Sugarcane Liquor Research Articles

Association of Alcohol Consumption with Cognition and Functionality in Older Adults Aged 75+ Years: The Pietà Study.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and cognition is still controversial. This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted in Caeté (MG), Brazil, where 602 individuals aged 75+ years, 63.6% female, and with a mean education of 2.68years, were submitted to thorough clinical assessments and categorized according to the number of alcoholic beverages consumed weekly. The prevalence rates of previous and current alcohol consumption were 34.6% and 12.3%, respectively. No association emerged between cognitive diagnoses and current/previous alcohol consumption categories. Considering current alcohol intake as a dichotomous variable, the absence of alcohol consumption was associated with dementia (OR=2.34; 95%CI: 1.39-3.90) and worse functionality (p=0.001). Previous consumption of cachaça (sugar cane liquor) increased the risk of dementia by 2.52 (95%CI: 1.25-5.04). The association between the consumption of cachaça and dementia diagnosis has not been described before.

Investigation of copper and zinc alloy surface exposed to corrosion environment by digital image processing

Usually, corrosion processes on brass, which are manifested by discoloration of the metal or alloy surface, are a little destructive and slow in natural environment or non-acid solutions. In this context, investigation of the corrosion process under the above conditions can be a research area of great relevance because standard analysis such as weight loss and electrochemical techniques can not be applied. Here, we report on a digital image processing analysis of the evolution of copper and zinc alloy surfaces corrosion due to exposure to air, alcohol-aqueous solutions, and sugarcane liquor. For our analysis, we investigated 2D image produced by a confocal microscope from a topographic surface survey, by calculating parameters such as correlation coefficient, Hurst exponent, and bright/dark ratio to follow the early stage of the corrosion process evolution due to exposure to several conditions for different periods of time. The best fits are presented together with the image processing data to show the evolution of the surface characteristics as a function of time and treatment. We show that digital image of rough surfaces that have undergone early stage of the corrosion processes can be used to monitor surface changes. For all tested solutions, the changes in the surface can be better sensed by using the B/D ratio due to the large vertical scale but the fit was better for the correlation coefficient. Particularly for sugarcane liquor and 100% C2H5OH alcohol solution, B/D ratio varies slower than for the other solutions, thus, suggesting an inhibitory effect of this solution.

Pectinases Secretion by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Optimization in Solid-State Fermentation and Identification by a Shotgun Proteomics Approach.

A sequential design strategy was applied to optimize the secretion of pectinases by a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, from Brazilian sugarcane liquor vat, on passion fruit residue flour (PFRF), through solid-state fermentation (SSF). A factorial design was performed to determine the influence variables and two rotational central composite designs were executed. The validated experimental result was of 7.1 U mL−1 using 50% PFRF (w/w), pH 5, 30 °C for 24 h, under static SSF. Polygalacturonase, pectin methyl esterase, pectin–lyase and pectate–lyase activities were 3.5; 0.08; 3.1 and 0.8 U mL−1, respectively. Shotgun proteomics analysis of the crude extract enabled the identification of two pectin–lyases, one pectate–lyase and a glucosidase. The crude enzymatic extract maintained at least 80% of its original activity at pH values and temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 and 30 to 80 °C, respectively, over 60 min incubation. Results revealed that PFRF might be a cost-effective and eco-friendly substrate to produce pectinases. Statistical optimization led to fermentation conditions wherein pectin active proteins predominated. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the synthesis of pectate lyase by S. cerevisiae.

Abstract 15939: Neither Moderate Consumption of Sugarcane Liquor (“Cachaca”) Nor of Red Wine Affect Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers in Healthy Individuals

Introduction: It is well established that moderate consumption of red wine is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. Many observational studies have shown that this same benefit could be seen with other alcohol beverages different from wine. However, the correlation between the Brazilian sugarcane liquor (“cachaca”) and CV benefit has not been demonstrated in human trials. Hypothesis: Cachaca causes changes in biomarkers of CV risk in the same proportion as wine. Methods: In this crossover randomized study, healthy individuals were initially designated to have daily moderate alcohol consumption (MAC) of either cachaca or red wine for a period of 4 weeks. MAC, for both drinks, was denoted as a daily dose equivalent of 28g of alcohol for men and 14g for women. Then, after an abstinence period of 7 days, drink types were switched for more 4 weeks. Analysis of CV risk biomarkers were determined before and after each intervention, and consisted of C-reactive protein, lipid profile, platelet aggregability and glycid profile. (This research was funded by FAPESP 2018/09675-4). Results: Of the 37 individuals originally enrolled, 2 refused to continue the study. The average age of the individuals was 41.7 (±15.3 years) and 43.2% were men. Adherence to the protocol was considered essentially ideal, with 100% of regular use in both interventions and only 3 individuals reporting abuse during the study period. There was no significant variation in anthropometric measurements during the study, except for a weight gain (0.6kg) with red wine (p = 0.011). As seen in the table, no significant changes were noted in the inflammatory markers, lipid profile, platelet aggregability nor glycid profile before and after each intervention. Conclusions: This study shows that in healthy individuals, neither red wine nor cachaca changed CV biomarkers related to atherosclerotic progression after 4 weeks of MAC. However, there was a marked weight gain with daily wine consumption.

