Effects of organic and inorganic selenium supplementation on frozen-thawed ram semen at two cooling periods.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different selenium compounds on the sperm quality of cryopreserved ram semen. Ejaculates from four rams, collected using an artificial vagina heated to 38 °C, were individually evaluated. The approved ejaculates were pooled and diluted (1:1 v:v) in Tris-egg yolk extender (20%, v/v) and separated into two control groups, one cooled for 2 h and the other for 4 h. The pooled ejaculates at the two cooling periods were supplemented with two doses (0.5 and 1 µg/mL) of organic selenium (ORG), and inorganic selenium (SeNa), each. The samples were packed in 0.25 ml straws, at a concentration of 400 × 106 sperms/mL and stored in liquid nitrogen. The straws were thawed in a water bath at 37 °C for 20 s, and the samples were subjected to sperm kinetics evaluation by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis software. Sperm membrane integrity, acrosome morphology, and mitochondrial potential were assessed. In addition, oxidative stress markers reactive oxygen species (ROS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activity) were also evaluated. No significant improvement was observed in the ram semen quality at the two cooling times. Supplementation of the freezing extender with 0.5 µg/mL ORG, subjected to 4 h cooling period, increased the sperm motility when compared with the control group at the same cooling time. In addition, the 0.5 µg/mL SeNa group, under the 2 h cooling period, showed an increase in sperm motility when compared to the control group at the same cooling period. Considering the importance of sperm motility as a fertility parameter, our study indicates that supplementation with ORG and SeNa can help improve the total motility of the cryopreserved ram semen.

Moringa oleifera Lam. Commercial Beverages: A Multifaceted Investigation of Consumer Perceptions, Sensory Analysis, and Bioactive Properties.

This study employs a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate consumers' perceptions and acceptance of Moringa oleifera Lam. beverages, examining sensory attributes, chemical composition, and bioactivities. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analyses revealed significant chemovariation in phenolic compositions among commercial moringa beverages. A soluble moringa powder drink exhibited the greatest concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, along with powerful antioxidant capacity powers assessed with ABTS•+, DPPH•, FRAP assays, •NO, and H2O2 scavenging activities. However, this sample was the least preferred and presented high Cd levels, exceeding WHO-acceptable values of 0.3 mg/kg. Sensory testing indicated that sweet and floral flavors contributed to beverages being liked, while green, grass, herbal flavors, sour, bitter, and precipitate presence were considered unfavorable sensory attributes. Health claims positively influenced acceptance, particularly among women. Consumers associated feelings of health, wellness, relaxation, and leisure with moringa beverages. During purchase, the most observed information included the ingredient list, health benefits, and type/flavor. These findings emphasize the importance of consumer awareness in reading labels, verifying product origins, and ensuring the absence of contaminants. By understanding consumer preferences and the impact of health claims, producers can better tailor M. oleifera beverages to meet consumer expectations while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Effect of fungal indoor air pollutant 1-octen-3-ol on levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide as well as dehydrogenases activities in drosophila melanogaster males.

Fungal pollution of indoor environments contributes to several allergic symptoms and represents a public health problem. It is well-established that 1-octen-3-ol, also known as mushroom alcohol, is a fungal volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly found in damp indoor spaces and responsible for the typical musty odor. Previously it was reported that exposure to 1-octen-3-ol induced inflammations and disrupted mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetic rate in Drosophila melanogaster. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of 1-octen-3-ol on dehydrogenase activity, apoptotic biomarkers, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as antioxidant enzymes activities. D. melanogaster flies were exposed to an atmosphere containing 1-octen-3-ol (2.5 or ∞l/L) for 24 hr. Data demonstrated that 1-octen-3-ol decreased dehydrogenases activity and NO levels but increased ROS levels accompanied by stimulation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities without altering caspase 3/7 activation. These findings indicate that adverse mitochondrial activity effects following exposure of D. melanogaster to 1-octen-3-ol, a fungal VOC, may be attributed to oxidant stress. The underlying mechanisms involved in adverse consequences of indoor fungal exposure appear to be related to necrotic but not apoptotic mechanisms. The adverse consequences were sex-dependent with males displaying higher sensitivity to 1-octen-3-ol. Based upon on the fact that the fly genome shares nearly 75% of disease-related genes to human exposure to this fungus may explain the adverse human responses to mold especially for males.

