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Introducción: Los quironómidos forman parte de los macroinvertebrados esenciales en la tipificación de hábitats acuáticos, ya que albergan especies sensibles a la contaminación, mientras que otras son indicadoras de ambientes bien conservados. Son organismos claves por su abundancia, diversidad, y capacidad de respuesta a diversas presiones naturales y antropogénicas. Objetivo: Determinar las relaciones entre los géneros de la familia Chironomidae y la calidad fisicoquímica del agua. Materiales y métodos: Se realizaron seis muestreos en tres quebradas del río Combeima (Las Perlas, La Plata y Cay; Tolima, Colombia). Resultados: Se registraron 15594 larvas distribuidas en tres subfamilias y 20 géneros. El análisis de correspondencia canónica (ACC) mostró que Cardiocladius, Polypedilum, Thienemannimyia, Cricotopus y Alotanypus se relacionaron con procesos de oxidoreducción, mientras que Chironomus, Larsia, Cladotanytarsus, Onconeura, Riethia, Paratanytarsus y Endotribelos se asociaron con procesos de mineralización. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la relación de los índices de calidad del agua (ICA, ICOMO, ICOSUS e ICOTRO) con los géneros de Chironomidae. Alotanypus y Cricotopus, presentaron asociación con los índices ICOSUS e ICOTRO, mientras que Cardiocladius, Thienemannimyia y Polypedilum, se asociaron con ICOMO; Saetheria, Riethia, Larsia, Endotribelos, Cladotanytarsus, Paratanytarsus, Onconeura y Dicrotendipes se asociaron con ICOMI. Respecto al ICA, los géneros que se asociaron fueron Chironomus, Rheocricotopus, Parametriocnemus, Pentaneura y Corynoneura; contrario a Cryptochironomus que se separa de cualquier asociación. Conclusión: Los resultados revelan que no solo la presencia de materia orgánica facilita el establecimiento de la familia Chironomidae en los cuerpos de agua, sino también las características geomorfológicas propias de las quebradas analizadas.

Introduction: Chironomids are part of the essential macroinvertebrates in the typification of aquatic habitats, since they harbor species sensitive to pollution, while others are indicators of well-preserved environments. They are key organisms due to their abundance, diversity, and ability to respond to various natural and anthropogenic pressures. Objective: To determine the relationships between the genera of the Chironomidae family and the physicochemical water quality. Materials and methods: Six sampling events were realized in three streams of the Combeima River Basin (Las Perlas, La Plata, and Cay; Tolima, Colombia). A total of 15,594 larvae distributed in three subfamilies and 20 genera were recorded. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that Cardiocladius, Polypedilum, Thienemannimyia, Cricotopus and Alotanypus were related to oxidation-reduction processes, while Chironomus, Larsia, Cladotanytarsus, Onconeura, Riethia, Paratanytarsus, and Endotribelos were associated with mineralization processes. Additionally, the relationship of the water quality indices (ICA, ICOMO, ICOSUS and ICOTRO) with the genera of Chironomidae was evaluated. Alotanypus and Cricotopus presented association with the ICOSUS and ICOTRO indices, while Cardiocladius, Thienemannimyia and Polypedilum were associated with ICOMO; Saetheria, Riethia, Larsia, Endotribelos, Cladotanytarsus, Paratanytarsus, Onconeura, and Dicrotendipes partnered with ICOMI. Regarding the WQI, the genera that were associated were Chironomus, Rheocricotopus, Parametriocnemus, Pentaneura and Corynoneura; contrary to Cryptochironomus which separates itself from any association. Conclusion: The results reveal that not only the presence of organic matter facilitates the establishment of the Chironomidae family in the water bodies, but also the geomorphological characteristics of the analyzed streams.

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This research evaluated the contribution of nanocomposite films based on different concentrations of nZH-Cu (1%, 2%, and 3%) to the microbiological, organoleptic, and physicochemical characteristics of packed chicken breast meat. Analysis of some meat quality traits, such as microbiological, chemical, and physical, were conducted on a laboratory scale. For this, small squares of chicken breast meat, weighing approximately 10 g, were aseptically wrapped with rectangular pieces of 5 × 10 cm PLA-nZH-Cu nanocomposite films, which were stored at 4 °C for 20 days. The microbiological results indicated efficient antibacterial activity (at any nZH-Cu concentration in the nanocomposite films) on the total viable count of groups of psychrophiles, aerobic mesophiles, Enterobacteriaceae, and Salmonella spp. until day 10 of storage (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the organoleptic (color) and physicochemical qualities (texture, weight, pH, and acidity) until day 10 of storage at 4 °C (p < 0.05). The analysis of the experimental tests carried out determined that the PLA-nZH-Cu nanocomposite films played an effective role in the bacterial safety of the packaged chicken. It was concluded that the nZH-Cu nanocomposite films, at all concentrations tested, extended the shelf life of the chicken breast meat for up to 10 days in a refrigerator at 4 °C.

