ABSTRACT Consumers around the world appreciate strawberries for their taste. They have low calories and high concentrations of soluble fibers, vitamin C and flavonoids. This paper verified the combined effect of O2, CO2, and N2O levels on ‘Oso Grande’ strawberries stored at 10° C, under controlled atmosphere (CA). Five different gas mixtures were used: 0.03 kPa CO2 + 20 kPa O2, 80 kPa N2O + 20 kPa O2, 90 kPa O2 + 10 kPa N2, 60 kPa O2 +40 kPa CO2, and 20 kPa O2 + 20 kPa CO2 + 60 kPa N2O. The lowest incidence of postharvest decay was observed with treatment20 kPa O2 + 20 kPa CO2 + 60 kPa N2O, followed by 80 kPa N2O +20 kPa O2 and 90 kPa O2 + 10 kPa N2. The treatment 60 kPa O2 + 40 kPa CO2 induced an increase in the production of acetaldehyde and ethanol, and these levels were considered inadequate for human consumption. The first factor, named senescence, displayed a positive correlation with soluble solids, luminosity, hue angle, firmness and incidence of decay. hpsThe second factor, named CA-induced injury, showedhps that total acidity correlated negatively with ethanol and acetaldehyde levels. Hiehpsrarchical cluster analysis indicated that strawberries stored underhps80 kPa N2O + 20 kPa O2hps for 14hps hpsdays more closely resembled the quality of fresh fruit at the moment of harvesthps. ‘Oso Grande’ strawberries stored at 10 ºC under 80 kPa N2O + 20 kPa O2 and 90 kPa O2 +10 kPa N2 were in better conditions, with no metabolic alterations, showing that these are the ideal storage conditions.

RESUMO: A qualidade do pescado está condicionada a diversos fatores, entre eles os métodos de insensibilização. Nesta pesquisa foi utilizado o choque elétrico em diferentes intensidades como método de insensibilização do bijupirá (Rachycentron canadum), e avaliados seus efeitos sobre a qualidade dos peixes resfriados. O experimento foi realizado insensibilizando os peixes com eletrochoque de intensidades de 100, 150 e 200 Volts, e armazenados refrigerados durante 21 dias. Os peixes utilizados foram obtidos de uma piscicultura comercial localizada no litoral norte do estado de São Paulo a cerca de 50km, por via marítima, da cidade de Ubatuba-SP. As variáveis de qualidade dos peixes avaliadas foram características físicas, químicas e sensoriais como medidas dielétricas, índice de Rigor Mortir, pH, textura, cor, avaliação sensorial do frescor, ATP e produtos da degradação. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi um fatorial 6X3, seis tempos de análise e três intensidades de choque elétrico. Foram observadas diferenças significativas (P<0,05) para a maioria das variáveis analisadas, tanto para os tratamentos em relação ao tempo, como também para a influência do tempo de armazenamento dentro de cada tratamento. No entanto, o número de variáveis com significância entre os tratamentos foi menor em relação ao número de variáveis em que houve significância para os tempos de conservação, sendo a interação tempoxtratamento a que obteve significância expressiva dentro dos resultados encontrados. Foram observados os melhores resultados para o tratamento com a intensidade em 150 volts para a maioria das variáveis analisadas em que houve diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre os tratamentos. Concluiu-se também que o bijupirá pode ser conservado em até sete dias após abate em conservação refrigerada utilizando a eletronarcose como método de insensibilização.

ABSTRACT: Fish quality is conditioned by several factors, among them desensitization methods applied for fish managing and slaughtering. This research used electric shock at different intensities as a desensitization method for cobia (Rachycentron canadum) slaughtering and evaluated its effects over fish quality during refrigerated storage. The experiment was carried out by numbing the fish with electroshock at the intensities of 100, 150 and 200 Volts, and keeping them in refrigerated storage for 21 days. On the cobia, obtained from a commercial fish farm the following physical, chemical and sensorial characteristics as quality variables were evaluated: dielectric properties, rigor index, pH, texture, color, sensorial evaluation of freshness, ATP and degradation catabolites. The experimental design was a 6×3 factorial (6 times of analysis and 3 electroshock intensities). Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed for the analyzed variables, as a consequence of desensitization treatments and of storage time within each treatment. However, the number of variables affected by the treatment was smaller than the number of variables significantly affected by the storage time, and the interaction time×treatment was highly significant within the results reported. The best results for the parameters tested were obtained when the treatment at 150 volts intensity with the majority of analyzed variables held significant differences (P<0.05) among treatments. It was also concluded that cobia can be conserved in refrigerated storage within seven days after slaughtering using electro-narcosis as a method of desensitization.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar e selecionar os filmes mais adequados capazes de aumentar a vida pós-colheita dos morangos (Fragaria x ananassa) mantendo a qualidade, sem alteração económica na cadeia produtiva atual. No primeiro ensaio (EXP1) testaram-se 9 diferentes métodos de embalagem: caixa de tereftalato de polietileno (PET) com tampa perfurada (Controlo) e as outras modalidades eram constituídas pela caixa (PET) revestida com 8 tipos distintos de filmes. No segundo ensaio (EXP2), as melhores modalidades selecionadas no EXP1, correspondentes aos filmes eleitos foram os utilizados para a conservação de morangos da cultivar Oso Grande. No EXP1, os frutos acondicionados com os filmes de: polipropileno (PP) com 0,006 mm e o D955 com 0,019 mm de espessura apresentaram as pontuações mais bem cotadas referentes ao aspeto global, contudo os morangos embalados com PP de 0,006 mm apresentaram elevados teores de acetaldeído e de etanol provocando odor alcoólico. No EXP2, os morangos acondicionados no filme D955 de 0,019 mm e com o filme de policloreto de vinilo (PVC) de 0,020 mm de espessura apresentaram boa aparência até ao 8° dia, mantiveram a qualidade e apresentaram baixa ocorrência de doenças, quando comparados com outros filmes. O filme de PVC com 0,020 mm de espessura demonstra ser uma boa alternativa aos produtores que já utilizam esse tipo de filme, mas com uma espessura inferior.

