Extensive extradural pneumorrhachis related to obstetric analgesia.

Iatrogenic extradural pneumorrhachis is a rare clinical entity, but anesthesiologists should be aware of this possibility when using the air technique for the identification of epidural space. Although in most published cases extradural pneumorrhachis is asymptomatic, relevant neurological consequences have been described, such as meningeal irritation, radicular pain, unilateral lower extremity weakness, cauda equina syndrome, paraplegia, and tetraplegia.We describe a very extensive extradural pneumorrachis (T9-S1), related to obstetric analgesia, in a patient with severe and atypical perineal pain after forceps-assisted delivery. Our aim is to synthesize and organize the available scientific evidence, analyzing preventive measures and summarizing the most appropriate diagnostic, follow-up and therapeutic techniques for symptomatic conditions, among which high concentrations of inspired oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and percutaneous or surgical decompression have been described.

Can physiological stimulation prior to ileostomy closure reduce postoperative ileus? A prospective multicenter pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ileostomy closure following preoperative physiological stimulation (PPS) on postoperative ileus (POI) in patients with loop ileostomy after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent ileostomy closure between January 2017 and February 2020 in two tertiary referral centers were prospectively included. PPS stimulation was compared to standard treatment. Stimulation was carried out daily during the 15 days prior to ileostomy closure by the patient's self-instillation of 200 ml of fecal contents from the ileostomy bag via the efferent loop, using a rectal catheter. Standard treatment (ST) consisted of observation. Outcomes measures were POI, morbidity, stimulation feasibility, and predictors to ileus. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were included [42 males and 16 females, median age 67 (43-85) years]. PPS was used in 24 patients, who completed the entire stimulation process, and ST in 34 patients. No differences in preoperative factors were found between the two groups. POI was significantly lower in the PPS group (4.2%) vs the ST group (32.4%); p < 0.01, OR: 0.05 (CI 95% 0.01-0.65). The PPS group had a shorter time to restoration of bowel function (1 day vs 3 days) p = 0.02 and a shorter time to tolerance of liquids (1 day vs 2 days), p = 0.04. Age (p = 0.01), open approach at index surgery, p = 0.03, adjuvant capecitabine (p = 0.01). and previous abdominal surgeries (p = 0.02) were associated with POI in the multivariate analysis. C-reactive-protein values on the 3rd (p = 0.02) and 5th (p < 0.01) postoperative day were also associated with POI. CONCLUSIONS: PPS for patients who underwent ileostomy closure after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is feasible and might reduce POI.

Airborne ultrasonic application on hot air-drying of pork liver. Intensification of moisture transport and impact on protein solubility.

Nowadays, there is increasing interest in developing strategies for the efficient and sustainable use of animal by-products, such as pork liver. In order to stabilize the product, a prior dehydration stage may be required due to its high perishability. The water removal process of pork liver is energy costly and time consuming, which justifies its intensification using novel technologies. In this sense, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of the airborne application of power ultrasound on the hot air-drying of pork liver. For that purpose, drying experiments were carried out at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C on pork liver cylinders at 2 m·s-1 with (US) and without ultrasonic application (AIR). The drying process was modeled from the diffusion theory and, in the dried pork liver, the protein solubility was analyzed in order to determine the effect of drying on the protein quality. The ultrasound application increased the drying rate, shortening the drying time by up to 40% at 30 °C. The effect of power ultrasound at high temperatures (60 and 70 °C) was of lesser magnitude. Drying at 70 °C involved a noticeable reduction in the protein solubility for dried liver, while the impact of ultrasound application on the solubility was not significant (p > 0.05).

Resource recovery of lignocellulosic biomass waste into lactic acid - Trends to sustain cleaner production.

Biomass waste generation concerns regulatory authorities to develop novel methods to sustain biotransformation processes. Particularly, lactic acid (LA) is a bulk commodity chemical used in diverse industries and holds a growing global market demand. Recently, lignocellulosic waste biomass is preferred for LA bio-production because of its non-edible and inexpensive nature. However, the information about new pretreatment methods for lignocellulosic feedstock, and novel strains capable to produce LA through fermentation is limited. Therefore, this review highlights the advancement of pretreatments methods of lignocellulosic biomass and biotransformation. Herein, we first briefly explored the main sources of lignocellulosic waste biomass, then we explored their latest advances in pretreatment processes particularly supercritical fluid extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction. Approaches for bioconversion were also analyzed, such as consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), separate hydrolysis fermentation (SHF), among other alternatives. Also, new trends and approaches were documented, such as metagenomics to find novel strains of microorganisms and the use of recombinant strategies for the creation of new strains. Finally, we developed a holistic and sustainable perspective based on novel microbial ecology tools such as next-gen sequencing, bioinformatics, and metagenomics. All these shed light on the needs to culture powerful microbial isolates, co-cultures, and mixed consortia to improve fermentation processes with the aim of optimizing cultures and feedstock pretreatments.