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ABSTRACT A paste is a food of English origin adopted in Hidalgo, Mexico, over a hundred years ago. It is consumed as a convenience food and is very popular among students. The aim of this research was to determine the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbial quality of pastes as well as to obtain data on their consumption in a population of Mexican university students. The proximal composition, calories, sodium content, pH, water activity, and microbiological quality of 15 types of pastes were analyzed. Five hundred students from the largest public university in the State of Hidalgo in Mexico were surveyed to determine paste consumption. Pastes varied in their content of fat (12-25.7 g/100 g), protein (2.29-12.6 g/100 g) and carbohydrates (23.5-52.7 g/100 g). The caloric content varied from 356 to 545 kcal/paste. The salty samples contained more sodium (216-693 mg Na/100 g) compared to the sweet ones (54.9-74.1 mg Na/100 g). Samples presented large variability in microbial quality and only one sample had coliform growth. Almost all respondents (96.2%) reported consuming pastes, 49.7% consumed 1 to 2 pieces per week, while 32% consumed 3 to 4. Participants considered that pastes were fast, convenient, and cheap and mentioned consuming them for their taste and practicality. Pastes represent an important source of calories and sodium in the diet. Labeling these types of foods will provide nutritional information and could prevent excessive consumption.

RESUMEN El paste es un alimento de origen inglés adoptado en Hidalgo, México, desde hace más de cien años. Se consume como comida de conveniencia y es muy popular entre estudiantes. El objetivo fue determinar la calidad fisicoquímica, nutricional y microbiana de pastes, así como conocer datos sobre su consumo en una población de estudiantes universitarios mexicanos. Se analizó la composición proximal, las calorías, el contenido de sodio, el pH, la actividad acuosa y la calidad microbiológica de 15 tipos de pastes mediante técnicas oficiales. Se encuestaron 500 estudiantes de la universidad pública más grande del estado de Hidalgo (México) para determinar su consumo de pastes. Los pastes variaron en su contenido de grasas (12-25,7 g/100 g), proteínas (2,29-12,6 g/100 g) y carbohidratos (23,5-52,7 g/100 g). El contenido calórico fue de 356 a 545 kcal/paste. Las muestras saladas contenían más sodio (216-693 mg Na/100 g) en comparación con las dulces (54,9-74,1 mg Na/100 g). Las muestras presentaron alta variabilidad en la calidad microbiológica y solo una muestra presentó crecimiento de coliformes. El 96,2% de los encuestados consume pastes, el 49,7% consume de 1 a 2 piezas por semana mientras que el 32% consume de 3 a 4. Los participantes consideraron que los pastes son rápidos, convenientes y baratos y mencionaron consumirlos por su sabor y practicidad. Los pastes representan una fuente importante de calorías y sodio en la dieta. Etiquetar este tipo de alimentos aportará información nutricional y podría evitar su consumo excesivo.

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Cultivars and fertilization levels influence rice productivity and can be associated with grain quality. Thus, it is possible to make decisions regarding the choice of cultivars and application of fertilizer levels based on the type of milling, a necessary post-harvest process that may minimize the nutrient load in the grains and result in loss in quality. This study relates the physicochemical composition and morphological quality of brown and polished milled rice grains, cultivar types, and different levels of soil fertilization using near-infrared spectroscopy analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical tools were used to test the various treatments and identify the relationship between factors and variables. A high fertilization level is related to increasing crude protein composition and starch for cultivar IRGA 431 CL associated with polished rice. However, the combination of cultivar IRGA 424 RI and brown rice demonstrated a higher grain resistance, and different percentages of whole, chalky, and damaged rice. The correlation between ash × crude protein and starch × crude fiber was found to be positive for brown rice and negative for the polished rice. Further, an increase in starch content was inversely proportional to the ash content, whereas an increase in crude protein was inversely proportional to the low-fat content in milled rice. The crystalline characteristics of rice starch were preserved at high fertilization levels associated with polished grains that demonstrated high starch content. Polished grains, however, showed more pores and cavities, and consequently greater permeabilities in the surface. It is recommended that batches of grains produced from cultivar IRGA 431 CL with high levels of fertilization be subjected to polished rice milling to achieve high protein and starch quality. However, grains from cultivar IRGA 424 RI with high levels of fertilization are recommended for brown rice milling owing to the high percentage of physical defects observed.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ricotta whey (RW), cheese whey (CW), and butter whey (BUW) as replacers of whole milk (WM) at different ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0) in the physicochemical and sensory qualities of ice cream. All formulations, including a commercial sample used as reference, were analyzed for nutritional composition, energy value, pH, titratable acidity (TA), melting behavior, desorption index, instrumental color properties, instrumental hardness, and consumer sensory testing. Overall, the addition of RW, CW, and BUW increased the moisture content, TA, melting rate, and redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values but decreased the pH, lightness (L*) value, energy value, levels of ash, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate. As exception, CW did not influence the TA, and BUW resulted in lower lipid reduction and in lower hardness changes, and it did not affect the content of ash, protein, and a* and b* values of ice creams. Any ice cream formulation had dietary fibers and a desorption index. Ricotta whey and CW at all ratios and BUW at 25% did not affect overall liking compared with the commercial sample, whereas purchase intention was only decreased by the addition of BUW from 50 to 100%. Ricotta whey at 75 and 100% decreased melting velocity and creaminess, and BUW at 50, 75, and 100% increased hardness, TA, and cream flavor but decreased creaminess, which contributed negatively to overall liking. Therefore, the evaluated dairy by-products, especially RW and CW, have great potential for replacing milk in ice creams.

