Effects of alum ice nanoemulsion on hypertrophic scar based on Notch signaling pathway / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of alum ice nanoemulsion on VEGF and TGF-β1 in hypertrophic scar based on Notch signaling pathway.Methods:Totally 144 SD rats were divided into blank control group, model group, triamcinolone acetonide group and alum ice nanoemulsion low-, medium- and high-dose groups according to random number table method, with 24 rats in each group. Except for the blank control group, the rats in other groups were prepared with deep Ⅱ ° burn models. 24 hours after the successful modeling, the model group was given the same amount of normal saline, the rats in alum ice nanoemulsion low-, medium- and high-dose groups were given 8.15, 6.30 and 32.60 mg/ml alum ice nanoemulsion respectively, and the triamcinolone acetonide group was given triamcinolone acetonide twice a day, 0.2 ml each time, for 35 consecutive days. At 14, 21, 28 and 35 d, the collagen fiber surface density was calculated by VG staining. The protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Notch1 and Jagged1 were detected by Western Blot. The expressions of Notch1 mRNA and Jagged1 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR.Results:Compared with model group, triamcinolone acetonide and different doses of alum ice nanoemulsion groups could decrease collagen fiber surface density, protein expressions of VEGF, TGF-β1, Notch1, Jagged1 and mRNA expressions of Notch1, Jagged1 in different degrees ( P<0.05). Compared with the triamcinolone acetonide group, the collagen fiber surface density, protein expressions of VEGF, TGF-β1, Notch1 and Jagged1 and mRNA expressions of Notch1, Jagged1 in the alum ice nanoemulsion medium-dosage group decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Alum ice nanoemulsion can inhibit hypertrophic scar formation, and its mechanism is related to down-regulating Notch signal pathway related molecules Notch1, Jagged1 protein and mRNA levels, and then down-regulating VEGF and TGF-β1 protein expressions.

Etnofarmacología de plantas utilizadas por pacientes diabéticos tz'utujiles en Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, Guatemala / Ethnopharmacology of plants used by Tz'utujil diabetic patients in Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, Guatemala

La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 es una afección crónica con una elevada prevalencia en las comunidades rurales e indígenas de Guatemala, en las cuales se ha reportado el uso de plantas medicinales para su tratamiento. Con el propósito de conocer qué plantas son utilizadas en la población para esta afección, se realizó un estudio etnofarmacológico con 36 sujetos de la población tz'utujil de Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, por medio de un análisis antropológico y farmacológico-toxicológico de entrevistas semiestructuradas y cuestionarios abiertos. Se identificaron 19 plantas, y se calculó el índice de consenso de enfermedad (ICE) y el valor de uso (VU) para evaluar el conocimiento y la importancia relativa de cada especie; ambos valores ayudan a comprender la relevancia cultural, es decir, la importancia de las especies medicinales para la población. Las cinco plantas con mayor relevancia cultural fueron Neurolaena lobata R.Br. ex Cass. (ICE=0.4074, VU=0.0084), Artemisia absinthium L. (ICE=0.1481, VU=0.0027), Psidium guajava L. (ICE=0.1111, VU=0.0023), Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip. (ICE=0.0741, VU=0.0015) y Coffea arabica L. (ICE=0.0741, VU=0.0015). Se determinó que N. lobata y P. guajava tienen un alto potencial para tratar la diabetes, C. arabica y T. parthenium pueden provocar efectos adversos e interacciones con ciertos medicamentos y A. absinthium puede ser peligrosa para su consumo. No obstante, se requieren estudios de los metabolitos secundarios aislados responsables de la actividad antidiabética para establecer dosis seguras, efectos adversos, interacciones y toxicología.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a high prevalence in rural and indigenous communities of Guatemala, in which the use of medicinal plants for its treatment has been reported. In order to know which plants are used by the population for this condition, an ethnopharmacological study was carried out with 36 individuals from the Tz'utujil population of Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, through an anthropological and pharmacological-toxicological analysis of semistructured interviews and open questionnaires. Nineteen plants were identified, and the disease consensus index (DCI) and the value in use (UV) were calculated to assess the knowledge and relative importance of each species; both values help to understand the cultural relevance, that is, the importance of medicinal species for the population. The five plants with the higher cultural relevance were Neurolaena lobata R.Br. ex Cass. (DCI = 0.4074, UV = 0.0084), Artemisia absinthium L. (DCI = 0.1481, UV = 0.0027), Psidium guajava L. (DCI = 0.1111, UV = 0.0023), Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip. (DCI = 0.0741, UV = 0.0015) and Coffea arabica L. (DCI = 0.0741, UV = 0.0015). It was determined that N. lobata and P. guajava have a high potential to treat diabetes, C. arabica and T. parthenium can cause adverse effects and interactions with certain medications, and A. absinthium can be dangerous if consumed. However, further studies of the isolated secondary metabolites responsible for antidiabetic activity are required to establish safe doses, adverse effects, interactions and toxicology

