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Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are key risk factors for chronic disease. Dietary patterns are critical in the incidence and persistence of obesity and MetS, yet there is few data linking diet to obesity and MetS in Chile. Our objective was to use a locally validated diet index to evaluate adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and its correlations with overweight/obesity (OW/O) and MetS prevalence in Chilean adults. We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional online survey of Chilean adults with complete self-reported diet and body mass index data ( n = 24,882). A subsample of 4348 users (17.5%) had valid MetS data. An inverse association was observed between adherence to Mediterranean diet and OW/O and MetS prevalence. As diet quality decreased from healthy, to moderately-healthy, to unhealthy, prevalence increased from 44.8, 51.1, to 60.9% for OW/O and from 13.4, 18.5, to 28.9% for MetS ( p -values < 0.001). Adjusted odds ratios for OW/O and MetS were significantly higher in moderately-healthy (OR = 1.58 and 1.54) and unhealthy (OR = 2.20 and 2.49, respectively) diet groups in comparison to the healthy diet group. This study represents the first report on the relationship between Mediterranean diet and chronic disease risk in Chile. It suggests that the Mediterranean diet may be applied to manage chronic disease risk beyond the Mediterranean basin., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

SR-BI is the main receptor for high density lipoproteins (HDL) and mediates the bidirectional transport of lipids, such as cholesterol and vitamin E, between these particles and cells. During early development, SR-BI is expressed in extraembryonic tissue, specifically in trophoblast giant cells in the parietal yolk sac. We previously showed that approximately 50% of SR-BI -/- embryos fail to close the anterior neural tube and develop exencephaly, a perinatal lethal condition. Here, we evaluated the role of SR-BI in embryonic vitamin E uptake during murine neural tube closure. Our results showed that SR-BI -/- embryos had a very low vitamin E content in comparison to SR-BI +/+ embryos. Whereas SR-BI -/- embryos with closed neural tubes (nSR-BI -/- ) had high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intermediate ROS levels between SR-BI +/+ and nSR-BI -/- embryos were detected in SR-BI -/- with NTD (NTD SR-BI -/- ). Reduced expression of Pax3, Alx1 and Alx3 genes was found in NTD SR-BI -/- embryos. Maternal α-tocopherol dietary supplementation prevented NTD almost completely (from 54% to 2%, p < 0.001) in SR-BI -/- embryos and normalized ROS and gene expression levels. In sum, our results suggest the involvement of SR-BI in the maternal provision of embryonic vitamin E to the mouse embryo during neural tube closure.

Eggs are a highly nutritive food. They contain high quality protein and several nutrients with potential health benefi ts. Nevertheless, the appearance of cardiovascular disease as an important public health issue, with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, along with the identifi cation of high blood cholesterol levels as a risk factor for this disease, was responsible for the advice to limit dietary cholesterol (and, therefore, eggs) that was promoted by health care professionals and institutions during the 70s. To date, several cohort studies show that the intake of one egg a day does not increase cardiovascular risk in the general population. However, this evidence is not clear among diabetic patients, and raises the question whether its consumption in large quantities is entirely safe in this particular population. Additionally, intervention studies have shown that egg consumption does not adversely affect cardiovascular risk factors neither in healthy individuals nor in those with cardiometabolic disease. Moreover, these studies suggest that the incorporation of egg to the diet could bring additional benefits such as promoting a less atherogenic lipid profile.

