Lecithins: A comprehensive review of their properties and their use in formulating microemulsions.

Lecithins are a phospholipid-rich mixture recovered from the degumming process of crude vegetable oils. Since the nineteenth century, this by-product of oil processing has been used as a food and pharmaceutical ingredient. Lecithins' popularity as an ingredient in the pharmaceutical and food industries arises from their particular properties, such as their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, critical micellar concentration, and assembly properties. However, there is limited knowledge of the use of lecithins to formulate pharmaceutical- and food-grade microemulsions. Unlike conventional emulsions, microemulsions are thermodynamically stable systems that offer long-term stability. Besides, microemulsions show nano-sized droplets, transparency, ease of preparation and scale-up, and do not require expensive equipment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of lecithins, their properties, and their use in formulating microemulsions, a promising method to incorporate, protect, and deliver bioactive compounds in pharmaceutical and food products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lecithins are a phospholipid-rich mixture recovered from the degumming process of crude vegetable oils. Since the nineteenth century, this by-product of oil processing has been used as a food ingredient. Lecithin phospholipids are commonly used as emulsifier agents in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of their particular properties. However, there is limited knowledge of the use of lecithins to formulate pharmaceutical- or food-grade microemulsions. Unlike conventional emulsions, microemulsions are stable systems that offer long-term stability, nano-sized droplets, transparency, ease of preparation and scale-up, and do not require expensive equipment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of lecithins, their properties, and their use in formulating microemulsions, a promising method to incorporate, protect, and deliver bioactive compounds such as vitamins, flavors, antioxidants, nutrients, colors, antimicrobials, and polyphenols.

Crystallization of Lactose-Protein Solutions in the Presence of Flavonoids.

Lactose is commonly crystallized in the presence of whey proteins, forming co-crystals of lactose and proteins. This work hypothesized that flavonoids such as rutin or epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) could be incorporated into the lactose and protein co-crystal structure since flavonoids may interact with both lactose and proteins. The interactions between whey proteins and flavonoids were first studied. Then, lactose-protein solutions were crystallized with and without flavonoids, measuring the kinetic parameters of crystallization and characterizing the resulting crystals. The incorporation of flavonoids in lactose-protein co-crystals depended on the hydrophilic nature of flavonoids. The hydrophilic EGCG was scarcely enclosed in the crystal lattice of lactose and avoided the inclusion of whey proteins in the crystals. In contrast, the less water-soluble rutin interacted with whey proteins and lactose, leading to the formation of co-crystals containing lactose, protein, and a large concentration of rutin (3.468 ± 0.392 mg per 100 mg of crystals).

Familia, escuela y comunidad en relación a la violencia escolar en secundaria: Revisión sistemática / Family, school and neighborhood associated with middle school violence: Systematic review / Família, escola e comunidade em relação à violência escolar na escola secundária: Revisão sistemática

RESUMEN El objetivo fue dar a conocer los estudios que se han realizado desde el 2014 al 2019, donde se relacionan variables contextúales del estudiante de secundaria con la violencia escolar. Las bases de datos seleccionadas fueron SCOPUS, EBSCOhost y SciELO; se utilizaron términos afines al contexto familiar escolar y comunitario; se aplicaron filtros para acotar la búsqueda en acuerdo con los criterios de inclusión refiriendo a investigaciones arbitradas con diseño cuantitativo, causales, transversales en inglés o español en disciplinas de ciencias sociales. Resultaron 32 artículos que reflejan las variables de comunicación parental, clima escolar, exposición de violencia y apego a la comunidad, como las más relevantes para explicar violencia escolar Se concluyó en el consenso del modelo ecológico de Bronfenbrenner para involucrar conceptos de diferentes niveles factoriales de la violencia escolar ya que no se suele analizar elementos de los diversos contextos de manera conjunta. También se optó por realizar modelos causales que permitan predecir o identificar factores de riesgo y protección, incluyendo aspectos de comunidad. Por último, resalta la importancia de examinar al observador y aquellas variables que impulsan a defender a la víctima.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this review was to publicize the studies that have been carried out from 2014 to 2019 where contextual variables of the high school student are related to school violence. The selected databases were SCOPUS, EBSCOhost and SciELO where terms related to the family school and community context were used. Filters were applied to narrow the search according to the inclusion criteria referring to arbitrated research with a quantitative, causal, transversal design in English or Spanish in social science disciplines. 32 articles were found that showed that the most relevant variables to explain school violence were parental communication, school climate, exposure of violence and attachment to the community. It was concluded in the consensus of the Bronfenbrenner ecological model to involve concepts of different factorial levels of school violence, since elements from different contexts are not usually analyzed together: Also, is necessary to make causal models including community aspects that allows predict and identify risk and protector factors. Lastly, the importance of examining the bystander and those variables that drive to defend the victim.

