Bioactive compounds in Spanish extra virgin olive oils: Migration and stability according to the culinary technique used.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a basic food of the Mediterranean diet and an important source of bioactive compounds, especially phenolic substances. The culinary techniques to which the oil is subjected before consumption cause the migration of these compounds, hence the importance of studying their stability before and after culinary treatment. We determined the behaviour of the phenols present in EVOO and its total antioxidant capacity before and after the use of various culinary techniques such as deep frying, boiling (in a water/oil mixture (W/O) and sauteing, observing that the study parameters varied according to the variety of oil and the culinary technique used. Significant statistical differences were observed between the different varieties of EVOO according to the culinary technique used. But this was not the case with respect to polyphenol content, for which no statistically significant differences were observed among the different varieties of EVOO according to the culinary techniques employed (p > 0.05), except with the Arbequina variety (p < 0.05). With respect to the individual polyphenols - tyrosol, p-vainillin, vanillic acid, gallic acid, trans-caffeic acid, ferulic acid and luteolin - our analysis shows that although there were differences in content between raw EVOO and EVOO treated with each of the culinary techniques, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There were significant losses of oleocanthal with the W/O boiling technique, but content increases were observed following sauteing and deep frying with respect to raw EVOO. Total antioxidant capacity presented a similar pattern in all samples, with increases after sauteing and decreases after W/O boiling and deep frying. ABTS was the most suitable technique for determining antioxidant capacity in EVOO. In short, the behaviour of the bioactive compounds in EVOO depends on the temperature and the cooking medium used.

Ring Cavity Erbium-Doped Fiber for Refractive Index Measurements.

In this study, an interrogation system based on an erbium-doped fiber ring cavity for refractive index measurements is presented and experimentally demonstrated. This cavity ring includes a 1 × 3 coupler wherein one of the fiber output ports is used to increase the optical power of the system by means of an FBG used as a reflector. The other two output ports are used as a refractive index sensing head and reference port, respectively. An experimental demonstration of this proposed sensor system for the measurement of a distinct refractive index is presented.

Analysis and Screening of Commercialized Protein Supplements for Sports Practice.

Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of the consumption of sports-related supplements. However, the hypothesis is raised that it is necessary to analyze the quality aspects of these supplements in relation to the information provided on the label, to avoid associated risks and obtain the greatest possible benefit from their consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study has been to carry out an analysis or screening of the protein supplements that are currently marketed in Spain. We analyzed the labels of 52 protein sports supplements available both in physical stores and online. The analysis consisted of addressing three relevant aspects considering the labeling: (a) the legislative framework in which the supplements are marketed, (b) the quality of the protein, and (c) the presence of other ingredients according to the specifications of the label. In the legislative context, there do not seem to be any specific regulations to guarantee consumer protection, which can lead to unfair practices and misleading advertising. Most of the supplements analyzed to comply with the requirements of their current regulations. However, claims about their benefits that are not allowed under European legislation have been found in some of them. Regarding composition and according to label information, the supplements have been found to provide a sufficient dose of protein in terms of recommended protein intake per serving. Regarding the presence of other ingredients and according to the information on the label, most of them, except for egg supplements, contain other ingredients. Colostrum was also found in one of the supplements evaluated. The conclusions of the study reveal that, due to a lack of knowledge or misleading advertising practices, supplements are often not used properly. The information provided is essential for both professionals and consumers to avoid the risks associated with consumption, such as unintentional doping, interactions between ingredients that reduce the quality of the supplement, and consumption of supplements inappropriately, among others.

A Dual-Wavelength Fiber Laser Sensor with Temperature and Strain Discrimination.

This work presents a dual-wavelength C-band erbium-doped fiber laser assisted by an artificial backscatter reflector. This fiber-based reflector, inscribed by femtosecond laser direct writing, was fabricated into a single mode fiber with a length of 32 mm. The dual-wavelength laser obtained, centered at 1527.7 nm and 1530.81 nm, showed an optical signal-to-noise ratio over 46 dB when pumped at 150 mW. Another feature of this laser was that the power difference between the two channels was just 0.02 dB, regardless of the pump power, resulting in a dual emission laser with high equalization. On the other hand, an output power level and a central wavelength instability as low as 0.3 dB and 0.01 nm were measured, in this order for both channels. Moreover, the threshold pump power was 40 mW. Finally, the performance of this dual-wavelength fiber laser enhanced with a random reflector for sensing applications was studied, achieving the simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature with sensitivities around 1 pm/µÎµ and 9.29 pm/°C, respectively.

