Chemical and Sensorial Characterization of Scented and Non-Scented Alstroemeria Hybrids

Floral scent plays an important ecological role attracting pollinators. Its composition has been elucidated for a vast diversity of species and is dominated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenylpropanoids and benzenoid compounds. Considering that floral scent is also an important character for the ornamental plant market, this study was aimed at characterizing and comparing the molecular composition of scented and non-scented alstroemeria flowers. Confirmation of floral scent was performed through sensorial analysis, while GC-MS analysis detected monoterpenes and esters as major volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A total of 19 and 17 VOCs were detected in the scented hybrids 13M07 and 14E07, respectively. The non-scented hybrid 13B01 shared 14 VOCs with the scented hybrids, although it showed different relative concentrations. Comparison between scented and non-scented hybrids suggests that diversity and amounts of VOCs are likely due to the ecological role of scent, while the human perception of floral scent is not strictly related to the VOC profile.Gobierno de Chile 11130325, EQM13012

Evaluation of school menus: Comparing public, private and charter schools

Objetivo Evaluar los menús ofertados en los colegios públicos, privados y concertados de la ciudad de Sevilla (España) para los diferentes grupos de edad escolar. Métodos Se consideró un total de 86 colegios, incluyendo centros públicos, privados y concertados, representando a todos los distritos de la ciudad. Cuatro colegios disponían de cocina propia, mientras el resto tenían contratado un catering. Los menús iban dirigidos a escolares de entre 3 a 16 años. Se evaluó el grado de cumplimiento de las recomendaciones respecto a la frecuencia mensual de los distintos grupos de alimentos, repetición de recetas, variabilidad de técnicas culinarias y equilibrio nutricional. Para el tratamiento estadístico se utilizó el programa Statistica 7. Resultados En la mayoría de comedores escolares la oferta de frutas, verduras y legumbres era deficitaria a diferencia de los postres lácteos, carnes y patatas. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los tres tipos de colegio respecto a la frecuencia mensual de alimentos, siendo los públicos los que más se ajustaban a las recomendaciones. La mayoría de los comedores evaluados no aportaban menús suficientemente detallados así como se observó falta de variedad de técnicas culinarias. La energía no se ajustaba a las necesidades de todos los grupos de edad y la distribución de macronutrientes sólo era adecuada en el 50% de los menús. Conclusión Aunque se ha observado una evolución favorable de los menús respecto a estudios anteriores hay que seguir trabajando en aumentar la oferta de frutas y verduras, disminuir el aporte de lípidos y proteínas, así como adaptar la energía de los menús a los diferentes grupos de edad.Objective To evaluate menus offered in public, private and charter schools in the city of Seville (Spain) for different groups of school children. Methods A total of 86 schools were evaluated, including public, private and charter schools, which represented every district of the city. Four schools possessed their own kitchen, while the others had hired a catering service. The menus were aimed at school children aged between 3 and 16 years. The adequacy of menus regarding the monthly frequency of the different food groups, recipe repetition, variability of cooking techniques and nutritional balance were evaluated according to the recommendations. Statistica 7 software was used for statistical analysis. Results In most school cafeterias fruits, vegetables and legumes supply was defincient compared to dairy desserts, meats and potatoes. Significant differences regarding the monthly food frequency were observed between the three types of school, being the public schools the ones the most followed the recommendations. Most school cafeterias evaluated did not provide sufficiently detailed menus and a lack of variety of culinary techniques was observed.The calories offered did not meet the needs of all age groups and macronutrient distribution was only adequate in 50% of the evaluated menus. Conclusion Although there has been a favourable evolution of menus from previous studies, further work is needed to increase the offer of fruits and vegetables, to reduce the intake from lipids and protein, as well as to adapt the calories of the menus to the different age groups

Chemical and Physical Implications of the Use of Alternative Vessels to Oak Barrels during the Production of White Wines

