Effect of Aloe vera gel coating on organoleptic and nutritional quality of minimally processed carrot.

Demand for fresh vegetables has led to development studies in postharvest area mainly focused on minimizing and look for alternatives to chemical additives for food preservation. The use of natural derived edible coatings emerges as a promising alternative for maintaining quality of vegetables. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera gel in minimally processed carrot during postharvest storage. Samples with different degrees of processing were immersed in Aloe vera gel, packaged polyolefin bags, and stored in refrigerated chambers at 5 °C for 12 days. Different organoleptic and quality parameters were evaluated. In general, the samples treated with Aloe vera gel showed less quality loss and a lower increment in the bleaching index. Moreover, sensory analysis allowed to establish that carrots processed in slices and shredded and coated with the gel had a more flavorful taste and higher moisture content. Aloe vera treatment did not influence the microbiological growth of bacteria and fungi during storage. Regarding nutritional quality, the treated samples showed a higher accumulation or lower degradation of phenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, probably generating in this way, a higher antioxidant capacity in these samples. Finally, Aloe vera gel treatment did not influence sugar dynamics in any of the samples. It can be concluded that the treatment with Aloe vera gel allows maintaining a better organoleptic and nutritional quality of carrots with different degrees of processing during refrigerated storage.

Características y resultados de la ingestión de cuerpos extraños en niños / Characteristics and outcomes of foreign body ingestion in children

Introducción: La ingestión de un cuerpo extraño (CE) es un accidente frecuente en el hogar en la edad pediátrica; su manejo oportuno por especialistas puede evitar complicaciones a corto y largo plazo. Objetivo: Describir características y complicaciones de los CE en el tubo digestivo en población pediátrica. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal, retrospectivo y prospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de ingestión de un CE desde enero de 1971 a diciembre de 2016. Se recabaron características generales de los pacientes, tipo de objeto, métodos de extracción y complicaciones. Se realizó análisis descriptivo. Resultados: Durante 45 años, se extrajeron 2637 CE localizados en faringe (n= 118), esófago (n= 2410), estómago (n= 103) e intestino (n= 6). Predominaron en el sexo masculino (50,9%); 74% fueron en menores de 5 años. El 57% llegó en las primeras 24 horas; sialorrea, disfagia y vómito fueron los principales síntomas y un 16% estaba asintomático. La radiografía permitió localizar el CE en el 93%; el más ingerido fue la moneda (78%); la localización más común fue el tercio superior del esófago (79%); el 86% se extrajo con endoscopio rígido y las complicaciones se presentaron en el 7,8% de los casos. Conclusiones: La ingestión de un CE predomina en menores de 5 años, y los metales son los más frecuentes. La radiografía simple es el estudio de elección, que permite realizar el diagnóstico y la extracción es por vía endoscópica con endoscopio rígido o flexible según la experiencia del endoscopista.

Introduction: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common home accident during childhood; a timely management by the specialists may help prevent complications in the short and long term. Objective: To describe the characteristics and complications of FB ingestion located in the gastrointestinal tract in the pediatric population. Material and methods: Two phases, retrospective, and prospective study. Patients diagnosed with FB ingestion between January 1971 and December 2016 were included. The general characteristics of patients, FB type, removal method, and complications were registered. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Over 45 years, 2637 FBs were removed from the pharynx (n= 118), the esophagus (n= 2410), the stomach (n= 103), and the intestines (n= 6). Male patients predominated (50.9%); 74% were younger than 5 years. Besides, 57% arrived within the first 24 hours; ptyalism, dysphagia, and vomiting were the main symptoms; 16% of patients had no symptoms. It was possible to locate the FB using an X-ray in 93% of cases; the most common FBs were coins (78%); the most frequent location was the upper third of the esophagus (79%); 86% of FBs were removed using a rigid endoscope, and complications were observed in 7.8% of patients. Conclusions: FB ingestion predominated among children younger than 5 years; metal objects were the most common ones. A plain X-ray is the test of choice for diagnosis; removal is usually done with a rigid or flexible endoscope, depending on the endoscopist's experience.

