ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the presence of B-complex vitamins and some physicochemical parameters in bee pollen samples from the southern Brazilian states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul and, then, to identify their correlations with the geographical and botanical origin of the samples using multivariate statistical techniques. B-complex vitamins were determined by HPLC and mean contents were 0.79 mg/100 g (vitamin B1), 0.88 mg/100 g (vitamin B2), 5.31 mg/100 g (sum of vitamin B3 vitamers) and 4.42 mg/100 g (sum of B6 vitamers). The physicochemical parameters of the samples were consistent with those reported in the literature. The results showed that bee pollen is an important source of B-complex vitamins and multivariate statistical exploratory techniques suggested its nutritional content should be evaluated locally.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la presencia de vitaminas del complejo B y algunos parámetros físico-químicos en muestras de polen apícola oriundas de los Estados del Sur de Brasil (Paraná, Santa Catarina y Rio Grande do Sul); y correlacionar estos resultados con el origen botánico y geográfico, usando un análisis estadístico multivariado. Las vitaminas del complejo B fueron determinadas por HPLC y su contenido fue de 0,79 mg/100 g (vitamina B1); 0,88 mg/100 g (vitamina B2); 5,31 mg/100 g (suma de los compuestos de vitamina B3); y 4,42 mg/100 g (suma de los compuestos de vitamina B6). Los parámetros físico-químicos de las muestras fueron consistentes con los reportados en la literatura. Los resultados mostraron que el polen apícola fue una fuente importante de vitaminas del complejo B, y las técnicas multivariadas sugirieron que su contenido nutricional debe ser evaluado localmente.

Abstract This study aimed to combine the nutritional advantages of whey and soybean by developing a type of chocolate beverage with water-soluble soybean extract dissolved in whey. Different concentrations of thickeners (carrageenan, pectin and starch – maximum level of 500 mg.100 mL-1) were tested by a simplex-centroid design. Several physicochemical, rheological, and sensory properties of the beverages were measured and a multi-response optimization was conducted aiming to obtain a whey and soybean beverage with increased overall sensory impression and maximum purchase intention. Beverages presented mean protein levels higher than 3.1 g.100 mL-1, a low content of lipids (< 2 g.100 mL-1) and total soluble solids ≥20 g.100 mL-1. Response surface methodology was applied and the proposed for overall impression and purchase intention presented R2=0.891 and R2=0.966, respectively. The desirability index (d-value=0.92) showed that the best formulation should contain 46% carrageenan and 54% pectin in the formulation. The formulation manufactured with this combination of thickeners was tested and the overall impression was 7.11±1.09 (over a 9-point hedonic scale) and the purchase intention was 4.0±1.3 (over a 5-point hedonic scale), thus showing that the proposed models were predictive.

No presente estudo, a metodologia de superfície de resposta (MSR) foi utilizada para avaliar o efeito de tempo e temperatura de extração no conteúdo de compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante de extratos de folhas de manjericão roxo (Ocimum basilicum L.). A estabilidade das antocianinas relacionada à temperatura, luz e copigmentação também foi estudada. O maior conteúdo de antocianinas foi 64,70 mg/100 g a 30 °C e 60 min. A degradação das antocianinas com diferentes temperaturas e em presença de luz seguiu uma cinética de primeira ordem e a energia de ativação foi 44,95 kJ/mol. Todos os extratos expostos à luz apresentaram tempos de meia vida semelhantes. Enquanto que os extratos protegidos da luz em presença dos copigmentos apresentaram um aumento do tempo de meia vida: 856,49 h para o ácido gálico e 923,17 h o ácido fítico enquanto que para o controle foi de 152,67 h. Estes resultados indicam claramente que o manjericão roxo é uma potencial fonte de compostos bioativos estáveis.

