Characterisation and traceability of extra virgin olive oil and table olive of Azapa variety marketed in Chile using Microsatellite Molecular Markers / Caracterización y trazabilidad de aceite de oliva virgen extra y aceituna de mesa de la variedad Azapa comercializados en Chile mediante marcadores moleculares microsatélites

Chile has two certified origin olive products: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) from Huasco valley and the Azapa variety table olive from the Azapa valley. However, efficient methodologies are needed to determine the varieties and raw materials involved in the end products. In this study, we assessed the size of alleles from ten microsatellites in 20 EVOOs and in leaves and fruits of 16 olive varieties cultivated in Chile to authenticate their origins. The identification of varieties relied on specific allele sizes derived from microsatellites markers UDO99-011 and DCA18-M found in leaves and fruit mesocarp. While most Chilean single-variety EVOOs matched the variety declared on the label, inconsistencies were observed in single-variety EVOOs containing multiple varieties. Our findings confirm that microsatellites serve as a valuable as diagnostic tools for ensuring the quality control of Geographical Indication certification for Azapa olives and EVOO with Designation of Origin from Huasco.

Chile cuenta con dos productos de oliva de origen certificado: El aceite de oliva virgen extra (AOVE) del valle del Huasco y la aceituna de mesa de la variedad Azapa del valle de Azapa. Sin embargo, se necesitan metodologías eficientes para determinar las variedades y materias primas involucradas en los productos finales. En este estudio, evaluamos el tamaño de los alelos de diez microsatélites en 20 AOVEs y en hojas y frutos de 16 variedades de aceituna cultivadas en Chile para autentificar sus orígenes. La identificación de las variedades se basó en los tamaños alélicos específicos derivados de los marcadores microsatélites UDO99-011 y DCA18-M encontrados en las hojas y el mesocarpio de los frutos. Aunque la mayoría de los AOVEs chilenos monovarietales coincidían con la variedad declarada en la etiqueta, se observaron incoherencias en los AOVEs monovarietales que contenían múltiples variedades. Nuestros hallazgos confirman que los microsatélites sirven como valiosas herramientas de diagnóstico para asegurar el control de calidad de la certificación de Indicación Geográfica para aceitunas de Azapa y AOVE con Denominación de Origen de Huasco.

Composición química y aplicaciones clínicas del aceite de oliva extra virgen

La composición química del aceite de oliva extra virgen (AOEV) se compone principalmente de triglicéridos, ácidos grasos insaturados como ácido oleico, ácido linoleico y el α-linolénico. También se destacan compuestos fenólicos de tres clases químicas: simples, secoiridoides y lignanos. En la presente revisión se analizó el consumo del AOEV en enfermedades crónicas, ciertos tipos de cáncer y en enfermedades neurodegenerativas. La evidencia muestra que el consumo de entre 8 y 40 g de AOEV diario tiene efectos protectores en enfermedades cardiovasculares, puede evitar la aparición de diabetes tipo 2 y aumentar los niveles de colesterol HDL. Respecto al cáncer, entre los efectos evaluados se destacan los encontrados a partir de los compuestos fenólicos hidroxitirosol (HT) y oleocantal, los que han demostrado un efecto protector en algunos tipos de cáncer como cáncer de piel y de mama. En las enfermedades neurodegenerativas, se observó que el consumo diario de 50 g de AOEV, tiene un efecto inhibidor en la degeneración neuronal atribuido a sus compuestos fenólicos como oleuropeina e HT. Investigaciones a futuro debieran enfocarse en determinar los efectos a largo plazo del consumo de AOEV en las diferentes enfermedades analizadas, para así poder ir estableciendo la "dosis" de AOEV que permita obtener resultados protectores sobre la salud. Además de explorar los efectos de las diferentes variedades de aceitunas (con sus componentes bioactivos particulares) con el fin de establecer los efectos en la salud y enfermedad asociados a variedades específicas.

The chemical composition of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is mainly composed of triglycerides, unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid. Phenolic compounds of three chemical classes are also relevant, such as simple, secoiridoids, and lignans. Here, we review the association between EVOO consumption and chronic diseases, certain types of cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Evidence shows that consuming between 8 and 40 g of EVOO / day has protective effects on cardiovascular diseases, can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, and increases HDL cholesterol levels. Regarding cancer, phenolic compounds hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleocanthal have protective effects on some types of cancer, such as skin and breast cancer. Regarding neurodegenerative diseases, daily consumption of phenolic compounds such as oleuperin and hydroxytyrosol and 50 g of EVOO has an inhibitory effect on neuronal degeneration and a protective effect on neuroprotective capacity. Future research should focus on determining the long-term impact of EVOO consumption on different diseases to establish the "dose" of EVOO that will allow health-protective results. It is also necessary to establish the effects of the specific olives (with their particular bioactive components) to establish the different impacts on health and disease associated with olives varieties.

