Optimization of processing parameters to control Maillard browning in ready-to-eat processed potatoes.

Relationship among pH, aw and Maillard browning was investigated in processed potatoes ready-to-eat during cooking and sterilization in autoclave to prevent their colors changes. Central composite rotational design was used for optimization of color (L*, a* and b*), browning index and intermediate compounds index. Reduction in the L* value and increase in the a*, b* value and browning index, indicators for Maillard browning of the processed potatoes were mitigated at pH 4.0-5.0 and aw 0.96-1.00 and accelerated at pH less than 3.0 or more than 7.0 and aw less than 0.84. Formation of intermediate compounds was intensified at pH 5.0 and aw 0.99 and mitigated at pH 7.0 and aw 0.84. Adjustment of the pH to 5.0 and keeping aw at to 0.99 were the most effective parameters of to control Maillard browning in processed potatoes ready-to-eat.

A successful community-base pilot programme to control insect vectors of Chagas disease in rural Guatemala

The adoption of novel integrated vector management (IVM) strategies requires proof-of-concept demonstrations. To implement a community-based intervention, for the control of vectors of Chagas disease in Guatemala, we engaged all relevant stakeholder groups. Based on this and previous experiences of the authors on engaged research and community-based interventions, several key factors can help facilitate effective integration of stakeholders in support of area-wide integrated vector management (AW - IVM) programmes. First and foremost, the diversity of stakeholders needs to be engaged early-on in the participatory action research and implementation processes, to provide ownership and contribute ideas on how to design and implement an intervention. Another important component, situational analysis regarding current pest control policies, practices and relevant stakeholders, is generated through interviews with key informants, at both national and local levels (governmental and non-governmental organizations); it can facilitate the joint identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats regarding current pest control strategies and proposing solutions through an AW-IVM approach. In addition, successful AW - IVM can result from identifying locally relevant strategies to implement the proof-of-concept demonstrative project. Further, it is critical to maintain constant communication with the local and national leaders, involving them throughout the implementation and evaluation processes. Flexibility should also be built into the project to allow for community-driven changes in the strategy, through a cyclical joint reflective process. Periodic feedback of project development needs to be scheduled with key stakeholders to maintain rapport. Finally, the results of the evaluation should be shared and discussed with stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability of the programme, intervention, or project. Here we present the citizen engagement procedures used to integrate community members, health officials, and non-governmental organization staff for Chagas disease control in a region of Guatemala. We demonstrate how these methods can be applied to support AW-IVM programmes, so that communities and authorities are actively involved in the development and implementation of a jointly agreed intervention. In 2012, we developed the IVM intervention in an area of Guatemala with persistentTriatoma dimidiata (Latreille) infestation that is associated with the presence of infected rodents (rats and mice), that act as reservoirs of the Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas parasites inside the households. Nine control communities received only the Ministry of Health insecticide application against the vector and nine intervention communities participated in the AW-IVM intervention. The intervention included a programme for rodent control by the community members, together with education about the risk factors for vector infestation, and insecticide application by the Ministry of Health. Entomological evaluations in 2014 and 2015 showed that vector infestation remained significantly lower in both intervention and control communities. In 2015, we found that there was a higher acceptance of vector surveillance activities in the intervention communities compared to control communities, suggesting that participatory activities increase programme sustainability. Finally, we found that there was a significant increase over time in the number of households with infected vectors in the control group, whereas there was no significant increase in the communities that participated in the programme. Thus, an AW-IVM programme including simultaneous rodent and vector control could reduce the risk of Chagas infection in communities with persistent vector infestation.

Differential roles of hippocampal nNOS and iNOS in the control of baroreflex function in conscious rats.

The baroreflex is a prominent moment-to-moment mechanism regulating the blood pressure. The hippocampus is a limbic structure in which has been pointed out as part of central network regulating baroreflex. However, the local neurochemical mechanisms involved in control of baroreflex function are not completely understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the involvement of nitrergic neurotransmission present in the dorsal hippocampus in baroreflex control of heart rate in conscious rats. For this, we evaluated the effect of bilateral microinjection into the dorsal hippocampus of either the nitric oxide (NO) scavenger carboxy-PTIO, the selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor Nω-Propyl-l-arginine (NPLA) or the selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor 1400 W in bradycardia evoked by blood pressure increases in response to intravenous infusion of phenylephrine, and tachycardia caused by blood pressure decreases evoked by intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside. Bilateral microinjection of carboxy-PTIO into the dorsal hippocampus decreased the baroreflex tachycardic response without affecting the reflex bradycardia. Hippocampus treatment with NPLA increased the baroreflex bradycardia gain without affecting the reflex tachycardia. Bilateral hippocampal treatment with 1400 W decreased the reflex tachycardia and increased the baroreflex bradycardic response. Overall, these findings provide evidence that hippocampal nitrergic mechanisms acting in a NOS isoform-specific manner plays a prominent role in control of baroreflex function. Indeed, the results indicate that nNOS and iNOS exerts an inhibitory influence on reflex bradycardia, whereas iNOS mediates the reflex tachycardia.

