Proximate composition,cholesterol and fatty acids profile of canned sardines (Sardinella brasiliensis) in soybean oil and tomato sauce

Different brands of sardines canned in soybean oil and tomato sauce, that are commercialized in Brazil, had their proximate composition, cholesterol content and fatty acids composition analyzed. Protein contents were equivalent to the values found for sardines in natura, ranging from 19.8 to 24.4%. High variations of the total lipids content (5.30–16.8%) were verified; the highest levels were found for sardines canned in soybean oil. The cholesterol content ranged from 50.4 to 65.1 mg/100 g. The highest levels of essential C18:2n − 6 and C18:3n − 3 fatty acids were found in sardines canned in soybean oil. The EPA (C20:5n − 3) and DHA (C22:6n − 3) concentrations ranged from 5.39 to 15.1% and from 3.89% to 9.51%, respectively, and the highest levels were observed in sardines canned in tomato sauce.     

Baby boomers' acceptability of a tomato lentil pasta sauce

The baby boomer generation (individuals born between 1946 and 1965) are placing a demand on the food industry for products that not only promote longevity and well-being, but also contain functional ingredients for enhanced-nutritional and health benefits. Pasta sauce is a widely consumed tomato product. The objective of this study was to identify consumer acceptability of a pasta sauce with increased fibre content previously developed by our research group. One hundred and twenty three baby boomers (Female: 75%), mean age 56 ± 5.4 years, were recruited from four Farmers' Markets across southern Manitoba (Urban: 56%). Results showed that the majority of participants lived in two-person household and did not have children. Participants were likely to consume pasta sauce 4 ± 2.6 times a month. Eighty-six percent of the participants consumed six to seven home cooked meals in a week. Eighty-three percent were willing to purchase the pasta sauce prototype. The average price participants were willing to pay was $4.38, where men would pay $0.69 significantly more for a 750 ml jar than women. The pasta sauce with increased fibre content made with local food products may be a healthier option for baby boomers.     

Mate tea-mediated reduction in catecholamine synthesis improves cutaneous wound healing of chronically stressed mice

Chronic stress stimulates oxidant production and oxidative damage which compromise cutaneous wound healing. Mate tea rich is in antioxidant compounds and may be a good alternative for treatment of oxidative diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with mate tea on cutaneous healing in stressed mice. Mice were submitted to rotational stress (ST) and treated with mate tea (MT) daily until euthanasia. An excisional lesion was created on each mouse and 4 or 10 days later, the lesions were analyzed. In addition, murine skin fibroblasts were exposed to elevated epinephrine (E) levels plus mate tea, and fibroblast activity was evaluated. In in vivo assays, the supplementation with mate tea inhibited the stress-induced increase in: catecholamine synthesis (ST: 23.3 ± 2.5; ST + MT: 18.0 ± 0.9 ng/μl, p < 0.05), carbonyl protein content (ST: 962.0 ± 35.6; ST + MT: 35.7 ± 8.9 nmol/μg protein, p < 0.05), lipid peroxide levels (ST: 18.5 ± 2.3; ST + MT: 11.8 ± 1.2 nmol/mg protein, p < 0.05), wound contraction (ST: 44 ± 4; ST + MT: 17 ± 2%, p < 0.05), re-epithelialization (ST: 908 ± 35; ST + MT: 2081 ± 138 μm, p < 0.05), transforming growth factor-β (ST: 5.0 ± 0.02; ST + MT: 1.3 ± 0.06 u.a., p < 0.05), and myofibroblast density (ST: 19 ± 2; ST + MT: 9 ± 1%, p < 0.05). Stress-induced reduction in the amount of macrophages (ST: 133 ± 19; ST + MT: 392 ± 33 cells, p < 0.05) and neutrophils (ST: 1161 ± 62; ST + MT: 1313 ± 103 cells, p < 0.05) and hydroxyproline levels (ST: 1.3 ± 0.2; ST + MT: 4.6 ± 0.9 ng/mg tissue, p < 0.05), and this was reversed by mate tea. In in vitro assays, the treatment with mate tea reversed the reduction in collagen deposition (E: 1.7 ± 0.3; E + MT: 3.7 ± 0.01 pixels, p < 0.05) and the increase in cell proliferation (E: 331 ± 2; E + MT: 203 ± 3% of control, p < 0.05), accumulation of lipid peroxides (E: 0.66 ± 0.009; E + MT: 0.55 ± 0.01 nmol/mg protein, p < 0.05), and increase of tenascin-C protein expression (E: 3.8 ± 0.004; E + MT: 3.4 ± 0.004 a.u., p < 0.05) induced by epinephrine. In conclusion, the supplementation with mate tea improves the cutaneous wound healing of chronically stressed mice.     

