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Objective. To understand the association of food insecurity with sociodemographic factors in a sample population in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 10 countries in Latin America using an online survey through various digital platforms from October 14, 2020 to February 15, 2021. Statistical analysis of data was performed by applying descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. Results. Of a total of 6 357 surveys, 58.2% of respondents experienced food security, 29.3% were slightly food insecure, 9.2% were moderately food insecure, and 3.3% were severely food insecure. Concerning the association food insecurity and sociodemographic variables, there is a significant association in the variables studied, including area of residence, education level, occupation, number of persons in the household, household with children younger than 10 years of age, and socioeconomic level. Conclusions. These findings indicate that sociodemographic factors associated with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America were rural residence; complete and incomplete basic and secondary schooling; occupation (homemaker, unemployed, and self-employed); low, medium-low, and medium socioeconomic level; household with more than four persons; and household with children younger than 10 years of age.

About 80 % of brain disorders have a genetic basis. The pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases is associated with a myriad of genetic defects, epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, histone/chromatin remodeling, miRNA dysregulation), and environmental factors. The emergence of new sequencing technologies and tools to study the epigenome has led to identifying predictive biomarkers for earlier diagnosis, opening up the possibility of prophylactical interventions. As a result, advances in pharmacogenetics and pharmacoepigenomics now allow for personalized treatments based on the profile of each patient and the specific genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved. This Review highlights the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases and the variability in patient responses to pharmacotherapy, emphasizing the influence of genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs used to treat those conditions. We specifically discuss the potential modulatory effect of several genetic polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of developing different neurodegenerative diseases. We explore genetic and genomic technologies and the potential of analyzing individual-specific drug metabolism to predict and influence drug response and associated clinical outcomes. We also provide insights into the mechanism of action of the drugs under investigation and their potential impact on disease-modifying pathways. Finally, the Review underscores the great potential of this field to enhance the effectiveness and safety of drug treatments through personalized medicine.

Dysregulation of G9a, a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase, has been observed in Alzheimer’s disease and has been correlated with increased levels of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Likewise, microRNAs are involved in many biological processes and diseases playing a key role in pathogenesis, especially in multifactorial diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, our aim has been to provide partial insights into the interconnection between G9a, microRNAs, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. To better understand the biology of G9a, we compared the global microRNA expression between senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) control mice and SAMP8 treated with G9a inhibitor UNC0642. We found a downregulation of miR-128 after a G9a inhibition treatment, which interestingly binds to the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of peroxisome-proliferator activator receptor γ (PPARG) mRNA. Accordingly, Pparg gene expression levels were higher in the SAMP8 group treated with G9a inhibitor than in the SAMP8 control group. We also observed modulation of oxidative stress responses might be mainly driven Pparg after G9a inhibitor. To confirm these antioxidant effects, we treated primary neuron cell cultures with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidative insult. In this setting, treatment with G9a inhibitor increases both cell survival and antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, up-regulation of PPARγ by G9a inhibitor could also increase the expression of genes involved in DNA damage responses and apoptosis. In addition, we also described that the PPARγ/AMPK axis partially explains the regulation of autophagy markers expression. Finally, PPARγ/GADD45α potentially contributes to enhancing synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis after G9a inhibition. Altogether, we propose that pharmacological inhibition of G9a leads to a neuroprotective effect that could be due, at least in part, by the modulation of PPARγ-dependent pathways by miR-128.

The aim of this study was to identify Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle from lambs with high IMF content (≥3%) using wool FA. The FA composition was characterized in two sections of wool from Suffolk Down lambs, and its relationship with IMF content assessed. One hundred and forty lambs of similar body weight, body condition score, and age were selected. IMF content from LL muscle, and the wool fat and FA composition of the wool were determined. The proportions of FAs in the wool of lambs with low IMF were 51.96 ± 7.3% of saturated, 31.96 ± 7.7% polyunsaturated, and 16.08 ± 2.3% monounsaturated. Similar proportions of FAs were observed in wool samples of lambs with high IMF. Significant differences were found only in the SFA proportion between groups (p < 0.05). The predominant FAs in the wool samples were C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c and C18:2n6c, representing over 60% of total FA methyl esters. Correlations were found between the wool FAs C16:1, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c, C24:0, and C22:6n3 in wool samples divided into two sections. Discriminant analysis identified SFAs, particularly FAs C22:0 and C24:0, as potential candidate for predicting lambs with high IMF content with an accuracy of over 92%. These results provide to our knowledge evidence that IMF content could potentially be determined using wool FAs as a non-invasive method.

Staphylococcus aureus is known worldwide as the principal cause of human bacterial infections; as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections that are becoming increasingly difficult to combat because of emerging resistance to all current antibiotic classes. This work aims to carry out a theoretical study of molecules derived from beta-lactam compounds with possible potential antibiotic activity on Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, computational chemistry tools were used to describe the interactions between potentially active molecules and the transpeptidase and beta-lactamase enzyme. These molecules were docked with transpeptidase and beta-lactamase enzymes, and all of them showed a higher affinity for transpeptidase (−1.81 kcal mol−1) than the reference molecule (methicillin), but only two showed a lower affinity for beta-lactamase (−6.8 kcal mol−1). The two ligands that presented the best ranking docking results were subjected to molecular dynamics simulations to assess conformational stability through root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analysis. According to simulation, the ligands that bind to the proteins do not cause significant conformational changes in the structures of the proteins. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of the molecules with the lowest affinity for beta-lactamase were estimated. The ADME properties predict that the molecules would have good bioavailability.

