Effect of Ultrasound and High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing on Quality and Bioactive Compounds during the Shelf Life of a Broccoli and Carrot By-Products Beverage

Vegetable beverages are a convenient strategy to enhance the consumption of horticultural commodities, with the possibility of being fortified with plant by-products to increase functional quality. The main objective was to develop a new veggie beverage from broccoli stalks and carrot by-products seasoned with natural antioxidants and antimicrobial ingredients. Pasteurization, Ultrasound (US), and High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) and their combinations were used as processing treatments, while no treatment was used as a control (CTRL). A shelf-life study of 28 days at 4 °C was assayed. Microbial load, antioxidant capacity, and bioactive compounds were periodically measured. Non-thermal treatments have successfully preserved antioxidants (~6 mg/L ΣCarotenoids) and sulfur compounds (~1.25 g/L ΣGlucosinolates and ~5.5 mg/L sulforaphane) throughout the refrigerated storage, with a longer shelf life compared to a pasteurized beverage. Total vial count was reduced by 1.5-2 log CFU/mL at day 0 and by 6 log CFU/mL at the end of the storage in HHP treatments. Thus, the product developed in this study could help increase the daily intake of glucosinolates and carotenoids. These beverages can be a good strategy to revitalize broccoli and carrot by-products with high nutritional potential while maintaining a pleasant sensory perception for the final consumer.

Volatile organic compounds in aquatic ecosystems - Detection, origin, significance and applications

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include a broad range of compounds. Their production influences a large number of processes, having direct and secondary effects on different fields, such as climate change, economy and ecology. Although our planet is primarily covered with water (~70% of the globe surface), the information on aquatic VOCs, compared to the data available for the terrestrial environments, is still limited. Regardless of the difficulty in collecting and analysing data, because of their extreme complexity, diversification and important spatial-temporal emission variation, it was demonstrated that aquatic organisms are able to produce a variety of bioactive compounds. This production happens in response to abiotic and biotic stresses, evidencing the fundamental role of these metabolites, both in terms of composition and amount, in providing important ecological information and possible non-invasive tools to monitor different biological systems. The study of these compounds is an important and productive task with possible and interesting impacts in future practical applications in different fields. This review aims to summarize the knowledge on the aquatic VOCs, the recent advances in understanding their diverse roles and ecological impacts, the generally used methodology for their sampling and analysis, and their enormous potential as non-invasive, non-destructive and financeable affordable real-time biomonitoring tool, both in natural habitats and in controlled industrial situations. Finally, the possible future technical applications, highlighting their economic and social potential, such as the possibility to use VOCs as valuable alternative source of chemicals and as biocontrol and bioregulation agents, are emphasized.

Humans Share More Preferences for Floral Phenotypes With Pollinators Than With Pests

Studies on the selection of floral traits usually consider pollinators and sometimes herbivores. However, humans also exert selection on floral traits of ornamental plants. We compared the preferences of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), and humans for flowers of snapdragon. From a cross of two species, Antirrhinum majus and Antirrhinum linkianum, we selected four Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs). We characterised scent emission from whole flowers and stamens, pollen content and viability, trichome density, floral shape, size and colour of floral parts. We tested the preferences of bumblebees, thrips, and humans for whole flowers, floral scent bouquets, stamen scent, and individual scent compounds. Humans and bumblebees showed preferences for parental species, whereas thrips preferred RILs. Colour and floral scent, in combination with other floral traits, seem relevant phenotypes for all organisms. Remarkably, visual traits override scent cues for bumblebees, although, scent is an important trait when bumblebees cannot see the flowers, and methyl benzoate was identified as a key attractant for them. The evolutionary trajectory of flowers is the result of multiple floral traits interacting with different organisms with different habits and modes of interaction.

Interactions between Microbial Food Safety and Environmental Sustainability in the Fresh Produce Supply Chain

Improving the environmental sustainability of the food supply chain will help to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This environmental sustainability is related to different SDGs, but mainly to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The strategies and measures used to improve this aspect of the food supply chain must remain in balance with other sustainability aspects (economic and social). In this framework, the interactions and possible conflicts between food supply chain safety and sustainability need to be assessed. Although priority must be given to safety aspects, food safety policies should be calibrated in order to avoid unnecessary deleterious effects on the environment. In the present review, a number of potential tensions and/or disagreements between the microbial safety and environmental sustainability of the fresh produce supply chain are identified and discussed. The addressed issues are spread throughout the food supply chain, from primary production to the end-of-life of the products, and also include the handling and processing industry, retailers, and consumers. Interactions of fresh produce microbial safety with topics such as food waste, supply chain structure, climate change, and use of resources have been covered. Finally, approaches and strategies that will prove useful to solve or mitigate the potential contradictions between fresh produce safety and sustainability are described and discussed. Upon analyzing the interplay between microbial safety and the environmental sustainability of the fresh produce supply chain, it becomes clear that decisions that are taken to ensure fresh produce safety must consider the possible effects on environmental, economic, and social sustainability aspects. To manage these interactions, a global approach considering the interconnections between human activities, animals, and the environment will be required.

Reusable Plastic Crates (RPCs) for Fresh Produce (Case Study on Cauliflowers): Sustainable Packaging but Potential Salmonella Survival and Risk of Cross-Contamination

The handling of fresh fruits and vegetables in reusable plastic crates (RPCs) has the potential to increase the sustainability of packaging in the fresh produce supply chain. However, the utilization of multiple-use containers can have consequences related to the microbial safety of this type of food. The present study assessed the potential cross-contamination of fresh cauliflowers with Salmonella enterica via different contact materials (polypropylene from RPCs, corrugated cardboard, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) from wooden boxes). Additionally, the survival of the pathogenic microorganism was studied in cauliflowers and the contact materials during storage. The life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was used to evaluate the environmental impact of produce handling containers made from the different food-contact materials tested. The results show a higher risk of cross-contamination via polypropylene compared with cardboard and MDF. Another outcome of the study is the potential of Salmonella for surviving both in cross-contaminated produce and in contact materials under supply chain conditions. Regarding environmental sustainability, RPCs have a lower environmental impact than single-use containers (cardboard and wooden boxes). To exploit the potential environmental benefits of RPCs while ensuring food safety, it is necessary to guarantee the hygiene of this type of container.

