Fish intake in pregnant women and its impact on maternal-fetal health status.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the consumption of fish in pregnant women and its association with maternal and infant outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this observational study carried out at the La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital in Valencia, 300 pregnant women participated. The participants were divided into 2 groups according to their fish consumption during pregnancy for comparison. The χ2 test or ANOVA test were applied for comparisons for qualitative and quantitative variables respectively. RESULTS: It was observed that 49% of women consumed adequate amounts of fish during pregnancy (2 or 3 weekly servings). Significant differences were observed for iron supplementation (higher in women with inadequate fish consumption), threatened pregnancy loss (higher in women with inadequate fish consumption), infant size (better in women with adequate fish consumption), and arterial O2 pressure (better in women with adequate fish consumption). In regard to the other components of the dietary pattern, no differences were observed but the adequacy of intake for grains and white meat was very poor (less than 5.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the women met the recommendations for fish intake during pregnancy and presented an overall healthier eating pattern but without statistical significance.

In vitro ovicidal activity of Brongniartia montalvoana against small ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes.

Several plants of the Fabaceae family have been assessed regarding their high nutritional value and anthelmintic properties. The ovicidal effect of the hydroalcoholic extract (Bm-HAE) and subfractions from the aerial parts of Brongniartia montalvoana (Fabaceae) against a mixed strain of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) (Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp.) resistant to albendazole sulfoxide, ivermectin and levamisole was evaluated by the egg hatch test (EHT). The Bm-HAE was subjected to liquid-liquid chemical separation with ethyl acetate giving two fractions, an aqueous (Bm-Aq) and an organic (Bm-EtOAct). The purification of the bioactive fraction (Bm-EtOAct) through chromatographic separation resulted in four bioactive subfractions (BmR6, BmR7, BmR8 and BmR10). The treatments were designed as follows: Bm-HAE at 800, 1,500, 3,000 and 6,000 µg/mL, and Bm-Aq, Bm-EtOAct and subfractions (BmR6, BmR7, BmR8 and BmR10) at 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/mL. Two properly negative controls (distilled water and 2% methanol) and thiabendazole (100 µg/mL) as a positive control were used for each bioassay. The chemical identification of the extract, fractions and subfractions was performed through chromatographic processes like open column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-PDA). Additionally, the GIN eggs exposed to the bioactive compounds were observed through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The Bm-HAE showed 99.5% egg hatching inhibition (EHI) at 6,000 µg/mL with a lethal concentration (LC50) of 1110 µg/mL. The Bm-EtOAc fraction displayed 99.1% EHI at 800 µg/mL with LC50 = 180 µg/mL. The ovicidal activity of the four subfractions was similar at 800 µg/mL: BmR6 (92% EHI); BmR7 (100% EHI); BmR8 (97.8%); and BmR10 (99.1%). The HPLC-PDA analysis of the bioactive subfractions allowed identification of p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and coumarin derivatives as major compounds. The CLSM analysis allowed observation of morphological alterations in unhatched larvae caused by bioactive compounds present in the Bm-EtOAc and BmR10. In addition, the flavonoids eriodyctiol, luteolin and cynaroside were described for the first time for B. montalvoana.

Impact of ethylene degreening treatment on sensory properties and consumer response to citrus fruits.

Degreening treatment is normally applied to early-season citrus varieties grown in the Mediterranean area in order to enhance the external colour when fruits have already reached internal maturity. Despite profound knowledge about the effect of ethylene on the physico-chemical quality of citrus fruit, less is known about its effect on consumers' expectations in the supermarket or consumer quality perceptions when they eat such fruit. In this study, three mandarin cultivars ('Owari', 'Clemenules' and 'Oronules') with two initial colours at harvest, and one orange cultivar, 'Navelina', were submitted to the degreening treatment under commercial conditions. The effect of treatment on both external and internal qualities perceived by consumers was evaluated. The main physico-chemical parameters were also determined. The degreening treatment slightly affected firmness, total soluble solids or acidity level in 'Owari' and 'Navelina'. However, sensory triangle tests, in which 100-122 consumers compared the internal quality of degreened fruit and control fruit, did not show significant differences between treatments for any of the studied cultivars. A survey based on images of citrus fruit was responded by 340 consumers; it showed that the degreening treatment strongly affected consumers' maturity expectations, which resulted in improved fruit liking expectations and increased the number of consumers willing to buy. The extent of this effect depended on the initial colour of the fruit submitted to degreening. In order to improve liking expectations, fruit should arrive on the market with an external colour index (CI = 1000a/Lb) between +10 and +20. We conclude that the ethylene degreening treatment, which did not have any effect on the internal quality that consumers perceive, is a potent postharvest tool to increase citrus fruit sales at the beginning of the season.

