Assessment of nutritional and metabolic profiles of pea shoots: The new ready-to-eat baby-leaf vegetable

Pea-shoots are a new option as ready-to-eat baby-leaf vegetable. However, data about the nutritional composition and the shelf-life stability of these leaves, especially their phytonutrient composition is scarce. In this work, the macronutrient, micronutrient and phytonutrients profile of minimally processed pea shoots were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of a 10-day storage period. Several physicochemical characteristics (color, pH, total soluble solids, and total titratable acidity) were also monitored. Standard AOAC methods were applied in the nutritional value evaluation, while chromatographic methods with UV–vis and mass detection were used to analyze free forms of vitamins (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS), carotenoids (HPLC-DAD-APCI-MSn) and flavonoid compounds (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn). Atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-AAS) was employed to characterize the mineral content of the leaves. As expected, pea leaves had a high water (91.5%) and low fat (0.3%) and carbohydrate (1.9%) contents, being a good source of dietary fiber (2.1%). Pea shoots showed a high content of vitamins C, E and A, potassium and phosphorous compared to other ready-to-eat green leafy vegetables. The carotenoid profile revealed a high content of β-carotene and lutein, typical from green leafy vegetables. The leaves had a mean flavonoid content of 329 mg/100 g of fresh product, mainly composed by glycosylated quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. Pea shoots kept their fresh appearance during the storage being color maintained throughout the shelf-life. The nutritional composition was in general stable during storage, showing some significant (p < 0.05) variation in certain water-soluble vitamins.

Characterization of an antioxidant surfactant-free topical formulation containing Castanea sativa leaf extract

Context: Inclusion of antioxidants in topical formulations can contribute to minimize oxidative stress in the skin, which has been associated with photoaging, several dermatosis and cancer. Objective: A Castanea sativa leaf extract with established antioxidant activity was incorporated into a semisolid surfactant-free formulation. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive characterization of this formulation. Materials and methods: Physical, microbiological and functional stability were evaluated during 6 months storage at 20 °C and 40 °C. Microstructure elucidation (cryo-SEM), in vitro release and in vivo moisturizing effect (Corneometer® CM 825) were also assessed. Results and discussion: Minor changes were observed in the textural and rheological properties of the formulation when stored at 20 °C for 6 months and the antioxidant activity of the plant extract remained constant throughout the storage period. Microbiological quality was confirmed at the end of the study. Under accelerated conditions, higher modifications of the evaluated parameters were observed. Cryo-SEM analysis revealed the presence of oil droplets dispersed into a gelified external phase. The release rate of the antioxidant compounds (610 ± 70 µgh−0.5) followed Higuchi model. A significant in vivo moisturizing effect was demonstrated, that lasted at least 4 h after product’s application. Conclusion: The physical, functional and microbiological stability of the antioxidant formulation was established. Specific storage conditions should be recommended considering the influence of temperature on the stability. A skin hydration effect and good skin tolerance were also found which suggests that this preparation can be useful in the prevention or treatment of oxidative stress-mediated dysfunctions.

Impacto de um programa de relaxamento na percepção de stress nos cuidadores formais de um lar do concelho de Águeda

O papel de cuidador formal é, habitualmente, exercido por profissionais devidamente qualificados, designadamente, médicos, enfermeiros psicólogos, assistentes sociais, terapeutas ocupacionais, fisioterapeutas e auxiliares. A sua formação académica, profissional é específica para o desempenho deste papel, integrada no contexto de uma actividade profissional onde são exercidas competências, no âmbito da saúde. Nos lares, hospitais, instituições comunitárias, entre outros, existem indivíduos que se enquadram no perfil traçado, a actividade é desgastante, quer física, quer psicologicamente, o que muitas vezes facilita o aparecimento da ansiedade e a percepção do stress. O relaxamento enquanto técnica terapêutica poderá atenuar o seu surgimento. Este trabalho teve como objectivo avaliar o impacto de um programa de relaxamento, na percepção de stress, nos cuidadores formais do lar da Liga de Amigos de Aguada de Cima. Para este fim, consideramos adequado um estudo do tipo experimental. Assim aplicámos á nossa amostra, dezasseis funcionárias, antes e depois da aplicação do programa de relaxamento progressivo de Jacobson, questionários de auto-preenchimento, adaptados à população portuguesa. Para além disso, nas dezasseis sessões que efectuámos, medimos a tensão arterial e a frequência cardíaca com um esfigmomanómetro digital de pulso, no período antes e depois da implementação do programa. Pela análise dos resultados que obtivemos, constatámos que não houve diferenças significativas do ponto de vista estatístico, entre a ansiedade e a percepção do stress, após o programa de relaxamento Jacobson. Confirmámos porém, que existiram diferenças em alguns itens dos questionários após a implementação do programa de relaxamento, assim como uma diminuição da pressão arterial diastólica e da correlação positiva entre a ansiedade e a percepção de stress. Desta forma, parece existir uma indicação de que o programa de relaxamento progressivo de Jacobson talvez tenha contribuído para minimizar o nível de stress das funcionárias do lar da Liga de Amigos de Aguada de Cima