Process Evaluation of the Universal Immunization Program in Imphal-East District of Manipur: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Various strategies have been made to make vaccines universally available including to most hard-to-reach and vulnerable population. However, change in coverage level never reached upto expected level in spite of giving so much effort by the Govt. of India and World bodies. Therefore, there is the need to look beyond. Hence, the process evaluation of Universal Immunization Program (UIP) was conducted to evaluate the process of UIP using selected variables. Methods: A cross-sectional observation was done during the period from May 2017 to April 2020 among the 14 health?care facilities and 36 selected session sites, and interview was done to 48 health?care providers working at different levels, located in Imphal East district of Manipur. Both checklist and pretested semi-structured questioners were used for collection of data. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, proportion, and percentage were used. Results: Ice-lined refrigerator and Deep-freezer were found to be present in working condition in 11 (100%) centers. The use of vaccine carrier was found in all 36 (100%) centers. Way of vaccine administration was found to be correct in 26 (72.2%) centers. Availability of up?to?date microplan was found in 18 (78.3%) centers. Conclusions: Barriers in the UIP were not uniform throughout the villages and districts. Hence, area?specific measures need to be taken up for overcoming the barriers and challenges.

Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of bed side tests versus laboratory tests in the diagnosis of ocular myasthenia

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of forced eyelid closure test (FECT), ice pack test (IPT), repetitive nerve stimulation test (RNS), and acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody test in patients with suspected ocular myasthenia. To assess the clinical utility of AchR antibody test in predicting disease progression. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with ocular myasthenia at a South?Indian neuro?ophthalmology tertiary eye clinic. Baseline characteristics; ocular myasthenia symptoms; results of FECT, IPT, RNS, and AchR antibody test; and progression time to generalized myasthenia (GM) over 36 months from the time of diagnosis were recorded and analyzed using receiver operator curve analysis, multiple logistic regression, and Kaplan朚eier survival analysis. Results: FECT had a sensitivity of 96.7% (95% CI: 88.5�.6) and a specificity of 75% (95% CI: 34.9�.8). Combination of FECT and IPT, using the positivity of at least one test, increased the sensitivity to 98.3% (95% CI: 91�0), reducing the specificity to 50% (95% CI: 15.7�.3), whereas using the positivity of both tests, we obtained a sensitivity of 71.7% (95% CI: 58.6�.5) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 63.1�0). In the subset of patients with double negative RNS and AchR antibodies, the positive predictive value of combined FECT and IPT (double positive) was 100%. Patients who developed GM were more likely to have a positive AchR antibody test result (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Combined FECT and IPT (double positive) has high diagnostic accuracy even among patients with normal RNS and negative AchR antibodies. Despite low sensitivity, AchR?antibody test has a significant predictive value in disease progression.

Investigation of factors affecting the rate of changes in endurance exercise performance by pre-cooling with ice slurry / 体力科学

To investigate the factors affecting the rate of improvement in endurance exercise performance following pre-cooling with ice slurry, we focused on individual physical characteristics and thermoregulatory capacity. Twenty-four healthy adults (12 males and 12 females) ingested 7.5g kg-1 of either ice slurry at -1°C (ICE) or control water at 20°C (CON) before cycling at 55% VO2max and continued cycling until the rectal temperature reached 38.5°C or untill exhaustion in a hot environment (controlled at 38°C, 40% relative humidity). The relationship between the rate of improvement in exercise performance and physical characteristics and thermoregulatory factors (changes in rectal temperature, the rate of rectal temperature increase, whole body sweat loss, mean metabolic heat production, and heat storage) was investigated. No correlation was noted between the rate of improvement in exercise performance and physical characteristics and heat storage. On the other hand, the rate of improvement in exercise performance showed significant correlations with changes in rectal temperature (r = -0.497), the rate of rectal temperature increases during exercise (r = -0.784), whole body sweat loss (r = 0.407), and mean metabolic heat production (r = -0.436). The rate of inhibition of sweating and the rate of increase in metabolic heat production by ice slurry ingestion during exercise have been suggested to be related to the rate of improvement in exercise performance. On the other hand, there was no relationship between body composition or VO2max and the rate of improvement in exercise performance.