Migration of Avocado Virgin Oil Functional Compounds during Domestic Cooking of Eggplant.

Avocado virgin oil (AVO) was used during eggplant deep-frying, boil, and boil in a water-oil mixture (W/O). There were measured the contents of moisture, dry matter, fat, total (TPC) and ten individual phenols, antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH), and total sterols; as well as the profiles of eight fatty acids and fourteen sterols/stanols. The values of raw and processed foods were compared and studied with multivariate analysis. The antioxidant capacity of AVO lowered after deep frying but augmented in eggplant and water after all treatments. The TPC was steady in AVO and raised in fried eggplant. Thermal treatments added to the initial profiles of the AVO, eggplant and water, nine, eight, and four phenols, respectively. Percentages of the main fatty acids (oleic, palmitic and linoleic), and sterols (ß-sitosterol, campesterol, and Δ5-avenasterol), remained unchanged between the raw and treated AVO; and the lipidic fractions from processed eggplant. Cooking leads to the movement of hydrophilic and lipophilic functional compounds between AVO, eggplant and water. Migration of sterols and unsaturated fatty acids from AVO to eggplant during deep frying and W/O boiling improved the functional properties of eggplant by adding the high biological value lipophilic fraction to the naturally occurring polyphenols.

Liquid level sensor based on dynamic Fabry-Perot interferometers in processed capillary fiber.

In this work, a novel optical fiber sensor capable of measuring both the liquid level and its refractive index is designed, manufactured and demonstrated through simulations and experimentally. For this, a silica capillary hollow-core fiber is used. The fiber, with a sensing length of 1.55 mm, has been processed with a femtosecond laser, so that it incorporates four holes in its structure. In this way, the liquid enters the air core, and it is possible to perform the sensing through the Fabry-Perot cavities that the liquid generates. The detection mode is in reflection. With a resolution of 4 µm (liquid level), it is in the state of the art of this type of sensor. The system is designed so that in the future it will be capable of measuring the level of immiscible liquids, that is, liquids that form stratified layers. It can be useful to determine the presence of impurities in tanks.

Gamma Radiation-Induced Effects over an Optical Fiber Laser: Towards New Sensing Applications.

In the present work, the effect of gamma radiation on the performance of different types of erbium-doped fibers (EDFs) when they are used in a fiber ring cavity (FRC) configuration is studied. Several pieces of commercial EDF are gamma-ray irradiated with different doses to evaluate the output power variations over time. The influence of different doses, from 150 Gy to 1000 Gy, over the output power level measurement and their amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) are experimentally evaluated both in the C and L bands. By using an FRC configuration we can detect the presence of gamma radiation. We can also estimate the irradiation doses applied to EDFs by measuring the slope of the short-term emission power.

Active Tuberculosis Is Characterized by Highly Differentiated Effector Memory Th1 Cells.

Despite advances in diagnosing latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI), we still lack a diagnostic test that differentiates LTBI from active tuberculosis (TB) or predicts the risk of progression to active disease. One reason for the absence of such a test may be the failure of current assays to capture the dynamic complexities of the immune responses associated with various stages of TB, since these assays measure only a single parameter (release of IFN-γ) and rely on prolonged (overnight) T cell stimulation. We describe a novel, semi-automated RNA flow cytometry assay to determine whether immunological differences can be identified between LTBI and active TB. We analyzed antigen-induced expression of Th1 cytokine mRNA after short (2- and 6-h) stimulation with antigen, in the context of memory T cell immunophenotyping. IFNG and TNFA mRNA induction was detectable in CD4+ T cells after only 2 h of ex vivo stimulation. Moreover, IFNG- and TNFA-expressing CD4+ T cells (Th1 cells) were more frequent in active TB than in LTBI, a difference that is undetectable with conventional, protein-based cytokine assays. We also found that active TB was associated with higher ratios of effector memory to central memory Th1 cells than LTBI. This effector memory phenotype of active TB was associated with increased T cell differentiation, as defined by loss of the CD27 marker, but not with T cell exhaustion, as determined by PD-1 abundance. These results indicate that single-cell-based, mRNA measurements may help identify time-dependent, quantitative differences in T cell functional status between latent infection and active tuberculosis.

Virtual FBGs Using Saturable Absorbers for Sensing with Fiber Lasers.

The spectral narrowing of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) introduced by unpumped Er-doped fiber (EDF) was analyzed for fiber lasers (FL). Owing to spatial hole burning (SHB), the spectral response of a virtual FBG can be employed for narrowing the band pass filter employed to determine the lasing wavelength of laser cavities. A common FL was mounted to analyze the spectral stability of the method, and a FL sensor for strain and temperature measurements was experimentally characterized to determine the stability of the narrowing effect achieved by the unpumped EDF, which acts as a virtual FBG. The results exhibited remarkably good narrowing effects of the spectral response of uniform FBGs.

