Profiling antioxidant activity of two primocane fruiting red raspberry cultivars (Autumn bliss and Polka)

Fruit extracts of two raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivars (Autumn Bliss and Polka) were analysed for total phenolic (TPC) and anthocyanin (TACY) content. Correlation of TPC with total antioxidant capacity (TAC) showed higher free-radical scavenging properties of Autumn Bliss (r² = 0.9999) compared to Polka (r² = 0.8972). Correlation coefficient between TACY and TAC were higher in Autumn Bliss (r² = 0.9939) compared to Polka fruits (r² = 0.8419). Although total protein concentrations were similar in both cultivars (∼0.35 mg mL⁻¹), activities of peroxidases and polyphenol oxidases were much higher in Polka, which were confirmed with isoelectric focusing in cationic (pI 9.3) and anionic (pI 3.6) range. HPLC detection showed that among detected flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, rutin, myricetin, resveratrol, quercetin and kaempferol) epicatechin appears to be the most abundant compound. Chlorogenic, caffeic and p-coumaric acid were also detected. The results indicate that the changes in enzymes activities related to content of substrates play an important role in nutrient quality definition of raspberry fruits.     

Effects of cooking on in vitro sinigrin bioaccessibility,total phenols,antioxidant and antimutagenic activity of cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae L. var. Botrytis)

Cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae L. var. Botrytis) is a good source of bioactive compounds, such as glucosinolates, phenolic compounds and vitamins. In this study, the effects of some processes (i.e. boiling, steaming) on the sinigrin bioaccessibility as a major glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables after in vitro digestion, also in vitro antimutagenic activities, total phenols and total antioxidant capacities of cauliflower were determined. The sinigrin content was reduced by approximately 9.6% and 29.1% in steamed and boiled cauliflower (p > 0.05), respectively. After in vitro simulated digestion, sinigrin content was decreased by 26.4% in raw samples, increased by 29.5% and 114.7% in steamed and boiled samples, respectively. In all samples, mutagenic effect to Salmonella typhimurium TA 100 was not seen. When samples were steamed, phenol content was increased by 14.83%. After boiling total phenol content of cauliflower was decreased by 1.8%. Total antioxidant capacities (TAC) measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods were increased by 47% and 39%, respectively (p < 0.05) in steamed samples and decreased by 8% and 7% with boiling, respectively (p > 0.05). TAC in raw sample of cauliflower, which was investigated in phosphomolybdenum assays, was determined as 18.7 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100 g. In all cases, the highest antioxidant activity was determined in the steamed samples, while the lowest antioxidant activity was in boiled samples.     

Cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of rutin in soybean cultivars

A highly sensitive and selective cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for determination of rutin is presented. The method relies on the accumulation of a Cu(II)–rutin complex at a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE), followed by its reduction during a differential pulse voltammetric scan. The electrochemical behavior of the Cu(II)–rutin complex at HMDE was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Results show that the electrode process is adsorption-controlled and gradually becomes less reversible at high scan rates where peak separation grows. Under the optimized conditions (phosphate buffer pH 6, ?1.000 V accumulation potential, 180 s accumulation time, 70 mV pulse amplitude, 50 mV s^?1 scan rate and 1.6 × 10^?6 M Cu(II) concentration), the reduction peak current (I_pc) of the Cu(II)–rutin complex is linear (I_pc (nA) = 10.070 + 1.9 × 10⁸ [Rutina]) to rutin concentration in the range from 2.0 × 10^?7 to 1.4 × 10^?6 M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The detection and quantification limits obtained were 7.0 × 10^?9 M and 2.2 × 10^?8 M, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the determination of rutin in soybean cultivars, with recoveries of 94–105%.     

Hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant capacity of commonly consumed South African fruits,vegetables, grains,legumes, fats/oils and beverages

The antioxidant capacity of commonly consumed South African foods was determined using the fluorescein (FL)-based oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC_FL) assay. The hydrophilic (H)-ORAC_FL of these foods ranged from 15 to 4202 μmole Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 g, and the lipophilic (L)-ORAC_FL from 11 to 109 μmole TE/100 g. The L-ORAC_FL of all the items analyzed contributed less than 5% of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), except for sunflower oil (42%). Cultivar and seasonal availability influenced the H-ORAC_FL of some, but not all, fruits. The Golden Delicious apple cultivar has a lower (P < 0.05) H-ORAC_FL (with peel and peeled) compared to the other apple cultivars analyzed. Household thermal processing decreased the H-ORAC_FL of cabbage, brown onion and baby marrow (zucchini) (P < 0.05) and the L-ORAC_FL of potato and green beans (P < 0.05). Although the H-ORAC_FL of refined grains (e.g. maize porridge) is among the lowest, such foods make a substantial contribution to the daily dietary intake of the South African population.     

Voltammetric determination of vitamin B6 in food samples and dietary supplements

A simple and rapid voltammetric method based on the use of disposable screen-printed electrodes is proposed for the determination of vitamin B₆. The influence of the pH on the voltammetric response was analyzed. Estimation of the linear range (2.0 × 10⁻⁶/7.2 × 10⁻⁵ M), calibration function, limit of detection (1.5 × 10⁻⁶ M) and reproducibility was performed along with the determination of possible interferences from species present in real samples. The proposed analytical system was successfully applied for the determination of pyridoxine in multivitamin supplements, energy drinks and breakfast cereals by using the standard addition method.     

Increase in maternal adiposity and poor lipid profile is associated with oxidative stress markers during pregnancy

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate changes in maternal adiposity and lipid profile and to correlate these parameters with Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels among pregnant women.MethodThis was a longitudinal study which took place in Kelantan state, Malaysia. Fasting blood samples of 159 healthy pregnant women were collected in second and third trimesters from April 2010 until October 2011. Maternal total body fat was assessed using bioimpedance analysis method.ResultsWhen compared to data in second trimester, pregnant women in third trimester showed significantly higher levels of total body fat (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p = 0.001), DNA damage (p < 0.001) and TAC (p < 0.001) but a lower level of HDL-C (p < 0.001). Maternal adiposity and lipid profile were positively and consistently correlated with DNA damage in second and third trimesters. Significant and positive correlations of triglyceride with TAC levels were noted in both periods indicating compensatory action against increased oxidative stress.ConclusionNormal pregnancy is associated with marked changes in lipid metabolism, prooxidant and antioxidant status. Dyslipidemia-associated oxidative stress was demonstrated with advancing gestational age. Appropriate preventive and compensatory measures should be practiced to minimize the effect of oxidative stress throughout pregnancy.     

Joint effects of age and body mass index on the incidence of hypertension subtypes in the China Health and Nutrition Survey: A cohort study over 22 years

ObjectivesWe seek to investigate the joint effects of age and body mass index (BMI) on the incident hypertension subtypes among Chinese adults during 1989–2011.MethodsWe investigated the Incidence rates (IRs, per 100 person-years) of hypertension subtypes, adjusted relative risks (RRs) and population attributable risk percent (PAR%) of BMI for hypertension, and clarified the age-specific effect of BMI on incident hypertension utilizing a dynamic cohort study from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) 1989–2011.ResultsNormotensive participants (n = 53,028) at baseline were included, with mean age was 41.7 (95% CI, 41.6–41.7) years old. During a total of 118,694 person years (average was 6.38 years) of follow-up, a total of 5208 incident cases of hypertension were documented. The IRs of hypertension were 4.4 (95% CI, 4.3–4.5), which increased gradually by age and BMI (P_trend < 0.001). Compared with those with BMI < 22 kg/m², the RR of hypertension was 3.13 (95% CI, 2.84–3.45) in the group with BMI ≥ 28 kg/m². The PAR% (BMI > 22 vs. BMI < 22) for hypertension in Chinese population was 32% (95% CI, 29–34%). Similar trends were observed in all age and BMI groups for both isolated systolic hypertension and systolic–diastolic hypertension, which were mainly affected by age. In contrast, the peak IR of isolated diastolic hypertension was observed in participants aged 30–49 years with higher BMIs.ConclusionsThe PAR% (IR of BP ≥ 140/90 or treatment for BMI > 22 vs. IR for BMI < 22) of elevated body weight for hypertension was 32% in Chinese population.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant activities and total phenolic content of Arbutus andrachne L. (Fam. Ericaceae) (the Greek strawberry tree) fruits from Turkey

