Antihypertensive and cholesterol-lowering effects of a spread containing bioactive peptides IPP and VPP and plant sterols

The effects of a spread containing bioactive tripeptides isoleucine–proline–proline (IPP), valine–proline–proline (VPP) and plant sterols were studied in subjects with mild hypertension and elevated LDL cholesterol. Sixty-two subjects consumed 20 g/day spread containing 4.2 mg milk peptides and 2 g plant sterol esters or placebo for 10 weeks. Blood pressure was measured twice a week. Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave analysis and by pulse wave velocity. Blood samples were analysed for serum lipids and high-sensitive CRP. A significant decrease was seen in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.026), but not in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.53). Total cholesterol (p = 0.003) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.002) decreased, whereas HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols and CRP remained unchanged. No overall effects on arterial stiffness were seen. The results suggest that a spread containing bioactive milk peptides and plant sterols has a beneficial effect on two major cardiovascular risk factors, blood pressure and plasma lipids, in hypertensive, dyslipidemic subjects. Functional foods affecting two major risk factors can be valuable tools in managing cardiovascular risk.     

Vinegar ingestion at mealtime reduced fasting blood glucose concentrations in healthy adults at risk for type 2 diabetes

This 12-week pilot study examined effects of vinegar on markers of type 2 diabetes in at-risk adults. Participants (n = 14) ingested 750 mg acetic acid as a vinegar drink or a control pill (40 mg acetic acid) twice daily at mealtime. Blood glucose (fasting and 2-h postprandial) was recorded daily. Fasting blood collected at weeks 0 and 12 was analyzed for insulin and glycated hemoglobin. Average change in fasting glucose was reduced in the vinegar group versus control group (?0.91 ± 0.27 versus ?0.26 ± 0.17 mmol/l) (p = 0.05). Average change in 2-h postprandial glucose, insulin and glycated hemoglobin did not vary between groups. Fasting breath hydrogen at week 12 was elevated 19% in the vinegar group versus control group suggesting an increase in colonic fermentation in the vinegar group. These data indicate that vinegar, a simple addition to meals, has antiglycaemic effects in adults at-risk for type 2 diabetes, possibly related to carbohydrate maldigestion.     

Change regime of aroma active compounds in response to pulsed electric field treatment time,sour cherry juice apricot and peach nectars,and physical and sensory properties

Regime (direction, amount, rate, and pattern) of change in aroma active compounds was quantified as a function of four pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment times, three fruits, and 10 physical and eight sensory properties using the best-fit multiple linear regression (MLR) models. The PEF treatment times did not deteriorate 94% of the sensory properties and 70% of the physical properties and significantly change 57% of a total of 73 aroma active compounds detected for sour cherry juice, and apricot and peach nectars. The best performing MLR models belonged to 1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexene as a function of fruit type, treatment time, and titratable acidity (= 49 mg/L; R_adj² = 95.7%; R_cv² = 94.9%) and to 2-[(2S,5S)-5-ethenyl-5-methyloxolan-2-yl]propan-2-ol as a function of fruit type, and treatment time (SE = 157 mg/L; R_adj² = 98.2%; R_cv² = 98.0%), respectively (n = 48; p < 0.001).Industrial relevancePulsed electric field (PEF) is one of the leading nonthermal food technologies especiallyfor processing of high acid low viscosity foods with satisfactory quality and microbial inactivation. It was shown in this study that PEF with different treatment times can successfully be applied in the pasteurization of sour cherry juice, and apricot and peach nectars with minimum loss of aroma active compounds and sensory and physical properties. Both PEF processing conditions and results can be used as a guide to determine PEF processing parameters for industrial scale processing of juices/nectars.     

Effect of green mate in overweight volunteers: A randomized placebo-controlled human study

Overweight and obesity have become a global epidemic and they may impair health. Traditional use and growing evidence indicate that mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) may be helpful in losing excessive weight and fat. The present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated efficacy and safety of an extract from green mate in 60 overweight subjects aged 20–39 years during 6-weeks. Body composition was measured by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) at baseline and after 6 weeks. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and various safety parameters were monitored. After 6 weeks, subjects taking mate experienced a significantly greater reduction of percent of body fat (?0.3% vs. +0.6%, p = 0.04) and fat mass (?0.5 kg vs. +0.2 kg, p = 0.04) than placebo. No significant differences were observed in other measurements. No adverse events occurred and all safety parameters were within normal ranges during the study in both groups. Thus, taking green mate extract reduced body fat after 6 weeks, while the treatment was safe and well tolerated.     

