High temperature and nib acidification during cacao-controlled fermentation improve cadmium transfer from nibs to testa and the liquor's flavor.

Migration of nib Cd to the testa during fermentation can be achieved with high temperatures (> 45 °C) and low nib pH values (< 5.0) using spontaneous fermentation. However, this low pH can lead to low flavor quality. This study used three controlled temperature fermentation treatments on three cacao genotypes (CCN 51, ICS 95, and TCS 01) to test its effects on the nib pH, the migration of nib Cd to the testa, and the liquor flavor quality. All treatments were effective in reducing the total nib Cd concentration. Nevertheless, the treatment with the higher mean temperature (44.25 °C) and acidification (pH 4.66) reached the highest mean nib Cd reductions throughout fermentation, a 1.37 factor in TCS 01, promoting the development of fine-flavor cocoa sensorial notes. In unfermented beans, the Cd concentration of nibs was higher than that of the testa, and the Cd migration proceeded down the total concentration gradient. However, Cd migration was observed against the concentration gradient (testa Cd > nib Cd) from the fourth day. Cd migration could increase by extensive fermentation until the sixth day in high temperatures and probably by the adsorbent capacity of the testa. Genotype-by-treatment interactions were present for the nib Cd reduction, and a universal percentage of decrease of Cd for each genotype with fermentation cannot be expected. Selecting genotypes with highly adsorbent testa combined with controlled temperatures would help reduce the Cd concentration in the cacao raw material, improving its safety and quality.

Caracterización física y sensorial de 24 genotipos especiales de cacao Theobroma cacao

Colombia, se destaca como país productor de cacao fino y de aroma, por lo cual, resulta de gran importancia explorar las características físicas y sensoriales de la diversidad genética existente. Para el presente estudio, se seleccionaron 22 genotipos de colecciones de trabajo con atributos productivos sobresalientes y dos testigos comerciales, reconocidos por su productividad y calidad sensorial; las muestras evaluadas fueron tomadas, de acuerdo con un muestreo aleatorio simple y se realizó un proceso de poscosecha homogéneo, controlado e independiente por genotipo, para obtener muestras de cacao seco individuales. Se realizaron análisis físicos al grano de cada genotipo y se preparó licor de cacao con cada una de las muestras obtenidas. Posteriormente, se evaluó cada licor por medio del panel de evaluación sensorial entrenado, donde se identificó y cuantificó la intensidad de atributos básicos, atributos especiales y atributos adquiridos, característicos de cada muestra. La información fue analizada mediante estadística descriptiva y análisis de componentes principales, lo que permitió la identificación de tres genotipos sobresalientes por el índice de grano y el porcentaje de cascarilla. El análisis sensorial evidenció que, en diecisiete genotipos, predominaron los atributos especiales, como herbal, floral, frutal, frutos secos y dulce. Estos resultados son un aporte importante para la selección de nuevas variedades de alta productividad, con características sensoriales de interés para la comercialización, que pueden ser evaluadas en diferentes regiones, para aumentar la disponibilidad genética en futuros programas de renovación y siembra de cacao que está en expansión, en los distintos territorios del país.

Colombia stands out as a country that produces fine and aroma cocoa; therefore, it is of great importance to explore the physical and sensory characteristics of the existing genetic diversity. For the present study, 22 genotypes from working collections with outstanding productive attributes and two recognized commercial controls were selected and evaluated for its productivity and sensory quality; the evaluated samples were taken according to a simple random sampling and a homogeneous, controlled, and independent post-harvest process was carried out by genotype, to obtain individual dry cocoa samples. Physical analyzes were carried out on the grain of each genotype and cocoa liquor was prepared with each of the samples obtained. Subsequently, each liquor was evaluated by means of the trained sensory evaluation panel, where the intensity of basic attributes, special attributes and acquired attributes characteristic of each sample was identified and quantified. The information was analyzed through descriptive statistics and principal component analysis, which allowed the identification of three outstanding genotypes by the grain index, and the husk percentage. The sensory analysis showed that, in seventeen genotypes, special attributes predominated such as: herbal, floral, fruity, dried fruit and sweet. These results are an important contribution for the selection of new high productivity varieties with sensory characteristics of interest for commercialization, which can be evaluated in different regions, to increase genetic availability in future renewal and planting programs of cocoa that is expanding in the different territories of the country.

Exploring Workplace Testing with Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction SARS-CoV-2 Testing.