Long-term changes in straylight induced by corneal refractive therapy: A pilot study

PurposeTo assess long-term intraocular straylight changes induced by corneal refractive therapy (CRT) and to determine whether these changes persist after cessation of CRT lens wear.MethodsA single-center, prospective, longitudinal study was performed in 22 subjects (group 1) undergoing overnight corneal refractive therapy for 1 year. Ten right eyes of 10 subjects (group 2) with emmetropia served as controls. In each subject, high contrast visual acuity (HCVA), manifest refraction and intraocular straylight were determined at several time points during treatment and 1 month after discontinuing treatment. Straylight was measured using the van den Berg straylight meter (third generation). EDTRS charts (logMAR units) were used to assess HCVA. For both groups, only data for the right eyes were analyzed.ResultsStraylight (mean ± standard deviation) significantly fell from baseline (0.98 ± 0.13) to values recorded after 1 month (0.88 ± 0.13, p = 0.011), 3 months (0.88 ± 0.13, p = 0.004), 6 months (0.88 ± 0.13, p = 0.000) and 12 months (0.76 ± 0.12, p = 0.003) of treatment. One month after discontinuing CRT lens wear, straylight was still significantly lower than baseline (0.89 ± 0.13, p = 0.003). No correlations were observed between intraocular straylight and HCVA.ConclusionsGood refractive outcomes and reductions in straylight were observed in response to corneal refractive therapy for myopia. The reduction in straylight observed after discontinuing CRT warrents further investigation.     

A high-resistance-starch rice diet reduces glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improves the antioxidant status in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a common problem in developed countries. An improved postprandial hyperglycemic peak is one of the main therapeutic targets in diabetic patients. The Wistar rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were divided into cornstarch (control) and Japonica rice groups, which were fed 640 g starch/kg diets for 4 weeks. The area (means ± SD) under the glucose curve of cornstarch was 173.8 ± 6.9 and Japonica rice diet was 154.3 ± 8.7 mmol × min/L, and the area (means ± SD) under the insulin curve of cornstarch was 12.9 ± 0.1 and Japonica rice diet was 12.0 ± 0.6 nmol × min/L. The glycosylated hemoglobin levels, serum fructosamine and cholesterol concentrations in diabetic rats fed the Japonica rice diet were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The decreased malondialdehyde levels and increased superoxide dismutase activity and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter in plasma were also found in rat fed the Japonica rice diet compared to the control. These results suggested that the diet containing high-resistance-starch Japonica rice might reduce glycosylated hemoglobin levels, serum cholesterol concentrations and raised the antioxidant status in the blood.     

Small optical zones with aspheric profiles in laser refractive surgery for myopia: A surgical outcome and patient satisfaction study

PurposeTo assess the outcomes of small optical zone (OZ) ablations used in conjunction with large transition zones (TZ) and a highly aspheric treatment profile.MethodsInterventional case series of 39 consecutive patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism. Patient data included pre and postoperative refraction and visual acuities, laser treatment settings and pre and postoperative corneal topography as well as questionnaire responses about the use of glasses and the quality of vision postoperatively.ResultsThe mean preoperative spherical equivalent was −4.50 ± 2.11 dioptres (D) and the mean OZ and TZ diameters were 4.5 ± 0.5 mm and 8.1 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. The mean patient age was 40.7 ± 10.4 years. Manifest spherical refraction was within ±0.5 D in 87% of patients (±1.0 D in 99%) and cylindrical refraction within 0.5 D in 79% (≤1.0 D in 95%). The need to wear distance glasses postoperatively was associated with dissatisfaction with the quality of daytime vision (p = 0.05) and unhappiness with night vision was associated with symptoms of halos (p = 0.03) and starbursts (p = 0.02). The proportion of patients reporting symptoms of dysphotopsias included: ghosting 0%; glare 2%; halos 10%; and starbursts 15%. There was a significant difference in the measured mean effective OZ diameter (4.8 ± 0.3 mm) compared to the mean programmed OZ (4.5 ± 0.5 mm, p = 0.00).ConclusionsSmall ablation zones, when used in conjunction with a large diameter TZ, do not lead to a greater incidence of unwanted visual phenomena over that reported by many studies with larger OZs.     