Irarrázaval, Sebastián, Claudio Allard, Juan Campodónico, Druso Pérez, Pablo Strobel, Luis Vásquez, Inés Urquiaga, Guadalupe Echeverría, and Federico Leighton. Oxidative stress in acute hypobaric hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol. 18:128-134, 2017.-The effects of acute hypobaric hypoxia endured by mountaineers were studied, specifically as evidenced by acute mountain sickness (AMS) and oxidative stress damage. Ten male volunteers were exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia, and AMS was evaluated through arterial oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ), cardiac rate, and the Lake Louise Score (LLS). Oxidative stress was determined through blood profile tests performed 24 hours before and after high-altitude exposure, assessing the oxidative damage and antioxidant profiles. Dietary habits were assessed using the Chilean Mediterranean Diet Index. During ascent (i.e., first 8 hours), all volunteers presented AMS (LLS ≥3 points), as manifested by a median LLS increment of four points, a 15 bpm cardiac rate, and 17% decrease in SaO 2 . Additionally, plasma lipid oxidative damage increased after the expedition, as evaluated through malondialdehyde, which was directly correlated with the LLS (R 2  = 0.720, p = 0.003) and inversely correlated with SaO 2 (R 2  = 0.436; p = 0.035) at a high altitude. Preascent carbonyl levels were inversely correlated to SaO 2 (R 2  = 0.490; p = 0.008) and directly correlated to cardiac rate (R 2  = 0.225, p = 0.016) at a high altitude. Moreover, dietary habits were inversely correlated with increased carbonyls during the expedition (R 2  = 0.436; p = 0.047). In conclusion, acute hypobaric hypoxia induced AMS and an increment in oxidative stress markers 24 hours after altitude exposure in the volunteers. Furthermore, oxidative stress damage was related to AMS severity. Finally, volunteers with closer adherence to a Mediterranean diet presented a lower increase in oxidative damage during ascent, reflecting the potential preventive role of diet against AMS.

Introduction: The province of Pichincha in Ecuador is an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis, where anthropophilic sand flies with natural infection by Leishmania, have been reported as vectors. However, the role in transmission of zoophilic species has not been evaluated., Objective: To evaluate natural infection by Leishmania in two zoophilic phlebotomine sand fly species, Lutzomyia reburra and Lu. barrettoi majuscula, and one anthropophilic species, Lu. trapidoi, as well as the endophagy and synanthropism of these species in the northwest of Pichincha., Materials and Methods: Phlebotomines were collected using CDC light traps in different habitats and altitudes with presence of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Leishmania infection was detected using genomic DNA from females of the collected sand flies. We amplified the internal transcribed spacer gene of ribosomal RNA I (ITS1), the mitochondrial topoisomerase II gene (mtTOPOII), and the nuclear topoisomerase II gene (TopoII). Percentages of positivity for Leishmania, at spatio-temporal scale, proportion of endophagy and synanthropism index were calculated., Results: Natural infection was determined for Le. amazonensis in Lu. reburra (9.5%) and Lu. b. majuscula (23.8%), while in Lu. trapidoi we detected Le. amazonensis, Le. brazilienis and Le. naiffi-lainsoni. Phlebotomines were asynanthropic and with low endophagy., Conclusion: Natural infection with Le. amazonensis was recorded for the first time in Lu. reburra and Lu. b. majuscula, demonstrating the importance of zoophilic phlebotomines in the maintenance of the Leishmania transmission cycle in endemic foci.

Background: The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) is a multidimensional measure of well-being designed to assess emotional, psychological and social well-being.  It has been translated into different languages; however, there is no validated Spanish version.  Our aim was to provide the Spanish-speaking community with a validated version of the MHC-SF., Method: We translated the questionnaire into Spanish (s-MHC-SF) and assessed its validity in a sample of 3,355 Chilean adults. The data was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis using the original correlated-traits three-factor model and a recently described bifactor model., Results: The scores obtained with s-MHC-SF had excellent reliability (α = .94). While the correlated-traits three-factor model provided an acceptable fit to the data, the bifactor model yielded a superior fit. According to measurement invariance results, both models could be used to compare scores over gender, geographical region, age, and time in the sample., Conclusion: s-MHC-SF is a valid questionnaire for the evaluation of personal well-being in Spanish-speaking populations.

The Mediterranean diet is currently considered a healthy dietary pattern. It includes a great variety of foods, which are eaten in moderation and within a positive social environment. The generic term "Mediterranean diet" was born after the "Seven Countries Study" led by Ancel Keys around 1960. This dietary pattern is characterized by a high intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, white meats and olive oil. It also includes moderate consumption of fermented dairy products, low intake of red meat and drinking wine with moderation during meals. Nutritionally, this diet is low in saturated fats and animal protein, high in antioxidants, fiber and monounsaturated fats, and exhibits an adequate omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid balance. The main bioactive compounds, which explain the health benefits of this dietary pattern, are antioxidants, fiber, monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols and probiotics. This diet is not exclusively confined to the Mediterranean Basin. Central Chile has a Mediterranean climate and our agriculture and culinary traditions are similar to those found in Mediterranean countries. Therefore, it is fundamental to increase awareness about the richness of our natural produce as well as our culinary culture, which may bring many health benefits and improve the quality of life in our population.

