Abstract Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC) is a Brazilian cerrado fruit with great economic potential. It can be consumed in natura or as processed products like juices and pulps. The search for products with lower nutritional and sensorial changes led to the development of non-thermal techniques, where membrane processes stand out. The use of immobilized pectinolytic enzymes to reduce juices and pulps turbidity and viscosity has several advantages over the free enzymes use, such as the enzyme reduction costs and their reuse. The objective was the cagaita pulp hydrolysis optimization step using encapsulated commercial pectinase, the evaluation of its reuse in several cycles and its application in the microfiltration process. The activity of free commercial enzymes and encapsulated in calcium alginate in the pulp was evaluated, mainly the viscosity and turbidity reduction. The optimum conditions for hydrolysis with encapsulated enzymes were: temperature (30 °C), without stirring and enzymatic concentration (570 μL/L), considering the clarity increment and viscosity reduction. After 8 cycles, the encapsulated enzymes maintained 30% of its activity in reducing viscosity, resulting in the reuse possibility. The mean flow rate during the microfiltration (MF) of the hydrolyzed cagaita pulp with encapsulated enzymes was 13.4% higher than the non hydrolyzed pulp, indicating that enzymatic treatment was also efficient in process time reduction. Enzymes encapsulated can be applied by the juices and fruit pulps industries as a pre-process step for MF increasing the permeate flows, reducing operational and input costs.

Abstract Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is a plant with great importance in food security, especially in developing countries. Grown in more than 100 countries, it is nutritious and contains high levels of dietary fiber, minerals such as iron and vitamins A, B and C. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of two cultivars of yellow sweet potatoes Beauregard (biofortified) and Carrot (organic). The ORAC, ABTS and DPPH assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity of raw, bleached and dried sweet potatoes at 40, 50 and 60 o C. The results showed that ORAC assay revealed the highest values for antioxidant activity in all conditions of Beauregard and cv. Carrot were tested. Both cultvars can be be use to elaborate functional products as supplements among others. contributing to the consumption of pro-vitamin A rich foods.

Abstract The fruit of the jussara palm (Euterpe edulis M.) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is rich in anthocyanins, mainly 3-O-glucoside cyanidin and 3-O-rutinoside cyanidin, with high antioxidant capacity which can prevent different types of diseases. The aim of this review addresses aspects of the fruit, proximate composition, bioactive compounds, main methods for determining the antioxidant activity as well as phenolic compounds, fruit processing and some products with functional properties.

Abstract Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC) is a Brazilian cerrado fruit with great economic potential and can be consumed in natura or as processed products like juices and pulps. The search for products with lower nutritional and sensorial changes led to the non-thermal techniques development where membrane processes stand out. The use of immobilized pectinolytic enzymes to reduce juices and pulps turbidity and viscosity has advantages over free enzymes such as enzyme reduction costs and reuse. The objective was the hydrolysis optimization of cagaita pulp with encapsulated pectinase, evaluation of reuse in cycles and application in microfiltration (MF). The free commercial enzymes and encapsulated activity in calcium alginate in pulp was evaluated, viscosity and turbidity reduction. The optimum hydrolysis with encapsulated enzymes conditions were temperature (30 °C), without stirring, enzymatic concentration (570 μL/L), considering clarity increment and viscosity reduction. After 8 cycles, encapsulated enzymes maintained 30% of its activity in reducing viscosity and reuse possibility. Microfiltration flow rate of hydrolyzed pulp with encapsulated enzymes was 13.4% higher than the nonhydrolyzed, indicating that enzymatic hydrolysis was efficient in time reduction. Encapsulated enzymes can be applied in juices and pulps as a pre-process for increasing the permeate flows, reducing operational and input costs.

