Characterization and in vitro evaluations of Baru pulp from almond production waste ensiled with different additives.

The silage process is an efficient way of storing nutrients for animal nutrition. Our hypothesis was that the Baru pulp can be preserved in the form of silage, regardless of the use of additives to aid the process. Silages of Baru pulp containing different additives were evaluated through in vitro analysis, fermentation parameters, and composition and thermal analysis including differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The treatments consisted of (1) silage with Baru pulp (BP) in natura without additive; (2) BP in natura with acetic acid; (3) BP in natura with formic acids; and (4) BP in natura added with microbial inoculums in a randomized experimental design with three replications per treatment and analyzed in duplicate. The ensiled material was kept in anaerobic conditions for a period of 30 days. BP before and after the silage process presented averages of 67.31 and 66.24% for in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD). Microbial inoculant additive was the most effective in reducing pH, followed by acetic acid and formic acid. There were effects of additives on silages for all degradation parameters in ruminal liquid in vitro. It was observed that BP before ensiling had the highest A fraction (7.9 mL gas/100 mg DM), without differing from the silage treated with formic acid (7.1 mL gas/100 mg DM). Similar effects were observed on mass loss (TG) and heat flux (DSC) between the silages. Our findings suggest that Baru pulp with formic acid is more efficient in the conservation and preservation of fermentable carbohydrates as well as in silage production.

Quantification of saccadic fatigability and diagnostic efficacy for myasthenia gravis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic challenge of myasthenia gravis (MG) is exacerbated by the variable efficacy of current testing methodologies, necessitating innovative approaches to accurately identify the condition. This study aimed to assess ocular muscle fatigue in patients with MG using video-oculography (VOG) by examining repetitive saccadic eye movements and comparing these metrics to those of healthy control participants. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center and involved 62 patients diagnosed with MG (48 with ocular MG and 14 with generalized MG) and a control group of 31 healthy individuals, matched for age and sex. The assessment involved recording saccadic eye movements within a ± 15° range, both horizontally and vertically, at a rate of 15 saccades per minute over a 5-min period, resulting in 75 cycles. Participants were afforded a 3-min rest interval between each set to mitigate cumulative fatigue. The primary outcome was the detection of oculomotor fatigue, assessed through changes in saccadic waveforms, range, peak velocity, latency, and the duration from onset to target, with a focus on comparing the second saccade against the average of the last five saccades. RESULTS: In the evaluation of repetitive saccadic movements, patients with MG exhibited a reduced saccadic range and a prolonged duration to reach the target, compared to healthy subjects. Furthermore, a significant elevation in the frequency of multistep saccades was observed among MG patients, with a marked rise observed over consecutive trials. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed the discriminative performance of multistep saccade frequency, in conjunction with variations in saccadic range and duration from onset to target achievement between the second saccade and the mean of the final five saccades, as effective in distinguishing MG patients from healthy subjects. Although alterations in peak saccadic velocity and latency were less pronounced, they were nevertheless detectable. DISCUSSION: The utilization of VOG for repetitive saccadic testing in the diagnosis of MG has demonstrated considerable diagnostic precision. This methodology affords significant accuracy in evaluating ocular muscle fatigue in MG patients, providing class III evidence supportive of its clinical application.

Effects of Baru Almond Oil (Dipteryx alata Vog.) Treatment on Thrombotic Processes, Platelet Aggregation, and Vascular Function in Aorta Arteries.

Background: This study assessed the effects of Baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) almond oil supplementation on vascular function, platelet aggregation, and thrombus formation in aorta arteries of Wistar rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were allocated into three groups. The control group (n = 6), a Baru group receiving Baru almond oil at 7.2 mL/kg/day (BG 7.2 mL/kg, n = 6), and (iii) a Baru group receiving Baru almond oil at 14.4 mL/kg/day (BG 14.4 mL/kg, n = 6). Baru oil was administered for ten days. Platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, vascular function, and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated at the end of treatment. Results: Baru oil supplementation reduced platelet aggregation (p < 0.05) and the production of the superoxide anion radical in platelets (p < 0.05). Additionally, Baru oil supplementation exerted an antithrombotic effect (p < 0.05) and improved the vascular function of aorta arteries (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings showed that Baru oil reduced platelet aggregation, reactive oxygen species production, and improved vascular function, suggesting it to be a functional oil with great potential to act as a novel product for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease.