Postharvest LED lighting: effect of red, blue and far red on quality of minimally processed broccoli sprouts

BACKGROUND

The main objective of this study was to evaluate physiological and quality changes of minimally processed broccoli sprouts illuminated during postharvest storage under blue, red and far-red LED lighting as compared to darkness or illumination with fluorescent light, as control treatments.

RESULTS

Morphological and microbiological changes were determined during 15 days at 5 °C. In addition, total antioxidant activity and bioactive compound changes throughout the shelf life were also monitored. Results showed that far-red LED lighting increased hypocotyl and sprout length, decreased microbial growth and improved the total antioxidant and scavenging activities, compared to darkness and fluorescent lighting treatments. However, it did not stimulate the biosynthesis of phenolic acids. In contrast, blue LED light reduced by 50% the total antioxidant capacity of broccoli sprouts compared to far-red treatment, as well as morphological development. In addition, total scavenging activity was increased under far-red LED light compared with the other treatments by 12-10% (darkness and fluorescence) and 33-31% (blue and red LEDs).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that minimally processed sprouts may benefit from LED lighting during shelf life in terms of quality, although further experiments should be conducted to optimize a proper exposure cycle and intensity aiming for use in the distribution chain. The results also open the way for further development towards the integration of this technology in the food distribution chain.

Viability of sous vide, microwave and high pressure processing techniques on quality changes during shelf life of fresh cowpea puree

An innovative cowpea puree containing 78.8% of fresh cowpea seeds was developed. Microwave treatment (8 kW/35 s), high hydrostatic pressure (550 MPa/10 min/23 ℃) or sous vide treatment (80 ℃, 3 min) were assayed as processing techniques. Blended fresh cowpea samples were used as control. Quality changes during 21 days at 5 ℃ were studied. Sous vide samples showed a relevant loss during storage of viscoelastic parameters, like elastic modulus (G') and viscous modulus (G″), which was also perceived in the sensory evaluation. On the contrary, high hydrostatic pressure and microwave treatments were able to preserve consistency, texture and taste. However, physicochemical properties, mainly colour, were greatly influenced by thermal treatments, although high hydrostatic pressure treatment preserved greenness. Total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity were more affected by high hydrostatic pressure than by microwave treatments. In conclusion, microwave and high hydrostatic pressure processing treatments seem to be quite interesting techniques to develop legume-based products.

Using artificial neural network in determining postharvest LIFE of kiwifruit

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence systems have been employed for the development of predictive models that estimate many agricultural processes.

RESULTS

In present study, the predictive capabilities of artificial neural networks (ANNs) were evaluated with respect to assessing fruit firmness as a postharvest life index, with determinations made at four stages of storage: 1, 60, 120 and 180 days after harvesting. Single concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) on fruit (D₁ ), all of these nutrient concentrations (D₂ ), the ratios of the nutrient concentrations alone (D₃ ), and a combination of nutrient concentrations and their ratios (D₄ ), were considered.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained showed that fruit firmness at 1 and 60 days after harvesting was not influenced by nutrients. However, the ANN model estimated fruit firmness of 120 and 180 days, respectively, for D₁ and D₃ more accurately than for the D₂ and D₄ datasets. Application of D₃ (nitrogen/calcium ratio) as the input dataset improved predictions of fruit firmness, with a correlation coefficient of 0.85 between the measured and estimated data. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

UV-C pretreatment of fresh-cut faba beans (Vicia faba) for shelf life extension: Effects of domestic microwaving for consumption

Faba beans have a short shelf life which is even reduced after fresh-cut processing mainly due to browning and dehydration. In that sense, the effects of a UV-C treatment (3 kJ m^-2), compared with non-exposed beans (CTRL), were studied on the sensory and microbial quality, and bioactive and anti-nutritional content of fresh-cut faba beans (cv. Muchamiel) during storage at 5 ℃. The effect of a domestic microwaving (3 min, 900 W) on bioactive and anti-nutritional compounds of fresh seeds prior to consumption at each sampling time was also studied. UV-C treatment extended the fresh-cut faba bean shelf life from 7 to 10 days with browning score (the main sensory parameter adversely affected) of 8 and 1 log unit lower than CTRL at day 10. UV-C did not negatively affect the total antioxidant capacity of samples during storage. The phytic acid and raffinose contents decreased by 30/40%, respectively, after 10 days, without influence of the UV-C treatment. Microwaving reduced the phytic acid and condensed tannins contents by 30% in those samples stored for up to six days, with low microwaving effect in the last storage days. Nevertheless, UV-C improved the condensed tannins reductions through storage (≈30%) compared with non-irradiated samples.

Natural vitamin B12 and fucose supplementation of green smoothies with edible algae and related quality changes during their shelf life

BACKGROUND

Some algae are an excellent sources of vitamin B12, of special interest for vegetarian/vegan consumers, and of fucose to supplement fruit and vegetable beverages such as smoothies. Nevertheless, supplementation of smoothies with algae may lead to possible quality changes during smoothie shelf life that need to be studied. Therefore, the quality changes in fresh green smoothies supplemented (2.2%) with nine edible algae (sea lettuce, kombu, wakame, thongweed, dulse, Irish moss, nori, Spirulina and Chlorella) were studied throughout 24 days at 5 °C.

RESULTS

The initial vitamin C content - 238.7-326.0 mg kg^-1 fresh weight (FW) - of a 200 g portion of any of the smoothies ensured full coverage of its recommended daily intake, and still supplying 50-60% of the recommended intake after 7 days. Chlorella and Spirulina smoothies showed the highest vitamin B12 content (33.3 and 15.3 µg kg^-1 FW, respectively), while brown algae showed fucose content of 141.1-571.3 mg kg^-1 FW. These vitamin B12 and fucose contents were highly maintained during shelf life.

