Whey protein concentrate and skimmed milk powder as encapsulation agents for coffee silverskin extracts processed by spray drying.

We tested the hypothesis that milk proteins, through microencapsulation, guarantee protection against bioactive substances in coffee silverskin extracts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out technological, nutritional and physicochemical characterisation of a coffee silverskin extract microencapsulated using instant skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate as wall materials. The aqueous extract of coffee silverskin was spray-dried using 10% (w/v) skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate.

The effect of homogenisation pressure on the microstructure of milk during evaporation and drying: particle-size distribution, electronic scanning microscopy, water activity and isotherm.

Homogenisation is a widely used technique in manufacturing powdered milk with a direct impact on product solubility, and the homogenisation pressure is a central attribute of this process. We aimed to understand the effect of increasing homogenisation pressures (0/0, 15/5, and 75/5 MPa, 1st/2nd stages) on particle-size distribution during homogenised whole milk powder manufacture and rehydration of the final product. The fluid milk was thermally treated, homogenised, concentrated by rotary evaporation, and then dried using a spray dryer.

Stability of milk proteins subjected to UHT treatments: challenges and future perspectives.

Ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatments are of high economic relevance for food industries because they contribute to extending the shelf life of food products and facilitating their distribution. In the dairy segment, UHT treatments are applied to a wide range of products containing variable protein amounts. In this sense, the changes in the molecular structure of milk proteins induced by the severity of UHT treatments may lead to fouling in equipment during processing or sedimentation and/or gelation during storage.

Effects of calcium chloride substitution on the physicochemical properties of Minas Frescal cheese.

The aim in this research paper was to investigate the effect of using calcium monophosphate (MCP) and MCP mixed with commercial phosphates salts, in total or partial replacement of calcium chloride (CaCl) in the manufacture of Minas Frescal cheese. Initially, model cheeses were made to perform the rheological analysis during the coagulation process. Of these, the five best treatments were chosen to carry out the production of Minas Frescal cheese, used only CaCl and MCP, and partial replacements of MCP + polyphosphate, MCP + potassium monophosphate (MKP) and MCP.

Edible insect as an alternative protein source: a review on the chemistry and functionalities of proteins under different processing methods.

The consumption of edible insects can be anadvantageous alternative to the conventional food supply chain, which involves global water waste, land deficit, undernutrition, and starvation. Besides the nutritional aspects, insect proteins have demonstrated a wide range of functional properties such as foamability, emulsifying and gelling abilities. The protein content and amino acid profile of some insects have revealed a good nutritional value and interesting functional properties.

Colloidal stability of milk: reinterpretation of alcohol test results by digital microscopy.

In this research communication we propose a new approach by portable digital microscopy with a 200× objective to improve the visualization of microparticles of pasteurized milk submitted to the alcohol test. Not only did the method reduce the subjectivity of the readings, but also generated high resolution images of the microparticles, which allows the creation of a specific image pattern for each type of final product. In comparison to a control pasteurized milk treatment, the results confirmed the effect and the specificity of added salts (sodium citrate, disodium phosphate or their combination) on the stability of the milk to the alcohol test.

Lactose-free Dulce de leche: compositional characterization, browning and texture profile.

Our objective was to elaborate lactose-free Dulce de leche (DL) and evaluate the influence of the hydrolysis of this sugar on the attributes of the products. Fluid milk used was divided into two portions and, in one of them, enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose was carried through. Next, the homogenization of milk was performed at 20 MPa.

Influence of sucrose reduction on fouling during the production of dulce de leche.

In this Research Communication we focus the food industry´s broad tendency to decrease sugar content in food products onto dulce de leche (DL) and examine the influence of sucrose reduction on the detrimental deposits formed during the production process. The method used to identify the impact produced directly on the heat exchanger during the production of this product with low sucrose content required varying the quantity of sucrose in the milk. Different percentages of sucrose (20, 15, 10, 5 and 0% w/w) were submitted to the DL concentration process in a process simulator.

Physical properties of UHT light cream: impact of the high-pressure homogenization and addition of hydrocolloids.

The beneficial effects of a healthy diet on the quality of life have prompted the food industry to develop low-fat variants, but fat content directly affects the physicochemical and sensory properties of food products. The utilization of high-pressure homogenization (HP) and incorporation of hydrocolloids have been suggested as strategies to improve the physical stability and rheological properties of light cream. Thus, this study aims to analyze the associated effect of high-pressure homogenization (80 MPa) and three different hydrocolloids: microcrystalline cellulose, locust bean gum and xanthan gum, on emulsion stability and rheological properties of ultra-high-temperature (UHT) light cream (ULC) with a 15% w/w fat content.

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural formation and color change in lactose-hydrolyzed Dulce de leche.

The work described in this Research Communication concerns the production of Dulce de leche (DL), that is a traditional product from South America obtained by concentration. Maillard reaction (MR) products are mainly responsible for the formation of color and flavor in this product. Lactose-hydrolyzed products have been developed to supply consumer demand, but this hydrolysis may affect the flavor, color, taste, texture and even some nutritional aspects of the product.

Transient Blockade of Endothelin-1 Mitigates Amiodarone-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Introduction: A number of studies indicate that endothelin-1 (ET-1) may act as an inflammatory cell "gatekeeper," by regulating the influx of neutrophils following pulmonary injury. To further examine the role of ET-1 in modulating lung inflammation, hamsters were treated with an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), HJP272, either 1 h prior to intratracheal instillation of amiodarone (AM) or 24 h afterwards.

