Modelling respiration rate of shredded Galega kale for development of modified atmosphere packaging

The design of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh-cut produce requires an adequate model for prediction of respiration rate as a function of both temperature and gas composition. In this work, the O2 consumption and CO2 production rates of shredded Galega kale were studied. The storage temperatures used were 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 C. The atmospheres tested were all combinations of 1, 5 and 10% v/v O2 plus 0, 10 and 20% v/v CO2 with the balance being N2, as well as ambient air. Temperature was the variable with the greatest influence on respiration rate and the effect of gas composition increased with temperature. The dependence of respiration rate on gas composition was well described by a Michaelis–Menten type equation with uncompetitive CO2 inhibition. The respiratory quotient (RQ) was found to be constant for the range of temperatures and gas compositions tested and was equal to 0:93 0:01. The constants of the Michaelis–Menten equation increased exponentially with temperature. The change over time of respiration rate of leaves exposed to air at 20 C was also analysed. It was observed that respiration rate decreased with time and that the ratio between the respiration rate of shredded and intact leaves was approximately constant in the period tested and equal to 2.8. 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

Effect of an extract of Centella asiatica on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (Na^99mTcO₄) and on the fixation of radioactivity on blood constituents

This study evaluates the effects of an acute treatment with a Centella asiatica (CA) extract on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical Na99mTcO4 and on the fixation of technetium-99m on blood constituents. Wistar rats were treated with CA extract and, 1 hour after, Na99mTcO4 was administered; organs/tissues were withdrawn and weighted. The radioactivity was counted to calculate the percentage of activity per gram (%ATI/g). Also, blood samples were withdrawn, plasma (P), blood cells (BC), insoluble fraction (IF) and soluble fractions of P and BC were isolated and the radioactivity was counted to calculate the percentage of activity (%ATI). Data indicated that the acute treatment with CA extract changed significantly (p99mTcO4 and the fixation of the technetium-99m on blood constituents in an acute treatment

Monitoring of outdoor tourism demand. North of Portugal

The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) was used in order to understand the tourism competitiveness of the different sub-regions that make up the North Region of Portugal. This index is a measure which helps to analyse market concentration and at the same time determines the competitiveness of the market.Uniag, IPB, IPP, IPVC, Porto e Norte, FCT, Compete 2020, Portugal 2020, União Europeiainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ateliês de corpo e arte: inventividade, produção estética e participação sociocultural

Following up body & art ateliers in the Artistic Compositions and Occupational Therapy Program (PACTO-USP) favored the systematization of group practices articulating body and artistic experimentations with people in social vulnerability’s situations. Based on action-research, a study and a critical analysis have been done and identified affirmative aspects of the proposal. The results pointed out two analysis categories: art and body ateliers and joint experience as fruitful moments of the project. The experience highlighted: the importance of following up the group in these doings; the going deeper in the body and art ateliers’ studies and practices; the observation and reports on changes in participants’ general mood, in their daily life and in their lives; and the dynamic of the socio-cultural processes occurred in the group’s social participation and cultural circulation.O acompanhamento dos ateliês de corpo e arte no Programa Composições Artísticas e Terapia Ocupacional (pacto -USPp) favoreceu a sistematização de práticas grupais que articulam experimentações com o corpo e com a arte com populações em situação de vulnerabilidade social. Com base na pesquisa-ação, produziu-se um estudo e uma análise crítica da intervenção que identificaram aspectos afirmativos da proposta. Os resultados apontaram as categorias de análise ateliês de corpo e arte e convivência como momentos fecundos do projeto. A experiência ressaltou: a importância do acompanhamento do grupo nestes fazeres; o aprofundamento nos estudos e práticas dos ateliês de corpo e arte; a observação e relatos sobre modificações na disposição geral dos participantes, em seus cotidianos e em suas vidas; e a dinamização de processos socioculturais na participação e circulação cultural

Exames de tomografia computadorizada e cintilografia para diagnóstico e plano de tratamento de osteocondroma condilar: relato de caso