Recently, the use of alternative vessels to oak barrels during winemaking has become increasingly popular, but little is known about their impact on the chemical composition of the resulting wines. To address this issue, a Sauvignon Blanc wine was elaborated from the same grape juice by using cylindrical stainless-steel tanks, oval-shaped concrete vessels, oval-shaped polyethylene vessels, and clay jars in triplicate. Each vessel was used for alcoholic fermentation and the aging of wines over its own lees. Wines elaborated in concrete vessels showed the highest pH and the lowest titratable acidity, most likely related to the observed release of inorganic compounds from the concrete walls. Little effect of the vessels was seen on the wine color and phenolic composition. Wines elaborated in clay jars showed the highest turbidity and the highest content of soluble polysaccharides, while those made using cylindrical stainless-steel tanks showed the highest content of volatile compounds. Despite the observed differences, all of the vessels tested seem suitable for white wine production since every wine showed chemical features that corresponded with the quality standards of Sauvignon Blanc wines.España Universidad de Sevilla, VI Plan Propio de Investigación y Transferencia (Contract number USE-18644-Z

Menus offered in early childhood education centers of Seville: adaptation to the nutritional criteria and dietary recommendations

Introducción: en la actualidad existe un déficit en la evaluación de comedores dirigidos a niños menores de 3 años, a pesar de que se han realizado numerosas intervenciones en los comedores escolares con el fin de conseguir una alimentación segura y adecuada. Objetivo: realizar una evaluación nutricional de los menús ofertados en los centros de educación infantil de Sevilla. Material and methods: se evaluó la frecuencia, variedad, rotación de alimentos, métodos culinarios e información de los menús de seis centros infantiles de Sevilla. Se valoró el aporte energético y nutricional mediante el programa Dietowin® y el método de pesada. Resultados: las frutas y verduras fueron deficitarias en la mayoría de los menús, y excesivas la carne, patatas, pasta y arroz. Se observó una escasa variedad de recetas por grupo de alimentos y no se daba una información completa del menú. Sin embargo, la variedad de procesos culinarios y la rotación de alimentos fueron adecuadas. Aunque la energía y el aporte de carbohidratos (~55%) se ajustaban a las necesidades, se observó un aporte excesivo de proteínas (~19%) y deficiente de lípidos (< 30%), sobre todo de grasas insaturadas. Respecto a los micronutrientes, solo vitamina C, E y calcio estaban por debajo de lo recomendado. Conclusiones: los centros de educación infantil están haciendo un gran esfuerzo por cumplir las recomendaciones nutricionales, pero todavía deben disminuir el aporte proteico y aumentar las grasas insaturadas de la dieta. Además, deben fomentar la oferta de frutas y verduras, ampliar la variedad de recetas, dar mayor información y disminuir el aporte de alimentos cárnicos.Introduction: Today there is a lack in the evaluation of canteens aimed at children under 3 years although there have been numerous interventions in school canteens in order to achieve a safe and adequate food. Objective: To perform a nutritional assessment of menus offered in early childhood education centres of Seville. Material and methods: The frequency, variety, rotation of food, cooking methods and information of 6-childhood centre’s menus from Seville were evaluated. Energy and nutrient intakes were assessed by Dietowin® program and weighing method. Results: Fruits and vegetables were defi cient in most menus, and meat, potatoes, pasta and rice were excessive. A poor variety of recipes by food group was observed and the menu gave no comprehensive information. However, the variety of culinary processes and food rotation were adequate. Although energy and carbohydrate intake (~55%) complied with the requirements, an excessive protein intake (~19%) and low lipid intake (< 30%), especially unsaturated fats, was observed. Regarding micronutrients, only calcium, vitamin C and E were below recommended. Conclusions: The early childhood centres are making a great effort to meet the nutritional recommendations, but they still should reduce the protein intake and increase unsaturated fats in the diet. They should also encourage the offer of fruit and vegetables, expand the variety of recipes, provide more information and decrease meat food intake

Comparison of the novel thin film-solid phase microextraction and sorptive extraction methods for Picual and Hojiblanca olive oil volatile fraction analysis in headspace