Sorghum distillers dried grain lipid extract increases cholesterol excretion and decreases plasma and liver cholesterol concentration in hamsters

Grain sorghum is a rich source of phytochemicals. In this study, male hamsters were fed AIN-93M diets supplemented with a hexane-extractable lipid fraction from sorghum distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Diets contained 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 5.0% (w/w) DDGS lipid extract. After 4 wk, the 5.0% DDGS lipids group had significantly lower plasma non-HDL cholesterol and liver esterified cholesterol concentration. Faecal neutral sterol (i.e., cholesterol) excretion was significantly higher in the 5.0% DDGS lipids group compared to the other treatments (66% higher compared to controls). Bile acid excretion was not affected by DDGS lipid intake. Faecal cholesterol excretion was negatively correlated with liver cholesterol concentration (r = ?0.97, P = 0.026), and liver cholesterol concentration was directly correlated with plasma total cholesterol concentration (r = 0.96, P = 0.041). Thus, lipid extract of sorghum DDGS exhibited cholesterol-lowering properties due, at least in part, to increased cholesterol excretion from the body and could provide health benefits when incorporated into human diets.     

Comparison of subjective grading and objective assessment in meibography

AimTo analyse repeatability of subjective grading and objective assessment in non-contact infra-red meibography.MethodsMeibography photographs of 24 subjects (female 14; mean age = 46; range = 19–69 years, upper-lid images = 12, lower-lid images = 12) were classified in two sessions by three experienced observers (OI, OII, OIII). Relative area or portion affected by meibomian glands (MG) loss was classified applying three different grading scales in randomized order: a four-grade scale (4S) (degree 0 = no partial glands; 1 = <25% partial glands; 3 = 25–75% partial glands; 3 = >75% partial glands), a pictorial five-grade scale (5S) (degree 0 = no meibomian gland loss (MGL); 1 = <25% MGL; 3 = 26–50% MGL; 3 = 51–75%; 4 = >75% MGL) and objectively by a 100-grade scale (DA) applying ImageJ software.ResultsObserved MG loss ranged from 0% to 69%. Intra-observer agreement of the 5S (OI: κ = 0.80, p < 0.001; OII: κ = 0.40, p = 0.009; OIII κ = 0.81, p < 0.001) was better than of the 4S (OI: κ = 0.79, p < 0.001; OII: κ = 0.15, p = 0.342; OIII κ = 0.50, p = 0.0071). Intra-observer agreement of OI and OIII (±0.88 (95% confidence interval), ±1.305) was better than of OII (±2.21) in 4S and 5S (±0.99, ±2.00 and ±0.91; OI, OII and OIII, respectively) while it was relatively similar in DA (±18, ±17 and ±17). Inter-observer agreement was better in DA (OI–OII: ±13, OI–OII: ±19, OII–OIII: ±26) than in 4S (OI–OII: ±1.76; OI–OIII: ±1.29 and OII–OIII: ±1.31) or 5S (OI–OII: ±1.49; OI–OIII: ±0.91 and OII–OIII: ±1.20).ConclusionIntra-observer and inter-observer agreement was better in computerized grading followed by the subjective five-grade scale and four-grade scale.     

Influence of daily consumption of synbiotic soy-based product supplemented with okara soybean by-product on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a synbiotic fermented soy product supplemented with okara (a by-product from soybean) on cardiovascular disease risk markers in healthy men. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial, thirty-six normocholesterolemic men were assigned to two groups. Subjects consumed daily 100 g of soy-based product fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12, and Streptococcus thermophilus (starter culture) (synbiotic group — S) (n = 18) or 100 g of unfermented soy-based product (placebo group — P) (n = 18) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples and anthropometric measurements were collected at the baseline (T₀), the end of week 4 (T₄), and the end of week 8 (T₈). Serum lipids, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and electronegative LDL were also analysed on T₀, T₄, and T₈. During the period of daily soy-based product consumption (from T₀ to T₈) the LDL-C mean decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in group S, resulting in a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Comparing mean differences (T₈–T₀) between the two groups, the trend of LDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio reductions was higher in group S (14.1 mg/dL and 0.38 mg/dL, respectively) than group P (4.9 mg/dL and 0.17 mg/dL, respectively) (p > 0.05). Our results suggest limited lipid-lowering effects of synbiotic soy-based product supplemented with okara on cardiovascular risk markers in normocholesterolemic men.     

