Analysis of alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether in foodstuffs by molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Molecularly imprinted porous polymer microspheres selective to Alternaria mycotoxins, alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), were synthesized and applied to the extraction of both mycotoxins in food samples. The polymer was prepared using 4-vinylpiridine (VIPY) and methacrylamide (MAM) as functional monomers, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as cross-linker and 3,8,9-trihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one (S2) as AOH surrogate template. A molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE) method has been optimized for the selective isolation of the mycotoxins from aqueous samples coupled to HPLC with fluorescence (λex=258nm; λem=440nm) or MS/MS analysis. The MISPE method was validated by UPLC-MS/MS for the determination of AOH and AME in tomato juice and sesame oil based on the European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Method performance was satisfactory with recoveries from 92.5% to 106.2% and limits of quantification within the 1.1-2.8µgkg-1 range in both samples.

RESULTS OF RELID STUDY 2014-BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF LENS INJURIES AND DOSE.

High levels of scatter radiation in catheterization laboratories may lead to posterior subcapsular opacities in the lens of the staff. The international Retrospective Evaluation of Lens Injuries and Dose (RELID) was performed in Argentina for the first time in 2010 in the context of the congress of the Latin American Society of Interventional Cardiology (SOLACI) and recently, in 2014, was carried out for the second time (SOLACI-CACI 2014). The 2014 study included 115 participants: interventional cardiologists, technicians and nurses. Posterior subcapsular lens changes typical of ionizing radiation exposure were found in 91.5% of interventional cardiologists, in 77% of technicians and in 100% of nurses, according to the Merriam-Focht scale. This RELID study (Argentina 2014) has particular importance since it allowed the follow-up of 10 professionals evaluated in 2010. The results obtained in the study population highlight the importance of the availability and proper use of the elements of radiation protection, as well as staff training.

Effect of the addition of phytosterols and tocopherols on Streptococcus thermophilus robustness during industrial manufacture and ripening of a functional cheese as evaluated by qPCR and RT-qPCR.

The quality of functional food products designed for the prevention of degenerative diseases can be affected by the incorporation of bioactive compounds. In many types of cheese, the performance of starter microorganisms is critical for optimal elaboration and for providing potential probiotic benefits. Phytosterols are plant lipophilic triterpenes that have been used for the design of functional dairy products because of their ability to lower serum cholesterol levels in humans. However, their effect on the starter culture behavior during cheesemaking has not yet been studied. Here, we followed DNA and RNA kinetics of the bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus, an extensively used dairy starter with probiotic potential, during industrial production of a functional, semi-soft, reduced-fat cheese containing phytosterol esters and alpha-tocopherol as bioactive compounds. For this purpose, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and reverse transcription-qPCR (RT-qPCR) assays were optimized and applied to samples obtained during the manufacture and ripening of functional and control cheeses. An experimental set-up was used to evaluate the detection threshold of free nucleic acids for extraction protocols based on pelleted microorganisms. To our knowledge, this straight-forward approach provides the first experimental evidence indicating that DNA is not a reliable marker of cell integrity, whereas RNA may constitute a more accurate molecular signature to estimate both bacterial viability and metabolic activity. Compositional analysis revealed that the bioactive molecules were effectively incorporated into the cheese matrix, at levels considered optimal to exert their biological action. The starter S. thermophilus was detected by qPCR and RT-qPCR during cheese production at the industrial level, from at least 30min after its inoculation until 81days of ripening, supporting the possible role of this species in shaping organoleptic profiles. We also showed for the first time that the addition of phytosterols at functional concentrations, not only did not affect starter performance but also correlated with a significant increase in target DNA and cDNA levels in most of the time points evaluated throughout cheesemaking. Therefore, these findings suggest that the growth and metabolism of S. thermophilus may be enhanced by the incorporation of these biologically active molecules during cheese production, providing important information for the industrial design of novel fermented foods.

Utilization of fluorescence spectroscopy as a novel approach to evaluate the oxidative stability in beef retail displayed.

