Otimização de método para análise de folatos em hortaliças folhosas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detecção por fluorescência

We optimized a method for the determination of three main folate isoforms in leafy vegetables. Analysis was carried out by HPLC, using gradient of elution and fluorescence detection. Limits of quantification were 2 ng/mL; 2 ng/mL and 28 ng/mL for tetrahydrofolate (THF), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-FTHF), respectively. Recovery rates of THF, 5-MTHF and 5-FTHF varied from 87.86 to 100.64%; 88.12-94.22% and 89.82-106.69%, respectively. Test of repeatability showed relative standard deviation for peak areas lower than 10%. Tests for linearity showed high coefficients of determination. The results showed advances in folates extraction and analysis in raw and cooked leafy vegetables.

Validação de método multirresíduo para determinação de pesticidas em alimentos empregando QuEChERS E UPLC-MS/MS

This paper presents a practical and rapid method which was validated for simultaneous quantification and confirmation of 29 pesticides in fruits and vegetables using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The samples were extracted following the method known as QuEChERS. Using the developed chromatographic conditions, the pesticides can be separated in less than 9 min. Two multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assays were used for each pesticide. Four representative matrices (lettuce, tomato, apple and grapes) were selected to investigate the effect in recoveries and precision. Typical recoveries ranged from 70-120%, with relative standard deviation (RSDs) lower than 20%.

Chumbo e cádmio detectados em alimentos vegetais e gramíneas no município de Santo Amaro-Bahia

This study evaluated the level of the metals Pb mg kg-1 and Cd mg kg-1 found in plant species and the contribution of the levels detected in contaminated soils located in the urban area of the city of Santo Amaro, Bahia. Levels were determined by graphite furnace and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed the presence of Pb and Cd in plant species at levels ranging from 0.18 to 118.2 mg kg-1 and 0.04 to 7.29 mg kg-1, respectively. The concentration values obtained varied according to the plant species and were not strongly influenced by the concentration values detected in the soil.

Zingiber officinale (GENGIBRE) COMO FONTE ENZIMÁTICA NA REDUÇÃO DE COMPOSTOS CARBONÍLICOS

Various vegetables as biological catalysts were evaluated in enantioselective reduction of carbonyl compounds. The stereoselectivity of the process was in agreement with Prelog's rule for twelve of the vegetables, whereas okra and green peppers formed anti-Prelog products. Zingiber officinale exhibited the best results with 30% conversion and 89% ee. The parameters of the reaction such as time, solvent and other substrates investigated, as well as the specie, showed good chemo- and enantioselectivity.

Uses of nitrate ion sensitive electrodes

Some models of ion-selective electrodes (ISE) and other methods have been elaborated, to quantify nitrate levels in environmental samples (water, fruits, vegetables and others), using direct potentiometry

Production of tomato seedlings using different substrates and trays in three protected environments

The seedlings production is an essential part for vegetables production. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the environment, the substrates and the containers in the development of tomato seedlings, cv. Santa crus Kada Gigante, in Aquidauana -MS, Brazil region, from October to November, 2008. Polystyrene trays with 72; 128 and 200 cells, filled with four substrates (soil; Plantmax®; coconut fiber and vermiculite) were tested in three protected environments (greenhouse; screened with Sombrite® and screened with Aluminet®). The experimental design was completely randomized, factorial scheme 3x4 (three trays x four substrates), with four replications, being analyzed individual variance analysis and joint analysis for the environments. The environment with screens (Sombrite® and Aluminet®), the trays with 72 cells and the vermiculite produced better results.

Effects of light intensity modification by reflective aluminized screenhouse on sweet pepper growth and yield

Sweet pepper is one of the ten most consumed vegetables in world. Although it develops better under protected environment, the cultivation in tropical countries is practiced in open field due greenhouse structure higher costs. Unfortunately, such practice has compromised the crop to reach either best yield or fruit quality. Since production and cost are the most important criteria for agricultural production, we aimed to evaluate reflective aluminized polypropylene shading net influence on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth and production as intermediary alternative for low/middle income producers from Brazilian tropical regions. Sweet pepper Magali R hybrid was cultivated in two environments: FC - field conditions (control) and RS - reflective shading net with 40% shading rate. RS caused reductions in incident solar radiation (SR) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on the amount of 46.3% and 48.3%, respectively. There were no significant changes in temperature and relative humidity recorded for the two environments. In addition, RS allowed best use efficiency of photosynthetically active radiation since it promoted higher values of plant height, leaf number and area index than those reached on FC on the amount of 29%, 22% and 80 %, respectively. Similarly, plants grown under RS showed higher yield and marketable fruits and promoted less loses by sunscald.