Chemical and sensory assessment of extra virgin olive oil blends with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from plant origin

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is known for its health benefits, although it provides a minimum amount of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which play an important role in the human organism. In this study, EVOO was blended with vegetable oils which are rich sources of n-3 PUFA alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or stearidonic acid (SDA) (chia, walnut, linseed and viper's bugloss seed oils). Fatty acid profiles, induction time, and organoleptic characteristics of the resulting blends were assessed. The n-3 PUFA enrichment in the blends was proportional to the degree of blending. Sensory analysis carried out by a trained panel showed that it is possible to enrich EVOO with up to 20% chia, linseed and viper's bugloss seed oil without altering the original organoleptic characteristics of EVOO. However, the induction time of the blends was significantly reduced compared with EVOO even after adding n-3 PUFA in small proportions, meaning that shelf-life time of these blends is much lower than that of EVOO, which should be considered when preparing these products for commercial purposes.

El aceite de oliva extra virgen (AOEV) es ampliamente conocido por sus beneficios para la salud, aunque apenas aporta ácidos grasos poliinsaturados n-3 (AGPI n-3), los cuales juegan un papel importante en el organismo humano. En este estudio se elaboraron mezclas de AOEV con aceites vegetales ricos en ácido alfa-linolénico (ALA) y/o estearidónico (SDA) (chia, nuez, linaza y viborera). Se evaluaron los perfiles de ácidos grasos, tiempos de inducción y características organolépticas de las mezclas resultantes. El enriquecimiento en AGPI n-3 fue proporcional al grado de mezcla. El análisis sensorial llevado a cabo por un panel entrenado mostró que es posible enriquecer AOEV con hasta un 20% de aceite de chia, linaza o viborera sin alterar las características organolépticas originales del AOEV. Sin embargo, los tiempos de inducción de las mezclas fueron significativamente menores que el del AOEV, incluso tras añadir AGPI n-3 en pequeñas proporciones, lo que significa que el tiempo de vida media de las mezclas es mucho menor que el del AOEV. Este hecho debería tenerse en cuenta al preparar las mezclas con propósitos comerciales.

Effects of topical application of virgin coconut oil on infection, mortality and dermal maturation in preterm newborns: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background@#Preterm birth is an important health concern in countries with limited resources and healthcare access. Topical therapy may be effective for improving outcomes in preterm neonates whose skin barriers are compromised due to immaturity.@*Objectives@#To systematically review the topical VCO's effects in preterm infants on infection, mortality, and dermal maturity.@*Methodology@#Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs of topical VCO in preterm infants were conducted. Databases included PubMed, Google Scholar, Clinical trials.gov, Trip, Cochrane Library, and HERDIN. The risk of bias was assessed by two authors independently. RR with 95% CI was used for the pooled estimate of dichotomous outcomes including infection prevention, mortality reduction, and skin irritation. Mean differences with 95% CI were used for the pooled estimate of weight loss and NSCS.@*Results@#Of 110 records identified, 3 RCTs with 2440 patients were included. Prevention of infection had a trend toward VCO (RR = 0.90, [95% CI: 0.64, 1.27] while the results for mortality reduction were inconclusive (RR = 0.45, [95% CI: 0.06, 3.38]. NSC scores showed a beneficial trend toward VCO (RR = -0.03, [95% CI: -0.16, 0.09]. Both secondary outcomes of skin irritation and weight loss had inconclusive results.@*Conclusions@#This review showed the lack of evidence of the effectiveness of topical VCO in improving various outcomes in premature infants. The effects on infection prevention and dermal maturation were favorable. However, its effects on preventing mortality, skin irritation, and weight loss were inconclusive.

Uso do azeite de oliva (Olea europaea l. ) em preparações culinárias quentes: elaboração de material informativo para popularização do conhecimento científico / Use of olive oil (Olea europaea l. ) in hot culinary preparations: elaboration of informative material for popularization of scientific knowledge / Uso del aceite de oliva (Olea europaea l. ) en preparaciones culinarias calientes: elaboración de material divulgativo para la popularización del conocimiento científico

O azeite de oliva é amplamente consumido devido às suas propriedades benéficas para a saúde e características sensoriais únicas. A composição química abundante em ácido graxo monoinsaturado, associada ao perfil de compostos fenólicos com importante efeito antioxidante, confere ao azeite de oliva alta estabilidade ao aquecimento. Embora existam muitas evidências sobre a estabilidade térmica do azeite, ainda existem muitas dúvidas, por parte da população, sobre o uso em técnicas culinárias que envolvam calor. O objetivo desse trabalho foi compilar evidências científicas a respeito da influência de técnicas culinárias sobre a estabilidade térmica do azeite de oliva, com vistas a elaborar material informativo, com linguagem adaptada à população em geral, sobre sua utilização na culinária, especialmente em preparações quentes. É de amplo conhecimento na literatura que o azeite de oliva é bastante resistente à cocção, no entanto, temperaturas elevadas, como as empregadas na fritura por imersão, podem levar a diminuição do teor de compostos fenólicos, a depender da quantidade e tipos de fenólicos presentes no azeite. Estudos no contexto da gastronomia molecular também relatam, além da estabilidade térmica, os benefícios da utilização do azeite de oliva na culinária devido às interações químicas entre os compostos do azeite e os compostos do alimento fazendo com que ambos (óleo e alimentos) se beneficiem dos efeitos protetivos desses compostos. Considerando que ainda é muito comum o uso do azeite de oliva apenas para temperar saladas e finalizar pratos, o infográfico elaborado no presente trabalho pode contribuir para apresentar o conteúdo científico sobre o uso do azeite em preparações culinárias quentes de forma simplificada e de fácil compreensão.