PURPOSE: To report an uncommon case of osteochondroma affecting the mandibular condyle of a young patient and to illustrate the important contributions of different imaging resources to the diagnosis and treatment planning of this lesion. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 24-year-old female patient with the chief complaint of an increasing facial asymmetry and pain in the left pre-auricular region, revealing a reduced mouth opening, mandibular deviation and posterior cross-bite over a period of 18 months. Panoramic radiography revealed an enlargement of the left condyle, whereas computed tomography (CT) sections and three-dimensional CT showed a well-defined bone growth arising from condylar neck. The scintigraphy exam showed an abnormal osteogenic activity in the left temporomandibular joint. The condyle was surgically removed and after 18 months follow-up the panoramic radiography and CT scans showed no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor that rarely arises in cranial and maxillofacial region, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of slow-growing masses of the temporomandibular area and the use of different imaging exams significantly contribute to the correct diagnosis and treatment planning of this pathological condition.OBJETIVO: Relatar um caso incomum de osteocondroma afetando o côndilo mandibular de uma paciente jovem e ilustrar as importantes contribuições dos diferentes exames por imagem para o diagnóstico e plano de tratamento desta lesão. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 24 anos, com queixa principal de uma crescente assimetria facial e dor na região pré-auricular esquerda, além de apresentar redução da abertura bucal, desvio de mandíbula e mordida cruzada posterior, por um período de 18 meses. A radiografia panorâmica revelou um aumento do côndilo esquerdo, enquanto secções de tomografia computadorizada e reconstrução 3D exibiram um crescimento ósseo bem definido originando-se do côndilo. O exame de cintilografia revelou uma atividade osteogênica anormal na região de articulação tempormandibular esquerda. O côndilo foi cirurgicamente removido e após 18 meses de acompanhamento a radiografia panorâmica e a tomografia computadorizada não revelaram nenhum sinal de recorrência. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de o osteocondroma ser um tumor ósseo benigno que raramente surge na região crânio maxilofacial, ele deve ser considerado como diagnóstico diferencial para massas de crescimento lento na área temporomandibular e o uso de diferentes exames por imagem contribuem significativamente para o correto diagnóstico e plano de tratamento desta condição patológica

Monitoring of outdoor tourism demand

The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) was used in order to understand the tourism competitiveness of the different sub-regions that make up the North Region of Portugal. This index is a measure which helps to analyse market concentration and at the same time determines the competitiveness of the market.Project “TURNOUT: Desenvolvimento do Turismo Outdoor da Região Norte de Portugal”, with the reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032289 and funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). This work is, also, funded by National Funds through the Foundation for Science and Technology under the project UIDB/04752/2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Supply-side perspectives on outdoor tourism in the North of Portugal

Nowadays, the tourism sector presents many opportunities and challenges. Outdoor Tourism (OT), due to the unusual situation experienced by the pandemic caused by COVID-19, maybe one of the main opportunities to promote the local development of tourist destinations. Most of the literature developed in this context has focused the demand side. Therefore, the investigation intended to fill this gap, considering the perspective of the supply side, taking into account a vision of sustainable development. To meet this gap, the main objective is to contribute to the characterization of Outdoor Tourism (OT) in the North of Portugal, and understand the potential of OT in the perspective of supply., thirty-eight tourist entertainment companies (TEC) were interviewed to assess supply and perceived customers’ motivations. Of the seven Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistical Purposes (NUTS), the Northern region was considered to be an area with enormous potential for Nature-related tourist). For the supply side, seasonality and climate were identified as important factors supporting environment preservation. Radical experiences, adventure and getting out of the routine were identified as motivating demand factors, as well as the contact with Nature and the landscape. We have also observed that if we consider the stimulation of the local economy by OT, there is still a lot to do. The evidence pointed to some social imbalance, namely related to employability. Employees were hired according to the evolution of demand, which favours unemployment and social instability. Also, the tourists/costumers are the main channels of communication of the activities; the word-ofmouth (WOM) of costumers’ experiences, personally or through online social media, takes on a prominent role. In this sense, tourists’ online reviews, testimonies, and word-of-mouth can be optimized through social networks and digital marketing. Finally, to evaluate the region's potential for the OT, the interviewees suggested integrating the players involved with the OT into a single network, supporting the activities and promoting the region.The authors would like to thanks the Project “TURNOUT: Desenvolvimento do Turismo Outdoor da Região Norte de Portugal”, with the reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032289, and funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) (through the Operational Programme ‘Innovation and competitiveness’) and by the Portuguese Foundation for the Development of Science (FCT), of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education. This work is, also, funded by National Funds through the Foundation for Science and Technology under the project UIDB/04752/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Antibody indexes in COVID-19 convalescent plasma donors: Unanswered questions