Tricobezoar gástrico: relato de caso

Bezoars are foreign bodies impacted in the digestive tract resulting of their ingestion and accumulation, involving mainly the stomach. The most common types are phytobezoars, contaning vegetables, fiber and seed and the trichobezoar, made of hair. The present case is the description of a 25-year-old female with nonspecific dyspeptic symptoms associated to intestinal habit change. The diagnosis was suggested by Computerized Tomography in association with clinical history - initially omitted by the pacient - of trichophagia for 10 years. Treatment consisted of Anterior Gastrotomy and remotion of the bezoar.

Implications of weeds of genus euphorbia for crop production: a review

The genus Euphorbia comprises about 2000 species ranging from annuals to trees, including C3, C4, and CAM species. Euphorbia species widely studied in agriculture includes E. antiquorum, E. carollata, E. dentata, E. dracunculoides, E. esula, E. geniculata, E. granulata, E. helioscopia, E. heterophylla, E. hierosolymitana, E. hirta, E. maculata, E. microphylla, E. nerifolia, E. piluifera, E. pulcherrima, E. royleana, E. supine, and E. thiamifolia. These species have been reported mainly in field crops/vegetables, orchards, pastures, and rangelands. Euphorbia plants may present allelopathic effect over desirable cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, forage plants, and nitrifying bacteria, posing a serious threat to livestock production on open range lands through the release of allelochemicals from roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescence in the rhizosphere. Leaves are reported to be more toxic than other plant parts. Competition of Euphorbia spp. against crop plants is the most important crop yield-limiting factor. The critical period for Euphorbia competition with crops is reported to take place between 17 to 70 days after emergence for most crops, depending on root development during the initial crop growth stage, crop height, tillering or branching capacity, whether weeds emerge at the same time as the crop or later after crop emergence; how quickly crop canopy develops and also on Euphorbia species. A yield reduction of 4-85% has been reported in field crops with different Euphorbia species and distinct occurrence densities. Euphorbia species decrease herbage production by 10 to 100% in pasture and rangelands, with many acting as natural insecticide, fungicide, nematidicide, immunopotentiator, or immunosuppressor.

Wine, alcohol and atherosclerosis: clinical evidences and mechanisms

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease which may cause obstructions of the coronary, cerebral and peripheral arteries. It is typically multifactorial, most often dependent on risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, sedentarism, and obesity. It is the single main cause of death in most developed countries due to myocardial infarction, angina, sudden death, and heart failure. Several epidemiological studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake, especially red wine, decrease cardiac mortality due to atherosclerosis. The alcohol effect is described by a J curve, suggesting that moderate drinkers may benefit while abstainers and heavy drinkers are at higher risk. Experimental studies indicate that most beneficial effects of drinking are attributable to flavonoids that are present in red wine, purple grape juice and several fruits and vegetables. The mechanisms include antiplatelet actions, increases in high-density lipoprotein, antioxidation, reduced endothelin-1 production, and increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression which causes augmented nitric oxide production by endothelial cells. These findings lead to the concept that moderate red wine drinking, in the absence of contraindications, may be beneficial to patients who are at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Moreover, a diet based on fruits and vegetables containing flavonoids may be even more beneficial.

Food consumption by young adults living in Ribeirão Preto, SP, 2002/2004

There is evidence showing a close relationship between diet and the occurrence of non-communicable chronic diseases. The present study assessed food consumption in a 2002/2004 cohort of young adults born in 1978/79 in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. The composition of the habitual diet consumed by a sample of 2063 individuals aged 23-25 years was analyzed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire based on studies of prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases. The Dietsys software was used for dietary calculations. In terms of WHO/2003 recommendations, there was a high mean daily consumption of energy from fat (consumption: 35.4%; recommendation: 15-30%), a low mean intake of energy from carbohydrates (47.5%; 55-75%) and a low mean consumption of total fibers (15.2 g; >25 g). Mean intake of energy from fatty acids (10%; <10%) and protein (15.6%; 10-15%) was within recommended limits. When compared to the recommendations of the food pyramid adapted to the Brazilian population, adequate intake was observed only regarding the meat group (consumption: 1.9 portions; recommended: 1-2). There was a low consumption of vegetables (2.9; 4-5), fruits (1.2; 3-5), breads (3.6; 6-9), and dairy products (1.7; 3), with excessive fat and sugar intake (5.7; 1-2). We conclude that the inadequate food consumption observed in this young population may be associated with the development of excess weight and may contribute to the triggering of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Water extracts of cabbage and kale inhibit ex vivo H2O2-induced DNA damage but not rat hepatocarcinogenesis