Objective: This paper explores sociodemographic determinants and geographic disparities in COVID-19 booster uptake among fully vaccinated adults in Nueces County, Texas, USA with a population of over 353,000. Methods: A logistic generalized additive model was applied to analyze 184,252 official vaccination records of fully vaccinated adults over the period between December 2020 and August 2022. An individual's odds in receiving a booster shot were estimated with a host of sociodemographic characteristics as predictors. Results: Model estimation results reveal that male (odds ratio 0.836, 95% confidence interval 0.835–0.836, p

Active packaging allows for preserving the properties of food, extending shelf life, and safeguarding food safety through the interaction of their diverse components with the product. The incorporation of essential oils, particularly cinnamon essential oil, as active components is emerging as an increasingly relevant alternative to synthetic additives. This work aims to provide an overview of the application of cinnamon essential oil as a bioactive compound in food packaging. Cinnamon essential oil exhibits a highly variable composition, with cinnamaldehyde standing out as one of the predominant components responsible for the antimicrobial properties. Phenolic compounds, on the other hand, endow the oil with outstanding antioxidant activity. The application of this oil in active packaging, whether in the form of films or coatings, has demonstrated a significant improvement in optical, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties. Moreover, its ability to inhibit microbial growth and lipid oxidation in the applied foods has been evidenced. However, despite the promising prospects of using essential oils in active packaging for food preservation, detailed regulation is still required for industrial-level implementation.

In this article, we introduce a novel methodology for characterizing viral genetic features: the Unified Methodology of recombinant virus Identification (UMI). Our methodology converts genomic sequences into spectrograms, applies transfer learning using a pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and employs interpretability tools to identify the genomic regions relevant for characterizing a viral sequence as recombinant. The UMI methodology does not necessitate multiple sequence alignment or manual adjustments. As a result, it operates much faster, has low computational demands, and is capable of handling substantial amounts of data. To validate this, we applied UMI to one extensively studied and documented case: HIV-1 genetic recombination. We worked with all identified HIV-1 complete sequences (13554 sequences up to 2020), searching for mathematical patterns, signatures, that characterize an HIV-1 sequence as recombinant. CNN’s hit rate (test accuracy) is 94%, with consistent and differentiated decision areas in each category. Using interpretability tools, we verified that the hot zones were similar for sequences of the same subtype and phylogenetic proximity. The leading areas for classifying a sequence as recombinant or non-recombinant are coincident with genomic regions that play a key role in genetic recombination processes. By applying UMI methodology we found that there is indeed a genome mathematical pattern that assesses an HIV-1 sequence as recombinant. In addition, we located its position. Considering expert knowledge, our results showed a substantial, robust and biologically-consistent hit rate. This type of solution can successfully guide the location and subsequent characterization of relevant areas, avoiding the heavy analysis of multiple sequence alignment and manual adjustments.

Este trabalho substitui o cloreto de sódio (NaCl) por cloreto de potássio (KCl) em níveis crescentes, com a adição de óleos essenciais de orégano e tomilho para mitigar o efeito do cloreto de potássio na avaliação sensorial dos consumidores de hambúrgueres bovinos. Foram testados três níveis de substituição de sódio por potássio (KC20, KC40 e KC60 com 20%, 40% e 60% de substituição, respectivamente) e comparados com o controle (CONT, 100% cloreto de sódio), quanto à contaminação microbiológica inicial e avaliação sensorial por 112 consumidores. A substituição de NaCl por KCl não alterou (P > 0,05) a população microbiana inicial. Da mesma forma, os níveis de substituição de NaCl por KCl não alteraram (P > 0,05) a aceitabilidade de cor, odor e textura dos hambúrgueres bovinos. As substituições de 20% e 40% de NaCl por KCl melhoraram (P < 0,05) o sabor e a aceitabilidade geral dos hambúrgueres bovinos. Ainda, para níveis de substituição de 60%, não foi observada diferença (P > 0,05) quando comparado ao grupo CONT. Diferentes grupos de consumidores foram observados para odor e aceitabilidade geral (P < 0,050). Em conclusão, é possível substituir até 60% de NaCl por KCl em hambúrgueres bovinos, com inclusão de óleos essenciais de orégano e tomilho, na avaliação sensorial pelos consumidores, sendo 20% o nível de substituição mais recomendado.