Olive oil is widely consumed due to its beneficial health properties and unique sensory characteristics. The chemical composition abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids, associated with a profile of phenolic compounds with important antioxidant effects, gives olive oil high heat stability. Although there is much evidence about the thermal stability of olive oil, there are still many doubts among the population about its use in cooking techniques that involve heat. The objective of this work was to compile scientific evidence about the influence of cooking techniques on the thermal stability of olive oil, in order to elaborate informative material, with language adapted to the general population, about its use in cooking, especially in hot preparations. It is widely known in the literature that olive oil is very resistant to cooking, however, high temperatures, such as those used in deep frying, can lead to a decrease in the content of phenolic compounds, depending on the amount and types of phenolics present in the oil. Studies in the context of molecular gastronomy also report, besides thermal stability, the benefits of using olive oil in cooking due to chemical interactions between the compounds of olive oil and food compounds, so that both (oil and food) benefit from the protective effects of these compounds. Considering that it is still very common to use olive oil only to season salads and finish dishes, the infographic prepared in this work can contribute to present the scientific content about the use of olive oil in hot culinary preparations in a simplified and easy to understand way.

El aceite de oliva es ampliamente consumido por sus propiedades beneficiosas para la salud y sus características sensoriales únicas. La composición química abundante en ácidos grasos monoinsaturados, asociada al perfil de compuestos fenólicos con importante efecto antioxidante, confiere al aceite de oliva una gran estabilidad al calentamiento. Aunque hay muchas evidencias sobre la estabilidad térmica del aceite de oliva, todavía existen muchas dudas entre la población sobre su uso en técnicas culinarias que implican calor. El objetivo de este trabajo fue recopilar evidencias científicas sobre la influencia de las técnicas culinarias en la estabilidad térmica del aceite de oliva, con el fin de elaborar material divulgativo, con lenguaje adaptado a la población general, sobre su uso en cocina, especialmente en preparaciones calientes. Es ampliamente conocido en la literatura que el aceite de oliva es bastante resistente a la cocción, sin embargo, las altas temperaturas, como las empleadas en la fritura por inmersión, pueden llevar a disminuir el contenido de compuestos fenólicos, dependiendo de la cantidad y tipos de fenólicos presentes en el aceite. Los estudios en el contexto de la gastronomía molecular también informan, además de la estabilidad térmica, de los beneficios del uso del aceite de oliva en la cocina debido a las interacciones químicas entre los compuestos del aceite de oliva y los compuestos de los alimentos, de forma que ambos (aceite y alimento) se benefician de los efectos protectores de estos compuestos. Teniendo en cuenta que todavía es muy común el uso del aceite de oliva sólo para aliñar ensaladas y terminar platos, la infografía elaborada en este trabajo puede contribuir a presentar de forma simplificada y fácil de entender el contenido científico sobre el uso del aceite de oliva en preparaciones culinarias calientes.

The beneficial effects of virgin olive oil against oxidative stress induced by hypercholesterolemia in rats

Cardiovascular disease(CVD) remains the major cause of mortality in the world, typically claiming a third of all deaths. The primary cause of CVD is atherosclerosis. Therefore, timely prevention and therapy of atherosclerosis are able to reduce the risk of the development of its clinical manifestations. Anti-atherosclerotic activity of medicinal plants mainly appears in their multiple effects.This study was carried out to evaluate the hypolipidemic activity of virgin olive oil in experimentally induced hyperlipemic Wistar. A total of 24 rats were randomly allocated to 4 equal groups and treated as follows for 50 days: (1) Normal control (NC); that were fed with a standart diet; (2) High Cholesterol Diet Control (HCD); which received high cholesterol diet for 50 days; (3) Animals receiving high cholesterol diet for 50 days, after this period the animals are fed for eight days by the standard foodand receiving by gavage virgin olive oil (HCD+VOO) and(4) Animals fed for eight days with the standard food and receiving by gavage olive oil (VOO). High Cholesterol Diet containing yolk egg and coconut oil. Results showed that olive oil caused a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in serum levels of Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low­Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL) and Atherogenic Index Serum (AIS). The results also demonstrated a significant (p < 0.01) increase in High­Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL). Moreover, virgin olive oil induced a significant reduction in liver lipid content. On the other hand, a High cholesterol diet induced oxidative stress was measured by estimating reduced glutathione level and amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formed as an index of lipid peroxidation in a liver and a heart. Virgin olive oil supplementation attenuated all these variations. Our observations of the study indicate that the virgin olive oil has a significant antihyperlipidemic potential.

Virgin Coconut Oil Attenuates Deficits in Rats Undergoing Transient Cerebral Ischemia

@#Background and Objectives. Neuroprotection agents may help improve the outcomes of large vessel ischemic stroke. This study aims to explore the role of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), with its well-documented anti-oxidant properties, in neuroprotection after transient occlusion of the extracranial internal carotid artery in a rat model of stroke. Methods. Twenty-three Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups: 1) control group (n=11) given distilled water, and 2) treatment group (n=12) given virgin coconut oil at 5.15 ml/kg body weight for seven days. Subsequently, the rats underwent transient right extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion (EICAO) for 5 minutes using non-traumatic aneurysm clips. At 4 and 24 hours after EICAO, the animals were examined for neurologic deficits by an observer blinded to treatment groups, then sacrificed. Eight brain specimens (4 from each group) were subjected to histopathologic examination (H & E staining) while the rest of the specimens were processed using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining to determine infarct size and area of hemispheric edema. Results. VCO treatment significantly improved the severity of neurologic deficit (1.42 ± 2.31) compared to the control distilled water group (4.09 ± 2.59) 24 hours after EICAO. Whereas, infarct size and percent hemispheric edema did not significantly differ between the two groups. Conclusion. Prophylactic treatment of VCO is protective against EICAO-induced neurologic deficits in a rat model. VCO shows great potential as a neuroprotective agent for large vessel ischemic stroke. However, more studies are necessary to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanisms of VCO therapy in ischemic stroke.