Background: Availability of brief dietary indexes that can effectively evaluate dietary patterns and their association with health is critical for prevention and management of several chronic disease conditions., Aim: To adapt a self-applicable Mediterranean Dietary Index in Chile (Chilean-MDI)., Material and Methods: The Chilean-MDI was developed based on a previous Mediterranean eating score that was adapted to Chilean dietary habits. This index was further validated in a sample of 153 adults by comparing the concordance between the results obtained by self-application of the Chilean-MDI with those obtained by a trained nutritionist. Additionally, the index was applied in a sample of 53,366 Chilean adults in order to describe the diet quality of our population., Results: There was an adequate concordance between findings obtained by self-application of the Chilean-MDI and those achieved by the nutritionist. The application of the index in Chilean adult population showed a better diet quality (high Mediterranean diet adherence) among women, with advanced age and among people with higher educational levels., Conclusions: The Chilean-MDI can be successfully self-applied to portray the overall diet quality in the Chilean adult population. Additionally, this dietary index describes overall food intake in Chilean adults, showing demographic trends that are comparable to those obtained with similar indexes applied in other populations.

The Mediterranean diet is currently considered a functional diet with an increasing amount of scientific evidence that supports its beneficial effects in human health. Several observational cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies show an association between this diet and a lower prevalence and incidence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases as well as a reduced overall mortality. Additionally, clinical interventional studies, particularly the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) initiative, have shown, with high quality scientific evidence, that a Mediterranean diet -supplemented either with olive oil or nuts- can lower by 30% the incidence of cardiovascular disease, reverse the metabolic syndrome, and prevent the development of diabetes and aging-related cognitive decline. Chile has one of the five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, and therefore the implementation of this food pattern and lifestyle in our country may determine large benefits to the health status and quality of life in the Chilean population.

A sulfonamide 1-tosyl-1-H-benzo(d)imidazol-2-amine (TBZA) and three new complexes of Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) have been synthesized. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, FTIR, 1 H, and 13 C-NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the TBZA, and its Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes, was determined by X-ray diffraction methods. TBZA and its Co(II) complex crystallize in the triclinic P-1 space group, while the Cu(II) complex crystallizes in the monoclinic P2 1 /c space group. Antifungal activity was screened against eight pathogenic yeasts: Candida albicans (DMic 972576), Candida krusei (DMic 951705), Candida glabrata (DMic 982882), Candida tropicalis (DMic 982884), Candida dubliniensis (DMic 93695), Candida guilliermondii (DMic 021150), Cryptococcus neoformans (ATCC 24067), and Cryptococcus gattii (ATCC MYA-4561). Results on the inhibition of various human (h) CAs, hCA I, II, IV, VII, IX, and XII, and pathogenic beta and gamma CAs are also reported.