ObjectiveA prospective cross-sectional investigation of 170 thyroid nodules (TN) between January 2020 and December 2021 at Alpha Imagen was conducted to determine cut-off points (C/O) for elastography measurements and their diagnostic accuracy.MethodsNodules were categorized by ACR TI-RADS, Alpha Score (AS), and Bethesda; all were evaluated using 2D Shear Wave Real Time Elastography (RT-SWE), point Shear Wave (pSWE), and Strain Elastography (SE). Data was assessed with ROC curves, the Shapiro-Wilk test, T test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA.ResultsC/O were as follows: RTSWE Emax of 115kPa and 6.5 m/s, Emean of 47.5 kPa and 4.1 m/s, pSWE (average) of 52.4 kpa and 4.15 m/s; sensitivity of 81.2% and specificity of 57.6%, with a PPV of 72.4% and NPV of 70.0%. SE Value A had a C/O of 0.20%, with a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 57%, PPV of 72.4% and NPP of 73.6%. The Strain Ratio nodule/tissue C/O was calculated as 2.69, with a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 57%, PPV of 72.3%, and NPV of 73.5%. The RLBIndex quality control must be at least 92%; for pSWE, we suggest a mean interquartile ratio of ≤15.7% for kPa and 8.1% for m/s. The recommended depth is between 1.2 and 1.5 cm, and commonly used ROI boxes were 3x3 and 5x5mm.Conclusion2D-SWE and pSWE with Emax and Emean demonstrated C/O with excellent diagnostic accuracy. To maximize the correct classification of TN, we suggest combining ACR TI-RADS and AS with any of the elastography measurements assessed here.

Los residuos sólidos urbanos son uno de los problemas medioambientales más acuciantes a los que se enfrenta el mundo. Hoy en día, la incineración se considera la tecnología más eficaz para tratarlos. Sin embargo, tras el proceso de incineración, cerca del 25% de la masa total inicial de residuos son cenizas, que deben eliminarse en vertederos. Las tendencias recientes sugieren que es posible seguir avanzando en la eficiencia de los recursos convirtiendo los residuos en un recurso y cerrando así el ciclo en una economía circular. Las cenizas volantes pueden utilizarse como sustituto de los recursos naturales en la construcción, como áridos o en la fabricación de nuevos materiales. En particular, estas cenizas volantes contienen elementos como Ca, Si y Al, que permiten su utilización como materia prima para la fabricación de ligantes. En el presente trabajo, se presentarán los resultados obtenidos a partir de la caracterización fisicoquímica de las cenizas volantes. El objetivo de la investigación es explorar la viabilidad del uso de estas cenizas volantes como materia prima en la fabricación de ligantes ecológicos. Abstract Municipal solid waste is one of the most pressing environmental problems the world faces. Nowadays, incineration is considered to be the most effective technology for treating it. However, after the incineration process, close to 25% of the initial total mass of waste is ash, which has to be placed of in landfills. Recent trends suggest that further progress in resource efficiency is possible by turning waste into a resource and thus closing the loop in a circular economy. Fly ash can be utilized as a substitute for natural resources in construction, as in aggregates or in the manufacture of new materials. In particular, these fly ashes contain elements such as Ca, Si and Al, which make it possible for them to be used as a raw material to manufacture binders. In the present work, the results obtained from the physicochemical characterization of fly ashes will be presented. The research aims to explore the feasibility of using this fly ash as raw material in the manufacture of eco-friendly binders.

La queratoconjuntivitis seca (QCS) es una enfermedad inflamatoria que afecta la córnea y conjuntiva generando signos oculares como resequedad de la córnea, ulceraciones, pigmentación, vascularización y disminución significativa de la cantidad de la producción lagrimal que es secretada por las glándulas lagrimales, tarsales y ciliares apocrinas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la incidencia de QCS con el método diagnóstico cuantitativo “test de Schirmer”, y relacionarlo con el grupo etario, la presión ocular y la glucemia. En la metodología empleada se realizó una valoración clínica oftalmológica a perros braquiocefálicos de la ciudad de Machala (Ecuador), aparentemente sanos tomando en cuenta el sexo y registro etario. Se organizaron 3 grupos de estudio de 6 meses a 2 años de edad (AdE), de 2,5 a 5 AdE y mayores a 6 AdE. Para el diagnóstico de QCS se empleó la tira de papel absorbente “test de Schirmer” comercial. La incidencia de QCS en los perros braquiocefálicos fue del 27,3 %, encontrándose el 40 % de éstos en edades entre los 2,5 a 5 AdE sin relación estadística. Un tercio de los animales (33,3 %), presentaron una presión intraocular alta sin relación a la presencia de la QCS en el grupo etario afectado. La alta incidencia de la QC lleva a implementar en las clínicas veterinarias, exámenes oftalmológicos preventivos a los pacientes braquiocefálicos ya que tienen cierta predisposición por su anatomía a padecer esta patología.

This study investigates the possibility of using municipal solid waste incineration fly ash as a supplementary cementitious material to replace part of the clinker in cement. Life cycle assessment has shown that the partial replacement of clinker with blast furnace slag (CEM III) reduces cement’s global warming potential by ~30%, while replacing clinker with fly ash reduces it by up to 55%. When using CEM III as the control binder in cement in which 55 wt% of the clinker was replaced with hydrothermally treated fly ash, the flexural strength decreased by ~60% and the compressive strength by ~65%. When the fly ash was mixed with calcined and vitrified demolition materials, flexural strength decreased by ~30% and compressive strength by ~50%. The hardening of the hydraulic binders fixed the heavy metals in the municipal solid waste incineration fly ash.