Selenium and cadmium in bioaccessible fraction of organic weaning food: Risk assessment and influence of dietary components.

BACKGROUND: The tendency of some sectors of the population to consume organic food has also come to include baby food. Nevertheless, it is necessary to develop studies to support the true nutritional and toxicological value of these products, making special emphasis in several trace elements. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted on this type of organic food. METHODS: Weaning foods with different formulations categorized as organic were analyzed to determine Se and Cd contents as well as its bioaccesibility. The analyses were conducted by electro thermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET - AAS) after the treatment of the samples with acid mineralization. Besides, macronutrient analyses (protein, fat and dietary fiber) were also developed. Finally, a novelty statistic approach such as @Risk was used to evaluate contributions to DRI or PTWI of Se and Cd derived for consumption of these weaning foods. RESULTS: Se content ranged between 2.44-15.4 µg Kg 1. Samples with meat ingredients showed the highest Se contents, while weaning foods consisting of fruits or vegetables presented the lowest concentrations. Se bioccessible concentration ranged between 1.90-4.35 µg Kg-1 with a greater uniformity amongst analyzed samples. Regarding Cd, concentrations of this heavy metal ranged between 1.23 and 3.64 µg Kg-1. Furthermore, Cd bioaccessibility of organic weaning foods ranged between 0.17 and 1.38 µg Kg-1. The solubility of all samples studied was around 20% from the initial Cd concentration. A negative statistical correlation between fat content - Cd bioaccesible (p < 0.05; r = - 0.756) and Cd content - Se bioaccesible (p < 0.05; r = - 0.777) were also found. CONCLUSIONS: Cd concentrations are considerably lower than those reported in weaning formulas which were not categorized as organic. On the other hand, the analysed organic jars did not represent a significant source of Se. The probabilistic assessment developed, showed that contributions to DRI of Se for infants 1-3 years old by consumption of these weaning foods, are excessively low (15% at best).

Deterioration of nutritional status of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer during treatment with concomitant chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, 80% women with cervical cancer are diagnosed at locally advanced stages and are treated with concomitant chemoradiotherapy. The treatment modality and catabolic state confer a nutritional risk. The present study aimed to thoroughly evaluate the nutritional status and change in body composition of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients throughout treatment. METHODS: An observational prospective study, carried out at the Mexican National Cancer Institute, included 55 LACC patients. Nutritional status was evaluated before, during and after treatment, using anthropometric, dietary and biochemical measurements. Body composition was analysed using computed tomography images obtained at the time of diagnosis and approximately 4 months after treatment completion. Clinical outcomes were associated with changes in body composition. RESULTS: At the time of diagnosis, no patients were clinically malnourished, although 33.3% presented sarcopenia and most were overweight; by the end of treatment, 69% became clinically malnourished and 58% were sarcopenic. Average weight loss was 7.4 kg (P = 0.001). Adequacy of energy intake was reduced to 54%, obtained predominantly from carbohydrates. By the week 9, 62.8% patients became anemic and 34.5% had low albumin levels. Body composition analysis revealed that patients lost both, muscle and adipose tissues, although 27% patients were muscle depleted by the end of treatment. Patients who lost ≥10% skeletal muscle presented a higher tumour recurrence (hazard ratio = 2.957, P = 0.006) and a tendency towards diminished overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.572, not significant). CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional status of cervical cancer patients deteriorates during treatment with concomitant chemoradiotherapy and, most importantly, muscle loss impacts the clinical outcome of patients.

In vitro ovicidal activity of Baccharis conferta Kunth against Haemonchus contortus.

