Abstract Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) muscle hardness has been related to hydroxylysyl-pyridinoline (HP) formation (collagen fibre stabilization) via condensation of oxidized ε-amino groups of lysine and/or hydroxylysine by lysyl oxidase (LOX). Previously published literature has suggested the presence of LOX isoforms in squid muscle. Thus, the objective of the present research was to test the hypothesis that squid LOX isoforms exist in fresh mantle muscle. A semi-pure LOX extract (SPLE) was used to perform an immunoblotting assay using two commercial human-LOX antibodies. Furthermore, SPLE (specific activity of 20 mU/mg of protein) was tested in vitro for possible HP formation using several collagenous materials. Immunoblotting assay confirmed the presence of squid LOX at 32 kDa and its isoforms at 34 kDa and 24 kDa. Although LOX oxidized ε-amino groups on collagenous materials, no HP formation was detected. However, the latter could promote interesting collagen functional modifications.

Abstract Wine is a worldwide known beverage, and even though its consumption has been associated with the reduction of heart diseases and the extent of lifespan, it also has compounds that might cause adverse effects on human health such as methanol and acetaldehyde. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of time, temperature, and pectic enzymes over wine methanol and acetaldehyde concentrations during vinification. Three temperatures (20, 30, and 35 °C) and three pectic enzyme concentrations (0, 9, and 18 µL/Kg) were tested, allowing fermentation to stop due to sugar depletion. Both methanol and acetaldehyde were quantified throughout the fermentation process. Temperature reduced methanol production, observing the lowest methanol concentration (53.543 ± 3.267 mg/100 mL of wine) at 35 °C in the absence of pectic enzyme. Acetaldehyde was not affected by these variables. Alcohol, methanol, and acetaldehyde concentrations were adjusted to mathematical models with high correlations.

Resumen El vino es una bebida conocida a nivel mundial, y aun cuando su consumo ha sido asociado a la reducción de enfermedades cardiacas y la extensión de la esperanza de vida, también posee compuestos que pueden tener efectos adversos a la salud humana tales como el metanol y el acetaldehído. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto del tiempo, temperatura y la adición de enzimas pécticas en las concentraciones de metanol y acetaldehído durante el proceso de vinificación. Se utilizaron temperaturas (20, 30 y 35ºC) y tres concentraciones de enzimas pécticas (0, 9 y 18 µL/Kg), dejando que la fermentación se detuviera por el agotamiento del azúcar. Tanto el metanol como el acetaldehído fueron cuantificados durante el proceso de fermentación. La temperatura redujo la producción del metanol, observándose la concentración más baja (53.543 ± 3.267 mg/100 mL de vino) a los 35ºC en la ausencia de enzimas pécticas. El acetaldehído no se ve afectado por las variables. Se ajustaron el alcohol, metanol y acetaldehído a modelación matemática con altos valores de correlación.

Abstract Aspergillus and Fusarium are the fungi genera most frequently isolated from cereal grains and other commodities. They are capable of producing mycotoxins, which can affect the human and animal health. Synthetic fungicides have been used to control these fungi, nevertheless, they have acquired resistance and other alternatives are necessary since they now need higher amounts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cinnamon, clove and thyme essential oils (EOs) alone and encapsulated in chitosan on the radial growth, spore germination and mycotoxin production by Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus parasiticus. The composition of the EOs was determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). EOs inhibited radial growth and spore germination of both fungal species better than when they were encapsulated, plus, they reduced mycotoxin production. The major components were eugenol in cinnamon and clove EO (70 and 63%, respectively) and 2-methyl-5-(1-methyethyl)-phenol (46.2%) in thyme EO. The microparticles with clove and thyme EO showed good surface charges, higher than +30 mV and their average size for the three types of microparticles was about 750 nm. Our findings suggest that EOs both alone and encapsulated in chitosan have a fungistatic effect on Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus parasiticus.

Abstract: Some medicinal plants have been studied on phytopathogenic fungi for their antifungal activity. For this reason the goal of this study was to evaluate methanolic extract of Jacquinia macrocarpa and Krameria erecta on radial growth, spore germination, biomass production of Fusarium verticillioides. Methanolic extract of J. macrocarpa which caused the best results was sequentially partitioned with hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Only the butanolic fraction was active. It delayed the spore germination and the colony growth changed from radial to apical, which is a way to express it is under pressure due to chemicals present in the fraction. Fumonisin production was not affected by the extract. We conclude that J. macrocarpa methanolic extract and its butanolic fraction are capable to delay the radial growth of F. verticillioides and the kinetic of spore germination and do not affect fumonisin production.

Resumen: Algunas plantas medicinales han sido estudiadas sobre hongos fitopatógenos para conocer si tienen propiedades antifúngicas, por ello en este estudio se evaluaron los extractos metanólicos de hojas de Jacquinia macrocarpa y Krameria erecta sobre el crecimiento radial, germinación de esporas y producción de biomasa por Fusarium moniliforme en medio agar papa dextrosa. El extracto de J. macrocarpa que presentó mejores resultados fue particionado con hexano, acetato de etilo y n-butanol. Solo la fracción butanólica presentó actividad, ya que retardó la germinación de esporas y el crecimiento de las colonias cambió de radial a apical, que indica que el hongo está estresado. La producción de fumonisina no fue afectada por el extracto. Se concluye que el extracto metanólico de J. macrocarpa y su fracción butanólica son capaces de retardar el crecimiento de F. verticillioides in vitro y no afectan la producción de fumonisinas.