A regular lycopene enriched tomato sauce consumption influences antioxidant status of healthy young-subjects: A crossover study

Tomato and tomato products are known as potential factors to decrease oxidative stress biomarkers. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effects of consumption of two tomato sauces with different concentrations of lycopene on oxidative stress markers. Thirty healthy subjects (Men/women: 9/21; Aged 39 ± 6 years old; BMI: 24.5 ± 3.3 kg/m²) were recruited to participate in a double-blind crossover study. Participants had to consume 160 g/day of tomato sauce, while maintaining their usual dietary and physical activity habits.The regular consumption of the high-lycopene tomato sauce induced a significant reduction in the oxidized-LDL cholesterol levels (?9.27 ± 16.8%; p < 0.05). Moreover, total plasma antioxidant capacity tended to increase with the high-lycopene tomato sauce, while it decreased slightly with commercial tomato sauce consumption (2.69 ± 13.4 vs ?0.05 ± 0.4; p = 0.058). Lipid, glucose profile and C-reactive protein concentrations were stable during both intervention periods, as well as anthropometric and body composition variables.Thus, the daily consumption of 160 g of a high-lycopene tomato sauce improved oxidized-LDL cholesterol levels, evidencing the putative role of lycopene in combination with other bioactive compounds in the prevention of oxidative stress related diseases.     

Evaluation of factors affecting the food consumption levels of inpatients in a Turkish armed forces training hospital

The aims of this study are to determine how patients hospitalized in a Turkish Armed Forces Training Hospital perceive different attributes of food and food services and to determine factors affecting the level of food consumption.This study was conducted in Gulhane Military Medical Academy Training Hospital, with 1000 beds. A questionnaire was used to determine the patients’ perception of the food quality and levels of food consumption.It was found that 44.4% of the patients consumed all of the food provided, 28.9% of patients consumed the half, 23.5% of patients consumed some and 3.2% of patients did not consume any of their meals. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify patients who did not consume 50% or more of their food. It was found that non-surgical patients (OR = 0.498; p = 0.022), and those dissatisfied with the taste and smell of food (OR = 4.272; p = 0.000) and the appearance of food (OR = 3.161; p = 0.003) were more likely to be in the patient group who reported not consuming at least 50% of the food provided.     

The effects of chalazion excision on corneal surface aberrations

PurposeThis study is the first to consider the effects of chalazion on corneal surface aberrations taking into account of corneal zones, and to establish the size standard for the excision of chalazion.MethodsTwenty three eyes from 23 patients with central upper eyelid chalazion larger than 3 mm were recruited in this prospective study. The participants were classified into two groups, depending on size of the lesion: Group 1 with lesion size 3–5 mm and Group 2 with lesion size >5 mm Chalazion was excised by standard transconjunctival vertical incision. Corneal surface aberrations were measured using a Galilei™ analyzer and an auto-refractometer before and 2 months after the excision.ResultsCorneal astigmatism in all patients decreased significantly in both auto refractometer (P = 0.012) and Galilei™ (P = 0.020) measurements after chalazion excision. RMS of total HOAs decreased significantly in 6 mm (P = 0.043) and 3 mm zone (P = 0.051). The RMS of Zernike orders in the vertical and horizontal trefoil decreased significantly in 6 mm (P = 0.035) and 3 mm (P = 0.041) zone. Group 2 showed a significant decrease in corneal astigmatism in both auto refractometer (P = 0.040) and Galilei™ (P = 0.017) parameters after chalazion excision. Group 1 showed an insignificant decrease in corneal astigmatism. Unlike Group 1, the RMS of total HOAs and vertical and horizontal trefoil in 6 mm zone decreased significantly in Group 2 (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe existence of an upper lid chalazion increases astigmatism and HOAs, especially at the peripheral cornea. Significantly induced astigmatism and HOAs are caused by chalazion >5 mm in size. Thus, we recommend the surgical excision of chalazion >5 mm in size to reduce corneal surface aberrations.     