Acute vestibular syndrome: is skew deviation a central sign?

OBJECTIVE: Skew deviation results from a dysfunction of the graviceptive pathways in patients with an acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) leading to vertical diplopia due to vertical ocular misalignment. It is considered as a central sign, however, the prevalence of skew and the accuracy of its test is not well known . METHODS: We performed a prospective study from February 2015 until September 2020 of all patients presenting at our emergency department (ED) with signs of AVS. All patients underwent clinical HINTS and video test of skew (vTS) followed by a delayed MRI, which served as a gold standard for vestibular stroke confirmation. RESULTS: We assessed 58 healthy subjects, 53 acute unilateral vestibulopathy patients (AUVP) and 24 stroke patients. Skew deviation prevalence was 24% in AUVP and 29% in strokes. For a positive clinical test of skew, the cut-off of vertical misalignment was 3 deg with a very low sensitivity of 15% and specificity of 98.2%. The sensitivity of vTS was 29.2% with a specificity of 75.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to prior knowledge, skew deviation proved to be more prevalent in patients with AVS and occurred in every forth patient with AUVP. Large skew deviations (> 3.3 deg), were pointing toward a central lesion. Clinical and video test of skew offered little additional diagnostic value compared to other diagnostic tests such as the head impulse test and nystagmus test. Video test of skew could aid to quantify skew in the ED setting in which neurotological expertise is not always readily available.

Measuring saccades in patients with Niemann-Pick type C: A comparison between video-oculography and a novel eye tracking test based on continuous psychophysics.

Introduction: Vertical supranuclear gaze palsy is a key feature of Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) and is commonly quantified using video-oculography (VOG). VOG requires sitting still for long times and performing specific tasks, thus it can be challenging or impossible for patients severely affected by movement disorders or cognitive impairment. To overcome this limitation, we measure saccades of NP-C patients using a fast eye tracking test based on continuous psychophysics and compare it to VOG. Methods: Saccades of six NP-C patients and six age-matched controls were assessed using VOG and Standardized Oculomotor and Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders Assessment (SONDA). In SONDA, participants continuously track a semi-randomly moving dot on a computer screen while their gaze is being tracked. For both assessments, saccades were quantified using four conventional measures: amplitude, gain, latency, and peak velocity. Furthermore, SONDA's continuous measures were quantified with several novel spatio-temporal properties. Results: In the NP-C patients, both methods revealed reduced amplitude, gain, peak velocity, and increased latency of vertical saccades compared to horizontal saccades and compared to healthy controls. Effect sizes obtained with SONDA were overall larger than those for VOG. SONDA's spatio-temporal properties showed similar trends. Conclusion: SONDA reveals a deterioration of vertical saccades in NP-C patients that is consistent with VOG. SONDA's measures based on continuous psychophysics are consistent with traditional saccadic parameters and can potentially provide complementary information. SONDA shows larger effect sizes than VOG, suggesting that it provides robust and clinically relevant outcomes with a more intuitive task and shorter testing time.

Transfer of Metal(loid)s from Soil to Leaves and Trunk Xylem Sap of Medicinal Plants and Possible Health Risk Assessment.

