α‐Amylase Inhibitors from Wheat Against Development and Toxigenic Potential of Fusarium verticillioides

Fusarium verticillioides is one of the most important pathogens in maize and is a producer of fumonisin B₁ (FB₁). Although reports of its presence in wheat are scarce, the susceptibility of this cereal to fungus of the same genus motivates interest in investigating compounds present in the grain with inhibitory activity against this species. The aim of this study was to extract α‐amylase inhibitors from wheat and apply them in vitro to evaluate its effect on the development and expression of toxigenic potential of F. verticillioides. The α‐amylase inhibitors, both crude (P₀) and purified (P₁), were applied to in vitro culture containing a pathogen mycelium disc. Mycelial growth of the pathogen, glucosamine content, α‐amylase activity, and production of FB₁ were investigated. All protein extracts of wheat showed the ability to inhibit pathogen growth, especially the extract P₀ from cultivar Quartzo, which resulted in a reduction of glucosamine content (66%) and α‐amylase activity (84%). Furthermore, the protein inhibitors showed antifumonisin effect, reducing by 33 and 47% the mycotoxin production when applied as P₀ and P₁, respectively. These results suggest that α‐amylase inhibitor contributed to resistance against pathogen attack, acting in a diversified manner for each fungal species.     

The Correlation between Age,Body Weight and Testicular Parameters in Murrah Buffalo Bulls Raised in Brazil

Buffalo are an economically important source for meat and milk production, especially in Brazil. However, important aspects of their biology remain unknown thus far. Herein, we describe the reproductive characteristics of male Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) raised under extensive management conditions by applying biometrics associated with testicular weight. We analyzed seven males, divided into two groups: G1, which consisted of four 18-month-old animals, and G2, which consisted of three 24-month-old animals. Testicular development occurs slowly in Murrah buffalo, suggesting a delay of sexual maturity. The biometric testicular parameters analyzed were scrotal circumference, testicular weight, testicular length, testicular width, testicular thickness and testicular circumference. Our data indicate strong correlations between SC, age and body weight, and additional significant relationships were identified between body weight, age and other testicular parameters. Thus, these parameters are suitable indicators when selecting bulls for breeding purposes.     

Label‐free proteome of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) seminal plasma

The study aimed to describe the Bubalus bubalis seminal plasma proteome using a label‐free shotgun UDMS^E approach. A total of 859 nonredundant proteins were identified across five biological replicates with stringent identification. Proteins specifically related to sperm maturation and protection, capacitation, fertilization and metabolic activity were detected in the buffalo seminal fluid. In conclusion, we provide a comprehensive proteomic profile of buffalo seminal plasma, which establishes a foundation for further studies designed to understand regulation of sperm function and discovery of novel biomarkers for fertility. MS data are available in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003728.     

Effects of a diet enriched with eicosapentaenoic,docosahexaenoic and glutamine on cytokines as immunological markers for systemic inflammation in bitches before and after ovariohysterectomy

The post-operative period can generate immunological stress and can be modulated through supplementation with the omega-3 series of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets enriched with high doses of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids and glutamine on inflammatory mediators in dogs before and after ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Twelve female dogs were divided into two groups: group A was fed a commercial diet without the addition of EPA and DHA, and group B was fed an experimental diet enriched with EPA and DHA (0.2 g/100 kcal). Experimental diet intake initiated 21 days before surgery and continued until 30 days after OVH. Parameters measured were serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10), C-reactive protein (CRP), IGF-1, lymphoproliferation and body composition before and after surgery. Statistical analyses were performed with SAS software considering the effects of age and diet and their interactions, and means were compared by the Tukey test. There was no difference between groups in body weight (p = .682), lean mass (p = .101) and body fat (p = .103). There were no group differences in serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IGF-1, CRP and the percentage of lymphocyte proliferation. However, a time effect for TNF-α was observed (p < .001), in which T_0P (10 days after the surgical procedure) presented lower values of this cytokine when compared to the other evaluation time points; and interaction effects between group and time were observed for serum concentrations of IL-6 (p < .001) and IL-10 (p = .002). OVH procedure was not considered invasive enough to increase inflammatory cytokines after 30 days of surgery, as well as the dosage of the EPA and DHA used before and after the surgery did not modulate the inflammatory markers.     

Celiac-related properties of chemically and enzymatically modified gluten proteins

The effects of chemical (acid-heating treatment) and enzymatic (microbial transglutaminase, TGase) modification (deamidation) of gluten proteins on their physicochemical and celiac disease-related properties were studied. Ammonia release, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and sample solubility analyses were employed to check the extent of gluten modification. Among different treatments achieved, the acid-heating treatment performed at 90 degrees C for 3 h induced gluten deamidation, paralleling an increase of gluten solubility without relevant proteolysis. Changes in the immunoreactivity of celiac IgA anti-gliadin antibodies (AGAs) to modified gluten proteins were detected by using a competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Chemical deamidation by acid-heating treatment of gluten lowered IgA-AGA immunoreactivity. IgA-AGA immunoreactivity to gliadins was increased when they were submitted to TGase-catalyzed deamidation. The acid-heating treatment of gluten reduced its cytotoxic activity on human colon adenocarcinoma LoVo cell line. These results showed that chemical deamidation of gluten may be envisaged as a way to lower the potential risk for celiac people due to widespread use of gluten as a food additive.     

