Alginate coatings applied on apple cubes as a vehicle for Lacticaseibacillus casei: probiotic viability and overall quality of a new functional product.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, as well as food allergies and intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance and milk protein allergy) demand the development of alternatives to dairy-based probiotic foods. In the present study, probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT 9104 was added to alginate-based edible coatings enriched with inulin and oligofructose and applied to fresh-cut apple. Microbiological, physicochemical and sensory quality parameters of the apple cubes were monitored during 8 days of refrigerated storage. Lacticaseibacillus casei was tested for its antagonistic effect against inoculated Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The viability of the probiotic strain during refrigerated storage and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GID) was evaluated. RESULTS: After 8 days of storage, 9.52-9.64 log colony-forming units (CFU) g-1 of L. casei were detected in apple samples. The functional apple cubes retained 8.31-8.43 log CFU g-1 of the probiotic after GID, without a significant effect of prebiotic addition. The microbiological quality and nutritional properties were maintained by the use of active coatings, whereas the sensory quality decreased after 8 days of storage. A bactericidal effect was exerted by the probiotic strain loaded in the coating against L. innocua artificially inoculated on apple cubes. Escherichia coli O157:H7 counts were reduced by 2.5 log after 8 days. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated the suitability of apple cubes as an alternative matrix to milk for carrying probiotic L. casei CECT 9104 and prebiotics, offering a promising alternative for the development of plant-based functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Headache direction and aura predict migraine responsiveness to rimabotulinumtoxin B.

OBJECTIVE: To report a retrospective analysis of patients with migraine headaches treated with rimabotulinumtoxin B as preventive treatment, investigating an association between clinical responsiveness with migraine directionality and migrainous aura. BACKGROUND: The Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy studies demonstrated onabotulinumtoxin A is effective in the preventive management of chronic migraine headaches. Jakubowski et al reported greater response to onabotulinumtoxin A in migraine patients reporting inward-directed head pain (imploding or ocular) compared with outward-directed head pain (exploding), suggesting subpopulations of patients may be better candidates for its use. No correlation was found between those reporting migrainous aura and onabotulinumtoxin A responsiveness. METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight migraine patients were identified who had received rimabotulinumtoxin B injections over an average of 22 months, or 7 injection cycles. Migraine directionality was reported as inward directed (imploding, n = 72), eye centered (ocular, n = 28), outward directed (exploding, n = 16), and mixed (n = 12). RESULTS: One hundred two out of one hundred twenty-eight patients (80%) improved; of these, 58 (57%) demonstrated a >75% reduction in monthly headache frequency (">75%-responders"), 76% of which noted sustained benefits >12 months with repeated injections every 10-12 weeks. Those reporting ocular- and imploding-directed headaches were significantly more likely to be >75%-responders, compared with exploding- and mixed-directed headaches (P < .0025). Patients with ocular-directed headaches were most likely to be sustained >75%-responders. Patients reporting migrainous aura were more likely to be >75%-responders (P = .0007). Those reporting exploding- and mixed-directed headaches were more likely to be nonresponders (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Reported migraine directionality and presence of migrainous aura predict migraine headache responsiveness to rimabotulinumtoxin B injections.

Natural Pectin-Based Edible Composite Coatings with Antifungal Properties to Control Green Mold and Reduce Losses of 'Valencia' Oranges.

Novel pectin-based, antifungal, edible coatings (ECs) were formulated by the addition of natural extracts or essential oils (EOs), and their ability to control green mold (GM), caused by Penicillium digitatum, and preserve postharvest quality of 'Valencia' oranges was evaluated. Satureja montana, Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CN), Commiphora myrrha (MY) EOs, eugenol (EU), geraniol (GE), vanillin, and propolis extract were selected as the most effective antifungal agents against P. digitatum in in vitro assays. Pectin-beeswax edible coatings amended with these antifungals were applied to artificially inoculated oranges to evaluate GM control. ECs containing GE (2 g/kg), EU (4 and 8 g/kg), and MY EO (15 g/kg) reduced disease incidence by up to 58% after 8 days of incubation at 20 °C, while CN (8 g/kg) effectively reduced disease severity. Moreover, ECs formulated with EU (8 g/kg) and GE (2 g/kg) were the most effective on artificially inoculated cold-stored oranges, with GM incidence reductions of 56 and 48% after 4 weeks at 5 °C. Furthermore, ECs containing EU and MY reduced weight loss and maintained sensory and physicochemical quality after 8 weeks at 5 °C followed by 7 days at 20 °C. Overall, ECs with EU were the most promising and could be a good natural, safe, and eco-friendly commercial treatment for preserving orange postharvest quality.

