Sage Tea Drinking Improves Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Defences in Humans

Salvia officinalis (common sage) is a plant with antidiabetic properties. A pilot trial (non-randomized crossover trial) with six healthy female volunteers (aged 40–50) was designed to evaluate the beneficial properties of sage tea consumption on blood glucose regulation, lipid profile and transaminase activity in humans. Effects of sage consumption on erythrocytes’ SOD and CAT activities and on Hsp70 expression in lymphocytes were also evaluated. Four weeks sage tea treatment had no effects on plasma glucose. An improvement in lipid profile was observed with lower plasma LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels as well as higher plasma HDL cholesterol levels during and two weeks after treatment. Sage tea also increased lymphocyte Hsp70 expression and erythrocyte SOD and CAT activities. No hepatotoxic effects or other adverse effects were observed.     

A novel process for the ethyl lactate synthesis in a simulated moving bed reactor (SMBR)

A novel approach for the synthesis of ethyl lactate using a simulated moving bed reactor was evaluated by experiments as well as by simulations. A mathematical model considering external and internal mass-transfer resistances and variable velocity due to change of liquid composition was developed to describe the dynamic behaviour of the SMBR and it was validated by the experiments performed; it was observed that the experimental results were well predicted by the model. The effect of operating parameters, as the feed composition, SMBR configuration and switching time on the SMBR performance parameters at the optimal operating points and/or reactive/separation regions was studied. It was shown that the SMBR is a very attractive technology for the production of ethyl lactate, since under appropriate conditions the lactic acid conversion can be driven to completion and productivity as high as and purity of 95% can be obtained.     

Prevention of bread mould spoilage by using lactic acid bacteria with antifungal properties

The ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to inhibit Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, the main contaminants in bread, was evaluated. Only four strains (Lactobacillus plantarum CRL 778, Lactobacillus reuteri CRL 1100, and Lactobacillus brevis CRL 772 and CRL 796) from 95 strains tested displayed antifungal activity. The major antifungal compounds were acetic and phenyllactic acids. The fermentation quotient (FQ = 2.0) and the leaven volume (80 cm³) of doughs with LB and yeasts were higher than doughs without LB. The inclusion of antifungal LAB strains in the starter culture allowed a reduction in the concentration of calcium propionate by 50% while still attaining a shelf life similar to that of traditional bread containing 0.4% CP.     

Exodontia‐induced muscular hypofunction by itself or associated to chronic stress impairs masseter muscle morphology and its mitochondrial function

Stress is associated with orofacial pain sensitivity and is qualified as a temporomandibular disorder risk factor. During stressful periods, painful thresholds of masticatory muscles in individuals suffering muscle facial pain are significantly lower than in controls, but the exact physiologic mechanism underlying this relation remains unclear. Our hypothesis is that chronic unpredictable stress and masticatory hypofunction induce morphologic and metabolic masseter muscle changes in rats. For test this hypothesis, adult Wistar rats were submitted to chronic unpredictable stress and/or exodontia of left molars and the left masseter muscle was removed for analysis. The parameters evaluated included ultrastructure, oxidative level, metabolism activity and morphological analysis in this muscle. Our data show by histological analysis, that stress and exodontia promoted a variation on diameters and also angled contours in masseter fibers. The masticatory hypofunction increased oxidative metabolism as well as decreased reactive species of oxygen in masseter muscle. The ultrastructural analysis of muscle fibers showed disruption of the sarcoplasmic reticulum cisterns in certain regions of the fiber in stress group, and the disappearance of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane in group with association of stress and exodontia. Our findings clarify mechanisms by which chronic stress and masticatory hypofunction might be involved in the pathophysiology of muscular dysfunctions. Masticatory hypofunction influenced oxidative stress and induced oxidative metabolism on masseter muscle, as well as altered its fiber morphology. Chronic stress presented malefic effect on masseter morphology at micro and ultra structurally. When both stimuli were applied, there were atrophic fibers and a complete mitochondrial derangement.     

