pedagógica de professores da educação básica para o trabalho com alunos com TEA; 2) identificar as formas que professores de escolas públicas e privadas do Ensino Fundamental da cidade de Pelotas-RS utilizaram para avaliar estudantes com TEA durante a pandemia; 3) descrever como foi, durante a pandemia, o retorno dos estudantes com TEA com relação às atividades propostas pelos professores participantes desta pesquisa. Esta pesquisa segue uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando-se de questionário investigativo como instrumento de coleta de dados. Houve a participação de 20 professores do Ensino Fundamental que ministram aulas em escolas públicas municipais, estaduais e particulares, localizadas na cidade de Pelotas/RS. A principal contribuição deste trabalho foi a constatação de que avaliações da aprendizagem baseadas em comunicação síncrona digital são as que apresentam maiores dificuldades para estudantes com TEA em períodos pandêmicos ou de atividades remotas.

To investigate the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) based on the NOVA food classification, comparing the types of foods consumed between the age groups. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The articles were selected using the descriptors searched for MeSH in the databases: Pubmed / Medline, Lilacs and Scielo. 4,239 articles were selected in the initial research, 45 were included. The contribution of ultra-processed foods to the total amount of energy ranged from 15.0% to 54.7%, being greater in children and adolescents. For babies, this happens before the age of six months, consuming instant noodles, chocolate and stuffed cookies, expanding the variety of UPF foods as they age. For teenagers, the most consumed foods are soft drinks, pizza, gelatin, cakes, cookies, candies and hamburgers, in addition to those consumed in childhood. Among adults and elderly, the most consumed foods were bread, hot dog bread, sweet bread, sugary drinks, treats, cakes, cookies, pizza, snacks and sausages. UPF consumption varies according to the age group in Brazil, being higher among children and adolescents. The introduction occurs at the beginning of infant feeding and the types of UPF expands with increasing age.

Pereskia aculeata, known as ora-pro-nobis in Brazil, is native from tropical dry forests. This Cactaceae plant possesses succulent and edible leaves, which contain high amounts of protein, minerals, vitamins and fiber. Nutritional properties and ability to grow under limited water supply of ora-pro-nobis are known, but little information is available about the growth behavior and nutritional composition of this plant when cultivated under temperate humid climate. Therefore, we evaluated the phenology of the plant, including observation of new leaves, flowering, fruiting and relating it with the climate changes. Also, we analyzed some physicochemical characteristics (humidity, leaf area, height, protein, color, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity) of ora-pro-nobis cultivated in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We observed that ora-pro-nobis developed normally, but with a quiescent state in the winter, without producing leaves. Flowering of the plant started in March and the fructification started one month later. All physicochemical characteristics varied through the period of cultivation. Our findings support that cultivation of ora-pro-nobis for production of leaves is feasible under temperate and humid climate.

Bovine cysticercosis results in economic losses to cattle raisers and slaughterhouses and poses health risks to the population. Cysticercosis is caused by Taenia saginata, whose life cycle involves the use of livestock and humans as hosts. The objective of this study was to obtain information on the occurrence of cysticercosis in 2 slaughterhouses in the southern region of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil by consulting records on the origin of slaughtered animals and associated diseases, obtained through post-mortem inspection performed by the Brazilian Federal Service of Inspection (SIF) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA). The data were presented based on descriptive statistics, and all analyzes were performed in the statistical program “R”. In slaughterhouse “A”, the highest reported rate of cysticercosis was 2.40%, and the municipality with the highest number of cases was Amambai. In slaughterhouse “B”, the highest reported rate was 6.02%, and the municipality with the highest number of cases was Vincentina. For both slaughterhouses, the highest number of cysticercosis cases occurred in January. Together with other studies performed in the same Brazilian state, these data indicate that bovine cysticercosis cases are increased in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, demanding additional effective measures for its control.