The objective of the present study was to investigate metal(loid)s in soils, in the trunk xylem sap and in the leaves of the Dipteryx alata plant located near the highway with high vehicle traffic in agricultural regions and near landfills, and to assess the transfer of metal(loid)s from soil to plant and possible health risk assessment. Trunk xylem sap, leaves and soil samples were collected at three sites near the highway. The analysis of trace elements was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES). In the three soil sampling sites far from the highway edge, 15 elements were quantified. The concentrations of elements in the soil presented in greater proportions in the distance of 5 m in relation to 20 and 35 m. The metal(loid)s content in the study soil was higher than in other countries. The concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Se and Zn in the xylem sap were much higher than the leaves. The values of transfer factor of P, Mg and Mn from soil to the xylem sap and transfer factor of P from soil to leaf were greater than 1, indicating that the specie have a significant phytoremediation and phytoextraction potential. This plant has a tendency to accumulate As, Cd and Cr in its leaf tissues. The chronic hazard index (HI) values recorded in this study were above 1 for adults and adolescents. It is concluded that the soil, the trunk xylem sap and leaves of this plant are contaminated by heavy metals. Ingestion of the trunk xylem sap of this plant can cause toxicity in humans if ingested in large quantities and in the long term; therefore, its consumption should be avoided.

Ocular findings in volcanic fog induced conjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ocular signs and symptoms of patients complaining of eye irritation due to volcanic fog (vog). METHODS: The study utilized a non-comparative, retrospective chart review of 30 patients who had a chief complaint of eye irritation, which the subjects attributed to vog. Ocular signs and symptoms are described and related to the ambient concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), particulate matter sized 2.5 microns (PM(2.5)), and vog visibility in O'ahu during the period of the study. RESULTS: Ocular signs noted were conjunctival injection (100%), clear mucous discharge (100%), papillary reaction (100%), punctal edema (80%), eyelid swelling (73.3%) and chemosis (63.3%). Ocular symptoms were itchiness (100%), foreign body sensation (100%), tearing (96.6%) and burning sensation (90%). All patients had concurrent respiratory symptoms. During the period of study, the highest 24-hour average concentration of particulate matter sized 2.5 microns (PM(2.5)) was 49.04 µg/m(3) and vog was visually present. CONCLUSIONS: Patients complaining of eye irritation due to vog have observable ocular signs and symptoms.

Study of reliability and validity of VOG Perea® and GazeLab® and calculation of the variability of their measurements. / Estudio de la fiabilidad y la validez de los videooculógrafos VOG Perea® y GazeLab® y cálculo de los márgenes de variabilidad.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability and validity of VOG Perea® (VP) and GazeLab® (GL), their correlation and concordance with cover test (CT), and define the margins of variability of the measurement of angle deviation in primary position. METHODS: Forty-four orthotropic patients were included. Alternating prism CT, an examination with VP, and GL were performed. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to determine the reliability, and mean comparison was used to study validity. Correlation coefficient (R) between CT and each video-oculographer was calculated. Bland-Altman diagrams were used to determine concordance. All measurements were expressed in prismatic dioptres (PD). RESULTS: The mean horizontal deviation was -0.571 PD with CT; 0.22 PD with VP and 0.4 PD with GL. ICC was 0.246 (95% CI: [-0.402]-0.595) in GL and 0.984 [95% CI: 0.970-0.992)] in VP. Mean comparison between CT and GL was -0.9286 (CI 95%: [-1.822]-[0.0355], P=.042) and -0.8423 (95% CI: [-1.7190]-0.03450, P=.0593) for CT-VP. Correlation coefficient for VP was R=0.5704 (95% CI: 0.319-0.747, P=.0001) and R=0.4539 (95% CI: 0.174-0.666, P=.0025) for GL. Margins of variability for a single horizontal measurement in primary position with VP were±5.22 PD and±2 DP for GL. CONCLUSION: Both VP and GL are reliable and valid devices. Margins of variability for a horizontal measurement are ±5.22 PD in VP and±2 PD in GL.

Case Report: Oculomotor Palsy With Cyclic Spasms in a Patient With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1.

Oculomotor palsy with cyclic spasms is an extremely rare condition whose exact pathophysiology remains a mystery. We followed a boy from the onset of symptoms at the age of ten months until 15 years and documented the case with video oculography. In addition, he was diagnosed with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1). Although a pure coincidence cannot be ruled out, it is conceivable that the underlying demyelinating neuropathy of this patient rendered the oculomotor nerve more susceptible to damage.