For first time, the new device named thin film solid phase microextraction (TF-SPME) has been used to determine the volatile profile of the Picual and Hojiblanca varieties of extra virgin olive oils. To this end, different traditional sampling methods such as headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyethyleneglycol-modified silicone (EG/Silicone) Twisters® have been compared with the TF-SPME devices coated with different extraction polymeric phases. PARADISe software was used as a non-targeting method to process all data. The best results were obtained by HSSE-PDMS and 2TF-SPME. Moreover, the 2TF-SPME extraction method achieved the most adequate results of linearity for most compounds, according to F-values, while the intermediate precision results were similar for both 2TF-SPME and HSSE-PDMS sampling methods. Different sensitivity was observed between both sampling methods depending on the volatile compound, without being clearly influenced by the polarity of them. Although both sampling methods enabled the main active aroma of olive oil to be determined and for them to be differentiated according to olive variety, the 2TF-SPME method appears to be the most suitable for this goal.CONICYT 1171227Junta de Andalucía P18-TP-285

Influence of Maturity and Vineyard Location on Free and Bound Aroma Compounds of Grapes from the Pais Cultivar

Some of the volatile compounds present in grapes give wine is its unique and genuine characteristics. “Terroir” and berry maturity are considered to be the main influences on the expression of these characteristics. This work was undertaken to establish the specific characteristics that define Vitis vinifera cv. País, based on its aromatic profile and free and bound compounds (glycosides), and to assess the effects of location and maturity. Free and bound volatile compounds presented significant differences in the three locations studied. The total amount of free alcohols, acids and ketones depended on the location. During ripening, the amount of aroma precursors increased in all chemical groups in every location studied, and they were found mainly in the skins. With reference to free volatile compounds, it was found that cis-2- hexenol could be a good candidate to assess maturity, and that terpene content seemed to be strongly related to the vineyard location and cultivar conditions. Also, data analysis showed that the free aroma profile seemed to be influenced more by the maturity of the grapes and the bound aroma fraction more by the location

Different application dosages of a specific inactivated dry yeast (SIDY) : effect on the polysaccharides, phenolic and volatile contents and color of Sauvignon blanc wines

Aim: The aims of this study were to (i) study the effect of different application dosages of a commercial specific inactivated dry yeast (SIDY) on several compounds (polysaccharides, phenolic and volatile compounds) and attributes (color parameters) related to the quality of white wines, and (ii) acquire better knowledge about the use of different dosages of SIDY in white wines with the objective to improve their quality. Methods and results: Three different dosages were applied (10, 20 and 40 g hL-1). Treated wines were followed after a contact time period of two months and after a bottle aging period of three months. Total phenolic content, color intensity, CIELab coordinates, polysaccharides, low molecular weight phenolic compounds and volatile compounds were evaluated. Conclusions: Higher dosages of this SIDY resulted in a greater release of polysaccharides into the wine. In parallel, a positive effect on the reduction or prevention of wine oxidation was observed due to the interaction with certain phenolic compounds. The application of the highest dosage seems to lead to an adsorption or retention effect of the major identified volatile compounds. This effect seems to be more evident after the contact time period than after the bottle storage period. Significance and impact of the study: This study can contribute to improve our knowledge on how applying different dosages of SIDY affects the physical and chemical quality of white wines.CONICYT-PAI, República de Chile (concurso nacional inserción en el sector productivo, convocatoria 2014) No. 781403003FONDECYT (República de Chile) 11140275FONDECYT (República de Chile) 1140882FONDEQUIP (República de Chile) EQM- 13012

Fecal Volatile Organic Compounds and Microbiota Associated with the Progression of Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease

Metabolites produced by an altered gut microbiota might mediate the effects in the brain. Among metabolites, the fecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered to be potential biomarkers. In this study, we examined both the VOCs and bacterial taxa in the feces from healthy subjects and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients at early and middle stages. Remarkably, 29 fecal VOCs and 13 bacterial genera were differentiated from the healthy subjects and the AD patients. In general, higher amounts of acids and esters were found in in the feces of the AD patients and terpenes, sulfur compounds and aldehydes in the healthy subjects. At the early stage of AD, the most relevant VOCs with a higher abundance were short-chain fatty acids and their producing bacteria, Faecalibacterium and Lachnoclostridium. Coinciding with the development of dementia in the AD patients, parallel rises of heptanoic acid and Peptococcus were observed. At a more advanced stage of AD, the microbiota and volatiles shifted towards a profile in the feces with increases in hexanoic acid, Ruminococcus and Blautia. The most remarkable VOCs that were associated with the healthy subjects were 4-ethyl-phenol and dodecanol, together with their possible producers Clostridium and Coprococcus. Our results revealed a VOCs and microbiota crosstalk in AD development and their profiles in the feces were specific depending on the stage of AD. Additionally, some of the most significant fecal VOCs identified in our study could be used as potential biomarkers for the initiation and progression of AD