Abstract Biofortification is an important technique where the nutritional quality of food crops is enriched through the increase of nutrient content. Provitamin A deficiency is still a public health concern mainly in developing countries. Since beta-carotene is a vitamin A precursor, the increase of this compound in foods through biofortification is a manner to reach people under hidden hunger condition. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different cooking styles on carotenoids content and antioxidant activity of two different genotypes of biofortified Cucurbita moschata. In the present study, biofortified pumpkins submitted to different cooking conditions were assessed for antioxidant activity by ABTS, DPPH, β-carotene/linoleic acid systems and have polyphenols and carotenoids content compared. The cooking style affected the antioxidant activity. Pumpkins from genotype 1 showed high levels of carotenoids, α-carotene and all-E-β-carotene compared to samples from genotype 2. There was an increase of all carotenoids in both cooked pumpkins, and steam cooking showed the highest retention percentages. Steam cooking presented a higher percentage of carotenoid retention. Pumpkin consumption in developing countries, especially in the Northeast Brazil may be promoted to combat vitamin A deficiency.

Abstract Beans are a vital food for the population around the world because it contains a relatively high amount of protein, vitamins, fiber, and minerals, being an important vegetable source of iron, particularly when combined with ascorbic acid and cysteine. The starch content in the seed is between 45 and 60%. This paper evaluated the granular structure of starches from common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in raw and cooked forms by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and their crystallinity by X-ray diffraction (DR-X). By SEM, was observed the occurrence of gelatinization phenomenon in cowpea and carioca beans, and the resistance to this event in black beans. By DR-X, the diffraction angles found in this work are more consistent with the classification of the standard polyphorm A. The Relative Crystallinity (RC) of black bean cowpea and carioca beans, observed by X-ray diffraction, varied significantly.

Abstract Despite the high catalytic properties of pectinases, the utilization of free enzymes always presents some hindrances such as low stability, a difficulty for product recovery and the impossibility of continuous use. Enzyme encapsulation is one of the methods used to overcome these limitations; however, some kind of effect is expected to occur on its catalytic activity. The objective of this work was to study the parameters involved in the process of encapsulation of a commercial pectinase product in calcium alginate and the effect of this encapsulation on its catalytic activity. The effect of the parameters of sodium alginate, calcium chloride, enzyme concentration and reaction time on enzymatic activity and encapsulation yield were also evaluated. The effect of pH and temperature on the activity of the free and encapsulated enzyme was studied. The highest yield of immobilization was obtained with a concentration of enzyme solution of 4%. Free and encapsulated enzymes showed similar behavior regarding the catalytic activity. The encapsulated enzyme had a narrower pH range (pH 4.0) than the free enzyme (pH 3.0 to 5.0). Besides, the encapsulated enzyme showed an increase in the stability in the pH range between 7 and 8 and above 10 to 12.

Abstract The relation between oxidative stress and inflammation induced by diseases and exercise has increased the interest in the benefits of antioxidant supplements in the improvement of health and physical and mental performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of açai gel in reducing oxidative stress in individuals engaged in physical activities as well as their acceptance. Sensory evaluation was performed to determine its acceptability and the biochemical parameters related to immune profile and biomarkers of muscle, liver and oxidative stress, with and without the use of gel were evaluated. The appearance, sweetness and overall impression of the açai gel were considered good. It was observed a significant increase in CK enzyme, without the gel as well as the oxidative stress biomarkers, it was observed that the MDA (with and without gel) a significant increase (p < 0.05). Through biochemical evaluation, it is concluded that the gel provided protection for some of parameters studied, since it modulated the immunological parameter reducing the lymphocyte activity and muscular stress. However, more studies must be carried out with a larger number of individuals to confirm the gel functionality.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a acuidade visual para perto das pessoas que preparam doses de insulina. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado em 20 Unidades Básicas de Saúde, no período de abril de 2013 a janeiro de 2015. A amostra por conveniência foi constituída por 65 pacientes com diabetes mellitus e 35 cuidadores responsáveis pelo preparo da dose de insulina. Utilizou-se um formulário contendo variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, e o cartão de Jaeger. Resultados A acuidade visual para perto no preparo de doses de insulina estava diminuída em 40% nos pacientes e 20% nos cuidadores. Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre acuidade visual para perto diminuída e classe econômica (p=0,032) e faixa etária (p=0,024) para pacientes, e acuidade visual para perto diminuída e idade (p=0,024) para os cuidadores. Conclusão A acuidade visual para perto esteve comprometida e há necessidade de construção de protocolos específicos que possam ser utilizados na Atenção Primária.