The indiscriminate use of chemical drugs to deworm livestock tends to trigger an anthelmintic resistance problem. In this context, the use of plant extracts rich in secondary metabolites could be an alternative method for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes. Baccharis conferta Kunth is a native plant species from Mexico that is widely used by several ethnic groups as forage for farm animals and medicinally to treat gastrointestinal diseases such as acute stomach ache, dysentery, diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion, colic, intestinal spasms, urinary problems, and cramps. The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterise the ovicidal constituents of B. conferta and to determine a possible mode of action against Haemonchus contortus. The ovicidal activity was determined using the egg hatching inhibition test (EHI) to assess the methanol extract obtained from B. conferta foliage. The dry extract was partitioned (water/ethyl acetate) to obtain an ethyl acetate (BcEtOAc-F) and aqueous fraction. BcEtOAc-F showed an ovicidal activity of 72.32% EHI at 1 mg/mL. The chromatographic fractionation of BcEtOAc-F resulted in three active sub-fractions with higher ovicidal activity: BcC1R4 (99.15% EHI at 1.0 mg/mL); BcC1R5 (92.51% EHI at 0.75 mg/mL); and BcC1R8 (96.8% EHI at 3.0 mg/mL). Chemical analysis of the BcC1R4 fraction allowed the identification of the major active compound, isokaempferide (1, 98.06% EHI at 1 mg/mL). While, 4,5-di-O-acid caffeoylquinic (3; 96.8% EHI at 3 mg/mL) and an inactive flavone (vicenin-2, 2) were identified as the main compounds in BcC1R8. Chemical characterisation of the isolated compounds was performed via spectroscopic (NMR) and spectrometric (UPLC-MS) analyses. Additionally, the environmental and confocal scanning microscopy analyses revealed that isokaempferide was able to cross the eggshell layer without breaking it and attach itself to the embryo, causing its death. The flavonol, isokaempferide, and the hydroxycinamic acid, 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic, displayed powerful ovicidal effects, proving to be a potential alternative for the development of a phytodrug for the control of haemonchosis.

Progressive increase of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae urinary isolates from kidney transplant recipients over the past decade: narrowing of the therapeutic options.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance is an emerging phenomenon in kidney transplantation (KT). METHODS: We compared species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in 1052 isolates from urine cultures obtained in 2 different cohorts of kidney transplant recipients in a single center (Cohort A: 189 patients undergoing KT between January 2002 and December 2004 [336 isolates]; Cohort B: 115 patients undergoing KT between January 2011 and December 2013 [716 isolates]). RESULTS: Asymptomatic bacteriuria accounted for most of the isolates (86.9% in Cohort A and 92.3% in Cohort B). Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.5% vs. 15.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.8% vs. 7.9%), and Enterobacter cloacae (0.6% vs. 3.1%) were significantly more common in Cohort B. The isolation of K. pneumoniae in Cohort B was associated with the occurrence of acute pyelonephritis (9.8% of all K. pneumoniae isolates vs. 2.8% of the remaining uropathogens; P = 0.001). Non-susceptibility rates among Enterobacteriaceae in Cohort B were higher for every class of antibiotics (P ≤ 0.003) with the exception of fosfomycin. Compared to Cohort A, significant increases were seen in isolates from Cohort B for multidrug-resistant (MDR) (43.9% vs. 67.8%, respectively; P = 0.001), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing (6.6% vs. 26.1%; P = 0.001), and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae strains (0.0% vs. 5.0%; P = 0.001). Such differences were mostly attributable to K. pneumoniae (as 54.5% and 13.4% of isolates in Cohort B were ESBL-producing and carbapenemase-producing, respectively). MDR isolates were responsible for 69.1% of episodes of symptomatic urinary tract infection in Cohort B. CONCLUSION: The increase in resistance rates among Enterobacteriaceae uropathogens is significant and may have an effect on KT programs.

Balamuthia mandrillaris therapeutic mud bath in Jamaica.

