Fan Assisted Extraction of Volatile Carbonyl Compounds from Coffee Brews Based on the Full Evaporation Technique.

In this work, the fan assisted extraction approach is originally exploited to determine volatile compounds in liquid samples based on the full evaporation technique. The feasibility of this strategy was firstly evaluated using model solutions containing different volatile carbonyl compounds. Different media, volumes of sample, temperatures of extraction, and times of extraction were tested. Linear regressions presenting r > 0.999, intermediate precision values < 6%, and recoveries within 76-95% were attained using a period of extraction of 10 min, a volume of sample solution of 5 µL, and a temperature of extraction of 50 °C. Analyses of brewed coffees were performed. The slopes of the calibration curves obtained using aqueous model solutions and brewed coffee samples were not significantly different. These results revealed no matrix effect under the selected experimental conditions, enabling the use of the external calibration method for quantification purposes. Twenty-four volatile carbonyl compounds were identified in brewed coffee, which elucidates the sensitivity of this approach.

Genetic differences among Moraxella bovis and Moraxella bovoculi isolates from infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) outbreaks in southern Brazil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Moraxella bovis and Moraxella bovoculi bacteria isolated from infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) outbreaks in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The genetic diversity among Moraxella spp. was evaluated by RAPD-PCR, JWP1-JWOPA07-PCR, ERIC-PCR and by sequencing the 16S-23S intergenic regions. Based on the dendrogram, two genetically differentiated clades were observed; 14 isolates were classified as M. bovis and 17 as M. bovoculi. Genetic distances between the M. bovis samples ranged from 0.0379 to 0.4285, while for M. bovoculi the dissimilarities ranged from zero to 0.7297. Alternatively, based on sequencing analyses of the 16S-23S intergenic region, M. bovis and M. bovoculi isolates were grouped into the same two different clades, but it was not possible to differentiate between isolates within clades. PCR techniques were demonstrated to be a satisfactory tool to unravel the genetic variability among Moraxella spp., while sequencing of the 16S-23S intergenic region was only able to differentiate two species of the Moraxella genus. Despite sampling geographically close regions, we demonstrate considerable genetic diversity in M. bovis and M. bovoculi strains and genetically distinct M. bovis strains co-infecting the same animal.

Low pressure ion pair chromatography with amperometric detection for the determination of trigonelline in coffee samples.

In this work, the use of ion pair chromatography strategy in low pressure chromatographic flow systems is explored for the first time. The straightforward flow manifold encompassed a peristaltic pump, an injection valve and a 1 cm-length C18 monolithic column. The amperometric detection system relied on a boron-doped diamond electrode, used as working electrode. The determination of trigonelline in coffee samples was the case-study selected. This alkaloid is an important quality marker for this commodity and is usually determined using HPLC-UV methodologies. The proposed methodology, based on ion-pair chromatography with amperometric detection, enabled the quantitative resolution of the studied analyte from the matrix compounds by adding to the mobile phase the ion pair reagent, 1-tetradecanosulfonate sodium. The present work, following the recent developments of the low pressure chromatography approach, demonstrates the potentialities of coupling monolithic columns to traditional flow analysis systems for separation and quantification of ionic or ionisable compounds.

Qualitative carbonyl profile in coffee beans through GDME-HPLC-DAD-MS/MS for coffee preliminary characterization.

In this work, an analytical methodology for volatile carbonyl compounds characterization in green and roasted coffee beans was developed. The methodology relied on a recent and simple sample preparation technique, gas diffusion microextraction for extraction of the samples' volatiles, followed HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis. The experimental conditions in terms of extraction temperature and extraction time were studied. A profile for carbonyl compounds was obtained for both arabica and robusta coffee species (green and roasted samples). Twenty-seven carbonyl compounds were identified and further discussed, in light of reported literature, with different coffee characteristics: coffee ageing, organoleptic impact, presence of defective beans, authenticity, human's health implication, post-harvest coffee processing and roasting. The applied methodology showed to be a powerful analytical tool to be used for coffee characterization as it measures marker compounds of different coffee characteristics.

