Influence of magnesium status and magnesium intake on the blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background & aims: This study was undertaken to assess magnesium intake and magnesium status in patients with type 2 diabetes, and to identify the parameters that best predict alterations in fasting glucose and plasma magnesium. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 51; 53.6 +/- 10.5 y) selected within the inclusion factors, at the University Hospital Onofre Lopes. Magnesium intake was assessed by three 24-h recalls. Urine, plasma and erythrocytes magnesium, fasting and 2-h postprandial glucose, HbA1, microalbuminuria, proteinuria, and serum and urine creatinine were measured. Results: Mean magnesium intake (9.37 +/- 1.76 mmol/d), urine magnesium (2.80 +/- 1.51 mmol/d), plasma magnesium (0.71 +/- 0.08 mmol/L) and erythrocyte magnesium (1.92 +/- 0.23 mmol/L) levels were low. Seventy-seven percent of participants presented one or more magnesium status parameters below the cut-off points of 3.00 mmol/L for urine, 0.75 mmol/L for plasma and 1.65 mmol/L for erythrocytes. Subjects presented poor blood glucose control with fasting glucose of 8.1 +/- 3.7 mmol/L, 2-h postprandial glucose of 11.1 +/- 5.1 mmol/L, and HbA1 of 11.4 +/- 3.0%. The parameters that influenced fasting glucose were urine, plasma and dietary magnesium, while plasma magnesium was influenced by creatinine clearance. Conclusions: Magnesium status was influenced by kidney depuration and was altered in patients with type 2 diabetes, and magnesium showed to play an important role in blood glucose control. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Nutritional Aspects of Second Generation Soy Foods

Samples of 15 second generation soy-based products (n = 3), commercially available, were analyzed for their protein and isoflavone contents and in vitro antioxidant activity, by means of the Folin-Ciocalteu reducing ability, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Isoflavone identification and quantification were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Products containing soy and/or soy-based ingredients represent important sources of protein in addition to the low fat amounts. However, a large variation in isoflavone content and in vitro antioxidant capacity was observed. The isoflavone content varied from 2.4 to 18.1 mg/100 g (FW), and soy kibe and soy sausage presented the highest amounts. Chocolate had the highest antioxidant capacity, but this fact was probably associated with the addition of cocoa liquor, a well-known source of polyphenolics. This study showed that the soy-based foods do not present a significant content of isoflavones when compared with the grain, and their in vitro antioxidant capacity is not related with these compounds but rather to the presence of other phenolics and synthetic antioxidants, such as sodium erythorbate. However, they may represent alternative sources and provide soy protein, isoflavones, and vegetable fat for those who are not ready to eat traditional soy foods.

Increased expression of fructan 1-exohydrolase in rhizophores of Vernonia herbacea during sprouting and exposure to low temperature

Rhizophores of Vernonia herbacea, an Asteraceae found in the Brazilian Cerrado, store high amounts of fructans that vary in composition over the phenological cycle. Fructan 1-exohydrolase (1-FEH) activity is detectable during the sprouting phase, mainly in the proximal regions of rhizophores, of plants induced to sprout by defoliation and/or cold storage. We found an increase in 1-FEH gene expression during natural and induced sprouting and further enhancement through low-temperature treatment. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of 1-FEH gene expression in different regions of the rhizophores during the transition from dormancy to sprouting is presented. Transcripts were detected mainly in the proximal region, coinciding with high 1-FEH activity and a high concentration of free fructose. Low temperature promoted the accumulation of fructans of a low degree of polymerization (DP) and enhanced 1-FEH activity and gene expression. It is hypothesized that a set of 1-FEH proteins acts in two different ways during fructan mobilization: (1) by hydrolyzing fructo-oligosaccharides and -polysaccharides in sprouting plants (naturally or induced) for carbon supply and (2) by hydrolyzing preferably fructo-polysaccharides under low temperature to maintain the oligosaccharide pool for plant cold acclimation. (C) 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

