Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, Phenolic Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Raw and Germinated Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds.

The consumption of chia seeds has become popular due to their beneficial health properties and the germination of chia seeds seems to further enhance these properties. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the nutritional composition of chia seeds after germination for 3 and 6 days. Chemical composition, fatty acid profile, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were determined. The indices of lipid quality, atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, and the n-6/n-3 ratio were calculated. Chia sprouts presented a significant increase in minerals, proteins, and a reduction in total lipid content with maintenance of lipid quality. Total phenolic content decreased significantly as germination time increased, but there was a significant increase in the amount of rosmarinic acid. Chia sprouts showed a significant increase in antioxidant potential when compared to raw chia seeds. As a conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that chia seed germination is a simple, economical, and short-term process capable of improving the nutritional composition of the seeds.

Growth and functional leaf traits of coppice regrowth of Bertholletia excelsa during an El Niño event in the central Amazon / Crescimento e características funcionais foliares de rebrotas de Bertholletia excelsa durante um evento de El Niño na Amazônia Central

The most severe drought of this century in the Amazon rainforest, which was caused by El Niño, occurred from 2015 to 2016. With a focus on the ecophysiology of the regrowth of the Brazil nut tree, Bertholletia excelsa, it was investigated how the progression of the drought of 2015-2016 affected the physiological traits of the coppice regrowth of B. excelsa. The experiment was carried out in a ten-year-old plantation of Brazil nut trees, which had been subjected to thinning and coppice regrowth two years earlier. In the sprouts grown on the stumps of cut trees, the following treatments were applied: (T1) thinning to one sprout per stump; (T2) thinning to two sprouts per stump, and (T3) maintenance of three sprouts per stump. Thinning treatments did not alter the growth and ecophysiological traits of the Brazil nut tree sprouts, though the phosphorus content of the leaves was higher in T1. However, the progression of the drought in 2015-2016 negatively affected the growth (height) and gas exchange of sprouts of all treatments. In addition, an increase of around 37% was observed in the intrinsic wateruse efficiency. Concerning photochemical performance, no alterations were observed. Therefore, drought stress promoted a negative effect on sprout growth and affected traits related to the photosynthesis of the B. excelsa sprouts independently of the number of sprouts per stump.(AU)

A seca mais severa deste século na floresta amazônica, causada por El Niño, ocorreu de 2015 a 2016. Com foco na ecofisiologia da rebrota da castanheira da Amazônia, foi investigado como a progressão da seca de 2015-2016 afetou as características fisiológicas das rebrotas de uma talhadia de B. excelsa. O experimento foi realizado em uma plantação de castanheiras com dez anos, a qual havia sido submetida a um desbaste e rebrota de talhadia dois anos antes. Nas rebrotas crescidas sobre os tocos das árvores cortadas foram aplicados os seguintes tratamentos: (T1) desbrota para manter um broto por cepa; (T2) desbrota para manter dois brotos por cepa; e (T3) manutenção de três brotos por cepa. Os tratamentos de desbrota não alteraram o crescimento e as características ecofisiológicas dos brotos da castanheira, exceto para o teor foliar de fósforo, que foi maior em T1. Porém, a progressão da seca em 2015-2016 afetou negativamente o crescimento em altura e as trocas gasosas dos brotos de todos os tratamentos. Além disso, foi observado um aumento de cerca de 37% na eficiência intrínseca do uso da água. Quanto ao desempenho fotoquímico, não foram observadas alterações. Portanto, o estresse hídrico promoveu efeito negativo no crescimento da brotação e afetou características relacionadas à fotossíntese das brotações de B. excelsa, independentemente do número de brotações por cepa.(AU)

Inhibition of tuber sprouting in potato cultivars Asterix and Challenger by 1 4-dimethylnaphthalene / Inibição da brotação dos tubérculos das cultivares de batata Asterix e Challenger pelo 1 4-dimetilnaftaleno

The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of 1,4-dimethylnapthalene in suppressing sprouting and the consequent maintenance of the quality of potato tubers of Asterix and Challenger cultivars, at different temperatures and storage regimes. Six treatments were tested, with and without 1.4-DNM, at temperatures of 8 ° C and 20 ° C. Assessments were made at 0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 days after application. The parameters evaluated were: number of sprouts, levels of total soluble sugars, levels of reducing and non-reducing sugars and coloration of potato strips after frying. The effects of 1.4-DMN on the quality control of potatoes resulted in sprout control and lower levels of total soluble sugars and reducing sugars, especially in the Challenger cultivar and at a temperature of 20 ºC.