CONCLUSION

The Spirulina supplementation of a 200 g smoothie portion ensured full coverage of the recommended vitamin B12 intake, with lower vitamin C degradation, during a shelf life of 17 days. Furthermore, thongweed and kombu are also considered as excellent fucose sources with similar shelf life. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microwave heating modelling of a green smoothie: Effects on glucoraphanin, sulforaphane and S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide changes during storage

BACKGROUND

The heating of a green smoothie during an innovative semi-continuous microwave treatment (MW; 9 kW for 15 s) was modelled. Thermal and dielectric properties of the samples were previously determined. Furthermore, the heating effect on the main chemopreventive compounds of the smoothie and during its subsequent storage up to 30 days at 5 or 15 °C were studied. Such results were compared to conventional pasteurisation (CP; 90 °C for 45 s) while unheated fresh blended samples were used as the control.

RESULTS

A procedure was developed to predict the temperature distribution in samples inside the MW oven with the help of numerical tools. MW-treated samples showed the highest sulforaphane formation after 20 days, regardless of the storage temperature, while its content was two-fold reduced in CP samples. Storage of the smoothie at 5 °C is crucial for maximising the levels of the bioactive compound S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide.

CONCLUSION

The proposed MW treatment can be used by the food industry to obtain an excellent homogeneous heating of a green smoothie product retaining high levels of bioactive compounds during subsequent retail/domestic storage up to 1 month at 5 °C. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Improving quality of an innovative pea puree by high hydrostatic pressure

BACKGROUND

The food industry is continuously innovating to fulfill consumer demand for new, healthy, ready-to-eat products. Pea purees could satisfy this trend by increasing the intake of legumes, which are an important source of nutrients. Moreover, sensorial properties like viscosity could be improved by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). In this study the effect of a boiling treatment (10 min) followed by HHP at 550 kPa (0, 5 or 10 min) on the rheological properties, associated with enzymatic activity and particle size, as well as on the microbial and sensory quality of a pea-based puree stored for 36 days at 5 °C, has been assessed.

RESULTS

The particle size of pea puree decreased after all processing treatments, but increased during storage in HHP-treated samples. Conversely, boiling treatment showed an increase in polygalacturonase activity at the end of the storage period, with a decrease in particle size, viscosity and stability. However, 5 min of 550 kPa HHP showed the highest mean particle size, mean surface diameter and viscosity regarding the remaining treatments. The microbial load remained low during storage.

CONCLUSIONS

HHP treatment can be used by the food industry to improve the rheological properties, viscosity and stability of pea purees. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Immature pea seeds: effect of storage under modified atmosphere packaging and sanitation with acidified sodium chlorite

BACKGROUND

Appropriate sanitation is a priority for extending the shelf life and promoting the consumption of immature pea seeds, as processing accelerates quality deterioration and microbial growth.

RESULTS

The combined effect of disinfection with acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) or sodium hypochlorite (SH) and packaging under a passive modified atmosphere (MAP) at 1 or 4 °C on quality was analysed. After 14 days, greenness and vitamin C had decreased, especially in the SH-disinfected samples. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity were not affected by disinfection. Proteins levels fell by around 27%, regardless of the sanitizer and storage temperature. Compared with the initial microbial load, samples stored at 1 °C showed an increase of 1 log CFU g-1 in psychrophiles when treated with SH, whereas no increase of note occurred with ASC. In general, microbial counts were always below 3 log CFU g-1 for all the treatments.

CONCLUSION

Immature pea seeds could be stored for 14 days at 1-4 °C under MAP with only minor quality changes. Disinfection with ASC resulted in better sensory quality, higher content of vitamin C and lower psychrophile counts. More research is needed to analyse the effect of these treatments on other quality parameters. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microwave flow and conventional heating effects on the physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and enzymatic activity of tomato puree

BACKGROUND

Thermal processing causes a number of undesirable changes in physicochemical and bioactive properties of tomato products. Microwave (MW) technology is an emergent thermal industrial process that offers a rapid and uniform heating, high energy efficiency and high overall quality of the final product. The main quality changes of tomato puree after pasteurization at 96 ± 2 °C for 35 s, provided by a semi-industrial continuous microwave oven (MWP) under different doses (low power/long time to high power/short time) or by conventional method (CP) were studied.

RESULTS

All heat treatments reduced colour quality, total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C, with a greater reduction in CP than in MWP. On the other hand, use of an MWP, in particular high power/short time (1900 W/180 s, 2700 W/160 s and 3150 W/150 s) enhanced the viscosity and lycopene extraction and decreased the enzyme residual activity better than with CP samples. For tomato puree, polygalacturonase was the more thermo-resistant enzyme, and could be used as an indicator of pasteurization efficiency.

CONCLUSION

MWP was an excellent pasteurization technique that provided tomato puree with improved nutritional quality, reducing process times compared to the standard pasteurization process. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of high-pressure homogenization on different matrices of food supplements

There is a growing demand for food supplements containing high amounts of vitamins, phenolic compounds and mineral content that provide health benefits. Those functional compounds have different solubility properties, and the maintenance of their compounds and the guarantee of their homogenic properties need the application of novel technologies. The quality of different drinkable functional foods after thermal processing (0.1 MPa) or high-pressure homogenization under two different conditions (80 MPa, 33 ℃ and 120 MPa, 43 ℃) was studied. Physicochemical characteristics and sensory qualities were evaluated throughout the six months of accelerated storage at 40 ℃ and 75% relative humidity (RH). Aroma and color were better maintained in high-pressure homogenization-treated samples than the thermally treated ones, which contributed significantly to extending their shelf life. The small particle size obtained after high-pressure homogenization treatments caused differences in turbidity and viscosity with respect to heat-treated samples. The use of high-pressure homogenization, more specifically, 120 MPa, provided active ingredient homogeneity to ensure uniform content in functional food supplements. Although the effect of high-pressure homogenization can be affected by the food matrix, high-pressure homogenization can be implemented as an alternative to conventional heat treatments in a commercial setting within the functional food supplement or pharmaceutical industry.

