Effect of humectants and Zygosaccharomyces bailii inoculation on the physical stability of oil-in-water emulsions modeling salad dressings.

BACKGROUND: Salad dressing formulations include a pH within 3.2-4.1, salt and other solutes to depress water activity. The interaction between hydrocolloids and other components such as humectants determines their physical and microbiological stability. To our knowledge, the effect of commonly used solutes on physical stability and rheological characteristics of oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by xanthan gum has not been reported, and neither has the effect of a spoilage yeast on physical stability been evaluated. RESULTS: The effect of different humectants (sodium chloride, glucose and xylitol) and Zygosaccharomyces bailii inoculation on the stability of oil-in-water emulsions containing different levels of xanthan gum to emulate different types of salad dressings was investigated by means of droplet size, zeta potential, rheological measurements and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Generally, the addition of humectants strengthened the weak or strong emulsion structure, especially xylitol. Glucose or xylitol acted as stabilizers since they decreased Sauter and De Broucker diameter. On the contrary, NaCl destabilized the emulsions since it increased droplet size and exhibited the lowest absolute values of zeta potential. Inoculation with Z. bailii destabilized some emulsions since it increased Sauter and De Broucker diameter. Emulsion droplet size, polydispersity, and xanthan gum and yeast location were confirmed by CLSM imaging. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the key role of humectants and xanthan gum level on physical characteristics and stability of oil-in-water emulsions. Addition of xylitol leads to an enhancement in emulsion rheology and physical stability, suggesting that it is a potential low-calorie multifunctional additive for salad dressings. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lemongrass and cinnamon oil nanoemulsions: Formulation and study of their physical stability and activity against Zygosaccharomyces bailii.

The optimal conditions for elaborating oil/water nanoemulsions of lemongrass (LG), cinnamon bark (CB) and cinnamon leaves (CL) essential oils and their antimicrobial activity against Zygosaccharomyces bailii at pH 4.00 were studied. The effect of the emulsification methodology on the physical stability and antimicrobial activity of the nanoemulsions were also evaluated. Furthermore, the sensory impact of nanoemulsions added to an apple juice was tested. LG and CL nanoemulsions were elaborated by ultrasonication and CB nanoemulsion, by high-speed homogenization. They were stable for at least 120 days at 25 °C. They exhibited antimicrobial activity against Z. bailii being CB the most effective since it showed the smallest MIC value (156.3 mg/l), followed by LG (468.8 mg/l) and CL (1250.0 mg/l). A slight increase in growth rate was observed due to ultrasonication. An additive interaction in relation to the inhibitory effect between LG and CB nanoemulsions against Z. bailii was observed. While nanoemulsions obtained would be used as natural antimicrobial agents in food and beverage products, only LG nanoemulsion at MIC concentration diluted was acceptable in juice showing the sensory impact of essential oils on foods.

Optical and structural properties of the Fe3+-doped Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ garnet phosphor.

A novel series of Lu3Al5-x Fe x O12:Ce3+ (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.45) garnets were obtained by the solid-state reaction method at 1200 °C. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Fe3+ doping allowed obtaining pure-phase materials at temperatures and times below those reported up to now. On the other hand, the materials reached an improved blue absorption and a tunable emission from green to orange. These optical properties are attributable to a red-shift phenomenon due to an increase of the crystal field splitting in the Ce3+ energy-levels. Moreover, the obtained phosphors exhibited a high quantum yield (55-67%), excellent thermal photoluminescence stability (up to 200 °C), and high color conversion, making the obtained phosphors promising candidates for w-LEDs.

Modelling growth/no growth interface of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces as a function of natamycin, xanthan gum and sodium chloride concentrations.

Probabilistic microbial modelling using logistic regression was used to predict the growth/no growth (G/NG) interfaces of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces as a function of natamycin, xanthan gum (XG) and sodium chloride concentrations. The growth was assessed colorimetrically by using 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride and 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone as detection reagents. The logistic regression model successfully predicted G/NG probability. The detection reagents used allowed the evaluation of G/NG interfaces in opaque systems with an excellent agreement with the plate count method. Natamycin concentration of 12 mg/L was needed to inhibit Z. bailii growth independently of the presence of XG and/or NaCl. Addition of 3.00 and 6.00% of NaCl exerted an antagonistic effect on natamycin action. Furthermore, addition of 0.25 and 0.50% XG decreased natamycin and/or NaCl action. However, an increased in XG concentration to 1.00% decreased yeast growth. Mentioned results highlighted the importance of the correct selection of stress factors applied to inhibit Z. bailii growth.

Data supporting the growth/no growth interface of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces.