[Characteristics and outcomes of foreign body ingestion in children] / Características y resultados de la ingestión de cuerpos extraños en niños

INTRODUCTION: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common home accident during childhood; a timely management by the specialists may help prevent complications in the short and long term. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics and complications of FB ingestion located in the gastrointestinal tract in the pediatric population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two phases, retrospective, and prospective study. Patients diagnosed with FB ingestion between January 1971 and December 2016 were included. The general characteristics of patients, FB type, removal method, and complications were registered. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: Over 45 years, 2637 FBs were removed from the pharynx (n= 118), the esophagus (n= 2410), the stomach (n= 103), and the intestines (n= 6). Male patients predominated (50.9%); 74% were younger than 5 years. Besides, 57% arrived within the first 24 hours; ptyalism, dysphagia, and vomiting were the main symptoms; 16% of patients had no symptoms. It was possible to locate the FB using an X-ray in 93% of cases; the most common FBs were coins (78%); the most frequent location was the upper third of the esophagus (79%); 86% of FBs were removed using a rigid endoscope, and complications were observed in 7.8% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: FB ingestion predominated among children younger than 5 years; metal objects were the most common ones. A plain X-ray is the test of choice for diagnosis; removal is usually done with a rigid or flexible endoscope, depending on the endoscopist's experience.

Introducción: La ingestión de un cuerpo extraño (CE) es un accidente frecuente en el hogar en la edad pediátrica; su manejo oportuno por especialistas puede evitar complicaciones a corto y largo plazo. Objetivo: Describir características y complicaciones de los CE en el tubo digestivo en población pediátrica. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal, retrospectivo y prospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de ingestión de un CE desde enero de 1971 a diciembre de 2016. Se recabaron características generales de los pacientes, tipo de objeto, métodos de extracción y complicaciones. Se realizó análisis descriptivo. Resultados: Durante 45 años, se extrajeron 2637 CE localizados en faringe (n= 118), esófago (n= 2410), estómago (n= 103) e intestino (n= 6). Predominaron en el sexo masculino (50,9%); 74% fueron en menores de 5 años. El 57% llegó en las primeras 24 horas; sialorrea, disfagia y vómito fueron los principales síntomas y un 16% estaba asintomático. La radiografía permitió localizar el CE en el 93%; el más ingerido fue la moneda (78%); la localización más común fue el tercio superior del esófago (79%); el 86% se extrajo con endoscopio rígido y las complicaciones se presentaron en el 7,8% de los casos. Conclusiones: La ingestión de un CE predomina en menores de 5 años, y los metales son los más frecuentes. La radiografía simple es el estudio de elección, que permite realizar el diagnóstico y la extracción es por vía endoscópica con endoscopio rígido o flexible según la experiencia del endoscopista.

Vitamin E effect in a rat model of toluene diisocyanate-induced asthma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate vitamin E effect upon oxidative stress associated with toluene -2, 4-diisocyanate (TDI)-induced asthma in rats. METHODS: The five study groups were: control, vehicle, TDI, vehicle+E, TDI+E. TDI animals were sensitized by nasal administration of TDI 10% (5µl/nostril) between days 1-7 and 15-21. Between days 22-28 groups TDI+E and vehicle+E rats received vitamin E (50 mg/kg, i. v.), and control, vehicle and TDI groups received saline solution. On day 29 the rats were challenged by intranasal application of 5% TDI (5 µl/nostril). On day 30 blood, BALF and lung biopsy were harvested. Oxidative stress tests were malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PC), total thiols (tSH), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and reduced glutathione (GSH). RESULTS: TDI sensitization increased oxidative stress systemically, but also locally in the respiratory airways and lung tissue. There was an increase of MDA and PC formation associated with a deficiency of the antioxidant defense reflected by DPPH decreases. There were no differences between systemic and local lung concentrations of oxidized molecules. After vitamin E treatment oxidative stress was reduced mostly due to serum, BALF and lung tissue GSH and DPPH increase. CONCLUSION: The study showed that in rat TDI-induced asthma there was oxidative stress caused by increased ROS production and antioxidants deficiency, and vitamin E reduced ROS production and improved antioxidant defense.

Las imágenes digitales como medios de enseñanza en la docencia de las ciencias médicas / The digital images as teaching aids in medical sciences teaching

En los momentos actuales, en la enseñanza de las ciencias médicas el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones, la diversidad de escenarios docentes y asignaturas con características de sus contenidos predominantemente descriptivos exigen el desarrollo rápido de habilidades perceptivas en los estudiantes, por lo que adquiere particular importancia la selección y el manejo eficaz de los medios de enseñanza. Las imágenes digitales con fines docentes se han convertido en el principal medio con que cuentan estas asignaturas ya que reflejan la realidad e incorporan el conocimiento, debido a que se transforman en un nuevo objeto material destinado a comunicar. De esta forma las reproducciones visuales son signos al sustituir al objeto original y presentar sus cualidades necesarias para la comunicación. Este artículo describe los elementos relacionados con el uso de este medio de enseñanza en la educación médica.