Ultrasound intensification of Ferrochelatase extraction from pork liver as a strategy to improve ZINC-protoporphyrin formation.

The enzyme Ferrochelatase (FeCH), which is naturally present in pork liver, catalyses the formation of Zinc-protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a natural pigment responsible for the typical color of dry-cured Italian Parma ham. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using high power ultrasound in continuous and pulsed modes to intensify the extraction of the enzyme FeCH from pork liver. US application during FeCH extraction led to an improved enzymatic activity and further increase in the formation of ZnPP. The optimal condition tested was that of 1 min in continuous US application, in which time the enzymatic activity increased by 33.3 % compared to conventional extraction (30 min). Pulsed US application required 5 min treatments to observe a significant intensification effect. Therefore, ultrasound is a potentially feasible technique as it increases the catalytic activity of FeCH and saves time compared to the conventional extraction method.

Phyco-remediation of swine wastewater as a sustainable model based on circular economy.

Pork production has expanded in the world in recent years. This growth has caused a significant increase in waste from this industry, especially of wastewater. Although there has been an increase in wastewater treatment, there is a lack of useful technologies for the treatment of wastewater from the pork industry. Swine farms generate high amounts of organic pollution, with large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus with final destination into water bodies. Sadly, little attention has been devoted to animal wastes, which are currently treated in simple systems, such as stabilization ponds or just discharged to the environment without previous treatment. This uncontrolled release of swine wastewater is a major cause of eutrophication processes. Among the possible treatments, phyco-remediation seems to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly option of removing compounds from wastewater such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and some metal ions. Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of treating swine wastewater using different microalgae species. Nevertheless, the practicability of applying this procedure at pilot-scale has not been explored before as an integrated process. This work presents an overview of the technological applications of microalgae for the treatment of wastewater from swine farms and the by-products (pigments, polysaccharides, lipids, proteins) and services of commercial interest (biodiesel, biohydrogen, bioelectricity, biogas) generated during this process. Furthermore, the environmental benefits while applying microalgae technologies are discussed.

Ultrasonic characterization of salt, moisture and texture modifications in dry-cured ham during post-salting.

For the first time, this study addresses the use of non-destructive ultrasound to monitor ham post-salting. For that purpose, the ultrasonic velocity (1 MHz) and the weight loss of hams were measured regularly every 2 days up to 8 weeks after salting. Additionally, for different post-salting times, internal salt and moisture content and hardness were measured at different locations from the ham surface. The experimental results reflected that the ultrasonic velocity increased as the ham weight decreased (26.1 m/s per kg), showing a satisfactory correlation between both variables (r = 0.95). The ultrasonic velocity was also correlated with the salt and moisture content. However, ham hardness remained fairly constant during post-salting, which confirmed that characteristic textural changes mainly occur during the salting and drying-maturation stages. Thus, the ultrasonic velocity could be a reliable parameter with which to monitor not only overall modifications in ham weight, but also internal changes of moisture and salt content during post-salting in a non-destructive way.

Incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia after temporary loop ileostomy closure: choosing candidates for prophylactic mesh placement.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to identify the incisional hernia rate after temporary loop ileostomy closure. Secondary outcomes were determining the risk factors linked to this incisional hernia, which could improve the patient selection for mesh prophylaxis. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients with temporary loop ileostomy reversal through a peristomal incision from 1st January 2011 to 1st January 2017 at our centre. Data were extracted from electronic clinical records: baseline patient characteristics, surgical factors and postoperative events. CT scans performed during follow-up were precisely analysed. Survival analysis was applied to identify risk factors for hernia development. RESULTS: 129 patients were analysed of whom 15 (11.6%) developed an incisional hernia at previous ileostomy site. The median time for incisional hernia development was 11 months (IQR = 7-21) and the median follow-up time was 37 months (IQR = 22-57). The identified patient risk factors for hernia development in survival analysis were female sex, older age, higher Body Mass Index, clinically significant parastomal hernia, clinically detectable midline incisional hernia and major postoperative complications ranked as Clavien-Dindo grade III and IV. CONCLUSIONS: Incisional hernia after temporary loop ileostomy is a relevant problem that affects at least one in every ten patients. The previously cited risk factors might favour its development, therefore the use of a prophylactic mesh should be considered in those high-risk patients.