This article contains experimental data, images and methods for the growth/no growth interface of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces. Mentioned data are related to the research article "Modeling growth/no growth interface of Zygosaccharomyces bailii in simulated acid sauces as a function of natamycin, xanthan gum and sodium chloride concentrations" (Zalazar et al., 2018) [1]. The growth was assessed colorimetrically by using 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride and 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone as detection reagents. Furthermore, yeast growth was confirmed by plate count.

Neuroprotective effect of epidermal growth factor in experimental acrylamide neuropathy: an electrophysiological approach.

The neuroprotective effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been documented in different contexts, but its potential benefits in peripheral neuropathies have been little studied. We investigated the neuroprotective action of EGF in experimental neuropathy induced by acrylamide (ACR). Mice and rats were treated chronically with acrylamide for 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Concurrently they received EGF in daily doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg in mice and 3 mg/kg in rats, or saline (PBS). ACR severely affected the neurological score, the muscle strength, and the muscle potential M, in mice, as well as F-waves (F-Wii), sensory potentials (SPii), and apomorphine-induced penile erection, in rats. EGF reduced the ACR effects in both species. A dose-dependent effect of EGF was manifested in the proportion of diseased animals at the end of treatments, as well as in the reduction of M amplitude throughout the treatment. F-Wii parameters were less protected by EGF than SP. The results show a protective effect of EGF in acrylamide-induced neuropathy and support previous studies concerning the neuroprotective action of this peptide.

Data on the physical characterization of oil in water emulsions.

This article contains experimental data and images for the physical characterization of oil in water emulsions. Mentioned data are related to the research article "Effect of stabilizers, oil level and structure on the growth of Zygosaccharomyces bailii and on physical stability of model systems simulating acid sauces" (A.L. Zalazar, M.F. Gliemmo, C.A. Campos, 2016) [1]. Physical characterization of emulsions was performed through the evaluation of Span and Specific Surface Area (SSA) determined by light scattering using a Mastersizer. Furthermore, microscopy images were recorded by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The latter are presented to collaborate in the analysis of emulsion microstructure.

Neuroprotective effect of epidermal growth factor plus growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 resembles hypothermia in experimental stroke.

BACKGROUND: Combined therapy with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) in stroke models has accumulated evidence of neuroprotective effects from several studies, but needs further support before clinical translation. Comparing EGF + GHRP-6 to hypothermia, a gold neuroprotection standard, may contribute to this purpose. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare the neuroprotective effects of a combined therapy based on EGF + GHRP-6 with hypothermia in animal models of (a) global ischemia representing myocardial infarction and (b) focal brain ischemia representing ischemic stroke. METHODS: (a) Global ischemia was induced in Mongolian gerbils by a 15-min occlusion of both carotid arteries, followed by reperfusion. (b) Focal brain ischemia was achieved by intracerebral injection of endothelin 1 in Wistar rats. In each experiment, three ischemic treatment groups - vehicle, EGF + GHRP-6, and hypothermia - were compared to each other and to a sham-operated control group. End points were survival, neurological scores, and infarct volume. RESULTS: (a) In global ischemia, neurological score at 48-72 h, infarct volume, and neuronal density of hippocampal CA1 zone in gerbils treated with EGF + GHRP-6 were similar to the hypothermia-treated group. (b) In focal ischemia, the neurologic score and infarct volume of rats receiving EGF + GHRP-6 were also similar to animals in the hypothermia group. DISCUSSION: With hypothermia being a good standard neuroprotectant reference, these results provide additional proof of principle for EGF and GHRP-6 co-administration as a potentially neuroprotective stroke therapy.

Effect of stabilizers, oil level and structure on the growth of Zygosaccharomyces bailii and on physical stability of model systems simulating acid sauces.

The effect of xanthan gum, guar gum, oil and the structure promoted by these compounds on the growth of Zygosaccharomyces bailii and on physical stability of emulsified systems simulating acid sauces was studied. Furthermore, the effect of yeast growth on physical stability of emulsions was also evaluated. Yeast growth was evaluated by plate count and modeled by the modified Gompertz equation. Emulsions characteristics and their stability were determined by droplet size, zeta potential and rheological measurements. The latter was also used to evaluate structure's effect on yeast growth. Physical characteristics of emulsions depended on system composition. Yeasts slightly affected droplet size. Z. bailii growth was satisfactorily modeled by the modified Gompertz equation. The specific growth rate (µm) and the asymptotic value (A) obtained depended on xanthan gum, guar gum and oil content. Furthermore, the structure promoted by these compounds exerted a significant effect on growth. In general, an increase in the solid character and yield stress through the addition of xanthan gum promoted a decrease in A parameter. On the contrary, a decrease in the solid character through the addition of guar gum promoted an increase in the A parameter. The results obtained stressed that stabilizers, oil and their structuring ability play an important role on Z. bailii growth.

Carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso / Thyroglossal duct cyst with papillary carcinoma

Introduction: In about 1-2 percent of cases of thyroglossal cyst may be neoplastic changes, mostly correspond to papillary thyroid carcinoma (75-85 percent). The aim of this paper is to present 9 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst. Materials and Methods: Data were recorded retrospectively from patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst treated at Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile between 1999 2014. Results: From 142 cases operated for thyroglossal duct cyst, 9 cases of papillary cancer (6.34 percent) were recorded. The average age was 32 years. The average diameter of the lesion was 4.4 cm (SD 2.2 cm). 8 patients underwent total thyroidectomy; a simultaneous thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 3 of them. In 6 cases was added iodine therapy. In only one patient a lymph nodal dissection was performed. We do not observe any surgical complication. A solid component in preoperative ultrasonographic study is suspicious of malignancy. The average follow-up time was 85 months. There is no recurrence or mortality in this group of patients. Conclusions: Although the safest long term management is Sistrunk surgery associated with thyroidectomy and radioiodine in selected cases, these patients must be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group and thyroidectomy should be considered in high surgical volume center, in order to minimize complications.

Introducción: En alrededor de 1-2 por ciento de los casos de quiste tirogloso pueden existir cambios neoplásicos, en su mayoría corresponden a carcinoma papilar de tiroides (75-85 por ciento). El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar 9 casos de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso, en cuanto a su forma de presentación y manejo. Material y Método: Se registraron en forma retrospectiva datos de pacientes condiagnóstico de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso atendidos en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre 1999 2014. Resultados: De 142 casos de pacientes operados por quiste del conducto tirogloso, se registraron 9 casos de cáncer papilar (6,34 por ciento). El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 32 años. El diámetro promedio de la lesión fue de 4,4 cm (DS 2,2 cm). Del total, 8 pacientes fueron sometidos a tiroidectomía total, se diagnosticó cáncer de tiroides en 3 de ellos, en 6 se asoció tratamiento con radioyodo. En sólo 1 paciente se realizó una disección linfonodal. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 85 meses; a la fecha la serie no ha presentado recurrencia ni mortalidad. Conclusiones: Si bien el manejo más seguro a largo plazo es la cirugía de Sistrunk, asociado a una tiroidectomía y eventual radioyodo, la resolución quirúrgica con tiroidectomía asociada debe ser considerada cuando la morbilidad no sea mayor que el beneficio teórico.

Primer consenso venezolanode enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico / Venezuelan consensus on gastroesophageal reflux diseases

El Consenso Venezolano de Enfermedad por Reflujo Gastroesófágico (ERGE) se realizó con el objeto de proveer guías para mejorar la identificación, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de este trastorno en el país. Los coordinadores establecieron las líneas de consenso, basado en una revisión sistemática de la literatura médica de los últimos 15 años a partir de 1995. Participaron 55 miembros con el aval de sus respectivas cátedras y sociedades locales de gastroenterología. Éstos revisaron y presentaron los temas con sus niveles de evidencia y grados de recomendación para discutirlos y votarlos en una reunión plenaria. Tras un informe final de los miembros, los coordinadores prepararon las declaraciones finales. El consenso concluyó que la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico tiene una prevalencia estimada del 11,54% en Venezuela, a predominio del sexo femenino (Grado B). El diagnóstico es fundamentalmente clínico, basado en la presencia de síntomas típicos y/o atípicos, e incluso síntomas de alarma que sugieren alguna complicación (Grado B). La endoscopia es importante en la investigación de la presencia de esofagitis de reflujo y laringitis de reflujo (Grado B). Las otras pruebas diagnósticas como lo son la pHmetría esofágica de 24 horas con o sin impedancia intraluminal multicanal son importantes en los pacientes que no tienen esofagitis, tienen síntomas atípicos o cuando hay falla en la respuesta al tratamiento médico (Grado B). La radiología, manometría esofágica y el ultrasonido endoscópico no están indicados en el diagnóstico de la ERGE (Grado B). El objetivo del tratamiento es reducir la exposición ácida en el esófago y con esto: aliviar los síntomas, cicatrizar las lesiones en la mucosa esofágica, prevenir la recurrencia y las complicaciones. Los inhibidores de bomba de protones deberían ser la primera opción en el tratamiento en el síndrome de ERGE y en la esofagitis por reflujo tanto en la fase aguda como durante el mantenimiento...

