Optimizing vacuum drying process of polyphenols, flavanols and DPPH radical scavenging assay in pod husk and bean shell cocoa.

The objective of this study was to optimize different vacuum drying conditions for cocoa pod husk and cocoa bean shell in order to enhance these by-products for commercial applications. To carry out the optimization, the response surface methodology was applied using a Box-Behnken experimental design with 15 experiments for which different conditions of temperature (X1), drying time (X2) and vacuum pressure (X3) were established. The response variables were the content of total polyphenols, the content of flavanols and the radical scavenging activity evaluated in the extracts of the different experiments. Temperature (50-70 °C), drying time (3-12 h) and vacuum pressure (50-150 mbar) were considered as independent variables. The main factors affecting the response variables were temperature, followed by vacuum pressure. For the content of polyphenols, the optimal response values predicted for the cocoa pod husk was 11.17 mg GAE/g with a confidence limit (95%) of 9.05 to 13.28 mg GAE/g (optimal conditions: 65 °C, 8 h and 75 mbar), while for the cocoa bean shell cocoa was 29.61 mg GAE/g with a confidence limit (95%) of 26.95 to 32.26 mg GAE/g (optimal conditions: 50 °C, 5 h and 100 mbar). Therefore, results of this study suggest a high content of phenolic compounds obtained from these by-products that show relevance as functional ingredients for application in the food, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.

Physicochemical and Rheological Characteristics of Commercial and Monovarietal Wheat Flours from Peru.

In Peru, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the main resources in the food industry; however, due to its low harvested area, it is the second most imported cereal. The quality of wheat flour was studied to verify that it has desirable characteristics for the preparation of bakery products. The quality of commercial and monovarietal wheat flours was assessed by measuring their physicochemical and rheological parameters, as well as the gluten content and wheat protein fractions. Eight commercial wheat flours and four monovarietal wheat flours (Barba negra, Candeal, Espelta, and Duro) from Peru were evaluated. Commercial wheat flours presented significantly higher levels of protein and gluten index compared to monovarietal wheat flours (p < 0.05). Between both groups, no significant differences were observed in the content of wet and dry gluten. Interestingly, monovarietal wheat flours presented a higher percentage of gliadins and albumins/globulins, as well as lower levels of glutenin, compared to commercial wheat flours (p < 0.05). According to the logistic regression models, the baking strength (W) was the most important parameter to evaluate the quality of commercial and monovarietal wheat flours. Our results show that monovarietal wheat flours show a lower quality compared to commercial wheat flours.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in healthcare workers in a network of clinics in Latin America.

Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been severely affected in terms of both morbidity and mortality since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first few months of 2021, Colombia experienced a surge in positive cases. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vaccination on the incidence of new positive cases in HCWs. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of frontline employees in a network of clinics in Colombia, who were prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination from February to March 2021. Results: Our findings were consistent with recent reports. During early 2020, the incidence of HCWs positively diagnosed with COVID-19 in Colombia was higher than that for the general population. With the start of the national vaccination program, the incidence among HCWs decreased from April 2021, while that for the general population remained relatively unchanged. Our study identified lower infection rates among HCWs during April (odds ratio [OR], 0.72 [95% CI 0.58-0.90]; p < 0.01) and May (odds ratio [OR], 0.25 [95% CI 0.18-0.36]; p < 0.01). Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Colombia during early 2021 led to a decrease in the incidence of new positive cases among HCWs, in contrast to a continuing surge in the general population. Our findings suggested that COVID-19 vaccination provided adequate immunity, which guaranteed protection to HCWs.

Comparison of Four Oil Extraction Methods for Sinami Fruit (Oenocarpus mapora H. Karst): Evaluating Quality, Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity.

