Abstract A new juice market, consisting of mixtures of fruits, is expanding in the beverage segment, in order to increase even more the nutritional and sensory characteristics. In addition, in the preparation of juices, the option exists to replace water with coconut water. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize mixed juices based on coconut water and berries (strawberry, blackberry, and red raspberry), through the mixture design, desirability function, and response surface methodology. Mixed juices were evaluated by rheological, physical, physicochemical, sensory, and nutritional characteristics. The treatments produced with strawberry (50% or 100%) were preferred among the tasters, and the juices elaborated using blackberry contributed to higher viscosity, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and total anthocyanins. According to optimization, the mixed juices should contain 50-60% strawberry, 40% blackberry, and 0-10% raspberry. Thus, the mixed juices produced from these fruits have better characteristics than the juice of only one fruit type.

Abstract Faced with the need for greater knowledge of the different physalis species, the aim of this study was to characterize different Native American physalis species (Physalis peruviana L., Physalis pubescens L., Physalis angulata L., Physalis mínimos L. and Physalis ixocarpa Brot) as to their physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Besides that, in order to increase their use and add even more value to this fruit, we also evaluate the influence of these different species on the physicochemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of physalis jelly. In addition, this study evaluated the sensory acceptance of the combination of physalis jellies obtained from different species with brie-type cheese. The Peruviana, Pubences and Angulata, are highlighted for being the nutritionally richest species, with the highest levels of phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant. Moreover, they stand out for originating the most widely sensory accepted jellies, either in pure form or in combination with brie-type cheese.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different types of sugar (white refined sugar, white crystal sugar, demerara sugar, brown sugar and coconut sugar) on the physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of physalis (Physalis L) jelly. In addition, we evaluated the influence of the information on the acceptability of the product. It was found that the type of sugar greatly influences the physicochemical and rheological characteristics of physalis jelly which reflects differences in the product acceptability. Due to higher sensory acceptance, white refined, white crystal and demerara sugars are the most suitable for processing jellies. It was also found that the sugar type information and its benefits has no significant influence on sensory acceptance of physalis jelly and that consumers have a preference for a clearer, less sweet, more acidic and softer jelly.

Abstract To increase the availability to consumers and add more value to loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.), which is a very perishable and seasonal fruit, and in order to identify which cultivars grown in subtropical regions are more suitable for jelly processing, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different loquat cultivars (Fukuhara, Kurisaki, Mizumo, Mizuho and Mizauto) grown in subtropical regions of Brazil on the physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the resulting jelly. Based on sensory acceptance the most suitable loquat cultivars for jelly processing are Kurisaki and Mizuho. In this study it was found that the consumer prefers a more acidic, less sweet, less firm or softer loquat jelly, clearer with a more intense red color.

Introdução: Embora a maioria das infecções de HIV-1 no Brasil seja devido ao subtipo B, o Sul do Brasil apresenta uma alta prevalência do subtipo C e formas recombinantes, como CRF31_BC. Este estudo avaliou o impacto da diversidade viral na evolução clínica em uma coorte de pacientes HIV-positivos recém diagnosticados. Métodos: De julho/2004 a dezembro/2005, 135 pacientes anti-HIV reagentes foram recrutados. A região pol parcial foi subtipada por filogenia. Um modelo de equação de estimativa generalizada (GEE) foi utilizado para examinar a relação entre subtipo viral, contagem de células CD4 e níveis de carga viral pré-terapia antirretroviral. Hazard ratio (regressão de Cox) foi utilizada para avaliar os fatores associados à supressão viral (carga viral < 50 cópias/mL em seis meses). Resultados: Os principais subtipos de HIV-1 incluíram B (29,4%), C (28,2%) e CRF31_BC (23,5%). Os subtipos B e C apresentaram uma tendência semelhante no declínio de células CD4. Quando comparados os subtipos não B (C e CRF31_BC) e B, não houve diferença significativa na proporção de pacientes com supressão viral aos seis meses (24 semanas). CD4 mais alto e carga viral mais baixa demonstraram associação independente com supressão viral. Conclusão: Não houve diferença significativa entre os subtipos; entretanto, viremia mais baixa e CD4 mais alto pré-terapia mostraram associação com melhor resposta.

Background: Although most HIV-1 infections in Brazil are due to subtype B, Southern Brazil has a high prevalence of subtype C and recombinant forms, such as CRF31_BC. This study assessed the impact of viral diversity on clinical progression in a cohort of newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Methods: From July/2004 to December/2005, 135 HIV-infected patients were recruited. The partial pol region was subtyped by phylogeny. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to examine the relationship between viral subtype, CD4+ T cell count and viral load levels before antiretroviral therapy. Hazard ratio (Cox regression) was used to evaluate factors associated with viral suppression (viral load < 50 copies/mL at six months). Results: Main HIV-1 subtypes included B (29.4%), C (28.2%), and CRF31_BC (23.5%). Subtypes B and C showed a similar trend in CD4+ T cell decline. Comparison of non-B (C and CRF31_BC) and B subtypes revealed no significant difference in the proportion of patients with viral suppression at six months (week 24). Higher CD4+ T cell count and lower viral load were independently associated with viral suppression. Conclusion: No significant differences were found between subtypes; however, lower viral load and higher CD4+ T cell count before therapy were associated with better response.