Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in Cucurbita ficifolia fruits, an underrated fruit.

The fruits and seeds of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché are sources of minerals, vitamins, and functional compounds with nutraceutical and preventive potential against cardiovascular diseases and diseases derived from eating disorders. C. ficifolia is native from Mesoamerica and is currently cultivated in temperate zones from Mexico to South America and Asia. This study evaluated the fruit mesocarps of C. ficifolia for physicochemical parameters, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compound contents in a collection of farmers' landraces. Germplasm is cultivated by traditional farmers in the temperate zones of two municipalities from Oaxaca, Mexico. The results show that the content of soluble solid contents (SSC), pH, total sugars (TS), and flavonoids are influenced by the fruit geographical origin (municipalities) and implicitly by their agroecological cultivation conditions (Huamelúlpam: SSC = 6.22 °Brix, pH = 5.44, TS = 0.52 mg G g-1, flavonoids = 1.24 mg CE g-1; Yanhuitlán: SSC = 6.69, pH = 5.33, TS = 0.55, flavonoids = 1.30). Among populations preserved by traditional farmers, significant differences, and wide variability were found for all parameters evaluated (Huamelúlpam: SSC = 4.9-7.3, pH = 5.5-5.8, TS = 0.4-0.7, protein = 5.8-11.4, polyphenols = 1.9-4.8, flavonoids = 1.0-1.5, DPPH = 4.3-10.6, and FRAP = 4.8-11.8; Yanhuitlán: SSC = 4.3-8.9, pH = 4.8-5.6, TS = 0.4-0.7, protein = 5.0-15.3, polyphenols = 1.9-4.9, flavonoids = 0.8-1.9, DPPH = 5.3-10.5, and FRAP = 4.5-12.6). Eight compounds were identified by UPLC-MS: L-phenylalanine, an amino acid that is regularly associated with proteins; vanillin, a phenolic aldehyde with its functional groups including aldehyde, hydroxyl, and ether; and six phenolic acids: 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, vanillic acid, 4-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid, all with potential health effects. The C. ficifolia fruit mesocarp has bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity with the potential to both improve diet and to obtain other benefits against nontransmissible diseases derived from food and its associated risk factors.

Bioimpedance as a tool for evaluating the body composition of suruvi (Steindachneridion scriptum).

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is regarded as an important tool for evaluating the body composition of different animals in a rapid, non-destructive, and low-cost manner. A South American fish species, Steindachneridion scriptum, known as suruvi, was selected for study in this investigation. A protocol to produce fish with different body composition was used to allow BIA to adequately predict the body composition of suruvi. The fish were fed twice each day with two different diets; a low lipid diet (8.90%), and a high lipid diet (18.68%). These dietary differences allowed suruvi specimens with different body compositions to be produced. The BIA readings were determined using a Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Two readings (dorsal and ventral) were obtained for each fish. After BIA readings were obtained, the proximate composition of the fish bodies for each individual was determined. All of the study data were used to establish correlation equations between proximate analyses and BIA values. Strong correlations were found for S. scriptum. The highest correlations were obtained for the following pairs of quantities, using BIA data from dorsal readings: moisture and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); protein and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); and ash and reactance in parallel (R2 = 0.82). We conclude that BIA is an effective method in determining the body composition of S. scriptum without sacrificing the fish. However, to expand the use of this new technology it is important to define strict BIA protocols to guarantee accurate estimates.

Bioimpedance as a tool for evaluating the body composition of suruvi (Steindachneridion scriptum) / Bioimpedância como ferramenta de análise da composição corporal do suruvi (Steindachneridion scriptum)

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is regarded as an important tool for evaluating the body composition of different animals in a rapid, non-destructive, and low-cost manner. A South American fish species, Steindachneridion scriptum, known as suruvi, was selected for study in this investigation. A protocol to produce fish with different body composition was used to allow BIA to adequately predict the body composition of suruvi. The fish were fed twice each day with two different diets; a low lipid diet (8.90%), and a high lipid diet (18.68%). These dietary differences allowed suruvi specimens with different body compositions to be produced. The BIA readings were determined using a Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Two readings (dorsal and ventral) were obtained for each fish. After BIA readings were obtained, the proximate composition of the fish bodies for each individual was determined. All of the study data were used to establish correlation equations between proximate analyses and BIA values. Strong correlations were found for S. scriptum. The highest correlations were obtained for the following pairs of quantities, using BIA data from dorsal readings: moisture and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); protein and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); and ash and reactance in parallel (R2 = 0.82). We conclude that BIA is an effective method in determining the body composition of S. scriptum without sacrificing the fish. However, to expand the use of this new technology it is important to define strict BIA protocols to guarantee accurate estimates.(AU)

