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This study evaluated the effect of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and glow discharge (glow) cold plasma treatments in color, sugars, organic acids, phenolics (concentration and bioaccessibility), antioxidant activity, volatiles, and microbiota of edible mini-roses. Plasma treatments did not affect the flowers' color, while they increased organic acids and phenolics. Flowers treated with DBD had a higher concentration of most phenolics, including hesperidin (84.04 μg/g) related to antioxidant activity, and a higher mass fraction of most volatiles, including octanal (16.46% after 5 days of storage). Flowers treated with glow had a higher concentration of pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside (392.73 μg/g), greater bioaccessibility of some phenolics and higher antioxidant activity. Plasma treatments reduced the microbiota diversity in mini-roses. Regardless of the plasma treatment, phylum Proteobacteria, family Erwiniaceae, and genus Rosenbergiella were the dominant groups. Results indicate plasma treatments as promising technologies to improve the quality and increase phenolic and specific volatile compounds in mini-roses., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Mini-roses (Rosa chinensis Jacq.) is largely used in salty dishes and desserts. This study evaluated instrumental color, sugars, organic acids, phenolics, volatiles, and the indigenous microbiota (fungi and bacteria) in edible mini-roses farmed in discarded fruits biocompost and animal manure systems. A descriptive sensory analysis of flowers was also performed. Mini-roses farmed in biocompost had higher luminosity and intensity of instrumental red color, a higher concentration of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins related to red color, and fructose than mini-roses farmed in animal manure (p < 0.05). Furthermore, mini-roses farmed in biocompost had higher concentrations of various volatiles (p < 0.05), including hexyl acetate and cis-3 -hexenyl butyrate related to the fruity aroma. Bacterial groups related to plant growth-promoting such as Stenotrophomonas and endophilic fungal groups such as Eurotiales sp, Pleosporales sp were found in higher abundance (p < 0.05) in mini-roses farmed in biocompost. Mini-rose farmed in biocompost also received higher score (p < 0.05) for fruity aroma and red color than mini-rose mini-roses farmed in animal manure. Results indicate that farming mini-roses using biocompost from discarded fruits impacts the synthesis of phenolics and volatiles, resulting in a more intense fruity aroma and red color. Findings also suggest that the microbiota of mini-roses farmed in biocompost or animal manure do not represent a major risk for the safety of these products., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

To feed and provide Food Security to all people in the world is a big challenge to be achieved with the 2030 Agenda. Undernutrition and obesity are to the opposite of a healthy nutritional status. Both conditions are associated with unbalanced nutrition, absence of food or excess of non-nutritive foods intake. These two nutritional conditions associated with food production are closely related to some goals highlighted by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda to achieve sustainable world development. In this context, the search for alternative foods whose sustainable production and high nutritional quality guarantee regular access to food for the population must be encouraged. Alternative foods can contribute to Food Security in many ways as they contribute to the local economy and income generation. Popularizing and demystifying the uses of unconventional food plants, ancestral grains, flowers, meliponiculture products, and edible insects as sources of nutrients and non-nutrients is another challenge. Herein, we present an overview of alternative foods - some of them cultivated mostly in Brazil - that can be explored as sources of nutrients to fight hunger and malnutrition, improve food production and the economic growth of nations., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In vivo and carcass measurements were evaluated to predict carcass physical and chemical composition and to list the measurements that best fit the prediction of the composition of growing Santa Inês sheep carcasses. Thirty-three animals were used to measure the loin eye area by ultrasound in vivo (LEAu) and in the carcass. We used 39 animals for biometric measurement in vivo and 42 sheep for morphometric measurement in the carcass. For the physical and chemical compositions of carcasses, dissection of the half left carcass was carried out in 42 animals. The data were submitted to Pearson's correlation analysis and t test. Simple and multiple linear regressions were performed using a stepwise procedure. All correlations between in vivo measurements and the physical and chemical compositions of carcasses (in kg) were significant, except for LEAu. Biometric measurements and hot (HCW) and cold (CCW) carcass weights were considered as predictors of the carcasses' physical and chemical compositions. Slaughter body weight (SBW) was the variable that most influenced the equations in the assessment of in vivo measurements and HCW and CCW most influenced the equations for measurements on carcasses. Biometric measurements of Santa Inês sheep can be used together with the SBW to estimate the physical and chemical compositions of carcasses, with emphasis on body compactness index, breast width, wither height, and croup height. The morphometric measurements can be used together with carcass weight to estimate the physical and chemical compositions of carcasses, with emphasis on croup width, carcass compactness index, croup perimeter, external and internal carcass lengths, chest width, and leg length and perimeter. The HCW can be used to predict the physical and chemical composition of carcasses without affecting the accuracy of the prediction model., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

