The Impact of Yeast Encapsulation in Wort Fermentation and Beer Flavor Profile.

The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, and consumers are increasingly searching for premium products that not only offer health benefits but a pleasant taste. A viable strategy to accomplish this is through the altering of sensory profiles through encapsulation of compounds with unique flavors. We used this approach here to examine how brewing in the presence of yeast cells encapsulated in alginate affected the sensory profile of beer wort. Initial tests were conducted for various combinations of sodium alginate and calcium chloride concentrations. Mechanical properties (i.e., breaking force and elasticity) and stability of the encapsulates were then considered to select the most reliable encapsulating formulation to conduct the corresponding alcoholic fermentations. Yeast cells were then encapsulated using 3% (w/v) alginate and 0.1 M calcium chloride as a reticulating agent. Fourteen-day fermentations with this encapsulating formulation involved a Pilsen malt-based wort and four S. cerevisiae strains, three commercially available and one locally isolated. The obtained beer was aged in an amber glass container for two weeks at 4 °C. The color, turbidity, taste, and flavor profile were measured and compared to similar commercially available products. Cell growth was monitored concurrently with fermentation, and the concentrations of ethanol, sugars, and organic acids in the samples were determined via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was observed that encapsulation caused significant differences in the sensory profile between strains, as evidenced by marked changes in the astringency, geraniol, and capric acid aroma production. Three repeated batch experiments under the same conditions revealed that cell viability and mechanical properties decreased substantially, which might limit the reusability of encapsulates. In terms of ethanol production and substrate consumption, it was also observed that encapsulation improved the performance of the locally isolated strain.

Genetic testing for inherited ocular conditions in a developing country.

Background: Inherited ocular conditions are a frequent cause of blindness. Gene therapy has encouraged the development of genetic testing, currently able to detect up to 80% of mutations in contrast to the 5% sensitivity achieved a few decades ago.Materials and methods: One hundred sixty-three patients with suspected genetic ocular disorders who were referred to a single clinician between August 2014 and August 2019 underwent a thorough ophthalmologic examination. Those diagnosed with congenital cataract, retinoblastoma, anterior segment dysgenesis, autoimmune retinal disease, posterior microphthalmia, or cobalamin C deficiency were excluded, along with patients who opted against genetic testing. Included probands were classified into a diagnostic clinical category and offered genetic testing. Blood samples were sent to foreign accredited diagnostic laboratories, followed by clinical interpretation of the results.Results: Of the 163 patients referred, 104 were enrolled in the study. Median age at disease onset was 2 years (range, 0 to 43 years). A molecular diagnosis was established at a median age of 10 years (range, 0.4 to 50 years). Disease-causing genotypes were identified in 82 of the probands, indicating a mutation detection rate of 78.8%. Mutations were identified in 38 genes, ABCA4 being the most commonly affected (23% of mutations), followed by CRB1 (13% of mutations). Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 6 patients, resulting in a definite diagnosis in 3 (50%).Conclusions: Molecular testing for inherited ocular conditions is feasible in developing countries by sending samples to certified foreign laboratories, with a mutation detection rate comparable to published values in developed countries. Further studies to identify more disease-causing genes may improve the overall sensitivity.

Outcome and prognosis of pediatric patients with delayed diagnosis of open-globe injuries.