A análise da impedância bioelétrica (BIA) é considerada uma importante ferramenta para avaliar a composição corporal de diferentes animais de uma maneira rápida, não-destrutiva e de baixo custo. A espécie Sul-americana Steindachneridion scriptum, popularmente conhecida como suruvi, foi selecionada para este estudo. Foi utilizado um protocolo para produzir peixes com distintas composições corporais, permitindo a validação da BIA para análise adequada da composição corporal do suruvi. Os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com duas dietas diferentes: uma de baixo teor lipídico (8,90%) e outra de alto teor lipídico (18,68%). Essa diferença nas dietas possibilitou a produção de indivíduos com diferentes composições corporais. As leituras da BIA foram determinadas utilizando-se o equipamento Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Duas leituras (dorsal e ventral) foram obtidas para cada peixe. Após as leituras, para cada peixe individualmente, a composição proximal dos peixes foi determinada. Todos os dados obtidos foram utilizados para estabelecer as equações de correlação entre as análises proximais e os valores da BIA. Fortes correlações foram encontradas para S. scriptum. As maiores correlações foram obtidas para as análises dorsais a seguir: umidade e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); proteína e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); cinzas e reactância em paralelo (R2 = 0,82). Pode-se concluir que o método BIA é eficiente em determinar a composição corporal do suruvi S. scriptum sem sacrificar o animal. No entanto, para expandir o uso desta nova tecnologia é necessário definir protocolos rigorosos para garantir estimativas precisas.(AU)

Bioimpedance as a tool for evaluating the body composition of suruvi (Steindachneridion scriptum) / Bioimpedância como ferramenta de análise da composição corporal do suruvi (Steindachneridion scriptum)

Abstract Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is regarded as an important tool for evaluating the body composition of different animals in a rapid, non-destructive, and low-cost manner. A South American fish species, Steindachneridion scriptum, known as suruvi, was selected for study in this investigation. A protocol to produce fish with different body composition was used to allow BIA to adequately predict the body composition of suruvi. The fish were fed twice each day with two different diets; a low lipid diet (8.90%), and a high lipid diet (18.68%). These dietary differences allowed suruvi specimens with different body compositions to be produced. The BIA readings were determined using a Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Two readings (dorsal and ventral) were obtained for each fish. After BIA readings were obtained, the proximate composition of the fish bodies for each individual was determined. All of the study data were used to establish correlation equations between proximate analyses and BIA values. Strong correlations were found for S. scriptum. The highest correlations were obtained for the following pairs of quantities, using BIA data from dorsal readings: moisture and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); protein and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); and ash and reactance in parallel (R2 = 0.82). We conclude that BIA is an effective method in determining the body composition of S. scriptum without sacrificing the fish. However, to expand the use of this new technology it is important to define strict BIA protocols to guarantee accurate estimates.

Resumo A análise da impedância bioelétrica (BIA) é considerada uma importante ferramenta para avaliar a composição corporal de diferentes animais de uma maneira rápida, não-destrutiva e de baixo custo. A espécie Sul-americana Steindachneridion scriptum, popularmente conhecida como suruvi, foi selecionada para este estudo. Foi utilizado um protocolo para produzir peixes com distintas composições corporais, permitindo a validação da BIA para análise adequada da composição corporal do suruvi. Os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com duas dietas diferentes: uma de baixo teor lipídico (8,90%) e outra de alto teor lipídico (18,68%). Essa diferença nas dietas possibilitou a produção de indivíduos com diferentes composições corporais. As leituras da BIA foram determinadas utilizando-se o equipamento Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Duas leituras (dorsal e ventral) foram obtidas para cada peixe. Após as leituras, para cada peixe individualmente, a composição proximal dos peixes foi determinada. Todos os dados obtidos foram utilizados para estabelecer as equações de correlação entre as análises proximais e os valores da BIA. Fortes correlações foram encontradas para S. scriptum. As maiores correlações foram obtidas para as análises dorsais a seguir: umidade e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); proteína e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); cinzas e reactância em paralelo (R2 = 0,82). Pode-se concluir que o método BIA é eficiente em determinar a composição corporal do suruvi S. scriptum sem sacrificar o animal. No entanto, para expandir o uso desta nova tecnologia é necessário definir protocolos rigorosos para garantir estimativas precisas.