Prova de esforço e factores de risco cardiovascular: um estudo piloto

As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV’s) são a maior causa de mortalidade e morbilidade em Portugal. O seu elevado impacto passa pelo desconhecimento, sub-diagnóstico, elevada prevalência e descontrolo dos seus principais factores de risco (clássicos e novos marcadores bioquímicos). Para o diagnóstico de uma das vertentes da doença cardiovascular, a doença cardíaca isquémica, a prova de esforço (PE) é o exame não invasivo, de baixo custo, com reduzida taxa de complicações e de fácil execução, mais usado na clínica. O objectivo deste estudo é averiguar se existe relação entre a prova de esforço, os factores de risco cardiovascular (FR’s) e alguns dos seus marcadores bioquímicos. Com vista a alcançar objectivo realizou-se um estudo prospectivo, longitudinal e descritivo, na Esferasaúde (Maia), entre Janeiro e Maio de 2011. Foram recolhidos dados, por inquérito, referentes a: biografia, antropometria, FR’s, medicação, PE e análises clínicas. Tendo sido incluídos todos os indivíduos (idade ≥ 18 anos) que tenham realizado prova de esforço e análises na unidade citada e com diferença temporal máxima de 2 meses, pelo método de amostragem dirigida e intencional. A dimensão amostral situou-se nos 30 elementos, sendo que 19 eram do género masculino. A média de idade foi 49,43±15,39 anos. Estimou-se a prevalência de FR’s e de indivíduos com valores dos marcadores bioquímicos anormais. Dois dos indivíduos apresentavam história de DCV’s e três deles PE positiva. Foram efectuadas diversas tentativas de associação entre as variáveis integradas no estudo - DCV e FR’s; PE e FR’s; PE e marcadores bioquímicos; capacidade de esforço e FR’s, género e resultado PE. Nenhuma relação se revelou significativa, com excepção para dois casos: relação entre as DCV’s e o aparecimento de alterações na PE (p = 0,002) e associação entre PE e colesterol HDL (p=0,040). Para α de 5%. Conclui-se que não existe relação aparente entre a prova de esforço, a existência de doença cardiovascular, os seus factores de risco e marcadores bioquímicos.

Soil vapor extraction in sandy soils: influence of airflow rate

Airflow rate is one of the most important parameters for the soil vapor extraction of contaminated sites, due to its direct influence on the mass transfer occurring during the remediation process. This work reports the study of airflow rate influence on soil vapor extractions, performed in sandy soils contaminated with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. The objectives were: (i) to analyze the influence of airflow rate on the process; (ii) to develop a methodology to predict the remediation time and the remediation efficiency; and (iii) to select the most efficient airflow rate. For dry sandy soils with negligible contents of clay and natural organic matter, containing the contaminants previously cited, it was concluded that: (i) if equilibrium between the pollutants and the different phases present in the soil matrix was reached and if slow diffusion effects did not occur, higher airflow rates exhibited the fastest remediations, (ii) it was possible to predict the remediation time and the efficiency of remediation with errors below 14%; and (iii) the most efficient remediation were reached with airflow rates below 1.2 cm3 s 1 standard temperature and pressure conditions.

Remediation efficiency of vapour extraction of sandy soils contaminated with cyclohexane: influence of air flow rate, water and natural organic matter content

Abstract This work reports the analysis of the efficiency and time of soil remediation using vapour extraction as well as provides comparison of results using both, prepared and real soils. The main objectives were: (i) to analyse the efficiency and time of remediation according to the water and natural organic matter content of the soil; and (ii) to assess if a previous study, performed using prepared soils, could help to preview the process viability in real conditions. For sandy soils with negligible clay content, artificially contaminated with cyclohexane before vapour extraction, it was concluded that (i) the increase of soil water content and mainly of natural organic matter content influenced negatively the remediation process, making it less efficient, more time consuming, and consequently more expensive; and (ii) a previous study using prepared soils of similar characteristics has proven helpful for previewing the process viability in real conditions.

