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The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the ripening stage on three fresh-cut fruit (apple, kiwifruit and melon) in terms of quality and tissue metabolism, during accelerated storage (AS) in controlled conditions. For this purpose, two different ripening stages were selected for each fruit. At each ripening stage the fruits were peeled and cut into 10 mm thick slices and stored at 10°C, RH 90%, for 24 hour for apples and 4 days for kiwifruit and melon. During storage, samples were monitored for the main quality indexes and the activity of the main degradative enzymes (polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase and pectinesterase). Production of the endogenous metabolic heat was also monitored using isothermal calorimetry. Results showed that, whether for melon and kiwifruit marked differences were found in the evolution of the parameters considered during storage and in relation to their ripening degree, apple quality and metabolic characteristics proved to be less affected by the ripening degree during storage.

The goal of the study was to determine the effect of thermal treatment and 6-months storage on antioxidant activity and chemical composition of heat-stable apple fillings. The aim was fully accomplished by analyzing apple fillings prepared in laboratory conditions under atmospheric pressure from aseptic apple puree (45 %) in a wide range of soluble solids and with different amounts of inulin and pectin according to the planned 2k factorial design with added central point. A correlation between antioxidant capacity evaluated by 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil radical (DPPH٠) assay and other chemical parameters of apple fillings such as water activity, pH, total polyphenols, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural content and non-enzymatic browning index were reported in the study. Antioxidant activity and the total polyphenols were directly correlated with each other (p

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the ripening stage on fresh-cut kiwifruit tissues in terms of quality and tissue metabolism, during accelerated storage (AS) in controlled conditions. For this purpose three different ripening stages were selected, corresponding to about 11, 13 and 15 °Brix. For each ripening stage the fruits were peeled and cut into 1 cm thick slices and stored in climatic chambers at 10 °C, 90% RH, for 3 days. During storage, quality indices as soluble solid contents, titrable acidity, colour and texture were monitored. Metabolic assessment was carried out evaluating the endogenous metabolic heat using isothermal calorimetry, and monitoring O2 consumption and CO2 production simultaneously. Differences were found in the evolution of the quality indexes during storage; in particular kiwifruit at the lowest ripening stage showed the slowest quality degradation, both in terms of softening and visual quality modifications. Metabolic heat production results were different at the different ripening levels investigated, evidencing a strict connection between the physiological state of the tissue and the entity of its wounding response.

Nonthermal techniques for fruit processing can be a good alternative to heat required methods, in order to produce minimally processed fruit and vegetables. This work presents the state of the art of some applications of osmotic dehydration (OD), vacuum impregnation (VI) and ultrasound (US) treatments on minimally processed apple and kiwifruit, in order to show the potentiality of these techniques to preserve their quality and stability. The application of OD process resulted in several positive effect on kiwifruit overall quality and stability. Despite the texture improvement and the color maintenance, a decrease of water mobility and availability was observed. The application of US promoted the further improvement of water/solutes exchange with the modification of kiwifruit structure. VI instead was applied on apple tissue promoting a considerable weight gain and density changes. The microscopic assessment showed the solutes up-take inside the cells by cell membrane vesiculation.

Two contiguous villages in Tracunhaém county (State of Pernambuco), endemic for schistosomiasis, were studied: Itapinassu (138 inhabitants) and São Joaquim (91 inhabitants). Agriculture predominates in the former region while ceramics is the main activity in the latter. Although no statistical difference was found regarding prevalence, severe infection (>400 epg) predominated in Itapinassu, probably related to the kind of occupation. No association was found between parasite burden and severity of disease, in spite of the high infection rates for Schistosoma mansoni in both communities (approx. 60%). Typical epidemiological features of schistosomiasis such as age-related prevalences and intensities of infection (high in children, low in adults) were also mutual characteristics. Nutritional status determined through anthropometric evaluation was carried out by measuring specific anthropometric indicators. A deficit of energy intake, as well as vitamin A and riboflavin deficiencies were detected. The prevalence of moderate or severe undernutrition in patients under 18 years old was 21.9% in Itapinassu and 24.1% in São Joaquim. In this group an association was found between prevalence of schistosomiasis and chronic undernutrition. Similarly, for patients over 18 year old the prevalence of undernutrition was higher than 20%. However, in this case no association between nutritional status and either prevalence of schistosomiasis or parasite burden could be detected. The two communities had not been treated for eight years.