BACKGROUND: Molecular tests (ie, real-time polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) and antigen tests are used to detect SARS-CoV-2. RT-PCR tests are generally considered to be the standard for clinical diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 due to accuracy and reliability but can take longer to return results than antigen tests. Our aim was to examine if point-of-care (POC) testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection would provide a flexible resource to help achieve workplace safety. We compared test results and time-to-test results between a POC RT-PCR test and a send-out PCR test in a program implemented in summer 2020. RESULTS: POC testing shortened the time to results to 110 minutes in the POC setting from the 754 minutes for send-out tests. The specificity of POC RT-PCR single POC testing was 98.7% compared with send-out RT-PCR testing and was confirmed at 99.8% in a validation analysis. The sensitivity of the POC testing was 100% compared with send-out RT-PCR, although in a validation analysis, sensitivity appeared as 0% because only the 12 positive or indeterminate samples on the first analysis were retested and the majority were false-positives that were correctly ruled out. CONCLUSIONS: POC testing for SARS-CoV-2 with RT-PCR technology is possible at reduced time compared with send-out PCR testing.

Perfil sensorial de cuatro modelos de siembra de cacao en Colombia / Sensorial prof le of four cocoa sowing models in Colombia / Perfil sensorial de quatro modelos de plantio de cacau na Colombia

RESUMEN El objetivo fue el determinar las características sensoriales del licor de cacao correspondiente a cuatro modelos de siembra establecidos por Fedecacao en cuatro regiones productoras de Colombia. Evaluando las características sensoriales para establecer el perfil sensorial de los licores de cacao, correspondiente a los cuatro modelos de siembra en las cuatro regiones productoras, de acuerdo a la NTC 3929. Los modelos evaluados corresponden a los siguientes clones; Ml: Testigo CCN-51, M2: Materiales con tamaño de grano grande FSV 41 - ICS 39 - ICS - ICS 1, M3: Materiales de alta producción FSA 13 - ICS 1 - FLE 3 - TSH 565, M4: Materiales con resistencia Mo-nilia FEC 2 - CAUC 39 - ICS 95 - FLE 2. Determinando las características sensoriales del licor del cacao de los modelos establecidos; se determina las variables que indican el comportamiento de los atributos en cada licor: Se logra establecer que el Modelo 4 de resistencia a enfermedades tiene un mejor perfil sensorial con respecto a los otros tres siendo este típico de un cacao de origen trinitario y que permitirá obtener licores con alto grado de calidad.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was of determine the sensorial characteristics of the cocoa liquor corresponding for each one of the four sowing models established by Fedecacao in the four producer's regions of Colombia. Evaluating the sensorial characteristics to establish the sensorial profile of the cocoa liquor of the obtained materials on each model of sowing following the NTC 3929 characterizing each one of the models for each region. The evaluated models correspond to the following clones M1: CCN-51, M2: Materials with a big grain size. FSV 41- ICS 39 - ICS 6 - ICS 1, M3: Materials with high productions. FSA 13- ICS 1- FLE 3- TSH 565, M4: Materials with Monilia resistance. FEC 2 - CAUC 39 - ICS 95 - FLE 2. Determining the sensorial characteristics of the cocoa liquor of the established models, it is determined the variables that indicate the behavior of the attributes of each liquor We established the sensorial profile of the four models succeeding in establishing that the model number four of sickness resistance has a better sensorial profile comparing with the other three being this typical of a cocoa with a trinitary origin and that will permit obtain liquors with high quality.

RESUMO O objetivo foi determinar as características sensoriais do licor de cacau correspondentes a quatro modelos de semeadura estabelecidos pela Fedecacao em quatro regiões produtoras da Colombia. Avaliar as características sensoriais para estabelecer o perfil sensorial do licor de cacau, o que corresponde aos produtores quatro modelos de sementes quatro regiões, de acordo com o CNT 3929. Os modelos clones testados correspondem ao seguinte; M1: Testemunha CCN-51, M2: materiais com grão grande tamanho FSV 41 - ICS 39 - ICS - ICS 1 m3: Materiais de alta produção FSA 13 - ICS 1 - FLE 3 - TSH 565, M4: Materiais resistentes Monilia FEC 2 - CAUC 39 - ICS 95 - FLE 2. Determinação das características sensoriais do licor de cacau dos modelos estabelecidos; as variáveis que indicam o comportamento dos atributos em cada licor são determinadas. É possível estabelecer que o modelo 4 resistência a doenças tem melhor perfil sensorial em comparação com as outras três sendo este típico de uma origem de cacau trinitarista e que vai produzir licores com alta qualidade.