Green production of zero-valent iron nanoparticles using tree leaf extracts

The interest in zero-valent iron nanoparticles has been increasing significantly since the development of a green production method in which extracts from natural products or wastes are used. However, this field of application is yet poorly studied and lacks knowledge that allows the full understanding of the production and application processes. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the viability of the utilization of several tree leaves to produce extracts which are capable of reducing iron(III) in aqueous solution to form nZVIs. The quality of the extracts was evaluated concerning their antioxidant capacity. The results show that: i) dried leaves produce extracts with higher antioxidant capacities than non-dried leaves, ii) the most favorable extraction conditions (temperature, contact time, and volume:mass ratio) were identified for each leaf, iii) with the aim of developing a green, but also low-cost,method waterwas chosen as solvent, iv) the extracts can be classified in three categories according to their antioxidant capacity (expressed as Fe(II) concentration): >40 mmol L−1; 20–40 mmol L−1; and 2–10 mmol L−1; with oak, pomegranate and green tea leaves producing the richest extracts, and v) TEManalysis proves that nZVIs (d=10–20 nm) can be produced using the tree leaf extracts.

Angolan cymbopogon citratus used for therapeutic benefits: nutritional composition and influence of solvents in phytochemicals content and antioxidant activity of leaf extracts

Folk medicine is a relevant and effective part of indigenous healthcare systems which are, in practice, totally dependent on traditional healers. An outstanding coincidence between indigenous medicinal plant uses and scientifically proved pharmacological properties of several phytochemicals has been observed along the years. This work focused on the leaves of a medicinal plant traditionally used for therapeutic benefits (Angolan Cymbopogon citratus), in order to evaluate their nutritional value. The bioactive phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of leaf extracts prepared with different solvents (water, methanol and ethanol) were also evaluated. The plant leaves contained ~60% of carbohydrates, protein (~20%), fat (~5%), ash (~4%) and moisture (~9%). The phytochemicals screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids in all extracts. Methanolic extracts also contained alkaloids and steroids. Several methods were used to evaluate total antioxidant capacity of the different extracts (DPPH; NO; and H2O2 scavenging assays, reducing power, and FRAP). Ethanolic extracts presented a significantly higher antioxidant activity (p < 0.05) except for FRAP, in which the best results were achieved by the aqueous extracts. Methanolic extracts showed the lowest radical scavenging activities for both DPPH; and NO; radicals.

The utilization bound of non-preemptive rate-monotonic scheduling in controller area networks is 25%

Consider a distributed computer system comprising many computer nodes, each interconnected with a controller area network (CAN) bus. We prove that if priorities to message streams are assigned using rate-monotonic (RM) and if the requested capacity of the CAN bus does not exceed 25% then all deadlines are met.

Runtime CRPD management for rate-based scheduling

Temporal isolation is an increasingly relevant con- cern in particular for ARINC-351 and virtualisation- based systems. Traditional approaches like the rate- based scheduling framework RBED do not take into account the impact of preemptions in terms of loss of working set in the acceleration hardware (e.g. caches). While some improvements have been suggested in the literature, they are overly heavy in the presence of small high-priority tasks such as interrupt service routines. Within this paper we propose an approach enabling adaptive assessment of this preemption delay in a tem- poral isolation framework with special consideration of capabilities and limitations of the approach.

Multi-elemental analysis of ready-to-eat “baby leaf” vegetables using microwave digestion and high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry

The mineral content (phosphorous (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu)) of eight ready-to-eat baby leaf vegetables was determined. The samples were subjected to microwave-assisted digestion and the minerals were quantified by High-Resolution Continuum Source Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HR-CS-AAS) with flame and electrothermal atomisation. The methods were optimised and validated producing low LOQs, good repeatability and linearity, and recoveries, ranging from 91% to 110% for the minerals analysed. Phosphorous was determined by a standard colorimetric method. The accuracy of the method was checked by analysing a certified reference material; results were in agreement with the quantified value. The samples had a high content of potassium and calcium, but the principal mineral was iron. The mineral content was stable during storage and baby leaf vegetables could represent a good source of minerals in a balanced diet. A linear discriminant analysis was performed to compare the mineral profile obtained and showed, as expected, that the mineral content was similar between samples from the same family. The Linear Discriminant Analysis was able to discriminate different samples based on their mineral profile.