The sinami palm (Oenocarpus mapora H. Karst) is a plant from the South American Amazonia that has great potential for industrial applications in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. In this manuscript, the physicochemical properties, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of sinami oil that was obtained using four extraction systems, namely expeller press extraction (EPE), cold press extraction (CPE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), were studied and compared. The oxidative stability (OSI) was statistically non-significant in EPE and SFE. The chromatic properties (CIELab) were influenced by the extraction methods and SFE presented high values of L* and a lower content of plant pigments. Ultrasound-assisted extraction showed a higher content of polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity. Different analyses for the evaluation of the physicochemical properties, the content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity were used to classify sinami oil according to chemometrics using principal component analysis (PCA). For example, the sinami oil that was obtained using each extraction method was in a different part of the plot. In summary, sinami oil is an excellent resource for plant pigments. Additionally, the information that was obtained on the quality parameters in this study provided a good foundation for further studies on the characterization of major and minor compounds.

Phytochemical screening and DPPH radical scavenging activity of three morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. from Peru, and thermal stability of a milk-based beverage enriched with carotenoids from these fruits.

Mauritia flexuosa L.f. is a palm tree which presents great morphological variability (morphotypes), represented mainly by the mesocarp color of its fruits. The objective of the study was to characterize the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of three morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. ("Yellow", "Colour" and "Shambo") of greater economic importance in the Peruvian Amazon. "Shambo" showed a significantly high content of bioactive compounds (total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids) and DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to the "Yellow" and "Colour" morphotypes (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant correlation between DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids (p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, milk-based beverages enriched with carotenoids of those morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. have been shown to be a good source of bioactive compounds for use in the food industry. The milk-based beverages enriched with carotenoids of those morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. showed higher lightness (L∗) and yellowness (b∗).

Description of a new diminutive Hyloxalus (Anura: Dendrobatidae: Hyloxalinae) from the Magdalena Valley of Colombia.

Using different sources of evidence (i.e., integrative taxonomy), we describe a new species of Hyloxalus, Hyloxalus arliensis sp. nov. The new species occurs in the middle Magdalena River valley on slopes between the Cordillera Central and Cordillera Oriental of the Andes of Colombia. Previously, the new species was referred to as Hyloxalus "Ibagué" but was not formally described. Phylogenetic re-analyses of 2440 base pairs (bp) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), revealed the species to be a sister taxon of H. lehmanni, within a monophyletic clade also comprising H. delatorreae lineage 1, H. pulchellus and H. vertebralis. The adult males of H. arliensis sp. nov. have a pale arm gland, which differentiates it from all other species of the genus, except for H. saltarius. The new species also differs from other species of Hyloxalus by its smaller size, disc on Finger III not expanded, toes unwebbed, dorsolateral stripe absent, oblique lateral stripe present, white spots on ventrolateral flanks in life and cloacal tubercles absent. The advertisement call consists of long trains of a single note repeated at a rate of 89-132 notes/min with a dominant frequency ranging from 4808-6387 Hz. The new species is a tiny frog that inhabits the sheltered areas around streams in sub-Andean forests. Aspects of its natural history are described.

Adjuvant radiochemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer : Treatment results and analysis of possible prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the clinical outcome and toxicity of radiochemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) patients treated according to the Intergroup 116 trial protocol in our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients with LAGC treated with radical surgery and adjuvant radiochemotherapy. We analyzed overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional failure-free survival (LFS), prognostic factors and toxicity. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 96.48 months. The majority of tumors were T3-T4 (75%) and 86.6% had nodal metastases. The OS, DFS and LFS rates to 3 years were 53.48%, 52.75% and 81.65%, respectively and to 5 years 40%, 46.73% and 76.77% respectively. The univariate analysis showed that N stage < N2, TN stage < IIIA, R0 resection and N­ratio < 3 were statistically significant prognostic factors for OS and DFS, T stage < T4 for OS and N­ratio < 3 for LFS. The group with D2 lymphadenectomy had worse LFS than the D1 group (65.2% vs 88.1%, respectively, p = 0.039) probably due to a significant difference in the proportion node positive patients in the D2 group (94% vs. 78%; p = 0.027). In the multivariate analysis, only R0 resection was statistically significant factor for improved OS (p = 0.018). Acute grade III-IV gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicity rates were 8.5% and 15.2%, respectively and 89.5% completed treatment as planned. CONCLUSION: Our results are consistent with those of the Intergroup-0116 trial for LAGC in terms of survival. This regimen is well tolerated and with acceptable toxicity. An R0 resection was an independent prognostic factor for improved OS.