Prenylation preserves antioxidant properties and effect on cell viability of the natural dietary phenol curcumin

Curcumin (CRM) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound with a variety of biological and pharmacological activities. We have investigated the effect of aromatic C-prenylation on the antioxidant activity of this natural compound. The protective effect of CRM and its diprenyl derivative (PCRM) was investigated against neat cholesterol degradation (at 140 °C) and Cu^2 +-induced oxidation (at 37 °C) of liposomes and human low density lipoproteins. The activity of two simplified vanilloid analogs (vanillin and vanillyl alcohol) was also compared in the same systems. Cytotoxicity and cell permeation of both curcuminoids were also assessed using differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayers. PCRM, like CRM, significantly inhibited the oxidative degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol, and the formation of their oxidation products in the oxidative stress systems, acting as scavenger of peroxyl radicals, without toxic effect (in the range 10–100 μM) on differentiated Caco-2 cell viability. Nevertheless, the structural modification of the lead compound severely affected membrane permeation through the Caco-2 monolayers, with apparent permeability coefficient (P_app) values in the apical-to-basolateral direction (2-h incubation) of 2.93 ± 0.94 × 10^− 6 cm/s and < 10^− 7 cm/s for CRM and PCRM, respectively. Taken together, our observations reveal a surprising bioactivity of PCRM, and qualify this compound as an interesting probe to explore the antioxidant pharmacophore of curcuminoids.     

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.     

Polar lipids,sphingomyelin and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids from the milk fat globule membrane are increased in milks produced by cows fed fresh pasture based diet during spring

Milk lipids are an interesting source of bioactive molecules with functional and nutritional properties. Although the composition of milk lipids is of utmost importance for food processing and human consumption, it is far from being fully known. The objective of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of lipids from bovine milks produced in French Brittany during spring (fresh pasture based diet) and winter (corn silage based diet). The polar lipid content and relative proportions of the glycerophospholipids and sphingomyelin were determined using HPLC/ELSD. The fatty acid composition of total lipids and polar lipids was determined using GC. The milks collected in spring contained i) a lower amount of total lipids: 39.7 ± 0.8 g/kg vs 41.7 ± 0.5 g/kg in winter, ii) a higher amount of polar lipids: 138 ± 11 vs 112 ± 8 mg/kg milk; 3.5 ± 0.3 vs 2.7 ± 0.4 mg/g fat, which was related to a smaller size of fat globules, and iii) a higher amount of sphingomyelin, 32 mg/kg milk vs 25 mg/kg milk in winter. Interestingly, the polar lipids from the milk fat globule membrane contained a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in spring (C18:1 n − 9, C18:2 n − 6, C18:3 n − 3 and long-chain n − 3 fatty acids). Milk from cows fed a fresh pasture-based diet during spring is an interesting source of dietary long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for human consumption.     

Comparison of corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor after small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK: A prospective fellow eye study

PurposeTo compare corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) between eyes treated with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (femto-LASIK).SettingBeyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital.DesignProspective comparative case series.MethodsSixty eyes from 30 patients with bilateral myopia or myopic astigmatism were studied. Inclusion criteria were spherical equivalent of subjective manifest refraction (SE) <10 diopters (D) and a difference ≤0.50 D between the SEs of both eyes. One eye of each patient was treated with SMILE, and the fellow eye underwent femto-LASIK. Randomization was performed using a sealed envelope system. The main outcome measures were CH and CRF measured preoperatively and postoperatively (1 and 6 months).ResultsPreoperative SE was similar in both groups (p = 0.852). CH and CRF values were reduced postoperatively in both groups compared to their corresponding preoperative values (p < 0.001). At the 6-month follow-up visit, the mean CH values in the SMILE and femto-LASIK groups were 8.95 ± 1.47 and 9.02 ± 1.27, respectively (p = 0.852), and the mean CRF values were 7.77 ± 1.37 and 8.07 ± 1.26, respectively (p = 0.380).ConclusionCH and CRF decreased after SMILE. There were no differences between SMILE and femto-LASIK treatments in postoperative CH or CRF values.     

