Religiosidade/espiritualidade entre a população brasileira diante da pandemia Covid-19 e a correlação com a qualidade de vida / Religiosity/spirituality among the brazilian population in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and the correlation with quality of life / Religiosidad/espiritualidad en la población brasileña frente a la pandemia de Covid-19 y la correlación con la calidad de vida

A pandemia causada pelo SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) trouxe inúmeros impactos na vida cotidiana, tanto nos aspectos econômicos, como nos emocionais, psicológicos e sociais. Em situações difíceis, as pessoas, muitas vezes, recorrem à espiritualidade ou à religiosidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença da religiosidade/espiritualidade entre a população brasileira diante da pandemia da COVID- 19, correlacionado com a qualidade de vida. É um estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal, realizado nos últimos meses de 2020. Os dados foram coletados por meio de respostas aos instrumentos WHOQOL-Bref e o WHOQOL-SRPB, de forma online, por meio do Google Forms®. Utilizou-se o método de amostragem não probabilístico do tipo snowball sampling, totalizando 948 respostas. Os dados foram tabulados por meio do software Microsoft Excel (2019) e analisados estatisticamente, considerando significativo p<0,05. Os dados apresentados mostram de forma enfática como os participantes que pertencem a alguma religião, apresentaram melhor relação nos domínios saúde psicológica, independência, meio ambiente e espiritualidade/religião/crenças pessoais em comparação àqueles que declaram não pertencer a uma religião. No entanto, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa para os domínios saúde física e relações sociais. Conclui-se que o pertencimento a uma religião pode contribuir para a melhoria da qualidade de vida e auxiliar o enfrentamento das situações desfavoráveis durante a pandemia COVID-19. Diante disso, destaca-se a importância do desenvolvimento de novos estudos sobre o tema, para compreender com mais veemência e detalhamento, a relação dessas variáveis em contextos de crise que possam alterar a rotina de vida das pessoas.

The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has brought numerous impacts on daily life, both in economic, emotional, psychological, and social aspects. In difficult situations, people often turn to spirituality or religiosity. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of religiosity/spirituality among the Brazilian population facing the pandemic of COVID-19, correlated with quality of life. Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in the last months of 2020. Data were collected by means of responses to the WHOQOL-Bref and the WHOQOL-SRPB instruments, online, through Google Forms®. The non-probabilistic snowball sampling method was used, totaling 948 answers. Data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel software (2019) and statistically analyzed, considering p<0.05 significant. The data presented emphatically show how the participants, who belong to some religion, presented a better relationship in the domains psychological health, independence, and environment and spirituality/religion/personal beliefs compared to those who do not have a religion. However, there was no statistically significant difference for the physical health and social relationships domains. It is concluded that belonging to a religion can contribute to improved quality of life and assist in coping with unfavorable situations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the importance of developing new studies on the subject is highlighted, in order to understand more vehemently the relationship of these variables in crisis contexts that can change the routine of people's lives.

La pandemia causada por el SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) ha traído numerosos impactos en la vida cotidiana, tanto en los aspectos económicos, emocionales, psicológicos y sociales. En situaciones difíciles, las personas suelen recurrir a la espiritualidad o la religiosidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la presencia de religiosidad/espiritualidad en la población brasileña que enfrenta la pandemia de COVID- 19, correlacionada con la calidad de vida. Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal, realizado en los últimos meses de 2020. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de respuestas a los instrumentos WHOQOL-Bref y WHOQOL-SRPB, en línea, a través de Google Forms®. Se utilizó el método de muestreo no probabilístico de bola de nieve, totalizando 948 respuestas. Los datos fueron tabulados utilizando el software Microsoft Excel (2019) y analizados estadísticamente, considerando p<0,05 significativa. Los datos presentados muestran enfáticamente cómo los participantes, que pertenecen a alguna religión, presentaron una mejor relación en los dominios salud psicológica, independencia y entorno y espiritualidad/religión/creencias personales en comparación con aquellos que no tienen religión. Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas para los dominios salud física y relaciones sociales. Se concluye que la pertenencia a una religión puede contribuir a mejorar la calidad de vida y ayudar a afrontar situaciones desfavorables durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Por lo tanto, se destaca la importancia de desarrollar nuevos estudios sobre el tema, para comprender con más vehemencia la relación de estas variables en contextos de crisis que pueden cambiar la rutina de vida de las personas.