This study assessed the phenolics and their bioaccessibility through an in vitro digestion system coupled to a simulated intestinal barrier in eight edible flowers of distinct colors, namely mini rose, torenia, mini daisy, clitoria, cosmos, cravine, begonia and tagete. The antioxidant activity of the flowers before in vitro digestion, in their derived dialyzed and non-dialyzed fractions was evaluated using distinct approaches. All flowers presented in their composition phenolic acids, stilbenes, flavanol, anthocyanin, flavonol and flavanone, however distinct compounds and contents were found in each flower. The bioaccessibility varied among the phenolics and within the flower source (p < 0.05). Cosmos presented the highest (p < 0.05) content of phenolics and activity in ORAC assay before in vitro digestion and in dialyzed and non-dialyzed fraction; the observed activity was correlated (r = 0.9) to its major compounds, hesperidin and rutin, as well as to caftaric acid and procyanidin B2. Mini rose displayed the highest antioxidant activity in FRAP and DPPH assays before in vitro digestion; its dialyzed and non-dialyzed fraction showed the highest activity in FRAP, correlated to pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside, catechin, epicatechin galate, epicagocatechin galate, procyanidin A2, quercitin 3-glucoside and trans-resveratrol (r = 0.9). In DPPH assay, mini rose showed the highest activity in the non-dialyzed fraction, while cravine showed the highest activity in the dialyzed fraction, which was mainly correlated to syringic acid (r = 1.0), pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside and epicatechin (r = 0.9). Results show great variability in the phenolic composition and their bioaccessibility among the edible flowers studied. Our findings indicate cosmos and mini rose as sources of bioaccessible phenolics with great antioxidant activity., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to evaluate the quality parameters in probiotic yogurt produced with Brazilian red propolis to replace potassium sorbate used in conventional yogurt (CY). Microbiological stability and shelf life, physicochemical properties (pH, acidity, chemical composition, and fatty acids), and bioactive properties (phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) were evaluated. The addition of red propolis (0.05%) to replace the potassium sorbate did not change the pH, acidity, fatty acid profile, chemical composition, or shelf life. Microbiological stability of at least 28 days was achieved, while a drastic reduction in the lactic acid bacteria content was observed in the CY during refrigeration storage. Phenolic total contents were higher than those of the control, and consequently, yogurt with red propolis showed higher antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The study indicates that Brazilian red propolis at 0.05% concentration to replace the potassium sorbate is an efficient alternative for use in yogurt production. The knowledge acquired about these types of Brazilian propolis provides an important contribution to food research in the discovery of new functional products to the market, seeking a healthier diet. Therefore, the produced yogurt proves to be an innovative product with functional and probiotic potential to be placed on the market., (© 2019 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

Hancornia speciosa Gomes is a fruit tree, commonly known as the mangaba tree, which is widespread throughout Brazil. The leaves of this plant are used in traditional medicine for medicinal purposes. Thus, the objective of this study was to perform a physicochemical characterization, identify the lipophilic antioxidants and fatty acids, and determine the microbiological quality and safety of H. speciosa leaves. In addition, the antioxidant, antimutagenic, and inhibitory activities of the ethanolic extract of H. speciosa leaves (EEHS) against enzymes related to neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, obesity, and diabetes were investigated. Furthermore, this study aimed at assessing the in vivo effects of the EEHS on the glycemia of normoglycemic and diabetic Wistar rats. Physicochemical characterization was performed by colorimetry and gas-liquid chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The total number of colonies of aerobic mesophiles, molds, and yeasts was determined. The total coliforms and Escherichia coli were counted using the SimPlates kit, and sulphite-reducing Clostridium spores were quantified using the sulphite-polymyxin-sulfadiazine agar method. Salmonella spp. were detected using the 1-2 Test. The antioxidant activity of the EEHS was measured by its inhibition of 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride- (AAPH-) induced oxidative hemolysis of human erythrocytes. The antimutagenic activity was determined using the Ames test. The acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, lipase, α -amylase, and α -glycosidase enzyme-inhibiting activities were assessed and compared with commercial controls. The in vivo effects of the EEHS were assessed using the oral glucose tolerance test in normoglycemic Wistar rats and measuring the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The results demonstrated physical-chemical parameters of microbiological quality and safety in the leaves of H. speciosa , as well as antioxidant and antimutagenic activities and inhibition of enzymes related to neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, obesity, and diabetes. In in vivo assays, it was shown that the normoglycemic rats challenged with glucose overload show significantly decreased blood glucose levels when treated with the EEHS. Taken together, the results ensure the microbiological quality and safety as well as showing the contents of carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids of H. speciosa leaves. Additionally, the antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer's disease, anti-Parkinson's disease, antiobesity, and antihyperglycemic activities of the EEHS were demonstrated.