The preservative effect of the addition of different essential oils (copaiba and oregano) on meat quality parameters and sensorial acceptability was analyzed for fresh ground beef patties over 21 days of display. Five treatments were assessed: control (CON) without antioxidants; addition of the synthetic additive butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT); addition 0.05% of copaiba essential oil (CEO); 0.05% of oregano essential oil (OEO); or blend of 0.025% copaiba and 0.025% oregano essential oils (BEO). The lowest cooking losses and greatest tenderness (P

Aim of study: To offer an overview of current knowledge and civic engagement in the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) applied to agriculture sector. Area of study: Members of university communities from agri-food field departments at universities from three Ibero-American countries (Spain, Colombia and Brazil). Material and methods: 631 on line surveys from different Ibero-American faculties of the area. Descriptive, quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed. The level of knowledge and engagement of SDGs related to agriculture sector as Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) were investigated. Main results: The level of knowledge about the SDG Agenda, the priority rating for the implementation of each goal and the level of engagement varied significantly between countries. While Spain obtained the highest values in most of the variables relating to knowledge of the SDGs, followed by Brazil, Colombia showed the highest levels of engagement and willingness to apply specific actions in the agri-food sector to promote the implementation of the SDGs. Research highlights: The knowledge and engagement must be improved if we are to achieve the SDGs, and education and research play a vital role in bridging the SDG implementation gap in agri-food field. In the area the best-known SDG strategies are those related to sustainable farming systems and the least-known are the concept of 'degrowth' as a possible efficient strategy, 'permaculture' and 'local production and consumption'. Big differences exist between countries in terms of public knowledge and engagement with SDGs.

Esta investigación tiene por objetivo evaluar y analizar cuáles son las prácticas ligadas al prototipado que nos permiten cuestionar los sistemas clásicos de producción del conocimiento, así como explorar las tensiones y oportunidades que entrelazan la experiencia con el aprendizaje directo del conocimiento tácito. Me interesan los artefactos-dispositivos-procesos que hacen posible el cambio, la transformación y el aprendizaje del conocimiento que se está generando. Artefactos que investiguen, diseñen y cuestionen formas de producción de saberes prácticos. Prácticas sensibles al proceso de generación de conocimientos en la acción a partir de la experiencia y el diálogo con lo material. En este caso, se parte de máquinas que se presentan como un método de investigación en el campo del diseño, como una plataforma de expresión y una herramienta inmediata que activa experiencias, donde pensar con otros no se limita a lo humano de manera performática. Máquinas con un hacer que deambula entre las lógicas de la producción digital y la artesanal, que habitan y exploran un umbral incierto de agencias mediadas por la materia. El azar, la intuición y, a veces, la suerte, aparecen de forma inevitable en el proceso. Es necesario no tener una idea preconcebida del resultado y dar cabida a los accidentes y errores. Procesos donde la experimentación es una parte crucial, un espacio donde descubrir nuevas relaciones, posibilidades, límites y diálogos. El prototipado de las máquinas cuestiona los paradigmas del saber, los tensa y posibilita encarnar saberes que, posteriormente, pueden ser trasladados a través del diseño como espacio, así como herramienta donde concluyen estos conocimientos.

According to the continuity hypothesis of dreaming and contemporary psychodynamic approaches, dreams reflect waking life. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and dreaming in adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Italy, Romania and Croatia involving 2,105 secondary school students (69% girls, mean age 15.6 ± 2.1 years; 31% boys, mean age 15.1 ± 2.2 years; mean age of whole sample 15.4 ± 2.1 years). No substantial differences between countries were found. Thirty-one percent of the participants reported heightened dream recall, 18% noticed an increase in nightmares during the lockdown, and 15% of the provided dreams (n = 498) included pandemic-related content. The results indicate that subjective emotional reactions to lockdown had a significantly higher correlation to dreaming than objective distress (i.e., illness or death of a close one because of COVID-19). These findings suggest that attention to dreams should be included in preventive programs for adolescents with pandemic-related stress.

We evaluated the effects of the inclusion of copaíba (Copaifera officinalis L.) essential oil at 0.05 and 0.1% as a possible replacement of synthetic additive butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in sheep burgers during 14 days of storage in a refrigerated display case (4°C). During the shelf life days, analyzes of antioxidant activity, lipid oxidation, pH, color, cooking loss, texture and consumer acceptability were carried out on refrigerated burgers. The addition of copaíba essential oil showed an antioxidant effect in sheep burgers (P > 0.05), reducing lipid oxidation. Copaiba essential oil added at 0.05% showed the highest antioxidant activity, decreased cooking losses and delaying discoloration (loss of redness) during storage; it further improved, the tenderness of sheep burgers (P < 0.05). The treatments had no effect (P > 0.05) on consumer acceptability. Copaiba essential oil is a promising natural antioxidant to increase the shelf life of meat products, as well as being a viable solution to replace synthetic antioxidant BHT, thereby promoting the fresh-like quality appeal of sheep burgers.