Role of π-π interactions and chain flexibility in dispersion and dynamic-mechanical properties of nanocomposites with multiple wall carbon nanotubes

Two polymers of same functional group were used; one with greater chain flexibility, PA 6.6, and the other with two benzene rings in the main chain, PA 6I-6T (aPA), to evaluate how the structure influences on the nanoparticle dispersion homogeneity and on dynamic-mechanical properties. In the aPA nanocomposites, good dispersion and homogeneous distribution were observed for all CNT concentrations. However, PA 6.6 nanocomposites showed agglomerated regions in all formulations. The interfacial energy of the aPA/CNT was five times lower than that of PA6.6/CNT, resulting in greater compatibility in this nanocomposite. An increase of up to 26% was observed with 2.5% of CNT in aPA nanocomposites storage modulus. In the samples with PA 6.6, the increase was at most 5%. Even with greater flexibility of PA 6.6 macromolecules, the π-π interaction between the aPA aromatic rings and CNTs might be the decisive factor for dispersion improvement and positively influence on the dynamic-mechanical properties of these nanocomposites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 48195.     

Anti-listerial activity of a polymeric film coated with hybrid coatings doped with Enterocin 416K1 for use as bioactive food packaging

In this study, Enterocin 416K1, a bacteriocin produced by Enterococcus casseliflavus IM 416K1, was entrapped in an organic-inorganic hybrid coating applied to a LDPE (low-density polyethylene) film for its potential use in the active food packaging field. The antibacterial activity of the coated film was evaluated against Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 10888 by qualitative modified agar diffusion assay, quantitative determination in listeria saline solution suspension and direct contact with artificially contaminated food samples (frankfurters and fresh cheeses) stored at room and refrigeration temperatures. All investigations demonstrated that enterocin-activated coatings have a good anti-listeria activity. Qualitative tests showed a clear zone of inhibition in the indicator lawn in contact with and around the coated film. During the quantitative antibacterial evaluation the L. monocytogenes viable counts decreased to 1.5 log units compared to the control. The inhibitory capability was confirmed also in food-contact assays. In all food samples packed with coated films we observed a significant decrease in L. monocytogenes viable counts in the first 24 h compared to the control. This difference was generally maintained up to the seventh day and then decreased, with the exception of the cheese samples stored at refrigeration temperature.     

Combined application of electrolysed water and ultrasound to improve the sanitation of knives in the meat industry

This study investigated the effect of the combination of basic electrolysed water (BEW) and slightly acid electrolysed water (SAEW) with ultrasound (US) for cleaning and sanitation of the knives used in slaughtering processes. The knives were sonicated in a US bath using two modes of operation (normal and sweep) in two steps: (i) 5 min with BEW and (ii) 10 min with SAEW at 35 °C. The microbiological counts and the possible changes in the physical structure of the knives were evaluated. The association BEW + SAEW + US, in the sweep mode, provided lower mesophilic, enterobacterial, Staphylococcus aureus and yeast counts when compared to the values recommended by the international legislation. In addition, these conditions removed all organic residues from the knife blades and promoted the highest migration rate of the residues to the US water bath (12.35 mg/L·min), without modifications in the knife blades. Thus, cleaning and sanitation of knives was feasible with the association of BEW + SAEW + US, which could be a useful alternative for the meat industry.     

A visible-light and infrared video database for performance evaluation of video/image fusion methods

Multidimensional Systems and Signal Processing - In general, the fusion of visible-light and infrared images produces a composite representation where both data are pictured in a single image. The...     

Bioactive Phytochemicals from Wild Arbutus unedo L. Berries from Different Locations in Portugal: Quantification of Lipophilic Components

The lipophilic composition of wild Arbutus unedo L. berries, collected from six locations in Penacova (center of Portugal), as well as some general chemical parameters, namely total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was studied in detail to better understand its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. The chemical composition of the lipophilic extracts, focused on the fatty acids, triterpenoids, sterols, long chain aliphatic alcohols and tocopherols, was investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the dichloromethane extracts. The lipophilic extractives of the ripe A. unedo berries ranged from 0.72% to 1.66% (w/w of dry weight), and consisted mainly of triterpenoids, fatty acids and sterols. Minor amounts of long chain aliphatic alcohols and tocopherols were also identified. Forty-one compounds were identified and among these, ursolic acid, lupeol, α-amyrin, linoleic and α-linolenic acids, and β-sitosterol were highlighted as the major components. To the best of our knowledge the current research study provides the most detailed phytochemical repository for the lipophilic composition of A. unedo, and offers valuable information for future valuation and exploitation of these berries.