RESUMO O objetivo era divulgar os estudos que foram realizados de 2014 a 2019, onde as variáveis contextuais do aluno do ensino médio estão relacionadas à violência escolar As bases de dados selecionadas foram SCOPUS, EBSCOhost e SciELO; foram utilizados termos relacionados ao contexto familiar escolar e comunitário; filtros foram aplicados para restringir a pesquisa de acordo com os critérios de inclusão referentes à pesquisa de referência com design quantitativo, causal, transversal em inglês ou espanhol em disciplinas de ciências sociais. Foram encontrados 32 artigos que refletem as variáveis de comunicação dos pais, clima escolar exposição à violência e apego à comunidade como os mais relevantes para explicar a violência escolar O consenso do modelo ecológico de Bronfenbrenner foi alcançado para envolver conceitos de diferentes níveis fatoriais de violência escolar uma vez que elementos de diferentes contextos não são geralmente analisados em conjunto. Também foi decidido desenvolver modelos causais que permitam prever ou identificar fatores de risco e proteção, incluindo aspectos da comunidade. Finalmente, destaca a importância de examinar o observador e aquelas variáveis que impulsionam a defesa da vítima.

Mutarotation and solubility of lactose as affected by carrageenans.

It has been reported that polysaccharides like carrageenan can change the crystallization of lactose. However, it is still unclear whether changes in lactose mutarotation, solubility, and super-solubility are involved in carrageenans' effect on lactose crystallization. It has been established that the conversion of α- to ß-lactose forms (mutarotation) in an aqueous solution has a significant impact on lactose crystallization. Similarly, lactose solubility changes lead to changes in the metastable zone (MZ), a region between the solubility and super-solubility of lactose. The width of this MZ determines the temperature drop necessary to induce lactose nucleation. This work aimed to study the effect of carrageenans on lactose mutarotation and solubility. For this purpose, lactose solutions were added with ι and κ- carrageenan at two concentrations: 50 and 100 mg L-1. Optical rotation measurements estimated the proportion of ß/α isomers in lactose solutions. Besides, solubility and super- solubility was determined to build the MZ. The presence of carrageenans changed both the time to reach the mutarotation balance and the proportion of ß/α isomers at mutarotation equilibrium. Carrageenans decreased the solubility of lactose in a range of temperatures between 10 and 60 °C and reduced the metastable zone width (MZW).

Growth and macronutrient absorption in 'Sabará' jabuticaba genotypes cultivated in nutrient solution / Crescimento e marcha de absorção de macronutrientes em genótipos de jabuticaba 'Sabará' cultivados em solução nutritiva

The knowledge about growth and nutrient accumulation can help improve fertilizer efficiency in the production of jabuticaba seedlings, which is still carried out in an empirical way. This study aimed at determining the growth and macronutrient uptake in 'Sabará' jabuticaba genotypes grown in nutrient solution. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in split plots, with four replications. In the main plots three jabuticaba genotypes (J001, J005 and J012) were cultivated in nutrient solution and six evaluation periods (at 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days) in the sub-plots were evaluated. Plant height, root length, stem diameter, leaf area index and dry matter (root, stem and leaves) in each period were evaluated. The accumulation of macronutrients in different plant organs was determined, as well as the accumulation of nutrients as a function of time adjusted to the linear model. The results showed that the cultivation in nutrient solution was efficient in the production of Sabará jabuticabeira seedlings. There was no difference in macronutrient growth and absorption among jabuticaba genotypes grown in nutrient solution. 'Sabará' jabuticaba plants accumulated (in mg plant-1) 559 of N, 45 of P, 443 of K, 363 of Ca, 59 of Mg and 82 of S. The distribution of macronutrient accumulations in jabuticaba showed the following order: leaves > stem > roots.

O conhecimento sobre o crescimento e o acúmulo de nutrientes poderá contribuir para a melhoria da eficiência da adubação na produção de mudas de jabuticabeira, que ainda é realizada de forma empírica. Neste estudo, objetivou-se determinar o crescimento e a marcha de absorção de macronutrientes em genótipos de jabuticabeira Sabará cultivados em solução nutritiva. O experimento conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. Nas parcelas principais, foram utilizados três genótipos de jabuticabeira (J001, J002 e J003) e, nas subparcelas, foram avaliados seis períodos de avaliação (aos 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 e 360 dias). Avaliou-se altura das plantas, comprimento das raízes, diâmetro do caule, índice de área foliar e matéria seca (raiz, caule, folhas) em cada período. Foi determinado o acúmulo de macronutrientes nos diferentes órgãos das plantas, bem como, o acúmulo de nutrientes em função do tempo ajustado ao modelo linear. Os resultados demonstraram que o cultivo em solução nutritiva foi eficiente na produção de mudas de jabuticabeira Sabará. Não houve diferença no crescimento e absorção de macronutrientes entre os genótipos de jabuticaba cultivados em solução nutritiva. As plantas de jabuticaba 'Sabará' acumularam (em mg planta-1) 559 de N, 45 de P, 443 de K, 363 de Ca, 59 de Mg e 82 de S. A distribuição das acumulações de macronutrientes na jabuticaba mostrou a seguinte ordem: folhas > caule> raízes.