Successful Replantation Despite Improper Storage of Amputated Thumb: A Case Report

@#Replantation of fingers is highly complex and technically challenging. Surgeons are serious with their selection criteria as many factors are involved in determining good surgical outcome. Improper storages of amputated parts are usually denied the option for replantation. We report a 42-year-old lady who was assaulted with a machete and presented with total amputation of left thumb. The amputated thumb was stored in a plastic bag directly on ice cubes which eventually melted; thumb immersed in water for two hours. On examination, the amputated thumb was neither macerated nor frozen. Replantation was attempted and was successful. There are limited reports on proper methods of storage of amputated fingers pertaining to daily practical scenario. Yet, it is a strict criterion for surgeons in attempting replantation. Direct contact of amputated fingers on ice and immersion in hypotonic solutions leads to irreversible tissue damage. In our case, two hours of unfavourable storage did not affect surgical outcome. In conclusion, clinical assessment of the amputated part is essential in deciding for replantation. Combination of direct contact with ice and immersion in hypotonic solution for two hours should not be a contraindication for replantation.

Microbiological evaluation of pasty and soft ice cream / Avaliação microbiológica de sorvetes pastosos e expressos / Evaluación microbiológica de helados pastosos y suaves

Ice cream is susceptible to contamination by handling and bad hygiene conditions during both the storage process and the fractioning for sale, and once contaminated, it can cause diseases. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the microbiological quality of ice cream sold in bulk, of pasty and soft types, offered for consuming. Thirty samples of pasty ice cream sold in bulk, and thirty samples of soft ice cream were analyzed through the counting of thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp., and searching for the presence of Salmonella spp. During the study, a total of ten (33%) samples of pasty ice cream and five (16%) samples of soft ice cream were found to be beyond the limits established by the Brazilian law. Salmonella spp. was found in four samples (6.7%). These results are an alert for the need of greater attention to the microbiological quality of ice cream in order to ensure the safety of its consumers.(AU)

Os sorvetes são suscetíveis à contaminação pela manipulação e más condições higiênicas durante o processamento, armazenamento e do fracionamento para venda, uma vez contaminados podem causar doenças. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de sorvetes, vendidos a granel, pastosos e expressos, oferecidos para consumo. Trinta amostras de sorvete pastoso, vendido a granel, e trinta amostras de sorvete expresso foram analisadas realizando-se contagem de coliformes termotolerantes, Staphylococcus spp. coagulase-positiva e pesquisando-se a presença de Salmonella spp. Foram detectadas dez (33%) amostras de sorvete pastoso e cinco (16%) amostras de sorvete expresso fora dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira. Salmonella spp. foi encontrado em quatro amostras (6,7%). Esses resultados alertam para a necessidade de uma maior atenção à qualidade microbiológica dos sorvetes, a fim de garantir a segurança do consumidor.(AU)

Los helados son susceptibles a la contaminación por manipulación y malas condiciones higiénicas durante el procesamiento, almacenamiento y fraccionamiento para venta, una vez contaminados pueden causar enfermedades. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido evaluar la calidad microbiológica de helados vendidos a granel, pastosos y suaves, ofrecidos para el consumo. Se analizaron treinta muestras de helados pastosos vendidos a granel, y treinta muestras de helados suaves, realizándose el conteo de coliformes termotolerantes, Staphylococcus spp. coagulase positiva e investigándose la presencia de Salmonella spp. Se detectaron diez (33%) muestras de helado pastoso y cinco (16%) muestras de helado blando fuera de los límites establecidos por la legislación brasileña. Salmonella spp. se encontró en cuatro muestras (6,7%). Esos resultados destacan la necesidad de una mayor atención a la calidad microbiológica de los helados, con el fin de garantizar la seguridad del consumidor.(AU)