Preservation of bioactive compounds of a green vegetable smoothie using short time–high temperature mild thermal treatment

Smoothies represent an excellent and convenient alternative to promote the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables in order to obtain their health-promoting benefits. Accordingly, a green fresh vegetables smoothie (77.2% cucumber, 12% broccoli and 6% spinach) rich in health-promoting compounds was developed. Soluble solids content, pH and titratable acidity of the smoothie were 4.3 ± 0.4°Bx, 4.49 ± 0.01 and 0.22 ± 0.02 mg citric acid 100−1 g fw, respectively. Two thermal treatments to reduce microbial loads and preserve quality were assayed: T1 (3 min at 80 ℃) and T2 (45 s at 90 ℃). Fresh blended unheated samples were used as control (CTRL). The smoothie presented a viscoelastic behaviour. T1 and T2 treatments reduced initial microbial loads by 1.3–2.4 and 1.4–3.1 log units, respectively. Samples were stored in darkness at 5 and 15 ℃. Colour and physicochemical changes were reduced in thermal-treated samples throughout storage, which were better preserved at 5 ℃ rather than at 15 ℃. Vitamin C changes during storage were fitted with a Weibullian distribution. Total vitamin C losses of T1 and T2 samples during storage at 15 ℃ were greatly reduced when they were stored at 5 ℃. Initial total phenolic content (151.1 ± 4.04 mg kg−1 fw) was 44 and 36% increased after T1 and T2 treatments, respectively. The 3- p-coumaroyl quinic and chlorogenic acids accounted the 84.7 and 7.1% relative abundance, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity (234.2 ± 20.3 mg Trolox equivalent kg−1 fw) remained constant after the thermal treatments and was better maintained during storage in thermal-treated samples. Glucobrassicin accounted the 81% of the initial total glucosinolates content (117.8 ± 22.2 mg kg−1 fw) of the smoothie. No glucosinolates losses were observed after T2 treatment being better preserved in thermal-treated samples. Conclusively, a short time–high temperature mild thermal treatment (T2) showed better quality and bioactive compounds retention in a green fresh vegetable smoothie during low temperature storage.

Continuous microwave pasteurization of a vegetable smoothie improves its physical quality and hinders detrimental enzyme activity

The effect of a pasteurization treatment at 90 ± 2 ℃ for 35 s provided by continuous microwave under different doses (low power/long time and high power/short time) or conventional pasteurization on the quality of orange-colored smoothies and their changes throughout 45 days of storage at 5 ℃ was investigated. A better color retention of the microwave pasteurization- treated smoothie using high power/short time than in conventionally processed sample was evidenced by the stability of the hue angle. The continuous microwave heating increased the viscosity of the smoothie more than the conventional pasteurization in comparison with non-treated samples. Lower residual enzyme activities from peroxidase, pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonase were obtained under microwave heating, specifically due to the use of higher power/shorter time. For this kind of smoothie, polygalacturonase was the more thermo-resistant enzyme and could be used as an indicator of pasteurization efficiency. The use of a continuous semi-industrial microwave using higher power and shorter time, such as 1600 W/206 s and 3600 W/93 s, resulted in better quality smoothies and greater enzyme reduction than conventional thermal treatment.

Quality changes of pomegranate arils throughout shelf life affected by deficit irrigation and pre-processing storage

This study investigated the influence of sustained deficit irrigation (SDI, 78% less water supply than the reference evapotranspiration, ET0) compared to a control (100% ET0) on the physicochemical and sensory qualities and health-promoting compounds of pomegranate arils stored for 14days at 5°C. Prior to processing, the fruits were stored for 0, 30, 60 or 90days at 5°C. The effect of the pre-processing storage duration was also examined. Physicochemical and sensory qualities were kept during the storage period. Arils from SDI fruit had lower punicalagin-α and ellagic acid losses than the control (13% vs 50%). However, the anthocyanin content decreased during the shelf-life (72%) regardless of the treatment. The ascorbic acid slight decreased. Arils from SDI experienced glucose/fructose ratio loss (19%) lower than that of the control (35%). In general, arils from SDI showed better quality and health attributes during the shelf-life than did the control samples.

Changes in bioactive compounds and oxidative enzymes of fresh-cut pomegranate arils during storage as affected by deficit irrigation and postharvest vapor heat treatments

The effect of postharvest vapor heat treatments at 95℃ (4, 7, and 10 s) regarding a conventional sanitizing treatment with 100 mg NaClO l^-1 on enzyme activities (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase), phenolic content, and total antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut pomegranates arils throughout 18 days at 5℃ was studied. Furthermore, the effect of two sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) strategies, compared to a standardly irrigated control (CTRL), was also studied on such quality parameters throughout storage. Arils from CTRL-irrigated fruit registered phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase initial activities of 60.6, 382, and 14.4 U g^-1 fw, respectively. Arils from sustained deficit irrigation fruit registered 46-58% lower phenylalanine ammonia lyase values while polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities did not register great variants (<9%) among both sustained deficit irrigation treatments. Postharvest vapor heat treatments enhanced phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity in those samples from sustained deficit irrigation fruit although no great peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase (<2-5%) increases were observed. Arils from SDI₁ fruit registered higher phenolic content than those values reported for CTRL samples. However, phenolic compounds decreased during storage, in a greater extent for sustained deficit irrigation samples, although 7 s arils achieved better phenolic compounds retention in sustained deficit irrigation samples. Vapor heat treatments reduced up to twofold the total antioxidant capacity losses observed in samples sanitized by conventional NaOCl treatment during shelf life. Conclusively, postharvest vapor heat treatment for 7 and 10 s used to extend the shelf life of pomegranate arils up to 18 days at 5℃ reduced the losses of health-promoting compounds during storage compared to conventional NaOCl sanitizing treatment.

Red fresh vegetables smoothies with extended shelf life as an innovative source of health-promoting compounds

Two fresh red vegetables smoothies based on tomato, carrots, pepper and broccoli and rich in health-promoting compounds were developed. The smoothies showed a viscoelastic behaviour. According to sensory analyses, a shelf life of 28 days at 5 °C for fresh blended smoothies was established while thermally-treated ones (3 min, 80 °C) reached up to 40 days at 20 °C and 58 days at 5 °C. For those mild heat treated smoothies, total vitamin C degradation was 2-fold reduced during storage at 5 °C compared to samples stored at 20 °C while the initial total carotenoids, lycopene and total chlorophylls contents were not greatly affected. A 250-g portion of such smoothies covers in a great extend the established recommended daily nutrient intakes for dietary fibre, minerals and vitamin C of different population groups. As main conclusion, a mild thermal treatment and low temperature storage greatly increased the shelf life of red fresh vegetables smoothies and reduced total vitamin C degradation.