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the ubxn6 gene with long-term non-progression phenotype in HIV-positive individuals.

OBJECTIVES: The long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) are a heterogeneous group of HIV-positive individuals characterized by their ability to maintain high CD4+ T-cell counts and partially control viral replication for years in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. The present study aims to identify host single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with non-progression in a cohort of 352 individuals. METHODS: DNA microarrays and exome sequencing were used for genotyping about 240 000 functional polymorphisms throughout more than 20 000 human genes. The allele frequencies of 85 LTNPs were compared with a control population. SNPs associated with LTNPs were confirmed in a population of typical progressors. Functional analyses in the affected gene were carried out through knockdown experiments in HeLa-P4, macrophages and dendritic cells. RESULTS: Several SNPs located within the major histocompatibility complex region previously related to LTNPs were confirmed in this new cohort. The SNP rs1127888 (UBXN6) surpassed the statistical significance of these markers after Bonferroni correction (q = 2.11 × 10-6). An uncommon allelic frequency of rs1127888 among LTNPs was confirmed by comparison with typical progressors and other publicly available populations. UBXN6 knockdown experiments caused an increase in CAV1 expression and its accumulation in the plasma membrane. In vitro infection of different cell types with HIV-1 replication-competent recombinant viruses caused a reduction of the viral replication capacity compared with their corresponding wild-type cells expressing UBXN6. CONCLUSIONS: A higher prevalence of Ala31Thr in UBXN6 was found among LTNPs within its N-terminal region, which is crucial for UBXN6/VCP protein complex formation. UBXN6 knockdown affected CAV1 turnover and HIV-1 replication capacity.

Effect of high pressure processing temperature on dry-cured hams with different textural characteristics.

High pressure processing is mainly used to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms and extend the shelf-life of dry-cured hams, but it also modifies its texture. These changes might be different depending on the initial textural characteristics. In this study, texture, colour and colour stability were evaluated after pressurization at 600 MPa during 6 min at 7 °C, 20 °C and 35 °C in samples with different textural characteristics (no pastiness, medium and high pastiness groups). HP treatments produced an increase of hardness (F0) and lightness (L*) values and a decrease of softness/pastiness (Y2 and Y90) and redness (a*) values at any processing temperatures. However, the increase of F0 and L* values was more pronounced in non-pasty samples. In samples with high pastiness and softness, HP processing at high temperature (35 °C) reduced the intensity of pastiness. However, texture of hams with non-pasty texture might be negatively affected. Therefore, the optimal temperature of HP processing depends on the textural characteristics of dry-cured hams.

Supercritical CO2-based tailor made valorization of Origanum vulgare L extracts: A green approach to extract high-value compounds with applied perspectives.

In this study, the supercritical CO2-based extraction approach was used from the green technologies to extract Oregano oil (Origanum vulgare L.). A Taguchi experimental design was applied to evaluate the effect of pressure, temperature and ethanol as co-solvent. High yield of oregano oil (13.40%) was obtained at 40 °C, 100 bar and 8 g min-1 of co-solvent flow. Fatty acids profile include α-linolenic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic that contribute to 70.9-76.8% of total fatty acids. Volatile compounds including carvacrol (29.99%), heneicosane (8.21%), nonacosane (11.78%), docosane (7.18%), borneol (4.35%) and thymol (4.51%) were the main compounds identified. Antimicrobial activity assays showed that extracts obtained at 40 °C were highly efficient against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Highest antioxidant activities on DPPH and FRAP assays were reached under 8 g min-1 of co-solvent flow (6.08 and 6.89 µmol TE g-1 extract, respectively). On the other hand, antioxidant activity (35.76 µmol TE g-1) on ABTS assay was improved at 40 °C, 100 bar, and 4 g min-1 of co-solvent flow.

Botryococcus braunii as a bioreactor for the production of nanoparticles with antimicrobial potentialities.