In the current study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to assess the effects of extraction time and temperature on the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of purple basil leaf (Ocimum basilicum L.) extracts. The stability of anthocyanins in relation to temperature, light and copigmentation was also studied. The highest anthocyanin content was 67.40 mg/100 g extracted at 30 °C and 60 min. The degradation of anthocyanins with varying temperatures and in the presence of light followed a first-order kinetics and the activation energy was 44.95 kJ/mol. All the extracts exposed to light showed similar half-lives. The extracts protected from light, in the presence of copigments, showed an increase in half-life from 152.67 h for the control to 856.49 and 923.17 h for extract in the presence of gallic acid and phytic acid, respectively. These results clearly indicate that purple basil is a potential source of stable bioactive compounds.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of slow (–18 °C) and fast freezing (liquid nitrogen) of pork meat, and the use of exudate released upon thawing, on the physicochemical, color, rheological, microbiological, histological, and sensory characteristics of cooked ham. The meat samples were frozen at –18 °C and thawed after 22 weeks for the production of cooked ham. No significant difference was observed regarding physicochemical, color and microbiological parameters or in sensory acceptance. The hardness and chewiness parameters showed significant differences when compared to the control sample (ham made from chilled meat). Light microscopy of cooked ham samples showed that changes in the tissues were caused by freezing and thawing the meat. The effect of exudate was significant on the sodium content and compression force parameters, but this difference was not perceived in the sensory analysis, confirming that frozen pork meat can be used to produce cooked ham without loss of quality.

Abstract Grape pomace, which is derived from the skin and seeds, is the residue from the production of grape juice and wine. It corresponds to up to 20% of the total volume and it contains a high level of dietary fibers and bioactive compounds. In the Brazilian market, there is no product containing grape pomace as a replacement for conventional wheat flour. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of whole-wheat flour and organic Bordeaux grape pomace (Vitis labrusca L.) on the sensory, physicochemical and functional properties of cookies using response surface methodology (RSM). The regression models indicated that the addition of whole-wheat and organic grape pomace decreased (p < 0.0001) the water activity and significantly increased the content of fibers, hardness, brittleness, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the cookies. The RSM models presented suitable R2 and R2adj values (> 65% of explained data variability), except for brittleness. The sensory evaluation results revealed that no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed for the cookie samples, implying that the addition of grape pomace and whole-wheat flour did not negatively affect the preference of cookies.

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of the distillation time and the sample mass on the total SO2 content in integral passion fruit juice (Passiflora sp). For the SO2 analysis, a modified version of the Monier-Williams method was used. In this experiment, the distillation time and the sample mass were reduced to half of the values proposed in the original method. The analyses were performed in triplicate for each distilling time x sample mass binomial, making a total of 12 tests, which were performed on the same day. The significance of the effects of the different distillation times and sample mass were evaluated by applying one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA). For a 95% confidence limit, it was found that the proposed amendments to the distillation time, sample mass, and the interaction between distilling time x sample mass were not significant (p > 0.05) in determining the SO2 content in passion fruit juice. In view of the results that were obtained it was concluded that for integral passion fruit juice it was possible to reduce the distillation time and the sample mass in determining the SO2 content by the Monier-Williams method without affecting the result.

The volatile components of the galls induced by the insect Baccharopelma dracunculifoliae (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on leaves of Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatographyflame- ionisation detection (GC-FID), and then comparison with volatile oil samples from healthy leaves collected in the vicinity. The galls produced around 3.5% of the total organic volatiles whereas healthy leaves rendered an average yield of 0.6%. The observed higher proportions of germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, limonene, and β-pinene in the galls suggest that all these compounds are important targets in the search for natural enemies of this Psyllid. Moreover, higher relative percentages of (E)-nerolidol and spathulenol were found in healthy leaves.

Cooked ham is considered a high-value product due to the quality of its raw material. Although its consumption is still low in Brazil, it is increasing due to the rising purchasing power of sectors of the population. This study aimed to assess the microbiological, physicochemical, rheological, and sensory quality of cooked hams (n=11) marketed in Brazil. All samples showed microbiological results within the standards established by Brazilian legislation. Eight of the eleven samples studied met all the legal requirements; two samples violated the standards due to the addition of starch; one sample had lower protein content than the minimum required, and another one had sodium content higher than that stated on the label. The use of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis allowed the agglomeration of the samples into three groups with distinct quality traits and with significant differences in moisture content, chromaticity, syneresis, and heating and freezing loss. Principal Component Analysis showed that the samples which correlated to higher sensory acceptance regarding flavor and overall acceptability were those with higher moisture, protein, fat, and luminosity values. This study confirmed the efficacy of multivariate statistical techniques in assessing the quality of commercial cooked hams and in indicating the physicochemical parameters associated with the perception of product quality.