Consumers demand pleasant taste and odor in the final food product. Changes in these characteristics may be due to food deterioration or migration of substances from the packaging into food. The production of plastics for food containers involves catalysts which may contain toxic elements. In Brazil, there are limits of migratory substances and procedures for determining its rate. We aim to emphasize the food risks of migration of toxic substances from plastic packaging into its contents, and the Brazilian regulations regarding this issue. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as raw matter for food packaging, is a concern in Brazil. The research methods currently adopted in Brazil are efficient for As, Cd, Co, Cr, and Sb determination. During PET synthesis and recycling, secondary reactions may form acetaldehyde, diethylene glycol and toxic oligomers. Monitoring by government mechanisms is essential to enforce safe food packaging. However, migration over the product shelf life remains an issue.

Lipid-core nanocapsules loaded with β-carotene and α-carotene, and lutein (NCs) were produced with monomodal particle size distribution. Their mean diameter was 151.33 ± 5.03 nm (D 4,3 ) and 180.30 ± 0.70 nm ( z -average), zeta potential was −22.63 ± 0.52 mV, and pH was 3.21 ± 0.04. The stability of NCs was studied under different simulated industrial treatments, such as thermal and ultraviolet (UV)–visible light treatment. Regardless of the temperature and incubation time of the samples, higher carotenoids retention (%) was observed in NCs than ethanol extract (EE) (under UV–vis light treatment) and higher carotenoids retention (%) was observed in NCs compared to EE and data already published on the stability of non-encapsulated carotenoids (under thermal treatment). In addition, NCs when exposed to UV–vis light treatment had higher activation energy and lower constant rate ( k ) than EE. In conclusion, nanoencapsulation offers greater stability to the β-carotene, α-carotene, and lutein upon exposure to conditions similar to those used in the food processing (heat) and storage (UV–vis light).

The beneficial health effects of apple consumption are well known, however, little is known about the potential of its phenolic fractions to inhibit α-glucosidases and thereafter to treat diseases related to the carbohydrate metabolism, such as postprandial hyperglycemia and diabetes. In the present study, the α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant activity of different phenolic fractions of apple were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Moreover, the phenolic fractions were chemically characterized by LC-MS in order to identify the compounds responsible for the biological properties. The purified extract (not fractionated) had the highest α-glucosidase and hydroxyl radical inhibitions. The purified extract and fractions III and IV were more active against the enzyme activity than the positive control acarbose, the drug used by diabetic patients to treat postprandial hyperglycaemia. Our results show that apple phenolic extracts strongly inhibit α-glucosidase acitivity, validating their potential to be used in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Campomanesia xanthocarpa produces an edible yellow-orange fruit, known as “guabiroba”, with an acid and sweet flavor, consumed fresh or after processing as jelly, ice cream, liquor or tea. Leaf infusions are used in folk medicine to treat rheumatic, urinary and inflammatory diseases, obesity and hypercholesterolemia. This literature review was conceived to approach the potential of compounds present in the fruits, seeds and leaves of C. xanthocarpa in the prevention and treatment of diseases. The fruit is a good source of carbohydrates and fibers, in addition to having good concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium; it also contains carotenoids and flavonoids. The seeds are high in terpenoids and essential fatty acids and the leaves contains phenolic acids and flavonoids. Fruits, seeds and leaves have high antioxidant potential in vitro and the powdered leaves can reduce plasma oxidative stress in humans. The biological effects of the C. xanthocarpa consist of antiulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities in addition to promising effects such as anticarcinogenic, photoprotection and analgesic. In conclusion, C. xanthocarpa has a potential to be used by the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The use of carotenoids in foods is limited due to their poor solubility in water-rich matrices, and the nanoencapsulation emerges as an alternative to allowing the solubilization and to protect the carotenoids against degradation. The aims of this study were to produce, by the interfacial deposition of the preformed polymer, to characterize, and evaluate the stability of nanocapsules obtained from a blend of β-carotene, α-carotene, and lutein (BALNs) and nanocapsules of synthetic β-carotene (BNs). The encapsulation efficiency, transmission electron microscopy, and the logarithm of the distribution of the coefficient of the BALNs and BNs, with 26 μg/mL of carotenoids, were performed after preparation. During 100 days of storage (4 °C) for the BALNs and BNs, the carotenoids retention, hydrogen potential, color, particle diameter, and the zeta potential were analyzed. The z-average and zeta potential after 100 days of storage for the BALNs and BNs were, respectively, 166.53 ± 4.71 nm/−18.37 ± 2.06 mV and 190.90 ± 7.87 nm/−9.08 ± 1.23 mV. At the end of storage, the β-carotene content was 67.62 ± 7.77 % (BALNs) and 11.69 ± 1.65 % (BNs). The β-carotene retention in the BALNs was higher than in the BNs probably due to the synergism that occurs among the compounds. Regardless of the decrease in the pH values and the b* coordinate, the formulations of the BALNs and BNs were considered physically stable during the storage. Nevertheless, beyond the physical stability, the BALNs presented a satisfactory carotenoid retention at end of storage.