BACKGROUND: Microalgae produce metabolites with notable potentialities to act as reducing and capping agents for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a process widely recognized as an eco-friendly and cheaper alternative for the generation of nanoparticles (NPs). METHODS: In the present work, AgNPs were synthesized using live Botryococcus braunii cultures. Two biosynthesis routes were explored: (1) intracellular and (2) extracellular at pH levels of 6-9 using 1-5 mM silver nitrate concentrations. RESULTS: The generation of NPs was confirmed via ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The morphological characteristics were observed using scanning electron microscopy which revealed that the newly developed AgNPs were mostly spherical in sizes starting from 168 nm. The characteristic peaks in a typical Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the exopolysaccharides were the possible reducing and capping agents. The antimicrobial spectrum of the newly developed AgNPs was tested against bacterial strains, both Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and yeast, ie, Escherichia coli (American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and the yeast Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), respectively. The antimicrobial activity tests showed a stronger inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria. Statistically, the NPs biosynthesized at pH values of 6 and 8 displayed a higher antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that B. braunii is capable of generating AgNPs with antimicrobial potential.

Intensification of heat transfer during mild thermal treatment of dry-cured ham by using airborne ultrasound.

The application of power ultrasound (PuS) could be used as a novel technology with which to intensify thermal treatments using hot air. Mild thermal treatments have been applied to improve the soft texture of dry-cured ham caused by defective processing. In this regard, the aim of this study was to assess the kinetic intensification linked to the application of airborne PuS in the mild thermal treatment using hot air of dry-cured ham. For this purpose, vacuum packed cylindrical samples (2.52±0.11cm in diameter and 1.90±0.14cm in height) of dry-cured ham were heated using hot air at different temperatures (40, 45, 50°C) and air velocities (1, 2, 3, 4, 6m/s) with (22.3kHz, 50W) and without PuS application. Heat transfer was analyzed by considering that it was entirely controlled by conduction and the apparent thermal diffusivity was identified by fitting the model to the heating kinetics. The obtained results revealed that PuS application sped up the heat transfer, showing an increase in the apparent thermal diffusivity (up to 37%). The improvement in the apparent thermal diffusivity produced by PuS application was greater at high temperatures (50°C) but negligible at high air velocities (6m/s). Heating caused an increase in the hardness and elasticity of dry-cured ham, which would correct ham pastiness defects, while the influence of PuS on such textural parameters was negligible.

Effect of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction Parameters on the Biological Activities and Metabolites Present in Extracts from Arthrospira platensis.

Arthrospira platensis was used to obtain functional extracts through supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE-CO2). Pressure (P), temperature (T), co-solvent (CX), static extraction (SX), dispersant (Di) and dynamic extraction (DX) were evaluated as process parameters through a Plackett-Burman design. The maximum extract yield obtained was 7.48 ± 0.15% w/w. The maximum contents of bioactive metabolites in extracts were 0.69 ± 0.09 µg/g of riboflavin, 5.49 ± 0.10 µg/g of α-tocopherol, 524.46 ± 0.10 µg/g of ß-carotene, 1.44 ± 0.10 µg/g of lutein and 32.11 ± 0.12 mg/g of fatty acids with 39.38% of palmitic acid, 20.63% of linoleic acid and 30.27% of γ-linolenic acid. A. platensis extracts had an antioxidant activity of 76.47 ± 0.71 µg GAE/g by Folin-Ciocalteu assay, 0.52 ± 0.02, 0.40 ± 0.01 and 1.47 ± 0.02 µmol TE/g by DPPH, FRAP and TEAC assays, respectively. These extracts showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Overall, co-solvent was the most significant factor for all measured effects (p < 0.05). Arthrospira platensis represents a sustainable source of bioactive compounds through SFE using the following extraction parameters P: 450 bar, CX: 11 g/min, SX: 15 min, DX: 25 min, T: 60 °C and Di: 35 g.

Advancement of green process through microwave-assisted extraction of bioactive metabolites from Arthrospira Platensis and bioactivity evaluation.