Validación y confiabilidad de una escala para medir violencia docente en Sonora, México / Validation and Reliability of a Scale to Measure Teacher Violence in Sonora, México / Validação e confiabilidade de uma escada para medir violência docente em Sonora, México

Resumen Objetivo. Validar una escala a través de la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem, que proporcione información acerca de las conductas violentas que emplean los maestros contra los alumnos, según la percepción de estos, identificando el tipo de violencia emitida. Método. Se seleccionaron 1536 estudiantes de 14 escuelas secundarias de zonas vulnerables en siete localidades del Estado de Sonora (México). Los tres grados de este nivel fueron partícipes del estudio. Se utilizó la Escala de Violencia Docente tipo Likert para medir el tipo de agresión, y el Indicador General de Violencia (IGV) para obtener una visión general de violencia. Resultados. Se aplicó el modelo de Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem y el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) para obtener información acerca de la percepción de los alumnos de secundaria sobre los diferentes tipos de violencia de los docentes. Se obtuvieron cuatro dimensiones: violencia física, humillación, sexual y burla, con un alfa de Cronbach de 0.87, 0.82, 0.85 y 0.85, respectivamente; varianza total explicada de 46.42 %, e índices de bondad de ajuste de CMIN/DF: 3.08, CFI: 0.92, RMSEA: 0.05, SRMR: 0.04, GFI: 0.89 y AIC: 1369. Conclusión. La Escala de Violencia Docente resultó en un modelo de cuatro dimensiones, válido y confiable, para estudiantes de secundaria preadolescentes, en zonas de riesgo de violencia intrafamiliar.

Abstract Objective. To validate a scale through the Theory of Response to the Item that provides information about the violent behaviors that teachers use against students according to the perception of those identifying the type of violence. Method. 1536 students from 14 secondary schools in vulnerable areas in seven localities of the State of Sonora, the three grades from this level participated. The Scale of Teaching Violence, a Likert type scale, was used to measure aggression type and the General Violence Indicator (IGV) to get an overview of violence. Results. The model of Item Response Theory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to obtain information about the perception that secondary school students have about the different types of teacher violence. Four dimensions were obtained (physical violence, humiliation, sexual and mockery) with Cronbach's alpha of 0.87, 0.82, 0.85 and 0.85, respectively, total explained variance of 46.42 % and goodness-of-fit indexes of CMIN / DF: 3.08, CFI: 0.92, RMSEA: 0.05, SRMR: 0.04, GFI: 0.89 and AIC: 1369. Conclusion. The teacher violence scale resulted in a four-dimensional model, valid and reliable, for pre-adolescent secondary school students, from areas at risk of intrafamiliar violence.

Resumo Escopo. Validar uma escada a través da Teoria de Resposta ao Item, que forneça informação sobre as condutas violentas que empregam os mestres contra os alunos, segundo a percepção de estes, identificando o tipo de violência emitida. Metodologia. Foram selecionados 1536 estudantes de 14 escolas secundarias de zonas vulneráveis em sete localidades do Estado de sonora (México). Os três grados de este nível foram partícipes do estudo. Foi utilizada a Escada de Violência Docente tipo Likert para medir o tipo de agressão, e o indicador Geral de violência (IGV) para obter uma visão geral de violência. Resultados. Foi aplicado o modelo de Teoria de Resposta ao Item e a Análises fatorial Confirmatória (AFC) para obter informação sobre a percepção dos alunos de secundaria sobre os diferentes tipos de violência dos docentes. Foram obtidas quatro dimensões: violência física, humilhação, sexual e burla, com um alfa de Cronbach de 0.87, 0.82, 0.85 e 0.5, respetivamente; variação total explicada de 46.42%, e índices de bondade de ajuste de CMIN/DF: 3.08, CFI: 0.92, RMSEA: 0.05, SRMR: 0.04, GFI:0.89 e AIC: 1369. Conclusão. A Escada de Violência Docente resultou num modelo de quatro dimensões, válido e confiável, para estudantes de secundaria pré-adolescentes, em zonas de risco de violência intrafamiliar.

Inhibitory effect of saccharides and phenolic compounds from maize silks on intestinal α-glucosidases.