There is a great diversity of plants which are grown in the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil that produce small, colorful, edible fruit that are used in empiric mode to treat several diseases, such as diabetes, as fruits are a rich source of dietary phenolic antioxidants. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory activity of methanolic fruit extracts from the Myrtaceae family - Psidium cattleianum (araçá), Syzygium cumini (jambolão), Campomanesia xanthocarpa (guabiroba), Eugenia uniflora (pitanga) and Eugenia pyriformis (uvaia) - against α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase (maltose and sucrose). The antioxidant activities were evaluated using two different in vitro assays: the 2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) test and the 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. The extracts of P. cattleianum, S. cumini, E. pyriformis inhibited α-amylase activity between 13% and 60% (p

Araca fruits (Psidium cattleianum Sabine) have been reported to have several biological activities, including the inhibition of the digestives enzymes. Nevertheless, the compounds responsible for these activities are not known. This study evaluated the potential of araca phenolic fractions to inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase and α-amylase and related it to their phenolic composition. Extracts of edible portions (pulp-peel and seeds) of fruits from three araca genotypes were purified and fractionated. Total phenolic content was determined using a spectrophotometric method, and individual phenolic compounds were quantified using HPLC-MS. Their enzyme inhibition and antioxidant potential were measured using in vitro assays. Higher amounts of total phenolic content were observed in pulp-peel than in seeds. These results were partially associated with the slightly higher enzyme inhibition of pulp-peel fractions. In general, araca phenolic fractions were more active towards α-glucosidase than α-amylase when compared to acarbose, the current drug used to inhibit α-glucosidases. The antioxidant potential was dependent on accession, part of the fruit and fraction. Moreover, compounds present in the crude and purified extracts, and fractions III (quercetin, ellagic acid and p-coumaric acid) and IV (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and malvidin-3-O-glucoside) for some samples resulted in significant inhibition of the two enzymes.

Pereskia aculeata is a Cactaceae plant with valuable nutritional properties, including terrific amounts of protein, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. However, P. aculeata is reported to contain antinutrients and alkaloids in its leaves. In addition, in a study on growth and development, Wistar rats fed with P. aculeata and casein as protein source grew less than the control group (fed with casein only). Therefore, in this study, we evaluated, for the first time, the oral acute toxicity of P. aculeata in rats and also the cytotoxicity behavior of the plant on lettuce seeds. The acute toxicity research was carried out using dried P. aculeata ethanolic extract, in three different doses, administered by gavage to 24 female Wistar rats. The rats were then examined for signs of toxicity, food intake, body weight, and fecal excretion fluctuations, as well as histopathological alterations, using eight different body tissues. The acute toxicity study did not show any difference among the groups in either clinical evaluation or histopathological analyses. For the cytotoxicity study, dried P. aculeata ethanolic extract was applied on lettuce seeds in five different concentrations. These seeds were evaluated for germination, root and shoot length, and mitotic index. The results show that P. aculeata extract affects lettuce root and shoot growth, but not germination or mitotic index. In conclusion, the acute toxicity on rats and the cytogenotoxicity on lettuce of P. aculeata are neglectable, validating the potential of this plant to be used as a functional food.