Evaluation of the growth medium of a new ice-nucleating-active Pseudomonas: A response surface methodology approach

Aims@#Attention to ice nucleation proteins has increased for more than two decades. Ice nucleation proteins have been utilized for artificial snow-making known as Snowmax™, cryopreservation of tissues and cells, and cloud condensation nuclei. There is a direct relationship between bacterial growth and ice nucleation activity. Therefore, the optimization of the culture medium seems necessary.@*Methodology and results@#The effect of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth of a new native Pseudomonas sp. IRL.INP1 was evaluated by using fractional factorial design, the path of the steepest ascent experiment and central composite design. Ice nucleation activity, biomass and whole-cell protein were identified afterward. The model predicted by response surface methodology indicated that the maximum bacterial growth was observed when sucrose, ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] and manganese (II) (Mn2+) were utilized at 12.46 g/L, 321.97 mg/L and 938.09 µM, respectively. Also, 1.10 g/L biomass and 0.85 µg/µL whole-cell proteins were gained, and the isolate showed ice nucleation activity 31 sec sooner after optimization.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Ice nucleation proteins are growth-dependent and the growth condition optimization leads to higher bacterial cells growth. Therefore, best bacterial growth was obtained when proper carbon and nitrogen sources were used, and ice nucleation activity was observed in shorter time. This is the first study concerning ice nucleation activity optimization using different carbon and nitrogen sources.

Improved Research of Adjustable External Fixation Device for Lower Limbs Based on Semiconductor Refrigeration Sheet / 中国医疗器械杂志

A kind of adjustable external fixation device for lower extremity is designed. The circuit is mainly composed of TEC1-00703 semiconductor refrigeration chip, HZC-30A pressure sensor, STC89C52RC single chip microcomputer and other electrical components. It can realize the timing intelligent temperature control and meet the local fixed-point refrigeration. The design of adjustable structure and the application of intelligent air cushion can satisfy the full fixation of lower limbs of different individuals. Its operation does not need much medical knowledge. It can solve the problem of emergency transportation and follow-up treatment of lower limb injury in ice and snow sports. It has a good application prospect and universality.

Prevalence and quantity of pathogenic Escherichia coli in ice-based beverages in Bogor, Indonesia

@#Aims: Pathogenic Escherichia coli is one of global concern because of their effect on public health. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of E. coli, i.e. enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enterohemorragic E. coli (EHEC), and enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) in ice-based beverages sold in street food vendors in Bogor and to determine virulence factor and quantity of labile toxin (LT), stable toxin (ST), intimin (EAE), shiga-like toxin1 (STX1), shiga-like toxin 2 (STX2), and plasmid invasion (INV). Methodology and results: Identification and quantification of pathogenic E. coli in ice-based beverages (n=85) were performed using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay adding propidium monoazide (PMA) prior to samples extraction. Extracted samples were analyzed using electrophoresis gel to define positive genome. The analyzed result showed 55.3% samples were positive genome and those samples were analyzed using RT-PCR to define virulence factor and determined concentration of bacteria. The result showed virulence factor of pathogenic on ice-based beverages (pudding with coconut milk ice, flavored ice, mix fruits ice, coconut ice, and orange ice) were only labile toxin (LT). The prevalence value was 8.2% with varied cycle threshold (Ct) numbers between 28.2 ± 0.3 to 32.8 ± 3.0 and the melting temperature (Tm) was 78.5 °C. The enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) concentration in samples were 1.8101 -2.0102 cells/mL. Conclusion, significance and impact study: Iced-based beverage samples in Bogor contained 8.2% of ETEC. Based on the consumption data and the concentration of ETEC in iced-based beverages, the number of ETEC exposure in icebased beverages consumed by the consumer in Bogor (2.9103 -2.4104 cells) was lower than infection dose set by FDA. However, this result could be considered as an early warning of health problems.