Maize silks have been used in Mexico for centuries as a natural-based treatment for various illnesses, including obesity and diabetes. It has been shown in mice that intake of maize silk extracts reduces the levels of blood glucose. However, it is not clear how or what maize silk compounds are involved in such an effect. A hypothesized mechanism is that some maize silk compounds can inhibit carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes like α-glucosidases. This work aimed to assess the capability of both saccharides and phenolic compounds from maize silks to inhibit intestinal α-glucosidases. Results showed that saccharides from maize silks did not produce inhibition on intestinal α-glucosidases, but phenolics did. Maize silk phenolics increased the value of Km significantly and decreased the Vmax slightly, indicating a mixed inhibition of α-glucosidases. According to the molecular docking analysis, the phenolics maysin, methoxymaysin, and apimaysin, which had the highest predicted binding energies, could be responsible for the inhibition of α-glucosidases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported in 2017 that diabetes affects over 424 million people worldwide, and caused 4 million deaths. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for ∼90% of cases. T2DM is characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic ß-cell failure. Therapy for T2DM includes the use of sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, biguanides, and α-glucosidase inhibitors. Regarding the α-glucosidase inhibitors, only few are commercially available, and these have been associated with severe gastrointestinal side effects. This work aimed to assess the capability of both saccharides and phenolic compounds from maize silks to inhibit intestinal α-glucosidases. Results from this work evidenced that maize silk polyphenols acted as effective inhibitors of intestinal rat α-glucosidases. Computational analysis of maize silk polyphenols indicated that maysin, a particular flavonoid from maize silks, could be responsible for the inhibition of α-glucosidases.

Proteolysis and Rheological Properties of Cream Cheese Made with a Plant-Derived Coagulant from Solanum elaeagnifolium.

Cream cheese is a fresh acid-curd cheese with pH values of 4.5⁻4.8. Some manufacturers add a small volume of rennet at the beginning of milk fermentation to improve the texture of the cream cheese. However, there is no information about the effect that proteases other than chymosin-like plant-derived proteases may have on cream cheese manufacture. This work aimed to describe some proteolytic features of the protease extracted from fruits of Solanum elaeagnifolium Cavanilles and to assess the impact that this plant coagulant has on the viscoelastic properties of cream cheeses. Results showed that caseins were not hydrolyzed extensively by this plant-derived coagulant. In consequence, the ratio of milk clotting units (U) to proteolytic activity (U-Tyr) was higher (1184.4 U/U-Tyr) than reported for other plant proteases. The plant coagulant modified neither yield nor composition of cream cheeses, but viscoelastic properties did. Cream cheeses made with chymosin had a loss tangent value (tan δ = 0.257) higher than observed in cheeses made with 0.8 mL of plant-derived coagulant per liter (tan δ = 0.239). It is likely that casein fragments released by the plant-derived coagulant improve the interaction of protein during the formation of acid curds, leading to an increase in the viscoelastic properties of cream cheese.

Individual and combined effect of pH and whey proteins on lactose crystallization.

Lactose is recovered by crystallization from cheese whey that is a by-product of cheesemaking. The whey used for the recovery of lactose usually has a residual content of protein that alters the crystallization of lactose. In addition, the pH of whey may fluctuate depending on the cheese variety. However, there is little information on how the pH modifies the effect that whey proteins have on lactose crystallization. Accordingly, this work aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effect of whey proteins and pH on the kinetics of crystallization, the crystal size distribution and the crystallinity of lactose. The addition of whey proteins in lactose solutions (25% v/v) modified the process of lactose crystallization. However, the effect that whey proteins had on lactose crystallization heavily depended on the pH. The number of crystals per milliliter as well as the growth and size distribution of crystals was the most affected with the changes in pH (pHs of 7, 5.5 and 4) and the addition of whey proteins (0 and 0.63%). All the treatment produced mostly α-lactose monohydrated but some treatments also generated crystals of ß-lactose (pH 5.5, 0% of proteins). Amorphous lactose was observed mainly in lactose solutions adjusted at pH 7 and added with whey proteins. This particular treatment also incorporated the highest amount of protein into the lattice of lactose crystals. The results of this work highlight the importance of controlling the pH of lactose crystallization, especially if there is a presence of whey proteins.

Niñez y crianza en una zona rural tseltal en Altos de Chiapas* / Childhood and child-rearing in a Tzeltal indigenous rural area in Los Altos de Chiapas / A infancia na zona rural indígena tseltal em Altos de Chiapas

Resumen (descriptivo): Estudio de enfoque cualitativo de corte fenomenológico sobre las características de las prácticas y estilos de crianza de madres con niños y niñas de 1 a 6 años de edad, en una zona de Oxchuc, Chiapas, México, hablantes de la lengua tseltal. Seleccionamos 20 mujeres de la comunidad y les hicimos entrevistas semiestructuradas y observación participante. Los resultados indican un papel preponderante del chulel en el desarrollo infantil. El trabajo y el mundo ritual son referentes para los procesos de enseñanza de la niñez. Resaltamos la importancia de observar los juegos e interacciones sociales sin establecer condiciones adultas en lo lúdico. Castigan física y verbalmente la falta de respeto y el desobedecimiento de instrucciones. Proponemos un modelo conceptual alternativo para describir los procesos de crianza en esta zona indígena.