At present, the use of the Information and Communications Technologies, the diversity of teaching scenarios and subjects with mainly descriptive contents demand the quick development of perceptive abilities in the students in the teaching of medical sciences, , for this reason acquires a particular importance the selection and the effective management of the teaching aids. The digital images with teaching purposes have become the main teaching aid for these subjects since they reflect reality and they incorporate knowledge, because they become a new material object dedicated to communicate. This way the visual reproductions are signs when substituting the original object presenting its necessary communicative qualities. This article describes the elements related with the use of this teaching aid in the medical education.

Las imágenes digitales como medios de enseñanza en la docencia de las ciencias médicas / The digital images as teaching aids in medical sciences teaching

En los momentos actuales, en la enseñanza de las ciencias médicas el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones, la diversidad de escenarios docentes y asignaturas con características de sus contenidos predominantemente descriptivos exigen el desarrollo rápido de habilidades perceptivas en los estudiantes, por lo que adquiere particular importancia la selección y el manejo eficaz de los medios de enseñanza. Las imágenes digitales con fines docentes se han convertido en el principal medio con que cuentan estasasignaturas ya que reflejan la realidad e incorporan el conocimiento, debido a que se transforman en un nuevo objeto material destinado a comunicar. De esta forma las reproducciones visuales son signos al sustituir al objeto original y presentar sus cualidades necesarias para la comunicación. Este artículo describe los elementos relacionados con el uso de este medio de enseñanza en la educación médica(AU)

Nitro-oxidative stress, VEGF and MMP-9 in patients with cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nitro-oxidative stress may have pathophysiological consequences. The study aimed to assess the nitro-oxidative stress, the vascular growth factor, and metalloproteinase-9 levels in patients with noncirrohic and cirrhotic portal hypertension. METHODS: Patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension (n=50) and cirrhotic portal hypertension (n=50) from the 3rd Medical Clinic in Cluj-Napoca Romania were prospectively enrolled between October 2004 and October 2006. A control group of healthy volunteers (n=50) was also evaluated. Nitro-oxidative stress was assessed by measuring serum concentration of nitrites and nitrate, 3-nitrotyrosine, total oxidative status, total antioxidant reactivity, and oxidative stress index. Serum vascular growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were also determined. RESULTS: Serum nitrites and nitrate levels significantly increased in both noncirrhotic (p<0.001) and cirrhotic portal hypertension (p=0.057). 3-nitrotyrosine also increased in noncirrhotic (p=0.001) and cirrhotic portal hypertension patients (p=0.014). Total oxidative status showed a significant increase in noncirrhotic (p<0.001) and in cirrhotic portal hypertension (p<0.001), but total antioxidant reactivity did not change significantly. The oxidative stress index increased in both noncirrhotic (p <0.001) and cirrhotic portal hypertension (p<0.001), as well as the serum vascular growth factor (p=0.005 and p=0.01, respectively). In NCPHT patients serum MMP-9 was significantly lower than in the healthy controls (p=0.03) and CPHT patients (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with noncirrhotic and cirrhotic portal hypertension a significant systemic nitro-oxidative stress was found, correlated with an increase of VEGF. MMP-9 decreased in noncirrhotic portal hypertension.

Factores previos asociados a disfunción orgánica múltiple en adultos quemados de gravedad / Previous factors correlated to multiple organic dysfunction in adults severely burnt

Fundamento: en cuidados intensivos, se han creado y aplicado diferentes sistemas de clasificación pronóstica para el seguimiento de pacientes críticos en diversas condiciones clínicas. Sin embargo, ninguno ha sido utilizado en nuestro país en los pacientes quemados, al no existir elementos específicos para su evaluación. Objetivo: identificar las variables que constituyan factores previos asociados a desarrollo de síndrome de disfunción orgánica múltiple en grandes quemados adultos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, correlacional, que incluyó 68 pacientes quemados graves, ingresados en el Hospital Gustavo Aldereguía Lima, desde 2005 hasta 2009. Fueron incluidos los pacientes clasificados como muy graves, críticos y críticos extremos. Mediante análisis bivariado, se evaluó una serie de variables dependientes en función de la presencia del síndrome. Para analizar la relación de estas con la presencia o no del síndrome, se aplicó análisis multivariado de regresión logística e interacción entre variables. Resultados: al momento del ingreso las variables mayormente asociadas al síndrome, fueron: superficie corporal quemada, profundidad AB y B, frecuencia cardíaca, frecuencia respiratoria, déficit arterial de base, relación PO2FIO2, sodio, potasio y recuento leucocitario. En cuanto a las interacciones entre variables, la de mayor significación estadística se observó entre frecuencia cardiaca, recuento leucocitario y superficie corporal quemada. Conclusiones: fue identificado un grupo de factores clínicos y de laboratorio, asociados al desarrollo del síndrome en la evolución de los pacientes grandes quemados. Estos resultados alertarán de forma precoz acerca de las probabilidades de los pacientes quemados de presentar en algún momento de su evolución, disfunciones que los lleven a desarrollar el síndrome.