Effects of baru almond oil (Dipteryx alata Vog.) supplementation on body composition, inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids of hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of nuts and edible seeds is associated with the improvement of the metabolic profile and reduction of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of its subproducts, such as oil, are still poorly studied. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the baru almond oil supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, body composition, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids of hemodialysis patients. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, 12-week placebo-controlled clinical study, hemodialysis patients were supplemented with 5 g of baru oil (BG, n = 17) or 5 g of mineral oil (placebo, BP, n = 12). Body composition, renal function, ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP), oxidative stress, plasma fatty acids, and lipid profile were analysed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Patients were aged 50.5 ±â€¯2.2 years and the average time of dialyses was 52,1 ±â€¯42,6 months. The BG decreased us-CRP concentration compared to PG (-1.2 ±â€¯0.2 vs. + 0.8 ±â€¯0.2 mg / L,d = 0.88; p =  0.01). Baru almond oil supplementation was not effective in improving body composition, lipid profile, and oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Baru almond oil supplementation decreased us-CRP concentration in patients with chronic kidney disease under hemodialysis treatment.

Endovascular Management of Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformations: A Retrospective Analysis over a 15-Year Period.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study was aimed at assessing our results of endovascular management in vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 26 patients of VGAM who underwent endovascular treatment between 1998 and 2012. All patients underwent trans-arterial embolization. Of 26 patients, 23 were treated using n-butyl cyano acrylate (Glue), while 3 out of 26 patients were treated using the ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer. RESULTS: Ages of the treated patients ranged from 1 day to 18 years of age. Of the patients treated, 17 were males and 9 were females. Around 15 of the VGAMs were of the mural variety and 11 were choroidal in nature. A good outcome was seen in 22/26 (85%) of the patients. Complications were seen in total in 7/26 patients (26.92%) of which 3/26 (12%) has a fatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Endovascular embolization for VGAMs is highly efficacious and has helped create a population of VGAM survivors in this condition, which until only a few decades ago caused high mortality and morbidity.

Surgery-free video-oculography in mouse models: enabling quantitative and short-interval longitudinal assessment of vestibular function.

Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) responding to acceleration stimuli is originated from the vestibular apparatuses and thus widely used as an in vivo indicator of the vestibular function. We have developed a vestibular function testing (VFT) system that allows to evaluate VOR response with improved efficiency. The previously required surgical procedure has been avoided by using a newly designed animal-immobility setup. The efficacy of our VFT system was demonstrated on the mice with vestibular abnormalities caused by either genetic mutations (Lhfpl5-/- or Cdh23-/-) or applied vestibulotoxicant (3,3'-iminodipropionitrile, IDPN). Daily longitudinal inspection of the VOR response in the IDPN-administered mice gives the first VOR-based daily-progression profile of the vestibular impairment. The capability of VOR in quantifying the severity of toxicant-induced vestibular deficits has been also demonstrated. The acquired VOR-measurement results were validated against the corresponding behavioral-test results. Further validation against immunofluorescence microscopy was applied to the VOR data obtained from the IDPN-administered mice. We conclude that the improved efficiency of our surgery-free VFT system, firstly, enables the characterization of VOR temporal dynamics and quantification of vestibular-impairment severity that may reveal useful information in toxicological and/or pharmaceutical studies; and, secondly, confers our system promising potential to serve as a high-throughput screener for identifying genes and drugs that affect vestibular function.

Beyond binary parcellation of the vestibular cortex - A dataset.

The data-set presented in this data article is supplementary to the original publication, doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.05.018 (Kirsch et al., 2018). Named article describes handedness-dependent organizational patterns of functional subunits within the human vestibular cortical network that were revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) connectivity parcellation. 60 healthy volunteers (30 left-handed and 30 right-handed) were examined on a 3T MR scanner using resting state fMRI. The multisensory (non-binary) nature of the human (vestibular) cortex was addressed by using masked binary and non-binary variations of independent component analysis (ICA). The data have been made publicly available via github (https://github.com/RainerBoegle/BeyondBinaryParcellationData).