Este trabalho objetivou maximizar a extração de fenólicos e flavonoides totais bem como a atividade antioxidante de erva-mate tostada (Ilex paraguariensis) frente ao radical livre 1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazila (DPPH) em função do tempo (5, 7,5 e 10 min) e a temperatura de extração (60, 75 e 90°C). Os dados foram submetidos à metodologia de superfície de resposta e os resultados mostraram que as equações polinomiais foram significativas, não apresentaram falta de ajuste e obtiveram coeficientes de determinação ajustados acima de 98%, comprovando a sua adequação para fins preditivos. Usando a função de desejabilidade, as condições ótimas para maximizar a extração de compostos antioxidantes foram de 10 min de extração a 90°C, e o chá preparado sob estas condições experimentais apresentou 427,74 mg de equivalentes de ácido gálico por litro e 80,02% de inibição da o radical DPPH. O teor de flavonoides foi altamente correlacionado (r = 0,9046, p < 0,001) com a atividade antioxidante.

This study focused on maximizing the extraction of total phenolics and flavonoids as well as the antioxidant activity measured by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay from roasted yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) as a function of time (5, 7.5 and 10 min) and temperature of extraction (60, 75 and 90°C). The data were subjected to Response Surface Methodology and the results showed that polynomial equations were significant, did not present lack of fit, and presented adjusted determination coefficients above 98%, proving their suitability for prediction purposes. Using the desirability function, the optimum operating conditions to obtain a higher extraction of antioxidants was found to be 10 min of extraction at 90°C, and the tea prepared under these experimental conditions presented 427.74 mg of gallic acid equivalents per liter and 80.02% of inhibition of the DPPH radical. The flavonoid content was highly correlated (r = 0.9046, p < 0.001) to the antioxidant capacity.

Introdução: A utilização de materiais de referência para assegurar e desempenhar o papel de controle de qualidade das medições analíticas é requisito em laboratórios clínicos. Objetivo: O presente estudo avaliou a estabilidade das amostras de soro, armazenadas a -20°C por um longo período de tempo e durante curto prazo em diferentes temperaturas, quanto à invariabilidade da reatividade de anticorpos contra o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), por meio de enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay/enzyme immunoassay (ELISA/EIA), Western blot e imunofluorescência indireta. Método: As amostras analisadas foram provenientes de painéis de soros (constituídos de amostras anti-HIV positivo e negativo), produzidos no Centro de Imunologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL), os quais têm sido material de referência para o preparo de amostras do controle de qualidade interno de testes imunodiagnósticos de HIV/síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (AIDS). A avaliação da estabilidade dos soros foi efetuada em amostras armazenadas a -20°C por 56 semanas e nas diferentes condições de temperaturas: de 2°C a 8°C (geladeira), de 15°C a 25°C (ambiente), 37°C (estufa) e -80°C (freezer), durante 24 e 48 horas. Os resultados das análises de tendência das amostras de soro HIV negativo (armazenamento de longo prazo) foram significantes (p < 0,05) e nenhum efeito adverso foi observado nessas amostras, como a ocorrência de resultados falso-positivos, tampouco foram detectados resultados falso-negativos em amostras de soro positivas para detecção de anticorpos anti-HIV em ambas as avaliações. Conclusão: Foi possível concluir que o material de referência manteve-se estável por 48 horas nas diferentes temperaturas (curto prazo) e permaneceu estável a -20°C por 56 semanas (longo prazo).

Introduction: The use of reference materials in order to assure and perform the quality control of analytical measurements is a requirement in clinical laboratories. Objectives: Stability of serum samples, kept frozen at -20°C for long-term storage and at varied temperatures during short periods, was evaluated by investigating the persistency of anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies reactivity on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay/enzyme immunoassay (ELISA/EIA), Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assays. Method: The analyzed sera were part of serum panels (comprised of anti-HIV positive and negative samples), produced at the Immunology Center of Instituto Adolfo Lutz, which have been the reference specimens for producing the internal quality assurance sera of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) immunodiagnostic assays. Sera stability was assessed in samples stored at -20°C for 56 weeks, and at various temperature conditions: from 2°C to 8°C (refrigerator), from 15°C to 25°C (room temperature), at 37°C (incubator) and at -80°C (freezer) for 24 and 48 hours. The statistical analyses on HIV-negative serum samples (long-term storage) were significant (p < 0.05), and neither adverse effects on these samples as the occurrence of false-positive results nor false-negative results in HIV antibody positive sera were found in both studies. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that the reference material remained stable for 48 hours at different temperatures (short-term) and it remained stable at -20°C for 56 weeks (long-term).