Background: different systems of prognosis classification for the follow up classification for patients in critical stage in different clinical conditions have been created in intensive care unit. However any of them has been used in our country in burnt patients because there is a lack of element for its evaluation. Objective: identifying the variables that constitute previous factors correlated to the development of multiple organic syndrome dysfunction in adults severely burnt. Methods: correlational, descriptive study, that included 68 burnt critical patients admitted at Gurstavo Aldeleguía Lima hospital from 2005 to 2009. Patients classified as critical, very critical and extremely critical were included. Through a bi-varied analysis a series of dependent variables in terms of the presence of the syndrome were evaluated. In order to analyze their relation with the presence or not of the syndrome, multivariate analysis of logistic regression and interaction among variables were applied. Results: at the moment of admission variables largely correlated to the syndrome were: corporal burned-out surface, depth AB and B, heart and respiratory rate, arterial base deficit, relation PO2FIO2, sodium, potassium and white blood cell count. The interactions among variables belonging to bigger statistical significance were observed between the heart rate, white blood cell count and corporal burned-out surface. Conclusion: a group of clinical and laboratory factors was identified, associated to the development of the syndrome in the evolution of the patients severely burnt. These results will inform in a precocious way about the probability for burnt patients to present in any time of his evolution, dysfunctions that lead them to develop the syndrome.

Factores previos asociados a disfunción orgánica múltiple en adultos quemados de gravedad / Previous factors correlated to multiple organic dysfunction in adults severely burnt

Fundamento: en cuidados intensivos, se han creado y aplicado diferentes sistemas de clasificación pronóstica para el seguimiento de pacientes críticos en diversas condiciones clínicas. Sin embargo, ninguno ha sido utilizado en nuestro país en los pacientes quemados, al no existir elementos específicos para su evaluación.Objetivo: identificar las variables que constituyan factores previos asociados a desarrollo de síndrome de disfunción orgánica múltiple en grandes quemados adultos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, correlacional, que incluyó 68 pacientes quemados graves, ingresados en el Hospital Gustavo Aldereguía Lima, desde 2005 hasta 2009. Fueron incluidos los pacientes clasificados como muy graves, críticos y críticos extremos. Mediante análisis bivariado, se evaluó una serie de variables dependientes en función de la presencia del síndrome. Para analizar la relación de estas con la presencia o no del síndrome, se aplicó análisis multivariado de regresión logística e interacción entre variables. Resultados: al momento del ingreso las variables mayormente asociadas al síndrome, fueron: superficie corporal quemada, profundidad AB y B, frecuencia cardíaca, frecuencia respiratoria, déficit arterial de base, relación PO2FIO2, sodio, potasio y recuento leucocitario. En cuanto a las interacciones entre variables, la de mayor significación estadística se observó entre frecuencia cardiaca, recuento leucocitario y superficie corporal quemada.Conclusiones: fue identificado un grupo de factores clínicos y de laboratorio, asociados al desarrollo del síndrome en la evolución de los pacientes grandes quemados. Estos resultados alertarán de forma precoz acerca de las probabilidades de los pacientes quemados de presentar en algún momento de su evolución, disfunciones que los lleven a desarrollar el síndrome(AU)

Background: different systems of prognosis classification for the follow up classification for patients in critical stage in different clinical conditions have been created in intensive care unit. However any of them has been used in our country in burnt patients because there is a lack of element for its evaluation. Objective: identifying the variables that constitute previous factors correlated to the development of multiple organic syndrome dysfunction in adults severely burnt. Methods: correlational, descriptive study, that included 68 burnt critical patients admitted at Gurstavo Aldeleguía Lima hospital from 2005 to 2009. Patients classified as critical, very critical and extremely critical were included. Through a bi-varied analysis a series of dependent variables in terms of the presence of the syndrome were evaluated. In order to analyze their relation with the presence or not of the syndrome, multivariate analysis of logistic regression and interaction among variables were applied.Results: at the moment of admission variables largely correlated to the syndrome were: corporal burned-out surface, depth AB and B, heart and respiratory rate, arterial base deficit, relation PO2FIO2, sodium, potassium and white blood cell count. The interactions among variables belonging to bigger statistical significance were observed between the heart rate, white blood cell count and corporal burned-out surface. Conclusion: a group of clinical and laboratory factors was identified, associated to the development of the syndrome in the evolution of the patients severely burnt. These results will inform in a precocious way about the probability for burnt patients to present in any time of his evolution, dysfunctions that lead them to develop the syndrome(AU)