Diversity and determinants of bitterness, astringency, and fat content in cultivated Nacional and native Amazonian cocoa accessions from Ecuador.

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is the only tree that can produce cocoa. Cocoa beans are highly sought after by chocolate makers to produce chocolate. Cocoa can be fine aromatic, characterized by floral and fruity notes, or it can be described as standard cocoa with a more pronounced cocoa aroma and bitterness. In this study, the genetic and biochemical determinants of sensorial notes and nonvolatile compounds related to bitterness, astringency, fat content, and protein content will be investigated in two populations: a cultivated modern Nacional population and a population of cocoa accessions collected recently in the Ecuadorian South Amazonia area of origin of the Nacional ancestral variety. For this purpose, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out on both populations, with results of biochemical compounds evaluated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) assays and with sensory evaluations. Twenty areas of associations were detected for sensorial data especially bitterness and astringency. Fifty-three areas of associations were detected linked to nonvolatile compounds. A total of 81 candidate genes could be identified in the areas of the association.

No Reduction in Yield of Young Robusta Coffee When Grown under Shade Trees in Ecuadorian Amazonia.

Little is known on what impact shade trees have on the physiology of Coffea canephora (robusta coffee) under tropical humid conditions. To fill this gap, a field experiment was conducted in the Ecuadorian Amazon to investigate how growth, nutrition (leaf N), phenological state (BBCH-scale) and yield of 5-year-old robusta coffee shrubs are affected by the presence or absence of leguminous trees, the type (organic v conventional) and intensity of management. The experiment was a factorial 5 × 4 design with four cropping systems: intensive conventional (IC), moderate conventional (MC), intensive organic (IO) and low organic (LO), and with five shading systems in a split-plot arrangement: full sun (SUN), both Erythrina spp. and Myroxylon balsamum (TaE), M. balsamum (TIM), E. spp. (ERY) and Inga edulis (GUA). Three monthly assessments were made. Cherry yields of coffee shrubs under moderate shade (c. 25%) were similar to those under high light exposure. Coffee shrubs grown with either E. spp. or I. edulis were taller (+10%) and had higher leaf N concentrations (22%) than those grown without consistent shade. Unless receiving c. 25% of shade, coffee shrubs grown under organic cropping systems showed reduced growth (25%). No correlation was found between height, cherry yield and leaf N. Both shading and cropping systems affected leaf N concentration, also depending on phenological state and yield. Further research is needed to confirm our findings in the long-term as well as to elucidate how leguminous trees may induce physiological responses in robusta coffee under humid tropical conditions.

Organic Farming Practices and Shade Trees Reduce Pest Infestations in Robusta Coffee Systems in Amazonia.

Coffee agroforestry systems could reconcile agricultural and environmental objectives. While pests and diseases can reduce yield, their interactions with shade and nutrition have been rarely researched, and are particularly lacking in perennial systems. We hypothesized that intermediate shade levels could reduce coffee pests while excess shade could favor fungal diseases. We hypothesized that organic rather than mineral fertilization would better synchronize with nutrient uptake and higher nutrient inputs would be associated with reduced pest and disease damage due to higher plant vigor, yet effects would be less obvious in shaded plots as coffee growth would be light-limited. Using three-year-old trees of Coffea canephora var. Robusta (robusta coffee) in the Ecuadorian Amazon, we compared a full-sun system with four shading methods creating different shade levels: (1) Myroxylon balsamum; (2) Inga edulis; (3) Erythrina spp.; or, (4) Erythrina spp. plus Myroxylon balsamum. Conventional farming at either (1) moderate or (2) intensified input and organic farming at (3) low or (4) intensified input were compared in a split-plot design with shade as the main plot factor and farming practice as the sub-plot factor. The infestation of the following pests and disease incidences were evaluated monthly during the dry season: brown twig beetle (Xylosandrus morigerus), coffee leaf miner (Leucoptera coffeella), coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei), anthracnose disease (Colletotrichum spp.), thread blight (Pellicularia koleroga), and cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora coffeicola). Coffee berry borer and brown twig beetle infestation were both reduced by 7% in intensified organic treatments compared to intensified conventional treatments. Colonization of coffee berry borer holes in coffee berries by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana was also assessed. Brown twig beetle infestation was significantly higher under full sun than under Inga edulis, yet no other shade effects were detected. We demonstrate for the first time how intensified input use might promote pest populations and thus ultimately lead to robusta coffee yield losses.

