Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú

La industria alimentaria enfrenta el desafío de desarrollar productos innovadores que respondan a la creciente demanda de alimentos funcionales con beneficios para la salud. En este contexto, el kéfir, por su contenido probiótico, y el aguaymanto (Physalis peruviana), por su riqueza en compuestos bioactivos, representan una alternativa prometedora para el desarrollo de bebidas funcionales. El objetivo de este capítulo fue caracterizar las propiedades fisicoquímicas, proximales, funcionales y sensoriales de una bebida funcional elaborada a base de kéfir enriquecida con pulpa de aguaymanto en diferentes concentraciones. Se formularon tres tratamientos con adición de pulpa al 4%, 6% y 8%, los cuales fueron evaluados mediante análisis fisicoquímicos, análisis proximal, determinación de compuestos bioactivos y pruebas sensoriales con panelistas no entrenados. Los resultados evidenciaron que el incremento de la concentración de pulpa influyó significativamente en la acidez, el contenido de grasa y los compuestos funcionales, destacando el tratamiento con 8% de aguaymanto por presentar mayores niveles de polifenoles y mejor aceptación sensorial. Se concluye que la incorporación de pulpa de aguaymanto potencia el valor funcional y sensorial del kéfir, constituyéndose en una alternativa viable para el aprovechamiento de recursos locales y el desarrollo de bebidas funcionales en la región Junín.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a strategic Andean crop due to its high nutritional value and adaptability to marginal environments; however, grain yield and quality are often constrained by genotype × environment interaction (GEI), increasing production risk for farmers. Identifying genotypes that combine high yield, phenotypic stability, and low saponin content is therefore essential for varietal improvement and recommendation in heterogeneous agroecological conditions. During the 2022–2023 agricultural season, three promising quinoa genotypes (CQH-3, CQH-52, and CQH-19) and a local control (Hualhuas) were evaluated at three representative locations of the Mantaro Valley, central highlands of Peru. Grain yield and saponin content were assessed using a randomised complete block design. Yield data were subjected to combined analysis of variance across locations, and phenotypic stability was determined using the Eberhart and Russell regression model. Significant GEI (p ≤ 0.05) confirmed differential genotype responses across environments, justifying stability analysis. Genotype CQH-3 exhibited the highest mean grain yield (2829 kg/ha) and a near-ideal stability profile (bi = 1.041; Sdi² = −0.234), indicating broad adaptability and predictable performance. All evaluated INIA-UNCP genotypes were classified as sweet quinoa, with saponin contents ranging from 0.028% to 0.043%, markedly lower than the bitter local control (0.211%). The combined evaluation of productivity, stability, and grain quality identified CQH-3 as an elite candidate for commercial release in the central highlands of Peru.

We report the case of a 38-year-old pregnant woman who presented with a reactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during routine prenatal screening. Previous tests had been negative, and the patient expressed concern about possible recent infection and vertical transmission. Further evaluation revealed a recent hepatitis B vaccination four days before the test. Repeat serology performed two weeks later showed negative HBsAg, negative anti-HBc, and high titers of anti-HBs, consistent with vaccine-induced immunity. Transient antigenemia following immunization is a recognized phenomenon that may lead to misinterpretation, unnecessary referrals, increased costs, and anxiety, particularly in pregnancy. This case highlights the importance of considering recent vaccination history and performing complete serologic panels to establish an accurate diagnosis. Practical implications for clinicians involved in prenatal care are discussed.

Phytophthora infestans causes one of the most devastating diseases of the potato crop, also known as late blight. Since early identification of this pathogen is crucial for the effective control of the disease, this study aimed to propose an automated methodology for the identification of its lesions in potato leaflets, using convolutional neural networks called “Mask R-CNN”. The evaluations were carried out during the rainy season, in crops conducted by farmers in the locality of Huasahuasi, in the central Andes of Peru. One hundred photographs (5472 × 3078 pixels) were taken with a Phantom 4 Pro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at an altitude of 3 m in crops with a late blight incidence between 2 and 3. The images were divided into four parts and then passed thorough quality control, resulting in 200 photos (1825 × 1369 pixels). Of the total, 75% was used for model training and 25% for model validation. The models were evaluated under real conditions, using metrics such as accuracy and recall. It was determined that the Mask R-CNN neural network, based on the ResNet 101 deep neural network architecture, offers acceptable accuracy and effectiveness (73.5%) in the identification of late blight lesions at the leaflet level. This methodology constitutes a significant contribution to precision agriculture in the Andes, validating a non-invasive tool capable of overcoming the topographical limitations of the area. Its practical application would optimize the use of fungicides through targeted detection, thereby promoting more sustainable and profitable potato production systems for local farmers.