The Nature of Climate Change- equivalent Climate Change Model’s Application in Decoding the Root Cause of Global Warming

Scrutiny and analysis of various energy applications show that the energy conversion to useful work or new products has been systematically inefficient. The global energy’s total effective conversion efficiency is estimated only about 20% and about 80% of the energy has been discharged into the environment. It is this energy that leads to the unbalance of the climate system’s energy budget balance and causes the global warming. This article presents a simple equivalent climate change model to track the past global warming and to predict the future change trend at the global scale. The model comprises of an equivalent climate change surface air boundary layer, an equivalent climate change land surface boundary layer and an equivalent climate change seawaters surface boundary layer. It produces unique definitive relationships between the temperature changes and the heat entered the air, waters and land. The model can also be used to forecast future non-renewable energy consumption needed to keep the temperature rising under Paris Accord. Analysis of currently available data by using this model confirms that temperature changes in air, seawaters and land closely correlate to the amount of heat discharged into the climate system from human activities. NASA and NOAA’s observations of temperature anomalies for the surface air, sea surface and land surface are well consistent with the temperature changes calculated by this model, especially the calculated results at the depth of 70 meters of the surface air boundary layer and NASA’s Lowess Smoothing trend are very close. Flaring intensifies global warming. Reducing use of fossil fuels, nuclear and geothermal energies, developing surface renewable energies and increasing energy’s total effective conversion efficiency and thus reducing the amount of residual/waste energy are the paths to effectively and efficiently control global warming.

Especiação de bactérias encontradas no gelo através do método MALDI-TOF-MS / Specification of bacteria found in the through the MALDI-TOF-MS method

Objetivo ­ Determinar a especiação de bactérias gram-negativas em quatro diferentes marcas de gelo através do método MALDI-TOFMS e avaliar sua potabilidade. Metodos ­ Com o equipamento multiparâmetros, da marca Hanna®, foram avaliados: pH, condutividade elétrica, oxigênio dissolvido e temperatura. Preparou-se meio Agar Mac Conkey para observação do crescimento bacteriano de Gramnegativas, sua morfologia através da coloração de Gram e a sua especiação pelo método MALD-TOF-MS. Resultados ­ Houve crescimento na amostra 4 e como método MALDI-TOF-MS foi identificada a espécie Pseudomonas monteilli. Conclusão ­ Os parâmetros físico-químicos estão de acordo com a Resolução 357/05 do CONAMA e a portaria 2.914/11 do MS. A espécie P. monteilli foi detectada em 15 minutos, podendo substituir o método tradicional que levaria dias para identificação, tornando um método revolucionário e de importância à saúde pública.

Objective ­ To determine the speciation of gram-negative bacteria in four different ice brands using the MALDI-TOF-MS method and to evaluate their potability. Methods - With the Hanna® multiparameter equipment, the following parameters were evaluated: pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature. Mac Conkey Agar medium was prepared for observation of Gram-negative bacterial growth, its morphology by Gram staining and its speciation by the MALD-TOF-MS method. Results ­ There was growth in sample 4 and as the MALDI-TOF-MS method was identified the species Pseudomonas monteilli. Conclusion ­ The physicochemical parameters are in accordance with CONAMA Resolution 357/05 and MS Ordinance 2.914 / 11. P. monteilli was detected within 15 minutes and could replace the traditional method that would take days to identify, making it a revolutionary method of public health importance.

Prevalencia de cepas del grupo de Bacillus cereus productoras de biopelicula en helados comercializados en México / Prevalence of strains of the Bacillus cereus group biofilm producers in ice cream in Mexico

El helado es un vehículo para la transmisión de patógenos como Bacillus cereus. Por lo cual, se determinó la frecuencia de cepas del grupo Bacillus cereus en helados, perfil enterotoxigénico, psicrofilia y producción de biopelícula. Un total de 230 muestras de seis marcas de helado de producción y distribución nacional fueron colectadas en México. El análisis microbiológico incluyó aislamiento en agar manitol yema de huevo. Las cepas se identificaron molecularmente a partir de la amplificación del gen de la topoisomerasa (gyrB) y el perfil enterotoxigénico por la amplificación de regiones conservadas de los operones nheABC y hblABD y del gen cytK. Además, se determinó la producción de biopelícula en vidrio y policloruro de vinilo. La frecuencia de contaminación por cepas del grupo B. cereus fue de 3,6%, se encontró una cepa positiva para nheABC y cinco para cytK, el 87,5% de las cepas generó biopelícula en vidrio y todas en policloruro de vinilo, dos cepas fueron psicrofilicas. En conclusión, en el helado distribuido en México, se encontró una baja contaminación por cepas del grupo B. cereus con alta producción de biopelícula; sin embargo, no se debe subestimar el potencial enterotoxigénico de estas cepas