Analysis of copper and zinc alloy surface by exposure to alcohol aqueous solutions and sugarcane liquor

Copper and zinc alloys have applications in products exposed to harsh environments. Usually, these products have upon their surface a thin film of oxides, whose properties may change due to the exposure to air or aqueous solutions at room temperatures. This work analyzed copper and zinc alloy surfaces exposed to aqueous solutions of alcohol and a sugarcane liquor using mainly spectroscopic ellipsometry and confocal microscopy at room temperature. Using ellipsometry, oxide thickness was measured, either native ones or grown ones on the substrate exposed to air, and finally, those grown with the used solutions. Confocal microscopy was used to analyze the topography of the samples and measure their surface roughness in all processes. Besides, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion spectroscopy verified the composition of the elements present in the alloy, obtaining 70% Cu and 30% Zn. Surface roughness and oxide thickness were monitored by 29 days when the surfaces were exposed to air. Average roughness Ra varied from 0.165 µm (day 1) to 0.222 µm (day 29). Oxide thickness ranged from 4.755 nm (day 1) to 11.192 (day 29) in the same time interval when surfaces were exposed to air at room temperature. Roughness and thickness were also measured when the surfaces were exposed to aqueous solutions of alcohol and a sugarcane liquor at 1.5 h, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h of exposure. The greatest variation for both average roughness Ra (0.232 µm to 0.76 µm) and oxide thickness (32.774 nm–68.105 nm) was observed when the surfaces were exposed to sugarcane liquor.

Investigation of the Erosive Potential of Different Types of Alcoholic Beverages

Objective: To evaluate the erosive potential of different alcoholic beverages according to pH, titratable acidity and buffering capacity. Material and Methods: Thirteen industrialized alcoholic beverages of different brands were selected and divided into five groups according to their type and composition. The pH measurement and titratable acidity for pH 5.5 and 7.0 were performed in triplicate in 50 mL of each beverage. The buffering capacity was calculated based on pH and titratable acidity for pH 7.0. ANOVA, Tukey, and Pearson correlation, with p<0.05, were used for data analysis . Results: Data showed normal distribution by Shapiro-Wilk test. The pH of alcoholic beverages ranged from 2.49 (Miks Ice Tea - Green Fruits) to 7.64 (Smirnoff). The highest values of acid titration (4.68) and buffer capacity (19.97) were observed in Smirnoff Ice. The following correlations (p<0.01) were noted between: pH and titratable acidity; buffering capacity and pH; buffering capacity and titratable acidity . Conclusion: Some beers and alcopops presented erosive potential due to their lower pH associated with high acid titration values. The whisky and sugarcane liquor examined were not potentially erosive.

"When a Tihik drinks kaxmuk he neither has a father, nor a mother, or a brother": perceptions of Maxakali on the effects of sugarcane liquor consumption.

This study explores one of the most interesting and least studied issues in Brazil: the consequences of complex and contradictory experiences by replacing the traditional drinks by cachaça, introduced through interethnic contact. Given the rarity of the study of Maxakali alcohol consumption in research, this study aims to understand, from the native's point of view, the negative aftereffect of alcohol consumption. Although anthropological studies emphasize functions of traditional and contemporary drinking as social "lubricants", social perceptions of the Maxakali highlight the problems of cachaça bought through interethnic contact. Symbols and meanings of these consequences were interpreted through their daily life histories, recorded by 21 leaders in focus group. Through the interethnic contact, some adaptations have occurred in the Maxakali alcohol use, with negative consequences for those who drink, their families, their villages and their community. In the world-of-life, these changes these changes can be seen through accidents, insults, marital disharmony, neglects, violent behavior, illness and death. This study's findings highlight the importance of producing comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in search of to identify vulnerable groups and to develop participatory solutions.

