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The uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) is a plant in the family Myrtaceae, which is one of the most important families in the Brazilian flora due to its large number of genera (23) and species (1034). The uvaia is native to the Atlantic Forest occurring throughout its extension in south, southeast, and northeast Brazil. However, its occurrence has been reported in central-west Brazil, outside the Atlantic Forest biome. Uvaia fruits are acid, have a pleasant aroma, and contain high nutritional value. more...

Weight loss is important to improve asthma control in obese patients; however, patients have a great difficulty to lose weight and the role of exercise remains unknown. Aim: To evaluate the role of exercise training in a weight loss program on asthma control. Methods: 55 obese asthmatics wererandomly assigned to either weight-loss program+exercise (WL+E group) or weight-loss program+sham exercise (WL+S group) (2xweek, 3 months). Asthma control (ACQ), body composition, peakVO 2 , lung function, FeNO and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed before and after interventions. Results: Compared with WL+S, patients who exercised improved the clinical control (-0.9±0.8 vs. -0.3±0.8score), peakVO 2 (3.3±1.5 vs. 0.4±1.6ml/kg/min), had greater weight loss (6.8±3.5 vs. 3.1±2.6 %body weight), reduced IL-6 and FeNO and increased anti-inflammatory biomarkers IL-10 and adiponectin (p 2 (ACQ=0.06+(0.07*%weight loss)-(0.15*peakVO 2 )). The increase in peakVO 2 was associated with the decrease in fat mass (r=-0.7) and increase in lean mass (r=0.5). Decrease in fat mass was associated with increase in FVC (r=-0.6), IL-6 (r=0.5) and FeNO (r=0.5) while increase in lean mass was associated with change in IL-6 (r=-0.4), FeNO (r=0.4) and IL-10 (r=0.4). Increase in peakVO 2 was associated with adiponectin (r=0.6), IL-6 (r=-0.6), FeNO (r=-0.7) and IL-10 (r=0.6) (p Conclusions: Weight loss contributes to improve asthma control by increasing lung function while physical fitness modulates inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways in obese asthmatics. more...

A palma é originária do México e pertencente à família das cactáceas. É cultivada em muitos países e adapta-se bem aos climas áridos, semiáridos e nos solos pobres em nutrientes. Apresenta-se como uma boa fonte de mucilagem, fibras, minerais e compostos antioxidantes sendo subutilizados na alimentação humana apesar de suas propriedades. Desta forma, a caracterização desta espécie permite a preservação dos recursos naturais, propiciando o desenvolvimento de novos produtos e a promoção da saúde da população. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar as características físicas, químicas e bromatológicas dos cladódios in natura de duas espécies de palma (Opuntia fícus-indica e Nopalea cochenillifera), amplamente cultivadas na região Nordeste do Brasil. Foram analisadas as características de massa fresca, comprimento, largura, espessura e os parâmetros de coloração (Luminosidade e as coordenadas a* e b*). Os teores de sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, pH, umidade, matéria seca, cinzas, cálcio, fósforo, proteína total, fibra bruta, açúcares redutores totais e lipídios totais também foram analisados. A opuntia fícus-indica destacou-se com valores superiores quanto aos teores de umidade, proteína, lipídios, sólidos solúveis, minerais e fibra bruta além de comprimento, largura e massa fresca quando comparada à variedade Nopalea cochenillifera. A palma forrageira pode ser considerada como uma boa fonte de água e minerais com baixos teores de proteína e lipídios, e mostra-se promissora como uma potencial fonte vegetal que precisa ser melhor caracterizada para uso no processamento de alimentos de forma a garantir elevação dos atributos nutricionais, tecnológicos e funcionais. more...