Prognostic implications of comorbidity patterns in critically ill COVID-19 patients: A multicenter, observational study

Background The clinical heterogeneity of COVID-19 suggests the existence of different phenotypes with prognostic implications. We aimed to analyze comorbidity patterns in critically ill COVID-19 patients and assess their impact on in-hospital outcomes, response to treatment and sequelae. Methods Multicenter prospective/retrospective observational study in intensive care units of 55 Spanish hospitals. 5866 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients had comorbidities recorded at hospital admission; clinical and biological parameters, in-hospital procedures and complications throughout the stay; and, clinical complications, persistent symptoms and sequelae at 3 and 6 months. Findings Latent class analysis identified 3 phenotypes using training and test subcohorts: low-morbidity (n=3385; 58%), younger and with few comorbidities; high-morbidity (n=2074; 35%), with high comorbid burden; and renal-morbidity (n=407; 7%), with chronic kidney disease (CKD), high comorbidity burden and the worst oxygenation profile. Renal-morbidity and high-morbidity had more in-hospital complications and higher mortality risk than low-morbidity (adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.57 (1.34-1.84) and 1.16 (1.05-1.28), respectively). Corticosteroids, but not tocilizumab, were associated with lower mortality risk (HR (95% CI) 0.76 (0.63-0.93)), especially in renal-morbidity and high-morbidity. Renal-morbidity and high-morbidity showed the worst lung function throughout the follow-up, with renal-morbidity having the highest risk of infectious complications (6%), emergency visits (29%) or hospital readmissions (14%) at 6 months (p<0.01). Interpretation Comorbidity-based phenotypes were identified and associated with different expression of in-hospital complications, mortality, treatment response, and sequelae, with CKD playing a major role. This could help clinicians in day-to-day decision making including the management of post-discharge COVID-19 sequelae. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd

The evolution of the ventilatory ratio is a prognostic factor in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ARDS patients

Background: Mortality due to COVID-19 is high, especially in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. The purpose of the study is to investigate associations between mortality and variables measured during the first three days of mechanical ventilation in patients with COVID-19 intubated at ICU admission. Methods: Multicenter, observational, cohort study includes consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted to 44 Spanish ICUs between February 25 and July 31, 2020, who required intubation at ICU admission and mechanical ventilation for more than three days. We collected demographic and clinical data prior to admission; information about clinical evolution at days 1 and 3 of mechanical ventilation; and outcomes. Results: Of the 2,095 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU, 1,118 (53.3%) were intubated at day 1 and remained under mechanical ventilation at day three. From days 1 to 3, PaO2/FiO2 increased from 115.6 [80.0-171.2] to 180.0 [135.4-227.9] mmHg and the ventilatory ratio from 1.73 [1.33-2.25] to 1.96 [1.61-2.40]. In-hospital mortality was 38.7%. A higher increase between ICU admission and day 3 in the ventilatory ratio (OR 1.04 [CI 1.01-1.07], p = 0.030) and creatinine levels (OR 1.05 [CI 1.01-1.09], p = 0.005) and a lower increase in platelet counts (OR 0.96 [CI 0.93-1.00], p = 0.037) were independently associated with a higher risk of death. No association between mortality and the PaO2/FiO2 variation was observed (OR 0.99 [CI 0.95 to 1.02], p = 0.47). Conclusions: Higher ventilatory ratio and its increase at day 3 is associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 receiving mechanical ventilation at ICU admission. No association was found in the PaO2/FiO2 variation