Arbutus andrachne L. and A. unedo L. are two members of the Ericaceae family. The species are distributed in coastal parts of Anatolia and have edible fruits. We determined several characteristics of eight A. andrachne accessions collected from different parts of the Mediterranean regions of Anatolia. A. unedo is also represented with a sample. Notable differences were found among A. andrachne accessions. On average, the fruit width and length were 12.3 and 10.8 mm, respectively. All of the element concentrations that were tested varied considerably. The average of the total organic acids was 0.47 g/100 g fruit. Among the organic acids measured, malic acid had the highest content (0.34 g/100 g fruit) followed by ascorbic (0.10 g/100 g fruit) and citric acids (0.03 g/100 g fruit). The average for total sugars of the A. andrachne accessions was 16.38 g/100 g fruit. Fructose was the main sugar (average of 9.75 g/100 g fruit) followed by glucose (5.33 g/100 g fruit) and sucrose (1.19 g/100 g fruit). Among the A. andrachne accessions tested, the total phenolics ranged from 2422 to 4102 μg gallic acid/g fresh weight (fw) with an average of 3343 μg gallic acid equiv. g/fw. Antioxidant activities, determined by TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) and FRAP (Ferric reducing ability of plasma), reached up to 36.1 and 29.5 μmol Trolox equiv. (TE) g/fresh weight, respectively. It can thus be concluded that A. andrachne is a good source of phenols and antioxidants.     

Cost-effectiveness of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in the context of very low rabies risk: A decision-tree model based on the experience of France

IntroductionBenefit-risk of different anti-rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) strategies after scratches or bites from dogs with unknown rabies status is unknown in very low rabies risk settings.Design and settingA cost-effectiveness analysis in metropolitan France using a decision-tree model and input data from 2001 to 2011.PopulationA cohort of 2807 patients, based on the mean annual number of patients exposed to category CII (minor scratches) or CIII (transdermal bite) dog attacks in metropolitan France between 2001 and 2011.InterventionsFive PEP strategies: (A) no PEP for CII and CIII; (B) vaccine only for CIII; (C) vaccine for CII and CIII; (D) vaccine+ rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) only for CIII; and (E) vaccine for CII and vaccine+ RIG for CIII.Main outcomes measuresThe number of deaths related to rabies and to traffic accidents on the way to anti-rabies centers (ARC), effectiveness in terms of years of life gained by reducing rabies cases and avoiding traffic accidents, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) associated with each strategy.ResultsStrategy E led to the fewest rabies cases (3.6 × 10⁻⁸) and the highest costs (€1,606,000) but also to 1.7 × 10⁻³ lethal traffic accidents. Strategy A was associated with the most rabies cases (4.8 × 10⁻⁶), but the risk of traffic accidents and costs were null; therefore, strategy A was the most effective and the least costly. The sensitivity analysis showed that, when the probability that a given dog is rabid a given day (P_A) was >1.4 × 10⁻⁶, strategy D was more effective than strategy A; strategy B became cost-effective (i.e. ICER vs strategy A <3 × French Gross Domestic Product per capita) when P_A was > 1.4 × 10⁻⁴.ConclusionsIn the metropolitan France's very low rabies prevalence context, PEP with rabies vaccine, administered alone or with RIG, is associated with significant and unnecessary costs and unfavourable benefit-risk ratios regardless to exposure category.     