PURPOSE: Open-globe injuries in children can present in a delayed fashion, potentially increasing the risk of endophthalmitis and delaying surgical intervention. This article presents the outcome of pediatric patients with delayed diagnosis of open-globe injuries for 24 hours or more. METHODS: The study was a retrospective observational case series of patients who presented with open-globe injuries diagnosed 24 hours or more after the injury between July 2002 and March 2007. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included in the study. The average age at presentation was 5.8 +/- 2.8 years; average follow-up was 11.5 +/- 14.5 months. Mean time of presentation after injury was 9.2 +/- 16.0 days. The most common chief complaints were chronic red eye (7 of 13 patients), eye pain (5 of 13 patients), and decreased vision (4 of 13 patients). All patients had self-sealing corneal wounds; 8 of 13 patients had a visually significant traumatic cataract. One patient had sympathetic ophthalmia. Initial visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 10 patients, and final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 6 patients. No patient had endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Open-globe injuries, especially self-sealing corneal wounds, can present in a delayed fashion in children or may be missed if obvious findings, such as subconjunctival hemorrhage or prolapsed iris tissue, are not present. Pediatricians should be educated that they should maintain a high level of suspicion in the setting of chronic unilateral red eye, decreased visual acuity, or abnormal red reflex.

Esotropia surgery in children with Down syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate postoperative alignment in children with and without Down syndrome after surgical correction of esotropia. METHODS: The medical records of consecutive patients with Down syndrome who underwent corrective surgery for esotropia between August 1992 and July 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Age range for eligibility was between 8 months and 17 years at surgery. The control group comprised randomly selected, age-matched patients without Down syndrome who underwent the same surgical procedure. Postoperative alignment within 10(Δ) of orthotropia at 6 months' follow-up and at the final postoperative visit was considered a successful outcome. RESULTS: A total of 17 children with Down syndrome and 27 control subjects were included. The control group and Down syndrome group did not differ significantly in either postoperative follow-up (5.2 ± 3.2 versus 5.6 ± 5.2 years, respectively) or magnitude of deviation before surgery (40 ± 18.2(Δ) versus 39 ± 12.8(Δ), respectively). Surgical success was achieved in 76% of patients with Down syndrome and in 85% of control patients at 6 months' follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient cohort, good surgical outcomes were achieved in children with esotropia and Down syndrome compared with those with esotropia but without Down syndrome using the same surgical technique.

Frequent Evaluation To Improve Compliance In Patients Treated With Occlusion For Amblyopia: A Randomized controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of occlusion treatment for amblyopia are well established.True compliance can be difficult to assess and is usually based on patient history. We hypothesize that more visits to the physician provides more chances to improve compliance. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, comparative, blind trial in which 30 children with amblyopia were randomly assigned to be followed up more frequently (every 4 to 6 weeks) (study group) or as established on our standard regular basis (month intervals based on age in years) (control group). The primary outcome was to study differences in treatment compliance between these groups. The secondary outcome was to report compliance in a group of Chilean children and to compare survey results with adherence, to assess concordance between them. RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics were similar in the two groups. 30 patients were recruited. Mean compliance for all patients was 82%. Study group compliance was 83% versus 76% in control group (p = 0.5). Without epidemiology, intention to treat analysis (ITT), study group compliance was 97% compared to 76% in control group (p = 0.049). Pearson correlation between negative responses to a parental survey after treatment, of the percentage of adherence and compliance, was -0.57 and statistically significant (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in patient compliance comparing more frequent evaluation versus a follow up evaluation based in an age according scheme. There is a high compliance to occlusion therapy in this group of Chilean children. If parents reported more negative adherence aspects in the survey, the worse the compliance.

Association between thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin levels and ocular findings in pediatric patients with Graves disease.

PURPOSE: Graves ophthalmopathy and Graves disease may be caused by the same autoimmune process. An explanation for this may be the presence of autoantibodies reacting with an autoantigen in the orbit and the thyroid gland, like the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor. The purpose of this study was to see if initial levels of TSH receptor antibodies, known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), in pediatric patients with Graves disease were associated with the development of Graves ophthalmopathy during the follow-up period. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all the patients at Texas Children's Hospital with a new diagnosis of Graves disease between the years 2000 and 2006, who had TSI titers obtained at the time of diagnosis. The ocular findings during the follow-up period were analyzed in relation to the TSI levels. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included (36 female, 13 male). The mean age was 11.3 +/- 4.1 years. Fifty-three percent developed Graves ophthalmopathy during the follow-up period (24.6 +/- 37.6 months). Thirty-two (65%) of the 49 children had positive TSI levels at the time of diagnosis, and 22 (69%) of them developed Graves ophthalmopathy. Only 4 (24%) of the 17 children with normal or indeterminate TSI levels developed Graves ophthalmopathy. A significant association between elevated initial TSI levels and Graves ophthalmopathy was found (chi(2) = 6.94, P = .029). The most frequent ocular findings were mild proptosis (44%), exposure keratitis (4%), lid lag (2%), and motility deficits (2%). CONCLUSION: A positive association exists between elevated initial levels of TSI and the development of Graves ophthalmopathy in children with Graves disease.

