Biomedical subjects

S Pastorelli

Publications and source records attributed to S Pastorelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Solid-phase microextraction method for the determination of hexanal in hazelnuts as an indicator of the interaction of active packaging materials with food aroma compounds.

Fatty foods are susceptible to lipid oxidation resulting in deterioration of product quality due to the generation of off-flavours. Hexanal is a good indicator of rancidity. Therefore, a method based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatograph with flame ionization detection was developed to determine hexanal formation in hazelnuts during storage. Optimum conditions were as follows: carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane 75 microm fibre, extraction time 10 min, equilibrium time 10 min and equilibrium temperature 60 degrees C. The effect of oxygen scavengers on the oxidation process was also evaluated by measuring hexanal formation in hazelnuts stored with/without oxygen absorber sachets. Oxygen scavengers were shown to reduce oxidation; however, analysis of the sachet revealed that other volatile compounds from the headspace were also absorbed.

Aldehydes↗

PubMed2005

Functional barriers: properties and evaluation.

Functional barriers are multilayer structures deemed to prevent migration of some chemicals released by food-contact materials into food. In the area of plastics packaging, different migration behaviours of mono- and multilayer structures are assessed in terms of lag time and of their influence of the solubility of the migrants in food simulants. Whereas barriers to oxygen or to aromas must prevent the diffusion of these compounds under conditions of use, a functional barrier must also be efficient under processing conditions, to prevent diffusion of substances when the polymer layers are in contact at high (processing) temperatures. Diffusion in melted polymers at high temperatures is much slower for glassy polymers, than in polymers that are rubbery at ambient temperature. To evaluate the behaviour of functional barriers under conditions of use, a set of reference diffusion coefficients in the 40-60 degrees C range were determined for 14 polymers. Conditions for accelerated migration tests are proposed based on worst-case activation energy in the 40-60 degrees C range. For simulation of migration, numerical models are available. The rules derived from the models can be used both by industry (to optimize a material in terms of migration) or by risk assessors. Differences in migration behaviour between mono- and multilayer materials are discussed.

Alkanes↗

PubMed2003

Evaluating the migration of ingredients from active packaging and development of dedicated methods: a study of two iron-based oxygen absorbers.

The behaviour of two commercial oxygen-scavenging products with respect to migration of active ingredients into foodstuffs was investigated. Migrants were identified, and by using appropriate analytical methods, migration was determined in a variety of liquid, solid or gelled food simulants and foods. Simulants were chosen to cover a range of water activities and viscosities. Foods and the gelled food simulant agar were packed with and without vacuum, and with the oxygen scavenger in various locations relative to the packed food. The main migrants, as identified by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry were Na(+) and Cl(-) in non-acidic aqueous simulants, and Na(+), Cl(-) and Fe(2+) in 3% acetic acid. Migration into aqueous simulants exceeded the current European Union limit for total migration from plastic materials (assumed to be currently applicable to these systems) and was probably excessive by any reasonable standard. However, neither oxygen scavenger appeared to release significant quantities of migrants into solid foods when the scavenger was properly located in the package and the packing process does not favour the contents becoming wet by water released from the food.

Acetic Acid↗

PubMed2000

[Model of integrated hospital project for the management of patients at risk of sudden death syndrome].

Home cardiorespiratory monitoring (HM) is an accepted practice in infants at high risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as those with the following conditions: 1) Siblings of SIDS; 2) Apparent Life Threatening Events (ALTE); 3) Apneas of prematurity. From 1998 the Division of Neanotology of the Policlinico of Modena has followed prospectively infants at high risk for SIDS, in collaboration with the General Health Service. To support the clinical trial 10 apnea monitors were provided by the General Health Service and managed from the Department of Neonatology. During 18 months 24 infants have been followed by HM, and among then 20 were at risk of SIDS (11 female and 9 male): 7 were siblings of SIDS (35%); 10 had previous episodes of ALTE (50%); 3 were born prematurely and had persistent apneas before discharge (15%). The mean period of HM was 5.85 months. None of the infants died for SIDS or had episodes of ALTE that required resuscitation measures. In only one case parents stopped earlier than recommended, but personal interview to parents showed that all the others families gained benefits and reassurance from HM.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

[Sepsis caused by Corynebacterium xerosis in neonatology: report of a clinical case].

The pathogenicity of the nondiphtheria corynebacteria, most commonly known as coryneform bacteria in humans has been recognized in the last two decades. Corynebacterium xerosis is part of the normal flora of the skin, nasopharynx, conjunctives and it has recently been isolated from vaginal swabs. During the last few years, there has been an increased number of case reports claiming an association of C. xerosis with diseases, like septicemia, endocarditis, pleuropneumonia, peritonitis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, mediastinitis, meningitis, ventriculitis specially in immunocompromised patients or surgical patients. Infections due to C. xerosis have been reported rarely in newborn. We report a case of sepsis due to C. xerosis in a newborn without evident immunodeficiency. Our case further support the recognition of C. xerosis as a human pathogen and reinforces the fact that it should not be routinely considered as a contaminant.

Corynebacterium Infections↗

PubMed1971