Probiotic effect of Pichia pastoris X-33 produced in parboiled rice effluent and YPD medium on broiler chickens.

In a previous paper we showed that the yeast Pichia pastoris X-33 grown in parboiled rice effluent supplemented with glycerol byproduct from the biodiesel industry improved the quality of the effluent. In this paper we show the validation of this yeast (PPE) as probiotic for broilers. Its effect on feed efficiency and immunomodulation was compared with the same yeast grown in yeast peptone dextrose medium (PPY), with Saccharomyces boulardii (SBY) and with the controls fed unsupplemented feed (CON). One-day-old female chicks were vaccinated against infectious bursal disease (IBD) and the titers of anti-IBD antibodies were measured by ELISA. PPE group had the highest mean titres on days 14 and 28 (p<0,05), and at 28 days, 64% of the animals showed seroconvertion. The PPE group also showed the best weight gains at 42 days of age, that, on days 7, 14 and 21 were 19%, 15%, and 8.7% higher, respectively, than the control group. The best feed conversion, 8.2% higher than the control group, was obtained by PPY at 42 days. Histopathological studies did not detect any undesirable effects in the supplemented animals. We concluded that Pichia pastoris X-33 when grown in effluents of the rice parboiling industry supplemented with glycerol byproduct from the biodiesel has probiotic properties for poultry.

Real-time monitoring of a coffee roasting process with near infrared spectroscopy using multivariate statistical analysis: A feasibility study.

This work proposes the use of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in diffuse reflectance mode and multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) based on principal component analysis (PCA) for real-time monitoring of the coffee roasting process. The main objective was the development of a MSPC methodology able to early detect disturbances to the roasting process resourcing to real-time acquisition of NIR spectra. A total of fifteen roasting batches were defined according to an experimental design to develop the MSPC models. This methodology was tested on a set of five batches where disturbances of different nature were imposed to simulate real faulty situations. Some of these batches were used to optimize the model while the remaining was used to test the methodology. A modelling strategy based on a time sliding window provided the best results in terms of distinguishing batches with and without disturbances, resourcing to typical MSPC charts: Hotelling's T2 and squared predicted error statistics. A PCA model encompassing a time window of four minutes with three principal components was able to efficiently detect all disturbances assayed. NIR spectroscopy combined with the MSPC approach proved to be an adequate auxiliary tool for coffee roasters to detect faults in a conventional roasting process in real-time.

A total analytical system featuring a novel solid-liquid extraction chamber for solid sample flow analysis.

In this work, a total flow analysis system based on a novel solid-liquid extraction chamber is presented. This strategy enables all the main experimental procedures for the analysis of a solid sample to be performed automatically: enrichment of the liquid extract, sample treatment, filtration of the liquid extract from the solid sample, directing the extract towards detection, and finally cleansing of the chamber for the following solid sample to be analyzed. The chamber designed to be incorporated in the flow manifold presents two main features: it accommodates stirring bars for enhancing the extraction process, and it presents replaceable solid sample containers (a spare part of the solid-liquid extraction chamber) to easily replace the solid sample and therefore enhance sample analysis throughput. The chamber performance was assessed using two different solid samples, an ion exchanger resin and vegetable samples, focussing on proton and nitrate ion extraction, respectively. The main figures of merit achieved were relative standard deviation (RSD) and relative error values below 7 % for all determinations. The determination rate for vegetable samples was ca. 12 samples h-1. The proposed strategy may be exploited to perform automatically the analysis of solid samples as it embodies a simple automatic strategy of a very important but time-consuming and laborious analytical operation. Graphical abstract TAS for solid liquid extraction and nitrate potentiometric determination of vegetable samples.

In-line monitoring of the coffee roasting process with near infrared spectroscopy: Measurement of sucrose and colour.