Beneficial effects of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris LL95 treatment in an LPS-induced depression-like model in mice.

Clinical evidence suggests that neuroinflammation, activation of the immune system, and the composition of the intestinal microbiota are involved in the pathology of depression. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a probiotic intervention using Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris LL95 in ameliorating mood disorders in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups and treated with 5 mg/kg LPS via intraperitoneal injection to induce depression-like symptoms, followed by oral administration of LL95 for one week (1â€¯× 109 CFU/mouse). The animals were then subjected to a series of behavioral assessments, including open field, sucrose preference, and forced swimming tests. In addition, we evaluated the levels of reactive oxygen species, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1ß in the hippocampal tissues of these animals, and also determined their fecal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) content. LL95 intervention improved LPS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice, including decreased sucrose preference and increased immobility time in the forced swim test. LL95 treatment reversed the LPS-induced increase in hippocampal levels of reactive oxygen species and tumor necrosis factor-α, and of interleukin-1ß to a lesser extent. Furthermore, LL95 intervention increased the fecal LAB content in these animals, suggesting changes in the gut microbiota. These findings suggest that LL95 exerts antidepressant-like effects in LPS-induced depression, which may be attributed to modulation of the oxidative status and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the hippocampus and alteration in the LAB content of the gut microbiota.

Drivers of linking of Prato cheeses: An evaluation using the check all that apply (CATA) and temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) tools.

Prato cheese is one of the most consumed dairy products around the word, mainly in Brazil, being the second most produced cheese in the country. However, a great variation in the cheeses sensory profiles is observed. Therefore, knowledge about the attributes that drives the product acceptance is important for Prato cheese standardization, targeting the best production conditions for obtaining cheese quality improvement. Moreover, this study also contributes with information about the TDS and CATA methodologies for the sensory field. TDS and CATA were useful tools determining liking directors of Brazilian Prato cheese. Creamy, Salt and soft attributes were indicated as drivers of liking of Prato cheese, while hard, rubbery and bitter taste contributed negatively to the acceptance of the product.

Fractured alveolar process displacement evaluation-Effect of the rigidity of wire-composite splints.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Traumatic dental injuries with bone fractures require rigid splinting. The degree of rigidity of the wire-composite splints can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the rigidity of different wire-composite splints on alveolar process displacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A model was created using polystyrene resin to simulate the anterior maxilla, bovine incisors to simulate maxillary incisors, and polyether impression material to simulate the periodontal ligament. An alveolar process fracture was created, while maintaining the labial bone connection with the PDL. Four wire-composite splints (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 mm in diameter) were compared with models without splints and with no fracture (n = 5). The alveolar process displacement was measured (3 times per model/per splint type) at the fractured and adjacent central incisor regions using a deflectometer (Instron) under functional cycling and static loading (100 N). Data (µm) were analyzed using RM ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The displacement at the region of the adjacent incisor was not influenced by the splint during static and cycling load (P > .05). The Tukey test demonstrated that the model without splints had significantly higher alveolar process displacement at the traumatized teeth than that of all other splint models (P < .001). Increasing the wire diameter from 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm significantly reduced the alveolar process displacement (P < .001). No difference was observed between the 0.9 mm (P = .123) and 1.2 mm (P = .219) wire-composite splints irrespective of the measured tooth regions. CONCLUSIONS: The rigidity of the wire-composite splint significantly influenced the mobility of the fractured alveolar process. The use of at least 0.9 mm wire was effective in reducing the fractured alveolar process displacement to a level that was similar to the adjacent teeth.

Ischemia-Reperfusion Intervention: From Enhancements in Exercise Performance to Accelerated Performance Recovery-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

It has been demonstrated that brief cycles of ischemia followed by reperfusion (IR) applied before exercise can improve performance and, IR intervention, applied immediately after exercise (post-exercise ischemic conditioning-PEIC) exerts a potential ergogenic effect to accelerate recovery. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to identify the effects of PEIC on exercise performance, recovery and the responses of associated physiological parameters, such as creatine kinase, perceived recovery and muscle soreness, over 24 h after its application. From 3281 studies, six involving 106 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Compared to sham (cuff administration with low pressure) and control interventions (no cuff administration), PEIC led to faster performance recovery (p = 0.004; ES = -0.49) and lower increase in creatine kinase (p < 0.001; effect size (ES) = -0.74) and muscle soreness (p < 0.001; ES = -0.88) over 24 h. The effectiveness of this intervention is more pronounced in subjects with low/moderate fitness level and at least a total time of 10 min of ischemia (e.g., two cycles of 5 min) is necessary to promote positive effects.