Bioimpedance as a tool for evaluating the body composition of suruvi (Steindachneridion scriptum)

Abstract Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is regarded as an important tool for evaluating the body composition of different animals in a rapid, non-destructive, and low-cost manner. A South American fish species, Steindachneridion scriptum, known as suruvi, was selected for study in this investigation. A protocol to produce fish with different body composition was used to allow BIA to adequately predict the body composition of suruvi. The fish were fed twice each day with two different diets; a low lipid diet (8.90%), and a high lipid diet (18.68%). These dietary differences allowed suruvi specimens with different body compositions to be produced. The BIA readings were determined using a Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Two readings (dorsal and ventral) were obtained for each fish. After BIA readings were obtained, the proximate composition of the fish bodies for each individual was determined. All of the study data were used to establish correlation equations between proximate analyses and BIA values. Strong correlations were found for S. scriptum. The highest correlations were obtained for the following pairs of quantities, using BIA data from dorsal readings: moisture and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); protein and resistance in series (R2 = 0.87); and ash and reactance in parallel (R2 = 0.82). We conclude that BIA is an effective method in determining the body composition of S. scriptum without sacrificing the fish. However, to expand the use of this new technology it is important to define strict BIA protocols to guarantee accurate estimates.

Resumo A análise da impedância bioelétrica (BIA) é considerada uma importante ferramenta para avaliar a composição corporal de diferentes animais de uma maneira rápida, não-destrutiva e de baixo custo. A espécie Sul-americana Steindachneridion scriptum, popularmente conhecida como suruvi, foi selecionada para este estudo. Foi utilizado um protocolo para produzir peixes com distintas composições corporais, permitindo a validação da BIA para análise adequada da composição corporal do suruvi. Os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com duas dietas diferentes: uma de baixo teor lipídico (8,90%) e outra de alto teor lipídico (18,68%). Essa diferença nas dietas possibilitou a produção de indivíduos com diferentes composições corporais. As leituras da BIA foram determinadas utilizando-se o equipamento Quantum X Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer. Duas leituras (dorsal e ventral) foram obtidas para cada peixe. Após as leituras, para cada peixe individualmente, a composição proximal dos peixes foi determinada. Todos os dados obtidos foram utilizados para estabelecer as equações de correlação entre as análises proximais e os valores da BIA. Fortes correlações foram encontradas para S. scriptum. As maiores correlações foram obtidas para as análises dorsais a seguir: umidade e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); proteína e resistência em série (R2 = 0,87); cinzas e reactância em paralelo (R2 = 0,82). Pode-se concluir que o método BIA é eficiente em determinar a composição corporal do suruvi S. scriptum sem sacrificar o animal. No entanto, para expandir o uso desta nova tecnologia é necessário definir protocolos rigorosos para garantir estimativas precisas.

[Seeking tuberculosis care in Chiapas, Mexico]. / La búsqueda de atención para la tuberculosis en Chiapas, México.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the process of seeking tuberculosis care and this process's impact on treatment adherence in the Mexican state of Chiapas, given that the two primary factors in successful tuberculosis (TB) control programs are early diagnosis and adherence to TB treatment. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using group interviews with 11 groups of patients in three of the nine socioeconomic regions of the state of the Chiapas (Altos, Centro, and Fronteriza). RESULTS: The patients applied a variety of approaches in seeking care. The patients reported considerable delays in diagnosis due to problems that the patients themselves had and because of shortcomings in the care they received from the formal health care system. The treatment options that they followed were the result of their perceptions of the causes of TB and of the variety of traditional medical practices accepted in their communities. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of knowledge about TB encourages people to consider various alternatives for their care. Tuberculosis control in Chiapas requires an optimal utilization of the health services that exist in the state as well as a program of health education. TB control in Chiapas must take into account the social, cultural, and economic reality of the population.

[Perceptions and practices related with tuberculosis and treatment compliance in Chiapas, Mexico]. / Percepciones y prácticas relacionadas con la tuberculosis y la adherencia al tratamiento en Chiapas, México.