Resumo A cebolinha é uma folhosa bastante utilizada como condimento no Brasil, onde as espécies popularmente conhecidas como comum e europeia são as mais utilizadas. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade físico-química de cebolinhasAllium fistulosum (comum) e Allium schoenoprasum (europeia). As amostras das diferentes espécies foram analisadas quanto a: coloração (luminosidade, ângulo hue e cromaticidade); sólidos solúveis (SS); acidez titulável (AT); relação SS/AT; pH; umidade; clorofila a; clorofila b; clorofila total e carotenoides totais. Com relação aos parâmetros de cor, as espécies mostraram resultados muito próximos, evidenciando coloração característica de cebolinha, expressa pela cor verde com tendência ao amarelo. Também em relação ao pH observou-se semelhanças, enquadrando-se na faixa de baixa acidez. Já para SS e acidez, a variedade europeia apresentou maiores teores. Encontrou-se também proximidade de valores para os pigmentos avaliados, sendo a proporção de clorofila a em relação à b em média de 2,3:1. Os resultados físico-químicos mostraram semelhanças entre as espécies, sendo observados baixa acidez, elevado conteúdo de umidade e de clorofila, além de razoáveis teores de sólidos solúveis e carotenoides. Essas informações sobre cebolinhas verdes cultivadas no Brasil, ainda escassas na literatura, vêm a contribuir com a produção de dados sobre essa hortaliça, podendo motivar seu consumo e a expansão de sua comercialização em formas diversificadas. Summary Chives are a leafy vegetable widely used as a condiment in Brazil, where the most used species are popularly known as common and European. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical quality of in natura Allium fistulosum (common) and Allium schoenoprasum(European) chives. The samples of the different species were harvested and analysed for colour (brightness, hue angle and chromaticity); soluble solids (SS); titratable acidity (TA); SS/TA; pH; moisture; chlorophylla; chlorophyll b; total chlorophyll and total carotenoids. Regarding the colour parameters, the species showed similar results, with the characteristic colour of chives, expressed by the colour green with a tendency to yellow. The pH values were also similar, both fitting into the low acid range. However for SS and acidity, the European variety showed higher levels. The values found for the pigments evaluated were also similar, the average ratio of chlorophyll a:b being 2.3:1. The physicochemical data also showed similarities, both species presenting low acidity, high moisture and chlorophyll contents, and reasonable levels of soluble solids and carotenoids. This information about the chives grown in Brazil, still scarce in the literature, contributes to the production of data about this plant and could motivate its consumption and the expansion of its marketing in diverse ways. more...

Background: Recent guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation establish the importance of strategies to increase daily life physical activity (DLPA) for patients with respiratory diseases, especially for obese asthmatics whose lack of fitness contributes to impair asthma symptoms. However, interventions to increase DLPA in these patients remains unknown. Aim: To assess the effect of exercise training and a weight-loss program to improve DPLA and asthma clinical control in obese asthmatics. Methods: 51 obese asthmatics under optimized medication were randomly assigned into two groups: nutritional and psychological program (NP=25) or exercise training + NP program (ET+NP=26), twice a week for 3 months. Before and after interventions, it was assessed DLPA using accelerometers ( Actigraph GT3X), aerobic potency through cardiopulmonary exercise testing and asthma clinical control using ACQ. Results: After 3 months, only the ET+NP group significantly increased daily number of steps (2897±2171 vs. 1063±1502 steps/day) and aerobic capacity (3.2±1.5 vs. 0.8±2.0 VO2 ml/kg/min), reduced body weight (6.8±3.5% vs. 3.1±2.6%) and improved asthma control (0.8±0.6 vs0.3±0.7score) compared to NP (p more...

Background: Asthma is a chronic obstructive airway disease with high prevalence in obese subjects. During exercise, the dynamic hyperinflation (DH) has been described in both non-asthmatics obese and patients with obstructive airway disease; however, remain unknown the presence of DH in obese asthmatics. Aim: To assess if airway resistance (Raw) and obesity are involved in the DH in asthmatics. Methods: 48 moderate or severe asthmatics either with grade II obesity (OB;BMI≥35kg/m 2 ) or non obese subjects (NOB;BMI≤24,9kg/m 2 ) were evaluated on 3 distinct days when they performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test to quantify peak VO 2 (day 1) and a submaximal exercise test (75% of maximum load) to assess DH (day 2). Anthropometric measurement and pulmonary function tests were also evaluated (day 3).T-test was used to compare the continuous variables and chi-square test to compare the categorical ones. Results: OB asthmatics had a lower expiratory reserve volume (35±23 vs. 62±40% of pred.) and greater FEV 1 /FVC (74±8 vs . 68±9) compared with NOB, respectively (p vs. 4%, respectively; p vs. 12%(p vs. 0.79% compared to NOB with lower Raw. Conclusion: Our results suggest that airway resistance and obesity are independent factors for the occurrence of DH in asthmatics. more...