Croton campestris A. St.-Hill Methanolic Fraction in a Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity Model in Drosophila melanogaster: Protective Role of Gallic Acid.

Croton campestris A. St-Hill popularly known as "velame do campo" is a native species of the savannah from northeastern Brazil, being used in folk medicine due to its beneficial effects in the treatment of many diseases, inflammation, detoxification, gastritis, and syphilis; however, its potential use as an antidote against organophosphorus compound poisoning has not yet been shown. Here, the protective effect of the methanolic fraction of C. campestris A. St.-Hill (MFCC) in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to chlorpyrifos (CP) was investigated. Flies were exposed to CP and MFCC during 48 h through the diet. Following the treatments, parameters such as mortality, locomotor behavior, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Exposure of flies to CP induced significant impairments in survival and locomotor performance. In parallel, increased reactive oxygen species and lipoperoxidation occurred. In addition, the activity of acetylcholinesterase was inhibited by CP, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activity was induced. Treatment with MFCC resulted in a blockage of all CP-induced effects, with the exception of glutathione S-transferase. Among the major compounds found in MFCC, only gallic acid (GA) showed a protective role against CP while quercetin and caffeic acid alone were ineffective. When in combination, these compounds avoided the toxicity of CP at the same level as GA. As far as we know, this is the first study reporting the protective effect of MFCC against organophosphate toxicity in vivo and highlights the biotechnological potential of this fraction attributing a major role in mediating the observed effects to GA. Therefore, MFCC may be considered a promising source for the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of organophosphate intoxications.

Avaliação microbiológica e sensorial de alfajor vegano e sem glúten elaborado a partir da farinha de okara de amendoim / Microbiological analysis and sensory evaluation of a vegan gluten free alfajor produced with okara peanut flour

O veganismo cresceu nos últimos anos e é cada vez maior o número de pessoas que praticam uma dieta com restrições alimentares. O objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver um alfajor vegano sem glúten, utilizando farinha de okara de amendoim e avaliar suas características microbiológicas e aceitação sensorial. As amostras foram submetidas a testes sensoriais de aceitação e microbiológicos para coliformes, bolores e leveduras. Os testes para coliformes foram realizados utilizando-se Caldo Lauril Sulfato Triptose e para a análise de bolores e leveduras foi realizada a contagem total por plaqueamento em superfície nos meios Ágar Dicloran Rosa de Bengala Cloranfenicol e Ágar Batata Dextrose. A formulação obteve boa aceitação e os resultados das análises microbiológicas mostraram que o produto possui qualidade microbiológica satisfatória de pelo menos seis dias. Logo, a utilização da farinha de okara de amendoim se mostrou interessante para o desenvolvimento de um alfajor venago e sem glúten.

Causas de condenações em bovinos em um abatedouro com inspeção municipal de Minas Gerais / Causes of bovine condemnation in an slaughter under municipal inspection services in the Minas Gerais staction

A identificação de condenações em frigoríficos é importante para fornecer melhorias no processo produtivo e dados de possíveis fontes de contaminação na linha de abate. O objetivo foi identificar as causas de condenação de carcaças e vísceras bovinas, em um frigorífico de inspeção municipal em Minas Gerais, e discutir fatores que favorecem a ocorrência das mesmas. Foram analisados os registros de condenações no período de julho de 2017 a setembro de 2018. Do total de 3.723 animais abatidos, 101 (2,71%) apresentaram algum tipo de condenação. Foram condenados principalmente fígado, coração, fragmentos de caraças e carcaças inteiras. Abscessos hepáticos foram a causa mais frequente de condenação. Observamos que a frequência de descarte de carcaças e vísceras variaram entre os Serviços de Inspeção e estão relacionadas com a região estudada.

Tds of cheese: Implications of analyzing texture and taste simultaneously.

