High temperature and nib acidification during cacao-controlled fermentation improve cadmium transfer from nibs to testa and the liquor's flavor.

Migration of nib Cd to the testa during fermentation can be achieved with high temperatures (> 45 °C) and low nib pH values (< 5.0) using spontaneous fermentation. However, this low pH can lead to low flavor quality. This study used three controlled temperature fermentation treatments on three cacao genotypes (CCN 51, ICS 95, and TCS 01) to test its effects on the nib pH, the migration of nib Cd to the testa, and the liquor flavor quality. All treatments were effective in reducing the total nib Cd concentration. Nevertheless, the treatment with the higher mean temperature (44.25 °C) and acidification (pH 4.66) reached the highest mean nib Cd reductions throughout fermentation, a 1.37 factor in TCS 01, promoting the development of fine-flavor cocoa sensorial notes. In unfermented beans, the Cd concentration of nibs was higher than that of the testa, and the Cd migration proceeded down the total concentration gradient. However, Cd migration was observed against the concentration gradient (testa Cd > nib Cd) from the fourth day. Cd migration could increase by extensive fermentation until the sixth day in high temperatures and probably by the adsorbent capacity of the testa. Genotype-by-treatment interactions were present for the nib Cd reduction, and a universal percentage of decrease of Cd for each genotype with fermentation cannot be expected. Selecting genotypes with highly adsorbent testa combined with controlled temperatures would help reduce the Cd concentration in the cacao raw material, improving its safety and quality.

Pesticide residues on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Cundinamarca-Colombia.

Lettuce is Colombia's most widely cultivated leafy vegetable, but in the absence of good agricultural practices, there is the risk of some pesticide residues that affect its safety and quality. This work aimed to identify the pesticides used by farmers for the lettuce crop, the iceberg variety (Lactuca sativa var. capitata), in some municipalities of Cundinamarca (Colombia) and to investigate their residues by sampling and analysis. The farmers reported in the survey 44 active ingredients, most fungicides (54%), while the laboratory analysis showed 23 chemical compounds (52% insecticides, 39% fungicides and 9% herbicides). In addition, dithiocarbamates, procymidone and some organophosphates were among the active ingredients that exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs). About 80% of the identified pesticides were not registered with the regulatory entity Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) for their use in lettuce, but some were in commercial products legally registered in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Association of Handgrip Strength with Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of general muscular strength and in cancer patients acts as a relevant marker associated with mortality and health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between peripheral muscle function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer (BC) survivors. METHODS: Systematic review registered on PROSPERO under number: CRD 42021225206. The searches were carried out on MEDLINE via Pubmed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL via EBSCO and Science Direct databases. Observational studies evaluating the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and HRQoL in adult female BC survivors were included. No linguistic or time restrictions were applied. Two reviewers reviewed full texts for inclusion and performed data extraction and risk of bias using the Newcastle and Ottawa scale (NOS). RESULTS: Five articles were included and involved 587 patients, mean age of 47 to 59 years. The percentage of decreased HGS ranged from 38.3% to 60.3%. HGS was associated with different quality of life measures. From meta-analysis including 220 patients, the correlation coefficient between HGS and HRQoL was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.07-0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors face decline of HGS. In this population HGS was correlated with HRQoL. However, more evidence are necessary.

Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound in patients with minilithiasis and/or biliary sludge as a cause of symptoms of probable biliary origin after cholecystectomy / Utilidad de la ecoendoscopia en pacientes con minilitiasis y/o barro biliar como causa de síntomas digestivos de probable origen biliar después de la colecistectomía

Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a more sensitive technique than transabdominal ultrasound for the diagnosis of gallstones. This greater sensitivity, especially in the diagnosis of microlithiasis/biliary sludge, facilitates the indication of cholecystectomy in patients with symptoms of probable biliary origin but may result in over-indication of this surgery.Objectives: Evaluate the role of EUS in the diagnosis of minilithiasis/biliary sludge in patients with digestive symptoms of probable biliary origin by resolving the symptoms after cholecystectomy. Analyse factors related to the remission of symptoms following cholecystectomy.Patients and methods: Retrospective, longitudinal, single-centre study based on a prospective database of 1.121 patients undergoing EUS. Seventy-four patients were identified as meeting inclusion-exclusion criteria (diagnosed with minilithiasis/sludge by EUS after presenting digestive symptoms of probable biliary origin without a history of complicated cholelithiasis). A telephone questionnaire for symptoms was conducted with cholecystectomized patients. Factors related to a good response were analysed with logistic regression analysis.Results: Of the 74 patients, 50 were cholecystectomized (67.5%), mean age 49 years (SEM 2.26) (41 women). Seventy percent of patients (35/50) presented remission of symptoms with median follow-up 353.5 days (95% CI, 270–632.2). The only variable associated with remission of symptoms was the presence of typical biliary colic with an OR of 7.8 (95% CI, 1.8–34; p=0.006). No complications associated with EUS were recorded. One patient (2%) suffered haemoperitoneum and 18% (9/50) suffered diarrhoea following cholecystectomy.Conclusions: EUS is a very useful technique for the indication of cholecystectomy in patients with minilithiasis/sludge and typical symptoms of biliary colic.

Introducción: La ecoendoscopia (USE) presenta mayor sensibilidad que la ecografía abdominal para el diagnóstico de litiasis biliar. Esta mayor sensibilidad, sobre todo en diagnóstico de microlitiasis/barro biliar, facilitaría una colecistectomía en pacientes con clínica digestiva de probable origen biliar, aunque podría inducir su sobre indicación.ObjetivosEvaluar el papel de la USE en el diagnóstico de minilitiasis-barro biliar en pacientes con clínica digestiva de probable origen biliar y ecografía normal mediante la resolución de los síntomas después de colecistectomía. Analizar los factores relacionados con la remisión de la sintomatología tras colecistectomía.Pacientes y método: Estudio retrospectivo, longitudinal, en un centro, sobre base de datos prospectiva de 1.121 pacientes sometidos a USE. Setenta y cuatro pacientes cumplían criterios inclusión-exclusión (realización USE para estudio de minilitiasis/barro por síntomas digestivos de probable origen biliar, sin historia de colelitiasis complicada). Se realizó cuestionario telefónico de síntomas a los pacientes colecistectomizados. Los factores relacionados con buena evolución se analizaron con análisis de regresión logística.Resultados: De los 74 pacientes, 50 fueron colecistectomizados (67,5%), edad media 49 años (ESM 2,26) (41 mujeres). El 70% de pacientes (35/50) presentó remisión de la sintomatología (mediana de seguimiento 353,5 días) (IC 95%, 270-632,2). La única variable asociada con una remisión de la sintomatología fue la presencia de cólico biliar típico con una OR de 7,8 (IC 95%, 1,8-34; p=0,006). No se registró ninguna complicación asociada a la USE. Un paciente (2%) sufrió hemoperitoneo y un 18% (9/50) presentaron diarrea post-colecistectomía.Conclusiones: La USE es de gran utilidad para la indicación de colecistectomía en los pacientes con minilitiasis-barro biliar y clínica típica de cólico biliar.

Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound in patients with minilithiasis and/or biliary sludge as a cause of symptoms of probable biliary origin after cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a more sensitive technique than transabdominal ultrasound for the diagnosis of gallstones. This greater sensitivity, especially in the diagnosis of microlithiasis/biliary sludge, facilitates the indication of cholecystectomy in patients with symptoms of probable biliary origin but may result in over-indication of this surgery. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the role of EUS in the diagnosis of minilithiasis/biliary sludge in patients with digestive symptoms of probable biliary origin by resolving the symptoms after cholecystectomy. Analyse factors related to the remission of symptoms following cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, longitudinal, single-centre study based on a prospective database of 1.121 patients undergoing EUS. Seventy-four patients were identified as meeting inclusion-exclusion criteria (diagnosed with minilithiasis/sludge by EUS after presenting digestive symptoms of probable biliary origin without a history of complicated cholelithiasis). A telephone questionnaire for symptoms was conducted with cholecystectomized patients. Factors related to a good response were analysed with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients, 50 were cholecystectomized (67.5%), mean age 49 years (SEM 2.26) (41 women). Seventy percent of patients (35/50) presented remission of symptoms with median follow-up 353.5 days (95% CI, 270-632.2). The only variable associated with remission of symptoms was the presence of typical biliary colic with an OR of 7.8 (95% CI, 1.8-34; p=0.006). No complications associated with EUS were recorded. One patient (2%) suffered haemoperitoneum and 18% (9/50) suffered diarrhoea following cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: EUS is a very useful technique for the indication of cholecystectomy in patients with minilithiasis/sludge and typical symptoms of biliary colic.