Quality changes of fresh-cut pomegranate arils during shelf life as affected by deficit irrigation and postharvest vapour treatments

BACKGROUND

The effect of two sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) strategies, compared to a control, on postharvest physicochemical, microbial, sensory quality attributes and anthocyanin content of fresh-cut pomegranates arils throughout 18 days at 5 °C was studied. Furthermore, the effect of vapour treatments (4, 7 and 10 s) compared to a conventional sanitizing treatment with NaClO on such quality parameters in combination with the preharvest treatments was also studied.

RESULTS

According to sensory analyses, the shelf life of arils from control and SDI-irrigated fruit was established in 14 and 18 days at 5 °C, respectively, showing 4 and 7 s vapour treatment time the best sensory quality. No significant change was observed in physicochemical quality attributes, across all treatments during storage, while low microbial loads were registered (<3 log CFU g(-1)) after shelf life. Postharvest treatments that had least effect on anthocyanin content on processing day were 7 and 10 s.

CONCLUSION

Vapour treatments of 7-10 s applied to pomegranate arils led to an extended shelf life up to 18 days at 5 °C with better results in SDI-irrigated samples with a water saving of 6-11%.

Deficit irrigation strategies combined with controlled atmosphere preserve quality in early peaches

Due to the water scarcity in the Mediterranean countries, irrigation must be optimized while keeping fruit quality. The effect of deficit irrigation strategies on changes in quality parameters of the early "Flordastar" peaches was studied. The deficit irrigation was programmed according to signal intensity of the maximum daily trunk shrinkage; deficit irrigation plants were irrigated to maintain maximum daily trunk shrinkage signal intensity values close to 1.4 or 1.3 in the case of DI1 or DI2 plants, respectively. Results were compared to a control watered at 150% crop evapotranspiration. Fruits were stored up to 14 days at 0 ℃ and 95% Relative Humidity (RH) in air or in controlled atmosphere (controlled atmosphere; 3-4 kPa O2 and 12-14 kPa CO2), followed by a retail sale period of 4 days at 15 ℃ and 90-95% Relative Humidity in air. Weight losses were lower in controlled atmosphere stored peaches from deficit irrigation. Air-stored fruits developed a more intense red color due to a faster ripening, which was not affected by the type of watering. At harvest, deficit irrigation peaches showed higher soluble solids content, which provided a better sensory evaluation. The soluble phenolic content was initially higher (55.26 ± 0.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh weight) and more stable throughout postharvest life in DI1 fruits than in those from the other irrigation treatments. Concerning vitamin C, control fruits at harvest showed higher ascorbic acid than dehydroascorbic acid content (5.43 versus 2.43 mg/100 g fresh weight, respectively), while water stressed peaches showed the opposite results. The combination of DI2 and controlled atmosphere storage allowed saving a significant amount of water and provided peaches with good overall quality, maintaining the bioactive compounds analyzed.

Spinal cord injury after blunt cervical spine trauma: correlation of soft-tissue damage and extension of lesion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In patients with spinal cord injury after blunt trauma, several studies have observed a correlation between neurologic impairment and radiologic findings. Few studies have been performed to correlate spinal cord injury with ligamentous injury. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate whether ligamentous injury or disk disruption after spinal cord injury correlates with lesion length.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 108 patients diagnosed with traumatic spinal cord injury after cervical trauma between 1990-2011. Plain films, CT, and MR imaging were performed on patients and then reviewed for this study. MR imaging was performed within 96 hours after cervical trauma for all patients. Data regarding ligamentous injury, disk injury, and the extent of the spinal cord injury were collected from an adequate number of MR images. We evaluated anterior longitudinal ligaments, posterior longitudinal ligaments, and the ligamentum flavum. Length of lesion, disk disruption, and ligamentous injury association, as well as the extent of the spinal cord injury were statistically assessed by means of univariate analysis, with the use of nonparametric tests and multivariate analysis along with linear regression.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in lesion length on T2-weighted images for anterior longitudinal ligaments, posterior longitudinal ligaments, and ligamentum flavum in the univariate analysis; however, when this was adjusted by age, level of injury, sex, and disruption of the soft tissue evaluated (disk, anterior longitudinal ligaments, posterior longitudinal ligaments, and ligamentum flavum) in a multivariable analysis, only ligamentum flavum showed a statistically significant association with lesion length. Furthermore, the number of ligaments affected had a positive correlation with the extension of the lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

In cervical spine trauma, a specific pattern of ligamentous injury correlates with the length of the spinal cord lesion in MR imaging studies. Ligamentous injury detected by MR imaging is not a dynamic finding; thus it proved to be useful in predicting neurologic outcome in patients for whom the MR imaging examination was delayed.

Nutritional quality changes throughout shelf-life of fresh-cut kailan-hybrid and ‘Parthenon’ broccoli as affected by temperature and atmosphere composition

The nutritional quality changes of the fresh-cut kailan-hybrid broccoli were compared with those of the ‘Parthenon’ cv. throughout 15 days at 2 ℃, 5 ℃ and 8 ℃ under air and modified atmosphere packaging. Florets showed higher dietary fiber content than stems. The total protein content of kailan-hybrid florets was 2.2-fold higher than that of ‘Parthenon’ cv. and higher amounts of S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Sr, Mn, Zn and Cu were found. However, ‘Parthenon’ florets registered higher initial total phenolics content than the kailan-hybrid edible part, followed by an increase throughout shelf-life favored at 5 ℃ and 8 ℃ under modified atmosphere packaging (5–7 kPa O2 + 14–15 kPa CO2). Modified atmosphere packaging stored samples at 8 ℃ showed higher individual phenolics content than modified atmosphere packaging stored samples at 2 ℃. The initial total antioxidant capacity of the kailan-hybrid edible part was higher than that of ‘Parthenon’ cv. florets. In conclusion, the kailan-hybrid florets generally showed healthier properties on the analyzed bioactive compounds, except total phenolic content, compared to the conventional ‘Parthenon’ cv.

