High-Frequency Focused Ultrasound on Quality Traits of Bovine Triceps brachii Muscle.

This aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-frequency focused ultrasound (HFFU) on quality traits of bovine Triceps brachii. Four treatments (0, 10, 20, and 30 min) of HFFU (2 MHz and 1.5 W/cm2) were applied to bovine T. brachii muscle. Immediately after treatment, evaluations of color, pH, drip loss, water holding capacity, and shear force in meat were undertaken. The application of HFFU slightly decreased (p < 0.05) the redness of meat. In addition, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the shear force of meat was observed after the application of HFFU at 30 min. No effect (p > 0.05) was observed on other color parameters, drip loss, and water holding capacity of meat. Overall, HFFU improved beef tenderness without negative impacts on color, pH, drip loss, and water holding capacity of meat. HFFU offers the option of tenderizing specific muscles or anatomical regions of the beef carcass. These findings provide new insights into the potential application of ultrasound in meat processing.

Fat replacement by pecan nut and oregano oil and their impact on the physicochemical properties and consumer acceptability of frankfurters.

OBJECTIVE: A study was conducted to determine the physicochemical quality and consumer acceptability of beef frankfurter-type sausages formulated with pecan nut paste and Mexican oregano oil (MO) of two varieties, Poliomintha longiflora Gray (Mexican oregano Poliomintha, MOP) or Lippia berlandieri (Mexican oregano Lippia, MOL). METHODS: Frankfurters were processed under six treatment conditions: control (10.67% pork fat), MOP (control + 0.01% MOP), MOL (control + 0.01% MOL), MOP-N (control + 0.01% MOP + 6% pecan nut paste), MOL-N (control + 0.01% MOL + 6% pecan nut paste), and C-N (control + 6% pecan nut paste). The physicochemical properties and the consumer acceptability were determined. RESULTS: The addition of MO and nut did not influence the water holding capacity, drip loss, and luminosity of frankfurters, but those ingredients increased pH and shear force (p<0.05) and decreased redness (p<0.05) of frankfurters. Frankfurters were generally well accepted by consumers. However, general acceptability of sausages decreased with the addition of MO. Control sausages showed the highest acceptability. CONCLUSION: The MO and pecan nut paste do not affect drastically the quality of frankfurters. These results provide evidence that partial replacement of pork fat by pecan nut in frankfurters maintain a consistent physicochemical quality and its commercialization looks promising given consumers' acceptance.

Bacterial control and structural and physicochemical modification of bovine Longissimus dorsi by ultrasound.

A multifactorial study to evaluate the effect of three ultrasound intensities (16, 28 and 90 Wcm-2), two sonication times (20 and 40 min), and two storage times (0 and 7 days at 4 °C) on physicochemical properties, microbiological counts, and microstructure of bovine Longissimus dorsi was performed. The results showed that ultrasound (US) did not modify luminosity (P = 0.42), redness (a*, P = 0.45), or yellowness (b*, P = 0.94). However, the hue angle increased with US treatment and during storage (P = 0.04), showing an important degradation in the color of meat treated with 16 Wcm-2. The pH and shear force decreased during storage at 4 °C (P = 0.01). Although US did not have any significant effects on the tenderness of the meat, the interfibrillar areas increased drastically in samples treated with 16, 28 and 90 Wcm-2 (P < 0.0001). US was effective in controlling mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria during storage at 4 °C when intensities of 90 Wcm-2 were used (P < 0.0001), whereas decontamination of coliform bacteria was efficient independently of ultrasonication intensity, as long as a long sonication time (40 min) was used.

Ultrasound and meat quality: A review.

High intensity ultrasound (HIU) offers an alternative to traditional methods of food preservation, and is regarded as a green and promising emerging technology. Ultrasound generates acoustic cavitation in a liquid medium, developing physical forces that are considered the main mechanism responsible for changes in exposed materials. In meat, ultrasound has been successfully used to improve processes such as mass transfer and marination, tenderization of meat and inactivation of microorganisms. It is also an alternative to traditional meat ageing methods for improving the quality properties of meat. Moreover, the combination of ultrasonic energy with a sanitizing agent can improve the effect of microbial reduction in foods. This review describes recent potential applications of ultrasound in meat systems, as well as physical and chemical effects of ultrasound treatment on the conservation and modification of processed meat foods. Finally, the ultrasound application parameters must be deep explored and established before the method can be scaled to industrial levels.

Microscopic characterization of orchid mycorrhizal fungi: Scleroderma as a putative novel orchid mycorrhizal fungus of Vanilla in different crop systems.