Characterization of the antioxidant functions of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in Mauritian black teas

Tea drinking is associated with an improved antioxidant status in vivo which may contribute to the lowering of the risk of certain types of cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke. The polyphenolic bioactive composition and the antioxidant properties of Mauritian commercial black and fresh tea leaves were evaluated. Hot water infusates contained high levels of total phenols, total proanthocyanidins and total flavonoids. The concentrations of individual compounds, (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, (−)-epicatechin 3-gallate, epigallocatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate, gallic acid, and procyanidin dimers B1 and B2 were high. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays were used to assess the antioxidant potential of tea infusates with the following order of potency: Ouvagalia tea > Buccaneer’s choice > Black Label > Red Label > Extra > Corson > Chartreuse > La Flora > 3-Pavillons. Linear regression analyses indicated high correlation coefficient with total proanthocyanidin (TEAC r = 0.96 and FRAP r = 0.95) and total phenol contents (TEAC r = 0.90 and FRAP r = 0.92) in infusates. Catechins and gallic acid significantly contributed to the overall antioxidant capacity of black tea extracts. In general, the fresh tea leaves had high levels of total phenols, total flavonoids, total proanthocyanidin and exhibited greater antioxidant potentials when compared with black teas. Thus Mauritian black teas and fresh tea leaves can be rich sources of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidants, which may be highly relevant to the maintenance of normal health and disease management, an observation that has led to the commencement of a clinical trial study to assess cardiovascular health in Mauritius.     

Near complete visual recovery and refractive stability in modern corneal transplantation: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)

ObjectiveTo report the 6 months results of a large prospective study on Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for management of corneal endothelial disorders.MethodsDMEK was performed in 300 consecutive eyes with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, bullous keratopathy or previous corneal transplant failure. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive outcome and endothelial cell density (ECD) were evaluated before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Intra- and postoperative complications were documented.ResultsAt 6 months, 98% of eyes reached a BCVA of ≥20/40 (≥0.5), 79% ≥20/25 (≥0.8), 46% ≥20/20 (≥1.0), and 14% ≥20/18 (≥1.2) (n = 221). The pre- to 6 months postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) showed a +0.33D (±1.08D) hyperopic shift (P = 0.0000). Refractive stability was shown at 3 months after DMEK, i.e. no significant change in SE (P = 0.0822) or refractive cylinder (P = 0.6182) at 3 versus 6 months follow-up. Donor ECD showed a decrease from 2561 (±198) cells/mm² before, to 1674 (±518) cells/mm² at 6 months after surgery (n = 251) (P = 0.0000). The main complication was (partial) graft detachment occurring in 31 eyes (10%). Secondary ocular hypertension was seen in 13 eyes (6%): 6 induced by air-bubble dislocation posterior to the iris and 4 induced by steroids. Secondary cataract requiring phaco-emulsification developed in 3 out of 63 (5%) phakic eyes.ConclusionsDMEK may provide a refractively neutral near complete, rapid visual rehabilitation with ECDs similar to earlier endothelial keratoplasty techniques. This combined with a relatively low complication rate, would indicate that DMEK is a safe and effective treatment for corneal endothelial disorders.     

High-pressure calorimetric evaluation of ice crystal ratio formed by rapid depressurization during pressure-shift freezing of water and pork muscle

The amount of ice nuclei formed during the pressure release is important for the final formation and development of ice crystals in pressure shift freezing (PSF) frozen products. In this study, a high-pressure (HP) calorimeter was used to evaluate the ratio of ice crystals instantaneously formed by rapid depressurization during PSF of pure water and pork muscle tissue. Experiments were carried out initial pressure levels of 62, 115, 157 and 199 MPa, with corresponding phase change temperatures of −5, −10, −15 and −20 °C, respectively (slightly higher than phase change point of water–ice I). The ice crystal ratio was determined based on calorimetric peak measured and heat balance. The evaluated regression relationship between observed ice crystal ratio (R_ice in %) and pressure (P, MPa) was R_ice–water = 0.115P + 0.00013P² (R² = 0.96, n = 9) for pure water, and R_ice–pork = 0.080P + 0.00012P² (R² = 0.95, n = 11) for pork muscle. Compared to other methods, the calorimetric evaluation does not require any of the pressure-related properties of the test sample. HP calorimetry can thus be used to evaluate ice crystal ratio for PSF of foods even though their pressure related properties may be unknown.     