OBJECTIVE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is characterized by high contagiousness, as well as variable clinical manifestations and immune responses. The antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 is directly related to viral clearance and the antibodies’ ability to neutralize the virus and confer long-term immunity. Nevertheless, the response can also be associated with disease severity and evolution. This study correlated the clinical characteristics of convalescent COVID-19 patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. METHODS: This study included 51 COVID-19 health care professionals who were candidates for convalescent plasma donation from April to June 2020. The subjects had symptomatic COVID-19 with a polymerase chain reaction-confirmed diagnosis. We measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG antibodies after symptom recovery, and the subjects were classified as having mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. RESULTS: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were positive in most patients (90.2%). The antibody indexes for IgA and IgG did not differ significantly between patients presenting with mild or moderate symptoms. However, they were significantly higher in patients with severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an association between higher antibody indexes and severe COVID-19 cases, and several hypotheses regarding the association of the antibody dynamics and severity of the disease in SARSCoV-2 infection have been raised, although many questions remain unanswered

PARÁSITOS POTENCIALMENTE ZOONÓTICOS HALLADOS EN SEIS GRANJAS PORCÍCOLAS DE CUNDINAMARCA, COLOMBIA

In Colombia, the departments of Cundinamarca, Huila and Tolima, among others, represent 19.16% of the total domestic production of pig farms. Gastrointestinal parasites (PGI) limit the productive potential of infected animals, affecting parameters such as average daily gain and food conversion ratio. The aim of the study was to determinate the prevalence of PGI with a zoonotic potential in backyard farms and semi-technical production. Farmyard pigs were sampled in three semi-technified farms with full production cycle (breeding, fattening and lift) in the municipalities of Vega, Chia, Tibirita and in four backyard pig farms (fattening) in the towns of Chía and Santandersito. The farms were chosen for convenience. Three samplings were performed serially at intervals of 15 days and analyzed with a total of 119 samples, 94 farms and 25 semi-technified backyard farms. Stool samples in "pool" per pen, were analyzed by direct analysis, qualitative flotation technique and staining with modified Ziehl-Neelsen. In semi-technified farms, Balantidium coliMalmsten, 1857 cysts (40.5%), Giardiaspp. (26.9%) cysts, Balantidium colitrophozoites (3.5%), Eimeriaspp. (3.8%), eggs of Anoplocephalidaeeggs (1.8%), hepatic Fasciolaeggs (2.0%), Ascaris suumGoeze, 1782 eggs (0.6%), cysts of Entamoeba(1.5%) and larvae of Strongyloidesspp. (0.3%) were detected. In backyard farms we found cysts of Entamoebaspp. (42.5%), cysts of Giardiaspp. (30%), Blastocystis spp (37.5%) and Taenia soliumLinnaeus, 1758 eggs (2.5%). The presence of Giardia, Entamoebaand Blastocystissuggests the possible transmission of parasite populations between pigs and humans thus increasing the transmission of parasites zoonotic potential.En Colombia, en los departamentos de Cundinamarca, Huila y Tolima se encuentra el 19,16% de granjas porcícolas del total de la producción nacional y como en otras regiones del mundo, la producción se ve afectada por parásitos gastrointestinales (PGI), que limitan el potencial productivo de los animales infestados, afectando parámetros como la ganancia diaria de peso y el índice de conversión alimenticias. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de PGI .con potencial zoonótico en granjas traspatio y de producción semitecnificada. El estudio fue de tipo descriptivo transversal. Se muestrearon cerdos en corral (no pastoreo) de tres granjas semitecnificadas con ciclo productivo completo (cría, levante y ceba) en los municipios de la Vega, Chía, Tibirita y cuatro granjas de cerdos traspatio (ceba) en los municipios de Chía y Santandersito, elegidas por conveniencia. Fueron realizados tres muestreos seriados con intervalos de 15 días y se analizaron un total de 119 muestras, 94 de granjas semitecnificadas y 25 en granjas traspatio. Las muestras de materia fecal, fueron analizadas mediante: análisis directo, técnica de flotación cualitativa y tinción con Ziehl-Neelsen modificado. En granjas semitecnificadas se observó: Quistes de Balantidium coliMalmsten, 1857 (40,5%), Quistes de Giardiaspp. (26,9%), Trofozoitos de B. coli(3,5%), Ooquistes de Eimeriaspp. (3,8%), Huevos compatibles con familia Anoplocephalidae (1,8%), Huevos de Fasciola hepatica(2,0%), Huevos de Ascaris suum(0,6%), Quistes de Entamoebaspp. (1,5%) y Larvas de Strongyloidesspp. (0,3%). En las granjas traspatio se encontró: Quistes de Entamoebaspp. (42,5%), Quistes de Giardiaspp. (30%), Blastocystisspp (37,5%) y huevos de Taenia soliumLinnaeus, 1758 (2,5%). La presencia de Giardia, Entamoebay Blastocystissugiere la posible rotación de poblaciones parasitarias entre cerdos y humanos, ampliando la transmisión de parásitos con potencial zoonótico entre las dos especies