Vanilla is an orchid of economic importance widely cultivated in tropical regions and native to Mexico. We sampled three species of Vanilla (V. planifolia, V. pompona, and V. insignis) in different crop systems. We studied the effect of crop system on the abundance, type of fungi, and quality of pelotons found in the roots using light and electron microscopy and direct sequencing of mycorrhizal structures. Fungi were identified directly from pelotons obtained from terrestrial roots of vanilla plants in the flowering stage. Root samples were collected from plants in crop systems located in the Totonacapan area in Mexico (states of Puebla and Veracruz). DNA was extracted directly from 40 pelotons and amplified using ITS rRNA sequencing. Peloton-like structures were observed, presenting a combination of active pelotons characterized by abundant hyphal coils and pelotons in various stages of degradation. The most active pelotons were observed in crop systems throughout living tutors (host tree) in comparison with roots collected from dead or artificial tutors. Fungi identified directly from pelotons included Scleroderma areolatum, a common ectomycorrhizal fungus that has not been reported as a mycorrhizal symbiont in orchids. Direct amplification of pelotons also yielded common plant pathogens, including Fusarium and Pyrenophora seminiperda, especially in those sites with low colonization rates, and where large numbers of degraded pelotons were observed. This research reports for the first time the potential colonization of Vanilla by Scleroderma, as a putative orchid mycorrhizal symbiont in four sites in Mexico and the influence of crop system on mycorrhizal colonization on this orchid.

Assessment of the efficacy and safety of fampridin / Evaluación de la efectividad y seguridad de fampridina

Objective: Assessment of the efficacy and safety of fampridine for walking improvement in adult patients with multiple sclerosis. Method: A descriptive retrospective study of all patients who initiated treatment with fampridine between March, 2014 and February, 2015. Efficacy was assessed through the 25- foot walk test and the 12-item walking scale for multiple sclerosis. It was reviewed whether patients had suffered any of the most frequent adverse effects described in the pivotal clinical trial. Results: Six patients were included, with a 66.7% response rate. At 3-6 months, the mean change in walking speed (compared to baseline) was 39.32% and there was a mean improvement of 15 points in the walking scale. Only one patient presented adverse effects. Conclusions: The results obtained are encouraging, particularly when fampridine is the only drug currently approved to control such a disabling symptom as instability while walking (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluación de la efectividad y seguridad de la fampridina en la mejoría de la marcha de pacientes adultos con esclerosis múltiple. Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de todos los pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento con fampridina entre marzo de 2014 y febrero de 2015. Se evaluó la efectividad utilizando el test de marcha de los 25 pies y la escala de movilidad de 12 ítems de la esclerosis múltiple. Se revisó si los pacientes habían sufrido alguno de los efectos adversos más frecuentes descritos en el ensayo pivotal. Resultados: Se incluyeron 6 pacientes, con una tasa de respuesta del 66,7%. A los 3-6 meses, el cambio medio en la velocidad de la marcha (comparado con el basal) fue del 39,32% y hubo una mejora media de 15 puntos en la escala de movilidad. Solo uno de los pacientes presentó efectos adversos. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos son esperanzadores, sobre todo cuando la fampridina es el único fármaco autorizado actualmente para controlar un síntoma tan discapacitante como es la inestabilidad de la marcha (AU)

Assessment of the efficacy and safety of fampridine.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the efficacy and safety of fampridine for walking improvement in adult patients with multiple sclerosis. METHOD: A descriptive retrospective study of all patients who initiated treatment with fampridine between March, 2014 and February, 2015. Efficacy was assessed through the 25-foot walk test and the 12-item walking scale for multiple sclerosis. It was reviewed whether patients had suffered any of the most frequent adverse effects described in the pivotal clinical trial. RESULTS: Six patients were included, with a 66.7% response rate. At 3-6 months, the mean change in walking speed (compared to baseline) was 39.32% and there was a mean improvement of 15 points in the walking scale. Only one patient presented adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained are encouraging, particularly when fampridine is the only drug currently approved to control such a disabling symptom as instability while walking.

Objetivo: Evaluación de la efectividad y seguridad de la fampridina en la mejoría de la marcha de pacientes adultos con esclerosis múltiple.Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de todos los pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento con fampridina entre marzo de 2014 y febrero de 2015. Se evaluó la efectividad utilizando el test de marcha de los 25 pies y la escala de movilidad de 12 ítems de la esclerosis múltiple. Se revisó si los pacientes habían sufrido alguno de los efectos adversos más frecuentes descritos en el ensayo pivotal.Resultados: Se incluyeron 6 pacientes, con una tasa de respuesta del 66,7%. A los 3-6 meses, el cambio medio en la velocidad de la marcha (comparado con el basal) fue del 39,32% y hubo una mejora media de 15 puntos en la escala de movilidad. Solo uno de los pacientes presentó efectos adversos. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos son esperanzadores, sobre todo cuando la fampridina es el único fármaco autorizado actualmente para controlar un síntoma tan discapacitante como es la inestabilidad de la marcha.