Critical Factors Associated with Morbimortality in COVID-19 Patients Attended at a Brazilian Public Hospital: a Cross-Sectional Study / Fatores Críticos Associados à Morbimortalidade em Pacientes com COVID-19 Atendidos em um Hospital Público Brasileiro: um Estudo Transversal

The association between death from Covid-19 and case management, especially in small and medium-sized municipalities, is still uncertain. To analyze sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors associated with death in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), from a Brazilian referral public hospital. This is a cross-sectional study, with data from the hospital records of patients (≥ 18 years old) diagnosed with COVID-19, from March 2020 to March 2021. The sample was classified according to the clinical outcome into two groups (death and discharge), among which statistical associations were performed with the variables of interest, with a 5% significance level. Factors such as need for intensive care, use of mechanical ventilation, and total length of hospital stay was related to higher hospital mortality, as well as the permanence of changes in clinical laboratory testing, including lactic acid, D-dimer, markers of hepatic and renal function, C-Reactive protein, anemia, leukocytosis, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, pH, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) (P < 0.05). Medications used most frequently in the studied hospital for the treatment of COVID-19, such as enoxaparin, dexamethasone, ivermectin, acetylcysteine, chloroquine, and clarithromycin were correlated with morbimortality (P < 0.05). Clinical outcome was influenced by patient-related factors, such as age and comorbidities, however, therapeutic interventions and the choice of medication also impacted morbimortality. These results reinforce the need for preventive actions and adequate clinical protocols in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.(AU)

A associação entre o óbito pela Covid-19 e o manejo dos casos, principalmente em municípios de pequeno e médio porte, ainda é incerta. Analisar os fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e farmacológicos associados à morte em pacientes com a doença do Coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) em um hospital público brasileiro de referência. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com dados dos prontuários de pacientes (≥ 18 anos) diagnosticados com COVID-19 no período de março de 2020 a março de 2021. A amostra foi classificada de acordo com o desfecho clínico em dois grupos (óbito e alta) e foram realizados testes de associação estatística com as variáveis de interesse com nível de significância de 5%. Fatores como necessidade de terapia intensiva, uso de ventilação mecânica e tempo total de internação estiveram relacionados com maior mortalidade hospitalar, assim como a permanência de alterações nos exames laboratoriais clínicos, incluindo ácido lático, D-dímero, marcadores de função hepática e renal, proteína C reativa, anemia, leucocitose, linfopenia, trombocitopenia, pH e saturação de oxigênio no sangue (SpO2) (P < 0,05). Os medicamentos utilizados com maior frequência no hospital para o tratamento de COVID-19, como enoxaparina, dexametasona, ivermectina, acetilcisteína, cloroquina e claritromicina, foram correlacionados com morbimortalidade (P < 0,05). O desfecho clínico foi influenciado por fatores relacionados ao paciente, como idade e comorbidades, porém as intervenções terapêuticas e a escolha dos medicamentos também impactaram na morbimortalidade. Esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de ações preventivas e protocolos clínicos adequados no tratamento de pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19.(AU)

Leaf extract of Coffea arabica L. reduces lipid peroxidation and has anti-platelet effect in a rat dyslipidemia model

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the Coffea arabica Lineu (L.) leaf extract and its effects on platelet aggregation of dyslipidemic rats. The extract was obtained by the percolation of C. arabica L. leaves in hydroethanolic solution 70% (v/v). The mass spectrometry FIA-ESI-MS² suggested the presence of chlorogenic acid, rutin acid, and quinic acid. The DPPH• radicals scavenging capacity was demonstrated (IC50 = 0.06 mg/mL). The extract was administered to rats by gavage (300 mg/kg/day) for 56 days. Dyslipidemia was induced by administering Triton WR-1339 (300 mg/kg body weight) on the 54th day. On day 56, blood was collected by puncturing the abdominal aorta artery and the aortic artery was removed. Lipid profile, markers of renal and hepatic injury, lipid peroxidation, and platelet aggregation tests were carried out. The ingestion of extract reduced the lipid peroxidation (aorta and plasma) and platelet aggregation in dyslipidemic rats. The extract did not affect markers of renal and hepatic function as analyzed in this study, suggesting neither impaired liver nor kidney function in these animals. Therefore, our results demonstrate that the extract of leaves of C. arabica L. show antioxidant potential in vitro and in vivo as well as anti-platelet aggregation in dyslipidemic animals