The arrival of Spaniards in the Caribbean islands introduced to the region the practice of applying pigments onto buildings. The pigments that remain on these buildings may provide data on their historical evolution and essential information for tackling restoration tasks. In this study, a 17th-century mural painting located in the Cathedral of Santo Domingo on the Hispaniola island of the Caribbean is characterised via UV–VIS–NIR, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, XRD and SEM/EDX. The pigments are found in the older Chapel of Our Lady of Candelaria, currently Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy. The chapel was built in the 17th century by black slave brotherhood and extended by Spaniards. During a recent restoration process of the chapel, remains of mural painting appeared, which were covered by several layers of lime. Five colours were identified: ochre, green, red, blue and white. Moreover, it was determined that this mural painting was made before the end of the 18th century, because many of the materials used were no longer used after the industrialisation of painting. However, since both rutile and anatase appear as a white pigment, a restoration may have been carried out in the 20th century, and it has been painted white.

Senescent cells can promote tumour progression through the activation of a senescenceassociated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here, the authors show that SASP activation is associated with non-cell autonomous cell transformation and tumour initiation in an in vivo model of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma.

Frente a la profundización de los conflictos políticos, económicos y sociales a principios de la década de 1970, resulta sugestiva la reafirmación de un canon elitista de la cultura y de la literatura en el “Suplemento Cultura” de La Nación. La situación de la escritura de Héctor Álvarez Murena a través de reseñas y artículos presenta una marginalidad que ya había experimentado en otros contextos, y que aquí identificamos en su cuestionamiento del arte y de la literatura como registros de una derrota del humanismo. Siguiendo algunas conclusiones de pensadores de la Escuela de Frankfurt, la reflexión sobre el pasado y sobre la imposibilidad de la experiencia muestra, en los escritos breves de Murena para ese suplemento, una preocupación por el futuro pero también un giro melancólico sobre el pasado. Esa mirada/visión sobre las huellas de la cultura, de su caída y fragmentación tiene un potencial crítico que sugiere cotejar el trabajo en la prensa de los años 1972 y 1973 con la producción ensayística de la época, en particular con La metáfora y lo sagrado (1973).

Self-healing concrete has the potential to optimise traditional design approaches; however, commercial uptake requires the ability to harmonize against standardized frameworks. Within EU SARCOS COST Action, different interlaboratory tests were executed on different self-healing techniques. This paper reports on the evaluation of the effectiveness of proposed experimental methodologies suited for self-healing concrete with expansive mineral additions. Concrete prisms and discs with MgO-based healing agents were produced and precracked. Water absorption and water flow tests were executed over a healing period spanning 6 months to assess the sealing efficiency, and the crack width reduction with time was monitored. High variability was reported for both reference (REF) and healing-addition (ADD) series affecting the reproducibility of cracking. However, within each lab, the crack width creation was repeatable. ADD reported larger crack widths. The latter influenced the observed healing making direct comparisons across labs prone to errors. Water absorption tests highlighted were susceptible to application errors. Concurrently, the potential of water flow tests as a facile method for assessment of healing performance was shown across all labs. Overall, the importance of repeatability and reproducibility of testing methods is highlighted in providing a sound basis for incorporation of self-healing concepts in practical applications.

The use of natural products to reduce the use of synthetic additives in meat products, reducing the oxidation and improving the shelf life is a current challenge. Meat quality from lamb patties during 10 days of display on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active-edible coating were tested under six treatments: uncoated patties without coating (CON); patties with alginate coating (EC) and patties with coating and 0.1 or 0.05% of essential oils (EOs) from either thyme (TH 0.1; TH 0.05) or oregano (OR 0.1; OR 0.05). Display and treatment significantly modified (P < 0.001) all the studied meat quality variables (pH, color, water holding capacity, weight losses, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), antioxidant activity). Display produced discoloration and lipid oxidation, however, the samples with essential oils presented lower (P < 0.001) lipid oxidation than the CON or EC groups. Coated samples with or without EOs showed better color (lower lightness but higher redness and yellowness) and lower water losses (P < 0.001) than the CON. The addition of thyme EO caused a decrease (P < 0.001) in the consumer’s overall acceptability, whereas no statistical differences appeared between CON, EC and oregano EO addition. Thus, using EOs as natural antioxidants, especially those from oregano at low dosages (0.05%), could be considered a viable strategy to enhance the shelf life and the product quality of lamb meat patties without damaging the sensory acceptability.

Wooden breast (WB), white striping (WS) and spaghetti meat (SM) are breast myopathies of the Pectoralis major that greatly affect meat quality in broilers. To differentiate color and texture characteristics with instrumental methods, some of them applied for the first time in this species, 300 carcasses were randomly chosen from an abattoir from five different flocks from the same farm, at a rate of 60 carcasses from each flock. Twenty-four hours after slaughter, both side breasts were dissected, and yields calculated. Color was measured on the surface of the breast with a spectrocolorimeter and reflectance values obtained. Texture was measured on raw meat with a modified compression test that hinders the fiber from expanding transversally and a texture profile analysis (TPA) and also on cooked meat with a Warner–Bratzler shear and a TPA. Color differs between severity degrees, increasing redness (from −1.77 to −1.32 in WB) and, especially, yellowness (from 5.00 to 6.73 in WS) and chroma (from 5.75 to 7.22 in SM) with the severity of the myopathy. The subtraction R630 minus R580 was found to be a useful index to differentiate breast myopathies degrees. The modified compression test can be considered an effective tool to assess the hardness of different structures in each myopathy. Texture differences in the myopathies are better assessed in raw than in cooked meat.