Bioactivity and functional properties of cyanobacterial extract mostly depends on process of extraction, temperature and solvent used (polar or non-polar). To evaluate these parameters a design of experiment (DOE; using a 2k design) was performed with Arthrospira platensis. Extraction process was optimized through microwave-assisted extraction considering solvent ratio, temperature and time of extraction with polar (PS) and non-polar (NPS). Maximum extract yield obtained was 4.32±0.25% and 5.26±0.11% (w/w) respectively for PS and NPS. Maximum content of bioactive metabolites in PS extracts were thiamine (846.57±14.12µg/g), riboflavin (101.09±1.63µg/g), C-phycocyanin (2.28±0.10µg/g) and A-phycocyanin (4.11±0.03µg/g), while for NPS extracts were α-tocopherol (37.86±0.78µg/g), ß-carotene (123.64±1.45µg/g) and 19.44±0.21mg/g of fatty acids. A. platensis PS extracts showed high antimicrobial activity and PS extracts had antioxidant activity of 0.79±0.12µmolTE/g for FRAP assay, while for NPS extracts 1.03±0.08µmol α-TE/g for FRAP assay.

Identification of Bioactivity, Volatile and Fatty Acid Profile in Supercritical Fluid Extracts of Mexican arnica.

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is a sustainable technique used for the extraction of lipophilic metabolites such as pigments and fatty acids. Arnica plant is considered a potential candidate material with high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, in this study, a locally available Heterotheca inuloides, also known as Mexican arnica, was analyzed for the extraction of high-value compounds. Based on different pressure (P), temperature (T), and co-solvent (CoS), four treatments (T) were prepared. A maximum 7.13% yield was recovered from T2 (T = 60 °C, P = 10 MPa, CoS = 8 g/min), followed by 6.69% from T4 (T = 60 °C, P = 30 MPa, CoS = 4 g/min). Some bioactive sesquiterpenoids such as 7-hydroxycadalene, caryophyllene and δ-cadinene were identified in the extracts by GC/MS. The fatty acid profile revealed that the main components were palmitic acid (C16:0), followed by linoleic acid (C18:2ω6c), α-linolenic acid (C18:3ω3) and stearic acid (C18:0) differing in percent yield per treatment. Antibacterial activities were determined by the agar diffusion method, indicating that all the treatments exerted strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus, C. albicans, and E. coli strains. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was also measured by three in vitro assays, DPPH, TEAC and FRAP, using Trolox as a standard. Results showed high antioxidant capacity enabling pharmaceutical applications of Mexican arnica.

Conciliación de la vida laboral y familiar en profesionales que trabajan con menores de riesgo social en la Comunidad de Madrid / Balance of family and work life in professionals working with minors having social risk in the Community of Madrid

El término ‘conciliación de la vida laboral y familiar’ hace referencia a un conjunto de medidas tendentes a paliar las dificultades que, la dicotomía entre la vida laboral, y la vida personal presentan. En otras palabras que los espacios: laboral y familiar no entren en conflicto y por lo tanto, que ninguno de los dos perjudique el desarrollo del otro. La investigación se desarrolla con el personal activo mujeres y hombres que ejercen funciones de dirección, de educadores sociales, profesores, psicólogos, sanitarios y personal de apoyo logístico, que trabajan en Residencias de Menores que pertenecen a la Red de Protección del Instituto Madrileño de la Familia y el Menor. El objetivo que se persigue es conocer el resultado de las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del Cuestionario de Interacción Trabajo-Familia (SWING) en un ámbito diferente, así como los resultados que se originen de la aplicación del cuestionario de usos del tiempo (AU)

The expression ‘work-life balance’ refers to a set of measures designed to palliate the difficulties that issue from the necessity to reconcile our working life with our private life. In other words, the aim is to prevent conflicts between the working environment and the private sphere so that neither of them affects the development of the other. The investigation has been carried out among the men and women (directors, social educators, teachers, psychologists, medical personnel and logistical support staff) who work in Residences for Minors belonging to the Protection Network and assigned to the Madrid Institute for Minors and the Family. Its objective is to gain knowledge of the result of the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Survey Work-Home Interaction Nijmegen (SWING) in a different sphere and draw reasonable conclusions from the application of the Time Management Test (AU)

La sexualidad en adolescentes de riesgo. Comunidad de Madrid 2013-2014 / Sexuality in adolescents of risk groups autonomous. Community of Madrid 2013-2014

La sexualidad es un componente esencial de la personalidad. Durante la adolescencia -de 10 a 19 años- se producen cambios físicos, psíquicos y hormonales que junto a las transformaciones sociales, favorecen el inicio de conductas de riesgo. A pesar de los esfuerzos realizados para mejorar la salud sexual y reproductiva en los adolescentes y jóvenes españoles por parte de las familias y la sociedad, ellos continúan siendo vulnerables frente a los embarazos y las ITS. Nuestra investigación tiene lugar en el Centro de Primera Acogida de Protección ‘Hortaleza’ que pertenece al Instituto Madrileño de la Familia y el Menor, donde ingresan los/las adolescentes españoles e inmigrantes bajo la condición de guarda o tutela con edades comprendidas desde los 14,9 años hasta los 17,9 años, en la Comunidad de Madrid. Nuestro objetivo es describir las variables cuantitativas de los/las adolescentes ingresados en el centro durante el periodo 2013-2014 y analizar las variables cualitativas de las menores que acudieron a la Consulta de Planificación Familiar (AU)