Objetivou-se com este estudo verificar a eficiência do 1,4-dimetilnaftaleno na supressão da brotação e a consequente manutenção da qualidade de tubérculos de batata das cultivares Asterix e Challenger, em diferentes temperaturas e tempos de armazenamento. Foram testados seis tratamentos, com e sem 1,4-DNM, nas temperaturas de 8 °C e 20 °C. As avaliações foram feitas aos 0, 45, 90, 135 e 180 dias após a aplicação. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: número de brotos, teores de açúcares solúveis totais, teores de açúcares redutores, e não redutores, e coloração dos palitos de batata após a fritura. Os efeitos do 1,4-DMN no controle da qualidade das batatas resultaram no controle da brotação e em menores teores de açúcares solúveis totais e de açúcares redutores, sobretudo na cultivar Challenger e à temperatura de 20 ºC.

Effect of Hydroponic Wheat Sprout on the Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Lipid Profiles of Broilers

The aim of present study was to understand the dietary effect of hydroponic wheat sprout (WS) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and lipid profiles of broiler chickens. Two independent feeding trials were conducted using Cobb 500 broiler DOC for the period of 0 to 32 days. In the first trail, 264 DOC were allocated into 4 treatments having 3 replications per treatment and 22 birds per replication to find out the suitable inclusion level of WS. In second trial, 384 broiler DOC were allocated into 4 treatments having 6 replications per treatment and 16 birds in each replication to assess the functional quality of WS. In first trial, the body weight (1692.33 g/bird), body weight gain (1644.96 g/bird) and FCR (1.47) were significantly (p<0.05) improved in the birds fed 50 g/kg WS compared to the other dietary groups but feed intake showed no significant (p<0.05) differences. Likewise, in second trial the birds fed commercial feed showed significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight (1649.50 g/bird) and weight gain (1601.88 g/bird) compared to the birds fed 50 g/kg WS. Feed intake and FCR showed no significance differences. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (p<0.05) lower (85.5 mg/dl and 84.32 mg/dl, respectively) however HDL was higher (111.86 mg/dl) in the birds received 50 g/kg WS. Taken all together, it can be concluded that the inclusion of 50 g/kg WS in broiler had positive effects on growth performance and blood lipid profile in commercial broilers.(AU)

Isoflavones from black chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) sprouts with antioxidant and antiproliferative activity.

Black chickpea is a good source of bioactive compounds, particularly isoflavones. Sprouting improves nutraceutical value in chickpea seeds. This study aimed to explore the role of sprouting of black chickpea seeds on the synthesis of isoflavones and evaluate the impact of the soluble isoflavone on cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and antiproliferative activity in breast cancer cells. Isoflavones were identified and quantified by HPLC-UV-MS. The CAA and antiproliferative activity were determined in HepG2 cells and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, correspondingly. In sprouted black chickpea, six isoflavones (formononetin, biochanin-A, and its glycosides) were identified and the total isoflavones content increased (0.31 to 35.72 µgBA/mg of extract). The CAA was increased five times from 137.2 to 788.2 µMEQ/100 g of sample. The bioactive compounds in sprouted chickpea decreased the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cell line. Also caused morphological changes such as cell shrinkage, rounding and nuclear fragmentation. The results herein suggest that bioactive compounds, as isoflavones, in sprouted black chickpea showed a potential antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. Therefore, it may be considered as a value-added product or ingredient for produce functional foods.

Lentil sprouts: a nutraceutical alternative for the elaboration of bread.