Abstract (descriptive): This paper describes a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach that investigates the characteristics of the parenting practices and styles of mothers with children aged 1-6 years in an area of Oxchuc, Chiapas, Mexico, who speak the Tzeltal language. 20 women were selected from the community and were the subjects of semi-structured interviews and participant observation. The results indicate the important role of chulel (souls or spirits) in child development. Work and the world of rituals are reference points for the education of children. The researchers observed the importance of children's games and social interactions without adults setting the rules. Lack of respect for others and not knowing how to follow instructions is physically and verbally punished. An alternative conceptual model is proposed to describe the child-rearing processes in this indigenous region.

Resumo (descriptivo): Trata-se de um estudo de enfoque qualitativo de corte fenomenológico sobre as características das práticas e estilos de criação de mães com crianças de 1 a 6 anos de idade, na zona de Oxchuc, Chiapas, México, falantes da língua tseltal. Foram selecionadas 20 mulheres da comunidade, com as quais foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas e observação participante. Os resultados indicam um papel preponderante do chulel no desenvolvimento infantil. Ressalta-se a importância de se observar os jogos e interações sociais sem se estabelecer condições dos adultos no lúdico. Foram observados castigos físicos e verbais pela a falta de respeito e seguimento das instruções. É proposto um modelo conceitual alternativo para descrever os processos de educação (criação) dos filhos nesta zona indígena.

Improving Cull Cow Meat Quality Using Vacuum Impregnation.

Boneless strip loins from mature cows (50 to 70 months of age) were vacuum impregnated (VI) with an isotonic solution (IS) of sodium chloride. This study sought to determine the vacuum impregnation and microstructural properties of meat from cull cows. The experiments were conducted by varying the pressure, p 1 (20.3, 71.1 kPa), and time, t 1 (0.5, 2.0, 4.0 h), of impregnation. After the VI step, the meat was kept for a time, t 2 (0.0, 0.5, 2.0, 4.0 h), in the IS under atmospheric pressure. The microstructural changes, impregnation, deformation, and porosity of the meat were measured in all the treatments. Impregnation and deformation levels in terms of volume fractions of the initial sample at the end of the vacuum step and the VI processes were calculated according to the mathematical model for deformation-relaxation and hydrodynamic mechanisms. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the microstructure of the vacuum-impregnated meat samples. Results showed that both the vacuum and atmospheric pressures generated a positive impregnation and deformation. The highest values of impregnation X (10.5%) and deformation γ (9.3%) were obtained at p 1 of 71.1 kPa and t 1 of 4.0 h. The sample effective porosity ( ε e ) exhibited a significant interaction (p < 0.01) between p 1 × t 1 . The highest ε e (14.0%) was achieved at p 1 of 20.3 kPa and t 1 of 4.0 h, whereas the most extended distension of meat fibers (98 μm) was observed at the highest levels of p1, t1, and t2. These results indicate that meat from mature cows can undergo a vacuum-wetting process successfully, with an IS of sodium chloride to improve its quality.

Ultrasound-assisted crystallization of lactose in the presence of whey proteins and κ-carrageenan.

The conventional process of lactose crystallization is prolonged, hardly controllable and the crystals have low quality. In this work, the effect of ultrasound on the crystallization of lactose in an aqueous system was assessed. Additionally, it was studied how the presence of whey proteins (which are a common impurity) and κ-carrageenan (that possess high water-binding capacity) could modify the process of lactose crystallization. Lactose solutions at 25% were sonicated in a continuous flow chamber at two different energy densities (9 and 50 J mL-1) before the start of crystallization. Some of these lactose solutions were previously added with κ-carrageenan (0, 150 and 300 mg L-1), with whey proteins (0.64%) or with both at the same time. Ultrasound sped up the rate of crystallization, decreased the crystal's size and narrowed the crystal size distribution (CSD). The presence of whey proteins accelerated the process of crystallization but induced the formation of amorphous lactose. Likewise, the rate of lactose crystallization was improved by the addition of 150 mg L-1 of carrageenan. Whereas, the combination of carrageenan and whey proteins generated the smallest crystals (6 µm), the narrowest CSD and minimized the formation of amorphous lactose.

Factors Associated with the Quality of Transient Elastography.