GC/MS/FID analyses of volatile compounds from cladodes and inflorescences from male and female specimens of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. collected in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, Brazil, showed that carquejyl acetate was the primary volatile component (38% to 73%), while carquejol and ledol were identified in lower concentrations. Data were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, which confirmed that the chemical compositions of all samples were similar. The results presented here highlight the occurrence of the same chemotype of B. trimera in three southern states of Brazil.

Nos poucos estudos publicados comparando óleos essenciais de espécimes femininos e masculinos de espécies Baccharis, fortes diferenças entre as composições de ambas as amostras foram sempre encontradas. Os experimentos realizados nesta pesquisa utilizam estratégias para minimizar a interferência de fatores genéticos e ecológicos. Os óleos essenciais das folhas de espécimes femininos e masculinos de cinco espécies Baccharis foram pesquisados com uso de um cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado a um espectrômetro de massas e a um detector de ionização de chama (CG-EM-DIC): B. caprariaefolia e B. dracunculifolia, já pesquisadas anteriormente com objetivos similares; e B. coridifolia, B. semiserrata var. elaegnoides e B. pentaptera, as duas últimas ainda não mencionadas na literatura química. Os resultados foram acompanhados por análise hierárquica de grupos, verificando-se a formação de grupos indicativos da grande similaridade entre óleos essenciais dos espécimes masculinos e femininos de todas as cinco espécies. O estudo reafirma o valor das observações de campo na pesquisa de produtos naturais, e aponta fatores genéticos e ecológicos como principais responsáveis por diferenças no metabolismo secundário das plantas estudadas.

In the few studies published on essential oils from female and male specimens of Baccharis species, strong differences between the compositions of both samples were always found. The experiments conducted in this study make use of strategies to minimize the interference from genetic and environmental factors. Essential oils from leaves of female and male specimens of five Baccharis species were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry plus flame ionization detector (GC-MS-FID): B. caprariaefolia and B. dracunculifolia, which have been previously studied with similar aims; and B. coridifolia, B. semiserrata var. elaegnoides and B. pentaptera, the latter two not yet mentioned in the literature. The results were followed by hierarchical cluster analysis, verifying the formation of groups indicative of the great similarity of essential oils from male and female specimens of all five species. The study reinforces the value of field observation in natural product research and points genetic and ecological factors as main responsible for differences in the secondary metabolites of the studied plants.

Este trabalho objetivou desenvolver uma sobremesa com adição de Suco de Maracujá (SM), Proteína de Soja (PS) e oligofrutose que fosse estável e com sabor agradável, usando delineamento experimental. Provadores (n = 50) usaram uma escala hedônica de sete pontos para avaliar aceitação geral, cremosidade, sabor, e cor das amostras. Além disso, as sobremesas também foram avaliadas usando o teste de ordenação de preferência. Os índices de Capacidade de Retenção de Água (CRA) e sinérese (SN) foram determinados para avaliação da estabilidade física das amostras. A amostra F3 (35% SM e 2% PS) foi a única que apresentou índice de CRA de 94,8%; não obstante, nenhuma amostra teve sinérese após 72 horas de estocagem refrigerada, mostrando um comportamento estável das amostras. As sobremesas F2 (25% SM e 3,0% PS), F4 (35% SM e 3,0% PS), e F5 (30% SM e 2,5% PS) obtiveram escores hedônicos acima de 'gostei ligeiramente' para todos os atributos sensoriais. Os índices de aceitação variaram de 62,50 a 88%, mostrando grande potencial sensorial para tais produtos desenvolvidos.