Changes in some Physicochemical Properties of Cassia sieberiana Seeds During Roasting

One of the uses of Cassia sieberiana seeds is roasting for beverage. Therefore, the thrust of this work was to study changes in some physicochemical properties of Cassia sieberiana seeds during roasting. A 3 × 3 factorial experimental design was employed. Roasting temperatures were 190, 210 and 230°C while roasting times were 10, 20 and 30 min respectively. Nine experimental combinations were produced. Proximate composition of unroasted sample, pH, total soluble solid, total titratable acidity, acetic acid, weight loss, caffeine content, swelling and colour of both unroasted and roasted samples were determined using standard methods. Proximate composition of unroasted Cassia sieberiana in percentage as determined were moisture content (9.04 ± 0.04), ash (9.3 ± 0.03), crude fibre (16.21 ± 0.09), crude protein (19.88 ± 0.03), fat (5.31 ± 0.05) and carbohydrate (40.26 ± 0.33). The pH, total soluble solid, total titratable acidity, acetic acid, caffeine content and colour of unroasted Cassia sieberiana seed were 6.25 ± 0.7, 3.0 ± 0.13 (^oO), 0.57 ± 0.06 (mg/g), 0.12 ± 0.00 (%), 11.6 ± 1.05 (%) and 0.43 abs respectively. Effect of roasting was significant (p < 0.05) on moisture content, weight loss, caffeine content, swelling and colour, while a non-significant (p > 0.05) effect was recorded on pH, total soluble solid, total titratable acidity and acetic acid.     

Effect of three different liposomal eye sprays on ocular comfort and tear film

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of three different liposomal eye sprays on ocular comfort and tear film stability.MethodsOptrexActiMist (AM, Optima-Pharma, Germany) was applied onto one, randomly selected eye of 80 subjects (female = 49; mean age = 49 years ± 18.6 SD) in a multi-centred, double-masked study. DryEyesMist (DEM, Boots) or TearMist (TM, Tesco) was applied onto the contralateral eye in randomized order. Over-all symptoms were investigated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Ocular comfort (visual-analogue scale 0–100 [100 = perfect]) and non-invasive tear film stability (NIBUT) of each eye was evaluated before application (randomized order) and were again measured 10 min after application. Effects of products on ocular comfort and NIBUT were calculated as “factor” (=after-treatment/before-treatment). Differences between measurements were analysed by ANOVA repeated measurements and differences between groups by the dependent t-test (or the non-parametric equivalent).ResultsOSDI-scores (mean = 8.1 ± 9.0 SD), comfort (65 ± 24) and NIBUT (12 s ± 12.3) were statistically similar between centres (p > 0.400). Comfort and NIBUT were not different (p > 0.14) between product groups before application. Comfort and NIBUT improved significantly after application of AM (p < 0.001) but worsened with the comparing products (p < 0.058). Comfort improved by a mean factor of 1.5 (±0.82 SD) after application of AM but decreased after application of the comparing products (DEM: 0.9 ± 0.33; TM: 0.9 ± 0.34). Both factors were significantly better in AM (p < 0.027).ConclusionThe original liposomal eye-spray ‘OptrexActiMist’ significantly improved ocular comfort and tear film stability while ‘TearMist’ or ‘DryEyesMist’ worsened both criteria. The latter two products may not be clinically effective in the treatment of dry eye.     

Daily green tea extract supplementation reduces prothrombotic and inflammatory states in dialysis patients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the most common cause for excess morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) under chronic dialysis. ESRD patients have increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction alongside increased levels of inflammation related proteins, which has prompted the exploration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant treatments to improve outcomes. As green tea is increasingly well recognized for its antioxidant properties, we probed the effect of consumption of 1 capsule daily of green tea as a commercially available, decaffeinated green tea capsule (1 g, catechin content 68 mg) for 6 months on fibrinogen and inflammation in dialysis patients. Chronic hemodialysis patients (N = 25) were recruited and fibrinogen, FDP-D-dimer, high sensitivity (hs) CRP and the mononuclear cell protein expression of p22^phox, were assessed before, i.e. baseline and after 6 months of ingestion of 1 green tea capsule per day. After 6 months of daily green tea capsule ingestion, dialysis patients showed reduced protein expression of p22^phox (p < 0.0001), reduced hsCPR (p = 0.032) and fibrinogen (p = 0.022) levels and increased FDP-D-dimer (p = 0.0019) compared to their values at baseline. These results document lower oxidative stress and inflammation with green tea capsule ingestion and suggest a likely positive impact of green tea treatment on the atherosclerotic process of ESRD patients under dialysis.     