Reflexiones sobre un logro: el programa doctoral curricular de Enfermería / Thoughts about an accomplishment: the doctoral program in Infirmary Curriculum

La reflexión científica es un instrumento testimonial factual que describe o explica los efectos o resultados de la aplicación de una estrategia de desarrollo. La reflexión científica es transmitida por los sujetos que desarrollaron la estrategia de desarrollo o recibieron sus efectos o ambos y aportan la evidencia real y sentida. El desarrollo en Cuba del proyecto de colaboración entre las Facultades de Enfermería de la Universidad de Manitoba, Canadá y el Instituto Superior de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana titulado Fortalecimiento de la Enfermería en Cuba a través del postgrado y la investigación, es una estrategia de desarrollo de amplio alcance, que aún sin concluir exhibe resultados tangibles, que aportan una evidencia real y sentida. El logro máximo de este proyecto es la creación en Cuba del doctorado en Ciencias de Enfermería, aprobado en el año 2006 por la Comisión Nacional de Grados Científicos. Este grado científico está disponible para los profesionales de Enfermería interesados en el desarrollo de investigaciones de Enfermería con fines doctorales. En el programa doctoral curricular de Enfermería se forman 11 aspirantes al grado de Doctor en Ciencias de Enfermería. Estos doctorantes son licenciados en Enfermería, graduados de distintos programas de maestrías y proceden de varias provincias del país. Por la trascendencia de la aprobación de este grado científico, publicar las reflexiones de los participantes en el programa doctoral curricular de Enfermería, deja constancia de los cambios introducidos en la práctica de la profesión, el desarrollo académico, las proyecciones personales de los doctorantes, además de las contribuciones al desarrollo del conocimiento de la teoría y la práctica de Enfermería. Hasta ahora, y en lo adelante, será imposible deslindar el programa doctoral del grado científico....(AU)

Scientific thinking is a testimonial instrument that describes and explains the development strategy effects or results. Scientific reflection is transmitted by the subjects who made the development strategy or received its effects or both, and give sensible and real evidence. The development in Cuba of the collaboration project among the Infirmary Faculties of the University of Manitoba, Canada; and the Medical Sciences Superior Institute, called “The strengthening of Cuban Infirmary through post grade and investigation” is a development strategy of a large approach, which even unconcluded, exhibits concrete results, which provides sensible and real evidence. The maximum achievement of this project is the creation in Cuba, of the Doctorate in Infirmary Sciences, approved in year 2006 by the National Commission of Scientific Grades. This scientific grade is available to Infirmary professionals who are interested in the development of investigations of Infirmary with a Doctoral closing stage in view. 11 aspiring candidates are in formation in the curricular doctoral program in Infirmary, These Infirmary Licentiates are graduated in different programs of Maters and come from different provinces of Cuba. Due to the importance of the scientific grade, publishing the reflections of the doctoral curricular programs participants give a fact of the changes introduced in the practice of the profession, the academic development, the personal projections of the participants and the contributions to the development to the theory and practice of Infirmary. So far and from now on, it will be impossible to unlink the program of the scientific grade. The reviewed literature and consulted experts during the previous process of the redaction of these reflections, we found no evidence of a previous existence, nor present nor future of the curricular doctoral programs in Cuba in health Sciences, which is the result of an international Project of Collaboration.......(AU)

Reflexiones sobre un logro: el programa doctoral curricular de Enfermería / Thoughts about an accomplishment: the doctoral program in Infirmary Curriculum

La reflexión científica es un instrumento testimonial factual que describe o explica los efectos o resultados de la aplicación de una estrategia de desarrollo. La reflexión científica es transmitida por los sujetos que desarrollaron la estrategia de desarrollo o recibieron sus efectos o ambos y aportan la evidencia real y sentida. El desarrollo en Cuba del proyecto de colaboración entre las Facultades de Enfermería de la Universidad de Manitoba, Canadá y el Instituto Superior de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana titulado Fortalecimiento de la Enfermería en Cuba a través del postgrado y la investigación, es una estrategia de desarrollo de amplio alcance, que aún sin concluir exhibe resultados tangibles, que aportan una evidencia real y sentida. El logro máximo de este proyecto es la creación en Cuba del doctorado en Ciencias de Enfermería, aprobado en el año 2006 por la Comisión Nacional de Grados Científicos. Este grado científico está disponible para los profesionales de Enfermería interesados en el desarrollo de investigaciones de Enfermería con fines doctorales. En el programa doctoral curricular de Enfermería se forman 11 aspirantes al grado de Doctor en Ciencias de Enfermería. Estos doctorantes son licenciados en Enfermería, graduados de distintos programas de maestrías y proceden de varias provincias del país. Por la trascendencia de la aprobación de este grado científico, publicar las reflexiones de los participantes en el programa doctoral curricular de Enfermería, deja constancia de los cambios introducidos en la práctica de la profesión, el desarrollo académico, las proyecciones personales de los doctorantes, además de las contribuciones al desarrollo del conocimiento de la teoría y la práctica de Enfermería. Hasta ahora, y en lo adelante, será imposible deslindar el programa doctoral del grado científico...