Sexuality is an essential part of personality. During adolescence -10 to 19 years of age- several physical, psychic, and hormonal changes take place. These changes, together with social transformations, give rise to risk behaviour. In spite of the efforts made by the families and the society to improve the sexual and reproductive health of Spanish youths, they are still vulnerable to unplanned pregnancy and STDs. Our research was carried out in the institution Preliminary Reception Centre for Protection ‘Hortaleza’, which belongs to the Institute for the Child and Family in Madrid, where Spanish and immigrant children and teenagers between the ages of 14.9 and 17.9 are received under custody or tutelage. Our aim is to describe the quantitative variables for adolescents admitted in the Centre between 2013 and 2014 and analyse the qualitative variables for the girls under the age of 18 who turned to our Family Planning Counselling (AU)

Estado de salud en los adolescentes del Centro de Primera Acogida de Protección Hortaleza en la Comunidad de Madrid (2008-2012) / The health condition of the teenagers at the preliminary reception Centre for Protection Hortaleza in the Community of Madrid (2008-2012)

La presente investigación realizada en el Centro de Primera Acogida de Protección Hortaleza de la Comunidad de Madrid, que forma parte del Instituto Madrileño de la Familia y el Menor adscrito a la Consejería de Asuntos Sociales, describe el estado de salud de los adolescentes autóctonos e inmigrantes que aceptaron la protección e ingresaron en el centro durante los años 2008-2012. Se especifican variables cuantitativas y cualitativas, teniendo en cuenta el sexo y la procedencia. El estudio previo forma parte de la Tesis Doctoral con el nombre de: «Estado de Salud en los Adolescentes del Centro de Primera Acogida de Protección de la Comunidad de Madrid (2003-2007)» y se encuentra disponible en la web de la Universidad de Córdoba. Los resultados revelan que, tanto los adolescentes autóctonos como los inmigrantes que accedieron a nuestro centro, presentaron un estado de salud muy similar (AU)

The present research vvas carried out in the institution Preliminary Reception Centre for Protection «Hortaleza», which belongs to Institute for the Child and Family in Madrid and is affiliated With the Ministry of Social Affairs. It describes the health condition of the local and immigrant teenagers who accepted protection and Were admitted to the centre from 2008 to 2012. Quantitative variables and qualitative variables are described taking into account sex and origin. The previous study is part of the Doctoral Thesis titled «The Health Condition of the Teenagers at the Preliminary Reception Centre for Protection in the Community of Madrid (2003-2007)», and it is available in the webpage of the University‘ of Córdoba. The results show that both the local teenagers and the immi grant ones who came to our centre presented a very similar health condition (AU)

Impact of applied ultrasonic power on the low temperature drying of apple.

Low temperature drying (LTD) allows high-quality dried products to be obtained, preserving the nutritional properties of fresh foods better than conventional drying, but it is a time-consuming operation. Power ultrasound (US) could be used to intensify LTD, but it should be taken into account that process variables, such as the level of applied power, have an influence on the magnitude and extension of the ultrasonic effects. Therefore, the aim of this work was to assess the influence of the level of applied ultrasonic power on the LTD of apple, analyzing the drying kinetics and the quality of the dried product. For that purpose, apple (Malus domestica cv. Granny Smith) cubes (8.8mm side) were dried (2m/s) at two different temperatures (10 and -10°C), without and with (25, 50 and 75 W) US application. In the dried apple, the rehydration kinetics, hardness, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and microstructure were analyzed to evaluate the impact of the level of applied ultrasonic power. At both temperatures, 10 and -10°C, the higher the ultrasonic power level, the shorter the drying time; the maximum shortening of the drying time achieved was 80.3% (at -10°C and 75 W). The ultrasonic power level did not significantly (p<0.05) affect the quality parameters analyzed. Therefore, US could be considered a non-thermal method of intensifying the LTD of fruits, like apple, with only a mild impact on the quality of the dried product.