Hot water, UV-C and superatmospheric oxygen packaging as hurdle techniques for maintaining overall quality of fresh-cut pomegranate arils

BACKGROUND

In recent years there has been increasing consumer pressure to avoid the use of agrochemicals such as chlorine on fresh plant products for extending their shelf life. The combined use of eco-sustainable techniques may be an alternative. The effect of hot water (HW), ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light and high oxygen packaging (HO) on the overall quality of fresh-cut pomegranate arils stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for up to 14 days at 5 °C was studied.

RESULTS

Arils extracted manually, washed with chlorine (100 µL L⁻¹ NaClO, pH 6.5, 5 °C water), rinsed and drained were exposed to single or combined (double and triple) hurdle techniques. The HW treatment consisted of a 30 s immersion in water at 55 °C followed by air surface drying. A 4.54 kJ m⁻² dose was used for the UV-C treatment before packaging. Active MAP with initial 90 kPa O₂ was used in the HO treatment. The respiration rate remained relatively constant throughout shelf life, with no differences among treatments. CO₂ accumulation was higher within HO packages. HW induced a slight reduction in total soluble solids, while no changes in titratable acidity were found. HO-treated arils had the highest phenolic content, while the lowest was found in HW-treated arils. The lowest antioxidant activity was found in HW + UV-C + HO and the highest in UV-C + HO and HO treatments. HW alone or in combination with UV-C and HO inhibited mesophile, mould and yeast growth, while UV-C + HO was most effective for controlling yeast and mould growth.

CONCLUSION

UV-C and HO either alone or in combination are promising techniques to preserve the quality of pomegranate arils for up to 14 days at 5 °C.

[Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: group of study of cerebrovascular pathology of the Spanish society of neurosurgery management guideline]

An actualized revision of the most important aspects of aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage is presented from the guidelines previously published by the group of study of cerebrovascular pathology of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery. The proposed recommendations should be considered as a general guide for the management of this pathological condition. However, they can be modified, even in a significant manner according to the circumstances relating each clinical case and the variations in the therapeutic and diagnostic procedures available in the center attending each patient.

Quality of fresh-cut baby spinach grown under a floating trays system as affected by nitrogen fertilisation and innovative packaging treatments

BACKGROUND

Alternative techniques for cultivation of leafy vegetables such as a floating tray system and unconventional gas mixtures for post-harvest active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) could be of interest in the minimally processed vegetable industry.

RESULTS

The combined effect of three pre-harvest fertilisation doses (8, 12 or 16 mmol N L(-1)) and three post-harvest MAP conditions (passive, super-atmospheric or N2O-enriched) on the main quality attributes of fresh-cut baby spinach leaves throughout 10 days at 5 degrees C was studied. After 8 days of shelf life, spinach leaves fertilised with 8 and 16 mmol N L(-1) and stored under N2O-enriched MAP showed the lowest microbial growth, with good sensory quality. Such combined treatments also preserved the total antioxidant capacity sampled at harvest (8 g ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity kg(-1) f.w.). A decrease of 10-20% in total vitamin C content regardless of N fertilisation and packaging treatment was found during shelf life. Total phenolics content at harvest was 2 g gallic acid equivalents kg(-1) f.w., which was slightly decreased or preserved during shelf life while total chlorophylls were preserved for all treatments assayed around 550 mg kg(-1) f.w.

CONCLUSION

No clear effect of fertilisation doses was observed during post-harvest storage on overall quality of fresh-cut baby spinach leaves, while N2O-enriched atmospheres seems to be a promising alternative to passive MAP for extending shelf life.

[Surgical treatment for spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage. Part II: infratentorial haematomas]

Surgery plays a mayor role in the management of some patients with cerebellar haematomas, although a universally accepted treatment guideline is lacking. The aim of this study was to review the existing evidence supporting surgical evacuation of the haematoma in this pathology. Without any clinical trial on this field, data derived from clinical series suggest that the level of consciousness, the size of the haematoma, the presence of hydrocephalus and the compression of the posterior fossa CSF containing spaces are the main criteria to decide management. Fourth ventricular compression seems to be the best indicator of the last parameter. Existing bibliography shows that haematomas greater than 4 cm or causing complete obliteration of the fourth ventricle or prepontine cistern need surgical evacuation irrespective of the level of consciousness, as they indicate a significant compression of the brainstem. On the other hand, it seems that haematomas of less than 3 cm and without fourth ventricular compression can be managed conservatively or by means of ventricular drainage if hydrocephalus exists and requires treatment. The management of intermediate sized haematomas is less clear although conservative approach could be adopted in presence of adequate neurological status, with EVD in the case of hydrocephalus with low consciousness level. If the level of consciousness is low despite the treatment of hydrocephalus, or in absence of this latter, haematoma evacuation is indicated. Finally, patients with flaccid tetraplejia and absent oculocephalic reflexes, and those whose age or basal condition precludes an adequate functional outcome are not suitable for aggressive treatment. Moreover, some studies have shown that comatose patients with CT scan evidence of severe brainstem compression present a reduced probability of good outcome. Anyway, management should be decided on an individual basis, as there is no enough evidence to support a strict treatment protocol.

Severe head injury and the risk of early death

BACKGROUND

Severe head injury (SHI) is one of the most important health, social and economic problems in industrialised countries. Unfortunately, none of the neuroprotection trials for traumatic brain injury have shown efficacy. One of the reasons for this failure could be the inclusion of patients with high probability of early death. A population-based, retrospective study was conducted to develop a prognostic model for identification of these patients.

METHODS

Between January 1987 and August 1999, a total of 895 patients (> or = 15 years of age) with non-missile SHI were studied, in whom a computed tomography scan was carried out within the first 6 h of injury. The association between early death (first 48 h after injury) and independent prognostic factors was determined by logistic regression analysis. A scoring system was also constructed.