Use of population-referenced total activity counts percentiles to assess and classify physical activity of population groups

ObjectivesPopulation-referenced total activity counts per day (TAC/d) percentiles provide public health practitioners a standardized measure of physical activity (PA) volume obtained from an accelerometer that can be compared across populations. The purpose of this study was to describe the application of TAC/d population-referenced percentiles to characterize the PA levels of population groups relative to US estimates.MethodsA total of 679 adults participating in the 2011 NYC Physical Activity Transit survey wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on their hip for seven consecutive days. Accelerometer-derived TAC/d was classified into age- and gender-specific quartiles of US population-referenced TAC/d to compare differences in the distributions by borough (N = 5).ResultsMales in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island had significantly greater TAC/d than US males. Females in Brooklyn and Queens had significantly greater levels of TAC/d compared to US females. The proportion of males in each population-referenced TAC/d quartile varied significantly by borough (χ²(12) = 2.63, p = 0.002), with disproportionately more men in Manhattan and the Bronx found to be in the highest and lowest US population-referenced TAC/d quartiles, respectively. For females, there was no significant difference in US population-reference TAC/d quartile by borough (χ²(12) = 1.09, p = 0.36).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the utility of population-referenced TAC/d percentiles in public health monitoring and surveillance. These findings also provide insights into the PA levels of NYC residents relative to the broader US population, which can be used to guide health promotion efforts.     

Molecular phylogeny and evolutionary dynamics of matrix gene of avian influenza viruses in China

In China, several subtype avian influenza viruses consistently circulate in poultry. Numerous studies have focused on the evolution of the hemagglutinin gene; however, studies on the evolution of the matrix (M) gene are limited. In this study, a large-scale phylogenetic analysis of M gene sequences of avian influenza viruses isolated in China revealed that the M gene has evolved into six different lineages denoted as I–VI. The majority of lineages I and IV were isolated in terrestrial birds, while the majority of lineages II, III, V and VI were isolated in aquatic birds. Lineage I included 148 H9N2 subtype viruses (72.2%), lineage II comprised of 63 H6 subtype viruses (100%), and lineage IV included 157 H5 subtype viruses (97.5%). The mean substitution rates of different lineages ranged from 1.32 × 10⁻³ (lineage III) to 3.64 × 10⁻³ (lineage IV) substitutions per site per year. According to the most recent common ancestor of all lineages, lineage III was the oldest lineage, formed in 1981 or even earlier. And lineage V was the most recent, established around the year 2000. Selective pressure on M2 was stronger than that on M1. The strongest selection pressure was observed in lineage IV. In addition, site-by-site analyses of each lineage identified 8 positive selection sites, all in M2. Most of the sites (5 out of 8) were located in the extracellular domain, which is an antigen for vaccine development. The positive selection sites (amino acid positions 66, 82 and 97) are likely associated with virus budding. This study enhanced our knowledge of M gene evolution of avian influenza viruses, and is expected to improve the early detection of new viruses and lead to vaccine development.     

Use of levonorgestrel as emergency contraception in overweight women

ObjectiveLevonorgestrel (LNG) emergency contraception (EC) may have decreased efficacy for women with body mass indices (BMI) ≥ 26 kg/m². This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of LNG EC use and EC counseling among overweight women.MethodsThe 2013–2015 dataset from the National Survey of Family Growth was analyzed to determine the proportion of women with BMI ≥ 26 kg/m² who report recent use of LNG EC and EC counseling.ResultsOverall, 2.4% of respondents reported recent use of LNG EC. Among women using oral LNG for EC, 29.8% of survey participants reported BMI ≥ 26 kg/m². Additionally, 40.2% of women with BMI ≥ 26 kg/m² using oral LNG EC reported having a doctor or medical provider talk to them about emergency contraception within the last 12 months, compared to 18.3% of LNG EC users with BMI < 26 kg/m² (p < 0.001).ConclusionsDespite recent counseling from clinicians and concerns for decreased efficacy, a significant number of overweight women continue to use LNG for EC. Clinicians should counsel women with BMI ≥ 26 kg/m² on the potential limitations of oral LNG for EC and offer more effective EC methods, including the copper intrauterine device and oral ulipristal acetate.     