Vivencias espirituales del adulto mayor en un hospital de día de la red almenara, en Lima, Perú / Spiritual experiences of the elderly in a day hospital of the almenara network, in Lima, Peru

Objetivo: analizar vivencias espirituales del adulto mayor en un Hospital de Día de la Red Almenara, en Lima. Introducción: las vivencias son experiencias que viven los adultos mayores, surgen de su interior y forman parte de su carácter, la espiritualidad basada en creencias y valores se caracteriza por la relación con el yo, con el otro, con la naturaleza y con la vida. Material y métodos: investigación cualitativa, descriptiva comprensiva, realizada con 10 adultos mayores, el muestreo fue definido por saturación de discursos. La técnica fue la entrevista a profundidad con una guía de entrevista semi estructurada, aplicada en dos sesiones, respetándose los principios bioéticos. Resultados: se identificaron tres categorías generales: re-creando las concepciones de la espiritualidad; la espiritualidad en la práctica de valores y la espiritualidad desde la religio-sidad del adulto mayor. Discusión: la primera categoría define el acercamiento a Dios a través de la oración y la religión, considerada una necesidad básica y humana para promover la calidad de vida. La segunda categoría, se refiere a la práctica de valores que es trascendente y se refleja principalmente en el amor y la solidaridad. La tercera categoría, señala que la espiritualidad brinda la oportunidad de estar en paz con uno mismo y con los demás. Conclusiones: las vivencias espirituales de los adultos mayores indican que ellos desean vivir mejor, usando lo que le resta de vida de la mejor manera posible. Por ello, se apoyan en la religiosidad y la práctica de valores para conservar la paz espiritual logrando así, un envejecimiento favorable.

Automatic counting of fungiform papillae by shape using cross-correlation.

The determination of the number of fungiform papillae (FP) on the human tongue is important for taste sensitivity studies. Most of the time, the counting of the FP is done manually. In this paper we propose a novel algorithm to count the FP using shape characteristics measured by cross-correlation. The accuracy of the algorithm is evaluated by counting the FP manually on the same images and then doing a statistical analysis. A Poisson regression model is fitted using maximum likelihood. The result is that the algorithm counts are very similar to the human experts. Another advantage of the algorithm is its facility of use, velocity and that it can work on a plain tongue image, without the need to stain the tongue as is usual in manual counting.

Hemodynamic impact of isobaric levobupivacaine versus hyperbaric bupivacaine for subarachnoid anesthesia in patients aged 65 and older undergoing hip surgery.

BACKGROUND: The altered hemodynamics, and therefore the arterial hypotension is the most prevalent adverse effect after subarachnoid anesthesia. The objective of the study was to determine the exact role of local anesthetic selection underlying spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in the elderly patient. We conducted a descriptive, observational pilot study to assess the hemodynamic impact of subarachnoid anesthesia with isobaric levobupivacaine versus hyperbaric bupivacaine for hip fracture surgery. DESCRIPTION: Hundred twenty ASA status I-IV patients aged 65 and older undergoing hip fracture surgery were enrolled. The primary objective of our study was to compare hemodynamic effects based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and dyastolic blood pressure (DBP) values, heart rate (HR) and hemoglobin (Hb) and respiratory effects based on partial oxygen saturation (SpO2%) values. The secondary objective was to assess potential adverse events with the use of levobupivacaine versus bupivacaine. Assessments were performed preoperatively, at 30 minutes into surgery, at the end of anesthesia and at 48 hours and 6 months after surgery. Among intraoperative events, the incidence of hypotension was statistically significantly higher (p <0.05) in group BUPI (38.3%) compared to group LEVO (13.3%). There was a decrease (p <0.05) in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at 30 minutes intraoperatively (19% in group BUPI versus 17% in group LEVO). SpO2% increased at 30 minutes after anesthesia onset (1% in group BUPI versus 1.5% in group LEVO). Heart rate (HR) decreased at 30 minutes after anesthesia onset (5% in group BUPI versus 9% in group L). Hemoglobin (Hb) decreased from time of operating room (OR) admission to the end of anesthesia (9.3% in group BUPI versus 12.5% in group LEVO). The incidence of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was 13.3% in group BUPI versus 31.7% in group LEVO, this difference was statistically significant. Among postoperative events, the incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) was significantly higher in group BUPI (8,3%). At 6 months after anesthesia, no differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: Given the hemodynamic stability and lower incidence of intraoperative hypotension observed, levobupivacaine could be the agent of choice for subarachnoid anesthesia in elderly patients.