Novel functional blueberries: Fructo-oligosaccharides and probiotic lactobacilli incorporated into alginate edible coatings.

Minimally processed fruits are an alternative to dairy products to deliver probiotics. Bio-protection against several factors that affect their viability has been proposed in the food industry. In this study, probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT 8361 was added to alginate-based coatings enriched with inulin and oligofructose and applied on fresh-blueberries. Probiotic viability, microbiological, physicochemical and sensory quality parameters of blueberries were monitored during 21 days of refrigerated storage. Also, L. rhamnosus CECT 8361 was tested for its antagonistic effect against inoculated Listeria innocua and E. coli O157:H7. Advantageously, prebiotic compounds allowed improving probiotic viability with counts above 6.2 log CFU/g for the entire period. Native microbiota counts remained under safe levels. Overall visual quality, odor and flavor were acceptable up to day 14 of storage. Regarding antimicrobial activity, L. rhamnosus CECT 8361 was able to reduce L. innocua counts by 1.7 log in inoculated blueberries. These results encourage further implementation of new fruit-based foods with multifunctional properties.

Distal RTA with nerve deafness: clinical spectrum and mutational analysis in five children.

Distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) with nerve deafness is caused by mutations in the ATP6V1B1 gene causing defective function of the H+ -ATPase proton pump. We report five acidotic children (four males) from four unrelated families: blood pH 7.21-7.33, serum bicarbonate 10.8-14.7 mEq/l, minimum urinary pH 6.5-7.1 and fractional excretion of bicarbonate in the presence of normal bicarbonatemia 1.1-5.7%. Growth retardation and nephrocalcinosis, but not hypercalciuria, were common presenting manifestations. Hearing was normally preserved in one of the patients whose sister was severely deaf. One child was homozygous for a known mutation in exon 1: C>T (R31X). Three children were homozygous for a splicing mutation, intron 6 + 1G>A. The other patient was a compound heterozygote, having this mutation and a previously unreported mutation in exon 10: G>A (E330K). Our report shows that hearing loss is not always present in the syndrome of distal renal tubular acidosis with nerve deafness and the absence of hypercalciuria at diagnosis and describes a new mutation responsible for the disease in the ATP6V1B1 gene.

A pilot study of beta-interferon for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B who failed to respond to alpha-interferon.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Alpha-interferon achieves persistent loss of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in about 30-40% of patients with chronic hepatitis B. In non-responder patients, the disease may progress leading to complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of beta-interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis B who did not respond to one course of alpha-interferon. METHODS: Twenty nine alpha-interferon-non-responder patients with chronic hepatitis B (11 hepatitis B e antigen, HBeAg-positive; 18 HBeAg-negative) were treated with 6 million units beta-interferon five times a week for 24 weeks. The post-treatment follow-up lasted for 48 weeks. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, 38% of patients (18% HBeAg-positive; 50% HBeAg-negative) had normal serum aminotransferase levels and negative serum HBV DNA. At the end of follow-up, HBV DNA was no longer detectable in serum in 21% of patients (18% HBeAg-positive; 22% HBeAg-negative). Beta-interferon was well tolerated and safe. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that beta-interferon therapy is effective and safe in the retreatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B who had not responded to a previous alpha-interferon cycle.

Los medicamentos en el mundo asimétrico actual: del no-acceso al acceso: parte 1 / Drugs in the present asymmetric world: from non-access to access: part 1

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica actualizada acerca de las causas esenciales que originan la actual bipolaridad de las naciones en cuanto al acceso a los sistemas de salud y en especial a los medicamentos básicos. En tal sentido, se evidencia cómo las desiguales relaciones internacionales desde el punto de vista económico, social y cultural, así como las severas restricciones financieras, la deuda externa y el aumento en los costos para la adquisición de tecnologías constituyen un desafío para la supervivencia de los países pobres y en desarrollo(AU)

We made an updated bibliographic review on the essential causes originating the present bipolarity of nations regarding the access to health systems, and specially to basic drugs. In this sense, it is evidenced how the unequal international relations from the economic, social, and cultural point of view, as well as the severe financial restrictions, the external debt and the increase of the costs for the acquisition of technologies, are a challenge for the survival of the poor and the developing countries(AU)

Los medicamentos en el mundo asimétrico actual: del no-acceso al acceso: parte 1 / Drugs in the present asymmetric world: from non-access to access: part 1

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica actualizada acerca de las causas esenciales que originan la actual bipolaridad de las naciones en cuanto al acceso a los sistemas de salud y en especial a los medicamentos básicos. En tal sentido, se evidencia cómo las desiguales relaciones internacionales desde el punto de vista económico, social y cultural, así como las severas restricciones financieras, la deuda externa y el aumento en los costos para la adquisición de tecnologías constituyen un desafío para la supervivencia de los países pobres y en desarrollo.