Efeito do tratamento com óleo de coco na perda óssea de camundongos alimentados com dieta rica em gordura / Effect of coconut oil treatment on bone loss in mice fed a high-fat diet

A obesidade é caracterizada pelo acúmulo de gordura corporal associada a uma inflamação crônica de baixo grau, sendo relacionada ao aumento do risco para o desenvolvimento de perda óssea, e consequentemente osteoporose. A perda óssea acontece devido a diversos fatores, dentre eles a presença de resposta inflamatória. As doenças crônicas como a obesidade apresentam aumento na síntese e secreção de mediadores inflamatórios que poderiam favorecer a perda óssea. Apesar de abordagens dietéticas serem propostas para tratar a perda óssea, elas ainda são pouco exploradas. O óleo de coco virgem (OCV) é um alimento funcional devido à sua quantidade significativa de ácidos graxos de cadeia média. Nos últimos anos, o OCV tem sido amplamente utilizado como possível tratamento de diversas doenças incluindo Alzheimer, doenças cardíacas, obesidade, entre outras. Contudo, conhecimentos a respeito da suplementação com OCV no tratamento da perda óssea ainda é incipiente. Esse estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da suplementação dietética com OCV no tratamento na perda óssea de camundongos alimentados com dieta rica em gordura 45% (HF). Camundongos machos C57BL/6 foram inicialmente divididos em dois grupos e alimentados com dieta controle AIN-93M (C) ou dieta HF por oito semanas. Na 9ª semana, os camundongos alimentados com dieta HF foram reagrupados em quatro grupos até a 12ª semana: (i) dieta HF; ou dieta HF suplementada com diferentes doses de OCV, (iii) 1000 mg/kg, (iv) 3000 mg/kg ou (v) 9000 mg/kg. Apesar do ganho de peso não apresentar diferença estatística entre os grupos, o peso corporal final foi maior no grupo HF em relação ao grupo controle, mas sem alteração naqueles tratados com OCV em relação ao controle. Não houve diferença significativa na ingestão alimentar entre os grupos avaliados. Ao serem avaliados parâmetros ósseos, as concentrações séricas de RANKL, um marcador de perda óssea, e OPG, opositora a essa sinalização, não se alteraram entre os grupos. Contudo, somente os animais que receberam a dose média de OCV apresentaram tendência para menor relação RANKL/OPG, sendo essa a dose escolhida para a avaliação da microarquitetura óssea. No geral, o grupo HF apresentou menor densidade mineral óssea e volume ósseo, trabéculas de menor espessura com maior espaço entre elas, caracterizando aumento da reabsorção óssea na estrutura óssea do fêmur e maxila. Quando tratados com a dose média de OCV ocorreu uma piora da densidade mineral óssea e da separação trabéculas na maxila, sem alteração nos outros parâmetros quando comparados com o grupo HF. Contudo, a perda óssea presente no fêmur não foi alterada. Como esperado, a adiposidade, área de adipócitos e concentrações séricas de leptina foram maiores no grupo alimentado com dieta HF em relação ao controle. No grupo tratado com a dose alta de OCV foi observado um aumento da área dos adipócitos, mas nos demais parâmetros não foram observadas alterações após os diferentes tratamentos com o OCV. A intolerância à glicose observada no grupo HF não foi alterada com a adição do OCV à dieta HF, e ainda se mostraram hiperglicêmicos. Apesar de alteradas no grupo HF, as concentrações séricas de colesterol total e triglicérides não se modificaram com os tratamentos. Portanto, o uso da suplementação com OCV em camundongos alimentados com a dieta HF parece não ser benéfico para tratar perda óssea, a obesidade e ainda as disfunções metabólicas associadas.

Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of body fat associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, which is related to an increased risk of developing bone loss, and consequently, osteoporosis. Bone loss occurs due to several factors, including the presence of an inflammatory response. Chronic diseases such as obesity show an increase in the synthesis and secretion of inflammatory mediators that could favor bone loss. Although dietary approaches are proposed to treat bone loss, they are still poorly explored. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a functional food due to its significant amount of medium-chain fatty acids. In recent years, VCO has been widely used to treat several diseases, including Alzheimer's, heart disease, obesity, among others. However, knowledge about VCO supplementation in the treatment of bone loss is still incipient. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with VCO in the treatment of bone loss in mice fed a 45% high-fat (HF) diet. Male C57BL / 6 mice were initially divided into two groups and fed either the AIN-93M (C) control diet or the HF diet for eight weeks. At the 9th week, the mice fed the HF diet were regrouped in four groups until the 12th week: (i) HF diet; or HF diet supplemented with different doses of VCO, (iii) 1000 mg / kg, (iv) 3000 mg / kg or (v) 9000 mg / kg. Although the weight gain does not present a statistical difference between the groups, the final body weight was higher in the HF group than the control group, but without changes in those treated with VCO in relation to the control. There was no significant difference in food intake between the groups evaluated. When bone parameters were evaluated, the serum concentrations of RANKL, a bone loss marker, and OPG, opposed to this signaling, did not change between the groups. However, only animals that received the medium dose of VCO showed a tendency towards a lower RANKL / OPG ratio, which was the dose chosen for bone microarchitecture evaluation. In general, the HF group showed lower bone mineral density and bone volume, thinner trabeculae with greater space between them, characterizing increased bone resorption in the femur and maxilla's bone structure. When treated with the medium dose of VCO, there was a worsening of bone mineral density and trabecular separation in the maxilla, with no change in other parameters when compared with the HF group. However, the bone loss present in the femur was not altered. As expected, adiposity, area of adipocytes and serum leptin concentrations were higher in the group fed with HF compared to the control group. In the group treated with the high dose of VCO an increase in the area of adipocytes was observed, but in the other parameters, no changes were observed after the different treatments with the VCO. The glucose intolerance observed in the HF group was not altered with the addition of VCO to the HF diet, and they were also shown to be hyperglycemic. Despite being changed in the HF group, serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides did not change with treatments. Therefore, the use of VCO supplementation in mice fed the HF diet does not seem to be beneficial for treating bone loss, obesity, and even the associated metabolic disorders.

Antimicrobial and barrier repair properties of virgin coconut oil and mineral oil in pediatric atopic dermatitis patients, a randomized, double-blind, control trial

BACKGROUND@#Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing skin disease in childhood, managed by topical therapies. In the Philippines, use of affordable, widely available and effective alternative therapies such as mineral oil (MO) and virgin coconut oil (VCO), are practical especially in the far-flung areas.@*OBJECTIVES@#This study compares the antimicrobial and barrier repair properties of MO and VCO in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, using SCORAD (SCORing for Atopic Dermatitis), bacterial culture, tewameter, mexameter and corneometer.@*METHODS@#This is a randomized controlled doubleblind trial conducted in two tertiary hospitals. Bacterial colonies, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), level of hydration and erythema were determined at baseline and after 4 weeks using bacterial culture, tewameter, corneometer and mexameter, respectively. SCORAD and adverse effects were also determined at baseline, 2nd and 4th week of treatment.@*RESULTS@#Baseline patient demographics were similar for both treatment groups. The SCORAD, TEWL and level of erythema were significantly decreased throughout the 4-week duration for both treatment groups, but much lower in the VCO group. The hydration level was significantly increased throughout the 4-week duration but much higher for the VCO group. Lastly, there is more proportion of cultures with "no growth" after the 4-week treatment duration in VCO group.@*CONCLUSION@#The antimicrobial and barrier repair properties of VCO are very important alternative which is affordable, readily available, safe and effective for children with mild to moderate AD.

A randomized double-blind study on the efficacy of 20% VCO cream versus a commercial emollient for Atopic Dermatitis in children

Objective@#To assess the effects of a formulated 20% VCO cream on symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children relative to a commercial emollient with skin barrier protective property indicated for dry, itchy skin.@*Methods@#In a randomized, double-blind, pilot study, pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis according to the modified Hanifin and Rajka criteria were enrolled and assigned to use either formulated VCO cream or commercial emollient. Treatments were applied twice daily for four (4) weeks. Outcome measures were investigator- and patient-assessed clinical efficacy based on Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) severity index, and incidences of documented adverse events.@*Results@#Twenty-nine patients were recruited in the study and in an intention-to-treat analysis, mean SCORAD indices were reduced by 41.79% and 29.77% in the VCO cream group and commercial emollient group, respectively. Both study groups showed significant reduction in the mean subjective SCORAD index relating to pruritus and sleep loss. Mean objective SCORAD index, based on intensity items and total surface with eczema, was also significantly improved in the VCO cream group after four weeks of product usage. The study products were generally well-tolerated, with minor adverse events reported for the VCO cream group.@*Conclusion@#Results of the study suggest that application of VCO at 20% in a cream formulation is more effective than the tested commercial emollient in alleviating symptoms of AD in children.

Long-term consumption of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil diet impairs learning and memory in CD1 mice / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been used in the management of dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, this research investigated the effect of long-term consumption of VCO diet on learning and memory in CD1 mice. Methods: Thirty male CD1 mice (divided into three groups, n = 10) were fed with standard rodent chow (control), 5% and 20% VCO diets (respectively) for 28 d. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was used to test the effect of VCO on visuo-spatial learning and memory, while the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) was used to measure short- and long-term recognition memory. Results: Learning performance of mice did not differ in the MWM. During the probe trial, duration in the retention quadrant and annulus crossings were lower (P 0.05). The discrimination index was also lower in the 20% VCO group compared to control and 5% VCO diet groups indicating impaired long-term cognitive memory in mice given 20% VCO diet. Histological examination of brains showed damage within the CA1 pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus in the 20% VCO diet group, in line with the behavioural observations. Conclusion: Long-term consumption of virgin coconut oil diet impairs memory in mice.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Virgin Coconut Oil in Maintaining Hygiene in Orthodontics Patients