The pro-health action of germinated lentils could be useful to be added with wheat flour in the production of box bread. In this work, we spectroscopically evaluate the germinated and non-germinated lentils, and use them at the concentrations of 5 and 10% for the production of box bread. The chemical and physical tests of the bread and its determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids (by HPLC) were also performed. As well as the evaluation of the quality of flour and dough used to produce the bread and the acceptance of the germinated lentil bread with a population of 20 people with diabetes or with diabetic relatives It is shown that: (1) The amplitude of photoacoustic signal obtained by photoacoustic spectroscopy is modified as a function of the percentage of germinated lentil (GL) flour (0, 5 or 10%) add to the bread; being higher the photoacoustic amplitude to higher concentration of GL in the absorption band of 300-425 nm, which is related to higher content of phenols and flavonoids. (2) The contents of phenolic acids (Sinapinic, ß- resorcylic, Chlorogenic and Ferulic) and flavonoids (Quercetin and Isorhamnetin) tended to increase in the germinated lentil bread with 10% concentration of germinated lentil flour with respect to the control bread (0% GL). (3) The addition of germinated lentils flour to 5 and 10% into wheat flour to produce bread with higher hardness and less cohesiveness than bread based on wheat flour only. The Falling number indicate that there is no significant difference between the control sample and the 5% GL flour, while in the 10% GL flour there was a reduction of 21 s, with respect to the control. The effect of the germinated lentil flour percentage on the pasting properties of the flours was significant between the control and 10% GL flour. In general, the quality of the dough and flour are modified due to the addition of germinates lentils, and this affectation increases with the increase in the concentration of GL. (4) The bread added with germinated lentil has sensory acceptance with a group of people with diabetes and/or diabetic relatives in their attributes in general. The obtained results thus support the production of wheat bread with mixed germinated lentils flour, as a nutraceutical option for human consumption.

[Leafy vegetables as potential transmitters of Norovirus in Cordoba city, Argentina.] / Vegetales de hojas como potenciales transmisores de Norovirus en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina.

Introduction: The Norovirus (NoV) constitute a genus within the viral family Caliciviridae, being the main cause of outbreaks of food origin among humans. Fresh vegetables are susceptible to being contaminated with these pathogens during their cultivation, harvest, transport, processing and handling. So it was intended to determine the frequency of detection of NoV in plant samples of leaves of the City of Córdoba, and adapt a method of viral concentration with polyethylene glycol for the recovery of viral particles from the surface of vegetables and characterize the genogroups of NoV detected. Methods: 19 samples of leafy vegetables were taken between June and December 2012. A viral concentration technique previously validated in the laboratory was applied (elution and precipitation with polyethylene glycol). The viral RNA was extracted to the concentrates of the samples using Trizol and precipitation with isopropyl alcohol. The nucleic acid was amplified by Rt-PCR with specific primers to identify genogroups I (GI) and II (GII). The products of the amplification were revealed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. Results: We found 57.89% positive samples. Ten of the detected strains belonged to genogroup I (GI) and one to genogroup II (GII). They were identified throughout the study period, particularly during the months of August, September and November. Conclusion: These pathogens were detected with a prevalence of 57.89%. The strains belonged mainly to the GI, representing a potential risk for the population.

Introducción: Los Norovirus (NoV) constituyen un género dentro de la familia viral Caliciviridae, siendo el principal causante de brotes de origen alimentario entre humanos. Los vegetales frescos son susceptibles de ser contaminados con estos patógenos durante su cultivo, cosecha, transporte, procesamiento y manipulación. Por lo que se pretendió determinar la frecuencia de detección de NoV en muestras vegetales de hojas de la Ciudad de Córdoba, y adaptar un método de concentración viral con polietilenglicol para la recuperación de partículas virales de la superficie de vegetales y caracterizar los genogrupos de NoV detectados. Métodos: Se tomaron 19 muestras de vegetales de hoja entre junio y diciembre de 2012. Se aplicó una técnica de concentración viral validada previamente en el laboratorio (elución y precipitación con polietilenglicol). A los concentrados de las muestras se les extrajo el ARN viral utilizando Trizol y precipitación con alcohol isopropílico. Se amplificó el ácido nucleico por Rt-PCR con primers específicos para identificar genogrupos I (GI) y II (GII). Los productos de la amplificacion fueron revelados por electroforesis en geles de poliacrilamida y tinción argéntica. Resultados: Se encontraron 57,89% muestras positivas. Diez de las de cepas detectadas pertenecieron al genogrupo I (GI) y una al genogrupo II (GII). Se identificaron a lo largo de todo el periodo estudio, particularmente durante los meses de agosto, septiembre y noviembre. Conclusión: Se detectó a estos patógenos con una prevalencia de 57,89 %. Las cepas pertenecieron mayoritariamente al GI, representando un riesgo potencial para la población.