The objective of this work was to evaluate and select the most suitable films capable of increasing the post-harvest life of the strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) maintaining quality, without economic alteration in the current productive chain. In the first test (EXP1) 9 different methods of packaging were tested: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tray with perforated lid (Control) and the other were the PET tray coated with 8 different types of films. In the second experiment (EXP2), the best modalities selected in the EXP1, corresponding to the films chosen were those used for the conservation of strawberries of the Oso Grande cultivar. In EXP1, fruits packed in polypropylene (PP) films with 0.006 mm and D955 with 0.019 mm thickness presented the highest scores regarding the overall aspect, however strawberries packed with PP of 0.006 mm presented a high acetaldehyde and ethanol contents resulting in the presence of alcoholic odor. At EXP2, strawberries packed in D955 film 0.019 mm thickness and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 0.020 mm presented good appearance until day 8, maintained quality and presented low occurrence of diseases when compared with the other films. The PVC 0.020 mm thickness proves to be an alternative for producers that already use this type of film with a lower thickness.

ABSTRACT Objective Official Medicines Control Laboratories (OMCLs) play a critical role in quality assurance. The objective of this work is to describe the actions taken by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to strengthen OMCLs in the Region of the Americas. Methods A descriptive study was conducted by the External Quality Control Program (EQCP) to assess the diagnostic and overall performance of OMCLs; human resource training; measures adopted by the Pan American Network for Drug Regulatory Harmonization (PANDRH) to facilitate prequalification of OMCLs by the World Health Organization (WHO) as reference laboratories for United Nations agencies; and the technical documents developed by the Working Group on Good Laboratory Practice (WGGLP) and their level of implementation. Results The Pan American Network of OMCLs, established in 2005, is currently composed of 28 OMCLs in 23 countries. The EQCP assessed the performance of OMCLs in ten stages; 784 professionals, 313 of them from OMCLs, received training in good laboratory practice (GLP). Guidelines for external evaluation and self-evaluation were developed. Six OMCLs attained WHO prequalification and nine became regional reference laboratories. Conclusions The initiatives undertaken made it possible to strengthen the activity of the OMCLs and to train human resources. Furthermore, they provided tools for continuous improvement through external evaluation and self-evaluation.