Effects of betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine drugs on the inflammatory neoangiogenesis response induced by polyurethane sponge implanted in mouse.

In this study, we showed the effect of the betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine alone or combined, on the inflammatory angiogenesis promoted by polyurethane sponge on mice. The main finding reported here is that the formation of new blood vessels was strongly inhibited by low concentration of betamethasone, sulindac or quinacrine, whether alone or in combination. It is known that steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the enzymes required for the production of prostaglandins through a nuclear glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediated mechanism. This mechanism may occur in endothelial cells as well. Considering that activity of cyclo-oxigenases 1 and 2 is inhibited by sulindac, and that these enzymes are located in the stromal tissue, we propose that the anti-angiogenic effect of these agents may occur via inhibition of both COX isoforms. On the other hand, quinacrine inhibited PLA2 activity, and we propose here that the anti-angiogenic effect occurs via inhibition of the enzyme PLA2. The potentiated effect of the association of betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine may have some therapeutic benefit in the control of pathological angiogenesis. Further studies are required to validate these propositions.

Embarazo heterotópico: reporte de un caso / Heterotopico pregnancy: report of a case

El embarazo heterotópico ocurre cuando la implantación de dos o más óvulos fecundados se da simultáneamente en sitios distintos intra y extrauterino o extrauterinos. La tasa de mortalidad fetal es de un 65 por ciento a 95 por ciento y la mortalidad materna es menor al 1 por ciento. Como factores de riesgo reconocidos están las técnicas de reproducción asistida, la enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria, antecedentes de embarazo ectópico previo y cirugía tubárica previa. Se describe aquí el caso de un embarazo heterotópico espontáneo en una paciente de 22 años que presentó a las 10 semanas más 3 días de amenorrea, cuadro abdominal agudo, encontrándose gestación intrauterina y masa anexial izquierda. La vista ultrasonográfica reveló la presencia de embarazo intra y extrauterino, la video laparoscopía y el reporte patológico de los restos placentarios y el legrado, confirmaron el diagnóstico previo. Tres aspectos importantes de esta patología son: su baja incidencia, el ultrasonido como una importante arma diagnóstica y que el tratamiento es quirúrgico.

The heterotopic pregnancy occurs when the implantation of two or more fertilizel ovum are implanted simultaneously intra and extra uterine or both extra uterine. The fetal mortality rate is between 65% to 95% and the maternal mortality rate is less than 1%. The main risk factors are asisted reproduction techniques, pelvic infl ammatory disease, previous ectopic pregnancy and previous tubal surgery. In this study we describe one case of heterotopic pregnancy without risk factors, in a twenty two years old. She was 10. 3 weeks of gestation, with an acute pelvic pain. The ultrasound showed one incomplete intra uterine pregnancy and a left tubal pregnancy. The video laparoscopy and the pathology report confirmed the diagnosis. Three important aspects from this pathology are: the low incidence, the ultrasound as an important tool and the defi nite surgical treatment.