This study evaluated the effects of replacing ground corn with buriti oil ( L.) on feed intake and digestibility and on the production, composition, fatty acid profile and sensory characteristics of goat milk. A double Latin square (4 × 4) was used; eight goats were distributed in a completely randomized design. The square comprised four periods and four buriti oil concentration (0.00; 1.50; 3.00 and 4.50% of total DM) replacing corn. Intakes of DM, CP, NDF, ADF, non-fibrous carboydrates (NFC) and TDN were not affected by the replacement of corn with oil in the diet. However, lipids intake was increased ( < 0.01) by 100% in the diet of goats with 4.50% oil inclusion, as total DM. DM and CP digestibility were similar between the buriti oil concentrations. However, lipid digestibility increased linearly ( = 0.01) and may have contributed to a quadratic reduction in NDF digestibility ( = 0.01) and a linear reduction of NFC ( = 0.04) with buriti oil content in the goat feed. Goat milk production, corrected production and chemical composition were not influenced by the concentration of buriti oil replacement; however, milk fat concentration ( = 0.04) and feed efficiency ( < 0.01) increased linearly with the amount of buriti oil in the diet. There was a linear reduction on hypercholesterolemic SFA such as C12:0 ( < 0.01) and C14:0 ( < 0.01) as well as the atherogenic index (AI; < 0.01) with buriti oil inclusion in goat's diet. In contrast, the fatty acids C18:0 ( < 0.01) and C18:1 9 ( < 0.01) increased linearly in the milk of goats that were fed with buriti oil. However, CLA ( < 0.01) varied quadratically; the maximum production of 0.62 g/100 g of fat was observed when using 1.50% buriti oil. The sensory characteristics of the milk were not changed ( > 0.05) by the replacement of corn with buriti oil in the goats' diet. It is recommended to replace corn with buriti oil in goat feed by up to 4.5% of total DM, resulting in improved feed efficiency and milk fat without affecting production; this recommendation satisfies the minimum requirements of the industry and preserves the organoleptic characteristics of the milk and its acceptability for human consumption. In addition, buriti oil replacing ground corn by up to 4.5% DM in the diet of lactating goats decrease medium-chain SFA which are hypercholesterolemic and increase the concentrations of the C18:19, CLA and DFA in goat milk fat, helping to protect against cardiovascular disease.

About 40% of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) neurons co-express serotonin (5-HT) and galanin. Serotonergic pathways from the DRN to the amygdala facilitate learned anxiety, while those from the DRN to the dorsal periaqueductal grey matter (DPAG) impair innate anxiety. Previously, we showed that galanin infusion in the DRN of rats induces anxiolytic effect by impairing inhibitory avoidance without changing escape behaviour in the elevated T-maze (ETM). Here, we evaluated: (1) which galanin receptors would be involved in the anxiolytic effect of galanin in the DRN of rats tested in the ETM; (2) the effects of galanin intra-DRN on panic-like behaviours evoked by electrical stimulation of the DPAG. The activation of DRN GAL1 receptors by M617 (1.0 and 3.0nmol) facilitated inhibitory avoidance, whereas the activation of GAL2 receptors by AR-M1896 (3.0nmol) impaired the inhibitory avoidance in the ETM, suggesting an anxiogenic and an anxiolytic-like effect respectively. Both agonists did not change escape behaviour in the ETM or locomotor activity in the open field. The anxiolytic effect of AR-M1896 was attenuated by the prior administration of WAY100635 (0.18nmol), a 5-HT1A antagonist. Galanin (0.3nmol) administered in the DRN increased discreetly flight behaviours induced by electrical stimulation of the DPAG, suggesting a panicolytic effect. Together, our results showed that galanin mediates opposite anxiety responses in the DRN by activation of GAL1 and GAL2 receptors. The anxiolytic effect induced by activation of Gal2 receptors may depend on serotonergic tone. Finally, the role of galanin in panic related behaviours remains uncertain., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The main aim of the present work was to optimize mead production using Response Surface Methodology. The effects of temperature (x₁: 20-30°C) and nutrients concentration (x₂: 60-120g /hL) on mead quality, concerning the final concentrations of glucose (Y₁), fructose (Y₂), ethanol (Y₃), glycerol (Y₄) and acetic acid (Y₅), were studied. Twelve operational conditions were tested. No delays and moods were observed during fermentations. The second order polynomial models determined produced satisfactory fittings of the experimental data with regard to glucose (R²=0.646, p=0.001), ethanol (R²=0.741, p=0.049), glycerol (R²=0.899, p=0.002), fructose (R²=0.902, p=0.033) and acetic acid (R²=0.913, p=0.001). The optimum extraction conditions determined in order to maximize the combined responses were 24°C and a nutrients concentration of 0.88g/L. The mead produced under these conditions had the following characteristics: ethanol concentration of 10.2%, acetic acid 0.54 g/L, glycerol 7.8 g/L, glucose 1.8 g/L and fructose 2.5 g/L. These values were in agreement with the predicted and were within the safe limit established for acetic acid and the recommended range for glycerol. Furthermore, the residual sugars concentration was also low, decreasing the possibility of occurring undesirable refermentations., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