BACKGROUND: Transient elastography is a noninvasive method for the evaluation of fibrosis in chronic liver disease. However, its reliability is variable, and the factors associated with its accuracy have not been identified completely. AIMS: To identify the factors associated with the reliability of transient elastography. METHODS: A total of 2033 transient elastography measurements were taken from March 2009 to October 2013. Reliability was determined according to the interquartile range/median (IQR/M < 0.30 = reliable; IQR/M < 0.10 = very reliable). Other indicators such as the percentage of successful measurements (>60 %), time of performance, and probe size were recorded. Potential factors that could affect the reliability of the procedure were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Slightly less than 5 % of the measurements were unsuccessful, and 83 % of the successful measurements were found to be reliable. Factors associated with an unsuccessful measurement were female gender, incorrect probe size, and the presence of HCV infection. Unreliable measurements were associated with use of the procedure as part of a clinical study and success rate. Very reliable evaluations were associated with >10 measurements, the presence of chronic hepatic disease, and a success rate of >60 %. CONCLUSIONS: The operator and clinical and anthropometric characteristics are factors that influence the success and reliability of transient elastography. Improvements in the quality of the procedure are needed to provide better diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.

Victimización, clima familiar y el manejo de la culpa-vergüenza en el acoso escolar / Victimization, family environment and the management of the blame-shame on bullying

El presente trabajo se propuso determinar en qué medida los antecedentes de victimización, el manejo de la vergüenza-culpa y el clima familiar diferencian al estudiantado con y sin conductas de acoso hacia los pares. Se identificaron como agresores a 132 estudiantes de secundarias que reportaban un promedio de tres o más conductas agresivas hacia los pares, y se tomó del resto una muestra aleatoria de similar tamaño. Mediante una regresión logística se encontró que las variables estudiadas diferencian de forma significa a los grupos de estudiantes con y sin conductas agresivas hacia los pares (R2 igual .58), y que la victimización (OR igual 10.76), el desplazamiento de la vergüenza (OR igual 1.99) y el conflicto familiar (OR igual 1.51) aumentan la probabilidad de pertenecer al grupo de agresores, mientras el reconocimiento (OR igual 0.62) y la convivencia familiar (OR igual 0.60) disminuyen esta probabilidad. Se concluye que es necesario analizar el acoso escolar desde un marco de referencia ecológico que considere variables ubicadas en los contextos en los que interactúan los individuos.

This work aimed to determine to what extent a history of victimization, handling shame-guilt and family climate differentiate students with and without harassing behavior toward peers. 132 students were identified as aggressors and reported an average of three or more aggressive behavior toward peers. A random sample of similarsize was taken to complete the final number of participants. Using logistic regression, variables studied pointed significant difference between groups of students with and without aggressive behavior toward peers (R2 same .58). Victimization (OR same 10.76), shame displacement (OR same 1.99) and family conflict (OR same 1.51) increase the probability of belonging to the group of assailants while recognition (OR same 0.62) and family life (OR same 0.60)decrease this probability. It is concluded that is necessary to analyze bullying from an ecological frame work considering variables located in the contexts where individuals interact.

¿Sería útil la depuración de los trastornos mentales comunes en pacientes hiperfrecuentadores de servicios de salud en cuidado primario? / Would the screening of common mental disorders in primary-care health services hyper-frequent patients be useful?

La hiperfrecuentación de servicios de salud constituye un problema para los pacientes, la familia y las instituciones. Este trabajo busca determinar la frecuencia y las características de los trastornos mentales comunes en pacientes hiperfrecuentadores de servicios que acudieron con síntomas y signos imprecisos a una institución prestadora de servicios de cuidado primario en la ciudad de Cali (Colombia) en 2007. Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Mediante una encuesta telefónica, que incluyó varios módulos del instrumento PRIME MD, se detectaron los trastornos mentales más frecuentes en pacientes hiperfrecuentadores. Resultado: Los hiperfrecuentadores de servicios son, en general, mujeres laboralmente activas, con edad promedio de 38,7 años. Acuden fundamentalmente por cefalea, pero tienen una alta prevalencia de trastornos mentales comunes (somatización, depresión y ansiedad), que no son fácilmente diagnosticados por los médicos en cuidado primario. Los valores monetarios de las actividades adicionales en salud que generan estos pacientes se atribuyen fundamentalmente a las consultas médicas y a los procedimientos que se les realizan. Conclusión: Considerar a los híper frecuentadores de servicios de salud como un grupo de riesgo para trastornos mentales comunes plantea su tamización como una estrategia eficiente para evitar el abuso de servicios y mejorar la satisfacción con la atención recibida...

Hyper-frequentation in health services is a problem for patients, their families and the institutions. This study is aimed at determining the frequency and characteristics of common mental disorders in hyper-frequent patients showing vague symptoms and signs at a primary healthcare service during the year 2007 in the city of Cali (Colombia). Methodology: Cross sectional. The most frequent mental disorders in hyper-frequent patients were detected through a telephone interview which included several modules of the PRIME MD instrument. Results: In general, healthcare service hyper-frequenters are working women, 38,7-year old in average. Basically, the consultation is due to cephalalgia but they also exhibit a high prevalence of common mental disorders (somatization, depression and anxiety) not easily diagnosed by physicians in primary care. Expenses for additional health activities generated by these patients are attributed basically to medical consultation and required procedures. Conclusion: Considering hyper-frequenters in health care services as a risk group in terms of common mental disorders involves screening as an efficient strategy to prevent abuse in service use and to improve satisfaction with the attention received...

