Static and dynamic headspace analysis of instant coffee blends by proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry.

Instant coffee is a widespread product, generally related to a high consumer acceptability, also because of its ease of preparation. The present work addresses the characterization of the headspace of freshly brewed instant coffees resulting from different blends, during and immediately after preparation. The sample set consisted of 10 coffees, obtained by mixing three different blends in different proportions. The employment of Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS) allowed for direct and real-time sampling from the headspace, under conditions that mimic those that are encountered above the cup during and right after brewing. Different coffee brews were separated on the basis of the respective volatile profiles, and data showed good consistency with the respective blend compositions. When the headspace evolution was monitored during preparation, similar results were obtained in terms of blend separation; moreover, different blends displayed different and reproducible 'signatures' in terms of time evolution. A straightforward method for the prediction of headspace composition is proposed, allowing to predict the volatile profiles of two-component and three-component blends on the basis of the respective parent components. Overall, the results constitute a successful example of the applicability of PTR-MS as a tool for product development in food science. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Antimicrobial efficacy of eugenol microemulsions in milk against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7.

The antimicrobial activity of eugenol microemulsions (eugenol encapsulated in surfactant micelles) in ultrahigh-temperature pasteurized milk containing different percentages of milk fat (0, 2, and 4%) was investigated. Antimicrobial microemulsions were prepared from a 5% (wt) aqueous surfactant solution (Surfynol 485W) with 0.5% (wt) eugenol. Two strains each of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 previously shown to be the least and most resistant to the microemulsion in microbiological media were used to inoculate sterile milk (10(4) CFU/ml). Samples were withdrawn and plated at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h for enumeration. Microemulsions completely prevented growth of L. monocytogenes for up to 48 h in skim milk and reduced both strains of E. coli O157:H7 to less than detectable levels in less than 1 h. Similarly, in 2% fat milk, eugenol-Surfynol combinations reduced both strains of E. coli O157:H7 to less than detectable levels in less than 1 h but only increased the lag phase of both strains of L. monocytogenes. In full-fat milk (4% fat), microemulsions inhibited growth of the least resistant strains of L. monocytogenes and E. coli but were ineffective against the two resistant strains. Unencapsulated eugenol was slightly more or as inhibitory as microemulsions against target pathogens. Results were attributed to diffusional mass transport of antimicrobials from microemulsions to the macroemulsion (milk). Results suggest that food composition, especially fat level, may affect the efficiency of targeting of foodborne pathogens with surfactant-encapsulated antimicrobials.

Growth inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes by carvacrol and eugenol encapsulated in surfactant micelles.

Growth inhibition of four strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (H1730, F4546, 932, and E0019) and Listeria monocytogenes (Scott A, 101, 108, and 310) by essential oil components (carvacrol and eugenol) solubilized in nonionic surfactant micelles (Surfynol 465 and 485W) was investigated. Concentrations of encapsulated essential oil components ranged from 0.02 to 1.25% depending on compound, surfactant type, and surfactant concentration (0.5 to 5%). Eugenol encapsulated in Surfynol 485W micelles was most efficient in inhibiting growth of the pathogens; 1% Surfynol 485W and 0.15% eugenol was sufficient to inhibit growth of all strains of E. coli O157:H7 and three of four strains of L. monocytogenes (Scott A, 310, and 108). The fourth strain, L. monocytogenes 101, was inhibited by 2.5% Surfynol and 0.225% eugenol. One percent Surfynol 485W in combination with 0.025% carvacrol was effective in inhibiting three of four strains of E. coli O157:H7. Strain H1730 was the most resistant strain, requiring 0.3% carvacrol and 5% surfactant for complete inhibition. Growth inhibition of L. monocytogenes by combinations of carvacrol and Surfynol 465 ranged between 0.15 and 0.35% and 1 and 3.75%, respectively. Generally, the antimicrobial activity of Surfynol 465 in combination with eugenol was higher than that for the combination with carvacrol. The potent activity was attributed to increased solubility of essential oil components in the aqueous phase due to the presence of surfactants and improved interactions of antimicrobials with microorganisms.

Stability and antimicrobial efficiency of eugenol encapsulated in surfactant micelles as affected by temperature and pH.

Growth inhibition of four strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (H1730, F4546, 932, and E0019) and Listeria monocytogenes (Scott A, 101, 108, and 310) by eugenol encapsulated in water soluble micellar nonionic surfactant solutions (Surfynol 485W) adjusted to pH 5, 6, and 7 and incubated at 10, 22, and 32 degrees C was determined. Concentrations of eugenol ranged from 0.2 to 0.9% at a surfactant concentration of 5%. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using a microbroth dilution assay. Eugenol encapsulated in surfactant micelles inhibited both microorganisms at pH 5, 6, and 7. At pH 5, some inhibition occurred in the absence of eugenol, i.e., by the surfactant itself (optical density at 24 h for L. monocytogenes = 0.07 and optical density at 24 h for E. coli O157:H7 = 0.09), but addition of >0.2% eugenol led to complete inhibition of both microorganisms. Inhibition of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 decreased with increasing pH, that is, the minimum inhibitory concentration was 0.2, 0.5, and 0.5% of micellar encapsulated eugenol solutions at pH 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The encapsulated essential oil component in surfactant micelles was effective at all three temperatures tested (10, 22, and 32 degrees C), indicating that the activity of encapsulated eugenol was not affected by high or low (refrigeration) temperatures. Overall, strains of E. coli O157:H7 were more sensitive than strains of L. monocytogenes. Improved activity was attributed to increased solubility of eugenol in the aqueous phase due to the presence of surfactants and improved interactions of antimicrobials with microorganisms.

Suplemento de calcio y absorciometría ósea en niñas / Effects of calcium supplementation on bone density in girls

Background: The achievement of a peak bone mass is an important factor in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. In normal children, the amount of calcium intake could affect bone mineral increment. Aim: To assess the effect of a daily 500 mg calcium supplement on bone mineral density, in a group of healthy Chilean girls. Patients and methods: Fifty healthy girls were studied and 25 were randomly assigned to receive a 500 mg calcium supplement during 10 months. Bone mineral density of the distal and ultradistal region of the forearm was measured in all girls by single X ray absorptiometry (Osteometer DTX-100) at the beginning and end of the study. Bone mineral density was expressed as Z values. Results: Significant increments in bone mineral density at the distal radioulnar region were obtained in the supplemented girls. No significant changes in bone density were observed in control girls. Conclusions: A daily 500 mg calcium supplement for 10 months increased bone mineral density in healthy girls

Tratamiento hormonal en la postmenopausia / Hormonal treatment in post menopause

La menopausia marca el cese fisiológico de la función normal y cíclica del ovario. El desarrollo de síntomas vasomotores, cambios tróficos en el sistema génitourinario y la osteoporosis, estan asociados al déficit estrogénico. La osteoporosis es una de las consecuencias más importantes de la falla ovárica, ya que es causa de considerable morbilidad y mortalidad. El tratamiento de reemplazo con estrógenos afecta el metabolismo lipídico y se ha asociado con mayor riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de endometrio, cáncer de mama y enfermedad tromboembólica. El agregar un progestágeno a este tratamiento ha demostrado que reduce el riesgo de desarrollar patología endometrial. El efecto más considerable y beneficioso del estrógeno es la prevención de la osteoporosis y las fracturas consecuentes