Changes in GC-MS metabolite profile, antioxidant capacity and anthocyanins content during fermentation of fine-flavor cacao beans from Ecuador

The fermentation of fine-flavor cacao beans is a key process contributing to the enhancement of organoleptic attributes and monetary benefits for cacao farmers. This work aimed to describe the dynamics of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolite profile as well as the antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin contents during fermentation of fine-flavor cacao beans. Samples of Nacional x Trinitario cacao beans were obtained after 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours of spontaneous fermentation. Total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total anthocyanin content were measured by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. Volatiles were adsorbed by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) while other metabolites were assessed by an extraction-derivatization method followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection and identification. Thirty-two aroma-active compounds were identified in the samples, including 17 fruity, and 9 floral-like volatiles as well as metabolites with caramel, chocolate, ethereal, nutty, sweet, and woody notes. Principal components analysis and Heatmap-cluster analysis of volatile metabolites grouped samples according to the fermentation time. Additionally, the total anthocyanin content declined during fermentation, and FRAP-TPC values showed a partial correlation. These results highlight the importance of fermentation for the improvement of the fine-flavor characteristics of cacao beans.

Laparoscopic repair of an anterior perineal hernia: a video presentation

BACKGROUND

The perineal hernia is a condition that occurs as a result of a defect in the pelvic diaphragm. It is classified as anterior or posterior, and as either a primary or secondary hernia. The best management of this condition remains controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the surgical steps of a laparoscopic repair with mesh of a perineal hernia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A video presentation showing the laparoscopic repair of a recurrent perineal hernia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A 46-year-old woman with a prior history of a primary perineal hernia repair had complaints of a symptomatic vulvar bulge. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a 5 cm hernia sac at the right anterior pelvic wall containing adipose tissue. A laparoscopic perineal hernia repair was performed by dissection of the space of Retzius, reduction of the hernial sac, closure of the defect and mesh fixation.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic repair with mesh of a recurrent perineal hernia is demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

We showed that the laparoscopic approach can be an effective and reproducible treatment for perineal hernia.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Understanding of the surgical steps involved in the laparoscopic repair with mesh of a recurrent perineal hernia.

Ecological interactions of nematophagous fungi and their potential use in tropical crops

Nematophagous fungi can feed on nematodes under nutrient-poor conditions. They live in the soil and their study is important because of their possible use in the biocontrol of phytoparasitic nematodes. These fungi can be cultivated in the laboratory using different media and substrates, making them potential agents for agricultural use in tropical environments. The objective was to review recent scientific advances in the ecological interactions of nematophagous fungi and their prey, with emphasis on their use as biological controllers. Given the importance of their interactions in the soil, diversity, abundance, dispersal, and colonization of different types of habitats, these fungal microorganisms can be specialists or generalists in the predation of nematode populations in their various stages (egg, juvenile or adult). The different scientific advances and applications of predatory fungi in some tropical crops in Latin American countries are also briefly described. After these explorations, it is possible to conclude that the integrated application of microorganisms in the soil could improve the production of some cultivars by efficiently reducing nematode populations. In addition, it could improve the structure of soil trophic interactions, with environmentally benign treatments that reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

Assessing the predatory activity of Arthrobotrys oligosporus strain C-2197 as biocontrol of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne spp

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp., is an endoparasite that infects plants' root system and causes yield losses in several important crops. Meloidogyne is one of the most devastating pests, so searching for effective biological agents is needed to mitigate its damage. In this study, the predatory activity of Arthrobotrys oligosporus Fresen strain C-2197, obtained from a tropical dry forest of Ecuador, was evaluated as a biocontrol alternative for root-knot caused by Meloidogyne spp. Our results showed that A. oligosporus C-2197 has predatory activity against juvenile nematodes, 72.31%, and 79% efficacy, for in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Besides, the studied strain showed growth-promoting activity, increasing leaf and root area of inoculated plants. Growth promoting activity was also observed in field tests. The present study validates the potential use of A. oligosporus as a biocontrol of Meloidogyne spp. in tomato production systems under greenhouse. It also presents useful information on the use of different cultivation media and substrates for massive A. oligosporus spore concentrates.

Colección de cultivos microbianos CIBE (CCM-CIBE): Una colección para la investigación

Los microorganismos han sido fuente de importantes innovaciones industriales y su preservación ha contribuido al desarrollo de investigaciones. Sin embargo, en el Ecuador son pocas las iniciativas que buscan conservar microorganismos con potencial biotecnológico. La Colección de cultivos microbianos CCM-CIBE busca proteger la microbiodiversidad del Ecuador y contribuir a su estudio a través de la identificación, la conservación y la distribución de microorganismos. En nuestra colección empleamos métodos de conservación a largo plazo como conservación en agua, conservación en aceite mineral, crioconservación y liofilización. Así mismo, la CCM-CIBE cuenta con capacidades para brindar servicios de tenencia de microorganismos y recibir depósitos públicos o privados, garantizados a través de controles de viabilidad y seguridad de las cepas, así como de la información relacionada con cada microorganismo. Actualmente la colección cuenta con hongos, levaduras y bacterias patógenos de cultivos agrícolas, controladores biológicos, microorganismos presentes en procesos de fermentación que buscan fomentar el estudio de nuestra microbiodiversidad y contribuir a la mejora de procesos del sector agrícola, industria farmacéutica y de alimentos.

The effects of iPod and text-messaging use on driver distraction: a bio-behavioral analysis

This study was designed to empirically examine the effects of iPod device and text-messaging activities on driver distraction. Sixty participants were asked to perform a driving simulation task while searching for songs using an iPod device or text messaging. Driving errors as measured by lane deviations were recorded and analyzed as a function of the distracters. Physiological measures (EEG) were also recorded during the driving phases in order to measure participant levels of cortical arousal. It was hypothesized that iPod use and text messaging would result in a profound effect on driving ability. The results showed a significant effect of iPod use and text-messaging on driving performance. Increased numbers of driving errors were recorded during the iPod and text-messaging phases than the pre- and post-allocation phases. Higher levels of Theta activity were also observed during the iPod and Text-messaging phase than the pre- and post-allocation phases. Implications for in-vehicle systems design, training, and safety are also discussed.

Cefetamet pivoxil in otitis media

In this multicentre, open, randomized, parallel-group study, 270 children with acute otitis media aged between 1 and 15 years were randomized to receive either cefetamet pivoxil 10 mg/kg b.i.d. for 7 days (n = 134) or cefaclor 13.5 mg/kg t.i.d. for 7 days (n = 136). At the end of treatment, bacteriological cure occurred in 44/44 (100%) patients receiving cefetamet pivoxil and 24/28 (86%) patients receiving cefaclor. Clinical cure or improvement was experienced by 117/121 (97%) of patients receiving cefetamet pivoxil and 104/115 (90%) patients in the cefaclor group. Adverse side effects, mainly gastrointestinal disorders, occurred in 11% of patients in the cefetamet pivoxil group compared with 15% of patients in the cefaclor group. All adverse events were of mild or moderate severity and subsided rapidly after treatment. Premature treatment withdrawals occurred in 0.7% of patients who received cefetamet pivoxil and in 2.2% of those who received cefaclor.