Visual impairment significantly alters the quality of life of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to identify predictors (independent variables) of visual outcomes, and to define their relationship with neurological disability and retinal atrophy when assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 119 consecutive patients with MS, assessing vision using high contrast visual acuity (LogMar), 2.5% and 1.25% low contrast visual acuity (Sloan charts), and color vision (Hardy-Rand-Rittler plates). Quality of vision is a patient reported outcome based on an individual's unique perception of his or her vision and was assessed with the Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) with the 10 neuro-ophthalmologic items. MS disability was assessed using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), the MS functional composite (MSFC) and the brief repetitive battery-neuropsychology (BRB-N). Retinal atrophy was assessed using spectral domain OCT, measuring the thickness of the peripapillar retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and the volume of the ganglion cell plus inner plexiform layer (GCIPL). The vision of patients with MS was impaired, particularly in eyes with prior optic neuritis. Retinal atrophy (pRNFL and GCIPL) was closely associated with impaired low contrast vision and color vision, whereas the volume of the GCIPL showed a trend (p = 0.092) to be associated with quality of vision. Multiple regression analysis revealed that EDSS was an explanatory variable for high contrast vision after stepwise analysis, GCIPL volume for low contrast vision, and GCIPL volume and EDSS for color vision. The explanatory variables for quality of vision were high contrast vision and color vision. In summary, quality of vision in MS depends on the impairment of high contrast visual acuity and color vision due to the disease.

This study was performed to assess the animal performance of 97 bulls, ½ Purunã vs. ½ Canchim, that were slaughtered at 16 (16M) or 22 (22M) months with three concentrate levels (0.8, 1.2, and 1.6%) of body weight (BW). The initial body weight was lower for the 16M bulls. The final body weight and hot carcass weights were similar between the two slaughter ages. The hot carcass dressing was higher for 22M bulls. The average daily gain was higher for 16M bulls. The feed intake and dry matter feed conversion were similar between 16 and 22M bulls. The carcass length, marbling, and bone percentage were lower for 16M bulls. However, the Longissimus dorsi muscle area was higher for 16M bulls. The leg length, cushion thickness, fat thickness, conformation, colour, texture, muscle percent, and fat percent were similar between 16 and 22M bulls. The final and hot carcass weights were lower for bulls that were fed with 0.8% of BW. The carcass dressing was similar for the three concentrate levels. The average daily gain was higher for bulls that were fed with 1.6% of BW of concentrate and lower for those that were fed with 0.8%. The concentrate levels had no effect on carcass characteristics, feed intake, and dry matter conversion.

This work was carried out to evaluate the animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of crossbred heifers slaughtered at three different body weights. The heifers were slaughtered with 330 (Light), 360 (Medium) and 400 (Heavy) kg body weight. The final weight, average daily gain and carcass weight were greater for HEA heifers, intermediate for MED heifers and lower for LIG heifers. However, carcass dressing and pH were similar for the three heifers groups. Dripping loss, dissection loss and the muscle, fat and bone percentages on the 6th rib did not alter by slaughter weight. Slaughter weight did not affect the colour, shear force and lipid oxidation of meat. In conclusion, heavy heifers finished in pasture and that were concentrate-supplemented had better animal performance; however, the carcass characteristics and meat quality were similar for the three heifers groups.

This study determined the sensory profile of three beef burger samples, namely, CON (control), F25 (25% sodium reduction) and F50 (50% sodium reduction), based on the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA). The samples´ microbial, physical and chemical composition was evaluated. Twelve panelists were selected and trained using as criteria the panelists´ discrimination power, reproducibility and consensus. Eleven terms were generated by the method of network descriptors. The intensity of each descriptor in each sample was evaluated by unstructured scale of 9 cm. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, Duncan´s mean test and principal component analysis. The sensory profile shows that low sodium beef burgers had lower fat and salty flavor when compared to untreated control and greater flavor and spice aroma. The above proves that reducing sodium intake causes increased perception burger tasters when compared to the presence of spices in the product. Treatment with 50% sodium reduction obtained the best results for texture softness and appearance. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in the chemical composition of ash, protein and fat in all burgers. In the case of general sensory attributes, treatments with sodium reduction obtained higher intensities of the attributes evaluated, except for meat and salt flavors.