Abstract Objective To assess the near visual acuity of people who prepare insulin doses. Methods Cross-sectional study developed at 20 Primary Health Care services between April 2013 and January 2015. The convenience sample consisted of 65 diabetes mellitus patients and 35 caregivers responsible for preparing the insulin dose. A form was used with sociodemographic and clinical variables and the Jaeger eye chart. Results The near visual acuity in the preparation of insulin doses was 40% lower in the patients and 20% in the caregivers. A statistically significant association was found between reduced near visual acuity and economic class (p=0.032) and age range (p=0.024) for patients, and reduced near visual acuity and age (p=0.024) for caregivers. Conclusion The near visual acuity was compromised and specific protocols need to be constructed for use in Primary Health Care.

Abstract Objective To assess the near visual acuity of people who prepare insulin doses. Methods Cross-sectional study developed at 20 Primary Health Care services between April 2013 and January 2015. The convenience sample consisted of 65 diabetes mellitus patients and 35 caregivers responsible for preparing the insulin dose. A form was used with sociodemographic and clinical variables and the Jaeger eye chart. Results The near visual acuity in the preparation of insulin doses was 40% lower in the patients and 20% in the caregivers. A statistically significant association was found between reduced near visual acuity and economic class (p=0.032) and age range (p=0.024) for patients, and reduced near visual acuity and age (p=0.024) for caregivers. Conclusion The near visual acuity was compromised and specific protocols need to be constructed for use in Primary Health Care.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a acuidade visual para perto das pessoas que preparam doses de insulina. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado em 20 Unidades Básicas de Saúde, no período de abril de 2013 a janeiro de 2015. A amostra por conveniência foi constituída por 65 pacientes com diabetes mellitus e 35 cuidadores responsáveis pelo preparo da dose de insulina. Utilizou-se um formulário contendo variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, e o cartão de Jaeger. Resultados A acuidade visual para perto no preparo de doses de insulina estava diminuída em 40% nos pacientes e 20% nos cuidadores. Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre acuidade visual para perto diminuída e classe econômica (p=0,032) e faixa etária (p=0,024) para pacientes, e acuidade visual para perto diminuída e idade (p=0,024) para os cuidadores. Conclusão A acuidade visual para perto esteve comprometida e há necessidade de construção de protocolos específicos que possam ser utilizados na Atenção Primária.

Carotenoids have antioxidant activity, but few are converted by the body into retinol, the active form of vitamin A. Among the 600 carotenoids with pro-vitamin A activity, the most common are α- and β-carotene. These carotenoids are susceptible to degradation (e.g., isomerization and oxidation) during cooking. The aim of this study was to assess the total carotenoid, α- and β-carotene, and 9 and 13-Z- β-carotene isomer contents in C. moschata after different cooking processes. The raw pumpkin samples contained 236.10, 172.20, 39.95, 3.64 and 0.8610 µg.g- 1 of total carotenoids, β-carotene, α-carotene, 13-cis-β-carotene, and 9-Z-β-carotene, respectively. The samples cooked in boiling water contained 258.50, 184.80, 43.97, 6.80, and 0.77 µg.g- 1 of total carotenoids, β-carotene, α-carotene, 13-Z-β-carotene, and 9-Z-β-carotene, respectively. The steamed samples contained 280.77, 202.00, 47.09, 8.23, and 1.247 µg.g- 1 of total carotenoids, β-carotene, α-carotene,13-Z-β-carotene, and 9-Z-β-carotene, respectively. The samples cooked with added sugar contained 259.90, 168.80, 45.68, 8.31, and 2.03 µg.g- 1 of total carotenoid, β-carotene, α-carotene, 13-Z- β-carotene, and 9-Z- β-carotene, respectively. These results are promising considering that E- β-carotene has 100% pro-vitamin A activity. The total carotenoid and carotenoid isomers increased after the cooking methods, most likely as a result of a higher availability induced by the cooking processes.

