Molecular analysis of the expression of a crtB transgene and the endogenous psy2-y 1 and psy2-y 2 genes of cassava and their effect on root carotenoid content.

A conventional breeding program was established to transfer the bacterial phytoene synthase transgene-crtB-from a transgenic, white-rooted cassava to yellow-rooted cassava plants carrying the endogenous phytoene synthase alleles named psy2-y 1 and/or psy2-y 2. Combining endogenous phytoene synthase enzymes (PSYs) with CRTB in a single cassava plant would allow the molecular dissection of individual allele contributions to carotenoid synthesis and/or accumulation in cassava roots. The simultaneous expression of the crtB transgene and psy2-y 2 in individuals planted in the field coincided with higher total, HPLC-quantified carotenoid content in roots, although the variability among replications (plants) precluded the detection of statistically significant differences. Nevertheless, the highest total carotenoid content in roots within a family coincided with one individual of the F1 progeny carrying both psy2-y 2 and crtB genes. The results also indicated the presence of at least one more key gene-different from psy or crtB-which too is necessary for the synthesis and/or accumulation of Pro-Vitamin A carotenoids in cassava roots.

Foam-Mat Freeze-Drying of Bifidobacterium longum RO175: Viability and Refrigerated Storage Stability.

Foaming as a pretreatment was used prior to freeze-drying of Bifidobacterium longum RO175 to investigate the potential acceleration of the drying rate and increase in microorganism viability after the process. A study on storage of foamed and nonfoamed freeze-dried products at 4 °C completed this study. B. longum RO175 in foamed medium could be freeze-dried in 1/7 to 1/4 of the time required for nonfoamed suspensions. In addition, foamed suspensions presented higher viability immediately after freeze-drying (13.6% compared to 12.81 % or 11.46%, depending on the cryoprotective media). Refrigerated storage led to a reduction in B. longum RO175 viability for all tested protective agents (foamed and nonfoamed). No correlation between glass transition temperature and stability of probiotic powders was observed during storage. In addition, lower viability after 56 d of storage was observed for foamed materials, probably due to foam porous structure and higher hygroscopicity, and oxygen presence and moisture pickup during storage.

Dispositivo tecnológico para la optimización del tiempo de aprendizaje del lenguaje Braille en personas invidentes / A technological device for optimizing the time taken for blind people to learn Braille

Objetivo El objetivo de este proyecto es diseñar e implementar un prototipo electrónico, que permita mejorar los tiempos de aprendizaje inicial de la escritura Braille en personas con situación de discapacidad visual especialmente en niños. Métodos El desarrollo de este proyecto, se basa fundamentalmente en un prototipo electrónico digital, el cual después de realizar la escritura por parte del usuario, identifica y hace una traducción del Braille por medio de un sistema de síntesis de voz que genera las palabras de manera artificial con el objeto de verificar si la escritura en Braille es o no correcta. Adicional a esto se implementa un módulo GSM, el cual permite enviar mensajes de texto desde el dispositivo, presentando una innovación en el campo de los artículos para personas discapacitadas visualmente. Resultados El principal resultado obtenido en este proyecto es un prototipo electrónico de fácil acceso y comprensión el cual permite mejorar los tiempos en el aprendizaje inicial de escritura Braille. Conclusiones Se logró reducir significativamente los tiempos de aprendizaje del lenguaje Braille por parte de personas en situación de discapacidad visual e incrementar su interés y tiempo de concentración en dicho aprendizaje.

Objective This project was aimed at designing and putting an electronic prototype into practice for improving the initial time taken by visually handicapped people for learning Braille, especially children. Methods This project was mainly based on a prototype digital electronic device which identifies and translates material written by a user in Braille by a voice synthesis system, producing artificial words to determine whether a handicapped person's writing in Braille has been correct. A global system for mobile communications (GSM) module was also incorporated into the device which allowed it to send text messages, thereby involving innovation in the field of articles for aiding visually handicapped people. Results This project's main result was an easily accessed and understandable prototype device which improved visually handicapped people's initial learning of Braille. Conclusions The time taken for visually handicapped people to learn Braille became significantly reduced whilst their interest increased, as did their concentration time regarding such learning.

[A technological device for optimizing the time taken for blind people to learn Braille]. / Dispositivo tecnológico para la optimización del tiempo de aprendizaje del lenguaje Braille en personas invidentes.

OBJECTIVE: This project was aimed at designing and putting an electronic prototype into practice for improving the initial time taken by visually handicapped people for learning Braille, especially children. METHODS: This project was mainly based on a prototype digital electronic device which identifies and translates material written by a user in Braille by a voice synthesis system, producing artificial words to determine whether a handicapped person's writing in Braille has been correct. A global system for mobile communications (GSM) module was also incorporated into the device which allowed it to send text messages, thereby involving innovation in the field of articles for aiding visually handicapped people. RESULTS: This project's main result was an easily accessed and understandable prototype device which improved visually handicapped people's initial learning of Braille. CONCLUSIONS: The time taken for visually handicapped people to learn Braille became significantly reduced whilst their interest increased, as did their concentration time regarding such learning.

Estudio clínico de cefaleas en zona alto andina. Provincia de Yauli-La Oroya-Hospital II La Oroya-IPSS / Cephaleas clinical study in higher andes area. Province of Yauli, La Oroya. Hospital II La Oroya-IPSS

Se realizó un estudio clínico prospectivo de 153 pacientes con cefaleas en la consulta externa neurológica del Hospital Nivel II-La Oroya del IPSS; ubicado en el departamento de Junín, provincia de Yaulí- La Oroya a 3745 m.s.n.m. La prevalencia de cefaleas fue de 13.3 por ciento. Los grupos etareos mas afectados fueron: de 40-49 años (16.25 por ciento) y de 30-39 años (14.44 por ciento). Prevalencia por sexos: 18.4 por ciento para el sexo femenino y 9.8 por ciento para el sexo masculino. El tipo clínico predominanate lo constituyó la cefalea tensional episódica, seguida de la migraña sin aura y luego la cefalea post trauma craneal. El tiempo de residencia promedio en zona de altura de los pacientes fue de 21.7 años; siendo el hematocrito mayor de 45 por ciento en 62 de ellos. Se discute los criterios clínicos diagnósticos y se establece comparaciones con otros estudios realizados en Lima y Cerro de Pasco extrayendose las conclusiones y recomendaciones pertinentes