Obese asthmatics have worse clinical control and health status despite an optimized medical treatment. Surgical treatment is successful to weight-loss and improves asthma control; however, the benefits of nonsurgical interventions remains unknown. Aim: To assess the effect of exercise for weight-loss on asthma control, airway inflammation and psychosocial morbidity in obese asthmatics. Methods: 55 obese asthmatics under optimized medication were randomly assigned to 2 groups: nutritional and psychological program (NP=27) or exercise training + NP program (ET+NP=28), 2xW for 3 months. Asthma clinical control (ACQ), quality of life (AQLQ), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), levels of anxiety, depression (HAD) and daily asthma symptoms were assessed before and after interventions. Results: After 3 months, ET+NP group reduced body weight (6.8±3.5% vs. 3.1±2.6%), improved clinical control (0.8±0.6 vs.0.3±0.7score), AQLQ (1.2±1.0 vs . 0.5±1.0score) and asthma free-day symptoms (14.5±9.6 vs. 8.2±11.9) compared to NP (p more...

ResumoAs tecnologias empregadas para o processamento mínimo visam à obtenção de produtos frescos, convenientes, com segurança microbiológica e ótima qualidade sensorial. A laranja 'Pêra' é a variedade mais produzida no estado de São Paulo e a mais consumida no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a eficiência de métodos de sanificação e de eliminação do excesso de líquidos para o processamento mínimo de laranja 'Pêra', na forma de tiras. As laranjas foram selecionadas, lavadas e descascadas manualmente usando-se tratamento hidrotérmico (50°C por 8 minutos). Em seguida, foram cortadas em tiras, acondicionadas em sacos de tela de poliamida e submetidas a métodos de sanificação com diferentes aplicações de cloro e de eliminação do excesso de líquidos. Após a realização dos tratamentos, as tiras foram colocadas em bandejas plásticas (PET) e armazenadas a 5°C por 12 dias. A centrifugação por 10 segundos reduziu o acúmulo de líquidos nas bandejas durante o armazenamento refrigerado e manteve a aparência da laranja minimamente processada. A drenagem e a centrifugação aumentaram os níveis de contagem microbiana, mas quando foi usada a sanificação em combinação com esses tratamentos houve redução significativa na microbiota contaminante. SummaryThe technologies used for the minimal processing of fruits and vegetables aim to achieve fresh and convenient produce with microbiological safety and optimal sensory quality. The 'Pêra' orange is the variety most produced in São Paulo State, Brazil, and the most widely consumed in Brazil. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of sanification and excess liquid removal methods on the minimal processing of 'Pêra' oranges. The oranges were selected, washed, manually peeled using a hydrothermal treatment (50°C for 8 minutes), cut into strips, placed in polyamide bags and then submitted to methods for the sanification with chlorine and removal of excess liquids. After the treatments, the strips were placed in plastic trays (PET) and stored at 5°C for 12 days. Centrifugation for 10 seconds reduced the accumulation of liquids in the tray during cold storage and maintained the appearance of the strips. Both drainage and centrifugation increased the microbial count, but when sanification was used in combination with these treatments there was a significant reduction in microbial contamination. more...

Studies assessing landslide hazards have become increasingly common in recent years. They provide information that guides decision-making and the adoption of preventive and mitigation measures for control and protection. The aim of this study was to develop a set of procedures for the prediction of landslides from the results of geotechnical mapping at scales larger than 1:10,000. A methodology based on geotechnical parameters using the calculation of three-dimensional (3D) safety factor combined with an infiltration model it was developed. This set of procedures was applied to pre-defined areas in the city of Campos do Jordao, SP, Brazil. These areas were chosen based on geomorphic variability of geological materials and size criteria. The results from these areas are very promising and reflect the geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological conditions in each area. more...