Background: In 2013, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) jointly released new guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment and cholesterol management that substantially modified the previous recommendations proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in 2001. The relative impact of these new guidelines on potential statin use has not been estimated in Latin American populations., Objective: To estimate and compare eligibility for statin therapy based on ACC/AHA and NCEP guidelines in adult Chilean population., Methods: Using data from the last National Health Survey (2009-2010 NHS), we conducted a cross-sectional analysis in a ​representative sample of the Chilean adult population and calculated the proportion of individuals that would receive statins under each set of guidelines., Results: According to ACC/AHA guidelines, the population eligible for statin treatment increased from 21.7% (NCEP guidelines) to 33.2% (overall 53% increase). This effect was more pronounced among women (29.6% under ACC/AHA vs 15.6% under NCEP) and with those of advanced age (75% of the subjects >60 years of age compared with 46% under NCEP). The newly eligible group included more women and older subjects and individuals with lower LDL cholesterol levels., Conclusion: Compared with NCEP recommendations, the new ACC/AHA guidelines significantly increased the number of Chilean adults eligible for statin therapy. Full implementation of the new recommendations may have important public health implications in Chile and other Latin American countries, as more women and older subjects without cardiovascular disease would qualify for statin treatment., (Copyright © 2016 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clustering of risk factors known to promote cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Environmental factors, such as unhealthy diet, play a major role in the development of this condition. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of MS and its association with food intake quality among Chilean adults., Methods: we analyzed data of 2 561 adults (≥ 18 years-old) included in the last National Health Survey (NHS 2009-2010) who had appropriate information to diagnose MS based on ATP III-NCEP guidelines. Consumption frequency of fish, whole grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables was also analyzed and associated with MS prevalence. Using a healthy diet score (HDS), we described the overall diet quality and further correlated it with MS prevalence., Results: we found that lower whole grain intake was associated with greater MS prevalence (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.088-2.919; p = 0.022). HDS showed better diet quality among women and in subjects with increasing age and higher educational level. A HDS < 3 points was associated with an increased risk of MS (OR HDS < 3 / HDS ≥ 3 = 3.69; 95% CI 1.884-7.225, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Chilean adult population exhibits a high prevalence of MS linked to a poor diet quality., (Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Mediterranean diet is a healthy diet with positive scientific evidence of preventing chronic diseases. Bioactive components support the healthy properties of the Mediterranean diet. Antioxidants and fiber, two components of the Mediterranean diet, are key functional nutrients for healthy eating and nutrition. Wine grape pomace is a rich source of these dietary constituents and may be beneficial for human health. Our hypothesis was that the intake of red wine grape pomace flour (WGPF) prepared from red wine grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon variety) reduced the metabolic syndrome in humans. To evaluate the effect of WGPF on components of metabolic syndrome we design a 16-week longitudinal intervention study. Thirty-eight males, 30-65 years of age, with at least one component of metabolic syndrome, were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 25) or the control group (n = 13). At lunch, the intervention group was given 20 g of WGPF per day, which contained 10 g of dietary fiber, 822 mg of polyphenols and an antioxidant capacity of 7258 ORAC units. Both groups were asked to maintain their regular eating habits and lifestyles. Clinical evaluation, anthropometric measurements and biochemical blood analyses were done at the beginning and the end of the study., Results: WGPF intake significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as fasting glucose levels. Plasma γ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol increased and carbonyl group in plasma protein decreased in WGPT group, significantly. No significant effect was observed for waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C in and between groups. The group-dependent magnitude of the differences between the baseline and final postprandial insulin values and γ-tocopherol concentrations was statistically significant., Conclusions: The consumption of WGPF-rich in fiber and polyphenol antioxidants, as a food supplement in a regular diet improves blood pressure, glycaemia and postprandial insulin. In addition, increased antioxidant defenses and decreased oxidative protein damage indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. WGPF might be a useful food ingredient for health promotion and chronic disease prevention.

The new 3-methyl-2-trifluoromethylchromone (1) and 3-bromomethyl-2-trifluoromethylchromone (2) compounds were synthesized and characterized by vibrational (IR, Raman), UV-Vis and NMR ((1)H, (13)C and (19)F) spectroscopy and MS spectrometry. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic P21/c space group with Z=4 molecules per unit cell. The structures were solved from 1423 (1) and 1856 (2) reflections with I>2σ (I) and refined by full-matrix least-squares to agreement R1-values of 0.0403 (1) and 0.0554 (2). Because of π-bonding delocalization, the organic molecular skeletons are planar and the molecular bonding structures can be described by formally single, double and resonant bonds. In 2, the CF3 group revealed a strong rotational disorder around the CCF3 bond, which could be explained in terms of four split positions with about uniform angular distribution. The vibrational, electronic and NMR, spectra were discussed and assigned with the assistance of DFT calculations., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Hyperferritinemia has been related with a wide spectrum of pathologies, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between hyperferritinemia and iron consumption., Methods and Results: Serum ferritin concentration was evaluated in 66 presumed healthy men, along with other clinical and biochemical markers of chronic diseases. A three-day food questionnaire was applied for nutrition information. Hyperferritinemia was a condition found in 13.4% of the volunteers analyzed. Significant correlations were found between serum ferritin concentration and metabolic syndrome parameters (HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose) as well as an increase of the serum ferritin mean value with the number of risk factors of metabolic syndrome. Also, oxidative stress markers (carbonyl groups, AOPP, and glycated hemoglobin), hepatic damage markers (GGT, SGOT), and parameters related to insulin resistance (HOMA, blood insulin, and blood glucose) correlate significantly with serum ferritin. Volunteers had an excessive iron intake, principally by bread consumption. Analyses of food intake showed that red meat consumption correlates significantly with serum ferritin., Conclusion: Red meat consumption, metabolic syndrome, and chronic disease markers are associated with hyperferritinemia in a population of Chilean men.

Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely as the absence of disease. Thus, medical practice must not only deal with diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions and solve physical ailments, but also promote a comprehensive wellbeing state -including the psychological domain- to achieve positive health. Therefore, it is necessary to scientifically identify the psychological and social determinants that contribute more effectively to prevent disease and achieve optimal health. This article reviews the most recent evidence showing the importance of positive psychological and social resources on cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality as well as health care costs worldwide. Evidence is summarized regarding the role of positive psychosocial factors as health promoters and protectors against cardiovascular risk, the possible mechanisms that explain this association, and the practical implications and future research arising from this perspective. The development of interdisciplinary research in this field, incorporating the area of psychological wellbeing, should help to generate and test new strategies aimed at more effective cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic granulomatous disease that primarily affects lung tissue and lymph nodes (LN) in cattle, with economic impact on their productivity. Furthermore, it is potential zoonoses that may cause public health hazard. In this study, we evaluated the presence of bTB in two abattoirs: Cayambe and Pelileo countries located in the Ecuadorian provinces of Pichincha and Tungurahua, respectively. In total, 578 cattle were sampled (Cayambe 271 and Pelileo 307): 1,156 LN and 578 lung tissue samples were collected to apply in vitro culture and nested-PCR, respectively. The results determined a total apparent prevalence of 4.33%, with 4.06% at Cayambe's abattoir and 4.56% at Pelileo's abattoir. Additionally, the Bayesian analysis showed a total true prevalence of 2.51%, with 89.7% of sensitivity and 97.6% of specificity. The risk factors were evaluated by the use of simple logistic regressions with and without the random effect of places of origin. Associations of the origin of cattle in the selected slaughterhouses were found. The results showed an efficient method for the detection of bTB, which could identify a large number of infected animals, and the usefulness of lung tissue samples for early diagnosis of the disease was demonstrated in this study.

Background: Nutrition labeling is a tool that helps people to make healthy choices when choosing foods and drinks for consumption. Easy to understand information promotes rational choices. However the implementation of this information by industry and their proper use by consumers is complex. A key aspect is the existence of appropriate laws and regulations. Fortunately, Chile has a mandatory guideline for labeling packed food products. Though, the correctness of the information appearing in the label is essential., Aim: To evaluate the veracity of nutritional information appearing on food labels in our country., Material and Methods: We tabulated the information on the labels of over 1,000 packed products and analyzed it using globally accepted tables as reference. We included cereals, vegetables, fruits and juices, nuts, legumes, dairy, fish and shellfish, meat, oils and fats and sweets., Results: Ninety percent of the information appearing in the labels of analyzed products was presumably correct. However, there were great variations among food groups., Conclusions: This information allowed evaluate the application of the Food Health Regulations reform implemented in 2006, specifically Article 115. The possible improvements to achieve the original aims of the initiative are discussed.

A new psolaren derivate, (E)-9-(3,4-dimethylpent-2-enyloxy)-7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one, has been isolated and characterized by experimental and theoretical methodologies. The solid state molecular structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The substance crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/c space group with a=4.2389(5), b=26.090(3), c=12.482(1)Å, β=96.990(9)°, and Z=4 molecules per unit cell. The crystal structure shows the molecule fused phenyl and hetero-cycle rings to be coplanar with each other. Ab initio(MP2) and DFT methods have been used to predict the molecular structure in the isolated molecule approximation and the results compared with the experimental data. The MP2/6-311G(d,p) calculations are in good agreement with the X-ray results. The calculated HOMO-LUMO energy gap shows that the intra-molecular charge transfer could easily occur, a prediction closely related to the observed bioactivity of this new compound. In addition, the infrared absorption and Raman dispersion spectra were recorded and an assignment of the observed spectral features to molecular vibrations was made. The vibrational study was assisted by quantum chemistry calculations at the MP2 and DFT level, which provided theoretical mode frequencies. The study was completed by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

'Early Rich', 'Royal Glory', 'Sweet Dream(cov)', and 'Elegant Lady' peaches were stored at -0.5 °C for up to 40 days and then subjected to ripening at 20 °C for up to 3 days. Firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), color, consumer acceptance, and volatile compounds were then determined. The observed physicochemical changes included a significant decrease in firmness during both storage and commercialization periods. In contrast, the SSC, TA, and color remained constant during storage. Ten days of cold storage produced the highest total volatile emissions and the greatest consumer acceptance for 'Elegant Lady' and 'Sweet Dream(cov)', whereas similar results were obtained after 40 and 20 days for 'Royal Glory' and 'Early Rich', respectively. Volatile compounds that most consistently exhibited a positive correlation with consumer acceptance were dependent on the cultivar.