Antioxidant activity of different white teas: Comparison of hot and cold tea infusions

The study investigates the antioxidant characteristics of various white teas steeped in either hot or room-temperature water in relation to grade of tea and brewing conditions. Antioxidant activity, chelating activity, total phenol (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), theaflavins and individual catechin content were examined. The results confirm that extraction of tea leaves carried out with water at room temperature leads to the formation of infusions particularly rich in compounds with antioxidant activity. In fact, for all the white teas studied, cold infusions had a higher content of phenols (4.77–7.63 mmol/L Gallic Acid Equivalents, GAE), flavonoids (1.47–2.53 mmol/L Catechin Equivalents, CE) and catechins (441.5–1328.2 μg/mL) compared to hot infusions (1.43–4.02 mmol/L GAE, 0.70–1.13 mmol/L CE, 83.4–534.8 μg/mL, respectively). The same trend was also observed for antioxidant activities examined using the ABTS assay (cold: 17.09–34.23; hot: 5.26–17.07 mmol/L Trolox Equivalents) and by monitoring the effects of the infusions on LDL oxidation (lag time, cold: 172.4–271.2; hot: 88.4–145.9 min). A general trend in antioxidant activity and in polyphenolic compound content can be delineated between Chinese teas, i.e. Bai Mu Dan ≥ Xue Ya ≥ White Lung Ching > Anji Needle Mao Feng > Yhin Zhen Bai Hao and between African teas, i.e. White Salima Peony > Thyolo Bsp > Bvumbwe Bsp. Concerning metal chelating activity, all the white teas displayed similar levels (0.3–0.6 mmol/L EDTA Equivalents) with no significant differences between the hot and cold infusions (except Bvumbwe Bsp and Thyolo Bsp). This paper contains key information on the antioxidant properties, TPC, TFC, and individual catechin content of several white teas commercially available and the outcomes suggest that preparing tea infused in room temperature water for approximately 2 h may constitute an alternative tea beverage potentially richer in healthful bioactive compounds compared to the more commonly consumed hot tea infusions.     

The study of antioxidant capacity of varieties of nalewka,a traditional Polish fruit liqueur,using EPR,NMR and UV–vis spectroscopy

The antioxidant properties of various kinds of the traditional Polish alcoholic beverage nalewka were investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. The antioxidant capacity was measured by EPR spectroscopy in μmol Trolox (TE) in a 100 mL nalewka sample. The total phenolic content was measured by Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) assays while aromatic proton content (H_ar) was determined by NMR spectroscopy; subsequently the correlation among these values was explored. All of the investigated nalewkas exhibited antioxidant properties. The values of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC_DPPH) were in the range 45–1045 μmol TE/100 mL. It was found that the value of the TEAC_DPPH corresponded to the TP (r = 0.96) and H_ar (r = 0.95). Moreover, the TEAC_DPPH values depended on the kinds of fruits used for nalewkas’ preparation.     

Protective immunity against Megalocytivirus infection in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) following CpG ODN administration