In this work, a real-time and in-situ analytical tool based on near infrared spectroscopy is proposed to predict two of the most relevant coffee parameters during the roasting process, sucrose and colour. The methodology was developed taking in consideration different coffee varieties (Arabica and Robusta), coffee origins (Brazil, East-Timor, India and Uganda) and roasting process procedures (slow and fast). All near infrared spectroscopy-based calibrations were developed resorting to partial least squares regression. The results proved the suitability of this methodology as demonstrated by range-error-ratio and coefficient of determination higher than 10 and 0.85 respectively, for all modelled parameters. The relationship between sucrose and colour development during the roasting process is further discussed, in light of designing in real-time coffee products with similar visual appearance and distinct organoleptic profile.

Development of a chromatographic low pressure flow injection system using amperometric detection: Application to the analysis of niacin in coffee.

In this work, an analytical flow system able to perform low pressure chromatography with amperometric detection is presented. As case study, the determination of niacin (vitamin B3) in coffee brewed samples was selected. The manifold comprised a 1.0 cm length monolithic column coated with didecyldimethylammonium bromide, a laboratory-made boron doped diamond electrode, and featured in-line ionic strength adjustment of the mobile phase. The figures of merit concerning the selected case study namely, detection limit, 7.90 × 10(-7) M, determination rate, ca. 10 samplesh(-1), mobile phase and ISA solution consumption, ca. 2.6 mL per analysis, and CV, below 5% for retention time and peak height, showed the competitiveness of this analytical strategy comparing to the described HPLC methods for niacin determination. The strategy displays a simple configuration, low cost, fast and easy assembling, foreseeing its use to general purpose applications.

Standard addition flow method for potentiometric measurements at low concentration levels: application to the determination of fluoride in food samples.

A standard addition method was implemented by using a flow manifold able to perform automatically multiple standard additions and in-line sample treatment. This analytical strategy was based on the in-line mixing of sample and standard addition solutions, using a merging zone approach. The flow system aimed to exploit the standard addition method to quantify the target analyte particularly in cases where the analyte concentration in the matrix is below the lower limit of linear response of the detector. The feasibility of the proposed flow configuration was assessed through the potentiometric determination of fluoride in sea salts of different origins and different types of coffee infusions. The limit of quantification of the proposed manifold was 5×10(-6) mol L(-1), 10-fold lower than the lower limit of linear response of the potentiometric detector used. A determination rate of 8 samples h(-1) was achieved considering an experimental procedure based on three standard additions per sample. The main advantage of the proposed strategy is the simple approach to perform multiple standard additions, which can be implemented with other ion selective electrodes, especially in cases when the primary ion is below the lower limit of linear response of the detector.

Evaluation of green coffee beans quality using near infrared spectroscopy: a quantitative approach.

Characterisation of coffee quality based on bean quality assessment is associated with the relative amount of defective beans among non-defective beans. It is therefore important to develop a methodology capable of identifying the presence of defective beans that enables a fast assessment of coffee grade and that can become an analytical tool to standardise coffee quality. In this work, a methodology for quality assessment of green coffee based on near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is proposed. NIRS is a green chemistry, low cost, fast response technique without the need of sample processing. The applicability of NIRS was evaluated for Arabica and Robusta varieties from different geographical locations. Partial least squares regression was used to relate the NIR spectrum to the mass fraction of defective and non-defective beans. Relative errors around 5% show that NIRS can be a valuable analytical tool to be used by coffee roasters, enabling a simple and quantitative evaluation of green coffee quality in a fast way.

Production and characterization of Clostridium perfringens recombinant ß toxoid.

In this work, we produced and evaluated a vaccine based on a ß toxoid of Clostridium perfringens type C produced in Escherichia coli (rBT). The non-toxic rBT was innocuous for mice and induced 14 IU mL(-1) of ß antitoxin in rabbits, complying with the European Pharmacopeia and CFR9 - USDA guidelines.

Development of a chromatographic low pressure flow injection system: application to the analysis of methylxanthines in coffee.