Antioxidant and neuroprotector effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) methanol leaf extract against 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA)-induced toxicity in PC12 cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are normally produced during cell metabolism, there is strong evidence to suggest that ROS produced in excess impair the cell and may be etiologically related to various neurodegenerative diseases. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) methanol leaf extract on neurotoxicity in PC12 cell exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Fresh samples of "maca" leaves were processed in order to obtain foliar extracts and to evaluate the neurobiological activity on PC12 cells, subjected to the cytotoxic effect of 6-OHDA through the determination of the capacity antioxidant, cell viability and cytotoxicity assays on PC12 cells. The results of the tests of antioxidant activity, showed maximum values of 2262.37 and 1305.36 expressed in Trolox equivalents (TEAC), for the methanolic and aqueous fractions respectively. Cell viability assays at a dose of 10 µg extract showed an increase of 31% and 60% at 6 and 12 h of pretreatment, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays at the same dose and exposure time showed a 31.4% and 47.8% reduction in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The results allow us to affirm that the methanolic foliar extract of "maca" presents in vitro neurobiological activity of antioxidant protection, increase in cell viability and reduction of cytotoxicity against oxidative stress generated by 6-OHDA. In conclusion, the present study shows a protective role for Lepidium meyenii leaf extract on 6-OHDA-induced toxicity by an antioxidant effect.

Maltrato infantil según la escala de estrategias de resolución de conflictos (CTSPC), en población escolarizada de la ciudad de Manizales (Colombia), 2011 / Child abuse according to conflict tactics scale (CTSPC), in school population of Manizales City (Colombia), 2011

Antecedentes: El maltrato infantil actualmente ha aumentado en frecuencia y formas, considerándose un problema de salud pública. Los niños siguen siendo los que presentan más riesgo de ser maltratados. Materiales y Métodos: se seleccionó una muestra de 449 estudiantes, de cuarto a sexto grado de tres instituciones públicas de Manizales (Colombia), se estudiaron en esta población variables demográficas, necesidades básicas, historia de maltrato, escala CTSPC versión niños. Resultados: La escala CTSPC mostró en promedio 9,21% o 29,29 en puntaje absoluto. Según el resultado de esta escala al 33,7% lo castigan pegándole con cinturón, al 9,5% con cable, el 10,9% han presentado quemaduras con plancha, el 9% han sido amenazados con abandono, o ser hechados de la casa, solo al 61,3% nunca le pegan cuando lo castigan. El valor de la escala CTSPC mostró relación significativa con género (p=0,015), funcionalidad familiar (p=0,028), el consumo de licor (p=0,013), y maltrato infantil (p=0,001) anterior de las personas que los cuidan, el pelear con los compañeros (p=0,004). El 29,1% presenta consumo de licor en la familia, el 18,3% antecedente de maltrato en algún miembro de la familia, el 51,5% presenta algún tipo de disfuncionalidad familiar. Conclusiones: Una considerable proporción de la población, según la escala CTSPC, aún sufre maltrato intrafamiliar, lo cual es inaceptable. Se hacen necesarias campañas que erradiquen imaginarios culturales anticuados y primitivos alrededor de la educación de los hijos, y que a lo único que contribuyen es a perpetuar el ambiente generalizado de violencia tan propio de Colombia...

Relación de caries dental y fluorosis en escolares de cuatro localidades termales del departamento de Potosí-Bolivia / Relationship between dental caries and fluorosis in schoolboys and schoolgirls of four thermal localities from Potosí-Bolivia

