Emotional Difficulties in Adolescence: Psychopathology and Family Interactions.

Introduction. Several studies on developmental age have investigated aspects relating to emotional competence, and alexithymia in particular, showing that it is associated with behavioral problems in childhood and adolescence. Some such research has focused on the relationship between emotional difficulties and family interactions assuming a link between the quality of family relationships and a child\u2019s emotional competence. Subjects and Methods. The aims of the present study were: 1) to compare a group of psychiatric adolescents with a group of \u201chealthy\u201d adolescents in terms of any alexithymia and its relationship with the former\u2019s psychopathological issues; 2) to clarify the relationship, if any, between psychopathology, alexithymia and family interaction patterns in our sample of psychiatric adolescents. The experimental group consisted of 41 psychiatric adolescents and the control group of 41 students matched for gender and age. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was used to identify any alexithymic traits, the Youth Self Report (YSR) 11-18 and the CBCL to detect any psycho-behavioral problems, and the Lausanne Trilogue Play (LTP) to analyze family interactions. Results. There was a higher prevalence of alexithymia among the adolescents with mental health problems than in the control group, and a correlation between their scores for internalizing problems and alexithymia. In the experimental group, adolescents with internalizing problems, somatic complaints and attention difficulties belonged to families revealing high levels of parental conflict. As for alexithymia, adolescents\u2019 difficulty identifying emotions correlated significantly with the same trait in their mothers. This feature also seemed to be associated with better family interactions. Conclusion. Our study confirms the importance of family relationships in the development of emotional skills, and highlights how deficiencies in the development of emotional competence are strongly associated with psychopathologies in adolescence. In the light of these findings, it is advisable in clinical practice to provide psychotherapeutic interventions for teens and their parents

Edible mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju production on washed and supplemented sugarcane bagasse

Traditionally, the cultivation of Pleurotus sajor-caju is performed on different composted and pasteurized agricultural residues. The objective of this study was to investigate whether traditional composting and pasteurization processes could be replaced by washed and supplemented (mineral or organic) sugarcane bagasse. In one experiment, fresh sugarcane bagasse was immersed in hot water at 80°C for two hours (control) or washed in fresh water for one hour using an adapted machine for residue treatment. In another experiment, fresh sugarcane bagasse was washed in fresh water (control), and supplemented with corn grits (organic supplementation), or supplemented with nutrient solution (mineral supplementation). In the first experiment, the washed bagasse presented a average biological efficiency (ABE) of 19.16% with 44% contamination, and the pasteurized bagasse presented a ABE of 13.86% with 70% contamination. In the second experiment, corn grits presented the poorest performance, with a ABE of 15.66% and 60% contamination, while supplementation with the nutrient solution presented a ABE of 30.03%, whereas the control of 26.62%. Washing fresh sugarcane bagasse could suppress the pasteurized substrate in Pleurotus sajor-caju production, compensating a reduced ABE with a faster process.Tradicionalmente, o cultivo do Pleurotus sajor-caju é realizado utilizando-se diversos resíduos agrícolas, precedido dos processos de compostagem e pasteurização. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo comparar o processo de pasteurização com a lavagem do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e avaliar formas de suplementação do bagaço, visando aumento na produtividade. No primeiro experimento, os colmos da cana-de-açúcar passaram por moenda para a extração do caldo, sendo em seguida desfibrados. No tratamento controle, o bagaço fresco foi pasteurizado em água a 80°C durante 2 horas e o outro tratamento consistiu na lavagem do bagaço fresco em centrífuga com água corrente à temperatura ambiente, por uma hora. No segundo experimento, utilizou-se a lavagem simples (tratamento controle), a suplementação do bagaço lavado com quirera de milho (suplementação orgânica) e com solução mineral (suplementação mineral). A eficiência biológica média (EBM) do cogumelo no bagaço fresco lavado (19,16%) não diferiu significativamente da obtida no bagaço fresco pasteurizado (13,86%), sendo a sua contaminação (44%) menor do que no bagaço pasteurizado (70%). No segundo experimento, a suplementação orgânica obteve o menor desempenho, com EBM de 15,66% e contaminação de 60%, diferindo da suplementação mineral e controle, com EBM de 30,03% e 26,62%, respectivamente. A lavagem do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar fresco poderá suprimir a pasteurização do substrato na produção de Pleurotus sajor-caju, compensando a eficiência biológica reduzida com a agilidade do processo

Influência do termotratamento da madeira no aroma de uma solução-modelo de cachaça