Methods: In both cases, the extent of lung injury and repair was determined by (1) histopathological changes; (2) neutrophil content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); (3) lung collagen content; (4) tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 expression by BALF macrophages; (5) BALF levels of (a) transforming growth factor beta-1, (b) stromal cell-derived factor 1 (commonly referred to as CXCL12), and (c) platelet-derived growth factor BB; (6) alveolar septal cell apoptosis.

Technological aspects of lactose-hydrolyzed milk powder.

Few reports describe the effect of lactose hydrolysis on the properties of milk powder during production and storage. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of five different levels of enzymatic lactose hydrolysis during the production and storage of milk powder. As the lactose hydrolysis rate increased, adhesion to the drying chamber also increased, due to higher levels of particle agglomeration.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of 1,3,6-trisubstituted-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-2-carboxylic acid derivatives as ET receptor selective antagonists using FRET assay.

The endothelin axis and in particular the two receptor subtypes, ET and ET, are under investigation for the treatment of various diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, fibrosis, renal failure and cancer. Previous work in our lab has shown that 1,3,6-trisubstituted-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-2-carboxylic acid derivatives exhibit noteworthy endothelin receptor antagonist activity. A series of analogues with modifications centered around position 6 of the heterocyclic quinolone core and replacement of the aryl carboxylic acid group with an isosteric tetrazole ring was designed and synthesized to further optimize the structure activity relationship.

Supplementation with concentrated milk protein in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of dietary supplementation with whey protein concentrate (WPC) in the incidence of oral mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods: Patients were supplemented with a daily intake of WPC delivering 50% of the daily protein requirements (DPR) according to the Dietary Reference Intakes and classified later based on the amount of ingested supplement until OM median onset.

Results: We evaluated 73 patients.

Synthesis of N-1', N-3'-disubstituted spirohydantoins and their anticonvulsant activities in pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Herein we report the synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of a library of eighteen new compounds that are structural mimics of phenytoin. These class of compounds contain a N-1', N-3'-disubstituted spirohydantoin scaffold, where the N-1' and N-3' positions are modified with an alkyl group or aryl group. Of the eighteen compounds synthesized and tested, compound 5c showed the best anticonvulsant activity.

FT-Raman and chemometric tools for rapid determination of quality parameters in milk powder: Classification of samples for the presence of lactose and fraud detection by addition of maltodextrin.

FT-Raman spectroscopy has been explored as a quick screening method to evaluate the presence of lactose and identify milk powder samples adulterated with maltodextrin (2.5-50% w/w). Raman measurements can easily differentiate samples of milk powder, without the need for sample preparation, while traditional quality control methods, including high performance liquid chromatography, are cumbersome and slow.

Analysis of spreadable cheese by Raman spectroscopy and chemometric tools.

In this work, FT-Raman spectroscopy was explored to evaluate spreadable cheese samples. A partial least squares discriminant analysis was employed to identify the spreadable cheese samples containing starch. To build the models, two types of samples were used: commercial samples and samples manufactured in local industries.

Evaluation of the synergistic effects of milk proteins in a rapid viscosity analyzer.

Protein systems (PS) are routinely used by companies from Brazil and around the globe to improve the texture, yield, and palatability of processed foods. Understanding the synergistic behavior among the different protein structures of these systems during thermal treatment under the influence of pH can help to better define optimum conditions for products and processes. The interpretation of the reactions and interactions that occur simultaneously among the protein constituents of these systems as dispersions during thermal processing is still a major challenge.

Structure-activity relationship in a purine-scaffold compound series with selectivity for the endoplasmic reticulum Hsp90 paralog Grp94.

Grp94 is involved in the regulation of a restricted number of proteins and represents a potential target in a host of diseases, including cancer, septic shock, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, diabetes, coronary thrombosis, and stroke. We have recently identified a novel allosteric pocket located in the Grp94 N-terminal binding site that can be used to design ligands with a 2-log selectivity over the other Hsp90 paralogs. Here we perform extensive SAR investigations in this ligand series and rationalize the affinity and paralog selectivity of choice derivatives by molecular modeling.

Classification of frankfurters by FT-Raman spectroscopy and chemometric methods.

Frankfurters are widely consumed all over the world, and the production requires a wide range of meat and non-meat ingredients. Due to these characteristics, frankfurters are products that can be easily adulterated with lower value meats, and the presence of undeclared species. Adulterations are often still difficult to detect, due the fact that the adulterant components are usually very similar to the authentic product.

HJP272, a novel endothelin receptor antagonist, attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in hamsters.

Introduction: Previous studies from this laboratory indicate that endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, may play an important role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of neutrophils from the pulmonary microvasculature. To further test this concept, Syrian hamsters were treated with a novel endothelin receptor A (ETA) antagonist (HJP272) prior to intratracheal instillation of LPS.

Methods: The effect of HJP272 on the LPS-induced inflammatory reaction was determined by measuring: (1) lung histopathological changes, (2) total neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), (3) expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) by BALF macrophages, and (4) alveolar septal cell apoptosis.

Paralog-selective Hsp90 inhibitors define tumor-specific regulation of HER2.

Although the Hsp90 chaperone family, comprised in humans of four paralogs, Hsp90α, Hsp90β, Grp94 and Trap-1, has important roles in malignancy, the contribution of each paralog to the cancer phenotype is poorly understood. This is in large part because reagents to study paralog-specific functions in cancer cells have been unavailable. Here we combine compound library screening with structural and computational analyses to identify purine-based chemical tools that are specific for Hsp90 paralogs.

N,N-dimethylacetamide regulates the proinflammatory response associated with endotoxin and prevents preterm birth.

The proinflammatory response leads to various types of pathologic pathways, including the development of preterm birth. Preterm birth occurs in 12% of deliveries in the United States and causes more than 70% of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The most common cause of spontaneous preterm birth is intrauterine infection in the mother.