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) disease in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) remains an unsolved problem in Korea aquaculture farms. CpG ODNs are known as immunostimulant, can improve the innate immune system of fish providing resistance to diseases. In this study, we evaluated the potential of CpG ODNs to induce anti-viral status protecting rock bream from different RBIV infection conditions. We found that, when administered into rock bream, CpG ODN 1668 induces better antiviral immune responses compared to other 5 CpG ODNs (2216, 1826, 2133, 2395 and 1720). All CpG ODN 1668 administered fish (1/5 µg) at 2 days before infection (1.1 × 10⁷) held at 26 °C died even though mortality was delayed from 8 days (1 µg) and 4 days (5 µg). Similarly, CpG ODN 1668 administered (5 µg) at 2 days before infection (1.2 × 10⁶) held at 23/20 °C had 100% mortality; the mortality was delayed from 9 days (23 °C) and 11 days (20 °C). Moreover, when CpG ODN 1668 administered (1/5/10 µg) at 2/4/7 days before infection or virus concentration was decreased to 1.1 × 10⁴ and held at 20 °C had mortality rates of 20/60/30% (2 days), 30/40/60% (4 days) and 60/60/20% (7 days), respectively, for the respective administration dose, through 100 dpi. To investigate the development of a protective immune response, survivors were re-infected with RBIV (1.1 × 10⁷) at 100 and 400 dpi, respectively. While 100% of the previously unexposed fish died, 100% of the previously infected fish survived. The high survival rate of fish following re-challenge with RBIV indicates that protective immunity was established in the surviving rock bream. Our results showed the possibility of developing preventive measures against RBIV using CpG ODN 1668 by reducing RBIV replication speed (i.e. water temperature of 20 °C and infection dose of 1.1 × 10⁴).     

Single-run analysis of vitamin D photoproducts in oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) after UV-B treatment

A single-run high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detector (DAD) based method was developed for the separation, identification and comprehensive quantification of degradation products of ergosterol formed in oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) after UV-B exposure. After 60 min, 10 substances involved in the photoprocess were separated, identified by their characteristic DAD spectrum and distinguished by their molecular weight, in cases where spectra were identical: vitamin D₂, previtamin D₂, tachysterol₂, lumisterol₂ and ergosterol, and, in minor quantity, their structural analogues of the 22,23-dihydroergocalciferol (vitamin D₄) series. Sample preparation protocol affected the total yields and the ratios of previtamin and vitamin D₂/D₄. Hot alkaline hydrolysis resulted in the best digestion of the mushroom matrix and accordingly gave the highest vitamin D yield (D₂: 141.32 μg g⁻¹ dry matter, DM; D₄: 22.72 μg g⁻¹ DM). Limit of detection for vitamin D_2/4 was 0.02 μg g⁻¹ dry matter (DM) and was estimated for previtamin D_2/4 (0.06 μg g⁻¹ DM), tachysterol_2/4 (0.02 μg g⁻¹ DM) and lumisterol_2/4 (0.06 μg g⁻¹ DM). Recovery of spiked vitamin D₂ was 97 ± 0.7%. The study provides an analytical tool to assess the process of vitamin D generation after UV-B treatment for the production of oyster mushrooms with a balanced nutritional profile of vitamin D compounds.     

Antioxidant compounds and antioxidant activity in acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruits and derivatives

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is a wild plant from Central America. This fruit is well known as an excellent food source of vitamin C, and it also contains phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. The present work evaluates the antioxidant capacity of hydrophilic extracts of acerola pulps and juices by 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ORAC and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Antioxidant activity values obtained for acerola juice were higher than those reported for other fruit juices particularly rich in polyphenols such as strawberry, grape and apple juices, among others. Vitamin C, total phenol index (TPI), total anthocyanins and polyphenolic compounds by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), as main factors responsible for antioxidant activity, were determined. Contents in total ascorbic acid ranged from 6.32 to 9.20 g kg⁻¹ of pulp and 9.44 to 17.97 g L⁻¹ of juice. Five different polyphenolic compounds were identified in the samples by means of HPLC and diode-array detection: chlorogenic acid, (−)-epigallocatechin gallate, (−)-epicatechin, procyanidin B1 and rutin, being the two last predominant. By means of solid phase extraction (SPE) three soluble polyphenolic fractions (phenolic acids, anthocyanins and flavonoids) were separated from the different sample extracts, and their respective antioxidant activities calculated. Among them, phenolic acids are the main contributors to the antioxidant activity.     