Melatonin and metabolic regulation: a review.

Human life expectancy has increased over the past 50 years due to scientific and medical advances and higher food availability. However, overweight and obesity affect more than 50% of adults and 15% of infants and adolescents. There has also been a marked increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in recent decades, which has been associated with a reduction in nocturnal pineal production of melatonin with aging and an increased risk of coronary diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and death. Melatonin is currently under intensive investigation in experimental animal models of diabetes, obesity and MS at pharmacological doses (between 5 and 20 mg kg(-1) body weight), demonstrating its capacity to ameliorate the total metabolic profile and its potential as an alternative to conventional drug therapies for the disorders associated with the MS, i.e. elevated systolic blood pressure, and impairment of glucose homeostasis, plasma lipid profile, inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased body weight. An especially significant finding is the induction by melatonin of white adipose tissue browning, which may be related to its effects against oxidative stress, uncoupling the mitochondrial bioenergetic process by enhancing the expression of uncoupled-protein-1 (UCP-1), which has been related to body weight reduction in experimental animals. Further research is required to improve knowledge of this mechanism. Clinical studies are needed with the administration of pharmacological melatonin doses, because the dose has ranged between 0.050 and 0.16 mg kg(-1) bw in most studies to date. Melatonin is a natural phytochemical, and it is also important to test its beneficial metabolic effects when consumed in functional foods.

[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolation in breast abscesses in a Public Maternity]. / Aislamiento de Staphylococcus aureus meticilino resistente en abscesos de mama en una Maternidad Pública.

UNLABELLED: Mastitis and breast abscess in lactating women are risk factors for early breastfeeding cessation. This pathology is included in the group of skin and soft tissue infections. A descriptive study was performed with an advanced outlook. As of January 2007 through December 2011 a total of 137 breast abscesses were treated in our institution. We analyzed incidence, parity, postpartum days, risk factors, microbiological isolation and the adequacy of initial antibiotic treatment. In that period we observed a steady and significant increase in breast abscesses. Incidence from 0.19 to 0.84% in lactating women 2007 vs. 2011 p = 0.0001 IC 95% (-0.009; 0.003), 70.6% of them primiparous and a mean interval from delivery to breast abscess of 41.9 ± 35.8 days. The most frequent risk factors were sore nipples and breast engorgement. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 82.3 to 95.0%. Methicillin resistance was higher than 60%. These strains were susceptible to erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamicin, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazol. All the cases were surgically drained; the initial empirical treatment was inadequate in 60% of them, 90% of patients could maintain breast feeding after the procedure. IN CONCLUSION: these data emphasize the need to prevent risk factors associated to breast abscesses: sore nipples and breast engorgement. In order to determine the adequate antibiotic treatment, bacteriological studies are required at every collection because SAMR prevalence varies according to diverse populations and geographic location.

Aislamiento de Staphylococcus aureus meticilino resistente en abscesos de mama en una Maternidad Pública / Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolation in breast abscesses in a Public Maternity

La mastitis y los abscesos de mama representan un factor de riesgo para el abandono de la lactancia. Se incluyen dentro de las infecciones de piel y partes blandas y comparten los cambios epidemiológicos que llevan a replantear el tratamiento empírico inicial. Se estudiaron 137 casos de abscesos de mama desde enero de 2007 a diciembre de 2011. Se analizó incidencia, días postparto, factores de riesgo, datos microbiológicos y tratamiento antibiótico. Desde 2007a 2011 se observó un constante aumento de la incidencia de casos: 0.19 vs. 0.84% (p < 0.001). Días postparto de aparición del absceso 41.9 ± 35.8 días (Media ± DE), primiparidad 70.6%. Los factores de riesgo más frecuentemente encontrados fueron grietas del pezón e ingurgitación mamaria (95%). Staphylococcus aureus (SA) fue el responsable de 82.3 a 95.0% de los abscesos según los años; la resistencia a oxacilina de las cepas de SA superó el 60%. Las cepas aisladas de SA meticilino resistentes (SAMR) fueron sensibles a eritromicina clindamicina, gentamicina, rifampicina, ciprofloxacina y trimetroprima-sulfametoxasol en diferentes porcentajes según los años. Requirieron drenaje el 100% de los casos; en 60% el tratamiento empírico inicial fue inadecuado. Continuaron amamantando 90% de las madres. Estos datos enfatizan la necesidad de prevenir los factores de riesgo: grietas del pezón e ingurgitación mamaria. La modificación del tratamiento antibiótico inicial requiere el estudio bacteriológico de las infecciones de piel y partes blandas dado que la prevalencia de SAMR no es uniforme y varía en diferentes poblaciones y ubicaciones geográficas.