WINE GRAPE QUALITY OF GRAPEVINES GROWN IN THE CERRADO ECOREGION OF BRAZIL

Aims: Geographical indication plays an important role in the improvement of wine quality. In this context, the search for new grape growing areas has been constant. The Sao Francisco River Valley in the cerrado of Minas Gerais State (Brazil) has been pointed out in the Geoviticulture Multicriteria Climatic Classification System (MCC System) as a potentially winegrowing region, especially considering the autumn-winter period when night temperatures are favorable to grape ripening. In this work, we studied the maturation curves and fruit composition of four wine grape varieties (Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) in two growing seasons in order to validate the state of Minas Gerais as a new winegrowing region in Brazil. Methods and results: Quality parameters (berry weight, pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids) were measured weekly from veraison to harvest, and sugar, organic acid, anthocyanin and phenolic concentrations were determined in must and berry skins and seeds at harvest. Syrah berries showed the highest weight throughout maturation which contributed to higher yield (8.92 ton ha(-1)), followed closely by Merlot (8.07 ton ha(-1)). Bern, sugar concentrations were higher and malic acid levels were lower than the values usually observed in wine grapes harvested during summer in traditional winegrowing regions in Brazil. Cabernet Franc showed lower levels of anthocyanins and skin phenolics per kg berries and the highest values of seed phenolics, which were not affected by growing season. Conclusion: Weather conditions of the cerrado of Minas Gerais State in Brazil during winter allowed complete maturation of Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah cultivars as revealed by the satisfactory sugar, anthocyanin and skin phenolic accumulation. Significance and impact of the study: This study revealed the potential of the cerrado ecoregion in the northeast of Minas Gerais to become a new winemaking region in Brazil.

Hemoglobin Regeneration Efficiency in Anemic Rats: Effects on Bone Mineral Composition and Biomechanical Properties

This study reports the effects of dietary iron (Fe) deficiency and recovery on bone mineral composition and strength in anemic rats submitted to a hemoglobin (Hb) repletion assay. Weanling male Wistar rats were fed a low-Fe diet (12 mg/kg) for 15 days followed by 2 weeks of Fe repletion with diets providing 35 mg Fe/kg as either ferrous sulfate (n = 8) or ferric pyrophosphate (FP; n = 12). At final day of each period (depletion and repletion), Fe-adequate animals were also euthanized. Iron status (blood Hb, Hb Fe pool, Hb regeneration efficiency), tibia mineral concentrations (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Zn) and biomechanical properties were evaluated. Iron-deficient rats had lower tibia Fe and Mg levels and bone strength when compared to controls. Yield load and resilience were positively related to tibia Mg levels (r = 0.47, P = 0.02 and r = 0.56, P = 0.004, respectively). Iron repletion did not recover tibia Mg concentrations impaired by Fe deficiency. Moreover, bone elastic properties were negatively affected by FP consumption. In conclusion, bone mineral composition and strength were affected by Fe deficiency, whereas dietary Fe source influenced tibia Mg and resistance in the period during which rats were recovering from anemia.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of culms and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) products

The present work reports amounts of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids of culms of three sugarcane varieties and of raw juice, syrup, molasse and VHP sugar. The antioxidant activity of those materials was evaluated by the DPPH and beta-carotene/linoleic acid methods. The predominant phenolics in culms were phenylpropanoids (caffeic, chlorogenic and coumaric acids), while flavones (apigenin, tricin and luteolin derivatives) appeared in lower amounts. Differences were noted either among phenolic profiles of sugarcane culms or between culms and sugarcane products. The antioxidant activities of solutions from most samples were similar or higher than a 80 mu M Trolox solution. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

Antioxidant status in rats after long-term intake of anthocyanins and ellagitannins from blackberries

BACKGROUND: This study reported the effects of the daily intake of anthocyanins and ellagitannins (ET) extracted from blackberries on the markers for oxidative status in healthy rats. RESULTS: The phenolic compounds were administered from three different extracts: an aqueous extract of blackberry (BJ) and its two derived fractions: anthocyanin-enriched (AF) and ET-enriched (EF) fractions. After 35 days` administration, the AF and EF extracts significantly reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels and increased glutathione levels in the liver, kidney and brain. Plasma antioxidant capacity increased only in the group that received AF. Antioxidant enzyme activity and expression did not follow a pattern of response varying according to the tissues and extracts. A significant increase in the catalase activity was observed only in the plasma of the groups administered anthocyanin-containing extracts, which were the BJ and AF groups. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly increased in the liver and brain after EF treatment, and the highest increase in its expression was observed in the livers and brains of rats that received AF and EF, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that long-term intake of anthocyanin and ET through diet affects antioxidant enzyme activity and expression, and enhances oxidative markers in healthy rats. (C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry

Occurrence and distribution of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in retail oysters in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a potentially pathogenic bacterium that occurs naturally in estuarine environments worldwide, and is often associated with gastroenteritis in humans following consumption of raw bivalve mollusks, especially raw oysters. The occurrence of total and pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus in 74 samples of raw oysters collected in restaurants, supermarkets, groceries and beach huts in Sao Paulo State, was monitored between February 2006 and January 2007. Enumeration of V. parahaemolyticus was performed according to the most probable number (MPN) procedure. Five to ten typical colonies were selected from thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar plates for confirmation by the presence of the species-specific gene tlh and the virulence genes tdh and trh by multiplex PCR. V. parahaemolyticus was detected in 100% of samples. The densities of total V. parahaemolyticus varied from 1.78 to 6.04 logio (MPN/g), with higher densities being detected in fall and summer, and lower densities in winter (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference among densities of V parahaemolyticus regarding the site of collection. None of the 1943 V parahaemolyticus isolates contained tdh and/or trh. These data provide information for the assessment of exposure to V. parahaemolyticus in oysters consumed in Sao Paulo, State, Brazil. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of refrigeration, freezing and replacement of milk fat by inulin and whey protein concentrate on texture profile and sensory acceptance of synbiotic guava mousses

The effects of refrigeration, freezing and substitution of milk fat by inulin and whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the texture and sensory features of synbiotic guava mousses supplemented with the probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, and the prebiotic fibre oligofructose, were studied. The frozen storage (-18 +/- 1 degrees C), followed by thawing at 4 degrees C before the analyses, and the complete replacement of the milk fat by inulin plus WPC, led to significant differences in the instrumental texture parameters of mousses (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, these changes did not affect the sensory acceptability of the products studied. The frozen storage may be employed to extend the shelf-life of synbiotic guava mousses. Additionally, to obtain a texture profile similar to the traditional product, the simultaneous addition of inulin and WPC is recommended only for the partial replacement of milk fat in refrigerated and frozen mousses, and the total proportion of both ingredients together should not exceed 2.6%. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Method development and optimization for the determination of selenium in bean and soil samples using hydride generation electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The present investigation is the first part of an initiative to prepare a regional map of the natural abundance of selenium in various areas of Brazil, based on the analysis of bean and soil samples. Continuous-flow hydride generation electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-ET AAS) with in situ trapping on an iridium-coated graphite tube has been chosen because of the high sensitivity and relative simplicity. The microwave-assisted acid digestion for bean and soil samples was tested for complete recovery of inorganic and organic selenium compounds (selenomethionine). The reduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV) was optimized in order to guarantee that there is no back-oxidation, which is of importance when digested samples are not analyzed immediately after the reduction step. The limits of detection and quantification of the method were 30 ng L(-1) Se and 101 ng L(-1) Se, respectively, corresponding to about 3 ng g(-1) and 10 ng g(-1), respectively, in the solid samples, considering a typical dilution factor of 100 for the digestion process. The results obtained for two certified food reference materials (CRM), soybean and rice, and for a soil and sediment CRM confirmed the validity of the investigated method. The selenium content found in a number of selected bean samples varied between 5.5 +/- 0.4 ng g(-1) and 1726 +/- 55 ng g(-1), and that in soil samples varied between 113 +/- 6.5 ng g(-1) and 1692 +/- 21 ng g(-1). (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus in synbiotic guava mousses and its survival under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions

The effects of refrigeration, freezing and substitution of milk fat by inulin and whey protein concentrate (WPC) on Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 viability and resistance to gastric and enteric simulated conditions in synbiotic guava mousses effects were investigated. Refrigerated mousses supplemented with WPC presented the best probiotic viability. ranging from 7.77 to 6.24 log cfu/g during 28 days of storage. The highest probiotic populations, above 7.45 log cfu/g, were observed for all frozen mousses during 112 days of storage. Decreased L acidophilus survival during the in vitro gastrointestinal simulation was observed both for refrigerated and frozen mousses. Nonetheless, for the refrigerated mousses, the addition of inulin enhanced the probiotic survival during the in vitro assays in the first week of storage. L acidophilus survival in simulated gastrointestinal fluids was also improved through freezing. The frozen storage may be used to provide increased shelf-life for synbiotic guava mousses. Even though the protective effect of inulin and WPC on the probiotic microorganism tested was shown to be more specific for the refrigerated products, the partial replacement of milk fat by these ingredients may also help, as it improves the nutritional value of mousses in both storage conditions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlation between Environmental Factors and Prevalence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Oysters Harvested in the Southern Coastal Area of Sao Paulo State, Brazil

The presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in 123 oyster samples collected from an estuary on the southern coast of Sao Paulo state, Brazil, was investigated. Of the 123 samples, 99.2% were positive with densities ranging from <3 to 10(5) most probable number (MPN)/g. Densities correlated significantly with water temperature (r = 0.48; P < 0.001) but not with salinity (r = -0.09; P = 0.34). The effect of harvest site on counts was not significant (P > 0.05). These data provide information for the assessment of exposure of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters at harvest.

Changes in bone mass, biomechanical properties, and microarchitecture of calcium- and iron-deficient rats fed diets supplemented with inulin-type fructans

Feeding mineral-deficient diets enhances absorptive efficiency as an attempt of the body to compensate for the lack of an essential nutrient. Under certain circumstances, it does not succeed, and nutritional deficiency is produced Our hypothesis was that mulin-type fructans (ITF), which arc known to affect mineral absorption, could increase Ca and Fe bioavailability in Ca- and Fe-deficient rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 48, 4 weeks old) were assigned to I of 8 groups derived from 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design with 2 levels of added Fe (0 and 35 mg/kg), Ca (0 and 5 g/kg), and ITF (0 and 100 g/kg) for 33 days. The Fe status (hemoglobin, serum Fe, total Fe-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, liver minerals) was evaluated. Tibia minerals (Ca, Mg, and Zn), bone strength, and histomorphometry were determined In nondeficient rats, ITF supplementation did not affect Fe status or organ minerals, with the exception of tibia Mg Moreover, ITF improved bone resilience and led to a reduction in eroded surface per body surface and number of osteoclasts per area In Ca-deficient rats, ITF increased liver (Fe and Zn) and tibia (Zn) mineral levels but impaired tibia Mg, yield load, and resilience. In conclusion, ITF worsened the tibia Mg levels and elastic properties when supplemented in Ca-deficient diets In contrast, although bone Ca was not affected in nondeficient rats under the present experimental conditions, bone quality improved, as demonstrated by a moderate reduction in femur osteoclast resorption and significant increases in tibia Mg content and elasticity. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High prevalence, low counts and uncommon serotypes of Listeria monocytogenes in linguica, a Brazilian fresh pork sausage

Linguica is a highly popular and appreciated pork product in Brazil, frequently consumed undercooked. Aiming at collection of data for a future risk assessment, this study evaluated the prevalence and counts of Listeria monocytogenes in linguica samples collected at retail level in Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. ISO methods were used for detection and enumeration of the pathogen (11290-1 and 11290-2, respectively). Isolates were submitted to Simplex-PCR for hlyA gene and those with biochemical features of L. monocytogenes and hlyA positive were serotyped using a Multiplex PCR. Ninety percent of the samples were positive for Listeria spp., and L monocytogenes was detected in 42% of the samples, with counts below 10(2) CFU/g in all samples. A prevalence of uncommon serotypes 4a and 4c was observed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Zinc and Selenium Nutritional Status in Vegetarians

A vegetarian diet may have beneficial effects on human health, however when it is not well-balanced may be deficient in some nutrients, as minerals for example. The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of zinc and selenium in vegetarians in the city of SA o pound Paulo. A cross-sectional study was performed, and the inclusion criteria were age a parts per thousand yen 18 years, both gender, no use of food or pharmaceutical supplements. Thirty vegetarian, of both genders, mean age of 27 years and 4,5 years of vegetarianism had performed the study, and their mean BMI was 21,5. Zinc plasma concentration was 71 and 62,5 mu g/dL for men and women and erythrocyte concentration was 37 mu g/gHb for both genders. Selenium concentration was 73,5 and 77,3 mu g/L in plasma and 51,4 and 66,9 mu g/L in erythrocytes for men and women, respectively. These biochemical values show that, according to the references, selenium blood levels are adequate and zinc concentration in erythrocytes is deficient in the studied population. For this reason, vegetarians should be constantly assessed and receive nutritional support to reduce the effects of inadequate zinc status.