All efforts to improve fruit quality are rewarded when consumers are satisfied after tasting the fruit. Apples are often stored under controlled atmosphere conditions to preserve them over time, but this frequently results in a loss of flavor. The aim of this work, which was based on two seasons, was to evaluate the influence of a period of short-term air storage (periods of 2 and 4 weeks) after removal from ultralow oxygen (ULO) storage (1 kPa of O(2)/1 kPa of CO(2)) with respect to increases in volatile compound emissions and the effect on standard and sensory quality in 'Golden Reinders' apples. The results showed that emissions of 26 volatile compounds increased as a result of ULO + 2 weeks or ULO + 4 weeks of storage. However, the results of tastings involving a panel of consumers and trained experts revealed that this increase was not matched by corresponding increases in either the degree of consumer preference or flavor attributes.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of diet mediterranisation, in a food-at-work context, and its consequence on metabolic syndrome in a mid-age unselected healthy male population group., Design: One-year longitudinal intervention study. Physical exercise was not modified., Setting: All workers of the Santiago division of 'Maestranza Diesel', a metal-mechanic company servicing the mining industry, were invited to participate., Subjects: Initially, 145 workers of a total of 171, of average age 39 years, accepted to participate (sixteen women and 129 men). A subgroup of ninety-six men fully completed the controls programmed for the intervention study. Losses from the original group correspond to missing one control (sixteen), leaving the company (eleven) or blood sampling discomfort (six). The women and sixteen male workers, hired post study initiation, did participate but were excluded from this 12-month analysis., Results: Diet mediterranisation was successful, reflected in the daily food consumption at the canteen and the evolution of the Mediterranean diet score (MDS) from 4.8 +/- 1.4 to 7.4 +/- 1.5 (limits 0-14). Some metabolic syndrome components showed statistically significant improvement and also statistically significant correlation with the MDS: waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. After 12 months, the reversion rate for metabolic syndrome was 48 % (12/23) with an incidence rate of 4.1 % for new cases (3/73). In total, metabolic syndrome decreased from 24.0 % to 15.6 % (23/96 to 15/96) (P = 0.029)., Conclusions: Diet mediterranisation is feasible in a food-at-work intervention, affecting lunch consumption at the workers canteen and overall consumption evaluated with MDS, together with a significant reduction in metabolic syndrome.

Despite the relevance of volatile production for overall quality of apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) fruit, only a few studies have focused on the effects of calcium treatments on this quality attribute. In this work, 'Fuji Kiku-8' apples were harvested at commercial maturity, dipped in calcium chloride (2%, w/v), stored at 1 degrees C and 92% relative humidity for 4 or 7 months under either air or ultralow oxygen (ULO; 1 kPa of O(2)/2 kPa of CO(2)), and placed subsequently at 20 degrees C. Ethylene production, standard quality parameters, emission of volatile compounds, and the activities of some related enzymes were assessed 7 days thereafter. Calcium concentration was higher in CaCl(2)-treated than in untreated fruit, suggesting that the treatment was effective in introducing calcium into the tissues. Higher calcium contents were concomitant with higher flesh firmness and titratable acidity after storage. Furthermore, calcium treatment led to increased production of volatiles in middle-term stored apples, probably arising from enhanced supply of precursors for ester production as a consequence of increased pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activities. After long-term storage, higher volatile emission might have arisen also from the enhancement of alcohol o-acyltransferase (AAT) activity, which was increased as a result of calcium treatment. In addition to storage period, the effects of calcium treatment were also partially dependent on storage atmosphere and more noticeable for fruit stored in air.