A baru almond-enriched diet reduces abdominal adiposity and improves high-density lipoprotein concentrations: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Nut consumption is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease. Baru almonds have a high protein content and high quantities of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a baru almond-enriched diet on body composition and markers of lipid metabolism in overweight and obese women. METHODS: A randomized, placebo-controlled, 8-wk clinical trial of 46 overweight and obese women was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 normocaloric and isoenergetic diets: baru almond-enriched diet or baru almond-free diet. Both groups received dietary instructions. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile, and plasma fatty acids, as well as apolipoproteins, angiopoietin-like-3, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression, were determined at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: The consumption of baru almonds reduced waist circumference (-2.45 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.90 to -0.23; P = 0.03), cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression (-0.23 mcg/mL; 95% CI, -1.24 to-0.08; P = 0.03), and increased high-density lipoprotein concentrations (+4.82 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.03-8.88; P = 0.04) compared with baru almond-free diet. CONCLUSIONS: A baru almond-enriched diet for 8-wk reduced abdominal adiposity and improved high-density lipoprotein in overweight and obese women. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as RBR-2 wpryx.

Oil from the fruits of Pterodon emarginatus Vog.: A traditional anti-inflammatory. Study combining in vivo and in silico.

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE: The oil obtained from the fruits of Pterodon emarginatus Vog. (OPe) is used orally and topically, in traditional medicine for some purposes, such as acute and chronic inflammatory states as rheumatoid arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this work, the anti-inflammatory activity of the OPe was demonstrated based on several animal models and presented an in silico study based on the 6α,7ß-dihydroxy-vouacapan-17ß-oic acid (DHVA) majority compound of the OPe to evaluate the interaction this compound, with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in 4COX (Mus musculus) and 5KIR (Homo sapiens) and molecular dynamics simulation. RESULTS: The OPe (498 mg/kg, p.o) significantly inhibited (p < 0.05, Student t-test) the primary and secondary reactions of arthritis by Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) and in dermatitis induced by croton oil in mice, OPe inhibited peak of edema. In vascular permeability test in rats, the treatment with OPe was able to block the response to PGE2, serotonin, and bradykinin (p < 0.05, Student t-test). In the writhing test in mice, the OPe at doses of 498 and 980 mg/kg (p.o) produced inhibition of 73% and 92%, respectively, and was not significantly effective in the hot plate test. In the evaluation of the potency in relation to gastric injury (gastric ulcer induced by stress) and combined assay in the assessment of anti-inflammatory potency and gastric damage, it was observed that indomethacin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited carrageenan edema by 51% and produced a higher number of gastric lesions when compared to the group treated with OPe, where only areas of hyperemia were observed, without the occurrence of ulcerative lesion, and which inhibited the edema by 47%. In the in silico study, it was found that the DHVA is capable of binding to two organisms (4COX - Mus musculus and 5KIR - Homo sapiens), however, with higher binding affinity to the organism Homo sapiens. CONCLUSIONS: As expected, all tested ligands were capable of forming hydrogen interactions with residues at their respective binding sites, but the DHVA ligand was capable of creating slightly more hydrogen bonds when docked to either 4COX or 5KIR than the other tested ligands, thus demonstrating the participation of this compound in the anti-inflammatory and antialgic responses observed in the in vivo assays as a COX-2 inhibitor. Therefore, the results obtained support the traditional use of OPe for inflammatory and gastric problems.

The video ocular counter-roll (vOCR): a clinical test to detect loss of otolith-ocular function.