Avaliação do nível de estresse em acadêmicos de enfermagem de uma universidade pública / Evaluación del nivel de estrés en estudiantes de enfermería de una universidad pública / Stress level assessment in nursing students of a public university

Objetivo: avaliar o estresse em acadêmicos de enfermagem de uma universidade pública, identificando seu nível, comparando-o entre diferentes períodos e verificando correlação entre variáveis socioeconômicas. Método: estudo transversal, com 93 acadêmicos de 128, selecionados por conveniência. Dados coletados em dezembro de 2019, com instrumento socioeconômico e Escala de Avaliação de Estresse em Estudantes de Enfermagem. Análise feita com testes de Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher, Análise de Variância e Scott-Knott, 5% de significância. Resultados: predominou o nível médio de estresse (63,44%). Morar em república foi associado aos escores alto e médio de estresse comparado a morar com família (P=0,04). Nunca ter trabalhado foi associado aos escores altos de estresse. Concluintes apresentaram nível muito alto de estresse em "Formação Profissional" (13,71) e nível alto de estresse em "Realização das Atividades Práticas" (13) e "Comunicação Profissional" (7,28). Conclusão: a avaliação indica necessidade de intervenções sociais e na formação profissional.(AU)

Objective: to assess stress in nursing students at a public university, identifying its level, comparing it between different periods and verifying the correlation between socioeconomic variables. Method: cross-sectional study, with 93 students out of 128, selected for convenience. Data collected in December 2019, through a socioeconomic instrument and the Nursing Student Stress Assessment Scale. Analysis performed with chi-square, Fisher's exact, Analysis of Variance and Scott-Knott tests, 5% significance. Results: the average level of stress prevailed (63.44%). Living in a republic was associated with high and medium stress scores compared to living with family (P=0.04). Never having worked was associated with high stress scores. Graduates showed a very high level of stress in "Professional Training" (13.71) and a high level of stress in "Performing Practical Activities" (13) and "Professional Communication" (7.28). Conclusion: the assessment indicates the need for social interventions and professional training.(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar estrés en estudiantes de enfermería de una universidad pública, identificando su nivel, comparándolo entre diferentes períodos y verificando la correlación entre variables socioeconómicas. Método: estudio transversal, con 93 estudiantes de 128 seleccionados por conveniencia. Datos recolectados en diciembre de 2019, mediante instrumento socioeconómico y Escala de Evaluación de Estrés del Estudiante de Enfermería. Análisis realizado con chi-cuadrado, Exacto de Fisher, Análisis de Varianza y Scott-Knott. Resultados: predominó el nivel medio de estrés (63,44%). Vivir en una república se asoció con puntuaciones de estrés alto y medio en comparación con vivir con la familia (P = 0,04). No haber trabajado nunca se asoció con puntuaciones altas de estrés. Los egresados mostraron un altísimo nivel de estrés en "Formación Profesional" (13,71) y un alto nivel de estrés en "Realización de Actividades Prácticas" (13) y "Comunicación Profesional" (7,28). Conclusión: la valoración indica la necesidad de intervenciones sociales y formación profesional.(AU)

Coffee intake (Coffea arabica L. ) reduces advanced glycation end product (AGEs) formation and platelet aggregation in diabetic rats

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the effect of coffee intake on AGEs formation and platelet aggregation in diabetic Wistar rats. Methods: Coffee powder samples were used to prepare a 10% beverage. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the animals by administering 2% alloxan. All animal experiments were approved by the ethics committee for animal experiments under N°. 420/2012 and 536/2013. Diabetic and non-diabetic rats were divided into 6 groups treated and untreated with coffee (7.2 mL/Kg body weight) and aminoguanidine (AGE inhibiting agent) (100 mg/Kg body weight) for 50 days. After 50 days, the animals were fasted for 12 h and anesthetized (40 mg/Kg sodium pentobarbital) intraperitoneally. Blood samples were collected from the abdominal artery puncture. Hematological parameters (red cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and leukocyte) and glycemic and HbA1c levels were measured. AGEs quantification (spectrofluorometric method) and the platelet aggregation test (aggregation of cuvettes in a four-channel platelet aggregometer) were also conducted. The rats' renal function was evaluated by measuring serum urea and creatinine. Results: Data showed that coffee intake had no effect on the hematological parameters. Fasting glucose and HbA1c dosage were significantly higher in diabetic animals compared to non-diabetic animals (confirmed the effectiveness of inducing and maintaining diabetic status). Results showed that coffee reduced AGE formation and platelet aggregation in our animal model, not altering the animals' renal function. Conclusions: These results suggest beneficial effects on vasculopathy, a common complication in diabetic patients.