Flotation sludge (FS) is produced in huge amounts at slaughterhouses in western Santa Catarina, Brazil. This waste is rich in plant nutrients and a valuable resource for soil amendments. Five FS composts were tested as a replacement for chemical fertilizers (QF), namely T1 (75% poultry manure (PM) and 25% sawdust (SD)); T2 (50% PM and 50% SD); T3 (25% PM and 75% SD); T4 (100% PM and 0% SD); and T5 (0% PM x 100% SD). For lettuce plants, treatments containing composted FS resulted in an increased number of leaves, leaf area and leaf fresh weight (LFW). T1 presented the best results with increases of 1.4 fold in LFW compared to plants supplemented with QF. T2 was the most effective treatment for radish with the best results of root fresh weight and root diameter. Although T4 had the highest nitrogen content, it did not present the best results in growth performance for lettuce or radish. The presence of higher proportions of SD in composts (25% for lettuce and 50% for radish) improved the physical characteristics of the soil and proved to be a more balanced compost.

The study of gene expression in maize varieties represents a powerful tool aiming to increase vitamin A precursors. However, the isolation of RNA from different maize varieties is challenging because these varieties show different levels of polysaccharides, and most methods available for RNA isolation are inappropriate for grain samples. The polysaccharides co-purify and co-precipitate with RNA during isolation, resulting in low-quality RNA, compromising the use of RNA in subsequent applications. Thus, a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-based method was adapted in this study and compared with six methods for RNA isolation, including commercial reagents and RNA and DNA isolation kits, in order to identify the most appropriate for maize grains from different varieties. Most of the methods evaluated were considered inadequate due to limitations in terms of purity and/or quantity of the isolated RNA, which affected the efficiency of subsequent RT-qPCR analysis, resulting in nonamplification of β-carotene hydroxylase gene (HYD3) or high deviation among replicates. However, the CTAB modified method allowed the study to obtain intact RNA, with high quality and quantity, from 25 maize varieties. Furthermore, this RNA was successfully used to evaluate the expression of HYD3 gene by real-time qualitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and thus represents a simple, efficient, and low-cost strategy.

International audience; Two transgenic lines of 'Cantaloupe' melon derived from the same wild type genotype were previouslygenerated using ACC oxidase antisense constructs from melon (pMEL1AS) and apple (pAP4AS). Both linesyielded fruit with reduced ethylene production and low ACC oxidase (ACCO) expression. ACCO antisensefruit also exhibited lower expression of ACC synthase genes, ACCS1 and ACCS3, indicating that these genesare positively regulated by ethylene and participate in the autocatalytic ethylene production process. Incontrast, a higher expression of ACCS5 was observed in antisense lines when compared to the wild typeindicating a negative feedback regulation of ACCS5 by ethylene. Fruit of both transformed lines exhibiteddelayed ripening and reduction in ester volatile production but differed in their response to exogenousethylene supply. While postharvest ethylene application fully restored the ripening process in pMEL1ASmelon, it only restored flesh softening of pAP4AS melon but not rind color change or aroma volatile pro-duction. Up-regulation of lipoxygenase pathway associated genes (hydroxyperoxide lyase, lipoxygenase,and alcohol acyl transferases 1, 3 and 4) occurred in ethylene-treated pMEL1AS fruit but not in pAP4ASmelons. Polygalacturonase1 gene transcript accumulation increased in pMEL1AS and pAP4AS fruit uponethylene supply. Zeatin and zeatin riboside content of roots and fruit (rind and flesh) of pAP4AS plantswere 5-fold higher than the wild type and pMEL1AS counterparts. Higher relative transcript accumula-tion of a gene involved in the cytokinin synthesis and a gene involved in cytokinin response were alsofound in the roots and fruit of pAP4AS. In addition, polyamines, which are known to reduce sensitiv-ity to ethylene, remained unchanged in all fruit. Collectively the results suggest a putative role for theincreased endogenous cytokinin content in counteracting ethylene action in some aspects of the fruitripening process.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the productivity, classification and postharvest quality of fruits of tomato plants (cv. Gaucho), and graft these plants with plants of tomato hybrid (cv. Kaguemusha), by the method of terminal stake. Plants were grown in a greenhouse in the city of Pelotas, using randomized complete block design with 20 replications. Grafted tomato plants resulted fruits with highest average mass (g) and total phenols, compared to non-grafted.