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances are considered to jeopardize dental health due to the accumulation of oral microorganisms that may cause enamel demineralization. Oil pulling involves the use of edible vegetable oils as oral antibacterial agents. It is a practice of swishing oil in the mouth for oral and systemic health benefits. Aims and Objectives: To assess the effect of oil pulling therapy with virgin coconut oil on Streptococcus mutans count in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methods: A total of thirty subjects were included in the study. They were divided in to 2 groups. Group A subjects were asked to swish coconut oil and Group B normal saline for a week. Streptococcus mutans colony forming units were estimated and compared. Results: A statistically significant reduction in S. mutans CFU was seen with Group A after oil pulling with coconut oil when compared to saline group (P = 0.0003. Conclusion: Edible oil-pulling therapy is natural, safe and has no side effects. Hence, it can be considered as a preventive therapy at home to maintain oral hygiene

Aristotle vs Galen: Medieval Reception of Ancient Embryology / 의사학

In their embryology, Aristotle and Galen greatly disagreed on the role of human derived materials like menstrual blood and vaginal secretion (called by them female sperm or semen). This gap made those two ancients also disagree on their understanding of mother's role in the generation of the human body in her womb. During the Middle Ages, especially during the thirteenth century, the scholastics drew on those two ancient thoughts for some rational underpinnings of their philosophical and theological doctrines. However, the manners of adoption and assimilation were varied. For example, Albert the Great strived to reconcile the two in the image of Avicenna, one of the main and the most important sources of Galenist medicine in the thirteenth Century. By contrast, those scholastics who played an important role in the controversy over plurality/unicity of the substantial form, drew on their disagreements. For example, pluralists like Bonaventure, William of la Mare, and Duns Scotus appealed to Galenist medical perspective to underpin their positions and paved ways to decorate Virgin Mary's motherhood and her active contribution to the Virgin birth and to the manhood of her Holy Son. in contrast a unicist like Thomas Aquinas advanced his theory in line with Aristotelian model that Mary's role in her Son's birth and manhood was passive and material. Giles, another unicist, while repudiating Galenist embryology with the support of Averroes's medical work called Colliget, alluded to some theologically crucial impieties with which might be associated some pluralists' Mariology based on the Roman physician's model. In this processus historiae, we can see not only the intertwining of medieval medicine, philosophy, and theology, but some critical moments where medicine provided, side by side with philosophy, natural settings and explanations for religious marvels or miracles such as the Virgin birth, the motherhood of Mary, the manhood of Christ, etc. Likewise, we can observe two medieval maxims coincide and resonate: “philosophia ancilla theologiae” and “philosophia et medicina duae sorores sunt.”

Fatty Acid Evaluation and Antimicrobial Activity of Virgin Coconut Oil and Activated Virgin Coconut Oil on Streptococcus mutans

@#For decades, coconut oil was reported to possess a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity due to its abundant fatty acid’s contents. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) has been strongly implicated as the main etiological factor in dental caries. Regardless of the ongoing medical advances, the therapeutic resources for dental caries remain ineffectual, and this has led to renewed interest in using virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a possible choice for dental caries control. In this study, the ability of VCO and activated virgin coconut oil (AVCO) combatting cariogenic S. mutans ATCC 25175 has been evaluated. Fatty acids contents were compared through gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC-MS) analysis, and their antimicrobial activity was determined using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. From the GC-MS analysis, AVCO (59%) was found to have a slightly higher medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) as compared to VCO (54.1%), and the long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) contents in VCO (45.9%) was found to be higher than AVCO (41%). Interestingly, S. mutans ATCC 25175 was found to be susceptible towards AVCO (MIC: 6.24 mg/ml) and resistance towards VCO in vitro. The excellent antimicrobial activity of AVCO as a result from (i) the release of individuals fatty acids after activation of VCO by lipase digestion and (ii) the present of MCFA and LCFA that are significant in antimicrobial activity. Further study can be designed to specifically examine the activity of individuals fatty acids present in oils against S.mutans virulence genes/protein using molecular dynamic assessment.

Skin burn and ocular damage by calcium oxide (virgin lime) in swines / Queimadura de pele e lesão ocular por óxido de cálcio (cal virgem) em suínos

An outbreak of skin burn and ocular damage by calcium oxide in swines is reported. The outbreak occurred in a rural property located in the municipality of Iuiu, Western Bahia, during the transport of 60 pigs from a recreation farm to a fattening farm. The observed macroscopic lesions were erythematous areas; formation of papules, vesicles, and in some cases, there was the formation of firm, parched, high brown plaques and in other cases detachment and loss of skin. His eyes were dull. Histological analysis of the skin revealed areas of necrosis of focally extensive clotting of the epidermis, and dermis, delimited in the paniculus, by cellular debris and rare neutrophils. Corneal necrosis with perforated ulcer formation, superficial epithelial necrosis, edema, and neutrophil infiltration of the cornea adjacent to the ulcer were revealed in the eye.(AU)