Nondestructive estimation of fatty acid composition in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] seeds using Near-Infrared Transmittance Spectroscopy

The potential of Near-Infrared Transmittance (NIT) Spectroscopy for estimation of fatty acid composition in soybean seed samples was studied. Total 612 whole seed samples with wide range of variability for major fatty acids were used to develop calibration equations by applying SNV de-trend and first derivative mathematical treatment in the range of 850–1048 nm. Useful chemometric models for most important fatty acids present in soybean seed oil were developed using Modified Partial Least Squares (MPLS) regression method. In external validation oleic (r² = 0.89, SEP = 1.61), linoleic (r² = 0.86, SEP = 1.50) and palmitic (r² = 0.89, SEP = 0.17) acids were predicted with good accuracy, while the predictions for linolenic acid (r² = 0.78, SEP = 0.36) and stearic acid (r² = 0.63, SEP = 0.11) had relatively poor accuracy. The whole-seed NIT spectroscopy equations for fatty acid estimation would be useful for improving efficiency of breeding programs aimed at altering fatty acid composition in soybean.     

Efficacy of two silicone-hydrogel contact lenses for bandage use after photorefractive keratectomy

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of two silicone hydrogel (SiH) contact lenses, approved for continuous wear for one week, following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).MethodsForty seven myopic patients (94 eyes) undergone bilateral PRK were enrolled in this prospective, double-masked, comparative study. One eye of each patient was fitted with a Lotrafilcon B lens (Ciba Vision, Duluth, US; 30-day recommended replacement) whereas the fellow eye was fitted with an Asmofilcon A lens (Menicon, Nagoya, Japan; 14-day recommended replacement). Epithelial defect size was assessed using slit lamp biomicroscopy on the day of surgery and at days 1–4 post-operatively. Uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity and retinal straylight (C-Quant, Oculus Optigerate, Germany) were evaluated pre-operatively and one month post-operatively.ResultsAverage epithelial defect size for Asmofilcon A and Lotrafilcon B was 25.5 ± 11.0 mm² vs. 27.1 ± 9.9 mm² at day 1 (p = 0.007) and 6.3 ± 7.0 mm² vs. 9.2 ± 9.5 mm² at day 2 (p = 0.012) post-operatively. Re-epithelialization at day 3 was completed in 87.2% of the eyes fitted with Asmofilcon A lenses, compared to 74.5% with Lotrafilcon B lenses (p = 0.012). At the 3rd post-operative day 29.8% of re-epithelialized eyes showed irregular suture with Lotrafilcon B, compared to 12.8% eyes with Asmofilcon A lenses (p < 0.001). Finally, no statistically significant differences were found post-operatively between the two lenses retinal straylight (p = 0.98) and best-corrected visual acuity (p = 0.68).ConclusionsSiH lenses can be used as an effective bandage after PRK due to the limited time requested for achieving complete corneal re-epithelialization. Faster and smoother epithelial healing is provided with Asmofilcon A over Lotrafilcon B lenses.     

Temperature shows greater impact on bovine Longissimus dorsi muscle glycogen debranching enzyme activity than does salt concentration

The degradation of glycogen progresses by the co-operation of two enzymes: glycogen phosphorylase (phosphorylase) and glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE). We studied the effect of temperature (4–42 °C) and salt concentration (0–3% NaCl) on bovine M. longissimus dorsi GDE activity. GDE activity (n = 4) decreased significantly with decreasing temperature from about 40–4 °C. GDE exhibited 52% activity at 25 °C and 11% at 4 °C compared to its optimum activity measured at 39 °C. In rapidly chilled meat, the reduction in GDE activity may substantially delay the rate of glycolysis. However, residual GDE activity at 4 °C seems sufficient to enable the attainment of normal ultimate pH if the available time is long enough. An increase in salt concentration from 0% to 2% and to 3% induced a significant (P < 0.001) increase in the ultimate pH of ground bovine meat (n = 6), but showed no effect on GDE activity.     