Broccoli, cultivated under low (0.40 MPa) and normal (0.04 MPa, equivalent to field capacity) soil water content, and stored under low (1 °C) and room (23 °C) temperature, was assessed for changes in colour, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity. Results demonstrated a significant interaction between cultivation and storage conditions. Low soil water content during plant growth and postharvest cold storage were the conditions that, combined, gave the best preservation of colour, antioxidant activity, and l -ascorbic acid and 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate contents. Carotenoid preservation was dependent on postharvest storage conditions while the contents of phenolic compounds were reduced over time, independent of cultivation and postharvest storage conditions.

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of the interval of additional fertilizers on growth, productivity and quality of the fruits of Physalis peruviana. Plants were subjected to the treatments: no supplementary foliar fertilizing; weekly interval of supplementary foliar fertilizing and biweekly interval of supplementary foliar fertilizing. Growth, productivity and quality after harvest were analyzed. Plants under weekly interval of supplementary foliar fertilizing presented a higher leaf area and harvest index, however, under biweekly interval, plants presented higher productivity and fruit quality.

There is increasing demand from consumers for foods with functional properties. These foods, in addition to presenting adequate nutrient levels, provide beneficial health effects thus helping to prevent numerous diseases. Among the functional foods, the flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), belonging to the family Linaceae, is of great nutritional value. This oleaginous is rich in proteins, lipids, lignans and fibers. Consumers have preference on cereal bars for being practical, healthy and with low calorie density when proper combinations of ingredients are used. This work had as objective the production and sensorial evaluation of cereal bars enriched with flaxseed flour. Two formulations, denominated S.01 and S.02, respectively added with corresponding 5% and 10% flaxseed flour, respectively, were prepared. The physico-chemical analyzes comprised moisture and ash contents. The cereal bars were sensorially evaluated by 50 untrained testers by using the nine-point hedonic scale including attributes of flavor, texture and overall acceptance, besides intention of purchase. The averages from the sensorial evaluation were between 7 and 8, indicating, with purchasing preference of about 90%, which was considered a high acceptance rate.

This study comprises the evaluation of the hygienic-sanitary conditions of butcher shops in the city of Naviraí, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Raw meat and meat products are foods widely consumed by Brazilian citizens, which is also widely exported overseas to several regions, including Europe. Due to its composition, high water content and almost neutral pH, which favors the growth of microorganisms, meat handling requires strict hygienic and sanitary guidelines. The city of Naviraí is located in the Central region of Brazil, where beef cattle and beef and meat products are one of the main activities, both for domestic consumption as well as aiming exports. We surveyed two butcher shops by applying a checklist based on the Resolution RDC 216 of September 15, 2004, issued by the Brazilian Health Ministry. The scores were given from 0% to 100% and each surveyed item was classified as Satisfactory; Satisfactory with Restriction; or Unsatisfactory. After that, all nonconformities were pointed out and owners were instructed on how to fix them. Several items for both butcher shops were in disagreement with the cited legislation, being classified as unsatisfactory and satisfactory with restrictions. It was evidenced the need for most intensive inspection by the Sanitary Vigilance Department of the Brazilian Health Ministry, not only by applying fines and other penalties, but also with guidelines to employees and owners, since the lack of information, awareness and commitment is notorious.

Peach [ Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, cv. Chiripa] fruit harvested from plants sprayed with gibberellic acid (GA 3 ), at the beginning (T1) and end of pit hardening (T2), kept under cold storage (CS) and controlled atmosphere (CA/CS), and from plants not sprayed with GA 3 (Control) and kept under CS, were evaluated in terms of fruit size and mass, ripening, occurrence of woolliness and expression of supposedly related genes and proteins. Peaches not sprayed with GA 3 and submitted to CS had a high incidence of woolliness, high mRNA abundance of vesicle transport genes and low mRNA abundance of genes associated with cell wall loosening, ethylene biosynthesis and heat shock proteins ( HSPs ). Early GA 3 spraying did not delay ripening but induced an increase in fruit size. In addition, it also induced a climacteric rise and prevented the occurrence of woolliness after CS. Woolliness prevention as a result of either GA 3 or CA/CS treatments resulted in higher abundance of mRNAs associated with cell wall metabolism, mitochondrial HSPs and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase ( ACCO ). A unique GA 3 response consisted of a high mRNA abundance of genes and/or proteins such as HSP40 - 1er , HSP40 - 2er , HSPCTR2 , β-mannosidase ( β-Man ) and α- l -arabinofuranosidase ( α-Ara ).