The aim of this study was to use a factorial design approach for developing a palatable and stable soy-based dessert with the addition of Soy Protein (SP), oligofructose, and Passion Fruit Juice (PFJ). Panelists (n = 50) used a seven-point hedonic scale to assess the overall liking, degree of liking of creaminess, taste, and color of the desserts. In addition, the samples were submitted to a preference ranking test in order to evaluate the products' preference. Water Holding Capacity (WHC) and backscattering (BS) measures were also determined to assess the physical stability of the trials. Sample F3 (35% PFJ and 2% SP) was the only one that presented a WHC index of 94.8%; moreover, none of the developed samples had synerisis after 72 hours of storage indicating adequate physical stability of the emulsion process. Samples F2 (25% PFJ, and 3.0% SP), F4 (35% PFJ, and 3.0% SP), and F5 (30% PFJ, and 2.5% SP) presented mean hedonic scores above 'slightly liked' for all sensory attributes. The acceptance index of samples varied from 62.50 to 88% showing the great sensory potential of such products.

This work was aimed at studying the influence of PFJ and/or sodium disulphite on Yacon pulp colour, and evaluating the sensory attributes of Yacon non-sugar pastes. A colour kinetic evaluation of browning in 11 treatments containing Yacon tubers, yellow passion fruit juice (PFJ) and/or sodium disulphite, over the course of 240 minutes was studied to inactivate the PPOs activity. The evaluation of the colour alterations of Yacon tuber by the addition of variable amounts of PFJ and sodium disulphite enabled identification of efficient treatments for the inhibition of browning: T7 (300 g kg -1 PFJ), T8 (400 g kg -1 PFJ), and T10 (150 g kg -1 PFJ + 0.25 g kg -1 sodium disulphite). These treatments presented high colour intensity (C*) and an insignificant (P <0.05) total colour degradation (ΔE). The products elaborated by the cooking of these ingredients were submitted to the acceptability test and data showed that T7 garnered an acceptance index of 78%.

A Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta (MSR) foi aplicada para avaliar as características cromáticas de emulsões compostas de Proteína de Soja (PS) e Suco de Goiaba vermelha (SG). Os parâmetros analisados foram: cor instrumental baseada nas coordenadas a* (vermelho), b* (amarelo), L* (luminosidade), C* (cromaticidade), h* (tonalidade), cor, aceitação e aparência. As análises dos resultados mostraram que o SG foi responsável pelos altos valores de cor vermelha, tonalidade, cromaticidade, aceitação e cor, ao passo que a PS aumentou a cor amarela das emulsões. O parâmetro de cor vermelha (R²adj = 74,86%, p < 0,01) e a tonalidade de cor (R²adj = 80,96%, p < 0,01) apresentaram alto grau de correlação linear com as proporções de SP e SG adicionadas às emulsões; ao passo que os resultados da análise sensorial (aceitação e cor) não puderam ser modelados devido à grande variabilidade dos resultados. Os modelos de cor amarela, luminosidade, e cromaticidade não apresentaram falta de ajuste, mas seus coeficientes de determinação ajustados não foram superiores a 70%. Não obstante, as correlações entre os dados sensoriais e cromáticos não foram significativas (p > 0,05), obtendo-se baixos coeficientes de Pearson. A análise dos resultados indicou que a MSR é uma técnica útil no desenvolvimento de emulsões à base de soja e pode ser usada para modelar alguns parâmetros cromáticos de emulsões elaboradas com SG.

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the chromatic features and sensory acceptance of emulsions that combine Soy Protein (SP) and red Guava Juice (GJ). The parameters analyzed were: instrumental color based on the coordinates a* (redness), b* (yellowness), L* (lightness), C* (chromaticity), h* (hue angle), visual color, acceptance, and appearance. The analyses of the results showed that GJ was responsible for the high measured values of red color, hue angle, chromaticity, acceptance, and visual color, whereas SP was the variable that increased the yellowness intensity of the assays. The redness (R²adj = 74.86%, p < 0.01) and hue angle (R²adj = 80.96%, p < 0.01) were related to the independent variables by linear models, while the sensory data (color and acceptance) could not be modeled due to a high variability. The models of yellowness, lightness, and chromaticity did not present lack of fit but presented adjusted determination coefficients bellow 70%. Notwithstanding, the linear correlations between sensory and instrumental data were not significant (p > 0.05) and low Pearson coefficients were obtained. The results showed that RSM is a useful tool to develop soy-based emulsions and model some chromatic features of guava-based emulsions through RSM.