CONCLUSION: vOCR can detect loss of otolith-ocular function without specifying the side of vestibular loss. Since vOCR is measured with a simple head tilt maneuver, it can be potentially used as a bedside clinical test in combination with video head impulse test. OBJECTIVE: Video-oculography (VOG) goggles are being integrated into the bedside assessment of patients with vestibular disorders. Lacking, however, is a method to evaluate otolith function. This study validated a VOG test for loss of otolith function. METHODS: VOG was used to measure ocular counter-roll (vOCR) in 12 healthy controls, 14 patients with unilateral vestibular loss (UVL), and six patients with bilateral vestibular loss (BVL) with a static lateral head tilt of 30°. The results were compared with vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), a widely-used laboratory test of otolith function. RESULTS: The average vOCR for healthy controls (4.6°) was significantly different from UVL (2.7°) and BVL (1.6°) patients (p < 0.0001). The vOCR and VEMP measurements were correlated across subjects, especially the click and tap oVEMPs (click oVEMP R = 0.45, tap oVEMP R = 0.51; p < 0.0003). The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that vOCR and VEMPs detected loss of otolith function equally well. The best threshold for vOCR to detect vestibular loss was at 3°. The vOCR values from the side of vestibular loss and the healthy side were not different in UVL patients (2.53° vs 2.8°; p = 0.59).

Resting in darkness improves downbeat nystagmus: evidence from an observational study.

Resting in an upright position during daytime decreases downbeat nystagmus (DBN). When measured in brightness only, that is, without intermitting exposure to darkness, it does not make a significant difference whether patients have previously rested in brightness or in darkness. In real-world scenarios, people are often exposed to brightness and darkness intermittently. The aim of this study was to analyze whether resting in brightness or resting in darkness was associated with a lower post-resting DBN after intermitting exposures to brightness and darkness. Eight patients were recorded with three-dimensional video-oculography in brightness and darkness conditions, each following two 2-h resting intervals under either brightness or darkness resting conditions. The dependent variable was DBN intensity, measured in mean slow phase velocity. A repeated measures ANOVA with the factors measurement condition (brightness vs. darkness), resting condition (brightness vs. darkness), and time (after first vs. second resting interval) showed a significant effect for the factor resting condition, where previous resting in darkness was associated with a significantly lower DBN relative to previous resting in brightness (P < 0.01). The clinical relevance is to advise patients with DBN to rest in darkness.

La tecnología en la estrabología / Technology in strabismus exploration

RESUMEN La exploración oculomotora incluye una extensa batería de exámenes que fundamentalmente en los niños y en los adultos poco cooperadores se hace compleja y difícil por su poca cooperación, el agotamiento y el entretenimiento frecuente. Esto se ha visto modificado con el surgimiento de la videoculografía, lo que permite el estudio de los movimientos oculares en tiempo real. Con esta revisión bibliográfica se pretende reflejar su utilidad, así como las ventajas y los inconvenientes de esta tecnología, para lo cual se realizó una búsqueda en diferentes publicaciones y textos de la especialidad desde hace 14 años. Concluimos que la videoculografía ha revolucionado la exploración del paciente estrábico y permite un examen preciso y rápido, lo que facilita el desarrollo de numerosas investigaciones y constituye una técnica con gran futuro(AU)

ABSTRACT Oculomotor exploration comprises a large set of tests, the performance of which may be difficult with children and unhelpful adults, because they are not cooperative, become tired and get distracted. But such a situation has changed with the emergence of videoculography, which makes it possible to observe eye movements in real time. The purpose of the present bibliographic review was to gain insight into the usefulness, advantages and drawbacks of this technology, to achieve which a search was conducted in various publications and texts about the specialty since 14 years ago. We conclude that videoculography has revolutionized strabismus exploration, enabling accurate and fast examination and facilitating the development of numerous studies, all of which makes it a very promising technique(AU)

Elaboration, sensorial acceptance and characterization of fermented flavored drink based on water-soluble extract of baru almond / Elaboração, aceitação sensorial e caracterização de bebida fermentada saborizada à base de extrato hidrossolúvel da amêndoa de baru