The aging process of alcoholic beverages is generally conducted in wood barrels made with species from Quercus sp. Due to the high cost and the lack of viability of commercial production of these trees in Brazil, there is demand for new alternatives to using other native species and the incorporation of new technologies that enable greater competitiveness of sugar cane spirit aged in Brazilian wood. The drying of wood, the thermal treatment applied to it, and manufacturing techniques are important tools in defining the sensory quality of alcoholic beverages after being placed in contact with the barrels. In the thermal treatment, several compounds are changed by the application of heat to the wood and various studies show the compounds are modified, different aromas are developed, there is change in color, and beverages achieve even more pleasant taste, when compared to non-treated woods. This study evaluated the existence of significant differences between hydro-alcoholic solutions of sugar cane spirits elaborated from different species of thermo-treated and non-treated wood in terms of aroma. An acceptance test was applied to evaluate the solutions preferred by tasters under specific test conditions.As bebidas alcoólicas são, geralmente, envelhecidas em tonéis de madeira fabricados a partir de espécies do gênero Quercus sp. Devido ao alto custo de aquisição e necessidade de importação, existe demanda por alternativas de uso de outras espécies nativas e da incorporação de novas tecnologias que aumentem a competitividade da cachaça brasileira. Sabe-se que, com a aplicação de termotratamento, vários compostos são alterados, desenvolvem-se aromas, altera-se a coloração e as bebidas adquirem gostos mais agradáveis. Este trabalho mostra a diferença significativa entre soluções-modelo hidroalcoólicas de cachaça, envelhecidas em diferentes espécies de madeira, em suas formas termotratadas e não termotratadas, avaliadas em relação a seu aroma. O teste de aceitação aplicado verificou as soluções preferidas pelos provadores, nas condições determinadas do teste

An algorithm of good clinical practice to reduce intra-hospital 90-day mortality and need for Intensive Care Unit transfer: a new approach for septic patient management

Sepsis accounts for 50% of intra-hospital mortality. Septic shock is diagnosed in 2% of patients with half of these needing for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) transfer. An algorithm was applied for mortality, need for intensive care transfer and length of stay decrease. The observational study was performed on 231 consecutive enrolled patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome. The algorithm was based on good clinical practice application of antimicrobial stewardship. Data were compared with data from comparable population of National and European surveys. in the study group, the global mortality rate was 26.8% (3.9% was intra-hospital and 23% 90-d mortality), need of ICU transfer was registered in 21.6%, and the median length of stay was 15 days. Globally, intra-hospital and 90-day mortality, were significantly lower than at national level (26.8% vs 63.6%. P<0.0001; 3.9% vs 25%. P<0.0001 and 23% vs 37.5%, P= 0.0092). Need for ICU transfer in patients with septic shock was significantly lower than in the English survey (31.9% by vs 80.8% P<0.0001).A significant decrease of intra-hospital. 90-d mortality and need of ICU transfer was achieved

Effect of calcium chloride and film of sodium alginate in the conservation of minimally processed 'Pera' orange

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de solução de cloreto de cálcio e película de alginato de sódio na conservação de laranja 'Pera' minimamente processada. A qualidade da laranja minimamente processada submetida aos tratamentos com cloreto de cálcio a 1%, alginato de sódio a 1% e o controle (sem aplicação de tratamento) foi monitorada a cada três dias, por análises físicas e químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais por um período de 12 dias de armazenamento a 5 ºC. O tratamento com alginato de sódio (1%) apresentou menor perda de massa ao longo do período de armazenamento, porém, as amostras submetidas a este tratamento, tiveram sua qualidade prejudicada quanto aos teores de ácido ascórbico, açúcares, teor de sólidos solúveis e firmeza. No final do armazenamento, o tratamento com cloreto de cálcio (1%) apresentou a melhor eficiência na manutenção das características iniciais do fruto, preservando os teores de ácido ascórbico, acidez titulável, 'ratio', açúcares e firmeza, evidenciada pela menor solubilização de pectinas. Análise microbiológica detectou valores insignificantes para bactérias psicrotróficas, bolores e leveduras e coliformes totais em todos os tratamentos, mostrando que os cuidados tomados com as condições higiênicas levaram à obtenção de um produto com padrão microbiológico de acordo com a legislação de alimentos, apresentando ausência de Salmonella e ausência de coliformes a 45 ºC. Sensorialmente, a laranja minimamente processada tratada com cloreto de cálcio (1%) e o controle, apresentou-se em condições de consumo por nove dias de armazenamento.The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a calcium chloride solution and a film of sodium alginate on the conservation of minimally processed 'Pera' oranges. The quality of minimally processed orange submitted to treatments with 1% calcium chloride and 1% sodium alginate and the control (without treatment application) were monitored by physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensorial analyses every 3 days during storage at 5 ºC for a period of 12 days. Treatment with sodium alginate (1%) showed loss of smaller mass over the period of storage; however, the quality of the samples subjected to this treatment was compromised regarding the contents of ascorbic acid, sugars, soluble solids, and firmness. At the end of the storage period, the treatment with calcium chloride (1%) showed the best performance in maintaining the initial characteristics of the fruit preserving the contents of ascorbic acid, acidity, 'ratio', sugars, and firmness evidenced by the lower pectin solubilization. The microbiological analysis found negligible values of psycrotrophic bacteria, yeasts, molds, and total coliforms in all treatments. This indicates that a control of hygienic conditions led to a standard microbiological product according to the food legislation without Salmonella and coliforms under 45 ºC. Sensorially, minimally processed orange treated with calcium chloride (1%) and control proved good for consumption for up to nine days of storage