Efecto de la inoculación y peletización en la germinación y crecimiento de plantas de maca (Lepidium meyenii W.) a nivel in vitro e invernadero / Effect of inoculation and pelleting on the germination and growth of maca (Lepidium meyenii W.) in vitro and greenhouse

Se compararon semillas inoculadas sin peletizar y peletizadas con tres distintas cepas (C32, DZ50 y AC7) en maca (Lepidium meyenii) a nivel in-vitro e invernadero en donde a nivel in-vitro se midió el porcentaje de germinación y peso seco y a nivel de invernadero el porcentaje de emergencia, peso seco de raíz y peso seco de la parte aérea, encontrándose que tanto en la germinación como en la emergencia los porcentajes fueron mayores en los tratamientos peletizados que los no peletizados. En los pesos secos a nivel in vitro todos los tratamientos peletizados superaron a los tratamientos sin peletizar y los tratamientos con inoculante peletizados y sin peletizar fueron superiores a los controles sin inoculante. Por otro lado se midió la cantidad de células viables y la actividad de agua (Aw) de las semillas peletizadas y sin peletizar en donde se observó que todos los tratamientos peletizados tienden a conservar estos dos parámetros a través del tiempo.

Non-pelleted and pelleted seeds of maca (Lepidium meyenii W.) inoculated with three strains (C32, DZ50 and AC7) were compared at in-vitro and greenhouse tests. Percentage of germination and dry weight of plant were measured in-vitro level. Percentage of emergence, root and shoot dry weight were measured in greenhouse. Both germination and emergence percentages were higher in pelleted than non-pelleted treatments. In vitro dry weights of all the pelleted treatments were higher than non-pelleted; pelleted and non-pelleted inoculated dry weights were higher than controls without inoculant. The amount of viable cells and water activity (Aw) of pelleted and non-pelleted seeds were measured; pelleted treatments tend to preserve these two parameters over time.

Ecophysiology of environmental Aspergillus fumigatus and comparison with clinical strains on gliotoxin production and elastase activity.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this manuscript was to study the influence of water activity (aW ) and pH in the ecophysiological behaviour of Aspergillus fumigatus strains at human body temperature. In addition, gliotoxin production and enzymatic ability among environmental (n = 2) and clinical (n = 5) strains were compared. Ecophysiological study of environmental strains was performed on agar silage incubated at 37°C, studying the interaction at eight aW levels (0·8, 0·85, 0·9, 0·92, 0·94, 0·96, 0·98 and 0·99) and eight pH levels (3·5, 4, 4·5, 5, 6, 7, 7·5 and 8). Considering the influence of the assumed lung conditions on growth of A. fumigatus (aW 0·98/0·99 and pH of 7/7·5), the optimal condition for the development of A. fumigatus RC031 was at aW 0·99 at pH 7. At aW 0·98/0·99 and pH of 7/7·5, the highest growth rate and the lowest lag phase was reported, whereas there were no significant differences at aW 0·98/0·99 and pH 7/7·5 interactions on growth of A. fumigatus RC032. Gliotoxin production of A. fumigatus strains was evaluated. The gliotoxin production was similar in clinical and environmental strains. Elastin activity was studied in solid medium, highest elastase activity index was found for clinical strain A. fumigatus RC0676, followed by the environmental strain A. fumigatus RC031. Opportunistic environmental strains can be considered as pathogenic in some cases when rural workers are exposed constantly to handling silage. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the main opportunist pathogen agents causing invasive aspergillosis. Rural workers present a constant exposition to A. fumigatus spores caused by feed-borne manipulation. In this study, environmental A. fumigatus strains were able to grow and produce gliotoxin onto the studied conditions including the lung ones. Environmental and clinical strains were physiologically similar and could be an important putative infection source in rural workers.