Dynamics of cocoa fermentation and its effect on quality.

Several research efforts on cocoa have been focused on parameters for controlling the transformation process to guarantee homogeneity and quality of cocoa beans, the main raw material in the chocolate industry. The main changes that determine the final quality of cocoa-and also the product's homogeneity-occur during fermentation, given the great number of factors that affect the process. This research seeks to identify the most relevant factors affecting quality in order to offer higher-quality and more homogeneous cocoa for the chocolate industry. The dynamics of the fermentation process were observed in three contrasting locations, monitoring different variables and evaluating the final quality of the cocoa. Results show that temperature and pH profile are the key factors to be monitored and controlled in order to achieve high-quality cocoa beans.

Performance of a new flexible 19 G EUS needle in pancreatic solid lesions located in the head and uncinate process: A prospective multicenter study.

Background and study aims The poor flexibility of large-bore EUS needles often leads to technical failure when sampling from the duodenum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical and diagnostic performances of a new Menghini tip 19G nitinol EUS needle for sampling pancreatic solid lesions in the head and uncinate process. Patients and methods This was a European prospective multicenter single-arm study. A maximum of four passes were allowed. In case of failure, different needles were permitted. Results We included 75 patients (51 % males) with lesions in the head (n = 68; 91 %) and uncinate process (n = 7; 9 %) (mean size: 33 ±â€Š12 mm; number of passes: 1.8 ±â€Š0.9). Technical success was seen in 71 of 75 (94.7 %). Diagnostic rates were 89.3 % (67/75) and 94.4 % (67/71) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis, respectively. In the eight cases with failure, diagnosis was obtained with another needle (n = 4), from another lesion (n = 3) or with follow-up (n = 1). A histological sample was obtained in 64 patients (ITT 85.3 % and PP 90 %) and immunohistochemistry was successfully performed in 13 of 15 lesions in which it was required. No differences between rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) and non-ROSE groups were observed regarding diagnostic success (87.5 % vs 91 %, P  = 0.582) and diagnosis at the first pass (70 % vs 81 %, P  = 0.289). Number of passes was lower in the ROSE group (1.4 + 0.9 vs 2.2 + 0.7, P  < 0.001). One adverse event was recorded (1.3 %) consisting in a duodenal perforation after a single session EUS-ERCP. Conclusions The new nitinol Menghini tip 19G EUS needle showed high technical diagnostic success in safely sampling solid lesions in the head and uncinate process of the pancreas.

Anthelmintic effect of four extracts obtained from Caesalpinia coriaria foliage against the eggs and larvae of Haemonchus contortus.

To investigate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of dividivi (Caesalpinia coriaria), a traditional medicinal plant used in Central America and the northern part of South America, extracts from the foliage of this plant were subjected to the egg hatching test (EHT) and larval exsheathment inhibition test (LEIT), against Haemonchus contortus. Four different extracts were evaluated: acetone-water (AW), methanol-water (MW), acetone-water-dichloromethane (AWD) and methanol-water-dichloromethane (MWD). The concentrations used for the EHT and LEIT tests ranged from 500 to 4000 µg mL-1 and six repetitions per concentration. The effective concentrations (EC50) were calculated using Probit analysis. The EC50 for EHT were 2947.0, 3347.0, 3959.6 and 4538.7 µg mL-1 for MWD, MW, AW and AWD, respectively. The EC50 for LEIT were 2883.4, 5927.4, 9876.3 and 9955.4 µg mL-1 for AWD, AW, MWD and MW, respectively. The methanol extracts were the most effective in inhibiting the hatching of eggs, while the acetone extracts showed efficacy in inhibiting larval exsheathment. This study explains the importance that C. coriaria has as a medicinal plant in Central and South American countries.

Comparative effectiveness of activated dolomite phosphate rock and biochar for immobilizing cadmium and lead in soils.