La ingeniería del software y su aplicación en el análisis de indicadores de repetitividad y reproducibilidad de jueces, en el proceso de evaluación del perfil sensorial del licor de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)

Esta investigación tuvo como finalidad determinar indicadores de repetitividad, y reproducibilidad, entre grupos de jueces y jueces en forma individual, en procesos de evaluación del perfil sensorial del licor del cacao, con la implementación de un aplicativo, usando técnicas de ingeniería del software. Para lo anterior se realizó un estudio descriptivo y de investigación aplicada iniciando con la gestión de conocimiento, en el área de la evaluación sensorial del cacao, para la adaptación de un método de entrada y procesamiento de datos, en módulos de software, cuyos resultados de los indicadores mencionados, producto de dos sesiones realizadas, se compararon contra tablas t-student para verificar la existencia o no de diferencias significativas. Como resultado de la investigación, se comprobó que el entrenamiento aplicado a los jueces fue adecuado y que los juicios establecidos, en el proyecto de evaluación de modelos de siembra, son confiables y se garantiza que existe un grado de repetitividad para cada juez y de reproducibilidad entre jueces con un error para ambos, del 0.05%. Se pudo verificar que el uso de técnicas de gestión de conocimiento y de ingeniería del software, en eventos de análisis de indicadores en el proceso de evaluación del perfil sensorial del licor de cacao (Theobroma cacao L), garantizan la optimización de procedimientos relacionados con la recolección y procesamiento de datos y con la salida y validación de resultados.

This research had like principal objective to determine the indicators of repeatability and reproducibility between the groups of judges and the judges alone, on processes of evaluation of sensorial profile of the cocoa liquor with the use of an app using software engineering techniques. For this purpose, a descriptive study and an applied research was carried out starting with the knowledge management, in the area of sensorial evaluation of the cocoa, for the adaptation of a method of input and data processing, in software modules, whose outputs of mentioned indicators, result of two sessions performed, were compared against t-student tables to verify the existence or not of significant differences. As a result of the investigation, it was proved that the training of the judges was suitable and the established judgments on the project of evaluation of sowing models are trustable, and it is guaranteed that exists a repeatability degree for each judge and a reproducibility between judges with an error of 0,05% for both. It was verified with the use of knowledge management techniques and Software Engineering, in events of analysis of indicators on the process of evaluation of Sensorial Profile of Cocoa liquor (Theobroma cacao L), guarantee the optimization of procedures related with the collection and processing data and with the output and validation of results.

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo determinar indicadores de repetitividade e reprodutibilidade entre grupos de juízes e juízes individualmente na avaliação processa perfil sensorial de licor de cacau, com a implementação de uma aplicação, utilizando técnicas de engenharia de software. Para o que precede, um estudo descritivo e pesquisa aplicada começando com a gestão de conhecimento na área da avaliação sensorial de cacau, para adaptar um método de entrada e processamento de dados em módulos de software, os resultados destes indicadores, produto de duas sessões realizadas, foram comparados com tabelas t-student para verificar a existência de diferenças significativas. Como resultado da investigação, verificou-se que o treinamento aplicado aos juízes foi adequada e que os ensaios estabelecidos no projecto de modelos de avaliação de plantio são de confiança e garante que há um grau de repetitividade para cada juiz e reprodutibilidade entre os juízes com um erro, para ambos 0,05%. Verificou-se que o uso de técnicas de gestão de conhecimento e engenharia de software, análise de eventos de indicadores na avaliação do perfil sensorial de licor de cacau (Theobroma cacao L), garantem a otimização dos procedimentos relativos à A recolha e processamento de dados e resultados de saída e validação.

Conformación de un panel de jueces en entrenamiento para el análisis sensorial de licores de cacao obtenidos de diferentes modelos de siembra