This study evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 36-month old Nellore steers finished in pastures (n = 10) and 20-month old Angus vs. Nellore bulls finished in feedlot (n = 10). Final body weight, carcass weight, characteristics, conformation and fat thickness, were higher (p < 0.001) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Water losses during chilling (24 hours, 4oC) were lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Muscle percentage on the 6th rib was higher (p < 0.05) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls; while bone percentage was lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers. After 7 and 14 days of ageing, the L* meat value was higher for the Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls; the L* meat value was similar (p > 0.05) throughout the ageing period for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls, but higher in meat from the Nellore steers (p < 0.05). Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat a* value (redness). Likewise, ageing time had no effect on a* in both genetic groups, and genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat b* value (yellowness). On the other hand, b* was increased after day 7 of ageing for the bulls from the two genetic groups. Thawing and cooking losses were lower for Nellore steers after day 7 of aging (p < 0.05). The meat of the Angus vs. Nellore bulls was more tender (p < 0.05) at all ageing times studied (1, 4, 7 and 14 days) than the meat of the Nellore steers. Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on lipid oxidation; however, lipid oxidation increased after day7. Meat from Nellore steers contained a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA), a lower percentage of unsaturated (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a similar percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the meat from Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Intramuscular fat from Nellore steers had a more favourable n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio than that from Angus vs. Nellore bulls (4.37 vs. 11.45, respectively). Tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability were higher (p < 0.001) for meats of the Nellore steers, regardless of ageing time (1, 4, 7 and 14 days).

This study evaluated the effects of diets composed by cottonseed hull and meat aging on carcass characteristics and meat quality from young bulls fed on a high-concentrate system. Thirty crossbred bulls were assigned in a complete randomized experimental factorial design with three diets (CH21: cottonseed hull 210 g kg-1on a DM basis, CH27: cottonseed hull 270 g kg-1on a DM basis and CH33: cottonseed hull 330 g kg-1on a DM basis) and different aging times (24 hours and 3, 7 and 14 days). Meat from CH27 diets presented smaller LM moisture content (p < 0.05). Total lipids were smaller in CH33 diet (p

The effects of an alginate-based edible coating containing natural antioxidants (rosemary and oregano essential oils) on lipid oxidation, color preservation, water losses, texture and pH of beef steaks during 14 days of display were studied. The essential oil, edible coating and beef antioxidant activities, and beef consumer acceptability were also investigated. The edible coatings decreased lipid oxidation of the meat compared to the control. The coating with oregano was most effective (46.81% decrease in lipid oxidation) and also showed the highest antioxidant activity. The coatings significantly decreased color losses, water losses and shear force compared to the control. The coatings had a significant effect on consumer perception of odor, flavor and overall acceptance of the beef. In particular, the oregano coating showed significantly high values (approximately 7 in a 9-point scale). Active edible coatings containing natural antioxidants could improve meat product stability and therefore have potential use in the food industry.

Dry cured meat—‘cecina’—is a traditional, although not well-known, dry product that could add value to cull ewes. Because of this, the aim of the study was to assess consumer acceptability of ‘cecina’ from cull ewes finished with different levels of linseed (5, 10 or 15%) for different periods before slaughtering (30, 50 or 70 days). One hundred and fifty consumers evaluated colour acceptability, fatness and odour, flavour and overall acceptability of ‘cecina’ from those 9 treatments. Additionally, habits of consumption of cured products and preferences for different species and willingness to pay for ‘cecina’ were investigated. Linseed supplementation was identified as the most important factor for sensorial attributes (p < 0.01), with the preferred ‘cecina’ being that with 5% and 10% supplementation. Feeding duration only modified the fatness acceptability (p < 0.01). ‘Cecina’ from small ruminants is a product consumed occasionally by the majority of participants; however, it presented an adequate overall acceptability. Consequently, elaborating ‘cecina’ would be a feasible strategy to improve the income of farmers.

Se hizo la caracterización físico-química y bacteriológica del agua marina de las playas Huanchaco y Huanchaquito, 2013, La Libertad-Perú. Se evaluaron ocho estaciones de muestreo por seis meses a través de los parámetros: temperatura, pH, oxígeno disuelto, demanda bioquímica de oxígeno, cloruros, coliformes totales, fecales y Escherichia coli, según “Métodos normalizados para el análisis de agua potable y residuales”. Se obtuvieron valores promedio de temperatura entre 19,8 - 20,3 °C; 7,3 -7,6 pH; 8-9,23 mg/L de oxígeno disuelto; 6,67-8,86 mg/L de demanda bioquímica de oxígeno (DBO5); 223,3-245 mg/L para cloruros; 67-330 NMP/100mLpara coliformes totales, 22-407 NMP/100mLpara coliformes fecales y 10-233 NMP/100mL para E. coli. Los valores reportados no sobrepasaron los Estándares de Calidad Ambiental establecido por el Decreto Supremo N° 002-2008-MINAM categoría 1- B de Aguas superficiales para recreación de contacto primario, excepto, los parámetros de DBO5 y coliformes fecales que sobrepasaron los límites permisibles, encontrándose en Huanchaco valores promedio más altos que Huanchaquito. Palabras clave: Físico–químico, bacteriológicos, Huanchaco, Huanchaquito, litoral costero.