Prevalencia de trastornos mentales en una población que demanda servicios de salud en una IPS de baja complejidad y su asociación con la ideación suicida y la discapacidad percibida / Prevalence of mental disorders in a population requesting health services at a primary health care center and its association with suicidal ideation and perceived disability

Objetivo: conocer los trastornos mentales más frecuentes y el impacto en la percepción de discapacidad e ideación suicida en una Institución prestadora de servicios de salud de baja complejidad en Cali. Metodología: se realizó un estudio transversal con 254 pacientes a los que se les aplicó el instrumento prime-md. En el análisis se utilizó estadística descriptiva para determinar los trastornos más frecuentes y un análisis múltiple por regresiones logística y de Poisson con varianza robusta para determinar la influencia de los trastornos mentales en la discapacidad e ideación suicida. Resultados: la mayoría de los pacientes eran del sexo femenino, adultos jóvenes y maduros. La depresión estuvo presente en 66.8% de los casos, seguido del trastorno de somatización y la ansiedad. Casi la mitad de los pacientes habían tenido ideas suicidas alguna vez en la vida y 3 de cada 4 refirieron algún tipo de discapacidad. Después de ajustar por covariables, los trastornos ansiosos-depresivos mostraron una alta asociación con la ideación suicida y la discapacidad percibida, que es sobrestimada por la regresión logística. Conclusión: la depresión y la ansiedad son los trastornos mas frecuentes y tienen una alta asociación con la ideación suicida y la discapacidad y es por esto necesario realizar tamizaciones en la atención del adulto en servicios de baja complejidad. Se recomienda considerar el uso de la regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta en los estudios transversales en los servicios de salud.

OBJECTIVE: this study's goal was to determine the most prevalent mental disorders and the impact on the perception of disability and suicidal ideation among the population from a primary health care center in the city of Cali.METHODOLOGY: a cross sectional study was conducted on 254 patients who were screened with the PRIME–MD instrument. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis to determine the most frequent disorders. Similarly, a multiple analysis with logistic and Poisson regressions using robust variance was conducted to determine the influence of mental disorders on disability and suicidal ideation.RESULTS: most patients were female, young, and mature adults. Depression was present in 66,8% of all cases, followed by somatization disorder and anxiety. Half of the patients had had suicidal ideations at some point in their lives, and three out of four patients claimed to suffer from some kind of disability. Upon adjusting for the covariables, depression and anxiety disorders had a strong association with suicidal ideation and perceived disability that was overestimated by the logistic regression.CONCLUSION: depression and anxiety were the most common disorders and showed a strong association with suicidal ideation and disability. This is why it is necessary to screen for those disorders among adults using primary health care services. Likewise, we suggest considering Poisson regression with robust variance in cross–sectional studies in health services.

[Would the Screening of Common Mental Disorders in Primary-Care Health Services Hyper-Frequent Patients Be Useful?]. / ¿Sería útil la depuración de los trastornos mentales comunes en pacientes hiperfrecuentadores de servicios de salud en cuidado primario?

UNLABELLED: Hyper-frequentation in health services is a problem for patients, their families and the institutions. This study is aimed at determining the frequency and characteristics of common mental disorders in hyper-frequent patients showing vague symptoms and signs at a primary healthcare service during the year 2007 in the city of Cali (Colombia). METHODOLOGY: Cross sectional. The most frequent mental disorders in hyper-frequent patients were detected through a telephone interview which included several modules of the PRIME MD instrument. RESULTS: In general, healthcare service hyper-frequenters are working women, 38,7-year old in average. Basically, the consultation is due to cephalalgia but they also exhibit a high prevalence of common mental disorders (somatization, depression and anxiety) not easily diagnosed by physicians in primary care. Expenses for additional health activities generated by these patients are attributed basically to medical consultation and required procedures. CONCLUSION: Considering hyper-frequenters in health care services as a risk group in terms of common mental disorders involves screening as an efficient strategy to prevent abuse in service use and to improve satisfaction with the attention received.