Evaluation of Chemical Properties of Mistletoe Leaves from Three Different Trees (Avocado,African Oil Bean and Kola)

A comparative evaluation of the chemical composition of mistletoe leaves (Viscum album) growing on three different trees: avocado pear (Persea Americana), African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) and kola (Kola nitida) was undertaken. Fresh mistletoe leaves were obtained from the three different trees and thoroughly washed with water after which they were dried at room temperature (28 ± 1 °C) for 18 days during the dry season (December). After, the dried leaves were shredded and packaged. The samples were then subjected to phyto-chemical, vitamin and mineral analyses using standard methods of analyses. Anthocyanins ranged between 0.3.4 ± 0.003 and 0.37 ± 0.181 mg/g, Tannin, 2.09 ± 1.141 and 3.24 ± 0.003 mg/g, Chlorophyll a, 0.38 ± 0.004 and 0.39 ± 0.018 mg/g, Chlorophyll b 0.52 ± 0.120 and 0.60 ± 0.001 mg/g. Vitamin B1 ranged between 0.85 ± 0.038 and 0.94 ± 0.001 mg/g, Vitamin B2, 0.55 ± 0.007 and 0.61 ± 0.003 mg/g, Vitamin C, 0.77 ± 0.003 and 1.98 ± 0.003 mg/g, Folate 0.53 ± 0.004 and 0.58 ± 0.004 mg/g, Magnesium ranged between 0.21 ± 0.002 and 0.92 ± 0.003 mg/g, Calcium 2.14 ± 0.004 and 2.26 ± 0.001 mg/g, Sodium 0.01 ± 0.000. Iron, 1.24 ± 0.005 and 1.42 ± 0.006 mg/g. Sample obtained from oil bean tree showed lower and differed significantly (p < 0.05) in Anthocyanin and Chlorophyll b with samples obtained from avocado and kola trees. The sample obtained from avocado tree showed higher Tannin content compared with samples obtained from oil bean and kola trees (P ≤ 0.05). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the samples in all the vitamins. The minerals showed significant differences in the samples (P < 0.05) except in sodium content which was very low in all the samples. Mistletoe leaves are shown to have a rich chemical composition and could thus serve as a source of these phyto-chemicals, vitamins and minerals.     

Evaluation of the ocular tolerance of a novel eyelid-warming device used for meibomian gland dysfunction

PurposeObstructive meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) frequently induces a chronic complaint with various symptoms related to dry eye and discomfort. Previous research indicates a pivotal role for heat therapy for melting the meibum as part of any successful management plan, but delivery of constant temperature during treatment is vital. This study evaluated the performance of a novel device designed to deliver controlled, latent, moist heat to the eyelids and surrounding area.MethodsThe signs, symptoms and ocular temperature of 25 normal subjects (M8, F17; age 29.2 ± 5.7 years) were recorded before and after a 10 min application of the Blephasteam^® device. Ocular temperature (non-invasive ocular thermography; A40 Flir, UK), tear film stability (NIBUT), intra-ocular pressure (IOP), and ocular surface staining and hyperaemia were recorded. Results were checked for normality and compared using paired t-tests.ResultsTemperatures in both eyelids were significantly greater after device application (upper +1.7 ± 0.9 °C; lower +2.1 ± 0.7 °C, p < 0.0005). Bulbar conjunctival hyperaemia significantly decreased after treatment (p < 0.005), but limbal and palpebral hyperaemia remained similar (p = 0.33 and p = 0.11, respectively). Ocular surface staining (p = 0.74) and tear film stability (p = 0.12) were unchanged in this normal cohort, and there was no significant change in IOP (13.8 ± 2.0 mmHg vs 12.9 ± 2.2 mmHg; p = 0.092).ConclusionsThe Blephasteam^® device provides effective levels of warming that would be sufficient to melt meibum, and no adverse ocular responses were recorded in this cohort, indicating that this is a safe device. Interestingly, even in this normal cohort, ocular surface redness appears less after treatment.     

Effect of Lactobacillus-fermented adlay-based milk on lipid metabolism of hamsters fed cholesterol-enriched diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adlay milk and adlay-soymilk fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus paracasei on lipid metabolism in hamsters fed with a cholesterol-enriched diet. Adlay milk and fermented adlay milk with or without soymilk administered to hamsters significantly decreased (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels and ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, when compared to a high-cholesterol diet group; there was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of fecal cholesterol and triglycerides. The group administered adlay milk fermented with L. plantarum or L. paracasei presented increased superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status activity in the blood, thus relieving the levels of thinobarbituric acid reactive substances as compared to other treatment groups. Adlay milk and Lactobacillus-fermented adlay milk with or without a soymilk supplement, could be used as a potential cholesterol-lowering ingredient; it could also relieve hyperlipidemia-induced oxidative stress to improve hypercholesterolemia.     