Applicability of 3D-printed models in hepatobiliary surgey: results from "LIV3DPRINT" multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatobiliary resections are challenging due to the complex liver anatomy. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has gained popularity due to its ability to produce anatomical models based on the characteristics of each patient. METHODS: A multicenter study was conducted on complex hepatobiliary tumours. The endpoint was to validate 3DP model accuracy from original image sources for application in the teaching, patient-communication, and planning of hepatobiliary surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients from eight centers were included. Process testing between 3DP and CT/MRI presented a considerable degree of similarity in vascular calibers (0.22 ± 1.8 mm), and distances between the tumour and vessel (0.31 ± 0.24 mm). The Dice Similarity Coefficient was 0.92, with a variation of 2%. Bland-Altman plots also demonstrated an agreement between 3DP and the surgical specimen with the distance of the resection margin (1.15 ± 1.52 mm). Professionals considered 3DP at a positive rate of 0.89 (95%CI; 0.73-0.95). According to student's distribution a higher success rate was reached with 3DP (median:0.9, IQR: 0.8-1) compared with CT/MRI or 3D digital imaging (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: 3DP hepatic models present a good correlation compared with CT/MRI and surgical pathology and they are useful for education, understanding, and surgical planning, but does not necessarily affect the surgical outcome.

Three-Dimensional Printed Model and Virtual Reconstruction: An Extra Tool for Pediatric Solid Tumors Surgery.

Introduction Three-dimensional (3D) technology is increasingly applied for planning challenging surgical interventions. We report our experience using 3D printing and virtual reconstruction for surgical planning of complex tumor resections in children. Methods Data were obtained from preoperative magnetic resonance. imaging analysis and 3D virtual recreations were performed using specialized computer software. 3D real-scale geometry models, including tumor, adjacent organs, and relevant vascularization, were printed in colorimetric scale and different materials for optimal structures discrimination. Results Four complex cases were selected. The first case was a bilateral Wilms tumor. The volumetric reconstruction proved the presence of enough healthy renal tissue, allowing bilateral nephron-sparing surgery. In the second case, reconstruction contributed to the location of pulmonary metastases. The third case was an abdominal neuroblastoma stage L2. The 3D model was of high value for planning and as a reference during the intervention. The last case is a cervico-thoracic neuroblastoma with an anatomopathological diagnosis of ganglioneuroma, located at the cervico-mediastinal juncture, in close relationship with the cervical vessels. Conclusions 3D reconstruction and the full-scale printing models are a useful tool in cases of complex tumor resections as they contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between the tumor and adjacent organs, helping to anticipate certain surgical complications. They also provide additional information to conventional imaging tests, being able to influence therapeutic decisions and facilitate the understanding by the family, improving doctor-patient communication.

Three-dimensional printed model of bilateral Wilms tumor: A useful tool for planning nephron sparing surgery.

Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) is increasingly utilized to treat patients with bilateral Wilms tumor. We present a case of NSS planning using a three-dimensional computerized and printed model of both kidneys with anatomical structures of interest (parenchyma, renal pelvis, major calyx, renal artery, renal vein, and tumor). This model allowed a better understanding of the anatomic relation between the tumor and the normal kidney on each side, improving the surgical planning and the preoperative discussion with the patient's family.

Revealing the Diversity of Introduced Coffea canephora Germplasm in Ecuador: Towards a National Strategy to Improve Robusta.