Oxidative and sensorial stability of radiated wheat and corn flour

Os grãos de cereais são suscetíveis ao ataque de insetos e micro-organismos durante o armazenamento. Pesquisas demonstram a viabilidade da utilização da tecnologia de irradiação gama para a conservação de grãos de cereais e seus produtos. O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar o efeito de diferentes doses da radiação gama (3; 4,5; 6 kGy) em farinha de trigo e fubá e nos seus atributos sensoriais e físico-químicos. As amostras foram irradiadas em irradiador comercial modelo PR1 da CBN, com atividade de 1.200.000 Ci e a taxa de dose de 7 kGy/hora. A irradiação não afetou a qualidade oxidativa das farinhas durante o seu tempo de armazenamento definido dentro do período de validade usual de mercado, no entanto a qualidade sensorial foi afetada negativamente em todos os tratamentos, assim como as suas propriedades viscoelásticas. Sob as condições do experimento, se pode concluir que a irradiação pode ser uma alternativa para conservação de farinhas.Cereals are susceptible to the attack of insects and microorganisms during storage. Research has demonstrated the viability of the use of gamma irradiation technology for the preservation of cereal grains and their products. The objective of this study was to verify the effect of different doses of gamma radiation (3; 4.5; and 6 kGy) on wheat and corn meal by evaluating the physicochemical and sensorial attributes of these flours. The samples were radiated in a commercial irradiator, model PR1 of the CBN, at 7 kGy/hour dose tax and activity of 1.200.000Ci. Irradiation did not affect the oxidative quality of the flours in any of the treatments administered prior to the expiration date. On the other hand, the organoleptical properties were negatively affected, as well as the viscoelastic properties of these flours. Under the conditions of our experiment, it can be concluded that irradiation may be an alternative means of flour preservation.Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES

Preservation of minimally processed apple using edible coatings

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de películas comestíveis na conservação de maçãs da cultivar Royal Gala Minimamente Processadas (MP) durante armazenamento refrigerado por 13 dias. Os tratamentos foram: o controle, a solução conservadora (1% ácido ascórbico; 0,5% ácido cítrico; 0,7% NaCl; 0,25% CaCl2) e as películas [dextrina (5,5%), fécula de mandioca (3%) e alginato de sódio (2%) com CaCl2 (0,6%)]. A solução conservadora reduziu a taxa respiratória e a produção de etileno em relação ao controle e promoveu maior claridade da polpa. Os tratamentos com películas apresentaram redução média de 38% na taxa respiratória e mais de 50% na produção de etileno em relação ao controle, sendo o alginato o mais eficiente. A película de alginato apresentou maior umidade no início do armazenamento, igualando-se aos demais tratamentos no 9º dia. No tratamento controle, os valores de firmeza dos tecidos diminuíram com o armazenamento e nos demais tratamentos, a tendência foi oposta. Maçãs com alginato apresentaram menor acidez e coloração mais escura dentre os tratamentos, respectivamente, em função do pH e da coloração da própria solução filmogênica.The effect of edible coatings on the preservation of the Minimally Processed (MP) Royal Gala apples under refrigerated storage for 13 days was studied. The treatments were: the control solution, preserving solution (1% of acid ascorbic; 0,5% of citric acid; 0,7% of NaCl; 0,25% of CaCl2), manioc starch (3%), and sodium alginate (2%) with CaCl2. The preserving solution decreased the respiratory and the ethylene production rate and showed a lighter pulp. The coatings decreased the respiratory rate by 38% and the ethylene production by 50%. The alginate was the most efficient, and it presented a better retention of moisture up to the 9th day of storage. The control presented less firmness at during storage, but the other treatments presented the opposite. Apples with alginate presented less acidity and a darker coloration because of the pH and the coloration of the filmogenic solution

Effect of chemical treatments on respiratory process and physical parameters of melon minimally processed