Ice cream is a medium for microbial growth due to its nutritional value and neutral pH. Therefore, the frequency of strains of the Bacillus cereus group in ice cream was determined, the enterotoxigenic profile, psychrophilic strains and biofilm production. A total of 230 samples of six brands of ice cream produced and distributed nationwide were collected in Mexico. The microbiological analysis was a cold pre-enrichment and isolation of the microorganism in egg yolk agar. The strains were identified molecularly from the amplification of the topoisomerase gene (gyrB) and the enterotoxigenic profile by the amplification of conserved regions of the nheABC and hblABD operons and of the cytK gene. In addition, the production of biofilm in glass and polyvinyl chloride and psychophilia was determined. The frequency of contamination by strains of the B. cereus group was 3.6%, a positive strain was found for nheABC and five for cytK, 87.5% of the strains generated biofilm in glass and all in polyvinyl chloride, two strains were psychrophilic. In the ice cream distributed in Mexico, a low contamination by strain of the B. cereus group was found, however, the enterotoxigenic potential of the strains should not be underestimated

Physical and Sensory Properties of Ice Cream as Influenced by Pulse Protein Concentrates

Pulses are one of the cheapest sources for the extraction of protein concentrates which can be gainfully utilized for meeting protein needs of specific groups. Techniques for maximum extraction of Pulse protein concentrates were developed for red gram and Bengal gram by standardisation of process parameters involving alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation. Extraction conditions viz., flour: water ratio – 1:10, pH 9 and stirring time- 4 hours were employed for isolation of the pulse protein concentrates. The protein concentrates extracted from red gram and chickpea were incorporated in ice cream formulations at concentrations of 5 and 10%. The pulse protein concentrate incorporated ice cream at 5% level had a higher sensory score of 8.7 and 8.8 on the nine-point hedonic scale compared to ice cream enriched with 10% pulse protein concentrate (8.4 and 8.5/9.0). The pulse protein enriched ice cream had a high protein content of 11.76 g/100 g compared to 4.90 g/100 g in control. Pulse protein concentrates have a wide food application in designing speciality foods for different age groups and disease conditions. The PPC incorporated protein enriched ice cream would provide for nutritious ice cream having desirable sensory properties with commercialisation prospects.

Package of menthol measures for thirst relief: a randomized clinical study / Paquete de medidas mentoladas para el alivio de lased: estudio clínico aleatorizado / Pacote de medidas mentoladas para o alívio da sede: estudo clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the menthol package (lip hydration and ice popsicles) compared to a package of non-menthol measures (lip hydration and ice popsicles) as a way to relieve thirst in patients in the Anesthetic Recovery Room. Method: Randomized and parallel trial study, with 120 patients randomized patients in an experimental group - menthol measurements (n=59) and control group - measures without menthol (n = 61). Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in intensity, hydration, dryness and taste in the oral cavity between the three moments of assessment/intervention in the two groups. The difference was significant in the experimental group for thirst intensity at the second assessment/intervention point (p<0.05) after a single administration of the menthol package. Conclusion: There was a reduction in thirst intensity in both groups. Patients who received menthol packages showed a significant decrease in intensity after a single evaluation/intervention time. NCT: 02869139.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del paquete de medidas mentoladas (hidratación labial y picolé de hielo) comparado a un paquete de medidas no mentoladas (hidratación labial y picolé de hielo) como un método de alivio de la sed en pacientes en la Sala de Recuperación Post-Anestésica. Método: En un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, paralelo, 120 pacientes aleatorizados en un grupo experimental - medidas mentoladas (n=59) y un grupo control - medidas sin el mentol (n=61). Resultados: Hubo una disminución significativa (p<0,05) sobre la intensidad, hidratación, sequedad y gusto en la cavidad oral entre los tres momentos de evaluación/intervención en los dos grupos, indistintamente. La diferencia fue significativa en el grupo experimental para la intensidad de la sed en el segundo momento de la evaluación/intervención (p<0,05) después de una única administración del paquete de medidas mentoladas. Conclusión: Se encontró una reducción de la intensidad de la sed en los dos grupos. Los pacientes que recibieron las medidas mentoladas presentaron una disminución significativa de la intensidad después de un único momento de evaluación/intervención. NCT: 02869139.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade do pacote de medidas mentoladas (hidratação labial e picolé de gelo) comparado a um pacote de medidas não mentoladas (hidratação labial e picolé de gelo) como método de alívio da sede em pacientes na Sala de Recuperação Anestésica. Método: Ensaio clínico randomizado, paralelo, 120 pacientes aleatorizados em grupo experimental - medidas mentoladas (n=59) e grupo controle - medidas sem o mentol (n=61). Resultados: Houve diminuição significativa (p<0,05) sobre a intensidade, hidratação, secura e gosto na cavidade oral entre os três momentos de avaliação/intervenção nos dois grupos indistintamente. A diferença foi significativa no grupo experimental para intensidade da sede no segundo momento de avaliação/intervenção (p<0,05) após uma única administração do pacote de medidas mentoladas. Conclusão: Houve redução da intensidade da sede nos dois grupos. Os pacientes que receberam as medidas mentoladas apresentaram diminuição significativa da intensidade após um único momento de avaliação/intervenção. A NCT: 02869139.