An extra period under cold air after ultra-low oxygen storage has been shown to increase the concentration of some volatile compounds emitted by stored 'Fuji' apples. The purpose of this work was to assess the role, if any, of lipoxygenase and hydroperoxide lyase activities in the regeneration of fruit capacity for volatile production after ultra-low oxygen storage. Fruits were stored at 1 °C and 92% relative humidity under ultra-low oxygen (1 kPa of O2/1 kPa of CO2); one lot was kept under hypoxia for 19 or 30 weeks, a second lot was maintained for 17 or 28 weeks under these conditions and then stored for 2 weeks in cold air, and a third lot remained for either 15 or 26 weeks under ultra-low oxygen followed by 4 weeks under cold air. Samples were placed subsequently at 20 °C, and analyses of volatile emission and enzyme activities were undertaken 1 and 7 days thereafter. Fruit stored during 4 weeks in cold air after ultra-low oxygen storage showed the highest capacity for volatile regeneration. Higher emission of volatiles by these samples was concomitant with higher levels of lipoxygenase activity. Results suggest that lipoxygenase activity, particularly in the flesh tissue, was strongly related to the regeneration of the emission of volatile compounds allowed by the extra period in cold air after ultra-low oxygen storage and, thus, appears to be a key control point for successful recovery of fruit ability for volatile compound production.

Pink Lady apples were harvested at commercial maturity and stored at 1 degrees C and 92% relative humidity under either air or controlled atmosphere conditions (2 kPa O 2:2 kPa CO 2 and 1 kPa O 2:1 kPa CO 2) for 27 weeks. Data on the emission of volatile compounds and on the activity of some related enzymes in both skin and flesh tissues were obtained during subsequent shelf life at 20 degrees C. Major effects of storage atmosphere and poststorage period were observed on the emission of volatile esters and their precursors. Changes in the production of volatile esters were partly due to alterations in the activity of alcohol o-acyltransferase, but the specific esters emitted by fruit after storage also resulted largely from modifications in the supply of the corresponding substrates. Samples stored under air were characterized by higher availability of acetaldehyde, whereas those stored under CA showed enhanced emission of the alcohol precursors ethanol and 1-hexanol (2 kPa O 2) and 1-butanol (1 kPa O 2), with accordingly higher production of ethyl, hexyl, and butyl esters. Multivariate analysis revealed that a large part of the observed differences in precursor availability arose from modifications in the activity of the enzymes considered. Higher pyruvate decarboxylase activity in air-stored fruit possibly accounted for higher acetaldehyde levels in these samples, while storage under 1 kPa O 2 led to significantly decreased lipoxygenase activity and thus to lessened production of 1-hexanol and hexyl esters. Low acetaldehyde availability together with enhanced hydroperoxide lyase and alcohol dehydrogenase levels in these fruits are suggested to have led to higher emission of 1-butanol and butyl esters.

The aim of this work was to assess whether extra time spent under AIR conditions after storage in an ultra low oxygen (ULO) atmosphere could allow the regeneration of volatile compound emission without negatively affecting quality parameters and the consumer acceptability of Fuji apples. Fruits were stored for 19 and 30 weeks at 1 degrees C and 92% RH under ULO atmosphere conditions (1 kPa O 2:1 kPa CO 2) or under ULO conditions followed by different periods (2 and 4 weeks) in cold AIR atmosphere (ULO + 2w or ULO + 4w, respectively). Standard quality and emission of volatile compounds were analyzed after storage plus 1 and 7 days at 20 degrees C. Sensory attributes and acceptability were also determined after 7 days at 20 degrees C. The extra period of 30 weeks in an AIR atmosphere after ULO storage resulted in an increase in the concentration of the compounds that most contribute to the flavor of Fuji apples. These fruits were relatively well accepted by consumers despite a slight decline in firmness and acidity.

Mondial Gala apples were harvested at commercial maturity and stored at 1 degrees C under either air or controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (2 kPa O2/2 kPa CO2 and 1 kPa O2/1 kPa CO2), where they remained for 3 or 6 months. Data on emission of selected volatile esters, alcohol precursors, and activity of some aroma-related enzymes in both peel and pulp tissues were obtained during subsequent shelf life of fruit and submitted to multivariate analysis procedures. CA storage caused a decrease in the emission of volatile esters in comparison to storage in air. Results suggest that lessened ester production was the consequence of modifications in activities of alcohol o-acyltransferase (AAT) and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. For short-term storage, inhibition of lipoxygenase activity in CA stored fruit possibly led to a shortage of lipid-derived substrates, resulting in decreased production of volatile esters in spite of substantial ester-forming capacity that allowed for some recovery of fruit capacity for ester emission during the shelf life. For long-term storage, strong inhibition of AAT activity in CA stored fruit in combination with low LOX activities resulted in unrecoverable diminution of biosynthesis of volatile esters.