Mastitis and breast abscess in lactating women are risk factors for early breastfeeding cessation. This pathology is included in the group of skin and soft tissue infections. A descriptive study was performed with an advanced outlook. As of January 2007 through December 2011 a total of 137 breast abscesses were treated in our institution. We analyzed incidence, parity, postpartum days, risk factors, microbiological isolation and the adequacy of initial antibiotic treatment. In that period we observed a steady and significant increase in breast abscesses. Incidence from 0.19 to 0.84% in lactating women 2007 vs. 2011 p = 0.0001 IC 95% (-0.009; 0.003), 70.6% of them primiparous and a mean interval from delivery to breast abscess of 41.9 ± 35.8 days. The most frequent risk factors were sore nipples and breast engorgement. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 82.3 to 95.0%. Methicillin resistance was higher than 60%. These strains were susceptible to erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamicin, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazol. All the cases were surgically drained; the initial empirical treatment was inadequate in 60% of them, 90% of patients could maintain breast feeding after the procedure. In conclusion: these data emphasize the need to prevent risk factors associated to breast abscesses: sore nipples and breast engorgement. In order to determine the adequate antibiotic treatment, bacteriological studies are required at every collection because SAMR prevalence varies according to diverse populations and geographic location.

Serum Zn levels and Cu/Zn ratios worsen in hemodialysis patients, implying increased cardiovascular risk: a 2-year longitudinal study.

The objective of this study was to analyze serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in 116 hemodialysis patients (HPs) over a 2-year longitudinal study at four time points (6-month intervals). The relation exerted on these values by 26 biochemical and nutritional indexes, the age and drug consumption of the patients, and the etiology of their disease were also evaluated. A healthy control group (n = 50) was also studied. Mean serum Zn concentrations were lower (p = 0.009) and the Cu/Zn ratios higher (p = 0.009) in HPs than in controls. Serum Cu levels in HP did not differ to those of controls. At all four sampling times, the mean serum Zn levels and Cu/Zn ratios were lower and higher, respectively, in HPs than in the controls. There was a significant reduction in serum Zn levels and an increase in Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in HPs from the second to the fourth sampling. Serum Zn levels of the HPs diminish with age older than 50 years. Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in patients consuming antihypercalcemic or anti-infarction drugs, whereas serum Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratios were significantly lower in those treated with diuretics. Diminished Zn levels were negatively correlated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in HPs; however, enhanced Cu/Zn ratios were positively correlated with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Both findings indicate an increased cardiovascular risk. We conclude that this study contributes the first evidence of a correlation between marked dyslipidemia and worsened Cu/Zn ratios in HPs, implying an increased risk of diseases associated with elevated oxidative stress, inflammation, and depressed immune function, such as cardiovascular diseases.

Vital signs: improving antibiotic use among hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are essential to effectively treat many hospitalized patients. However, when antibiotics are prescribed incorrectly, they offer little benefit to patients and potentially expose them to risks for complications, including Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and antibiotic-resistant infections. Information is needed on the frequency of incorrect prescribing in hospitals and how improved prescribing will benefit patients. METHODS: A national administrative database (MarketScan Hospital Drug Database) and CDC's Emerging Infections Program (EIP) data were analyzed to assess the potential for improvement of inpatient antibiotic prescribing. Variability in days of therapy for selected antibiotics reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) antimicrobial use option was computed. The impact of reducing inpatient antibiotic exposure on incidence of CDI was modeled using data from two U.S. hospitals. RESULTS: In 2010, 55.7% of patients discharged from 323 hospitals received antibiotics during their hospitalization. EIP reviewed patients' records from 183 hospitals to describe inpatient antibiotic use; antibiotic prescribing potentially could be improved in 37.2% of the most common prescription scenarios reviewed. There were threefold differences in usage rates among 26 medical/surgical wards reporting to NHSN. Models estimate that the total direct and indirect effects from a 30% reduction in use of broad-spectrum antibiotics will result in a 26% reduction in CDI. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic prescribing for inpatients is common, and there is ample opportunity to improve use and patient safety by reducing incorrect antibiotic prescribing. Implications for Public Health: Hospital administrators and health-care providers can reduce potential harm and risk for antibiotic resistance by implementing formal programs to improve antibiotic prescribing in hospitals.