RESULTS

The early-death rate was 20%. Independent predictors of early mortality after SHI were non-evacuated mass (odds ratio (OR) 65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 11 to 379), diffuse injury IV (OR 25, 95% CI 5 to 112), diffuse injury III (OR 8, 95% CI 3 to 22), flaccidity (OR 7, 95% CI 3 to 15), non-reactive bilaterally mydriasis (OR 6, 95% CI 3 to 12), evacuated mass (OR 4, 95% CI 1 to 11), age > or = 65 years (OR 4, 95% CI 1 to 9), decerebration (OR 3, 95% CI 2 to 7) and shock (OR 3, 95% CI 2 to 6). The prognostic model correctly identified 93% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This prognostic model is based on simple clinical and radiological data readily available during the first 6 h after injury and is useful for identification of early death after SHI.

[Prognostic models in severe head injury]

Severe head injury (SHI) is one of the most important health, social, and economic problems in industrialized countries. Most of the recent studies related to this entity still show pessimistic results, with percentages of mortality and unfavourable outcomes very similar than those reported in the last quarter of century. In order to make predictions for patients with SHI, different "prognostic formulas or models" reviewed in this manuscript, have been developed with the main objective of performing reliable predictions for patients with this pathology. These models are constructed by using a group of "prognostic indicators or factors" and different "prognostic scales" useful for measuring the final outcome. The different "statistical techniques or methods" necessary to develop these prognostic models are also analyzed in this paper.

[Magnetic resonance in moderate and severe head injury: comparative study of CT and MR findings. Characteristics related to the presence and location of diffuse axonal injury in MR]

INTRODUCTION

Cranial CT has been the most extended evaluation means for patients suffering head trauma. However, it has low sensitivity in the identification of diffuse axonal injury and posterior fossa lesions. Cranial MR is a potentially more sensitive test but difficult to perform in these patients, a fact that has hampered its generalised use.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the identification capability of traumatic intracranial lesions by both diagnostic tests in patients with moderate and severe head injury and to determine which radiological characteristics are associated with the presence of diffuse injury in MR and their clinical severity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

100 patients suffering moderate or severe head injury to whom a MR had been performed in the first 30 days after trauma were included. All clinical variables related to prognosis were registered, as well as the data from the initial CT following Marshall et al., classification. The MR was blindly evaluated by two neuroradiologists that were not aware of the initial CT results or the clinical situation of the patient. All lesions were registered as well as the classification following the classification of lesions related to DAI described by Adams et al. CT and MR findings were compared evaluating the sensitivities of each test. Factors related to the presence of diffuse injury in MR were studied by univariate analysis using chi2 test and simple correlations.

RESULTS

MR is more sensitive than CT for lesions in cerebral white matter, corpus callosum and brainstem. It also detects a greater number of cerebral contussions. The presence of diffuse axonal injury depends on the mechanism of the trauma, being more frequent in higher energy trauma, specially in traffic accidents. Among the radiological characteristics associated to DAI the most clearly related is intraventricular haemorrhage. The presence of a deeper injury and a higher score in the scales of Adams is associated with a lower score in the GCS and motor GCS, and so with a worse level of consciousness and bigger severity of injury, confirming Ommaya's model.

Complete surgical resection of high-grade astroblastoma with long time survival: case report and review of the literature

Astroblastoma is a rare glial neoplasm of unknown origin and uncertain prognosis. It usually presents in young adults as a well circumscribed hemispheric mass, often associated with a cystic component. The histological features of astroblastoma are the presence of typical astroblastic perivascular pseudorosettes and perivascular hyalinization. Two different subtypes of astroblastoma have been defined based upon histological characteristics. Prognosis, however, sometimes is in contradiction with the pathological appearance and seems to be more closely related to the grade of surgical resection. We present a new case of a patient with a high-grade astroblastoma with a long survival time, in whom complete surgical resection was confirmed by an early postoperative MRI.

[Value of serial CT scanning and intracranial pressure monitoring for detecting new intracranial mass effect in severe head injury patients showing lesions type I-II in the initial CT scan]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of pathological and intracranial pressure (ICP) changes during the acute posttraumatic period in severe head injury patients presenting with lesions Types I-II (TCDB classification) in the admission CT scan with the aim of defining the most appropriate strategy of sequential CT scanning and ICP monitoring for detecting new intra-cranial mass effect and improving the final outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

56 patients (ages 15-80 years) consecutively admitted during a 2 years period were included. All had the initial CT scan < 24 hours after injury (mean interval = 150 min), several CT controls within the first days of the course and ICP monitoring after admission. Different epidemiological, clinical and radiological variables were recorded and deterioration defined as the development of sustained ICP over 20 mmHg requiring aggressive medical and/or surgical treatment was considered the dependent variable. Uni and multivariate analyses were made for determining the correlation between different parameters and the occurrence of deterioration and the final outcome as assessed with the GOS.

RESULTS

The mean GCS score was 5 and 37% of the patients showed pupillary changes; 52.3% had peritraumatic hypotension-hypoxemia, 16.1% anemia and 12.3% coagulation changes. 50% of the patients showed petechial hemorrhages in the white matter or the brainstem, 66% SAH, 40% HIV, 39.3% brain contusion and 21.4% small extraaxial hematomas. 57.1% of the patients showed CT changes through the acute post-traumatic period consisting of new contusion (26.8% of the cases), growing of previous contusion (68.2%) or previous extraaxial hematoma (10.7%), and generalized brain swelling (10.7%). 64.9% of the patients made a favourable and 35.7% an unfavourable outcome. Overall, 27 (48.9%) patients developed deterioration, 21 (37.5%) with concurrent CT changes and 6 (10.7%) without new pathology as seen by the CT control. The remaining 29 (51.7%) patients in this series did not develop deterioration in spite that 11(19.6%) showed CT changes. The age, the initial score, the occurrence of peritraumatic hypotension-hypoxemia and coagulation disorders did not correlate with the risk of deterioration. By contrast, the presence of contusion at the initial CT scan (p= 0.01) and the occurrence of CT change (only generalized brain swelling, p= 0.003) significantly correlated with the risk of deterioration; in his turn deterioration increased by a factor of 10 (OR = 9.8) the risk of death and 7 out of the 8 patients who died developed intractable intracranial hypertension. The 8 (14.2%) patients requiring surgery showed simultaneous ICP deterioration and CT changes, but another 11 patients in a similar condition could be managed without surgery. With or without ICP deterioration, patients showing CT changes had a worse outcome than those without new pathologies, but the difference did not reach statistical significance,

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Over 50% of the patients with initial Type I-II lesions developed new CT changes and nearly 50% showed intracranial hypertension during the acute posttraumatic period. Considering the high incidences of ICP and CT deterioration through the course, along with the absence of strong predictors and the discordances between CT and ICP changes (which were seen in 30.3% of the cases) we recommend ICP monitoring after admission in all patients and serial CT scanning at 2-4, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after injury with additional controls as indicated by clinical or ICP changes in all cases. Though it is clear that the presence of severe intra-cranial hypertension significantly increased the risk of death, the small size of the sample in this series prevented to assess to what extent the occurrence of new mass effect and/or raised ICP contributed to the development of moderate and severe disability in the survivors which were mainly due to the occurrence of diffuse axonal injury. Finally, demonstrating that sequential CT scanning and ICP monitoring improve the final outcome in this type of patients would require a prospective randomized trial which is impracticable for different reasons, among them the ethical ones.