Coffee beverage reduces ROS production and does not affect the organism's response against Candida albicans

Coffee is a mixture of substances with potential beneficial and adverse health effects. Several studies demonstrate the antioxidant effect of the phenolics compounds present in coffee. Neutrophils produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activating of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2), which plays a key role in organism defenseagainst microbial pathogens. Diabetes mellitus patients are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. The present study evaluated the influence of coffee beverage on NOX2 activity and ROS generation and the impact of this effect on phagocytosis and killing of Candida albicansby neutrophils from diabetic and non-diabetic animals. Diabetes mellitus was induced in male Wistar rats using 2% alloxan. Diabetic and non-diabetic animals were divided into groups treated and untreated with coffee drink (7.2 mL/kg/day) or apocyanine (16 mg/kg/day) for 50 days. After 50 days, the animals' glycemic profile was measured by blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tests. The generation of ROS in neutrophilic cells was measured by chemiluminescence and cytochrome C reduction assays. C. albicans phagocytosis and death were evaluated by optical microscopy using the May-Grunwald-Giemsa staining method. The coffee drink has not altered the glycemic profile and NOX2 activity of the animals. However, coffee reduced the ROS pool in non-diabetic and diabetic animals, but this activity did not harm the phagocytosis or killing of neutrophils. Treatment with apocyanin decreased ROS production and killing capacity of neutrophils from non-diabetic animals against C. albicans. We suggest that the coffee drink intake prevents oxidative damage and does not impair response of the organism against opportunistic microorganism.

Ethanolic extract of Passiflora edulis Sims leaves inhibits protein glycation and restores the oxidative burst in diabetic rat macrophages after Candida albicans exposure

abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the ethanolic extract of Passiflora edulis leaves on blood glucose, protein glycation, NADPH oxidase activity and macrophage phagocytic capacity after Candida albicans exposure in diabetic rats. The Passiflora edulis Sims leaves were dried to 40°C, powdered, extracted by maceration in 70% ethanol, evaporated under reduced pressure and lyophilised. The biochemical tests performed were total phenolic content (TP) as determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, trapping potential DPPH assay and total iron-reducing potential. Diabetes was induced by alloxan injection. Protein glycation was determined by AGE and fructosamine serum concentrations. Extract-treated diabetic animals demonstrated lower fructosamine concentrations compared with the diabetic group. Our results suggest that ethanolic Passiflora edulis Sims leaf extraction may have beneficial effects on diabetes and may improve glycaemic control in diabetic rats.

resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do extrato etanólico de folhas de Passiflora edulis sobre os níveis de glicose sanguínea, glicação protéica, produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO) e capacidade fagocítica de macrófagos de ratos diabéticos. As folhas de Passiflora edulis Sims foram secas a 40 °C, trituradas e o extrato preparado por maceração em solução hidroetanólica 70% (v/v) etanol foi evaporado sob pressão reduzida e liofilizado. Os testes químicos realizados demonstraram que além da presença de compostos fenólicos, determinada pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteu, o extrato apresentou potencial sequestrante de radicais DPPH e redutor de ferro. Nos animais diabéticos foi observado aumento na glicação protéica, avaliada pela concentração de frutosaminas e de produtos de glicação avançada (AGE), e redução na produção de ERO por macrófagos frente à Candida albicans, quando comparados ao grupo controle. O tratamento dos animais diabéticos com o extrato reduziu as concentrações de frutosaminas e manteve a produção de ERO em níveis semelhantes aos observados no grupo controle. Nossos resultados sugerem que o extrato etanólico de folhas de Passiflora edulis Sims pode apresentar efeitos benéficos sobre o diabetes e melhorar o controle glicêmico em ratos diabéticos.

Split double factorial with additional treatment and the post-harvest of Niagara grapes / Experimentos fatoriais duplos subdivididos com tratamento adicional e a pós-colheita de uvas Niágara

This study aims to discuss and explain how to deal with the analysis of experiments conducted in completely randomized design (CRD) and subdivided into double factorial with additional treatment in the plot. In addition it was illustrate the discussion by analyzing data from an experiment on post-harvest of Niagara grapes. The sums of squares for each source of variation are presented, while discussing how the additional treatment affects the whole variation. Niagara grapes were treated in the pre-harvest with three preservatives (calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and calcium lactate) at 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% and stored for 0, 10, 20 and 30 days.All the preservatives evaluated at 0% represented the control (additional) treatment.