RESUMEN Objetivo Los Laboratorios Oficiales de Control de Medicamentos (LOCM) cumplen un rol fundamental en el aseguramiento de la calidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las acciones implementadas por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) para el fortalecimiento de los LOCM en la Región de las Américas. Métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el que se evaluaron el diagnóstico y desempeño de los LOCM efectuado por el Programa de Control Externo de Calidad (PCEC); la capacitación de recursos humanos; las acciones de la Red Panamericana para la Armonización de la Reglamentación Farmacéutica (Red PARF) para facilitar la precalificación de los LOCM por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) como Laboratorios de Referencia de las Agencias de las Naciones Unidas; y los documentos técnicos elaborados por el Grupo de Trabajo de Buenas Prácticas del Laboratorio (GT de BPL) y el grado de adopción de los mismos. Resultados En 2005, se conformó la Red Panamericana de LOCM, que cuenta en la actualidad con 28 LOCM correspondientes a 23 países. El PCEC realizó diez etapas de evaluaciones de desempeño de los LOCM. Se capacitaron 784 profesionales (313 de ellos pertenecientes a LOCM) en BPL. Se redactaron guías de evaluación externa y autoevaluación. Seis LOCM alcanzaron la precalificación de la OMS y 9 se constituyeron en Laboratorios de Referencia de la Región. Conclusiones Las iniciativas desarrolladas permitieron fortalecer la actividad de los LOCM y capacitar el recurso humano. Asimismo, brindaron herramientas para la mejora continua a través de la evaluación externa y autoevaluación.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the benefits obtained through South-South and triangular cooperation as a potential tool for strengthening medicine quality control in official medicines control laboratories (OMCLs) of the Region of the Americas. Methods Descriptive study of the project for strengthening drug quality control in OMCLs of the Caribbean community (CARICOM). Results Staff members of Argentina’s National Administration for Drugs, Food, and Medical Technology (ANMAT) provided training to professionals from Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The project was funded by the Argentine Fund for South-South and Triangular Cooperation (FO.AR) and coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Documents on good laboratory practice (GLP) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Network for Drug Regulatory Harmonization (PANDRH) were reviewed, and the area of physical and chemical controls was strengthened, primarily for drugs to treat tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS, all of which are strategically important to those countries. Conclusion This type of collaboration makes it possible to share experiences, optimize resources, harmonize procedures and regulations, and strengthen human resource capacities. In addition, it is a valuable tool for reducing asymmetries in various areas among the different countries of our Region.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir los beneficios obtenidos a través de la cooperación Sur-Sur y Triangular, como una potencial herramienta para el fortalecimiento en el control de la calidad de los medicamentos en los Laboratorios Oficiales de Control de Medicamentos (LOCM) de la Región de las Américas. Métodos Estudio descriptivo del proyecto para el fortalecimiento en el control de la calidad de los medicamentos en los LOCM de la Comunidad del Caribe (CARICOM). Resultados La capacitación fue desarrollada por profesionales de la Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica (ANMAT) de Argentina, a profesionales de Guyana, Jamaica, Surinam y Trinidad y Tobago. El proyecto contó con financiamiento del Fondo Argentino de Cooperación Sur-Sur y Triangular (FO.AR) y coordinación de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS). Se revisaron los documentos de Buenas Prácticas de Laboratorio (BPL) de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y de la Red Panamericana para la Armonización de la Reglamentación Farmacéutica (Red-PARF) y se fortaleció el área de controles físicos químicos, principalmente en relación a medicamentos para el tratamiento de la tuberculosis, la malaria y el VIH/sida, todos de importancia estratégica para esos países. Conclusión Este tipo de colaboraciones permiten transferir experiencia, optimizar los recursos, armonizar procedimientos y regulaciones y reforzar capacidades en término de recursos humanos, y constituyen una herramienta valiosa en la reducción de las asimetrías que pudieron establecerse en diferentes áreas entre diferentes países de nuestra región.

Sementes de triticale de um lote do cultivar IAC-2, com 85% de germinação e incidência natural de Pyricularia grisae (34.5%), Bipolaris sorokiniana (12%), Fusarium graminearum (15%) e Alternaria alternata (35%), foram armazenadas em câmara fria, a 10 ºC, e em local sem controle das condições do ambiente, por doze meses. O potencial fisiológico foi avaliado em intervalos bimestrais, utilizando-se os testes de germinação, de envelhecimento acelerado, de tetrazólio e de emergência de plântulas no campo; a sobrevivência dos fungos foi avaliada por meio do teste de papel de filtro. As sementes mantiveram o nível de viabilidade e de vigor e a incidência de fungos patogênicos foi pouco alterada no armazenamento a 10 ºC. Em condições de ambiente não controlado, a germinação e a viabilidade das sementes armazenadas decresceram, aumentando a quantidade de sementes mortas devido à maior velocidade de deterioração e a um nível crescente de fungos de armazenamento, principalmente de Penicillium spp. Nestas condições, a incidência dos fungos patogênicos decresceu continuamente até o final do período de armazenamento, atingindo valores muito baixos; porém na época recomendada para a semeadura da cultura no Estado de São Paulo (mês de abril), a sobrevivência destes patógenos ainda comprometia a qualidade sanitária das sementes.

Triticale seeds of the IAC-2 cultivar presented germination of 85% after harvest and natural incidence of the following pathogenic fungi: 34.5% Pyricularia grisae, 12% Bipolaris sorokiniana, 15% Fusarium graminearum and 35% Alternaria alternata. The seeds were stored at 10 ºC and under natural ambient conditions for twelve months. The seed physiological quality was evaluated at bimonthly intervals by the germination, accelerated aging, tetrazolium and field emergence tests and fungi survival was evaluated by the blotter test. The seeds stored at 10 ºC maintained the same level of germination, viability and vigor for twelve months even though the fungi incidences also remained almost unchanged too. The germination and viability of seeds stored under natural ambient conditions decreased and the level of dead seeds increased due to a higher speed of deterioration and an increased level of storage fungi, mainly Penicillium spp.. The pathogenic fungi levels decreased, reaching very low values at the end of the storage period. However, the pathogen survival was still harmful at the time of the planting season (April).