Oligodendroglioma and multiple sclerosis. A case report

BACKGROUND

The concurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and glioma is uncommon. Approximately 30 cases have been reported, but in only six of them the tumour was pure or mixed oligodendroglioma. The appearance of new neurological symptoms and signs in a patient with multiple sclerosis is usually attributed to a relapse of this disease and neuroradiological studies are not always performed. When done, the finding of a new focal mass lesion is usually interpreted as a pseudotumoural plaque.

CASE REPORT

A 37-year-old man was admitted because of partial simple seizures and an enlarging intracranial mass. He had been diagnosed of MS eleven years earlier. A MRI study performed eight years before admission showed a large mass in the right frontal lobe which was thought to be a pseudotumoural plaque. Two years later, he developed simple partial motor seizures that were initially controlled with valproic acid. He remained well until three months before admission, when seizures reappeared with a poor response to valproic acid. A new MRI study showed an heterogeneous right frontal enlarging mass lesion. A primary neoplasm was suspected and a subtotal removal was performed. The pathological diagnosis was oligodendroglioma with a periferic demyelinating area.

CONCLUSION

Atypical MRI lesions in a patient with MS must be carefully interpreted. Pseudotumoural plaques have been described both clinically and radiologically to be hardly distinguishable from a tumoural lesion and histological confirmation is often required. The association between MS and glioma is uncommon but it must be kept in mind when a mass lesion develops in a patient with MS.

[Overview of the recent clinical trials in severe head injury and analysis of their therapeutic failure]

During the past "Decade of the Brain" several neuroprotective agents have been tested in phase III clinical trials for severe head injury (SHI) but unfortunately none of them significantly improved the outcome of these patients. In contrast to the success achieved by these drugs in animal laboratory studies, the results in terms of neuroprotection in the clinical setting have been disappointing. This paper has been divided in three parts: in the first one, we summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms related to SHI, targeted by the neuroprotective agents. In the second part we review the main clinical trials carried out for SHI to date, and in the third one, we analyze the possible reasons that explain why these agents have failed to show efficacy.

A comparison of different grading scales for predicting outcome after subarachnoid haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Most scales used to assess prognosis after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) are based on the level of consciousness of the patient. Based on information from a logistic regression model, Ogilvy et al. developed a new grading scheme (Massachussetts General Hospital (MGH) Scale) which applied a simple scoring method to each prognostic factor considered relevant such as level of consciousness, age, quantity of blood in the first CT scan and size of the aneurysm. The purpose of this study is to introduce a modified version of the MGH scale, built up using factors applicable to every patient suffering SAH, and compare this new scale to the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scale (WFNS), the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scale for SAH and the MGH scale.

METHOD

A series of 442 patients consecutively admitted to Hospital 12 de Octubre between January 1990 and September 2001 with the diagnosis of spontaneous SAH were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome was assessed by means of the Glasgow Outcome Scale measured six months after hospital discharge. Differences between grades of the WFNS, the GCS scale for SAH, the MGH scale and the new scale were computed by chi2 statistics. ROC curves were plotted for the different scales and their areas compared.

FINDINGS

Both WFNS and GCS scales fail to present significant differences between most of their grades, while the proposed scale shows a constant inter-grade significant difference in predicting outcome. The proposed scale presents a significantly higher prognostic efficacy in the whole series of patients suffering spontaneous SAH, patients with idiopathic subarachnoid haemorrhage (ISAH) and patients with confirmed aneurysmal SAH. The MGH scale is not applicable to some groups of patients suffering SAH.

INTERPRETATION

Grading scales including additional factors to the level of consciousness show higher prognostic efficacy. The proposed modification of the MGH scale makes it applicable to every patient suffering SAH without losing its prediction capability.

[Prognostic factors in severe head injury]

The knowledge of the so called prognostic factors or indicators involved in severe head injury (SHI) is an issue of great interest to make predictions about the future of patients with this pathology. Those indicators constitute the basic elements of the different prognostic formulas or models carried out in order to make predictions in SHI. The mentioned models, therefore, will be constructed by a group of variables (prognostic indicators or factors) and several scales (prognostic scales) that are useful for measuring the final outcome of these patients. In this paper we resume, after an exhaustive review of the literature, the knowledge about the prognostic factors related to SHI. These indicators have been classified as follows: clinical, radiological, physiological, and biochemical. Moreover, we have briefly described the prognostic scales more commonly used in SHI.

[The new residency program in neurological surgery in Spain]

A new Residency Program in Neurological Surgery has been recently elaborated by the "Comisión Nacional de Neurocirugía" following the requirement of the National Council of Specialities. This new Program, which will replace the one proposed in 1992, has been designed in a similar way as those applied in countries providing the best neurosurgical training. Changes included deal with the definition of the speciality, and the introduction of new rotations,a resident Log Book, a Tutor with a well defined profil and commitments, a structured planning of academic and clinical objectives, a rotation or training in research, and a planning for continuous evaluation of the progress of the resident. It is likely that an appropriate application of the new Program in Spanish neurosurgical units with accreditation for training will result in formation of highly competent neurosurgeons. However, there are new challenges for improving neurosurgical training and the development of our speciality in Spain, as those related with new legislation regulating resident working hours, or some political decisions changing the mechanisms for controlling the number of resident positions per year.