This study aimed to evaluate the implications of analyzing texture and taste simultaneously on Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS) descriptions of Prato cheese. TDS tests were performed in two ways: I-panelists performed TDS tests of cheeses evaluating an attribute list with taste and texture sensations in a same session; II-TDS sessions were performed for each sensory modality. The difficulty and reliability degrees on performing the tests were assessed by the panelists; and some physico-chemical parameters were determined to compare the sensory and instrumental results. During TDS tests, simultaneous evaluations provided a higher number of significant sensations (considering both taste and texture sensations), but at lower dominance rates. Moreover, it was noted that one of the main implications of the simultaneous analysis on TDS results was the temporality differences (the time to reach the significance level, the sensation duration and the sensations sequence). However, regarding only the attributes that most characterized the samples, the results suggested a great similarity between the descriptions obtained from both TDS modalities. The simultaneous analysis implied greater difficulty in performing the tests and less reliable results according to the panelist's opinions. Moreover, the panel considered the texture evaluation more difficult than the taste evaluation. Regarding the instrumental analysis, the physico-chemical parameter intensity (amplitude) was not strongly linked to the maximum dominance rate.

Temporal dominance of sensations and preferences of Brazilians and Slovakians: A cross-cultural study of cachaças stored with woods from the Amazon rainforest.

BACKGROUND: Brazilians and Slovakians evaluated the temporal profile and the acceptability of cachaça stored with different woods (Cumarurana (CM), Jatobá (JT) and, Louro-vermelho (LV), which are found in the Amazon rainforest, and also oak), with the aim of performing a cross-cultural comparison of the dynamic profile of the attributes perceived in the cachaças and the sensorial acceptance of the samples. RESULTS: Important differences were observed between the temporal sensorial profiles generated by the two groups and their preferences. Brazilians preferred cachaças stored with the traditional wood, oak, followed by those stored with JT and CM. In contrast, Slovakians preferred cachaças stored with JT, followed by those stored with LV and oak. For both countries, the dominance of wood flavor and vanilla attributes at the end of the analysis time was positively associated with acceptance, while the dominance of off-flavors and the wood flavor attribute at the beginning of the analysis time was negatively associated with acceptance for Brazilians and Slovakians, respectively. CONCLUSION: Brazilians preferred cachaça stored with oak wood, and Slovakians preferred cachaça stored with JT wood, with acceptability being strongly associated with the dominance of wood flavor and vanilla attributes at the end of the evaluation time. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Order and session size effects on treatment discrimination: Case study liking for Dulce de Leche.

This study aimed to evaluate the implications of the number of samples per panelist in experimental precision and relative efficiency of treatment comparisons when modelling order effects for Dulce de Leche samples using a Sudoku design. Precision is defined as small variance and relative efficiency is defined as smaller variance than other alternative. Both are related to increasing discrimination power. A series of 8 Sudoku 16×16 squares being 4 randomized independently and 4 others in the reverse order, was designed to allow a linear model fitting to experiments of different sizes (orders 1 to 4, 1 to 8, 1 to 12 and 1 to 16). Data from 112 panelists were kept. Responses were recorded using a nine-point hedonic scale. Data was analyzed using a mixed linear model panelist, order and treatment (sample) effects. Analysis has shown a pronounced order effect, showing a first sample effect overestimation. Moreover, it was noted that order effect was rather evidenced in the first four orders, making for a relatively more precise experiment than the ones using remaining samples. Therefore, the use of Sudoku can be a convenient strategy to organize smaller testing sessions that could result in efficient experiments, with small variance of the estimated averages or effects and needing a lot less panelists to make a design as efficient as the large one used. Moreover, Sudoku can also inspire an efficient design that allows different test sessions.

Miracle fruit: An alternative sugar substitute in sour beverages.

High sugar consumption has been related to several chronic diseases and thus, many alternative sweeteners have been extensively researched. However, there is still controversy regarding the harmful effects of their consumption, mainly regarding the use of artificial sweeteners, controversy which increases the demand for natural sweeteners, such as miracle fruit. This tropical plant grows in West Africa is named for its unique ability of changing a sour taste into sweet. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the temporal profile of miracle fruit and assess its sugar substitute power in sour beverages through time-intensity and temporal dominance of sensations tests. For this, unsweetened lemonade and lemonades with sugar, sucralose and previous miracle fruit ingestions were evaluated. We noted that the dynamic profile of lemonade ingested after miracle fruit ingestion indicates that it seems to be a good sugar substitute, since it provides high sweetness intensity and persistence, reduced product sourness and an absence of aftertastes. The miracle fruit also provided a sensory profile similar to that of sucralose, an established and recognized sugar substitute. The results of this study provide important information for future applications of miracle fruit as a sugar substitute in sour beverages, providing an alternative use for a natural substance as a sweetening agent.