In this work, the coupling of a commercial monolithic column to a traditional low pressure FIA system is proposed for the analysis of theobromine, theophylline and caffeine in coffee brewed samples using UV detection. The parameters mobile phase composition, flow rate and loop volume were evaluated and discussed considering the various chromatographic parameters in order to enable resolution of the methylxanthines studied within the coffee brewed sample matrix. The analyses of methylxanthines in coffee brewed samples by the proposed methodology were in good agreement with those obtained by the reference procedure based on HPLC. Relative errors were below 6% for all samples analyzed. Detection limits in the selected experimental conditions were within 10(-6)M range for theobromine and theophylline, and 10(-5) M for caffeine. The determination rate of the three methylxanthines for coffee brewed samples was ca of 10 h(-1). The main advantage of the proposed flow system was the possibility to perform chromatographic separations in low pressure flow systems. This substantial improvement was achieved due to the compatibility of monolithic columns within the flow injection system surpassing in this way one of the main handicaps of traditional flow analysis systems. Additional features of the strategy presented were low cost, efficiency, high versatility and low reagent consumption comparing to HPLC methodologies usually followed in the case study herein presented.

Evaluation in broilers of the probiotic properties of Pichia pastoris and a recombinant P. pastoris containing the Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin gene.

The probiotic properties of Pichia pastoris and of a recombinant P. pastoris containing the Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin gene were evaluated in broilers. One-day-old chicks randomly divided in four groups were fed with commercial feed devoid of antibacterials. The control group (1) received plain food, while the other groups were supplemented with either P. pastoris (2), the recombinant P. pastoris (3) or Bacillus cereus var. Toyoi (4). At day 49, live weights, feed efficiency and seroconversions were higher (P<0.05) in the supplemented groups than in the control groups. Group 3 showed the best results, while group 2 had lower weight gain than groups 3 and 4 although food conversion was better than in group 4. Seroconversions were not different (P>0.05) among the supplemented groups. Adverse reactions were not observed in histopathologic evaluation. We concluded that P. pastoris and the recombinant P. pastoris could be used as probiotics in broilers.

Single interface flow system with potentiometric detection for the determination of nitrate in water and vegetables.

In this work a single interface flow system (SIFA) with potentiometric detection was for the first time implemented and applied to the determination of nitrate in waters and plant extracts. The analytical potential of the SIFA system was exploited not only to transport the sample towards detection but also to carry out, in a reproducible and automated way, the tasks associated with sample pre-treatment, namely ionic strength, pH adjustment and interfering species suppression. The advantageous aspects of combining a SIFA system with potentiometry with enhanced simplicity, ease of implementation and automation were further discussed and emphasised. The obtained results showed relative deviations lower than 5%, for both types of samples, with sampling rates of about 40h(-1). In addition, an innovative and straightforward process for constructing plastic membrane ion selective electrodes with a tubular configuration able to be coupled to flow-based analytical systems is also proposed. The developed approach, consisting of assembling the electrode inside a flow tubing connector is very simple to implement, robust, particularly adequate to be combined with flow methodologies and maintains all dynamic and analytical characteristics exhibited by previous assembling processes.

Enterite necrótica aviária: [revisão] / Avian necrotic enteritis: [review]

A Enterite Necrótica Aviária (ENA) é uma enterotoxemia aguda que aparece subitamente e provoca morte rápida, afetando principalmente animais jovens. Embora seu impacto negativo na produção, devido ao aumento da conversão alimentar e da condenação de carcaças seja já conhecido, questões relacionadas à etiologia, à patogenia e ao controle desta importante enfermidade necessitam de maiores esclarecimentos. Nos últimos anos, o controle da ENA baseou-se na aplicação de antibióticos na ração animal, prática banida pelo mercado consumidor, que exigiu o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias de controle. Esta revisão aborda informações sobre a etiologia, a epizootiologia, a patogenia, o diagnóstico e o controle da doença, em especial a utilização de probióticos e vacinas como alternativas de controle da ENA.