Antioxidant activity of fresh and dry fruits commonly consumed in India

Epidemiological studies from other parts of the world indicate that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables are associated with lower risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Fruits are an important component of Indian diets. Studies indicate that fruits and vegetables are rich sources of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (AOA). Present study was taken up to determine the AOA and phenolic content of fresh and dry fruits commonly consumed in India by two different (radical scavenging) methods and relate it to their total phenolic content (TPC) for the first time. Fourteen commonly consumed fresh fruits and ten dry fruits were studied. AOA and TPC contents of both fresh and dry fruits showed marked variation. Correlation analysis between the TPC and AOA as assessed by the two methods showed that phenolics may contribute maximally to the ABTS (r = 0.84) and to lesser extent to DPPH (r = 0.77) in fresh fruits, where as in dry fruits they correlated well to DPPH activity (r = 0.97) and to a lesser extent to FRAP (r = 0.87). In general, the results indicate that majority of the fresh and dry fruits studied are rich in phenolic antioxidants with potent free radical scavenging activity imply their importance to human health.     

Preliminary investigations on the effects of ageing and cooking on the Raman spectra of porcine longissimus dorsi

The influence of ageing and cooking on the Raman spectrum of porcine longissimus dorsi was investigated. The rich information contained in the Raman spectrum was highlighted, with numerous changes attributed to changes in the environment and conformations of the myofibrillar proteins.Predictions equations for shear force and cooking loss were developed from the Raman spectra of both raw and cooked pork. Good correlations and standard errors of prediction were obtained for both WB shear force and cooking loss, with the raw and the cooked samples showing almost identical results R² = 0.77, root mean standard error of prediction (RMSEP)% of mean = 12% for shear force; R² = 0.71, RMSEP% of mean = 10% for cooking loss. The Raman spectra were also able to predict the extent of cooking that occurred within the pork (R²_val = 0.94, RMSEP% of range = 5.5%).Raman spectroscopy has considerable potential as a method for non-destructive and rapid determination of pork quality parameters such as tenderness. Raman spectroscopy may provide a means of determining changes during cooking and the extent to which foods have been cooked.     

Performance,carcass traits,muscle fatty acid composition and meat sensory properties of male Mahabadi goat kids fed palm oil,soybean oil or fish oil

This study examined the effect of palm, soybean or fish oils on the performance, muscle fatty acid composition and meat quality of goat kids. Twenty-four male Mahabadi kids (BW = 19.4 ± 1.2 kg) were divided into three groups according to liveweight and randomly allocated to one of three diets. Animals were fed ad libitum for 84 days. Different dietary fat sources had no effect on performance and/or carcass quality attributes. The soybean oil diet decreased 16:0 and 18:0 concentrations and increased 18:2 and 18:3 and the ratio of PUFA/SFA in the muscle compared with other treatments. Fish oil feeding increased 20:5 n-3 and 22:6 n-3 concentrations and decreased the ratio of n-6/n-3 in the muscle. The results demonstrate that the use of fish oil is a nutritional strategy to improve the health claimable long-chain omega-3 fatty acid content and n-6/n-3 ratio in goat meat without changing the sensory properties or colour of meat.     

High voltage electric discharges assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from grape stems: Effect of processing parameters on flavan-3-ols,flavonols and stilbenes recovery

This work aimed at providing some novel aspects pertaining to flavan-3-ols, flavonols and stilbenes extraction from grape stems using high voltage electrical discharges (HVED). Treatment time, pH and ethanol concentration affecting the extractability of these compounds were optimized through response surface methodology. The results from the optimized extraction technique (pH = 2.5; Time = 4.0 ms: Ethanol = 50%) were compared to a conventional hydro-alcoholic extraction.HVED improved significantly the extraction of flavan-3-ols and flavonols but was less efficient on stilbenes. The efficiency of HVED is directly correlated with the other processing conditions (pH, ethanol concentration). Prolonged HVED treatment at low pH value was a positive combination for flavan-3-ols. The proposed procedure (pH = 2.5; Time = 4.0 ms; Ethanol = 50%) allowed the release of almost 35% of additional phenolic compounds, which can be attributed to a better extractability of flavan-3-ols (+ 21%) and of flavonols (+ 12%), compared to conventional hydro-alcoholic extraction.