Genetic resources of Coffea canephora have been introduced in several tropical countries with potential for crop development. In Ecuador, the species has been cultivated since the mid-20th century. However, little is known about the diversity and genetic structure of introduced germplasm. This paper provides an overview of the genetic and phenotypic diversity of C. canephora in Ecuador and some proposals for implementing a breeding program. Twelve SSR markers were used to analyze 1491 plants of C. canephora grown in different living collections in Ecuador, compared to 29 genotypes representing the main genetic and geographic diversity groups identified within the species. Results indicated that most of the genotypes introduced are of Congolese origin, with accessions from both main subgroups, SG1 and SG2. Some genotypes were classed as hybrids between both subgroups. Substantial phenotypic diversity was also found, and correlations were observed with genetic diversity. Ecuadorian Robusta coffee displays wide genetic diversity and we propose some ways of improving Robusta in Ecuador. A breeding program could be based on three operations: the choice of elite clones, the introduction of new material from other countries (Ivory Coast, Uganda), and the creation of new hybrid material using genotypes from the different diversity groups.

Aspectos psicológicos del comportamiento humano en la productividad de la empresa en el Ecuador: una aproximación desde la medicina del trabajo / Psychological aspects of human behavior in the productivity of the company in Ecuador: an approach from occupational medicine

Propósito: ante las exigencias de productividad en las empresas, la interacción grupal e individual del ser humano está arrojando resultados que se ven inmersos en la medicina del trabajo; por lo tanto el objetivo se tiene el, validar una metodología que determine los aspectos psicológicos del comportamiento humano a través de la aplicación de evaluaciones psicosociales reconocidas para determinar su incidencia en la productividad de la empresa ecuatoriana. Material y métodos: la investigación parte de estudios psicosociales (Fpsico e ITSAS 21), analiza los procesos, resultados financieros de la empresa y plantea medidas de prevención. Se empleó la observación, entrevista, encuesta y reactivos psicológicos. Resultados: los factores de riesgo evaluados por FPSICO estuvieron tiempo de trabajo, autonomía, carga de trabajo, demandas psicológicas, variedad/ contenido del trabajo, supervisión/ participación, interés por el trabajador/ compensación, desempeño de rol, relaciones y apoyo social. El método ISTAS 21 consideró los factores de exigencias psicológicas, control sobre el trabajo, inseguridad sobre el futuro, apoyo social y calidad de liderazgo, doble presencia y estima. Conclusión: la metodología validada en la investigación determinó que los aspectos psicológicos del comportamiento humano influyen en la productividad de la empresa; pudiendo ser identificados a través de estudios psisociales y desde luego su éxito depende directamente, de la aplicación de las recomendaciones de prevención primarias (organización del trabajo), secundarias (individuos) y terciarias (recuperación y rehabilitación de personas) según el aspecto encontrado. (AU)

Purpose: faced with the demands of productivity in companies, the group and individual interaction of the human being is yielding results that are immersed in occupational medicine; Therefore the objective is to validate a methodology that determines the psychological aspects of human behavior through the application of recognized psychosocial assessments to determine their impact on the productivity of the Ecuadorian company. Material and methods: the research starts from psychosocial studies (Fpsico and ITSAS 21), analyzes the processes, financial results of the company and proposes prevention measures. Observation, interview, survey and psychological reagents were used. Results: risk factors evaluated by FPSICO were time of work, autonomy, workload, psychological demands, variety / content of work, supervision / participation, worker interest / compensation, role performance, relationships and social support. The ISTAS 21 method considered factors of psychological demands, control over work, insecurity about the future, social support and quality of leadership, double presence and esteem. Conclusion: the methodology validated in the investigation determined that the psychological aspects of human behavior influence the productivity of the company; Being able to be identified through psisocial studies and, of course, its success depends directly on the application of the primary prevention recommendations (work organization), secondary (individuals) and tertiary (recovery and rehabilitation of people) recommendations according to the aspect found. (AU)

Diagnóstico de las condiciones higiénicas de iluminación en una institución prestadora de salud de la ciudad de Cartagena / Lighting evaluation at a health center in Cartagena