Balamuthia mandrillaris is an emerging cause of encephalitis in humans. The transmission dynamics are poorly understood due to the high fatality rate and the sporadic nature of cases. Seventy-two soil samples were collected from beaches and the banks of lagoons, rivers, ponds, mineral springs and streams from across Jamaica and assayed for the presence of B. mandrillaris. Seventy-nine sites were sampled and the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene of B. mandrillaris was amplified and sequenced to confirm the presence of the amoeba. One isolate of B. mandrillaris was recovered from soil from mineral spring which hosts an informal therapeutic mud bath business. Although B. mandrillaris is less frequently isolated from soil than other free-living amoebae, rubbing mud containing the organism onto the skin increases the likelihood of exposure and infection. This first report on the isolation of B. mandrillaris in the Caribbean and its presence in soil where human contact is likely warrants further investigation using serological methods to elucidate exposure patterns.

The use of heart rate variability in assessing precompetitive stress in high-standard judo athletes.

The objective of this study is to examine the sensitivity to and changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in stressful situations before judo competitions and to observe the differences among judo athletes according to their competitive standards in both official and unofficial competitions. 24 (10 male and 14 female) national- and international-standard athletes were evaluated. Each participant answered the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2R) and their HRV was recorded both during an official and unofficial competition. The MANOVA showed significant main effects of the athlete's standard and the type of competition in CSAI-2R, in HRV time domain, in HRV frequency domain and in HRV nonlinear analysis (p<0.05). International-standard judo athletes have lower somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, heart rate and low-high frequency ratio than national-standard athletes (p<0.05). International-standard athletes have a higher confidence, mean RR interval, standard deviation of RR, square root of the mean squared difference of successive RR intervals, number of consecutive RR that differ by more than 5 ms, short-term variability, long-term variability, long-range scaling exponents and short-range scaling exponent than national-standard judo athletes. In conclusion, international-standard athletes show less pre-competitive anxiety than the national-standard athletes and HRV analysis is sensitive to changes in pre-competitive anxiety.

Clinical value of a single determination of intracellular ATP levels in stimulated CD4+ T lymphocytes in pediatric patients with stable liver transplantation.

In the follow-up of transplanted patients under immunosupression, the functional assessment of CD4+ T cells activation by measuring intracellular ATP levels in vitro, using the Immuknow test give information on how immune system is functioning. Therefore, it has been reported that low levels of ATP correlate with the risk of opportunistic infection. Although limited, comprehensive results in adult recipients as well as in pediatric transplanted patients have been reported. Forty stable liver pediatric transplanted patients (mean age: 11.0 years [SD 5.65]), within at least 1 year of transplant were selected for a scheduled review, and an unique determination of Immuknow was performed. Average ATP levels were 317 ng/mL (200-400 ng/mL) which were similar to the values observed in adult population. ATP values among patients with monotherapy Cyclosporin A (CSA) or tacrolimus (TAC) were significantly higher (P = .005) than in patients with double immunosupressive therapy using either CSA/TAC + Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF). In CSA treatment, there are significant differences (P = .0003) between monotherapy and double therapy, but in the case of TAC we did not find differences (P > .1). A single determination of levels of ATP on CD4+ lymphocytes, can provide additional information that could be used as a complementary test to guide immunosuppressive therapy in paediatric liver transplant recipients.

Zinc oxide at low supplementation level improves productive performance and health status of piglets.

Use of ZnO at high doses (3000 ppm) for diarrhea prophylaxis in piglets is widely extended in postweaning Spanish diets, in compliance with the national veterinary regulation. However, European feed legislation limits total dietary Zn to a maximum of 150 mg/kg of complete feed. The objective of this study was to compare a new potentiated form of ZnO, HiZox (Animine), at nutritional level (150 ppm) with pharmacological dosage (3000 ppm) of regular ZnO in starter diets on the productive performance and health status of piglets in a medium-low health status farm. A total of 144 pigs at weaning (28 d of age) were distributed in 6 piglets/pen and 12 pens/treatment. In the prestarter phase (28 to 42 d of age), all pigs received the same commercial feed, including 3000 ppm ZnO. In the starter phase (42 to 63 d of age) (T1) included 3000 ppm of regular ZnO (2500 ppm Zn), and (T2) was supplemented with 110 ppm Zn from potentiated ZnO (HiZox). Average daily feed intake, ADG, G:F, and pig-MAP serum concentration, an acute phase protein commonly used as unspecific biomarker of disease or other acute phase reactions, were measured at 42 and 63 d of life. Pen of 6 piglets was the experimental unit and data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS version 9.0. Piglets fed with T2-HiZox had improved ADG and G:F (P < 0.001) compared to piglets fed with T1-ZnO. In addition, at 63 d of age, the T2 group had a lower pig-MAP serum concentration than T1 group (1.71 vs. 0.95 µg/mL; P < 0.05) indicating higher health status in the T2 group. In conclusion, in low-medium sanitary conditions and in compliance with European regulation, HiZox significantly increased piglet growth compared to pharmacological dosage of regular ZnO in the starter phase. This can be explained by a better health of pigs expressed by a lower level of inflammatory protein pig-MAP.