Enfermedad de Addison en un niño con adrenoleucodistrofia ligada al cromosoma X / Primary adrenal failure associated to X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: report of one case

Primary adrenal failure (PAF) can be congenital or acquired. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD-X), produced by the mutation of the ABDC1 gene (Xq28), that leads to the plasma accumulation of very long chain fatty acids, is one of the congenital diseases associated to adrenal destruction. We report a 7 years old boy with fast progression of right strabismus and general symptoms as weariness, weakness and mucosal and skin pigmentation. A brain magnetic resonance image showed a leukoencephalopathy, characteristic of ALD-X. Low plasma cortisol, high ACTH levels and lack of response to ACTH test, confirmed the diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency. High plasma levels of C26:0 fatty acids, and C24/22, C26/22 ratios confirmed ALD-X.

Effects of betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine drugs on the inflammatory neoangiogenesis response induced by polyurethane sponge implanted in mouse

In this study, we showed the effect of the betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine alone or combined, on the inflammatory angiogenesis promoted by polyurethane sponge on mice. The main finding reported here is that the formation of new blood vessels was strongly inhibited by low concentration of betamethasone, sulindac or quinacrine, whether alone or in combination. It is known that steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the enzymes required for the production of prostaglandins through a nuclear glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediated mechanism. This mechanism may occur in endothelial cells as well. Considering that activity of cyclo-oxigenases 1 and 2 is inhibited by sulindac, and that these enzymes are located in the stromal tissue, we propose that the anti-angiogenic effect of these agents may occur via inhibition of both COX isoforms. On the other hand, quinacrine inhibited PLA2 activity, and we propose here that the anti-angiogenic effect occurs via inhibition of the enzyme PLA2. The potentiated effect of the association of betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine may have some therapeutic benefit in the control of pathological angiogenesis. Further studies are required to validate these propositions

Traumatismo abdominal: técnicas diagnósticas ultrasonográficas / Abdominal trauma: ultrasonographic diagnosis

Hay factores que son fundamentales en el manejo del niño traumatizado y en su pronóstico. Algunos de llos son: el estado general y hemodinámico del niño, su edad, el mecanismo y la severidad del traumatismo, la infraestructura médica disponible, los métodos de diagnóstico por imágenes y la experiencia del equipo médico. La determinación exacta de la extensión y gravedad del traumatismo es esencial para el tratamiento y pronóstico del niño y es en este sentido donde los métodos de diagnóstico por imágenes pueden jugar un papel muy importante. Especialmente, si se considera la tendencia actual al tratamiento médico de las lesiones de víscera sólida, donde el impacto clínico de los métodos de imágenes es mayor y la información que éstos aportan influye en la duración de la hospitalización, en la indicación del reposo, en el tiempo y necesidad de seguimiento clínico del paciente

Effect of cholinergic agonists on muscular tonus of the lizard small intestine and esophagus

The underlying mechanisms of acetycholine-induced intestinal relaxation in the lizard Liolaemus tenuis tenuis are still unknows. By using a classical model of intestinal recording of isometric contraction and relaxation in conjunction with specific pharmacological tools, this article studies the possible influence of EDRF/NO and nicotinic ganglionar receptors on the Ach-induced relaxation in an effort to elucidate the probable mechanisms involved in ACh effect. It was observed that the relaxation of the lizard intestine elicited by ACh (10(-7) - 4 x 10(-4) M) was not affected by hexametonium (5 x 10(4) M) or tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M). Nicotine (10(-7) to 10(-4) M) induced relaxation was significantly antagonized by hexametonium; however, it was not influenced by tetrodotoxin. These results allow us to discard a neuronal pathway in cholinergic-induced relaxation, suggesting a more direct cholinergic effect on the smooth muscle, perhaps mediated by an unknown substance released by some specialized tissue. N-nitro-L-arginine, used to block NO-synthase and NO production, induced no changes in ACh-induced relaxation. Methylene blue, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, induced no changes in ACh-induced relaxation. These results allow us to dicard a probable role of EDRF/nitric oxide in the ACh-induced relaxation of lizard small intestine, providing evidence that this mechanism could be different from reported on other species.