Use of jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) skin in the processing of ice creams / Uso de piel de jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) en el procesamiento de helados

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to process jabuticaba skin aqueous extract, varying the crushing and sieving time and to develop ice cream with different concentrations of jabuticaba skin extract, evaluate its physicochemical, microbiological and bioactive composition. Different extractive processes of jabuticaba skin were tested. Extract A was crushed for 25 seconds and sieved, extract B was crushed for 25 seconds without sieving, extract C was crushed for 45 seconds and sieved and extract D was crushed during 45 seconds not sifted. From the extract that presented the highest indices of bioactive compounds, formulations of ice cream with concentrations of 5, 10 and 15% were elaborated. Extract B showed the highest content of phenolic compounds (201.81 mg gallic acid. 100 g-1 skins), anthocyanins (60.32 mg cyanidin-3 glycoside.100 g-1 peels) and significant antioxidant activity (5047.72 g skins. g-1 DPPH) and was chosen to be added in the ice cream. The evaluated ice creams met the microbiological standards established by the Brazilian legislation. The use of progressive concentrations of jabuticaba skin extract in the elaboration of ice cream increased the rates of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The values found were significant and generated an alternative use for jabuticaba skin, which is normally discarded.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue elaborar extractos acuosos de piel de jabuticaba, variando el tiempo de trituración y cribado. Además de desarrollar helados con diferentes concentraciones de extracto de piel de jabuticaba, evaluando su composición físico-química, microbiológica y de compuestos bioactivos. Se analizaron diferentes procesos de elaboración de extractos de cáscara de jabuticaba, siendo denominados extracto A - triturado durante 25 segundos y tamizado, extracto B - triturado durante 25 segundos no tamizado, extracto C - triturado durante 45 segundos y tamizado y extracto D - triturado durante 45 segundos sin cribado. A partir del extracto que presentó los índices más elevados de compuestos bioactivos, se elaboraron formulaciones de helado con concentraciones de 5, 10 y 15%. El extracto B fue el que presentó mayor contenido de compuestos fenólicos (201,81 mg ácido gálico. 100 g-1 piel), antocianinas (60,32 mg cyanidina-3 glycosideo.100 g-1 piels) y significativa actividad antioxidante (5047,72 g piels. g-1DPPH) siendo el elegido para ser añadido en el helado. Los helados evaluados se encuentran dentro de los patrones microbiológicos estabelecidos por la legislación brasileña. La utilización de concentraciones progresivas de extracto de piel de jabuticaba en la elaboración de helado incrementó los índices de compuestos fenólicos y de capacidad antioxidante. Los valores encontrados son significativos y genera una alternativa en el aprovechamiento de la piel de jabuticaba, normalmente descartada.