Flesh softening, skin browning and rotting are chief problems during cold storage (CS) of 'Fuyu' Persimmon. We studied the effects of boron (B) and calcium (Ca) sprayed on the trees during three consecutive years, on the development of skin cracks, grooves and browning in persimmon fruit under CS in Farroupilha, RS, Brazil (29°31' south, 51°21' west, about 750 m altitude). A homogeneous orchard area of 0.5 ha was delimitated and three sets of five plants for each treatment were randomly selected. The persimmon trees were sprayed at a 20 day interval, from 15th January until harvest, for three consecutive years, with: T1) water; T2) calcium nitrate at 0.5% (m/v); T3) calcium chloride at 0.5% (m/v); and T4) boron at 0.3% (m/v). The fruit were harvest with orange-reddish colour; 18-20°Brix, pulp firmness of 45 to 60N, and kept under CS at 0±1°C for 45 days. The fruits were evaluated immediately before CS, after six hours at 23±2°C after removal from CS, and after four days at 23±2°C after removal from CS. Equally boron and calcium sprayed on the trees prevented skin cracks, skin grooves and skin browning. Besides, when boron was sprayed on the trees, the mentioned effects were additive in the following year. As principais alterações indesejáveis observadas no período pós-colheita de caquis em armazenamento refrigerado (AR) são a perda de firmeza de polpa, e a ocorrência de escurecimento epidérmico e de podridões. Este trabalho teve por objetivo principal estudar as respostas da aplicação de boro (B) e cálcio (Ca), em três safras sucessivas, na prevenção da ocorrência de fissuras, estrias e escurecimento epidérmico de caquis "Fuyu". No pomar (Farroupilha-RS-Brasil, 29°31' Sul, 51°21' Oeste, aproximadamente 750m altitude) delimitou-se uma área homogênea de 0,5ha., marcando-se, ao acaso, três repetições de cinco plantas para cada tratamento: T1 - controle, caquizeiros não-pulverizados com B e Ca; T2 - pulverizações com Nitrato de Ca 0,5% (m/v); T3 - pulverizações com Cloreto de Ca 0,5% (m/v); e T4 - pulverizações com B 0,3% (m/v). As aplicações foram realizadas em três anos sucessivos a partir de 15 de janeiro a intervalos de 20 dias. Foram colhidos os caquis na coloração alaranjado-avermelhada, com 18-20°Brix e 45 a 60N, que posteriormente foram armazenados em AR a 0±1°C por 45 dias. As avaliações foram realizadas no dia do armazenamento, após seis horas a 23±2°C a partir da retirada AR, e após quatro dias a 23±2°C a partir da retirada do AR. Foi avaliada a ocorrência de frutas com fissuras, estrias e escurecimento epidérmico. Comprovou-se o efeito benéfico da aplicação de B ou Ca na prevenção de fissuras, estrias e escurecimento epidérmico. Adicionalmente, foi detectado o incremento da resposta à aplicação de B, que, além de prevenir (à semelhança das aplicações com Ca), apresentou efeito aditivo no segundo ano. O resultado sugere que as respostas às aplicações com B são progressivas.