Volatile compounds in Fuji apples harvested at two different maturities were measured at harvest and after 5 and 7 months of cold storage (1 degrees C) in four different atmospheres. When the samples were characterized by both chromatographic measurements of volatiles and responses of an electronic nose, the analyses showed a clear separation between fruits from different storage conditions (a normal cold atmosphere and three controlled atmospheres). During poststorage, the apples were left to ripen for 1, 5, and 10 days at 20 degrees C before analytical measurements were done involving headspace-gas chromatography methods and electronic nose type quartz crystal microbalances. Electronic nose responses registered by seven different sensors were used to classify the apples using principal component analysis. It was possible to identify the samples from different storage periods, days of shelf life, and harvest dates, but it was not possible to differentiate the fruits corresponding to different cold storage atmospheres.

The authors assessed HIV-1 variability in two distinct areas of Venezuela (the capital Caracas and Margarita Island) through the analysis of blood specimens and clinical and epidemiologic data of 72 persons. Proviral DNA was evaluated through heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) based on the envelope region. Additionally, FOK I restriction enzyme digestion assay was performed in all subtype B ED31/33 amplified products to check the presence of the typical Brazilian subtype B GWGR variant. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for C2-V3 region of gp120 was performed in selected cases. The vast majority of samples were found to belong to subtype B, with a North American/European RFLP profile. An F subtype HIV-1 based on the region was identified for the first time in Venezuela. Genetic analyses of the protease and reverse transcriptase fragments of this sample depicted a recombinant B/F genetic profile. The discrimination capacity of HIV-1 subtypes using the primer set ED3/14-ED31/33 among the Caracas samples was found to be higher than for those from Margarita Island. The authors' results point to relevant differences between the samples of continental and Caribbean regions of Venezuela, requiring further evaluation of larger samples.

In the title compound, potassium 2-butyl-4-chloro-1-[[2'-(5-tetrazolido)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazol-5-ylmethanol, K(+) x C(22)H(22)ClN(6)O(-), the imidazole and tetrazole rings are at angles of 85.0 (2) and 51.8 (1) degrees, respectively, to the phenyl rings to which they are attached, while the dihedral angle between the latter two rings is 46.7 (1) degrees. The coordination sphere of the metal cation consists of six tetrazoyl N atoms, the methanol O atom and the pi cloud of one of the phenyl rings. These interactions determine the formation of columns of molecular anions that lie parallel to the b axis, while hydrogen bonding contributes to intercolumnar cohesion. Far from the centre of the columns, the hydrocarbon chain is immersed in a hydrophobic environment.

The title compound, 11-chloro-8,12b-dihydro-2,8-dimethyl-12b-phenyl-4H-[1,3]oxazino[3,2-d][1,4]benzodiazepine-4,7(6H)-dione, C20H17ClN2O3, is a benzodiazepine with an additional d-face-fused heterocyclic ring. In the molecule, a dihedral angle of 86.2 (1) degrees is formed by the planes of the phenyl and benzo rings and the former is axially oriented from the core, i.e. the fused 6,7,6-tricyclic system. Both heterocycles in the core suffer significant deviations from planarity. The central diazepine ring is a twist-boat and the oxazine ring exhibits a conformation intermediate between half-chair and sofa.

The crystal structure of racemic Venlafaxine hydrochloride, C(17)H(28)NO(2)(+).Cl(-), consists of two types of parallel chains formed by translated Venlafaxine(+) cations, hydrogen bonded by Cl(-) anions, and characterized by the opposite chirality of their constituent molecules. These chains organize in two different types of broad layers of opposite handedness, related by a glide plane.

The proteinase from HIV undergoes rapid and irreversible deactivation caused by mild mechanical stirring. Both the free enzyme and the ternary Michaelis complex disappear in two separate first-order processes, with half-times of 3.0 and 0.8 minutes, respectively. Ignoring these deactivation steps distorts the results of kinetic analyses.