Absence of Tec family kinases interleukin-2 inducible T cell kinase (Itk) and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) severely impairs Fc epsilonRI-dependent mast cell responses.

Mast cells are critical effector cells in the pathophysiology of allergic asthma and other IgE-mediated diseases. The Tec family of tyrosine kinases Itk and Btk serve as critical signal amplifiers downstream of antigen receptors. Although both kinases are expressed and activated in mast cells following FcεRI stimulation, their individual contributions are not clear. To determine whether these kinases play unique and/or complementary roles in FcεRI signaling and mast cell function, we generated Itk and Btk double knock-out mice. Analyses of these mice show decreased mast cell granularity and impaired passive systemic anaphylaxis responses. This impaired response is accompanied by a significant elevation in serum IgE in Itk/Btk double knock-out mice. In vitro analyses of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) indicated that Itk/Btk double knock-out BMMCs are defective in degranulation and cytokine secretion responses downstream to FcεRI activation. These responses were accompanied by a significant reduction in PLCγ2 phosphorylation and severely impaired calcium responses in these cells. This defect also results in altered NFAT1 nuclear localization in double knock-out BMMCs. Network analysis suggests that although they may share substrates, Itk plays both positive and negative roles, while Btk primarily plays a positive role in mast cell FcεRI-induced cytokine secretion.

Dietary CLA alters intramuscular fat and fatty acid composition of pig skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue.

The present study was conducted to determinate the responsiveness of different levels of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on intramuscular fat (IMF) and fatty acid composition of skeletal muscle and fat in pigs fed from 59.5 to 133.5kg. Forty female Large Whitex(Large WhitexLandrace) pigs were used. Four levels (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) of a commercial enriched CLA oil supplementation (60% of CLA isomers, 30% cis-9, trans-11 and 30% trans-10, cis-12) were fed to pigs. Carcass, ham, foreleg and loin weights were recorded. Dietary CLA enrichment increased the loin weight (P<0.01) and the combined weights of hams+forelegs+loins (P<0.02). IMF content in Longissimus dorsi was also increased by dietary CLA treatment (P<0.001) and a linear response was observed. Dietary CLA increased saturated fatty acids (SFA) and decreased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in muscle and adipose tissue (P<0.001). Feeding 1% CLA to finishing swine increases IMF in heavy pigs slaughtered at an average weight of 133.5kg.

Estimation of phosphorus content and dynamics during composting: use of near infrared spectroscopy.

The content and chemical forms of P in compost are essential variables for its proper management with an agricultural purpose, especially considering the increasing P over-fertilization in agrosystems. In this study, the estimation of P content and dynamics in different composting scenarios was developed using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with a statistical tool for calibration, a penalized signal regression. Samples were analyzed on total P and partitioned using NaOH-solution (31)P NMR spectroscopy quantifying pyrophosphate, orthophosphate, orthophosphate diesters, phospholipids, and orthophosphate monoesters pools. According to the results obtained, total P content (r(2)=0.99 and root mean square error of cross-validation=0.53) and P forms can be estimated during composting using NIRS, as well as in the mature product, orthophosphate and orthophosphate monoesters being the most abundant P forms throughout the experiment. Penalized signal regression allows detecting the significant wavenumbers in each composting period, and also with the different P pools in the composting pile depending on time.

Amlodipine and nifedipine used with cyclosporine induce different effects on gingival enlargement.