El objetivo del estudio fue diagnosticar las condiciones de iluminación en puestos de trabajo de enfermería de las áreas de urgencias y cuidados críticos de una Institución Prestadora de Salud, en adelante IPS, de la ciudad de Cartagena, Colombia. Esta investigación fue de tipo descriptiva y la medición de los niveles de iluminación se realizó basándose en el Reglamento Técnico de Iluminación y Alumbrado Público Resolución N° 180540 de marzo 30 de 2010 emitida por el Ministerio de Minas y Energía. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que 91% de los puestos de trabajo no cumplen con los valores exigidos por la norma para realizar tareas de enfermería. El diagnóstico permitirá a la organización mejorar los procesos de gestión de la seguridad y salud en el trabajo del personal de salud y seguridad de los pacientes(AU)

The objective of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to evaluate the lighting conditions at nursing stations within the emergency center and intensive care unit of a healthcare facility in Cartagena, Colombia. Light measurements were based on the Colombian Lighting and Street Lightning Technical Regulations (Resolution 180540 of March 30, 2010, Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy). The results indicated that most workstations did not meet the lighting level standards required to perform nursing tasks. This evaluation will encourage organizations to improve their safety and health care management processes at workstations, while promoting patient safety(AU)

Prevaléncia de hipoacusia neurosensorial inducida por ruido en empresas del sector madera de la ciudad de Cartagena. 2015 / Prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss induced noise in wood sector companies city Cartagena

Objetivo. Determinar prevalência de hipoacusia neurosensorial inducida por ruido en los trabajadores expuestos a ruido en cuatro empresas dedicadas al procesamiento de madera en la ciudad de Cartagena. Métodos. Sé realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en cuatro empresas de aserríos del sector madera de la ciudad de Cartagena, dedicadas a la transformación de la troza de madera en tablas y listones a través de operaciones de corte, cepillado y canteado de la madera. La población objeto de estudio fue de veinte trabajadores del área de maquinado expuestos a ruido. Se hizo una evaluación preliminar para conocer en forma detallada el ambiente de trabajo y las circunstancias bajo las cuales se exponen los trabajadores al ruido, las características del ruido y sus fuentes. Resultados. La prevalencia de hipoacusia neurosensorial inducida por ruido fue del 20%. Se encontró en el grupo objeto de estudio un 5 % con hipoacusia entre trabajadores de 41 a 45 años de edad y un 15% en trabajadores de más de 46 años de edad. En cuanto al tiempo de servicio en las distintas empresas, los trabajadores de 1 a 30 años presentaron el 20% de hipoacusia neurosensorial inducida por el ruido. En la medición de la exposición al ruido basada por puesto de trabajo en las distintas empresas seleccionadas se determinó el nivel continuo equivalente que oscila entre 95,7 dB(A) a 101,9 dB(A) el cual sobrepasa los valores límites permisibles de acuerdo a los criterios de ACGIH de USA. El nivel de riesgo es alto en una de las empresas mientras se encontró un nivel de riesgo medio en las otras empresas seleccionadas

Objective. To find out prevalence of noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss in workers exposed to noise in four companies implicated in wood processing in the city of Cartagena. Method. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in four companies sawmills the timber sector of the city of Cartagena, dedicated to the transformation of the log wooden board and batten through cutting, brushing and chamfering wood. The study population was twenty machining area workers exposed to noise. A preliminary evaluation was done to know in detail the work environment and the circumstances under which workers are exposed to noise, noise characteristics and sources. Results. The prevalence of noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss was 20%. It was found in the study group that 5% with hearing loss among workers 41 to 45 years old and 15% in workers over 46 years old. As for the time of service in the various companies, workers from 1 to 30 years had 20% of sensorineural hearing loss induced by noise. In the measurement of noise exposure per job based on the different selected companies the equivalent continuous level of between 95.7 dB (A) to 101.9 dB (A) which exceeds the permissible limit values determined according to the US ACGIH criteria. The risk level is high in one of the companies as a medium risk was found in the other selected companies