Valorisation of tomato wastes for development of nutrient-rich antioxidant ingredients: A sustainable approach towards the needs of the today's society

Nutrient-rich antioxidant ingredients were produced from tomato fruit wastes using a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) process. Different conditions of extraction time (t), temperature (T), ethanol concentration (Et) and solid/liquid ratio (S/L) were combined in a circumscribed central composite design and optimized by response surface methodology. The model was statistically validated and used for prediction in the experimental range. Under the global optimal MAE conditions (t = 20 min, T = 180 °C, Et = 47.4% and S/L = 45 g/L), it was possible to obtain an extraction yield of 75.5% and ingredients with high levels of sugars, proteins, phenolics, and flavonoids, and interesting antioxidant properties measured via ABTS⁺ scavenging activity and oxidative haemolysis inhibition assay (OxHLIA). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was lower compared to the one of commercial food additives. However, the sustainably developed ingredients may be used in the fortification and functionalisation of food, as well as for incorporation in feed products.Industrial relevanceThis study addresses current needs of the agri-food sector, namely the recycling of plant wastes and production of valuable extracts for the food/feed industry. A MAE process was developed and optimized to maximize the recovery of nutrients and antioxidants from tomato fruit wastes. The optimum processing conditions established in this study allowed a high extraction yield and reduced solvent consumption. MAE can be considered as a sustainable alternative to conventional extraction methods. These findings will contribute to promote a more sustainable bioeconomy in the agro-food sector.     

Behaviour of soyasapogenol B under optimised hydrolysis and ESI mass spec conditions

Soyasaponins are oleanane triterpenoids found in soy (Glycine max Merr). The analysis of the main aglycone (soyasapogenol B) is hampered by inconsistent ion fragmentation patterns produced during MS analysis. The greatest (p < 0.05) increase in soyasapogenol B during acid hydrolysis HCl (5% (v/v)) was at 100 °C (84.59 ± 4.73 μg/ml), followed by 120 °C (69.82 ± 6.20 μg/ml) and 80 °C (46.54 ± 6.41 μg/ml). The capillary temperature (LC–ESI-MS) of 220 °C produced the greatest (p < 0.05) intensity of soyasapogenol B ion. Temperatures between 200 and 250 °C consisted the optimum temperature range for analysing soyasapogenol B. At low capillary temperatures (<200 °C), the soyasapogenol B ion ([M?H]^? = 457.4) was converted to an ion m/z at 441, while, at temperatures ?250 °C the soyasapogenol B ion produced ions m/z at 440 and 437. We report an analysis procedure for detecting intact soyasapogenol B molecular ion without the typical fragmentation reported in the literature.     

A 4-week consumption of medium roast and dark roast coffees affects parameters of energy status in healthy subjects

ScopeThis study intended to clarify whether two coffee brews, a market blend (MB) and a study blend (SB), containing equal amounts of caffeine, but differing in their contents of N-methylpyridinium, trigonelline and chlorogenic acids, differentially affect blood lipid profiles and glucose concentrations as well as blood platelet phosphodiesterase and lymphocyte energy charge potential in healthy volunteers.Methods and resultsIn this double-blinded, randomized, controlled cross-over intervention study, 84 healthy normal-weight female and male volunteers consumed 750 mL of medium roast MB and dark roast SB coffee per day for 4 weeks. Following MB and SB coffee intervention, plasma free fatty acid concentrations equally increased (p < 0.001) by 140 ± 187 μM and 178 ± 160 μM, respectively. Plasma glucose remained largely unchanged. Lymphocyte adenosine nucleotide analysis revealed a comparable rise in the energy charge potential, as calculated from ADP/ATP concentrations, adjusted to total adenosine nucleotides. Blood platelet phosphodiesterase activity was found decreased to about the same extent (p < 0.001). Levels of HDL-cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, insulin and osteopontin were found to some extent differentially influenced by MB, respectively SB coffee.ConclusionThe results of this intervention study indicate that MB and SB coffees, although differing in contents of N-methylpyridinium, trigonelline and chlorogenic acids, largely exert similar biological effects as monitored by the biomarkers tested.