OBJECTIVE: To identify health perceptions and practices and non-adherence to therapy among tuberculosis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Qualitative research work consisting of 11 group interviews with 62 tuberculosis patients during 1997-1998 in the Central, Highlands, and Border Regions of Chiapas, Mexico. RESULTS: Perceived causes of tuberculosis included contagion via food utensils, excess work, malnutrition, and cold, as well as other causes unrelated to person-to-person contagion. The resulting incapability to work resulted in an economic crisis for both the patients and their family members. As a result of the social stigma imposed by the disease, patients perceived a negative impact on their personal life, family, work, and community. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of knowledge regarding tuberculosis is an important factor in the selection of and adherence to different care alternatives. Inadequate care provided by health services, including an unsatisfactory physician-patient relationship, resulted in diagnostic delay and non-adherence to therapy. Education programs to promote basic knowledge regarding tuberculosis and its treatment are necessary in this region.

[Assessment of the functioning of the daily life in people with long term mental disorder. Adaptation and reliability of the Spanish version of the "Basic Everyday Living Skills" (BELS)]. / Evaluación del funcionamiento de la vida diaria en personas con trastorno mental de larga evolución. Adaptación y fiabilidad de la versión española del "Basic Everyday Living Skills" (BELS).

INTRODUCTION: There is a close relationship between mental illness and the decay of global functioning. The level of support and care needed by a person will also depend closely of the level of his or her functioning. The aim of this article is to present the Spanish version of the Basic Every Day Living Schedule (BELS) and its reliability that has been studied on a sample of Spanish population. METHODOLOGY: Once the first translation into Spanish was satisfactory back translated into English, 77 residents in different sheltered homes were assessed by two pair of researchers. For the statistical analysis the Kappa coefficient was used. RESULTS: Kappa mean values for the opportunity scale was 0.791 and 0.743 for the performance scale. CONCLUSION: BELS is an assessment instrument with adequate reliability properties for the purpose for which it was conceived: to assess the basic abilities for the every day living.

[Shortened directly observed treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis]. / Tratamiento acortado estrictamente supervisado para tuberculosis pulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of the Shortened Directly Observed Treatment (DOT,S) applied to the Tuberculosis Control Program in Chiapas, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The efficacy and efficiency of treatment was evaluated in a cohort of pulmonary tuberculosis patients confirmed by baciloscopy, who were subjected to treatment under one of three different regimes, self-administered, supervised and DOT,S from January to June 1996. RESULTS: Efficacy was 90.9%, 97.7% and 100% for self-administered, supervised and DOT,S treatment, respectively. Efficiency was 68.1%, 77.6% and 88.5% in the same order. CONCLUSIONS: For public health ends, the DOT,S proved to be the most efficient in the control of tuberculosis, since healing rates were increased and this reduces sources of disease transmission.

Carbamazepine-induced sinus node dysfunction.

Carbamazepine, a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy and neuralgias, may exert hazardous effects on the cardiac conduction system. We report such a case of symptomatic brady-arrhythmia occurring in a 43-years-old male while on therapy with carbamazepine. Additionally, a literature review is made of previous cases of carbamazepine-induced sinus mode, AV node and His-Purkinje conduction disturbances.

Carbamazepine-induced sinus node dysfunction

Carbamazepine, a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy and neuralgias, may exert hazardous effects on the cardiac conduction system. We report such a case of symptomatic brady-arrhythmia occurring in a 43-years-old male while on therapy with carbamazepine. Additionally, a literature review is made of previous cases of carbamazepine-induced sinus mode, AV node and His-Purkinje conduction disturbances

Numerical and functional response of predators to a long-term decline in mammalian prey at a semi-arid Neotropical site.

Occurrence and diet of ten carnivorous predators (four falconiforms, four owls, and two foxes), and population levels of their mammalian prey, were monitored over 45 months at a semi-arid site in north-central Chile. Early in this period, small mammals irrupted and then declined markedly to a density 7% of that at peak. All four falconiforms (Buteo polyosoma, Falco sparverius, Geranoaetus melanoleucus, Parabuteo unicinctus) and one owl (Tyto alba) responded numerically to the decline in mammalian prey by virtually abandoning the study site. The three other owls (Athene cunicularia, Bubo virginianus, Glaucidium nanum) and the two foxes (Pseudalopex culpaeus and P. griseus) remained. With few exceptions, throughout the study predators maintained species-specific preferences among small mammal species regardless of the absolute and proportional abundance of these prev. At no time did the two prey species most responsible for the irruption (the rodents Phyllotis darwini and Akodon olivaceus) occur in predators' diets out of proportion to their estimated relative abundance in the field. Predators were clearly unable to prevent the irruption from occurring. Given the absence of a clear functional response to the most irruptive species, predators seemed unlikely to have been responsible for the observed crash. At present, however, predators may be prolonging the crash and delaying the return of small-mammal populations to typical densities.