Combined use of starter cultures and preservatives to control production of biogenic amines and improve sensorial profile in low-acid salami

The combined effect of starter culture, nitrites, and nitrates has been studied in low-acidity salamis, typical products of northern Italy. Nine batches have been prepared, combining three different inoculations of starter cultures (control, Lactobacillus plantarum , and Lactobacillus plantarum together with Kocuria varians ) with three different preservatives (control, sodium nitrate, and sodium nitrite). All of the batches showed a good fermentation process with a proper pH decrease, which was quicker in batches inoculated with L. plantarum. The use of starter cultures and in particular the use of nitrites allowed the control of the proliferation of Enterobacteriaceae and enterococci. The accumulation of biogenic amines, especially putrescine, cadaverine, tryptamine, and tyramine, in salami ready for consumption (60 days of ripening) was strongly affected by the presence of Enterobacteriaceae and enterococci. Results obtained showed that the combined use of adequate preservatives and starter cultures allows the production of safer products with improved sensorial profile.     

Pea Protein Provides a Promising Matrix for Microencapsulating Iron

Worldwide, the most prevalent nutritional deficiency is iron. The strategies for iron supplementation often fail due to poor adherence to supplementation methods contributed to unpleasant sensory characteristics. An alternative is the use of microencapsulated nutrients for home fortification in order to mask undesirable tastes and to allow its release in strategic sites of the gastrointestinal tract. Toward this end, pea protein concentrate was tested as a natural, edible and alternative material and the spray-drying technique was utilized for the preparation of microparticles containing ferrous sulfate. Their physical and chemical characteristics were evaluated. The microparticles had a spherical shape and grooves with an average size ranging between 2 and 3 μm. Analysis by in vitro assays tested the release of iron in simulated salivary and gastric fluids and its intestinal absorption in Caco-2 cells. No dissolution of iron occurred in the salivary medium whereas the sensory analysis showed good acceptance of a product which incorporated 5.5 mg of iron per 100 g portion of food. Thus, the effectiveness of microencapsulation was demonstrated by utilizing a plant protein as an encapsulating matrix for the controlled release of iron and capable of preserving the bioaccessibility of ferrous sulfate.     

Effect of tank colour on larval performance of the Amazon River prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hatchery‐tank colours (white, yellow, red, blue, green and black) on the performance of larval culture of Macrobrachium amazonicum. The larvae were fed daily with newly hatched Artemia nauplii. The hatchery‐tank colours affected the light level inside the tanks, the consumption of Artemia nauplii (AN), larval development, survival, mass gain and productivity of postlarvae (PL). The overall consumption of Artemia nauplii per larva during the larval cycle was 30% and 45% higher in the green and red tanks respectively. The significant variation of AN consumption among tank colours (P = 0.0006) indicates that M. amazonicum larvae are visual predators. Survival was higher in the black, blue and green tanks, reaching more than 75%. However, the highest productivity was obtained in the black tanks (80.1 PL L^?1). Lighter coloured tanks and excess luminosity (more than 2 μmol s^?1 m² at tank bottom) appear to be important stress factors for larvae, contributing to reduce survival and productivity. The results indicate that rearing M. amazonicum in black tanks will improve larvae condition, ensure greater productivity of postlarvae and lower Artemia consumption, increasing technological and economic viability.     

Fucoxantin: a treasure from the sea

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.3 billion people will be overweight and 700 million obese in 2015. The reasons for this disastrous trend are attributed to the global tendency toward the reduced magnitude of exercise and physical activity and the increased dietary intake of fats, sugars and calories with reduced amount of vitamins and minerals. To prevent life-style-related diseases, like Metabolic Syndrome (MS), researchers' attention is increasingly focusing on some of the so called "functional foods" which may be useful for their prevention and treatment. One of these functional ingredients is fucoxanthin (FX), a characteristic carotenoid present in edible brown seaweeds, such as Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame), Hijikia fusiformis (Hijiki), Laminaria japonica (Ma-Kombu) and Sargassum fulvellum. The increasing popularity of this molecule is certainly due to its anti-obesity effect, primarily detected by murine studies. These works revealed FX mediated induction of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) in abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT) mitochondria, leading to the oxidation of fatty acids and heat production in WAT. Beyond this important role, in recent studies FX has shown a great antioxidant activity, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-photoaging properties. The aim of this review is to highlight the main effects of FX on human health.     

Invasive Asian clam distribution pattern reveals minimal constraints to downstream dispersal and imperceptible ecological impacts

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