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Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different packaging systems on the shelf life of refrigerated ground beef. The ground beef samples were packaged as follows: AA (100% ambient air), 90O2:10CO2 (90% O2 and 10% CO2), 80O2:20CO2 (80% O2 and 20% CO2), 70O2:30CO2 (70% O2 and 30% CO2), 60O2:40CO2 (60% O2 and 40% CO2), 50O2:50CO2 (50% O2 and 50% CO2), 100O2 (100% O2), and VP (vacuum packaging). All treatments were analyzed daily for O2 and CO2 levels, pH, filtration time, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), aerobic mesophilic heterotrophic bacteria (AMHB), and aerobic psychrotrophic heterotrophic bacteria (APHB) over 20 days at 2 °C. All MAP systems had a decrease of O2 and an increase of CO2 levels during storage period (p < 0.05). Overall, the MAP systems were similarly able to decrease the pH and retard the increase of TVB-N and filtration time over the storage period (p > 0.05). Moreover, the MAP systems increased the lag phase and/or the generation time of both AMHB and APHB, extending the shelf life by 3 (90O2:10CO2), 4 (70O2:30CO2 and 100O2), and 5 days (80O2:20CO2, 60O2:40CO2, 50O2:50CO2, and VP). All MAP systems were equally effective in retarding physicochemical degradation; however, 80O2:20CO2, 60O2:40CO2, 50O2:50CO2, and VP were the most effective in impairing bacterial growth and extending the shelf life of ground beef stored under refrigeration.

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The physiological responses of habanero pepper plants (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) to foliar applications of zinc sulphate and zinc nano-fertilizer were evaluated in greenhouse trials. The effect of the supplement on fruit quality of habanero pepper was particularly observed. Habanero pepper plants were grown to maturity, and during the main stages of phenological development, they were treated with foliar applications of Zn at concentrations of 1000 and 2000 mg L-1 in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Additional Zn was not supplied to the control treatment plants. ZnO NPs at a concentration of 1000 mg L-1 positively affected plant height, stem diameter, and chlorophyll content, and increased fruit yield and biomass accumulation compared to control and ZnSO4 treatments. ZnO NPs at 2000 mg L-1 negatively affected plant growth but significantly increased fruit quality, capsaicin content by 19.3%, dihydrocapsaicin by 10.9%, and Scoville Heat Units by 16.4%. In addition, at 2000 ZnO NPs mg L-1 also increased content of total phenols and total flavonoids (soluble + bound) in fruits (14.50% and 26.9%, respectively), which resulted in higher antioxidant capacity in ABTS (2,2'azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) (15.4%, 31.8%, and 20.5%, respectively). These results indicate that application of ZnO NPs could be employed in habanero pepper production to improve yield, quality, and nutraceutical properties of fruits.

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The present study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical quality of curd cheese commercialized in Alagoas (BRAZIL). Thirty samples were collect during a fi ve months period in six points of sale. It was estimated the number of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and coliforms, as well as the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Regarding physicochemical characteristics, pH, fat content and humidity were evaluated. Among the thirty analyzed samples, 20 (66.6%) were in accordance with Brazilian legislation parameters for coliforms, while 10 (33.3%) surpassed those limits. For coagulase-positive Staphylococcus 15 samples (50%) showed values above the allowed by legislation. None of the samples analyzed harbored Salmonella spp. or Listeria monocytogenes. Regarding physicochemical parameters, the average values observed were of 5.89 for pH, 23.6% for fat content and 46.96 g/100 g for humidity. Overall, the results obtained refl ect the poor hygienic conditions observed from manufacture to commercialization, pointing towards a potential health risk for curd cheese consumers. Furthermore is necessary to regulate physicochemical standards for curd cheese fabication.