Estudo sobre a violência doméstica contra a criança em unidades básicas de saúde do município de São Paulo - Brasil / Study about domestic violence against children in primary health care units in São Paulo - Brazil

OBJETIVO: Saber como profissionais da Estratégia Saúde da Família atuam ao se deparar com situações de violência doméstica contra a criança. Método: Trata-se de estudo qualitativo de investigação, realizado por meio de entrevista do tipo semidirigido. A pesquisa desenvolveu-se na cidade de São Paulo, em cinco Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) de cinco regiões. Foram entrevistados 21 profissionais e utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo temática. RESULTADOS: A análise temática apontou quatro categorias: identificação da violência doméstica; tipos de violência doméstica; dificuldades no atendimento em situações de violência doméstica e ações profissionais diante da violência doméstica. A identificação da violência aconteceu em visitas que os profissionais realizaram na comunidade, em especial, os Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS), sendo corroborada em consulta clínica, mediante observação e exame físico da criança. Uma das ações mais presentes no discurso dos profissionais é a de encaminhamento da criança vitimizada ao Conselho Tutelar. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados refletem uma realidade da Atenção Básica em Saúde que gera angústia nos profissionais, que se sentem despreparados e desprotegidos para atender e resolver demandas de crianças vítimas por violência doméstica. Constatou-se que o Sistema Único de Saúde/Estratégia Saúde da Família (SUS/ESF) tem de avançar no atendimento dessas situações. A intersetorialidade, a integralidade e a resolutividade foram mencionadas pelos entrevistados, evidenciando lacunas geradoras de sofrimento, que precisam ser reencaminhadas aos órgãos competentes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how professionals with the Family Health Strategy act when confronted with situations of domestic violence against children. Method: This is a qualitative research. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews performed with twenty-one professionals, and thematic content analysis was used. The research was developed in the city of São Paulo, in five primary health care units located in five regions. RESULTS: The analysis pointed to four thematic categories: identification of domestic violence; types of domestic violence; assistance difficulties in domestic violence situations; and professionals' actions in domestic violence situations. Identification happens during visits made by professionals in the community, particularly the Community Health Agents, and is corroborated in clinical consultations through observation and physical examination of the child. One of the most present actions in the professionals' discourse is referring the victimized child to the Guardianship Council. CONCLUSIONS: The results reflect a reality within Primary Health Care that generates anguish in the professionals as they feel unprotected and unprepared to assist and solve demands of children who are victims of domestic violence. It was verified that Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS - National Health System) / Family Health Strategy has to advance in response to these situations. Intersectoriality, integrality and problem-solving capacity were present in the interviewees' discourse, showing that there are gaps that generate suffering and need to be re-conducted to the competent agencies.

Ultrasound-enhanced mass transfer in Halal compared with non-Halal chicken.

BACKGROUND: Halal foods are often perceived as wholesome products that are specially selected and processed to achieve the highest standards of quality. In this study, dye penetration from an aqueous solution of methylene blue (1 mol L(-1)) was used as a model for the marination process of Halal and non-Halal chicken breast. RESULTS: The effect of dye penetration was evaluated by three techniques: (1) the mass of methylene blue solution in the samples was quantified by mass gain, (2) the amount of dye absorbed was determined by spectroscopy and (3) the penetration distance of dye inside the samples was measured. For non-Halal meat, ultrasound increased the amount of dye inside the samples by 6 and 13% after 15 and 30 min respectively. The effect on Halal meat was much more pronounced, with an increase in dye uptake of over 60% being observed for both time periods. CONCLUSION: Dye penetration is an indication of meat permeability and so can be used as an estimate of marinading of meat. Thus the use of high-power ultrasound has potential in poultry-processing methods, in particular that of Halal chicken marination.

Prevalence of non alcoholic fatty liver disease in premenopausal, posmenopausal and polycystic ovary syndrome women. The role of estrogens.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in Western countries. Population studies have demonstrated that men and posmenopausal women have higher prevalence of NAFLD. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD in premenopausal, posmenopausal and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women. METHODS: A cross sectional study carried out at University Hospital in Mexico City from January 2009 to November 2009. One hundred ninety seven women who agreed to participate were divided into groups, comprising 93 with NAFLD and without NAFLD. Anthropometric, metabolic and biochemical variables were measured. Serum estradiol and cortisol concentrations were determined and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Of the 197 patients, 93(47.2%) had NAFLD and 104 (52.8%) did not have NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD in premenopausal, postmenopausal and PCOS patients was 32.2, 57.9, and 62%, respectively. Age, BMI, hip to waist ratio, fasting glucose, HOMA -IR, and insulin were significantly higher in NAFLD patients. Women without NAFLD had significantly higher levels of serum estradiol (100 ± 95.4) compared with NAFLD patients (55.5 ± 66.6) p = 0.001. By group with and without NAFLD: premenopausal (55.44±93.3 vs. 128.56 ± 109.22), posmenopausal (44.98 ± 51.41 vs. 42.72 ± 51.48) and PCOS women (64.9 ± 53.3 vs. 101.36 ± 80.89) had significantly different hormone profile. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that NAFLD is more prevalent in postmenopausal and women with PCOS than those premenopausal ones. The estrogens may have a protective effect of against NAFLD in women.