Este trabalho tem como objetivos discutir e explicitar como se dá a análise de experimentos conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC) e esquema fatorial duplo subdividido com tratamento adicional na parcela, além de ilustrar a discussão com um experimento de pós-colheita de uvas Niágara. São apresentadas as somas de quadrados de cada fonte de variação, enquanto se discute como o tratamento adicional afeta a variação total. Uvas Niágara foram tratadas napré-colheita com os seguintes conservantes: cloreto de cálcio, nitrato de cálcio e lactato de cálcio, nas doses 0%, 0,5%, 1% e 2%; e armazenadas nos tempos 0, 10, 20 e 30 dias, em que a dose 0% todos os conservantes caracteriza o tratamento controle (adicional).

Prevalence of prracoccidioidomycosis infection y intradermal reaction in rurall areas in alfenas, minas gerais, Braill / Prevalência da paracoccidioidomicose por intradermorreação em áreas rurais de Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brasil

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of paracoccidioidal infection by intradermal reaction (Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity, DTH) to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in rural areas in Alfenas, Southern Minas Gerais (MG) State, Brazil, and to assess risk factors (gender, occupation, age, alcohol intake and smoking) associated with infection. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using intradermal tests with gp 43 paracoccidioidin in 542 participants, who were previously contacted by local health agents and so spontaneously attended the test. Participants underwent an interview by filling out a registration form with epidemiological data and were tested with an intradermal administration of 0.1 mL of paracoccidioidin in the left forearm. The test was read 48 hours after injection and was considered positive if induration was greater than or equal to 5 mm. Out of 542 participants, 46.67% were positive to the skin test. Prevalence increased in accordance with an increase of age. There was statistical significance only for males. Occupation, alcohol intake and smoking habits were not significantly associated with the risk of paracoccidioidomycosis infection. There is relevance of paracoccidioidomycosis infection in such rural areas, which suggests that further epidemiological and clinical studies on this mycosis should be done in the southern part of Minas Gerais State.

Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de sensibilização da pele pelo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis em áreas rurais em Alfenas, MG, Brasil, e avaliar os fatores de risco associados à infecção. Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional utilizando testes intradérmicos com paracoccidioidina em 542 indivíduos selecionados por demanda espontânea. Os participantes foram submetidos a uma entrevista através do preenchimento de um formulário de inscrição com os dados epidemiológicos e os testes com a administração intradérmica de 0,1 mL de paracoccidioidina no antebraço esquerdo. O teste foi lido 48 h após a injeção e foi considerado positivo se enduramento era maior ou igual a 5 mm. De 542, 46,67% participantes foram positivos ao teste de pele. Prevalência aumentou de acordo com o aumento da idade. Houve significância estatística apenas para o sexo masculino. Profissão, alcoolismo e tabagismo não foram significativamente associados com o risco de infecção paracoccidioidomicose. Há relevância da infecção paracoccidioidomicose em áreas rurais, o que sugere mais estudos epidemiológicos e clínicos sobre esta micose no sul do estado de Minas Gerais.

Comparação de metodologias para detecção de fungos em arroz irradiado / Comparison of methodologies for detecting fungi in gamma-ray irradiated rice

O monitoramento da contaminação fúngica do arroz é imprescindível para assegurar a qualidade e segurança desse cereal. Atualmente, para avaliar a qualidade microbiológica dos alimentos, diferentes métodos têm sido propostos. Duas diferentes metodologias, plaqueamento direto e blotter test, foram comparadas quanto à eficiência em efetuar a detecção de fungos em arroz branco polido irradiado. Para realizar o blotter test, foram utilizadas placas de Petri contendo três folhas de papéis de filtro esterilizados, umedecidas em água destilada esterilizada e acrescidas com 5 mL de ágar água 0,5%. Na técnica de plaqueamento direto, os grãos foram plaqueados em meio de cultura DRBC. As amostras foram incubadas a 25ºC por sete dias e analisadas em microscópio estereoscópico. Os gêneros fúngicos presentes no arroz irradiado foram Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium e Trichoderma, com a predominância de Penicillium sp. e Aspergillus sp., cujas frequências foram, respectivamente, de 5,2% e 5,6% no plaqueamento direto e de 34,5% e 5,6% no blotter test. Observou-se que a irradiação gama diminuiu consideravelmente o número de grãos contaminados, sendo 96,7% pela metodologia de plaqueamento direto e até 100% pelo blotter test. O blotter test possibilitou efetuar maior contagem dos gêneros fúngicos presentes no arroz, constando-se que o método de detecção escolhido pode interferir na quantificação fúngica presente nesse cereal.