Sandy soils in Florida are vulnerable to toxic metal pollution, and it is necessary to identify desirable amendments for the remediation of metal contaminated soils. Sorption and incubation experiments were conducted to compare the effectiveness of dolomite phosphate rock (DPR), humic acid activated dolomite phosphate rock (ADPR) and biochar (BC) in immobilizing Cd2+ and Pb2+ in two representative agricultural soils in south Florida (Alfisol-Riviera and Spodosol -Ankona series). The results showed that the soils had a low sorption capacity for metals with maximum sorption of 0.767-3.30 mg/g. Application of amendments increased the maximum sorption by 4.2-4.8 times for Pb2+ and 1.5-2.2 times for Cd2+ in Alfisol soil, and 7.1-7.9 times for Pb2+ and 1.7-3.1 times for Cd2+ in Spodosol soil. ADPR was the most effective amendment for increasing the soil's sorption capacity for Cd2+ and Pb2+. 0.01 M CaCl2 extractable metals in the contaminated soils were significantly decreased by all the amendments, especially ADPR, which reduced extractable Cd2+ and Pb2+by 87.2 and 76.0% in Alfisol and 91.3 and 76.3% in Spodosol soil as compared to control. The amounts of extractable Cd2+ and Pb2+ were negatively correlated with soil pH and available P, indicating that the change of soil characteristics by amendments was the dominant mechanism for enhanced immobilization of metals in the contaminated soils. These results indicate that ADPR has great potential for remediating toxic levels of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in contaminated soils.

Anthelmintic effect of four extracts obtained from Caesalpinia coriaria foliage against the eggs and larvae of Haemonchus contortus / Efeito anti-helmíntico de quatro extratos obtidos da folha de Caesalpinia coriaria contra ovos e larvas de Haemonchus contortus

Abstract To investigate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of dividivi (Caesalpinia coriaria), a traditional medicinal plant used in Central America and the northern part of South America, extracts from the foliage of this plant were subjected to the egg hatching test (EHT) and larval exsheathment inhibition test (LEIT), against Haemonchus contortus. Four different extracts were evaluated: acetone-water (AW), methanol-water (MW), acetone-water-dichloromethane (AWD) and methanol-water-dichloromethane (MWD). The concentrations used for the EHT and LEIT tests ranged from 500 to 4000 µg mL-1 and six repetitions per concentration. The effective concentrations (EC50) were calculated using Probit analysis. The EC50 for EHT were 2947.0, 3347.0, 3959.6 and 4538.7 µg mL-1 for MWD, MW, AW and AWD, respectively. The EC50 for LEIT were 2883.4, 5927.4, 9876.3 and 9955.4 µg mL-1 for AWD, AW, MWD and MW, respectively. The methanol extracts were the most effective in inhibiting the hatching of eggs, while the acetone extracts showed efficacy in inhibiting larval exsheathment. This study explains the importance that C. coriaria has as a medicinal plant in Central and South American countries.

Resumo Para investigar a eficácia anti-helmíntica de Divi-divi (Caesalpinia coriaria), uma planta medicinal tradicional usada na América Central e no norte da América do Sul. Extratos das folhas dessa planta foram utilizados em testes in vitro de inibição da eclosão de ovos (EHT) e desembainhamento larvar (LEIT) de Haemonchus contortus. Quatro diferentes extratos foram avaliados: acetona-água (AW), metanol-água (MW), acetona-água-diclorometano (AWD) e metanol-água-diclorometano (MWD). Para os testes EHT e LEIT, as concentrações utilizadas variaram de 500 a 4000 µg mL-1, em seis repetições por concentração. As concentrações efetivas (EC50) foram calculadas, usando-se a análise Probit. A EC50 para EHT foram 2947,0; 3347,0; 3959,6 e 4538,7 µg mL-1 para MWD, MW, AW e AWD, respectivamente. As EC50 para LEIT foram 2883,4; 5927,4; 9876,3 e 9955,4 µg mL-1 para AWD, AW, MWD e MW, respectivamente. Os extratos de metanol foram os mais eficazes em inibir a eclosão de ovos, enquanto os extratos de acetona mostraram-se eficazes em inibir a desembainhamento larvar. Este estudo ajuda a explicar a importância da C. coriaria como planta medicinal nos países da América Central e América do Sul.