The Venezuelan Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Consensus was carried out in order to provide guidelines to improve the identification, diagnosis and treatment of this illness in Venezuela.  The coordinators established the consensuslines, based on a systematic revision of the medical literature of the last 15 years starting from 1995. 55 physicians participated with the support of their respective medical schools and local societies. They revised and presented the topics with their respective evidence levels and recommendation grades to discuss and vote them in a plenary meeting. After a final report of the members, the coordinators prepared the definitive declarations. The consensus concluded that GERD prevalence in Venezuela is 11,54%, higher in women than men (Grade B). The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on the presence of typical and/or atypical symptoms and alarm symptoms that may suggest the presence of complications (Grade B). Endoscopy is important when reflux esophagitis and laryngitis are present (Grade B). Other diagnostic tests as ambulatory 24 hours pH monitoring with or without multichannel intraluminal impedance are important in patients without esophagitis, with atypical symptoms or when there is flaw in the answer to the medical treatment (Grade B). Radiology, esophageal manometry and endoscopic ultrasonography are not indicated in the diagnosis of GERD (Grade B). The objective of the treatment is to reduce the presence of acid in the esophagus and consequently: alleviate the symptoms and heal lesions in the esophagus mucosa to prevent recurrence and complications. Proton pump inhibitors should be the first option drug in the treatment of GERD syndrome andin esophagitis during the acute and the maintenance phase using standard or half dose (Grade A). So far, pokinetics are drugs with a limited use in GERD patients; they stimulate the esophagus/gastric motility...

[Translation and adaptation in the Spanish environment of the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale]. / Traducción y adaptación de la Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale al ámbito español.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study is the translation, adaptation and validation in the Spanish environment of a self-rating of mania scale, the Altman Self-Rating Scale for Mania (ASRM), to fulfill a need in our environment in the self-rating of mania. METHODS: The scale was translated, and then a back translation was done. This was sent to the author of the original scale. The scale was administered to a sample of 74 patients with bipolar disorder, divided into two groups, one formed by patients with acute mania (n=35) and the other one constituted by asymptomatic patients (n=39). Concurrently we applied the Clinician Administered Rating Scale for Mania (CARS-M) and the Numeric Evaluation Scale (NES). RESULTS: High internal consistency, high and significant correlation with the CARS-M mania sub-scale, as well as with the NES and very significant differences between the two groups in the scale score were found. The ROC curve indicates excellent adjustment of the scale, when discriminating among bipolar patients with and without manic symptoms. The factorial analysis provided a single factor that accounts for 62% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS: The Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale is shown to be a reliable and valid self-rating instrument to assess the presence and intensity of manic symptoms. It makes it possible to carry out simple and quick assessments of the patient's state, can be used for research as clinical objectives and can also be a screening instrument.

[New mood stabilizers and reproductive cycle]. / Nuevos eutimizantes y ciclo reproductivo.

INTRODUCTION: The use of new mood stabilizers in the treatment of bipolar disorder has supposed a revolution, especially due to its more favorable profile in many aspects. Nevertheless, therapeutic decisions on treatment during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period are still being debated. Since these new anticonvulsants appeared in the decade of 1990, less naturalistic experience in its use exists during these periods than with other older anticonvulsants. METHODS: A Medline and Embase search was conducted from 1970 to 2003 to review the articles published on the use of the new mood stabilizers during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and its effects on contraception. Neurology and psychiatry text chapters and abstracts of the Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (years 2001-2003) were also reviewed. RESULTS: Although some recent articles suggest that new mood stabilizers could have a smaller risk of congenital defects, and therefore could be used with smaller risks in women in fertile age, most of articles reviewed indicate that there is not enough knowledge on the safety of the new mood stabilizers in pregnancy and breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: The risks and benefits of continuing with the new mood stabilizers during pregnancy and breastfeeding must be weighed carefully, and the severity of the disease and the previous answer to treatment should be taken into account.

[Immunological rapid urease test].

Immunological rapid urease test for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection, composed of a solid-phase tip coated with monoclonal antibody against H. pylori's urease and ion-sensitive field transistor (ISFT)-based pH sensor system, was developed. The monoclonal antibody against H. pylori's urease was useful to avoid the contamination of urease activity in other bacteria. Because ISFTT had high ability to detect pH change, the sensitivity and specificity of immunological rapid urease test was significantly improved comparing with that of conventional rapid urease test. The utility of immunological rapid urease test was evaluated in some clinical studies.

[Familiar Munchausen syndrome: an unusual presentation]. / Síndrome de Munchausen familiar: una presentación inusual.