Pulmonary outcome in former preterm, very low birth weight children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a case-control follow-up at school age.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare long-term pulmonary outcomes in former preterm-born, very low birth weight (VLBW) children with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) born in the surfactant era. STUDY DESIGN: Pulmonary function tests (ie, spirometry, body plethysmography, and gas transfer testing) were performed in children with a history of VLBW and BPD (n = 28) and compared with a matched preterm-born VLBW control group (n = 28). Medical history was evaluated by questionnaire. RESULTS: At time of follow-up (mean age, 9.5 years), respiratory symptoms (36% vs 8%) and receipt of asthma medication (21% vs 0%) were significantly more frequent in the preterm-born children with previous BPD than in those with no history of BPD. The children with a history of BPD had significantly lower values for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (z-score -1.27 vs -0.4; P = .008), forced vital capacity (z-score -1.39 vs -0.71 z-score; P = .022), and forced expiratory flow rate at 50% of forced vital capacity (z-score -2.21 vs -1.04; P = .048) compared with the preterm control group. CONCLUSION: Preterm-born children with a history of BPD are significantly more likely to have lung function abnormalities, such as airway obstruction and respiratory symptoms, at school age compared with preterm-born children without BPD.

Volumetric capnography in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of using volumetric capnography in spontaneously breathing small infants and its ability to discriminate between infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). STUDY DESIGN: Lung function variables for 231 infants (102 term, 52 healthy preterm, 77 BPD), matched for post-conceptional age of 44 weeks, were collected. BPD was defined as supplemental oxygen requirement at 36 weeks post-menstrual age. Tidal breath-by-breath volume capnograms were obtained by mainstream capnography. The capnographic slope of phase II (SII) and slope of phase III (SIII) were calculated and compared between study groups. The effect of BPD, tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), and prematurity on the magnitude of the slopes was assessed. RESULTS: SII was steeper in infants with BPD (100 ± 28/L) compared with healthy preterm (88 ± 22/L; P = .007) and term infants (79 ± 18/L; P < .001), but this finding was attributed to differences in VT, RR, and gestational age. SIII was steeper in the BPD group (26.8 ± 14.1/L) compared with healthy preterm (16.2 ± 6.2/L; P < .001) and term controls (14.8 ± 5.4/L; P < .001). BPD was a significant predictor of SIII independently of VT, RR, and gestational age. The ability of SIII to discriminate between BPD and controls was significantly higher compared with lung clearance index (area under the curve 0.83 vs 0.56; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric capnography may provide valuable information regarding functional lung alterations related to BPD and might be considered as an alternative to more involved lung function techniques for monitoring chronic lung disease during early infancy.

Algunos de los escollos para la erradicación de la violencia familiar en niños, niñas y adolescentes: ley, prácticas sociales, consecuencias médicas, omisión de denuncia / Some of the obstacles to the erradication of domestic violence on children and adolescents: law, social practices, medical consequences, failure to report

En el presente artículo, partiendo de las normas legales aplicables, se abordan lo, que al parecer de las autoras, constituyen algunos de los escollos para la erradicación o mitigación del ejercicio de la violencia hacia niños, niñas y adolescentes; como así también las principales secuelas médicas que este flagelo trae aparejado para víctimas menores de edad.(AU)

In this article, based on legal norms applicable, address what apparently of theauthors, they are some of the pitfalls for the elimination or mitigation of theexercise of violence towards boys, girls and adolescents, as well as the mainmedical consequences that this scourge brings rigged for underage victims. (AU)

Algunos de los escollos para la erradicación de la violencia familiar en niños, niñas y adolescentes: ley, prácticas sociales, consecuencias médicas, omisión de denuncia / Some of the obstacles to the erradication of domestic violence on children and adolescents: law, social practices, medical consequences, failure to report

En el presente artículo, partiendo de las normas legales aplicables, se abordan lo, que al parecer de las autoras, constituyen algunos de los escollos para la erradicación o mitigación del ejercicio de la violencia hacia niños, niñas y adolescentes; como así también las principales secuelas médicas que este flagelo trae aparejado para víctimas menores de edad.

In this article, based on legal norms applicable, address what apparently of theauthors, they are some of the pitfalls for the elimination or mitigation of theexercise of violence towards boys, girls and adolescents, as well as the mainmedical consequences that this scourge brings rigged for underage victims.

Desarrollo de un alimento de humedad intermedia de fréjol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