The chemopreventive potential of water extracts of the Brassica vegetables cabbage and kale was evaluated by administering their aqueous extracts in drinking water ad libitum to Wistar rats submitted to Ito’s hepatocarcinogenesis model (CB group and K group, respectively - 14 rats per group). Animals submitted to this same model and treated with water were used as controls (W group - 15 rats). Treatment with the vegetable extracts did not inhibit (P > 0.05) placental glutathione S-transferase-positive preneoplastic lesions (PNL). The number of apoptotic bodies did not differ (P > 0.05) among the experimental groups. Ex vivo hydrogen peroxide treatment of rat livers resulted in lower (P < 0.05) DNA strand breakage in cabbage- (107.6 ± 7.8 µm) and kale- (110.8 ± 10.0 µm) treated animals compared with control (120.9 ± 12.7 µm), as evaluated by the single cell gel (comet) assay. Treatment with cabbage (2 ± 0.3 µg/g) or kale (4 ± 0.2 µg/g) resulted in increased (P < 0.05) hepatic lutein concentration compared with control (0.5 ± 0.07 µg/g). Despite the absence of inhibitory effects of cabbage and kale aqueous extracts on PNL, these Brassica vegetables presented protection against DNA damage, an effect possibly related to increased hepatic lutein concentrations. However, it must be pointed out that the cause-effect relationship between lutein levels and protection is hypothetical and remains to be demonstrated.

Drugs and lifestyle for the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease: comparative analysis of the scientific basis

In this article, we compare two strategies for atherosclerosis treatment: drugs and healthy lifestyle. Statins are the principal drugs used for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Several secondary prevention studies have demonstrated that statins can significantly reduce cardiovascular events including coronary death, the need for surgical revascularization, stroke, total mortality, as well as fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction. These results were observed in both men and women, the elderly, smokers and non-smokers, diabetics and hypertensives. Primary prevention studies yielded similar results, although total mortality was not affected. Statins also induce atheroma regression and do not cause cancer. However, many unresolved issues remain, such as partial risk reduction, costs, several potential side effects, and long-term use by young patients. Statins act mainly as lipid-lowering drugs but pleiotropic actions are also present. Healthy lifestyle, on the other hand, is effective and inexpensive and has no harmful effects. Five items are associated with lower cardiac risk: non-smoking, BMI ≤25, regular exercise (30 min/day), healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, low-saturated fat, and 5-30 g alcohol/day). Nevertheless, there are difficulties in implementing these measures both at the individual and population levels. Changes in behavior require multidisciplinary care, including medical, nutritional, and psychological counseling. Participation of the entire society is required for such implementation, i.e., universities, schools, media, government, and medical societies. Although these efforts represent a major challenge, such a task must be faced in order to halt the atherosclerosis epidemic that threatens the world.

Provitamin a activity of Brazilian carrots: leaves and roots, raw and cooked and their chemical composition

The purpose of this study was to determine through carotenoid analysis, the provitamin A value of two carrots (Daucus carota L.) cultivars (Brasilia and Beta3), leaves and roots, raw and submitted to two ways of cooking: boiling and microwave. Proximate analysis results are also presented for a better characterization of these vegetables (moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, fiber and total carbohydrates). The main carotenoids sources of provitamin A in this vegetable, both in leaves or roots was β-carotene and α-carotene. α-carotene shows half of the provitamin A value of β-carotene. Samples of the Brasilia cultivar presented the better provitamin A value both for leaves and roots. The results for raw samples of the Brasilia cultivar were 464.48 RE/100g for leaves and 606.42 RE/100g for roots. There were no significant losses of provitamin A with the boiling or microwave cooking methods used.

Provitamin a activity of raw and cooked Brazilian leaves

The purpose of this study was to determine, through beta-carotene analysis, the provitamin A value of three vegetables leaves ("serralha", celery and mint), raw and submitted to two ways of cooking: boiling and microwave. Samples of "serralha" presented the better provitamin A value beyond the three leaves analyzed: 1, 373 RE/100g for raw samples. Except for mint, it was observed a significant lost of provitamin A due the two ways of cooking.