Use of modified atmosphere to extend shelf life of fresh-cut carambola (Averrhoa carambola L. cv. Fwang Tung)

Fresh-cut fruit products, including carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) have limited marketability due to cut surface browning attributed to oxidation of phenolic compounds by enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The objective of this study was to evaluate postharvest changes of carambola slices in three different packagings. Carambola fruit (cv. Fwang Tung) were picked from the orchard of Estação Experimental de Citricultura de Bebedouro at mature-green stage. Fruit were washed, dipped in NaOCl solution (200 mg.L -1 for 5 minutes), and stored overnight at 10°C. Fruit were manually sliced into pieces of approximately 1 cm. Slices were rinsed with NaOCl solution at 20 mg.L-1, drained for 3 minutes, and packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays (Neoform N94); polystyrene trays covered with PVC 0.017 mm (Vitafilm - Goodyear); and vacuum sealed polyolefin bags (PLO, Cryovac PD900). The packages were stored at 6.8°C and 90%RH for 12 days and samples taken every 4 days. PET trays and PVC film did not significantly modify internal atmosphere and the high water permeability of PVC led to more rapid slice desiccation. PPO activity was lower when slices were packaged in PLO vacuum sealed bags, which reduced discolouration and led to better appearance maintenance for up to 12 days.

Effect of different pulse treatments on vase life of inflorescences of oncidium varicosum 'Samurai'

Oncidium varicosum is a species of orchid that is prevalent in South America. This species produces yellow flowers, which are commonly named golden shower, ballet dancer and Anita's flower. The study of the post-harvest physiology of flowers involves examination of factors related to quality loss of cut flowers, which is related not only to several physiological processes but also to interactions between the floral components and qualitative factors. In this context, our research involved the study of physiological aspects of the post-harvest physiology of cut inflorescences of Oncidium varicosum ('Samurai') after treatment with pulsing solutions containing silver salts, 8-HQC and sucrose. A reduction of relative water content of Oncidium flowers treated with pulsing STS (2 mM) was observed. The soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars content decreased, and higher contents were measured in flowers treated with STS (2 mM). All parameters related to flower coloration were reduced in all treatments. Similar results were obtained for carotenoid content, except for the STS treatment (2 mM), which differed significantly from the other treatments on the 8th and 12th days of vase life. The inflorescences' longevity varied from 12 days (distilled water) to 15 days (STS 2 mM).

Shelf Life of Fresh and Pasteurized Organic Passion Fruit (Passiflora Edulis F. Flavicarpa Deg.) Pulp

The shelf life of the organic passion fruit pulp, both fresh and pasteurized at 70C and 90C and stored under refrigeration, was evaluated. The heat treatment did not affect the sensory and physicochemical characteristics of the pasteurized pulps when compared with the fresh pulp, except for the ascorbic acid content. The pulps were also microbiologically safe. The pulps pasteurized at 70 and 90C were suitable for consumption for a minimum shelf-life period of 207 days of storage under refrigeration and for the fresh pulp it was attributed a shelf-life period of 60 to 90 days. The pulp pasteurized at 70C showed higher acceptance scores for all the attributes and purchase intention scores, suggesting a more stable behavior and higher sensory quality. Practical Applications: This work intended to evaluate the influence of the minimum pasteurization on the sensory acceptance and microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of the organic passion fruit pulp stored under refrigeration, with the aim to identify the shelf life. Heat treatment is one of the processes used for food preservation. Lower pasteurization temperature than that used by the Brazilian industries and storage under refrigeration showed to be appropriate for passion fruit pulp quality. In this way, the microbiological, physicochemical and sensory features of passion fruit were preserved. This work can be used as a reference for passion fruit pasteurization, which is able to increase the shelf life of this fruit while preserving its desirable original features. Journal Compilation © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Pilot Study Addressing the Impact of Religious Practice on Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether religious practice can modify quality of life (QoL) in BC patients during chemotherapy. QoL and religion practice questionnaire (RPQ) scores were evaluated in a sample of BC patients in different moments. Before chemotherapy initiation, women with lower physical and social functional scores displayed higher RPQ scores. On the other hand, low RPQ patients worsened some QoL scores over time. Body image acceptance was positively correlated with religious practice and specifically praying activity. This preliminary study suggests the importance of religion in coping with cancer chemotherapy. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Oral health associated with quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil

Background: The epidemic of HIV/AIDS enters into its fourth decade and is still considered an important public health problem in developed and developing countries. The purpose is verify the oral health and other factors that influence the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS attending a public service reference in Brazil.Methods: The participants answered the questionnaire on socio-demographic conditions, issues related to HIV and daily habits. The quality of life was analyzed by the HIV/AIDS Targeted Quality of Life (HAT-QoL) instrument with 42 items divided into nine domains: General Activity, Sexual Activity, Confidentiality concerns, Health Concerns, Financial Concern, HIV Awareness, Satisfaction with Life Issues related to medication and Trust in the physician. The oral health data were collected by means of the DMFT index, use and need of dentures and the Community Periodontal Index, according to the criteria proposed by the World Health Organization, by a calibrated researcher. Bivariate and multiple linear regressions were performed.Results: Of the participants, 53.1% were women and had a mean age of 42 years, 53.1% had eight years or less of schooling and 20.3% were not employed. In analyzing the quality of life domain of the HAT-QoL, with a lower average there was: Financial concern (39.4), followed by Confidentiality concern (43.2), Sexual activities (55.2) and Health concerns (62. 88). There was an association between the variables: do not have link to employment (p < 0.001), is brown or black (p = 0.045), alcohol consumption (p = 0.041), did not make use of antiretroviral therapy (p = 0.006), high levels of viral load (p = 0.035) and need for dentures (p = 0.025), with the worse quality of life scores.Conclusion: Socioeconomic and inadequate health conditions had a negative impact on the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS.

Effects of Ocimum basilicum Linn Essential Oil and Sodium Hexametaphosphate on the Shelf Life of Fresh Chicken Sausage

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Corrosion-fatigue life of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloys in different storage environments

Statement of problem. Removable partial dentures are affected by fatigue because of the cyclic mechanism of the masticatory system ansi frequent insertion and removal. Titanium and its alloys have been used in the manufacture of denture frameworks; however, preventive agents with fluorides are thought to attack titanium alloy surfaces.Purpose. This study evaluated, compared, analyzed the corrosion-fatigue life of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy in different storage environments.Material and methods. For each metal, 33 dumbbell rods, 2.3 mm in diameter at the central segment, were cast in the Rematitan system. Corrosion-fatigue strength test was carried out through a universal testing machine with a load 30% lon er than the 0.2% offset yield strength and a combined influence of different: environments: in air at room temperature, with synthetic saliva, and with fluoride synthetic saliva. After failure, the number of cycles were recorded, and fracture surfaces were examined with on SEM.Results. ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison rest indicated that Ti-6Al-4V alloy achieved 21,269 cycles (SD = 8,355) against 19,157 cycles (SD = 3,624) for the commercially purr Ti. There were no significant differences between either metal in the corrosion-fatigue life for dry specimens, but when the solutions were present, the fatigue life was significantly reduced, probably because of the product-ion of corrosion pits caused by superficial reactions.

O gênero em questão: crítica e formação nos Bildungsromane The Secret Life of Bees, de Sue Monk Kidd, e Sapato de salto, de Lygia Bojunga

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS treated by the specialized service in Vitória-ES, Brazil

The aim of this study is to establish the factors that influence the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS being treated at a specialized public service. The participants answered the questionnaire on sociodemographic conditions, issues related to HIV and daily habits. The quality of life was analyzed using the HIV/AIDS-targeted quality of life (HAT-QoL) instrument with 42 items divided into 9 fields: General Activity, Sexual Activity, Confidentiality Concerns, Health Concerns, Financial Concerns, HIV Awareness, Satisfaction with Life, Issues related to Medication and Trust in the Physician. Bivariate and multiple linear regressions were performed. Of the participants, 53.1% were women and had a mean age of 42 years. In analyzing the quality of life, the HAT-QoL domain with the lowest average was Financial Concerns (39.4), followed by Confidentiality Concerns (43.2), Sexual Activity (55.2) and Health Concerns (62. 88). There was an association between the variables: not being gainfully employed (p < 0.001), being mulatto or black (p = 0.045) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.041) with the worst quality of life scores. Inadequate socioeconomic and health conditions had a negative impact on the quality of life of people with HIV/AIDS.