El presente trabajo es una recopilación de diferentes investigaciones realizadas por la misma autora, desde al año 2005 al 2008 en localidades termales ubicadas en las cercanías de la ciudad de Potosí - Bolivia, (Tarapaya, Miraflores, Chaqui y Don Diego). Los objetivos fueron evaluar la presencia de fluorosis dental, caries dental, hábitos higiénicos-alimenticios en escolares de estas regiones. Se determinó caries dental con el índice CPO-D, para Tarapaya 0.75, Miraflores 1.4, Chaqui 0.8, Don Diego 2.29. En el índice ceo-d se ubicó 4.7 Tarapaya, Miraflores 5.7, Chaqui 4.4 y Don Diego 3.69. Se estableció fluorosis dental con el índice de Dean. En Chaqui se encontró en dientes permanentes hasta el grado 4 (8,1%) y en piezas temporales no se evidenció. No se encontró fluorosis en Tarapaya ni Miraflores. En relación al consumo de alimentos con contenido de calcio, hidratos de carbono y azúcar refinada, la mayoría, sí consumen. Con referencia al consumo de aguas termales, no se realiza en Tarapaya, es escaso en Miraflores, en Chaqui y Don Diego el consumo es mixto. Se recomienda la implementación de un Programa de atención primaria en salud para caries y fluorosis dental. Asimismo ampliar el estudio de análisis químico de flúor en aguas en todas sus fuentes.

The present work is a compilation of different research projects made by the same author, from 2005 to 2008 in thermal localities placed near Potosí - Bolivia (Tarapaya, Miraflores, Chaquí and Don Diego). The objectives were to evaluate the presence of dental fluorosis, dental cavities, hygiene - nourishing habits in schoolboys and schoolgirls from these regions. The dental caries indexesusing DMFT was for Tarapaya 0.75, Miraflores 1.4. Chaquí 0.8, Don Diego 2.29. in the index dmft was 4.7 Tarapaya, Miraflores 5.7, Chaquí 4.4 and Don Diego 3.69. Dental fluorosis was established with the Dean index. In Chaquí it was found grade 5 (6,5%) in permanent teeth and grade 2 (1,6%), in temporal teeth till and it was not demonstrated in primary teeth. Fluorosis was found neither in Tarapaya nor in Miraflores. There was a relation between nourishing and the content of calcium, carbohydrates and refined sugar. Consumption of thermal water was limited to Miraflores and it was nor consumed in Tarapaya, in Chaquí and Don Diego the consumption was mixed. Its is recommended the implementation of a program for primary health attention for dental caries and dental fluorosis. This study should be completed with chemical analysis of fluoride in the water.

Frequency of alternative to restraints and seclusion and uses of agitation reduction techniques in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: The use of restraints to manage patients in the emergency department (ED) is controversial. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) and numerous advocacy groups have pushed for the use of alternatives to restraints. The need to protect the patients' rights while also reducing the risks they may pose to themselves, other patients, and medical staff is difficult to balance. The purpose of this study was to assess which agitation reduction techniques, if any, are used prior to restraints in the ED as recommended by the JCAHO. The second purpose was to determine the reasons for differing levels of usage and/or compliance with the JCAHO recommendations. METHODS: A survey tool was developed to include the new restraint and seclusion standards from Joint JCAHO. It was sent to a random sample of the EDs from a randomized list of hospitals in the United States and to all psychiatric EDs from the American Association for Emergency Psychiatrists (AAEP). A mailed survey allowed for institutions to review their yearly census for the information to questions. The survey included questions on the use of agitation reduction techniques, what are those methods, what methods are most effective for ED doctors, has staff received training in how and when to use those methods, and reasons why they do or do not use them in the ED. The study was IRB approved as exempt. RESULTS: A 40% response rate was obtained overall (391 out of 960). The majority, 70%, of general ED have no psychiatric unit vs. 87% of specialized EDs having a unit attached. The overwhelming majority of both, at 90% to 98%, do use alternatives to restraints prior to restraints. When restraints are used, 30% used physical and 30% used physical and chemical restraints combined. A management protocol is in place at 90% of the institutions to use alternative first and 76% of the staff is educated on the use of alternative methods. The methods in order of popularity are verbal interventions at 84%, one-to-one at 79%, decrease in stimulation at 74%, and food or drink at 69%. The rating of the effectiveness of those methods is low, with the following percentages feeling that the respective techniques were effective: one-to-one, less than 48%; verbal intervention, 36%; decreasing stimulation, 15%; and food or drink, 18%. However, 61% feel that chemical restraints were effective. DISCUSSION: The majority of respondents have training on alternatives to restraints. They do use alternatives to restraints, with one-to-one, food or drink, and verbal interventions being the most frequently used. These are seen as not very effective. The use of physical and/or a combination of physical and chemical restraints is used by 60% of respondents due to the perceived high level of effectiveness.