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Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade físico-química e sensorial da carne moída comercializada nos municípios de Camaragibe, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Recife e São Lourenço da Mata, bem como detectar a possível adição fraudulenta de sulfito de sódio. Foram coletadas 20 amostras de carne moída de mercados públicos (n=4), açougues (n=7) e mini mercados (n=9), sendo cinco amostras por município. Os resultados demonstraram que somente 14/20 das amostras encontravam-se em local refrigerado, sendo que apenas 2/20 estavam com temperatura interna de refrigeração adequada. Quanto ao pH, somente 12/20 estavam no intervalo ideal de 5,8 a 6,2. Na análise sensorial, todas apresentaram aspecto normal, porém com presença de corpos estranhos (6/20); quanto à coloração, 15/20 apresentaram manchas vermelhas escuras e 1/20 amarronzada; quanto à consistência, 2/20 encontravam-se viscosas e; quanto ao odor, 5/20 apresentaram-se alterado. No teste de presença de sulfito de sódio todas foram negativas. O controle da temperatura de refrigeração da carne moída é um problema real nos comércios formais e informais e isso contribui com um produto de baixa qualidade. Apesar de todos os problemas encontrados na comercialização da carne moída, sugere-se que a prática de adição fraudulenta do sulfito de sódio ainda não seja uma realidade nos municípios estudados.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and sensory quality of ground beef sold in the municipalities of Camaragibe, Jaboatão Guararapes, Recife and São Lourenço da Mata, as well as to detect possible fraudulent addition of sodium sulfite. We collected 20 samples of ground beef from public markets (n=4), butchers (n=7) and mini markets (n=9), five samples per county. The results showed that only 14/20 of the samples were refrigerated, whereas only 2/20 were with adequate cooling internal temperature. About the pH, only 12/20 were in the optimum range from 5.8 to 6.2. In sensory analysis, the aspect of all was normal, but with the presence of foreign bodies (6/20); regarding color, 15/20 had dark red spots and 1/20, brownish, for consistency, 2/20 were found viscous and, about the odor, 5/20 presented changes. In the test for presence of sodium sulphite, all were negative. The cooling temperature control of ground beef is a real problem in formal and informal trades and it contributes to a poor quality product, which can cause damage to the consumers health. Despite all the problems encountered in the commercialization of ground beef, suggested the practice of fraudulent addition of sodium sulfite is not yet a reality in the cities studied.

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Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade físico-química e sensorial da carne moída comercializada nos municípios de Camaragibe, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Recife e São Lourenço da Mata, bem como detectar a possível adição fraudulenta de sulfito de sódio. Foram coletadas 20 amostras de carne moída de mercados públicos (n=4), açougues (n=7) e mini mercados (n=9), sendo cinco amostras por município. Os resultados demonstraram que somente 14/20 das amostras encontravam-se em local refrigerado, sendo que apenas 2/20 estavam com temperatura interna de refrigeração adequada. Quanto ao pH, somente 12/20 estavam no intervalo ideal de 5,8 a 6,2. Na análise sensorial, todas apresentaram aspecto normal, porém com presença de corpos estranhos (6/20); quanto à coloração, 15/20 apresentaram manchas vermelhas escuras e 1/20 amarronzada; quanto à consistência, 2/20 encontravam-se viscosas e; quanto ao odor, 5/20 apresentaram-se alterado. No teste de presença de sulfito de sódio todas foram negativas. O controle da temperatura de refrigeração da carne moída é um problema real nos comércios formais e informais e isso contribui com um produto de baixa qualidade. Apesar de todos os problemas encontrados na comercialização da carne moída, sugere-se que a prática de adição fraudulenta do sulfito de sódio ainda não seja uma realidade nos municípios estudados.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and sensory quality of ground beef sold in the municipalities of Camaragibe, Jaboatão Guararapes, Recife and São Lourenço da Mata, as well as to detect possible fraudulent addition of sodium sulfite. We collected 20 samples of ground beef from public markets (n=4), butchers (n=7) and mini markets (n=9), five samples per county. The results showed that only 14/20 of the samples were refrigerated, whereas only 2/20 were with adequate cooling internal temperature. About the pH, only 12/20 were in the optimum range from 5.8 to 6.2. In sensory analysis, the aspect of all was normal, but with the presence of foreign bodies (6/20); regarding color, 15/20 had dark red spots and 1/20, brownish, for consistency, 2/20 were found viscous and, about the odor, 5/20 presented changes. In the test for presence of sodium sulphite, all were negative. The cooling temperature control of ground beef is a real problem in formal and informal trades and it contributes to a poor quality product, which can cause damage to the consumers health. Despite all the problems encountered in the commercialization of ground beef, suggested the practice of fraudulent addition of sodium sulfite is not yet a reality in the cities studied.(AU)

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