Postharvest yellowing is a limiting factor in the shelf-life of broccoli florets. Postharvest treatments have been used to prevent this problem but with limited success. Focusing on preharvest treatments, we tested whether water stress during plant growth increases cytokinin biosynthesis and delays postharvest yellowing of broccoli florets. Broccoli was grown under water soil pressure (WSP) of 0.4 MPa (high water stress), 0.2 MPa (moderate water stress) and 0.04 MPa (without water stress). The broccoli florets were harvested, kept at 23 ± 0.2 °C, and analysed at 12 h intervals, from 0 to 96 h, for ethylene production, respiration rate and colour. Zeatin (Z) and zeatin ribose (ZR) contents were analysed in the broccoli florets 24 h after harvest. Despite the fact that ethylene production and respiration rates were higher in broccoli florets from plants grown at high water stress, green colour was significantly better retained in these florets. We observed that the contents of Z and ZR were higher in the broccoli florets from the high water stress treatment. Our results show that water stress was effective in delaying postharvest yellowing of broccoli florets and suggest that the delay was due to increases in cytokinin biosynthesis, at least in terms of Z and ZR.

Traceability is becoming the most effective method to provide a safer food chain and connection producers to consumers. This paper report the application and validation of a traceability system on the production chain of peaches, according the rules for Integrated Production of Peach (IP) and a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems. The harvesting plots were discriminated using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. The horticultural practices were registered in a field book according to the Brazilian IP rules. Boxes to transport the fruit, from the orchard on, were barcode labelled to identify the fruits in terms of origin (orchard and harvesting plot), cultivar, quality, picking date and time. Arriving in the factory, by an optical barcode reading device, the fruits in the boxes were assigned to homogeneous batches. Peach cans were labelled according to their corresponding batch number and monitored based on physical and chemical analysis as preconized by the IP rules and HACCP system. An electronic data base was set up and placed over the Internet. Using the batch number, the history of each peaches can could be traceable back to their harvesting plot. Therefore, manufacturers can monitor the product at any time and take any necessary action, such as product recall and/or product reprocessing. A rastreabilidade está se tornando o método mais efetivo para assegurar uma cadeia alimentar mais segura e conectar produtores e consumidores. Nesse trabalho relatamos a aplicação e validação de um sistema de rastreabilidade na cadeia produtiva do pêssego, de acordo com as Normas Brasileiras para Produção Integrada de Pêssego (PIP) e Análises de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC). As parcelas de colheita foram discriminadas utilizando-se um aparelho de GPS (Global Positioning System). As práticas horticulturais foram registradas no caderno de campo, de acordo com as normas da PIP. As caixas para transportar as frutas, desde a lavoura, foram etiquetadas com código de barra para identificar as frutas em termos de origem (pomar e parcela de colheita), cultivar, qualidade, data e hora de colheita. Na indústria, utilizando-se um leitor ótico de código de barras, as frutas de cada caixa foram alocadas para um determinado lote homogêneo para fins de processamento. As latas de pêssego foram etiquetadas com o número do lote homogêneo correspondente, foi monitorado com base em análise físicas e químicas, de acordo com as regras da PIP e da APPCC. Uma base d e dados eletrônica foi construída e disponibilizada através da Internet. Utilizando-se o número do lote, foi possível obter todas as informações desde a(s) parcela(s) de colheita correspondente(s) a uma determinada lata de pêssego.

The loss of quality in peach (Prunus persica) after harvest is associated with metabolic changes, mechanical damage, loss of pulp firmness, physiological disorders and decay. In the ‘Chiripa’ cultivar, woolliness is a major physiological process that affects the postharvest quality. For a better understanding of the development of woolliness in ‘Chiripa’ peach and to identify conditions that can prevent it, we devised several postharvest treatments consisting of cold storage (CS) either alone or in combination with the application of ethylene or 1-methycyclopropene (1-MCP), intermittent warming or controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. We evaluated the effects of these treatments on postharvest preservation, the occurrence of woolliness and the activities of endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PG), exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME). Our results indicated that these treatments could modify the activities of the three enzymes, and that the induction of endo-PG and exo-PG activity and/or the repression of PME activity reduced the occurrence of woolliness. CS alone had a major effect on endo-PG and exo-PG activity but less impact on PME activity. The application of 1-MCP exacerbated this difference. Either ethylene application or intermittent warming increased endo-PG and exo-PG activities without reducing PME activity, resulting in the loss of pulp firmness and decay. Under CA storage, PME activity was effectively reduced and the activities of endo-PG and exo-PG, which were low during the treatment, dramatically increased 5 days after the end of the treatment. The overall quality of the peaches was better preserved under CA storage alone. With this treatment, the difference between PG and PME activity narrowed and the activity of both enzymatic groups decreased. As a result, the firmness of the pulp was better preserved and the incidence of decay and woolliness decreased.