El consumo de fréjoles se ha asociado a la reducción del riesgo de desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. En general, su consumo es menor al recomendado y se realiza mayoritariamente como granos enteros. Para aumentar su consumo, hay un especial interés en su uso en otras formas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue diseñar purés de humedad intermedia (PHI) de fréjol de buena calidad química, microbiológica y sensorial. Se prepararon purés con fréjol Tórtola remojado, cocido y molido, retirando una parte importante de la testa. En la elaboración de los PHI, se estudiaron dos niveles de humedad, 25% y 30%, y dos niveles de glicerol, 10 y 15%. Se conservaron a temperatura ambiente (20 ±2 ºC) por 30 días. En los purés iniciales se determinó su composición proximal, contenido de fitatos e inhibidores de tripsina. Los PHI se analizaron el día de su preparación y luego de 15 y 30 días de almacenamiento. Se determinó su humedad, pH y actividad de agua. Se realizó recuento total de: aerobios mesófilos, de mohos y levaduras, de coliformes totales, de coliformes fecales y de Staphylococcus aureus. Se determinó calidad y aceptabilidad sensorial. Los PHI tuvieron una aw entre 0,800 y 0,844, pH entre 6,20 y 6,24 y sus recuentos microbiológicos fueron negativos o estuvieron muy por debajo de los límites permitidos para los alimentos más exigentes. Presentaron buenas calificaciones en su calidad sensorial y todos fueron bien aceptados. Los parámetros sensoriales se mantuvieron sin variación durante el almacenamiento, excepto el color que en el tratamiento con 30% de humedad y 10% de glicerina mostró un leve oscurecimiento. Es posible elaborar purés de fréjol de humedad intermedia, con bajos niveles de compuestos antinutricionales, de buena calidad y aceptabilidad sensorial y que ofrecen condiciones adversas para el desarrollo de los microorganismos de mayor significación para la inocuidad alimentaria.

Development of an intermediate moisture food from bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Beans consumption has been associated to reduction on chronic, non transmissible, diseases development. Generally, its consumption is less to the recommended and it is done principally as whole grain dishes. To increase the consumption, there is an especial interest in the use of new products. The main goal of this research was to design intermediate moisture bean purees (IMP) using soaked, cooked and grained Tortola bean, removing an important testa portion. In preparation of IMP two moisture levels, 25 and 30%, and two glycerol levels, 10 and 15%, were studied. Purees were preserved at ambient temperature (20 ±2 ºC) for 30 days. Proximal analysis, phytate content and trypsin inhibitors were determined in the original non processed purees. IMPs were analyzed at preparation time and after 15 and 30 days of storage for moisture content, pH and water activity. Besides, microbiological analysis for total plate count on aerobic mesophile microorganisms, molds and yeast, total colifoms, fecal coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus, was carried out. Global quality and sensory acceptance was also determined. IMPs presented aw values between 0.800 and 0.844, a pH between 6.20 and 6.24 and the microbiological counting was negative or far below the accepted limits for more strict foods. IMPs presented good qualifications for global quality and were well accepted. Sensory parameters maintain their values during storage, except for color that in treatment with 30% moisture and 10% glycerol showed a light darkening. It is possible to elaborate intermediate moisture bean puree, with low level of antinutritional compounds, good quality and sensory acceptance and with adverse conditions for the development of food safety importance microorganisms.

Atividade de água, umidade residual e contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva em amostras de Jerked Beef, carne bovina salgada, curada e dessecada, comercializadas na cidade de São Paulo / Activity of water, residual humidity and counting of positive Staphylococcus coagulase in samples of Jerked Beef, salty bovine meat, cured and desiccated, commercialized in the city São Paulo

Este trabalho estudou a atividade de água (Aa), a umidade residual percentual, o potencial hidrogeniônico (pH) e a contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva de 60 amostras de Jerked Beef, na cidade de São Paulo. A Aa foi medida com o equipamento Texto 650 (Instrutemp); para a contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, medição do pH e umidade residual utilizou-se a metodologia oficial vigente do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. Obteve-se como resultados, umidade média de 46 por cento, desvio padrão de 6,4 por cento, Aa média de 0,74, desvio padrão de 0,04 e, pH médio de 5,33, desvio padrão de 0,13. Apenas uma amostra apresentou contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva (8,0 x 103 ufc/g) acima do padrão vigente. Concluiu-se que a atividade de água, o pH e a umidade residual atual como fatores importantes de limitação da viabilidade e multiplicação de microrganismos patogênicos, tais como o Staphylococcus aureus. O monitoramento desses parâmetros é indispensável, tanto para o controle do padrão de identidade do produto quanto para apontar a sua condição higiênico-sanitária.(AU)

Sixty samples of jerked beef traded on open-air markets from the west zone of São Paulo' s city were analised. Activity water (Aw) was mesuread with Testo 650 (Instruiemp) and LANARA methodology was used for humidity, pH and positive coagulase Staphylococcus spp. The mean values and the standard deviation obtained were, respectively, 0,74 and 0,04 for Aw; 46% and 6,4% for humidity; 5,33 and 0,13 for pH. Just one sample revealed the presence of positive coagulase Staphylococcus (8,0 x 103 cfu/g) above official tolerable limit. As conclusion,the Aw, pH and residual humidity act as important factors that limit microrganisms growth and viability, such as Staphylococcus aureus. The control of these parameters is relevant to product's identity assurance and to reveal its hygienic and sanitary condition. (AU)