Nutrition communication - Rhetoric & reality

Given the context that undernutrition in India co-exists with the problems of overweight/obesity and associated non-communicable diseases as well as micronutrient deficiencies, integrating nutritional concerns in developmental policies and governance is gaining significance. There are many schemes implemented to tackle malnutrition in India, but creating synergy and linking these schemes with each other to achieve a common goal are lacking. Nutrition communication can be an important component to create the synergy required to change malnourished India to malnutrition-free India. Although nutrition education/communication is recognized as a necessary component in various national nutrition programmes, there is not much evidence of distinct evaluation of these components. Only a minor proportion of community nutrition research has been devoted to nutrition education and communication. Although there are scattered efforts in experimenting with newer communication approaches and media for promoting nutrition, there is a dearth of published literature. In this review an attempt was made to critically examine the nutrition education and communication research and practice with special focus on India. This review provides a historical perspective of evolution of nutrition education and communication with an overview of communication approaches, media, methods and technologies used in various research studies and programmes as well as the lessons learnt.

Explaining the Non-significant Changes in Ice-off Date over Six Decades at Lake of Bays and Lake Nipissing, South-Central Ontario

The phenomenon of non-significant trends in ice-off date under a warming climate was quantitatively explained by three efforts: exploring possible driving factors where possible and defining new factors to represent snow conditions, identifying the contributing factors through correlation and trend tests, and evaluating relative contributions through partial Mann-Kendall method. Why the ice-off became only slightly earlier over 62 years at Lake of Bays has been satisfactorily assessed: the increased winter temperature, increased total rain and decreased days of snow on ground acted as three promoting drivers to earlier ice-off date, but their promoting functions were effectively offset by adverse changes in four other factors (snowfall slope, precipitation slope, snowpack slope, and last day of snow). The ice-off date at Lake Nipissing did not have a significant trend over 58 years, although there were five factors contributing to the ice-off decline without sufficient offsetting, suggesting that the ice-off of this lake may not be sensitive, or basically elastic, to the climatic variation stressor. Relative contributions of drivers as calculated helped explain how much they contributed to ice-off trends or how much they offset the influences.

Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome with Features of Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy

PURPOSE: To report a case of iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, which overlapped with some of the features of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy. CASE SUMMARY: A 61-year-old female presented with tearing pain and blurred vision in her left eye, which was aggravated in the morning. The symptom started approximately 1 year prior to her visit. At the initial visit, the visual acuities were 1.0 in both eyes and the intraocular pressures were normal. On slit-lamp examination, a single pair of horizontal parallel lines was observed at the central corneal endothelial layer in the right eye. In contrast, multiple pairs of oblique parallel lines were observed in the left eye. The lines of the lesions were more prominent and wavier in the left eye than those of the right eye. The overlying cornea was clear, and the corneal thicknesses were in the normal range in both eyes. Using a gonioscopic examination, localized peripheral anterior synechiae were observed only in the left eye. The pupil and iris were normal in both eyes. On specular microscopic examination, the corneal endothelial cell size in the right eye increased and the corneal endothelial density decreased to 668 cells/mm². In the left eye, multiple abnormal endothelial cells with dark-light reversal were observed. In conclusion, the patient was subsequently diagnosed with iridocorneal syndrome, rather than posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy and iridocorneal endothelial syndrome may present with many similarities. Therefore, in cases of uncertain diagnosis, an understanding of the clinical features is important for proper diagnosis.

Comparison of the Impact of an Optimized Ice Cooling Vest and a Paraffin Cooling Vest on Physiological and Perceptual Strain

BACKGROUND: Ice cooling vests can cause tissue damage and have no flexibility. Therefore, these two undesirable properties of ice cooling vest were optimized, and the present study was aimed to compare the impact of the optimized ice cooling vest and a commercial paraffin cooling vest on physiological and perceptual strain under controlled conditions. METHODS: For optimizing, hydrogel was used to increase the flexibility and a layer of the ethylene vinyl acetate foam was placed into the inside layer of packs to prevent tissue damage. Then, 15 men with an optimized ice cooling vest, with a commercial paraffin cooling vest, and without a cooling vest performed tests including exercise on a treadmill (speed of 2.8 km/hr and slope of %0) under hot (40℃) and dry (40 %) condition for 60 min. The physiological strain index and skin temperature were measured every 5 and 15 minutes, respectively. The heat strain score index and perceptual strain index were also assessed every 15 minutes. RESULTS: The mean values of the physiological and perceptual indices differed significantly between exercise with and without cooling vests (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The optimized ice cooling vest was as effective as the commercial paraffin cooling vest to control the thermal strain. However, ice has a greater latent heat and less production cost.