Neste trabalho avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação de tratamentos químicos na atividade respiratória e no impacto sobre os parâmetros físicos de melões Amarelo minimamente processados. Frutos selecionados, lavados e sanificados foram minimamente processados em forma de cubos, divididos em quatro lotes que constaram de testemunha, cubos tratados com soluções de cloreto de cálcio (1%), ácido ascórbico (1%) e revestidos com alginato de sódio (1%); os quais foram acondicionados em bandejas com tampa, de tereftalato de polietileno (PET) e armazenados a 5±1ºC e 73±5% UR, por 12 dias. Os produtos foram avaliados quanto à taxa respiratória, produção de etileno, perda de massa fresca, coloração, textura e teor de umidade. Verificou-se que, durante o período de armazenamento, independente do tratamento, houve redução da respiração e não se detectou produção de etileno pelos frutos. A perda de massa, a textura e o teor de umidade não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos químicos, porém o uso de película à base de alginato de sódio resultou em melões de coloração mais escura da polpa, em decorrência da cor da solução filmogênica.The effect of the application of chemical treatments was evaluated on the respiratory activity and the impact on the physical parameters of fresh cut melons. Selected fruits were washed and sanitized and minimally processed in cubes, divided in four lots which consisted of: control, treated with calcium chloride (1%), with ascorbic acid (1%) and coated with sodium alginate (1%). The cubes were packed in trays with cover of polyethylene terephtalate (PET) and stored at 5±1ºC and 73±5% HR, during 12 days. The cubes were evaluated on their respiratory rate, ethylene production, loss of fresh mass, coloration, texture and humidity content. During the period of storage, independent of the treatment, a reduction of the respiratory rate occurred; ethylene production was not detected in fruits. Chemical treatments had no influence on loss of fresh mass, texture and humidity content; however the film of sodium alginate resulted in darker coloration of melon pulp due to the film solution color.Cnp

Percepção pelos consumidores brasileiros da maciez da carne classificada pela força de cisalhamento e sabor

The knowledge of consumer perception of meat tenderness and taste is essential to forecast a Brazilian quality value-based beef market. This study aimed to verify perception of tender (WBSF ; 4.8 kg) strip loin steak or uncharacteristic (calcium-treated/Ca-IM) and normal (non-calcium/NO-Ca) meat taste by consumers according to gender, age, education and income levels. Steaks were previously classified by shear force measurements as tender or tough. Each consumer was served a paired sample of one tender and of one tough steak, which were either Ca-IM or NO-Ca treated before tenderness classification. Three hundred and eight consumers answered a nine-point intensity (tenderness) and hedonic (taste) scales evaluation questionnaire. Among consumers, 82.2% indicated beef as first choice meat products, 75.3% had beef at least four times a week; 39.3% considered taste as the most important meat attribute and 30.2% considered tenderness; 75.8% were males; 73.6% were 21 to 55 years old; 56.7% had college education; 76.6% had monthly income higher than US $435,00. Tender steaks were scored highest (P ; 4.8 kg), ou ainda com sabor não característico (imersão em Ca/ Ca-IM) ou normal (sem cálcio/ NO-Ca) de acordo com sexo, faixa etária, e nível de escolaridade formal e renda dos consumidores. Os bifes foram pareados em amostras macia/dura e Ca-IM/NO-Ca, e servidos a 308 consumidores que responderam a um questionário apresentando escalas de intensidade (maciez) e hedônica (sabor) de nove pontos. O perfil dos consumidores mostrava que: 82,2$ 1.000,00. De maneira geral, os bifes macios obtiveram notas mais altas (P < 0,01), independente de sexo, faixa etária e nível de renda. Entretanto, os idosos deram notas mais altas que os consumidores de meia idade em avaliações dos bifes macios (P < 0,05). No nível baixo de escolaridade não houve diferença nas notas para bifes macios e duros. Quanto mais alto o nível de renda, menor foram as notas dadas nas avaliações dos bifes macios ou duros (P = 0,10). Diferenças no sabor foram notadas por ambos os sexos, e por todos os níveis de escolaridade e renda. O sexo masculino conferiu notas mais altas (desgostou menos) quando consumia bifes Ca-IM. Consumidores do menor nível de escolaridade atribuiram notas maiores para sabor (gostaram mais) em bifes com sabor normal. Os idosos não diferenciaram sabor entre os bifes Ca-IM e NO-Ca. Estas observações são as primeiras indicações objetivas de que os consumidores brasileiros são capazes de perceber diferenças entre bifes macios e duros ou com sabor amargo e normal. Todavia, a palatabilidade é avaliada de forma diferenciada dependendo do sexo, faixa etária, e níveis de escolaridade e renda