Monitoring the fungal contamination of rice is essential for ensuring the product quality and safety. Different methods have been proposed for assessing the microbiological quality of foods. Two methodologies based direct plating and blotter test were compared for detecting fungi in irradiated polished white rice. For performing the blotter test, the Petri dishes containing three sterile filter paper sheets were moistened with sterile distilled water, and 5 mL of 0.5% water-agar were added onto them. For carrying out the direct plating technique, the rice samples were plated onto DRBC medium. The samples were incubated at 25ºC for seven days, and analyzed under a stereomicroscope. The fungi genera found in irradiated rice were:Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Trichoderma, being Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. the mostly predominant, with the prevalence of 5.2% and 5.6% by direct plating and 34.5% and 5.6% by blotter test, respectively. The gamma-ray irradiation significantly decreased the proportions of contaminated grains, being 96.7% by means of direct plating technique and 100% by blotter test. The blotter test showed highest efficiency in fungal genera counting found in rice samples, which evidences that the chosen detection methodology may interfere on quantifying the fungi contaminants in cereals.

Compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante do café (Coffea arabica L. ) / Coffee (Coffea arabica L. ) bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com a proposta de avaliar o potencial antioxidante de dois padrões da bebida do café (rio e mole), verdes e torrados, utilizando modelos in vitro. Foram determinados o teor de fenólicos totais, ácido clorogênico (ácido 5-cafeoilquínico) e cafeína das bebidas. A avaliação in vitro do potencial antioxidante foi investigada pelos métodos de captação do radical DPPH e pelo poder redutor de metais. Os dois padrões de bebida do café analisados não apresentaram diferenças quanto aos parâmetros cor, ácido clorogênico e cafeína. Observou-se que houve redução nos valores de ácido clorogênico à medida que os grãos foram torrados. O café verde bebida rio apresentou maior teor de fenólicos totais que o café bebida mole. Nos grãos torrados não foi observada diferença. A bebida do café independente da qualidade sensorial apresentou alto poder redutor e importante atividade sequestrante de radicais livres. A atividade sequestrante de radicais livres foi significativamente superior nas amostras obtidas a partir dos grãos torrados, quando comparados aos extratos dos grãos verdes. A torração, porém, reduziu o poder redutor das bebidas do café. Os dados obtidos permitem sugerir que, independente da classificação sensorial da bebida, o café apresenta expressiva capacidade sequestrante de radicais livres e poder redutor de metais.

The present work intended to evaluate the antioxidant potential of two coffee sorts (soft and river), green and roasted, in vitro. Phenolic compounds content, chlorogenic acid (5-cafeoyolquinic) and caffeine of the beverages were evaluated. In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant potential was investigated by DPPH radical scavenging assay and by reducing the power of metals. Both sorts of coffee did not present statistical differences for color, chlorogenic acid and caffeine. After roasting, 5-cafeoyolquinic acid levels decreased. River coffee beverage presented greater content of phenolics than the soft coffee beverage. In the roasted coffees no significant difference was observed. All sorts of coffee beverages presented high reducing ability and important scavenging activity of free radicals. The scavenging activity was higher in the roasted samples. The roast process decreased the reducing ability of the coffee beverage. Results allow suggesting that independent of the sort, coffee presents expressive antioxidant activity and reducing ability.

Sensory profile of gorgonzola via generalized procrustes analysis using R

Sensory data analysis in Brazil used to be performed through univariate Analysis of Variance (ANOVAs) hence one looses valuable intra variable information. To solve this porblem one may use multivariate tools. Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA), often performed in expensive software, is a multivariate exploratory data analysis method that aims: i) remove scores bias; ii) resume the assessors agreement, usually, on a plant; iii) show the objects relative differences. An application on sensory profile of Gorgonzola cheese is porvided. Data was analyzed by uni, multivariate ANOVAs and GPA, on the free statistical software R, ANOVAs detected significant differences among cheeses and GPA provided the consensus configuration displaying their relative differences and sensory evolution. Assesors preferred cheeses with a higher fat content. GPA can be reasonably performed by free software, say R, and should be utilized like a complement of Analysis of Variance.