Sistema de monitorização da qualidade e consumo de energia elétrica

A racionalização do consumo de energia elétrica é um tema que assume uma importância crescente nos dias de hoje. O elevado consumo de energia, principalmente a nível comercial/industrial, tem motivado o aparecimento de questões políticas, económico-sociais e ambientais que visam a sensibilização dos consumidores para a gestão eficiente dos seus recursos. Neste sentido, as empresas e instituições têm demonstrado interesse em encontrar soluções de gestão nas suas instalações elétricas que permitam a monitorização de indicadores e a previsão de falhas cuja ocorrência acarreta elevados custos de reparação/substituição, de paragem de produção, entre outros. O estudo aqui apresentado surge no âmbito de um projeto académico, cuja finalidade se prende com a implementação de um sistema de monitorização da qualidade e consumo de energia elétrica no Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP). Baseado numa rede de dispositivos analisadores de parâmetros de energia elétrica, estes equipamentos de medição dispõem de software próprio, o GridVis, que permite o acesso remoto, através de uma rede Ethernet, aos parâmetros de energia (grandezas físicas elétricas). O sistema desenvolvido é capaz de identificar parâmetros de consumo de energia anómalos e emitir alertas, pré-programados em linguagem C++ e diagrama de blocos. Permite, por exemplo, detetar um consumo instantâneo excessivo de energia e alertar a sua ocorrência. As páginas de acesso aos parâmetros medidos por cada dispositivo são acessíveis através de uma interface gráfica desenvolvida em Adobe Flash que inclui, de uma forma simples e organizada, a informação relativa à distribuição dos dispositivos de medição. Num contexto de expansão deste projeto para outros edifícios do ISEP, a solução desenvolvida encontra-se preparada para ser adaptada em qualquer local, desde que reúna certos requisitos.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) leaf-proteome profiles after exposure to cylindrospermopsin and a microcystin-LR/cylindrospermopsin mixture: A concentration-dependent response

The intensification of agricultural productivity is an important challenge worldwide. However, environmental stressors can provide challenges to this intensification. The progressive occurrence of the cyanotoxins cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and microcystin-LR (MC-LR) as a potential consequence of eutrophication and climate change is of increasing concern in the agricultural sector because it has been reported that these cyanotoxins exert harmful effects in crop plants. A proteomic-based approach has been shown to be a suitable tool for the detection and identification of the primary responses of organisms exposed to cyanotoxins. The aim of this study was to compare the leaf-proteome profiles of lettuce plants exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of CYN and a MC-LR/CYN mixture. Lettuce plants were exposed to 1, 10, and 100 lg/l CYN and a MC-LR/CYN mixture for five days. The proteins of lettuce leaves were separated by twodimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), and those that were differentially abundant were then identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS). The biological functions of the proteins that were most represented in both experiments were photosynthesis and carbon metabolism and stress/defense response. Proteins involved in protein synthesis and signal transduction were also highly observed in the MC-LR/CYN experiment. Although distinct protein abundance patterns were observed in both experiments, the effects appear to be concentration-dependent, and the effects of the mixture were clearly stronger than those of CYN alone. The obtained results highlight the putative tolerance of lettuce to CYN at concentrations up to 100 lg/l. Furthermore, the combination of CYN with MC-LR at low concentrations (1 lg/l) stimulated a significant increase in the fresh weight (fr. wt) of lettuce leaves and at the proteomic level resulted in the increase in abundance of a high number of proteins. In contrast, many proteins exhibited a decrease in abundance or were absent in the gels of the simultaneous exposure to 10 and 100 lg/l MC-LR/CYN. In the latter, also a significant decrease in the fr. wt of lettuce leaves was obtained. These findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of the lettuce response to CYN and MC-LR/CYN and may contribute to the identification of potential protein markers of exposure and proteins that may confer tolerance to CYN and MC-LR/CYN. Furthermore, because lettuce is an important crop worldwide, this study may improve our understanding of the potential impact of these cyanotoxins on its quality traits (e.g., presence of allergenic proteins).