Munchausen syndrome is a subtype included in factitious disorders in which somatic signs and symptoms predominate. The patient self-inflicts damage with the only objective of assuming a <

[Bipolar disorder: helping the treatment]. / Trastorno bipolar: ayudando al tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: [corrected] Psychoeducation programs for bipolar patients try to give them a theoretical and practical system to understand and cope with the consequences of this disorder. The published studies reviewed support the idea that patients included in this therapeutic approach present higher treatment compliance. METHODOLOGY: The purpose of our study is to specify the benefits of the psychoeducation programs, comparing the degree of knowledge of the illness (Measured by means of the Understanding Mood Disorder Questionnaire Gavazzi et al, 1997, Spanish version of Livianos and Rojo, 1998) of 10 patients included in our program with that of another 10 patients who attended the same lithium clinic, but were not included in the psychoeducation program. RESULTS: There are statistically significant differences in the total of the scale as well as on the mania scale and known facts, but no differences on the depression scale. CONCLUSION: The results allow us to stress the impact of the psychoeducation programs on the knowledge of illness.

The relationship between consumption of antimicrobial agents and the prevalence of primary Helicobacter pylori resistance.

BACKGROUND: Primary and acquired resistance to the antimicrobial agents is a primary reason for the failure of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies. We assessed the primary antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori to three different antibiotics and its relationship due to the annual antibiotic consumption in Japan during the period prior to approval of anti-H. pylori therapy in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the agar dilution method for clarithromycin, amoxicillin and metronidazole. Isolates were considered resistant when the MIC value was > 8 mg/l for metronidazole, > 1 mg/l for clarithromycin and < 0.5 mg/l for amoxicillin. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori isolates were obtained from 593 Japanese patients from 1995 to 2000. Primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin was found in 11%, 9% and 0.3% strains, respectively. The proportion with clarithromycin resistance significantly increased from 7% in 1997-98 to 15.2% in 1999-2000 (p =.003). During the same period the metronidazole resistance rate also increased from 6.6% in 1997-98 to 12% in 1999-2000 (p =.02). The prevalence of clarithromycin and metronidazole was related to the annual consumption of these antimicrobial agents. CONCLUSION: Resistance rates for both clarithromycin and metronidazole appear to reflect the annual consumption of these agents. The high rate of clarithromycin resistance in Japan suggests that the effectiveness of clarithromycin-based therapies may be compromised in the near future.

[The Spanish version of the Manchester Nurse Rating Scales]. / La Escala de Manía de Manchester: su adaptación a nuestro medio.

INTRODUCTION: There is no Nursing-staff Mania Rating Scale adapted to the Spanish language. The present work is the result of the adaptation we have carried out. METHODOLOGY: The scale has been translated and the back-translation compared with the original version. It has been applied on 670 occasions to a sample of 59 patients. Simultaneously the patients were rated with the Manic Interpersonal Interaction Scale, two versions of the Visual Analogue Scale and the Numeric Rating Scale. RESULTS: The coefficient Alpha of Cronbach is 0.94. The interrater's correlation coefficient for the total of the scale is 0.84. The factorial analysis gives a single factor that explains 65% of the variance. The Area under the ROC Curve is 0,87. CONCLUSIONS: The scale shows excellent psychometric properties, with great homogeneity of the scale items and good discriminate properties between bipolar patient and those affected by other psychoses.

The role of stress in the onset of depressive disorders. A controlled study in a Spanish clinical sample.

BACKGROUND: We conducted the present study to evaluate the impact of stressful events on the onset of depressive disorders in a Spanish clinical sample, compared to a control group matched for age, sex, civil status and social class. We compared our results with those of other studies carried out with samples that were both clinically and culturally similar to ours. METHOD: Fifty depressed patients that were diagnosed with a depressive episode in the 6 months prior to the interview and 50 healthy controls were included in the study. Both groups were compared on the "Life Events and Difficulties Schedule" (LEDS). RESULTS: Of the depressive patients, 68 % compared to only 18 % of the control individuals experienced at least one provoking agent in the 12 months prior to the onset of the symptoms. The risk of developing a depressive disorder was 9.7 % greater in subjects exposed to such provoking agents. Chronic difficulties are equally important to the genesis of depressive disorders as severe life events. No significant differences were seen between the two diagnostic subgroups of depressed patients in the accumulation of severe events, major difficulties or provoking agents. CONCLUSION: The results support the view that stress is a major factor in the aetiology of depressive disorders. The amount of stress suffered by the patients, however, was less than that found in our healthy sample. Important issues about the model of interaction between stress and depression are discussed.