A lima ácida pode ser utilizada sob a forma in natura, como suco e para agregar sabor a bebidas. Portanto, é necessário avaliar diferenças na composição nutricional entre limas provenientes de cultivos orgânicos e convencionais. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na acidez titulável total, pH, ácido ascórbico, sacarose, cálcio e zinco. Entretanto, os frutos orgânicos biodinâmicos apresentaram maior percentual de cascas e menor rendimento de suco do que os frutos convencionais. Por outro lado, os teores de frutose, glicose, sólidos solúveis totais, potássio, manganês, ferro e cobre foram mais elevados nos frutos orgânicos do que nos convencionais. Estes resultados indicam que existem poucas diferenças nutricionais entre limas ácidas convencionais e orgânicas biodinâmicas. Entretanto, os sucos provenientes de cultivo biodinâmico podem ser uma boa alternativa para escolha tendo em vista serem livres de pesticidas e outros agentes tóxicos, que podem causar danos à saúde humana, mantendo níveis próximos de importantes compostos nutricionais.

Acid lime can be used as fresh fruit or as juice to increase the flavor of drinks. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze organic acid lime nutritional composition in order to evaluate if there are important differences among those conventionally produced. No significant differences in total titrable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, sucrose, calcium, and zinc were found between the acid lime juice from organic biodynamic crops and conventional crops. However, the organic biodynamic fruits presented higher peel percentage than the conventional ones leading to lower juice yield. On the other hand, fructose, glucose, total soluble solids contents, potassium, manganese, iron, and copper were higher in the conventional samples. These results indicated few nutritional differences between organic and conventional acid lime juices in some constituents. Nevertheless, fruit juice from biodynamic crops could be a good choice since it is free from pesticides and other agents that cause problems to human health maintaining the levels similar to those of important nutritional compounds.

O poli-(cloreto de vinila) (PVC) necessita da adição de plastificantes, que são aditivos que conferem flexibilidade e maleabilidade para a sua transformação em filme flexível. Os mais utilizados são o adipato de di-(2-etil-hexila) (DEHA) e o ftalato de di-(2-etil-hexila) (DEHP). Efeitos tóxicos do DEHP foram observados por vários autores. Em virtude dos possíveis efeitos toxicológicos dos ftalatos, esses estão sendo substituídos por substâncias alternativas em produtos flexíveis de PVC. O DEHA é um substituto dos ftalatos amplamente utilizado como plastificante em filmes de PVC para materiais que envolvam alimentos. Alguns autores demonstraram que a exposição ao DEHA também causa toxicidade. Realizou-se um estudo seccional para identificar os alimentos gordurosos com possibilidades de contaminação por DEHA e DEHP. Foram determinados 18 alimentos diferentes, com no mínimo 3% (m/m) de gordura e com a possibilidade de acondicionamento em filme de PVC. Esse estudo sugeriu que todos os alimentos estavam passíveis de contaminações por DEHA e DEHP naquelas condições, na ordem de consumo decrescente de 96% a 22% na amostra de conveniência. Novas orientações com relação aos limites estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira de DEHA e DEHP, como aditivos em filmes de PVC para acondicionar alimentos gordurosos, continuam pertinentes para assegurar a saúde humana.

