RESUMO
Salicornia ramosissima, commonly known as glasswort or sea asparagus, is a halophyte plant cultivated for human consumption that is often referred to as a sea vegetable rich in health-promoting n-3 fatty acids (FAs). Yet, the effect of abiotic conditions, such as salinity and temperature, on the FA profile of S. ramosissima remains largely unknown. These factors can potentially shape its nutritional composition and yield unique fatty acid signatures that can reveal its geographical origin. In this context, samples of S. ramosissima were collected from four different locations along the coastline of mainland Portugal and their FAs were profiled through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The lipid extracts displayed a high content of essential FAs, such as 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. In addition to an epoxide fatty acid exclusively identified in samples from the Mondego estuary, the relative abundance of FAs varied between origin sites, revealing that FA profiles can be used as site-specific lipid fingerprints. This study highlights the role of abiotic conditions on the nutritional profile of S. ramosissima and establishes FA profiling as a potential avenue to trace the geographic origin of this halophyte plant. Overall, the present approach can make origin certification possible, safeguard quality, and enhance consumers' trust in novel foods.
RESUMO
Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) cattle, a Brazilian local breed, are animals that are highly resistant to infectious and parasitic diseases. Strategies for the conservation of the breed and the genetic resistance to diseases should also consider the characteristics of the breed. The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity and population structure of the CPD breed using microsatellite markers and to correlate the serological profiles for causative agents of brucellosis, leptospirosis, neosporosis, leukosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, and bovine viral diarrhea. DNA samples of 608 bovines were amplified and genotyped using 28 microsatellite markers for breed characterization. The genotypes were assigned to three clusters, indicating a substructure population related to the geographic distance. The observed heterozygosity was lower than that expected in most loci, and fixation index (Fst) in the subpopulation values ranged from 0.03073 (ETH3) to 0.402 (INRA63) on cluster 1, from 0.00 (INRA32) to 0.39359 (INRA63) on cluster 2, and from 0.00 (INRA32) to 0.28483 (TGLA53) on cluster 3. The Brucella spp., Neospora caninum, and Bovine Leukemia Virus frequencies were significantly different (p < 0.05) between clusters. The differences between the occurrences of diseases were not sufficient to indicate a genetic subpopulation with increased resistance to infections.
RESUMO
ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the association between the habit of reading food labels and health related factors in elderly individuals who are members of social groups in the city of Governador Valadares, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods This cross-sectional study interviewed 141 individuals, members of elderly social groups. The socioeconomic and health profile was defined based on sex, age, marital status, educational level, disease occurrence, use of medication, physical exercise and self-perception of health. The habit of reading the food labels was assessed through the question: "Do you read the food label before purchasing or consuming the product?". In case of an affirmative answer, researchers asked which items from the labels were observed by the individual. Weekly food intake was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire and classified in scores. The anthropometric evaluation was based on the calculation and classification of the Body Mass Index. A multinomial logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with the habit of reading the labels, and it was considered significant when p<0.025. Results The habit of reading labels was reported by 72.3% of the participants, whom predominantly verified the product's expiration date (90.2%), followed by the amount of fat (18.4%) and sodium (16.7%) in it. This behavior was independently associated with a lower mean consumption of medicines, a lower per capita household consumption of sugar and a higher weekly frequency of per capita whole grain consumption. Conclusion The habit of reading the food labels is associated with a better health condition and with a healthier eating behavior among elderly individuals and it should be considered as an important nutritional strategy in this age group.
RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a associação entre hábito de leitura de rótulos de alimentos e fatores relacionados à saúde entre idosos participantes de grupos de convivência em Governador Valadares. Métodos Este estudo transversal entrevistou 141 idosos participantes de grupos de terceira idade. O perfil socioeconômico e de saúde foi definido pela identificação de sexo, idade, estado civil, escolaridade, ocorrência de doenças, uso de medicamentos, exercício físico e autopercepção da própria saúde. A leitura de rótulos foi avaliada pela pergunta: "O(A) Senhor(a) verifica o rótulo de alimentos antes de sua compra ou consumo?", questionando-se os itens avaliados em caso de resposta positiva. O consumo alimentar semanal foi avaliado por meio do questionário de frequência alimentar e classificado por meio de escores. A avaliação antropométrica se baseou no cálculo e classificação do Índice de Massa Corporal. A regressão logística multinomial foi utilizada para determinar fatores associados ao hábito de leitura de rótulos, adotando-se p<0,025 para significância da associação. Resultados O hábito de leitura de rótulos foi relatado por 72,3% dos entrevistados, que verificavam predominantemente prazo de validade (90,2%), teores de gorduras (18,4%) e sódio (16,7%). O mesmo se associou independentemente ao menor consumo mediano de medicamentos, menor consumo familiar per capita de açúcar e maior frequência de consumo semanal de cereais integrais. Conclusão O hábito de leitura de rótulos alimentares esteve associado a melhores condições de saúde e comportamentos alimentares mais saudáveis entre idosos da comunidade, devendo ser considerado como importante estratégia nutricional nesta faixa etária.