Avian Necrotic Enteritis is an acute enterotoxaemia that appears suddenly producing rapid deaths, affecting mainly young animals. Although its negative impact in poultry production is already known, factors related to etiology, pathogenesis and control of this important disease need better clarifications. For a long time its control was based on the use of antibiotics in poultry feed, whose the use was banned by several consumer markets, requiring the development of new control strategies. Informations on the etiology, epizootiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and control are reviewed, emphasizing the role of probiotics and vaccines as control alternatives.

Influência da qualidade da casca do ovo sobre índices de produtividade de um incubatório industrial / Influence of the eggshell quality on an industrial hatchery productivity indices

Visando a melhorar a produtividade, muitas empresas do mercado avícola incubam a maioria dos ovos produzidos nas granjas, incluindo aqueles com problemas de casca. Para avaliar as conseqüências dessa prática, foram estudados os índices de produtividade de 6992 ovos das linhagens Ross e Cobb, agrupados em cinco categorias, segundo a integridade e a qualidade da casca e o local de postura: controle, trincados, deformados, trincados lavados e deformados lavados. Determinaram-se índices de fertilidade, eclodibilidade, mortalidade embrionária e contaminação. Os índices de eclodibilidade dos ovos deformados foram menores que os trincados e controle (P<0,001), seguidos dos trincados, também menores que os controles (P<0,001). Não houve efeito do lavado dentro dos grupos (P>0,05). O maior índice de contaminação e de mortalidade embrionária foi nos ovos deformados (24,3 por cento e 45,4 por cento) e deformados lavados (36,1 por cento e 34,0 por cento). Os resultados sugerem que se deve dar preferência ao descarte de ovos deformados, independentemente do lavado e do local de postura quando se procura aumento da eficiência em incubatórios industriais.

To increase productivity rates, many industries of the poultry market hatch most of the eggs produced in the farm, including those with damaged shells. Aiming at evaluating the implications of this practice in the productivity of industrial hatcheries, fertility, eclosion, mortality and contamination rates of 6992 eggs from the Ross and Cobb breeds, were studied. The eggs were allocated in five groups: control, crashed, deformed, washed crashed and washed deformed. Eclosion rates were lower in deformed eggs than in crashed and control eggs (P<0.001), followed by crashed eggs, that were also lower than controls (P<0.001). Washing had no effect within the groups (P>0.05). Contamination and mortality rates increased in deformed (24.3 percent and 45.4 percent) and washed deformed eggs (36.1 percent and 34.0 percent). The results suggest that deformed eggs should be preferentially eliminated from hatching.

Development of a tubular fluoride potentiometric detector for flow analysis: evaluation and analytical applications.

In this work a construction procedure for tubular fluoride electrode to be used in flow systems is outlined. The electrode was constructed from a commercially available, LaF3 single crystal. Principal advantages of the flow detector presented include simplicity of construction, robustness, durability, low cost and easy coupling into any point of a flow manifold. Evaluation of the intrinsic working characteristics of the potentiometric detector in a low dispersion manifold is presented with respect to analytical and dynamic parameters. The constructed detector has similar working characteristics to those of the conventional fluoride electrodes, namely the detection limit, lower limit of linear response and operational pH range. The analytical usefulness of the constructed device was assessed in a flow system developed for fluoride determination in toothpaste, tablet, collutory and water samples for which the reference procedures suggest the determination of fluoride ion with a conventional ion selective electrode.

Probióticos em avicultura / Probiotics in aviculture

Durante os últimos anos, o incremento de toxinfecções alimentares em humanos pela ingestão de produtos avícolas contaminados com bactérias, sugeriu que produtos oriundos de aves portadoras dessas bactérias podem veiculá-las ao consumidor, provocando doenças entéricas em humanos. Essas observações e a restrição, por parte do mercado consumidor, ao uso de antimicrobianos na produção animal, aumentaram o interesse mundial pelos probióticos e, conseqüentemente, o número de pesquisas realizadas. Esta revisão mostra os avanços e a situação em que se encontram os probióticos em relação à indústria avícola.