Poly-(vinyl chloride) (PVC) requires the addition of plasticizers - additives that give flexibility and malleability for its processing into flexible film. The most used ones are: di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Toxic effects of DEHP have been observed by several authors. Phthalates are being replaced by alternative substances in PVC flexible products, because of their possible toxicological effects. DEHA is a substitute for phthalates widely used as a plasticizer in PVC materials for involving food. Some authors have shown that the exposure to DEHA also induces toxicity. A cross-sectional study was performed to identify which fatty foods carry the possibility of contamination by DEHP and DEHA. Eighteen different foods with at least 3% (m/m) fat and the possibility of being wrapped in plastic film were determined. This study suggested that all foods were subject to contamination by DEHP and DEHA in those conditions - in decreasing consumption order of 96 to 22% in the convenience sample. New guidelines on the limits of DEHA and DEHP established by the Brazilian legislation, as additives in PVC film for packaging fatty food, are still relevant to ensure human health.

No presente trabalho, suco de abacaxi foi inicialmente hidrolisado com enzima comercial (Ultrazym 100 G) e clarificado por microlfitração. Utilizou-se membrana tubular de polietersulfona com tamanho médio de poro de 0,3 µm e área total de filtração de 0,05 m². Foram aplicadas pressões de transmembrana de 1,5 e 3,0 bar, respectivamente, e os processos foram conduzidos à temperatura ambiente. Os resultados revelaram que os fluxos de suco permeado foram de 57,77 L/m²/horas (1,5 bar) e 46,85 L/m²/horas (3,0 bar). O fenômeno de polarização de concentração e o fouling foram observados durante os processos. Os melhores fluxos de suco clarificado foram obtidos utilizando-se a pressão de transmembrana menos elevada (1,5 bar).

In the present work, pineapple juice was first hydrolyzed with a commercial pectinase (Ultrazym 100 G) and then clarified by microfiltration. A tubular polyethersulfone membrane with an average cut-off of 0.3 µm and a total effective filtration area of 0.05 m² was applied. The transmembrane pressures were 1.5 and 3.0 bar, respectively, and the processes was conducted at room temperature. The results showed that the pineapple juice permeate fluxes were of 57.77 L/m²/hours (1.5 bar) and 46.85 L/m²/hours (3.0 bar). Concentration polarization and possibly fouling occurred during the processes. The best clarified juice fluxes were obtained when low transmembrane pressures (1.5 bar) were applied.

Diante do interesse de analisar substâncias voláteis pelo método de Microextração em Fase Sólida (MEFS), foram testadas cinco microfibras de polidimetilsiloxano - PDMS; poliacrilato - PA; polidimetilsiloxano/divinilbenzeno - PDMS/DVB; carboxen/polidimetilsiloxano CAR/PMDS e carbowax/divinilbenzeno - CW/DVB no presente trabalho, a fim de selecionar a microfibra de melhor desempenho para a adsorção das substâncias voláteis presentes no headspace das amostras de suco de lima ácida (Citrus latifolia, Tanaka) cv. Tahiti, obtida por cultivo biodinâmico. As microfibras selecionadas foram PDMS/DVB e PDMS, por apresentarem cromatogramas com maior número de componentes, onde não houve adição prévia de NaCl. A seguir, as microfibras de PDMS/DVB e PDMS foram avaliadas variando-se o tempo de estabilização da amostra (30 e 60 minutos), bem como a adição de NaCl. Verificou-se que o cromatograma com mais substâncias voláteis adsorvidas foi obtido com o uso da microfibra de PDMS/DVB, no tempo de 30 minutos e com a adição de 0,2 g de NaCl.

In view of the interest in analyzing volatile compounds by SPME, the following five microfibers were tested, polydimethylsiloxane; polyacrylate; polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene; carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane, and carbowax/divinylbenzene, to select the one which presents the best performance for the adsorption of the volatile compounds present in the headspace of acid lime juice samples. Sample stabilization time variations (30 and 60 minutes) were assessed as well the addition of NaCl to the samples. It was verified that the chromatogram with the most adsorbed volatile compounds was obtained with PDMS/DVB microfiber at 30 minutes and the addition of 0.2 g NaCl.