EMILIA, TH3RESA, and KAMILLA phase III trials showed that T-DM1 is highly active and safe as single agent in HER2[+] MBC. T-DM1 and NPLD may be safely combined to increase antitumor effect compared to each agent alone. The aim of this trial is to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerate dose (MTD) of T-DM1 plus NPLD in HER2[+] MBC. A 3 + 3 dose escalation design was used. Main selection criteria were: (1) Women with HER2[+] MBC ≥ 18 years (yrs); (2) Patients (pts) relapsed or progressed on or after taxanes and trastuzumab-based therapy; (3) No prior treatment with T-DM1 or anthracyclines; (4) Measurable or non-measurable disease with bone lesions. The initial dose was T-DM1 (3.6 mg/kg IV) plus NPLD (45 mg/m2 IV) on Day 1, q3w for up to 6 cycles of NPLD (cohort 1). In the next dose levels, only the NPLD dose was increased to 50 mg/m2 (cohort 2) and 60 mg/m2 (cohort 3). The MTD was the highest dose level at which 0/3 pts or ≤ 1/6 pts experienced DLT during the first 2 cycles. Six additional pts were enrolled at the MTD. T-DM1 treatment was continued as a single agent until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Secondary objectives included safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Fifteen pts were enrolled (cohort 1, n = 3; cohort 2, n = 3; and cohort 3 [NPLD 60 mg/m2 as MTD], n = 9). Median age was 49.5 yrs (range, 31-62), 26.7% received ≥2 prior metastatic treatments, and 80% included trastuzumab plus pertuzumab combination. The only DLT was in the cohort 3 (neutrophil count <0.5x109/L lasted 13 days). The most common ≥G3 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (53.3%), AST increase (13.3%), and thrombocytopenia (13.3%). No ≥G3 cardiac AEs occurred. The median duration of treatment and relative dose intensity were 3.7 months and 85%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (mPFS), overall response rate (ORR), and clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 7.2 months, 40%, and 46.7%, respectively. The mPFS, ORR, and CBR in cohort 3 was 7.2 months, 33.3%, and 44.4%, respectively. The analysis of PK profile is ongoing. T-DM1 plus NDLP is a safe and active combination for pts with previously treated HER2[+] MBC. NCT02562378. First Posted: September 29, 2015. Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR); Experior. Roche Pharma AG. E. López-Miranda: Full / Part-time employment: Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR). S. Di Cosimo: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Novartis; Advisory / Consultancy: Pfizer, TEVA, EpiOnpharma, Bayer; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Roche, GSK, Celgene; Advisory / Consultancy, Grant reviewer compensation: Swiss Cancer League; Research grant / Funding (institution): EISAI. E. Brain: Research grant / Funding (institution): TEVA (Cephalon), HalioDX (Qiagen/Ipsogen), Amgen; Honoraria (institution), Advisory / Consultancy: AstraZeneca, BMS, Celgene, Clinigen, Hospira, Janssen, Mylan, OBI Pharma, Pfizer, Puma, Roche, Samsung. M. Ravnik: Advisory / Consultancy, Board member: Roche; Advisory / Consultancy, Board member: Pfizer; Advisory / Consultancy, Board member: Eli Lilly; Advisory / Consultancy, Board member: Merck. S. Escrivá-de-Romaní: Advisory / Consultancy: Roche, Pierre Fabre; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Roche, Pierre-Fabre, Kyowa-Kirin, Eisai, Celgene; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Roche, Daiichi Sankyo, Pierre Fabre. L. Calabuig: Full / Part-time employment: Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR). M. Sampayo: Full / Part-time employment: Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR). J.M. Pérez-García: Advisory / Consultancy: Roche, Lilly; Full / Part-time employment: Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR). F. Riva: Full / Part-time employment: Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR). A. Malfettone: Full / Part-time employment: Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR). A. Llombart Cussac: Honoraria (self), Advisory / Consultancy: Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Celgene, Eisai, AstraZeneca; Research grant / Funding (self): GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, Puma Biotechnology; Leadership role, Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options, Officer / Board of Directors: Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR). J. Cortés: Advisory / Consultancy: Roche, Celgene, Cellestia, AstraZeneca, Biothera Pharmaceutical, Merus, Seattle Genetics, Daiichi Sankyo, Erytech, Athenex; Honoraria (institution): Roche, Novartis, Celgene, Eisai, Pfizer, Samsung.; Research grant / Funding (institution): Roche, Ariad pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Baxalta GMBH/Servier Affaires, Bayer healthcare, Eisai, F.Hoffman-La Roche, Guardanth health, Merck Sharp&Dohme, Pfizer, Piqur Therapeutics, Puma C, Queen Mary University of London; Advisory / Consultancy, Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options, Officer / Board of Directors: Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR). All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]