Descreve-se um surto de queimadura de pele e lesão ocular por óxido de cálcio (cal virgem) em suínos. O surto ocorreu em uma propriedade rural localizada no município de Iuiu, região Oeste da Bahia, durante o transporte de 60 suínos de uma granja de recria para uma granja de engorda. Macroscopicamente foi evidenciado que na pele dos suínos havia áreas eritematosas, formação de pápulas, vesículas, e em alguns casos havia a formação de placas elevadas marrom firmes, ressequidas e em outros casos desprendimento e perda da pele. Os olhos estavam opacos. Na microscopia da pele observaram-se áreas de necrose de coagulação focalmente extensa da epiderme, e derme, delimitadas no panículo, por restos celulares e raros neutrófilos. No olho observou-se necrose da córnea com formação de úlcera perfurada, necrose do epitélio superficial, edema e infiltração de neutrófilos na córnea adjacente a úlcera.(AU)

Epidemias e colapso demográfico no México e nos Andes do século XVI: contribuições da biologia evolutiva / Epidemics and demographic collapse in Mexico and the Andes in the sixteenth century: contributions from evolutionary biology

Resumo Discute as epidemias no colapso demográfico de ameríndios no México e na América Andina após a chegada dos espanhóis. A partir das categorias de Ernst Mayr de causas distantes (ou evolutivas) e próximas (ou funcionais), argumenta-se que causas distantes, como causas genéticas, que conferiram resistência imunológica aos espanhóis, manifestaram-se em um cenário muito estratificado, provocando a destruição de incas e astecas. Interpretações recentes do projeto colonialista europeu buscam minimizar a importância das epidemias ou matizá-las com fatores sociais, econômicos e políticos, interpretados aqui como causas próximas. Defendemos que somente pela articulação dessas duas categorias é possível entender a importância das epidemias na conquista espanhola da América Latina.

Abstract The role of epidemics in the demographic collapse of the Amerindians in Mexico and Andean America after the arrival of the Spanish is discussed. Ernst Mayr's categories of ultimate (or evolutionary) and proximal (or functional) causes are used to argue that ultimate causes, such as genetics, which gave the Spanish immunological resistance, were manifested in a very stratified setting, triggering the destruction of the Incas and Aztecs. Recent interpretations of colonization have played down the importance of epidemics or combined them with social, economic, and political factors, interpreted here as proximate causes. We understand that only by articulating these two categories can the importance of epidemics in the Spanish conquest of Latin America be understood.

Efficacy of Virgin Coconut Oil supplemented-milk feeding in augmenting weight gain among very low birth weight preterm infants: A meta-analysis

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Nutritional status is crucial in neonatal survival, especially among the Very Low Birthweight (VLBW) preterm infants. They have low nutrient reserves with increased metabolic needs and immature gut system. Several studies have proven the efficacy of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) as a good source of calories among pre-term infants. However, such is not commercially available. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has the most concentrated content of MCT's, hence a possible source of MCT.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVES:</strong> This review aims to determine the efficacy of VCO-supplementation to milk feeding in augmenting weight gain among very low birth weight preterm infants.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> Pubmed (1975-September 2016), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, September 2016), HERDIN (1966 -September 2016), Google Scholar (September 2016), and https://clinicaltrials.gov (last searched September 2016) were thoroughly searched. Manual search in reference and citation lists of the eligible studies and list of abstracts from the Philippine Pediatric Society was also reviewed. Only randomized controlled trials comparing VCO-supplemented milk versus standard care in weight gain among very low birth weight preterm infants were included. The author reviewed each study's quality and extracted data on weight gain. Weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Risk of biases among studies were also evaluated.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Three randomized controlled trials involving 290 infants were included. All trials were of good quality with relatively low heterogeneity (39%), and low risk of biases. Overall, infants receiving VCO-supplemented milk feeding had statistically significant weight gain compared to those given non-fortified milk (mean difference 5.31, 95% CI: 3.83 to 11.93).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Virgin coconut oil is effective in augmenting weight gain among very low birth weight preterm infants.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RECOMMENDATIONS:</strong> Small trials were used in this review, and a single multicenter randomized controlled trial would be ideal to further establish these findings.</p>

A randomized, double-blind, comparative study on the safety and efficacy of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera l.) oil against 1% Hydrocortisone lotion as an anti-inflammatory and anti- pruritic preparation for mosquito reactions

Background@#Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic properties and can be used as an alternative to corticosteroids for mosquito bites. No studies on VCO for mosquito bites have been published.@*Objective@#To compare the safety and efficacy of VCO against 1% Hydrocortisone as an anti-inflammatory and anti- pruritic preparation for mosquito bites.@*Method@#This is a randomized, double-blind study comparing the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effect of VCO versus 1% Hydrocortisone on Aedes aegypti bites, by measuring the mean lesion size, subjective assessment of the effects on bites, pruritus intensity through the visual analog, and verbal rating scale in 91 subjects at baseline, 1 hour, days 1, 3, and 7.@*Results@#During the first hour and throughout the seven-day period, there was a decrease in the mean lesion size, visual, and verbal scale score for both VCO and Hydrocortisone groups. The mean lesion size for both groups were not statistically significant on the 1st and 24th hour. On day 3, the mean lesion size for the VCO group was 0.02 and 0.71 for the Hydrocortisone group which was statistically significant in favor of VCO. The mean visual and verbal scale scores for pruritus for both treatment groups were not statistically significant. As early as the 1st hour, the proportion of patients who reported total clearance of lesions in the VCO group was 34.09% compared to 6.38% in the Hydrocortisone group. On day 7, both treatment groups had resolution of lesions. No adverse reactions were noted.@*Conclusion@#Virgin coconut oil is safe, cost-effective, and comparable to 1% Hydrocortisone as an anti- inflammatory and anti-pruritic agent.