Radical scavenging,antioxidant and metal chelating activities of Annona cherimola Mill. (cherimoya) peel and pulp in relation to their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents

This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, radical scavenging activity (by DPPH and ABTS tests) and antioxidant capacity (by β-carotene bleaching test) of Annona cherimola (cherimoya) fruits cultivated in Italy for human consumption. The metal chelating activity and ferric reducing power were also determined. A. cherimola peel and pulp were characterized by a total phenolic content of 14.6 and 12.6 mg chlorogenic acid equivalents/100 g fresh weight, respectively. A similar trend was observed with flavonoid content. Both extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity through different mechanisms of action. In particular, peel extract demonstrated the strongest free radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 57.7 μg/mL. The same extract was more effective in preventing β-carotene oxidation (IC₅₀ value of 63.5 μg/mL after 60 min) and showed higher chelating ability (IC₅₀ value of 79.6 μg/mL) than pulp extract. This work demonstrated the high quality of cherimoya fruits cultivated in Italy, and recommends the peel of this fruit product that may be of interest from a functional point of view as a major source of natural antioxidants.     

Waist circumference,body mass index and waist-height ratio: Are two indices better than one for identifying hypertension risk in older adults?

ObjectiveTo investigate if the combination of Waist Circumference (WC) and Body Mass Index (BMI) or Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR) and BMI measures is superior to the separate indicators in identifying hypertension risk in older adults from southern Brazil.MethodThis cross-sectional study analyzed data from the second wave (2013/14) of a population- and household-based survey carried out with 1197 older adults (778 women). Hypertension (i.e., outcome) was identified by self-report. The independent variables were body mass index (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²), waist circumference (WC ≥ 88 cm for women and WC ≥ 102 cm for men), waist/height ratio (WHtR ≥ 0.5), and the combined indexes BMI + WC (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² + WC ≥ 88 cm for women and WC ≥ 102 cm for men) and BMI + WHtR (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² + WHtR ≥ 0.5). The associations were explored using binary logistic regression.ResultsThe results showed sex differences in all study characteristics. In women, all indicators were associated with the outcome, after adjustments (age, race/color, marital status, schooling, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diabetes). WHtR was the indicator most strongly associated with hypertension (OR = 2.97; 95% CI 1.58 to 5.59). For men, only BMI and the combined indicators were associated with hypertension. Combined measures of BMI + WHtR showed a stronger association with the outcome (OR = 2.68; IC95% 1.62 to 4.44).ConclusionThe associated indicators differed between the sexes. The combination of BMI + WC and BMI + WHtR using current cut-off points may provide an improved measure of hypertension risk.     

Proximate composition and lipid profile of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) from two sites of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas (Italy): a seasonal differentiation

Proximate composition, unsaponifiable lipid components (cholesterol, squalene, tocopherols, all-trans retinol, total carotenoids) and fatty acid profile were evaluated on red mullet (Mullus barbatus) caught in the Central Tyrrhenian and Central Adriatic seas (Italy). The study was conducted in spring, the reproduction period, and in autumn, the period of maximum recruitment and market demand for this species. Results showed that, in fish from both sites, protein (18.1–18.8 g 100 g⁻¹), nonprotein nitrogen (0.32–0.35 g 100 g⁻¹), ash (1.27–1.42 g 100 g⁻¹) and cholesterol (56.8–73.7 mg 100 g⁻¹) contents were almost stable. Total lipid levels were highly variable, with very low levels in spring (0.96–1.48 g 100 g⁻¹) and high levels in autumn (7.28–8.72 g 100 g⁻¹). On a total fatty acids basis, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly higher in spring (30–40% of total fatty acids), when fish was lean, than in autumn (20%), while monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in autumn (35–38%) than in spring (18–29%). Saturated fatty acids were almost stable throughout the year (34–39% of total fatty acids). Red mullet from the two sites showed a good nutritional value; in particular they proved to be a good source of n-3 PUFA, which accounted for 75–80% of total PUFA, regardless of the fishing season. However, it was in autumn that red mullet exhibited the highest content of n-3 PUFA (>1000 mg 100 g⁻¹ wet fillet). The comparison of samples by geographical origin showed no difference in autumn, while slight differences were observed in spring.