ABSTRACT: The impact of alimentation on life's quality have encouraged the search for alternative foods with better quality and use of native fruits with technological and nutritional potentials contributes to the development of new products. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a fermented flavored drink, potentially probiotic, based on the water-soluble extract of baru almond, perform sensory evaluation, determine its chemical composition and monitor the shelf life. The extract was fermented by a culture containing Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. After fermentation, thickeners, sucrose and plum pulp were added, these latter two in accordance to the proposed factorial design that resulted seven assays. These formulations were subjected to sensorial analysis, which included the acceptance test and purchase intention. The optimized formulation had its physical-chemical and nutritional characteristics evaluated trough the determination of chemical and mineral composition, viability of the probiotic bacteria and the acidity and pH parameters were evaluated during the twenty-eight storage days. Formulations obtained high rates of acceptability and purchase intention and the optimized formulation achieved good nutritional characteristics, being a food with high manganese content and a source of magnesium and phosphorus. During the storage, the pH and acidity values varied and probiotic microorganism count increased. Probiotic potential of fermented drink can be justified by presence of both microorganisms and by the verified counting obtained since the seventh storage day of the product.

RESUMO: Os impactos da alimentação na qualidade de vida têm incentivado a busca de alternativas alimentares de melhor qualidade e a utilização de frutos nativos com potencial tecnológico e nutricional contribui para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar uma bebida fermentada saborizada, potencialmente probiótica, à base de extrato hidrossolúvel da amêndoa de Baru, realizar a avaliação sensorial, determinar sua composição centesimal e acompanhar a vida de prateleira. O extrato foi fermentado por uma cultura contendo Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus e Bifidobacterium. Após a fermentação foram incorporados espessantes, sacarose e polpa de ameixa, estes dois últimos segundo o delineamento fatorial proposto que totalizou sete ensaios. As formulações foram submetidas a análise sensorial, que compreendeu o teste de aceitação e de intenção de compra. A formulação otimizada teve suas características físico-químicas e nutricionais avaliadas pela determinação da composição centesimal e de minerais. Avaliou-se a viabilidade das bactérias probióticas e os parâmetros de pH e acidez durante vinte e oito dias de armazenamento. As formulações obtiveram altos índices de aceitabilidade e intenção de compra e a bebida otimizada apresentou boas características nutricionais, sendo um alimento com alto conteúdo de manganês e fonte de magnésio e fósforo. Durante o armazenamento os valores de pH e acidez variaram e a contagem de microrganismos probióticos aumentou. Justifica-se a potencialidade probiótica dessa bebida pela presença de ambos micro-organismos e pela contagem verificada a partir do sétimo dia de armazenamento do produto.

Chemical quality of Baru almond (Dipteryx alata oil) / Qualidade química do óleo da amêndoa de baru (Dipteryx alata)

ABSTRACT: Vegetable oils are suitable for human consumption as part of a healthy diet and native fruits of the cerrado, such as almond baru, which are natural sources of these oils. This study informed about the quality of baru oil having as a basis for comparison, soybean oil and olive oil, usually consumed in human diet. Analyzes of acid value, peroxide and iodine for the three oils and fatty acid composition for the baru oil were performed according to official standard methodology. Baru oil has the potential to be part of the human consumption, in healthy diets similarly to soybean oil and olive oil.

RESUMO: Óleos vegetais são indicados na alimentação humana como parte de uma alimentação saudável. Parte dos frutos nativos do cerrado, como a amêndoa de baru, são fontes naturais desses óleos. Objetivou-se, com este estudo, informar a respeito da qualidade do óleo de baru, tendo como base de comparação o óleo de soja e o azeite de oliva, usualmente consumidos na alimentação humana. Foram realizadas análises de índice de acidez, peróxido e iodo segundo normas oficiais para todos os óleos e, para o óleo de baru, foi realizada ainda a composição em ácidos graxos, também segundo metodologia oficial. O óleo de baru tem potencial para fazer parte da alimentação humana em dietas saudáveis de forma similar ao óleo de soja e ao azeite de oliva.