The Virgin Islands National Information Systems for Health: vision, actions, and lessons learned for advancing the national public health agenda / Sistemas Nacionales de Información para la Salud de las Islas Vírgenes: visión, acciones y lecciones aprendidas para avanzar en la agenda nacional de salud pública / Os sistemas nacionais de informação para a saúde das Ilhas Virgens: visão, ações e lições aprendidas para o avanço da agenda nacional de saúde pública

ABSTRACT The British Virgin Islands (BVI) Ministry of Health and Social Development (MOHSD) recently identified the need for an updated strategy to advance the country's vision for Information Systems for Health (IS4H) ("Informed decision-making for better health outcomes"). Since the early 1990s, the MOHSD has recognized the importance of having strong conceptual foundations and mechanisms for its information systems, and the need to strengthen the production and use of good-quality health data to enable fulfillment of the territory's health goals. Therefore, in May 2017, BVI requested technical assistance from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to develop a plan/"road map" for strengthening the MOHSD's stewardship capacity for IS4H. This resulted in a bilateral, country-led collaboration between PAHO and the Ministry to carry out two assessments of BVI's National Information Systems for Health (NISH): 1) a rapid assessment to map NISH policy, to develop a short- and medium-term workplan for strengthening and updating it, and 2) a maturity assessment, using PAHO's IS4H Maturity Model tool, to evaluate the implementation of NISH policy thus far and determine next steps. This article describes 1) the steps taken in this bilateral collaboration to update BVI's NISH policy and fine-tune its IS4H vision, including the development of a national plan/road map, and 2) lessons learned.

RESUMEN El Ministerio de Salud y Desarrollo Social de las Islas Vírgenes Británicas identificó recientemente la necesidad de tener una estrategia actualizada para avanzar la visión del país en el ámbito de los sistemas de información para la salud (IS4H) ("Toma de decisiones informadas para obtener mejores resultados de salud"). Desde principios de la década de 1990, el Ministerio ha reconocido la importancia de tener sólidos fundamentos conceptuales y mecanismos para sus sistemas de información, así como la necesidad de fortalecer la producción y el uso de datos de salud de buena calidad para permitir el cumplimiento de los objetivos de salud del territorio. En este contexto, en mayo de 2017 las Islas Vírgenes Británicas solicitaron la asistencia técnica de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) para desarrollar un plan u "hoja de ruta" para fortalecer su capacidad de administración en el ámbito de los IS4H. Esto resultó en una colaboración bilateral, dirigida por el país, entre la OPS y el Ministerio para llevar a cabo dos evaluaciones de los Sistemas Nacionales de Información para la Salud: 1) una evaluación rápida para mapear la política de estos sistemas, y desarrollar un plan de trabajo a corto y mediano plazo para fortalecerlos y actualizarlos y 2) una evaluación de madurez, utilizando la herramienta Modelo de Madurez de IS4H de la OPS, para evaluar la implementación de la política de Sistemas Nacionales de Información para la Salud hasta el momento y determinar los próximos pasos. Este artículo describe 1) los pasos dados en esta colaboración bilateral para actualizar la política de Sistemas Nacionales de Información para la Salud de las Islas Vírgenes Británicas y ajustar su visión del IS4H, incluido el desarrollo de un plan nacional u hoja de ruta, y 2) las lecciones aprendidas durante este proceso.

RESUMO O Ministério da Saúde e Desenvolvimento Social das Ilhas Virgens Britânicas identificou recentemente a necessidade de uma estratégia atualizada para avançar a visão do país para os Sistemas de Informação para a Saúde (IS4H) ("Tomada de decisão informada para melhores resultados de saúde"). Desde o início dos anos 1990, o Ministerio reconheceu a importância de ter fortes fundamentos conceituais e mecanismos para seus sistemas de informação, e a necessidade de fortalecer a produção e o uso de dados de boa qualidade em saúde para permitir o cumprimento das metas de saúde do território. Portanto, em maio de 2017, as Ilhas Virgens Britânicas solicitaram assistência técnica da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) para desenvolver um plano/roteiro para o fortalecimento da capacidade de administração do Ministerio para a IS4H. Isso resultou em uma colaboração bilateral entre a OPAS e o Ministério, liderada pelo país, para conduzir duas avaliações dos Sistemas Nacionais de Informação para a Saúde das Ilhas Virgens Britânicas: 1) uma avaliação rápida para mapear a política do Sistemas Nacionais de Informação para a Saúde, e desenvolver uma estratégia de curto e médio prazo e um plano de trabalho para fortalecê-los e atualizá-los; e 2) uma avaliação de maturidade, utilizando a ferramenta Modelo de Maturidade IS4H da OPAS, para avaliar a implementação da política do Sistemas Nacionais de Informação para a Saúde até o momento e determinar os próximos passos. Este artigo descreve 1) os passos dados nessa colaboração bilateral para atualizar a política de Sistemas Nacionais de Informação para a Saúde das Ilhas Virgens Britânicas e ajustar sua visão de IS4H, incluindo o desenvolvimento de um plano nacional/roteiro, e 2) as lições aprendidas neste processo.