La erosión costera es un fenómeno común en las playas de la provincia de Trujillo que tiene como efecto principal la perdida de la línea costera, así como diferentes impactos ambientales naturales y socioeconómicos. El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el impacto ambiental generado por la erosión costera en la zona litoral de Buenos Aires Norte, distrito de Víctor Larco Herrera, La Libertad-Perú. El área de estudio fue georeferenciada y delimitada en dos zonas de evaluación: zona A y zona B, determinando el grado de impactos mediante la matriz de interacción (causa-efecto) de Leopold modificada; en cada estación de muestreo establecida. Se determinó en el ámbito natura-fisico, un impacto negativo moderado de -70 en la zona A y un impacto negativo débil de -12 en la zona B debido a la perdida de arena, al arrojo de desmonte, al deterioro de las vías de acceso, pistas y veredas, e infraestructura de viviendas; en el ámbito socioeconómico un impacto negativo moderado de -55 en la zona A y un impacto negativo débil de -6 en la zona B debido a la reducción de la población económicamente activa, la migración de pobladores y la pérdida de turismo. Palabras clave: Impacto ambiental, erosión costera, zona litoral.

Nowadays consumers are highly interested in the quality of the products they eat, especially when this refers to meat. Consumption of meat from ruminant animals and its derivatives is on the increase, particularly in some countries such as Brazil, one of the main beef exporters in the world. Current analysis is a review of the different factors that affect meat quality in ruminants, with a focus on sensory analyses. Some factors throughout the entire meat chain are analyzed, or rather, from those that producers underscore to improve the quality of their products to those related with consumers' habits and beliefs. Most of the papers reviewed have been developed by researchers involved in the Meat Quality and Technology Group (University of Zaragoza and CITA of Aragon, Spain) alone or in collaboration with other local or international groups. Some factors that affect ruminant meat quality: From the farm to the fork. Review

El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la demanda del uso de agua y cédulas de cultivo en los sectores de riego de la Cuenca Baja del río Jequetepeque. Se recolectó datos, considerando la evaluación de los volúmenes de agua usados y la correlación existente con las cédulas de cultivo; los cuales fueron analizados y tratados con programas de computación estadísticos, análisis de correlación. En la campaña 2009 se observó una correlación significativa (r=0.972, p=0.000

El crecimiento y desarrollo urbano que a partir de los siglos XV y XVI se produce en España motiva el que sus estructuras básicas se afiancen y se consoliden de manera bastante homogénea hasta el siglo XVIII ', convirtiéndose en un foco de atracción de riqueza y poder que contribuirá con el paso del tiempo a la consolidación de un sistema oligárquico de control político, económico y social. Estas oligarquías urbanas necesitadas de un apoyo institucional, a través del cual podrían poner de manifiesto su superioridad y sus diferencias sobre el resto del común de los vecinos, tenderán incensantemente a copar todos aquellos cargos en el gobierno municipal de las ciudades que les permitan medrar, destacar, hacerse con un prestigio social codiciado o, simplemente, satisfacer sus intereses personales sobre los de la colectividad.

RESEÑA 1 de : IV Congreso Histórico sobre «Nuevas Poblaciones». RESEÑA 2 de : Alvar Ezquerra, Alfredo. El nacimiento de una capital europea. Madrid entre 1561 y 1606, Madrid : Turner Libros, 1989. RESEÑA 3 de : La historia subversiva. Una propuesta para la irrupción de la historia en el presente. Departamento de Historia Contemporánea. Universidad de Deusto, 1990. RESEÑA 4 de : Solano Camón, Enrique. Poder monárquico y estado pactista (1626- 1652). Los aragoneses ante la unión de armas. Zaragoza : Instituto Fernando el Católico, 1987. RESEÑA 5 de : Zysberg, André. Les galéhens, vies et destins de 60.000 forgats de France (1680-1748). París : Éditions du Seuil, 1987.

The paper determines the prioritization of household food purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement in Latin America. This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire including sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and food purchasing prioritization information was sent through digital platforms. A total of 6,357 individuals participated; 83.6% were women, 56.3% belonged to the middle socioeconomic level. Low socioeconomic level was correlated with high prioritization of rice/pasta, potatoes, cookies, sugar/bread, flours, and sweets. The higher the socioeconomic level, the higher the purchasing of alcohol, nuts, vegetables, and meats. Purchase prioritization is related to the socioeconomic level of the participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La firma en septiembre de 1783 del tratado de Versalles puso fin al conflicto entre Gran Bretaña y sus colonias en América del Norte, que, iniciado en las postrimerías de la Paz de París, 1763, se convirtió en enfrentamiento armado en 1776 y en guerra internacional poco después. Si París había simbolizado el hundimiento del primer imperio colonial francés y el triunfo del expansionismo británico, el reconocimiento en Versalles, veinte años después, de la independencia de las trece colonias supuso un duro golpe para el prestigio británico. Privada de parte de su Imperio en América, sin aliados y con sus finanzas en un estado caótico, Gran Bretaña se enfrentaba a un período difícil. A pesar de que la victoria inglesa en la batalla de los Santos, poco antes del fin de la guerra, era una clara prueba de que, aunque derrotada, Gran Bretaña conservaba prácticamente intacto su poderío naval, en algunos círculos se extendió la idea de que esta primera manifestación de debilidad de los Hannover era quizás el inicio del esperado declive del imperio británico.