Peaches phenology and production submitted to foliar nitrogen fertilizer and calcium nitrate / Fenologia e produção de pessegueiros submetidos à aplicação de fertilizante foliar nitrogenado e nitrato de cálcio

Choosing cultivars that require less chilling temperatures to overcome dormancy is crucial, for example, peaches that grow in subtropical areas, which is not an appropriate climate for them. Thus, alternative techniques are necessary to induce sprouting. Yet there are not many available products in market, restricting options for fruit growers to a reduced number of chemical molecules, which are often harm the health to applicators. Therefore, this study aimed to assess phenological cycles and productive performance of three peach cultivars, submitted to foliar nitrogen fertilizer and calcium nitrate to induce sprouting. This study took place at Experimental Orchard of School of Agriculture (FCA, UNESP), Botucatu, state of São Paulo. Three peach cultivars were evaluated: 'Douradão', 'BRS Kampai' and 'BRS Rubimel' by applying four doses of foliar nitrogen fertilizer (FNF) at 0, 1.25, 2.50 and 3.75%; associated with 4% calcium nitrate. A 3x4 factorial arrangement (3 cultivars X 4 FNF doses) in a randomized block design was used, with 4 replicates and 2 plants per plot, totalizing 96 plants. Results indicated that FNF positively affected cultivars development, providing wider sprouting, flowering and fruit set; consequently, greater production. Then FNF became a good alternative to induce sprouting in peaches at mild winter temperatures. Moreover, 'BRS Rubimel' presented high sowing percentage associated with low flowering and fruit set percentages, that is, low production mainly caused by its lack of adaptability to studied region

A escolha de cultivares mais adaptados, com menor exigência em acúmulo de horas de frio para superação da dormência, é fundamental para o cultivo do pessegueiro em regiões subtropicais. Uma vez que estas regiões não possuem condições ideais para o cultivo do pessegueiro, torna-se necessário a utilização de técnicas alternativas, como a aplicação de indutores de brotação. Entretanto, no mercado ainda existem poucos produtos disponíveis para esta finalidade, restringindo as opções do fruticultor a um número reduzido de moléculas químicas, que muitas vezes apresentam elevada toxicidade ao aplicador. Dentro deste contexto, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar os ciclos fenológicos e o desempenho produtivo de três cultivares de pessegueiro, submetidos à aplicação de fertilizante foliar nitrogenado e nitrato de cálcio para a indução da brotação das plantas. O trabalho foi realizado no pomar experimental da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas da Universidade Estadual Paulista, campus Botucatu, SP. Foram avaliados os cultivares de pessegueiro Douradão, BRS Kampai e BRS Rubimel e quatro doses de fertilizante foliar nitrogenado (FFN): 0; 1,25; 2,50 e 3,75%, associadas a 4% de nitrato de cálcio. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com 12 tratamentos, 4 repetições e 2 plantas por parcela, totalizando 96 plantas, em esquema fatorial, compreendendo 3 cultivares e 4 doses de FFN. O FFN afetou positivamente o desenvolvimento dos cultivares, proporcionando maior brotação, florescimento e fixação de frutos e, consequentemente, maior produção, configurando como boa alternativa para a indução de brotação de pessegueiros em regiões de inverno ameno. O cultivar BRSRubimel apresentou elevado percentual de brotação associado a baixos percentuais de florescimento e fixação de frutos, o que refletiu em menor produção, evidenciando sua menor adaptabilidade à região de Botucatu - SP.

Behavior of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, non-O157-shiga toxin-producing E. coli, enteroinvasive E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli and enterotoxigenic E. coli strains on mung bean seeds and sprout.

The behavior of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), non-O157 shiga toxin-producing E. coli (non-O157-STEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) on mung bean seeds at 25±2 °C and during germination and sprouting of mung bean seeds at 20±2 ° and 30±2 °C and on mung bean sprouts at 3±2 °C was determined. When mung bean seeds were inoculated with EAEC, non-O157 STEC, EIEC, EPEC or ETEC strains, all these diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes (DEPs) survived at least 90 days on mung bean seeds at 25±2 °C. All DEPs grew during germination and sprouting of seeds, reaching counts of approximately 5 Log and 7 Log CFU/g after 2 days at 20±2 ° and 30±2 °C, respectively. However, when the sprouts were inoculated after 1 day of seeds germination and stored at 20±2 ° or 30±2 °C, no growth was observed for any DEPs during sprouting at 20±2 °C per 9 d; however, a significant increase in the concentration of DEPs of approximately 0.7 log CFU/g was observed during sprouting at 30±2 °C after 1 day of sprout contamination. Refrigeration reduced the number of viable DEPs strains on sprouts after 10 days in storage; nevertheless, these decreases have no practical significance in the safety of the sprouts.