Scientific thinking is a testimonial instrument that describes and explains the development strategy effects or results. Scientific reflection is transmitted by the subjects who made the development strategy or received its effects or both, and give sensible and real evidence. The development in Cuba of the collaboration project among the Infirmary Faculties of the University of Manitoba, Canada; and the Medical Sciences Superior Institute, called “The strengthening of Cuban Infirmary through post grade and investigation” is a development strategy of a large approach, which even unconcluded, exhibits concrete results, which provides sensible and real evidence. The maximum achievement of this project is the creation in Cuba, of the Doctorate in Infirmary Sciences, approved in year 2006 by the National Commission of Scientific Grades. This scientific grade is available to Infirmary professionals who are interested in the development of investigations of Infirmary with a Doctoral closing stage in view. 11 aspiring candidates are in formation in the curricular doctoral program in Infirmary, These Infirmary Licentiates are graduated in different programs of Maters and come from different provinces of Cuba. Due to the importance of the scientific grade, publishing the reflections of the doctoral curricular program’s participants give a fact of the changes introduced in the practice of the profession, the academic development, the personal projections of the participants and the contributions to the development to the theory and practice of Infirmary. So far and from now on, it will be impossible to unlink the program of the scientific grade. The reviewed literature and consulted experts during the previous process of the redaction of these reflections, we found no evidence of a previous existence, nor present nor future of the curricular doctoral programs in Cuba in health Sciences, which is the result of an international Project of Collaboration...

La ética de la diversidad en las clases de Inglés en los Centros de educación Médica Superior / Diversity ethics in English classes at higher medical education centers

De todos es sabido el carácter científico de la docencia en las universidades en Cuba, además de su perfil abarcador y en correspondencia con la época actual. Entre los planes de estudio de los Centros de Educación Médica Superior se incluye la disciplina del idioma extranjero inglés prácticamente en todos los años de todas las carreras. Desde la perspectiva pedagógica siempre se tiene presente desarrollar en los estudiantes, futuros profesionales de la salud, los valores relacionados a la diversidad como concepto opuesto a la uniformidad y al individualismo. En este trabajo se expone la experiencia obtenida en el proceso de formación de valores, concepciones, puntos de vistas o estado de opiniones entre los estudiantes de Medicina sobre la diversidad cultural personal que deben observar para poder llevar a cabo su desempeño como individuos que serán puntos de referencia para la comunidad y para la sociedad

Everybody knows the scientific character of education in Cuban universities and its comprehensive profile in line with the current times. The curricula of the higher medical education centers include, among other things, the study of English as a foreign language in almost all the years of the careers. From the teaching viewpoint, the development of values related to diversity as a concept that is opposite to uniformity and individualism is always present. This paper sets forth the experience accumulated in the process of the creation of values, conceptions, viewpoints or opinions in medicine students regarding the personal cultural diversity that should be taken into account to perform their work as individuals who will become points of reference for the community and the society as well

La ética de la diversidad en las clases de Inglés en los Centros de educación Médica Superior / Diversity ethics in English classes at higher medical education centers

De todos es sabido el carácter científico de la docencia en las universidades en Cuba, además de su perfil abarcador y en correspondencia con la época actual. Entre los planes de estudio de los Centros de Educación Médica Superior se incluye la disciplina del idioma extranjero inglés prácticamente en todos los años de todas las carreras. Desde la perspectiva pedagógica siempre se tiene presente desarrollar en los estudiantes, futuros profesionales de la salud, los valores relacionados a la diversidad como concepto opuesto a la uniformidad y al individualismo. En este trabajo se expone la experiencia obtenida en el proceso de formación de valores, concepciones, puntos de vistas o estado de opiniones entre los estudiantes de Medicina sobre la diversidad cultural personal que deben observar para poder llevar a cabo su desempeño como individuos que serán puntos de referencia para la comunidad y para la sociedad(AU)