Heavy metal contamination in Andean agricultural systems is a growing concern for food safety and environmental health. This study assessed the concentrations and bioaccumulation patterns of eleven metals (Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Hg, Mo) in seven representative crops cultivated under irrigated and rainfed conditions in the Mantaro Valley, central Peruvian Andes. Soil and foliar samples were collected from paired plots, and bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were calculated to evaluate metal transfer to plant tissues. Irrigated soils showed higher and more homogeneous concentrations of Cd, Pb, and As, reflecting long-term accumulation from historical mining activities and irrigation with contaminated water from the Mantaro River. Foliar concentrations exceeded Codex Alimentarius limits for Cd, Pb, and As in several crops, especially potato and broad bean. BAF analyses revealed distinct crop-specific behaviors: potato, quinoa, and broad bean frequently exhibited BAF >1 for metals such as Cd, Cu, Zn, and Mn, indicating active uptake and translocation. In contrast, cereals such as maize and barley maintained low BAF values (<1), suggesting conservative absorption patterns. Irrigation increased the bioavailability of several metals, resulting in higher foliar concentrations and elevated BAF values compared to rainfed systems. Multivariate analyses further differentiated metal accumulation profiles by crop type and water management system. These findings highlight the need for strengthened monitoring of high-accumulation crops and improved soil and water quality management in historically contaminated Andean agricultural regions. • Heavy metals were assessed in soils and foliar tissues of seven Andean crops under irrigated and rainfed systems. • Irrigated soils showed higher and more homogeneous levels of Cd, Pb and As compared to rainfed fields. • Several crops exceeded Codex Alimentarius limits for Cd, Pb and As, especially potato, broad bean and quinoa. • Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) revealed crop-specific uptake patterns, with potato, quinoa and broad bean frequently showing BAF >1. • Irrigation increased metal bioavailability and enhanced foliar accumulation across multiple crops.

La investigación se ha realizado con el objetivo de evaluar los métodos de control ecológico de Carmenta foraseminis y evaluar el efecto del embolsado con fundas biodegradables, uso de composteras y trampas de orine fermentada. Se realizó en tres parcelas diferentes para evitar el efecto de borde o el vuelo de la plaga a una parcela vecina. El tratamiento con fundas biodegradables es el que muestra los mejores en los efectos de control de la polilla, mostrando alta diferencia estadística para incidencia, porcentaje de daños, número de larvas por fruto y número de semillas afectadas; pero no muestra diferencia estadística significativa para peso de un kg de semillas afectadas. El tratamiento con compostera ocupa el segundo lugar; pero no muestra diferencia estadística significativa para el numero de larvas por fruto y para peso de un kg de semillas. El tratamiento con trampas de orine fermentada ocupa el último lugar. Se recomienda el uso de las fundas biodegradables por ser muy efectivo y el uso de composteras dentro de un plan de manejo integrado de la plaga.

In order to understand the interactions of the fungi that harm the decomposition of the wood of the forest species of Alnus acuminata, the objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of the fungi that attack the species Alnus acuminata located in the Lindero 2 de Mayo valley. The methodological design used in this study was descriptive, since it focused on the observation and characterization of the pathogenic fungi that affect Alnus acuminata. The fungus, Fomes fomentarius presents sporangia with a globular shape and mycelial structures that spread dispersely on the substrate. For this reason, the wood of Alnus acuminata affected by this fungus presents collapsed and deformed areas, indicative of the enzymatic action of the fungus. Conduits of interrupted porosity can be seen, where the fungus selectively degrades lignin, leaving a matrix rich in cellulose. While the fungus Stereum rugosum shows in its shape globose sporangia with smooth walls, which are connected to thin and branched hyphae, where both pathogens cause significant damage to the species Alnus acuminata, having a negative impact on the forest. The study identified the fungi Fomes fomentarius and Stereum rugosum as pathogens that affect Alnus acuminata, weakening its structure through the decomposition of lignin and wood. The microscopic characterization highlighted its adaptive capacity and reproduction mechanisms.

El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la producción científica sobre marketing de servicios en empresas privadas mediante métodos bibliométricos. Se utilizó un diseño no experimental, longitudinal y cuantitativo, complementado con un enfoque hermenéutico interpretativo en la dimensión cualitativa. La base de datos principal fue Scopus, y se aplicaron herramientas como Datawrapper, VOSviewer y Bibliometrix para el análisis de resultados. Los hallazgos evidenciaron un total crecimiento exponencial en publicaciones a partir del 2016, con picos en 2021 y 2022, en la que se identificó 104 trabajos relacionados. Entre los principales autores destacó Grönroos Christian, Journal of Services Marketing fue de las revistas que más publicaron y la institución Hanken - Svenska Handelshögskolan fue uno de las principales instituciones que promueven la investigación en este tema. Resaltaron artículos y capítulos de libro en áreas como: Negocios, Administración, Contabilidad y Ciencias Sociales. Uno de los principales financiadores fue el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE.UU., y este país lidera la producción científica en el tema. En el análisis semántico surgieron términos clave tales como sostenibilidad, satisfacción del cliente, calidad del servicio, marketing relacional y mercadotecnia. En conclusión, el marketing de servicios en empresas privadas es un campo en expansión con un potencial para futuras investigaciones.

Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum), a resilient and underutilized Andean tuber, is a high-potential nutritional and functional food innovation resource. This review surveys information on the nutritional composition, bioactive profile, and functional properties of the tuber based on a comprehensive literature search conducted in the Scopus database. The search strategy employed eight Boolean operators combining the following terms: ("Tropaeolum tuberosum" OR "mashua") AND ("bioactive compounds" OR "functional properties" OR "glucosinolates" OR "antioxidant activity" OR "food processing"). The review included English-language research articles published between 2000 and 2025. Its diverse constituents, such as glucosinolates, phenolics, and anthocyanins, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Technologies such as freeze-drying, microencapsulation, and 3D printing make it easier to preserve these bioactive components and ensure their use in novel food products. Although Mashua has potential, its widespread adoption remains limited by its distinct sensory characteristics and the lack of clinical validation regarding its effect on human health. To extract the full potential of mashua as a functional ingredient for the global food industry, consensus evidence exists around the need for standardized analytical methodologies, technological innovation, and sustainable value chain development.