An all-solid-state potentiometric electronic tongue with 36 polymeric membranes has been used for the first time to detect gliadins, which are primarily responsible for gluten intolerance in people suffering from celiac disease. A linear discriminant model, based on the signals of 11 polymeric membranes, selected from the 36 above using a stepwise procedure, was used to semi-quantitatively classify samples of a "Gluten-free" foodstuff (baby milked flour), previously contaminated with known amounts of gliadins (<10, 20-50 or >50mg/kg), as "Gluten-free", "Low-Gluten content" or "Gluten-containing". For this food matrix, the device had sensitivity towards gliadins of 1-2mg/kg and overall sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 78%, respectively. Moreover, the device never identified an ethanolic extract containing gliadins as "Gluten-free". Finally, the system also allowed distinguishing "Gluten-free" and "Gluten-containing" foodstuffs (15 foods, including breads, flours, baby milked flours, cookies and breakfast cereals) with an overall sensitivity and specificity greater than 83%, using the signals of only 4 selected polymeric membranes (selected using a stepwise procedure). Since only one "Gluten-containing" foodstuff was misclassified as "Gluten-free", the device could be used as a preliminary tool for quality control of foods for celiac patients., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The most frequent neurologic manifestations of hepatitis C virus infection include peripheral neuropathy axonal type and central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis. Affected patients usually have cryoglobulinemia and other signs of vasculitis. Demyelinating lesions, both central and peripheral are rarely described. We present a case of simultaneous peripheral nervous system and CNS demyelination that comes in relapsing episodes, with negative cryoglobulins.

The relative intensity of photonic modes in microcavity pillars with embedded self-assembled quantum dots is shown to be a sensitive function of quantum dot dipole orientation and position. This is deduced from a comparison of experiment and calculated intensities of light emission for many nominally identical pillars. We are able to obtain the overall degree of in-plane polarization of the quantum dot ensemble and also to obtain information on the degree of polarization along the growth axis.

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a very popular dry fruit in the world being consumed in different form and presentations. In the present work, three hazelnut cultivars (cv. Daviana, Fertille de Coutard and M. Bollwiller) produced in Portugal, were characterized in respect to their chemical composition, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity. The samples were analysed for proximate constituents (moisture, fat, crude protein, ash), nutritional value and fatty acids profile by GC/FID. Antioxidant potential was accessed by the reducing power assay, the scavenging effect on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and beta-carotene linoleate model system. Their antimicrobial capacity was also checked against Gram positive (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungi (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans). Results showed that the main constituent of fruits was fat ranging from 56% to 61%, being the nutritional value around 650 kcal per 100 g of fruits. Oleic was the major fatty acid varying between 80.67% in cv. F. Coutard and 82.63% in cv. Daviana, followed by linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Aqueous hazelnut extract presented antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent way, in general with similar behaviour for all cultivars. Hazelnut extracts revealed a high antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria (MIC 0.1 mg/mL) showing a good bioactivity of these fruits.

The effects of processing and cooking practices on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Portuguese wild edible mushroom species (Lactarius deliciosus, Macrolepiota mastoidea, Macrolepiota procera, and Sarcodon imbricatus) were investigated. Dried, frozen, and cooked samples were analyzed for proximate constituents (moisture, fat, crude protein, ash, and carbohydrates) and nutritional value. Fatty acid and sugar profiles were also obtained by gas-liquid chromatography/flame ionization detection and high-performance liquid chromatography/refraction index, respectively. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by several biochemical assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, reducing power, inhibition of beta-carotene bleaching, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Results of this study show that mushroom species and processing and cooking practices are all effective determinants for either chemical composition or antioxidant properties. Cooked samples proved to have lower nutrient concentrations and lower antioxidant activities than either dried or frozen samples. In what concerns fatty acids and sugar individual profiles, only cooking proved to be relevant: The cooked samples presented higher monounsaturated fatty acid and lower polyunsaturated fatty acid and sugars contents.

We present the case of a 62-year-old woman with abdominal segmental paresis consequent to radiculopathy caused by zoster, which was confirmed by electroneuromyography. The paresis resolved completely within three months. Recognition of this complication caused by zoster, which is easily misdiagnosed as abdominal herniation, is important for diagnosing this self-limited condition and avoiding unnecessary procedures.