Paper platform for reflectometric determination of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural in sugarcane liquor

Cachaça is the popular name of sugarcane liquor obtained from fermented sugarcane mash broth. This is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Brazil and is gaining ground in the global market. One of the quality parameters established by Brazilian law is the sum of the concentrations of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural, two compounds that give the beverage an unpleasant taste and have mutagenic potential. These two substances are usually determined by chromatographic techniques that employ toxic organic solvents that can be damaging to the health of the operator and to the environment. This paper describes the development of a new methodology to determine furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural in sugarcane liquor using a diffuse reflectance technique coupled with limited-area spot-testing on a paper platform. The new method presented LOQ values of 0.74mgL−1 for furfural and 1.27mgL−1 for hydroxymethylfurfural. Recoveries in the ranges 89.5–108% (furfural) and 96.3–106% (hydroxymethylfurfural) indicated that there was no significant influence of the matrix in determination of the analytes. The method was applied using eleven sugarcane liquor samples from different locations in Brazil.

Ethnopharmacological study and topical anti-inflammatory activity of crude extract from Poikilacanthus glandulosus (Nees) Ariza leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEthnopharmacological studies are important tools as records and documentation of the empirical uses of medicinal plants in traditional communities with the purpose of generating useful knowledge to lead to the development of new medicines, biodiversity conservation and enhancement of knowledge and local culture. Poikilacanthus glandulosus is widely used by the population of City of Santiago, in Brazil, nevertheless, it does not have any validation regarding its use and its medicinal effects. AimThe objective of this study was to perform one ethnopharmacological survey about P. glandulosus in the City of Santiago and determine the anti-inflammatory activity in order to prove its uses in popular medicine. MethodsPersonal and ethnopharmacological data were collected through a prepared questionnaire. The phytochemical analysis was performed observing the individual methodology for each reaction and by HPLC-UV. The antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory (cell infiltration and histological procedure) activities of the P. glandulosus (0.01–1000μg/ear) were evaluated in the ear edema model induced by topical application of croton oil. ResultsP. glandulosus is known in City of Santiago as “Gaiana” and its macerated leaves and branches are prepared with alcohol or sugarcane liquor especially for insect bites, cicatrization and inflammation. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of maslinic acid (2.024±0.10mg/g), uvaol (0.124±0.02mg/g) and sitosterol (0.502±0.05mg/g). The topical application of crude extract of P. glandulosus reduced in a dose-dependent manner the croton oil-induced ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity (neutrophils infiltration marker) with maximum inhibition of 87±2% and 64±12%, respectively at 1000µg/ear. Dexamethasone (100µg/ear), used as a positive control, inhibited croton oil-induced ear edema in 89±3% and decreased myeloperoxidase activity in 50±3%. Both P. glandulosus as dexamethasone reduced cell infiltration when evaluated by histological procedure ConclusionThis work allowed us to understand the specie P. glandulosus through ethnopharmacological study and it showed that the crude extract presented antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory actions, proving their traditional use as anti-inflammatory.

Simple enzymatic methods for glycerol analysis in commercial beverages

Two enzymatic methods using amperometric and colorimetric detection based on two coupled activities (glyceroquinase and glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase) were compared for the glycerol content determination. The enzymatic conversion of glycerol consumes oxygen, which is measured amperometrically in a Clark-type electrode and correlated with the glycerol concentration. In addition to the enzymatic-colorimetric method, there is a third enzymatic reaction that can be used to form a coloured compound; this method involves the addition of peroxidase, 4-chlorophenol and 4-aminoantipyrine. The enzymatic methods studied showed good linearity in the range of 4 to 60 μmol L−1 glycerol with a detection limit of 1 μmol L−1. Studies of glycerol recovery in fortified sugar cane liquor showed a recovery of 98 ± 2% for the enzymatic-amperometric method and of 96 ± 1% for the enzymatic-colorimetric method. These two methods were applied to the determination of glycerol in beverages and good correlations were found between these methods.

The Chemist in the Kitchen

The Chemist in the Kitchen

Addition of proteic nitrogen during alcoholic fermentation for the production of cachaça

Cachaça is the denomination of a typical and exclusive Brazilian spirit produced from the distillation of fermented sugarcane juice must. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding yeast extract to the sugarcane juice used for sugarcane liquor production, because for the artisanal process no studies are available on nitrogen addition nor beverage quality, involving nitrogen complementation. Results of previous studies in the laboratory scale showed that sugarcane juice complementation with proteic nitrogen can be a beneficial practice for yeast multiplication and cellular growth, and also for the improvement of fermentation yield and liquor productivity. In this pilot scale study, using recycled yeast, the addition of proteic nitrogen influenced positively the cell viability, confirmed the yeast recycling operation, and also reduced the fermentation time. The proteic nitrogen addition did not affect the sensory acceptance of the distillate, and did not change the contents of volatile compounds, indicating that assimilable forms of proteic nitrogen can be helpfull to improve the alcoholic fermentation for cachaça production.

High poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) production by Pseudomonas fluorescens A2a5 from inexpensive substrates

A strain of poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-accumulating bacterium was isolated from the soil in Alaska of USA, identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens, and designated as strain A2a5. The organism grew at temperatures below 30 °C, and accumulated a large amount of granules in its cells when it was cultured in the sugarcane liquor medium. The purified sample from cells was determined as PHB by gas chromatographic and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of polyesters. The cell density of the culture in shaking bottles reached OD 600 = 155 with PHB concentration of 31 g l −1. In 5 l bioreactor, a maximum cell dry weight (CDW) of 32 g l −1 with a PHB concentration of 22 g l −1 was obtained, and the PHB content was up to 70% and productivity was 0.23 g l −1 h −1.

Alcohol drinking patterns by gender, ethnicity, and social class in Bahia, Brazil.

To study patterns of alcohol consumption and prevalence of high-risk drinking. A household survey was carried out in a sample of 2,302 adults in Salvador, Brazil. Cases of High-Risk Drinking (HRD) were defined as those subjects who referred daily or weekly binge drinking plus episodes of drunkenness and those who reported any use of alcoholic beverages but with frequent drunkenness (at least once a week). Fifty-six per cent of the sample acknowledged drinking alcoholic beverages. Overall consumption was significantly related with gender (male), marital status (single), migration (non-migrant), better educated (college level), and social class (upper). No significant differences were found regarding ethnicity, except for cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane liquor) and other distilled beverages. Overall 12-month prevalence of high-risk drinking was 7%, six times more prevalent among males than females (almost 13% compared to 2.4%). A positive association of HRD prevalence with education and social class was found. No overall relationship was found between ethnicity and HRD. Male gender and higher socioeconomic status were associated with increased odds of HRD. Two-way stratified analyses yielded consistent gender effects throughout all strata of independent variables. The findings suggest that social and cultural elements determine local patterns of alcohol-drinking behavior. Additional research on long-term and differential effects of gender, ethnicity, and social class on alcohol use and misuse is needed in order to explain their role as sources of social health inequities.

Alterações no metabolismo da homocisteína induzidas por aguardente de cana-de-açúcar em alcoólatras

O alcoolismo está relacionado a má nutrição e baixos níveis de várias vitaminas que fazem parte do metabolismo da homocisteína (Hci). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prevalência de hiper-homocisteinemia em pacientes com alta ingestão diária de aguardente de cana-de-açúcar. Foram incluídos neste estudo 31 homens hospitalizados para tratamento de alcoolismo. Hci, folato (Fol), vitamina B12 séricos e enzimas hepáticas foram determinados e repetidos após 21 dias de abstinência alcoólica. Os valores de Hci em µmol/l antes e depois do tratamento foram, respectivamente, de 24,88 ± 2,09 e 12,48 ± 0,69. A abstinência alcoólica diminuiu significativamente os valores de aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase e gamaglutamiltranspeptidase. Não houve alteração dos níveis de hemácias, proteínas totais e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média. Os níveis de Hci antes do tratamento se correlacionaram com os de folato (r² = 0,333). Estes resultados sugerem que o alcoolismo crônico está acompanhado por perturbação do metabolismo de aminoácidos sulfurados e que a hiper-homocisteinemia etanol-induzida através de aguardente de cana-de-açúcar pode ser acompanhada de níveis séricos baixos de folato, agravando o estado nutricional destes pacientes.

Liquor and Medicine: A Mayan Case Study in Diachronic Semantics

This article discusses processes of semantic change in the context of a Mayan case study. It presents a diachronic analysis of the meaning of the Tzeltal and Tzotzil Maya word pox—synchronically used to refer to sugarcane liquor (aguardiente) in various dialects of these two languages of southern Mexico—as well as of its relationship with the derived word poxil 'medicine'. The article argues for a dynamic of semantic change in which abstract meaning persists over time, through shifts in concrete referents due to sociocultural change. A specific semantic derivational process, involving extension from a prototype, is described in this connection. On these bases, the article also proposes a reinterpretation of the relationship between pox as 'sugarcane liquor' and poxil as 'medicine' (normally understood in terms of the synchronically observable major role of the alcoholic beverage in ritual and curing in the Mayan Highlands). Historical linguistic data, colonial sources, and historical and ethnohistorical elements are brought to bear on this claim, and the significance of this reinterpretation for Highland Mayan ethnography is suggested, as well as vis‐à‐vis diachronic versus synchronic explanation, issues of lexical acculturation, and the role of cognitive processes in affecting lexical change