La evaluación sensorial es una disciplina de la ciencia de los alimentos que permite establecer el grado de aceptación o rechazo de un alimento por parte de los consumidores, soportado en la conformación y entrenamiento de grupos de jueces para el análisis sensorial. El objetivo principal es entrenar jueces en la evaluación sensorial de licores de cacao, contando con personal técnico de la Federación Nacional de Cacaoteros, productores y pequeños empresarios del municipio de San Vicente de Chucurí (Santander). Se realizó la selección de 18 candidatos, mediante una encuesta que permite conocer aspectos generales de salud, disponibilidad, interés, motivación y gusto por el producto. El entrenamiento se llevó a cabo en sesiones presenciales, inicialmente hubo pruebas de identificación de sabores básicos, olores y colores. Se evaluó la capacidad de los candidatos con la aplicación de pruebas de pares, dúo-trío y triangular con muestras problema. Una vez seleccionados se procedió al entrenamiento específico en aromas y sabores que se presentán en el cacao, en lo que respecta a su intensidad, calidad y calificación global, y del mismo modo, las posibles intensidades de defectos presentes, Finalmente, se comprobó el entrenamiento con la aplicación del análisis de varianza y diferencias mínimas significativas con un nivel de confianza del 0,05% para tener un grupo de jueces en entrenamiento con habilidades y competencias en el análisis de licores de cacao.

Sensorial evaluation is a discipline of the food science that allows establishes the degree of acceptance or rejection of a food by consumers, enduring in the conformation and training of a group of judges for the sensorial analysis. The principal objective is training judges in the sensorial evaluation of cocoa liquors counting with technical staff of the national federation of cocoa producers and small businessmen of the township San Vicente del Chucuri (S). We performed the selection of eighteen aspirants with a poll that allow us know general aspects like health, avai-lability, interest, motivation and liking of the product. The training was developed on classroom sessions; initially we made tests of basic flavor Identification, odors and colors. We evaluated the capacity of the aspirants with the application of test in pairs, duo-threesome and triangular with problem samples. Once it was done we made the specific training on scents and flavors that are found in the cocoa, not only in the intensity or the quality but also in the global qualification, and in the same way with the possible intensities of the defects. Finally we checked the training with the application of the variance analysis and the significant minimal differences with a confident level of the 0,05% to get a group of judges trained with abilities and competences in the analysis of cocoa liquors.

Avaliação sensorial é uma disciplina da ciência dos alimentos que estabelece o grau de aceitação ou rejeição de um alimento pelos consumidores, apoiou a formação e capacitação de grupos de juízes para a análise sensorial. O objetivo principal é capacitar juízes na avaliação sensorial de licor de cacau, com a equipe técnica da Federação Nacional de Cacau, produtores e empresas de pequeno porte no município de San Vicente de Chucurí (Santander). a selecção de 18 candidatos foi realizada através de uma pesquisa que permite conhecer os aspectos gerais da saúde, disponibilidade, interesse, motivação e paixão para o produto. O treinamento foi realizado em sessões, inicialmente, não havia provas de identificação dos sabores básicos, cheiros e cores. Foi avaliada a capacidade dos candidatos aplicação de testes de pares, duo-trio e triangular com amostras de teste. Uma vez selecionado procedeu à formação específica em aromas e sabores que estão presentes no cacau, no que diz respeito à sua intensidade, qualidade e classificação geral, e da mesma forma, possíveis intensidades de defeitos presentes, por fim, o treinamento foi encontrado com a aplicação de análise de variância e as diferenças menos significativas com um nível de confiança de 0,05% de ter um grupo de juízes em treinamento de habilidades e competências na análise de licor de cacau.

Mortality in patients undergoing open aortoiliac surgery: prognostic value of troponin T in the immediate postoperative period.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing open aortoiliac surgery constitute a high-risk subgroup. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between postoperative troponin T (TnT) elevation with the associated postoperative mortality, and mean hospital stay. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of consecutive patients who underwent open aortoiliac surgery during 2006. TnT levels in the first 72 hours after the operation, immediate mortality, postoperative care unit stay, and total postoperative hospital stay were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed with the program SPSS 14.0; the chi-square test (or the Fisher's exact test) was used for qualitative variables and the Mann-Whitney test for quantitative variables. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients included in the study, postoperative TnT was elevated in 14 (21.5%) patients. No significant differences were found in age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, bronchopathy, or renal failure between groups. Mortality in patients with elevated TnT levels was significantly higher (42% compared with 3.92%; relative risk 10.93 +/- 0.76; p = 0.001). Likewise, their mean postoperative intensive care unit stay was significantly greater (23.21 +/- 6.96 days compared to 2.86 +/- 1.96; p < 0.001). This finding resulted in a significantly longer postoperative hospital stay (32.57 +/- 25.38 days compared with 12.47 +/- 2.21). CONCLUSION: TnT level in the immediate postoperative period is a highly relevant indicator of prognosis in patients undergoing major vascular surgery.