We made an updated bibliographic review on the essential causes originating the present bipolarity of nations regarding the access to health systems, and specially to basic drugs. In this sense, it is evidenced how the unequal international relations from the economic, social, and cultural point of view, as well as the severe financial restrictions, the external debt and the increase of the costs for the acquisition of technologies, are a challenge for the survival of the poor and the developing countries.

Los medicamentos en el mundo asimétrico actual: del no acceso al acceso: parte II / Drugs in present asymmetrical world: from the non-access to access: part II

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica, desde la óptica de las ciencias sociales, sobre las principales características contemporáneas de la industria farmacéutica en la producción y comercialización de los medicamentos. Se evidencia que gracias al desarrollo del sector, hoy se cuenta con un amplio arsenal de fármacos , lo que le confiere a esta tecnología un poderío inigualable en la sociedad. Los informes de diversas agencias de las Naciones Unidas no dejan lugar a duda de que ha aumentado la disparidad social y económica entre los países. Ello originó que el acceso a los medicamentos sea prohibitivo para la mayoría de los países y sus pueblos. Las transnacionales farmacéuticas dedican grandes recursos financieros a promover sus productos, con una fuerte preponderancia mercantil en la información que brindan, con gran influencia sobre los prescriptores y enfermos(AU)

A bibliographic review was made, from the viewpoint of Social Sciences, on the main contemporary features of the pharmaceutical industry in drugs production and marketing. It is obvious that thanks to development of sector, nowadays there is a great variety of drugs, conferring to this technology an unequalled power in society. Reports from diverse NU agencies showed increases in social and economical disparity among countries. It made that access to drugs be prohibitive for the great majority of countries and their peoples. Pharmaceutical transnational consortiums devote great financial resources to promote their products, with a strong mercantile predominance in information supplied, with a big influence on physicians and on patients(AU)

Los medicamentos en el mundo asimétrico actual: del no acceso al acceso: parte II / Drugs in present asymmetrical world: from the non-access to access: part II

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica, desde la óptica de las ciencias sociales, sobre las principales características contemporáneas de la industria farmacéutica en la producción y comercialización de los medicamentos. Se evidencia que gracias al desarrollo del sector, hoy se cuenta con un amplio arsenal de fármacos, lo que le confiere a esta tecnología un poderío inigualable en la sociedad. Los informes de diversas agencias de las Naciones Unidas no dejan lugar a duda de que ha aumentado la disparidad social y económica entre los países. Ello originó que el acceso a los medicamentos sea prohibitivo para la mayoría de los países y sus pueblos. Las transnacionales farmacéuticas dedican grandes recursos financieros a promover sus productos, con una fuerte preponderancia mercantil en la información que brindan, con gran influencia sobre los prescriptores y enfermos.

A bibliographic review was made, from the viewpoint of Social Sciences, on the main contemporary features of the pharmaceutical industry in drugs production and marketing. It is obvious that thanks to development of sector, nowadays there is a great variety of drugs, conferring to this technology an unequalled power in society. Reports from diverse NU agencies showed increases in social and economical disparity among countries. It made that access to drugs be prohibitive for the great majority of countries and their peoples. Pharmaceutical transnational consortiums devote great financial resources to promote their products, with a strong mercantile predominance in information supplied, with a big influence on physicians and on patients.

Percepción de los factores protectores familiares de usuarios adultos que se asisten en una policlínica de la región oeste de Montevideo

Tutor: Prof. Adj. Esther Lacava. Prof. Asist. Rosemary Carrillo. Cátedra de Enfermería Comunitaria.

Sintesis de nitroimidazoles 1-sustituidos y su evaluación como radiosensibilizantes / Synthesis of 1-substituted nitroimidazoles and its evaluation as radiosensitizing agents

Se describe la sístesis de varios nitroimidazoles sustituídos con cadenas lipofílicas e hidrofílicas como posibles agentes radiosensibilizantes. El material de partida empleado fue el 4(5)-nitroimidazol, el cual fue alquilado vía su sal sódica, con cadenas clorometiladas provenientes de ésteres o alcoholes, de manera de obtener análogos estructurales de compuestos de reconocida actividad rediosensibilizantes y bactericida tales como el misonidazol, metronidazol y desmetilmisonidazol. Algunos productos de esta sístesis fueron sometidos a pruebas de radiosensibilización, dando resultados negativos, bajo las condiciones ensayadas