In order to discriminate between ethylene-regulated and ethylene-independent ripening pathways in climacteric fruit, we analyzed different features of the ripening process in wild-type and AS3 transgenic melons, the latter showing extreme inhibition of ethylene production. The transgenic melons took an average of 10 days longer than wild-type melons to reach the harvesting stage, which resulted in the accumulation of larger amounts of soluble solids. The transgenic fruit also remained firmer and showed higher levels of chlorophyll and titratable acidity compared to wild-type fruit. However, the carotenoid content of the wild-type and transgenic fruit remained similar throughout the ripening process.

One of the major causes of ?Fuyu? persimmon loss after cold storage (CS) is the breakdown of its flesh, which results in the production of a translucent fruit (a water-soaked fruit). It is believed that the cause of this disturbance is linked to disorganization of the cytoskelet and endomembrane system, which changes the synthesis and transport of proteins and metabolites, resulting in incomplete ripening. To test this hypothesis, ?Fuyu? persimmon was subjected to three different postharvest treatments (T): Control ? harvested and kept at 23±3 ◦C and relative humidity (RH) of 85±5% (room temperature, RT) for 12 days, T1 ? harvested and kept under cold storage (CS) (1±1 ◦C and RH of 85±5%) for 30 days followed by RT storage for 2 days, T2 ? kept under RT for 2 days (acclimatization) followed by CS for 30 days. Control and T2 resulted in fruit with decreased flesh firmness (FF), and increased soluble solids (SS) and ascorbic acid (AA) contents. In these fruit the activity of endo-1,4-ß-glucanase (endo-1,4-ß-gluc), pectin methylesterase (PME), polygalacturonase (PG) and ß-galactosidase (ß-gal) increased. T1 resulted in translucent fruit with decreased FF, without any enzymatic activity changes, probably due to the physical disruption of the cytoskeleton. Further, there was an increased content of proteins corresponding to expansins in fruit kept under Control and T2 conditions, which suggests that these conditions do contribute to the synthesis and/or transport of proteins involved in the process of solubilization of the cell wall. In these fruit, there was also a major accumulation of gene transcripts corresponding to heat shock proteins (HSPs) of organelles related to endomembrane, which suggests participation of these genes in the prevention of damage caused by cold conditions. These data proved the hypotheses that acclimatization contributes to the expression of HSPs, and synthesis and transportat of proteins involved in the solubilization of the cell wall. The expression of these genes results in the normal ripening of the persimmon, as confirmed by the evolution of ethylene production. Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-20T21:38:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 girardi.pdf: 374572 bytes, checksum: 2c4f1b2e9c3c0908b38581636968b3d8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-12-20

Healthier food produced in a sustainable manner at affordable price is a necessity in the contemporaneous society. In this context, studies to devise the minimum necessary amount of water to crops towards development are required not only to save water and/or energy, but also to improve plant fitness to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses, even after harvest, and to improve nutritional, functional and sensorial food properties. The awareness of the growing impact of environmental stress has lead to worldwide efforts in adapting agricultural production to adverse environmental conditions, focusing on mitigating quantitative yield losses (Godfray et al., 2010). Far less attention has been devoted to the impact of abiotic environmental stresses on crop quality (Wang & Frei, 2011). Limited water supply (LWS) is a serious threat to agriculture, and often cause yield reduction. However, many plant species are not intolerant to that, otherwise the water input concept should be revised. In this review we describe the effect of limiting water supply during plant development on fruit and vegetables postharvest quality, mainly in terms of sensorial attributes (texture, colour, aroma, and taste) and composition (nutrients and bioactive compounds), and also in terms of gene expression, enzyme activity, yield, and storage behaviour. A brief introduction about regulated deficit irrigation, plant growth regulators and secondary metabolites is presented to illustrate common aspects associated with water stress effects on fruit and vegetable quality.