BACKGROUND: Gingival enlargement (GE) is a frequent side effect associated with the administration of cyclosporine (CsA) and the calcium channel blockers (CCB). The aims of this study were to determine and compare GE prevalence and severity in 3 groups of renal transplant recipients who had been medicated with CsA versus CsA in combination with nifedipine versus CsA in combination with amlodipine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 93 patients included 31 medicated with CsA, 31 with CsA plus nifedipine, and 31 with CsA plus amlodipine. The presence and severity of GE were assessed using the index developed by Harris and Ewart. RESULTS: There were significant differences in GE prevalence and GE severity among the 3 groups. A greater proportion (90.3%) of the CsA-nifedipine group was categorized as having GE compared with the CsA-amlodipine group (58.1%) or the CsA group (51.6%). A greater percentage of subjects in the CsA-nifedipine group displayed severe GE (22.6%) when compared with the CsA (0%) or the CsA-amlodipine group (16.1%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence and severity of GE in subjects maintained on CsA-nifedipine was significantly greater than that among subjects treated with CsA-amlodipine or CsA only. The GE prevalence and severity was greater in the CsA-amlodipine group than the CsA group. This observation should lead clinicians to avoid the use of these drugs together with CsA or to choose amlodipine instead of nifedipine.

Transforming growth factor-beta and all-trans retinoic acid generate ex vivo transgenic regulatory T cells with intestinal homing receptors.

CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) mediate immunologic self-tolerance and suppress immune responses. In the gut, a subset of dendritic cells is specialized to induce Treg in a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)- and retinoic acid (RA)-dependent manner. The aim of this study was to establish if RA synergizing with TGF-beta induced antigen specific CD4(+) CD25(high) Foxp3(+) Treg portraying gut homing receptors. Splenic CD4(+)CD25(-) Foxp3(-) naïve T cells from DO11.10 mice were cocultured with splenic CD11c(+) dendritic cells from Balb/c mice in the presence of TGF-beta, RA, and low levels of an antigenic peptide. After 5 days of culture, cells were analyzed for the expression of Foxp3 and the gut homing receptors CCR9 and alpha4beta7. The number of Foxp3(+) T cells generated with TGF-beta and RA was at least 3 times higher than in the cultures with TGF-beta alone and 15 times higher than in controls without exogenous cytokines. Also, supplementation of the cultures with RA induced the expression of the intestinal homing receptors CCR9 and alpha4beta7. Our results showed that coculture of naïve T cells with antigen-presenting cells in the presence of TGF-beta and RA represents a powerful approach to generate Treg with specific homing receptors.

Sensorial evaluation of nutritional supplements (PROGRESA) enriched with 3 different forms of iron in a rural Mexican community.

As part of the efforts to reduce iron deficiency anemia (IDA), the Mexican Federal program PROGRESA distributes complementary foods to toddlers and pregnant women living in extreme poverty. Complementary foods were originally fortified with hydrogen-reduced iron, which proved a limited efficacy. The supplement was reformulated to provide higher iron bioavailability. This investigation aims to assess the sensory changes and the acceptance of new versions of the complementary foods fortified with either reduced iron, ferrous fumarate, or ferrous sulfate, stored at room temperature for 2, 4, and 6 mo. Complementary foods were presented without flavor (plain) or flavored with either chocolate or vanilla. The complementary foods were evaluated in toddlers and their mothers using a hedonic scale. The percentage of overall acceptance for the baby foods was higher in toddlers (80% to 88%) than in their mothers (63% to 68%). The complementary foods with a better acceptance were those fortified with reduced iron (63% to 68%) and ferrous fumarate (61% to 80%) independently of the flavoring added. The acceptance of the beverage intended for women was better for those fortified with reduced iron (52% to 63%) or ferrous fumarate (44% to 63%) in their vanilla-flavored version. For women, the most accepted sources of iron were reduced iron (50% to 60%) and ferrous fumarate (50% to 58%).

Case report: Endovascular repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm under local anaesthesia.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common degenerative condition affecting the elderly population. Rupture carries a high overall mortality. Elective endovascular stent graft repair is well described. We describe a patient with ruptured AAA and co-morbid conditions making him unfit for surgery and general or epidural anaesthesia, who was successfully treated by endovascular stent graft under local anaesthesia.