Beef samples from grazing steers finished with different seed-supplemented diets were vacuum packaged for 3, 14 and 56days (VC) and subsequently exposed to aerobic conditions (AE) for 0 and 5days. Different fluorescent compounds of interest in the oxidation process were detected in meat, namely tryptophan residues, Schiff bases and porphyrins. Tryptophan intensity fluorescence increased with 14days of VC; while Schiff bases intensity increased (P<0.05) in beef samples stored under VC-56 and in all samples after AE-5days. Porphyrins increased (P<0.05) gradually with the extension of vacuum storage time, but were degraded in beef with long vacuum storage and 5days of AE. Higher levels of porphyrins in beef under VC were correlated (P<0.05) with lower redness and higher TBARS after AE-5. This study revealed the potential of fluorescence signals to detect oxidative changes in beef under different storage conditions using a fast and nondestructive method such as fluorescence spectroscopy.

Antioxidant status, lipid and color stability of aged beef from grazing steers supplemented with corn grain and increasing levels of flaxseed.

Angus steers were grazed on unsupplemented pasture (CNTRL), pasture supplemented with 0.7% BW cracked corn (FLAX-0), FLAX-0 with 0.125% and 0.250% BW of whole flaxseed (FLAX-1 and FLAX-2). Six steers were grazed per treatment for 70 days, with start and finish weights of 458 and 508 kg. At 24 h post slaughter, longissimus thoracis were harvested, and steaks assigned to treatments of postmortem aging time under vacuum (PM; 3, 14 and 56 days) with or without five days of aerobic exposure (AE). Meat antioxidant status was higher (P<0.05) when feeding CNTRL and FLAX-1 than FLAX-0 and FLAX-2. Under AE, lipid oxidation was highest for FLAX-2 (P<0.05), and lowest for FLAX-1. Greatest TBARs and lowest antioxidant capacity and redness values were obtained with AE and the longer PM (P<0.05). Beef oxidative stability through AE improved by adding a low flaxseed level to supplemented corn grain, but deteriorated by adding a high flaxseed level or by extending PM.

Fatty acid profile and meat quality of young bulls fed ground soybean or ground cottonseed and vitamin E.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid profile and qualitative characteristics of meat from feedlot young bulls fed ground soybean or ground cottonseed, with or without supplementation of vitamin E. A total of 40 Red Norte young bulls, with an initial average age of 20 months, and an initial average BW of 339±15 kg, were allotted in a completely randomized design using a 2×2 factorial arrangement, with two oilseeds, and daily supplementation or not of 2500 IU of vitamin E. The experimental period was for 84 days, which was preceded by an adaptation period of 28 days. The treatments were ground soybean (SB), ground soybean plus vitamin E (SBE), ground cottonseed (CS) and ground cottonseed plus vitamin E (CSE). The percentage of cottonseed and soybean in the diets (dry matter basis) was 24% and 20%, respectively. Diets were isonitrogenous (13% CP) and presented similar amount of ether extract (6.5%). The animals were slaughtered at average live weight of 464±15 kg, and samples were taken from the longissimus dorsi muscle for the measurement of fatty acid concentration and the evaluation of lipid oxidation and color of the beef. Before fatty acid extraction, muscle tissue and subcutaneous fat of the longissimus dorsi were separated to analyze fatty acid profile in both tissues. Supplementation of vitamin E did not affect fatty acid concentration, lipid oxidation and color (P>0.05). Subcutaneous fat from animals fed CS diet had greater C12:0, C16:0 and C18:0 contents (P<0.03). In addition, CS diets reduced the C18:1 and C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 contents in subcutaneous fat (P<0.05). The muscle from animals fed CS tended to higher C16:0 and C18:0 contents (P<0.11), and decreased C18:1, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 and C18:3 contents (P<0.05) compared with SB. The Δ9-desaturase index was greater in muscle from animals fed SB (P<0.01). At 42 days of age, meat from cattle fed SB had a greater lipid oxidation rate (P<0.05). Meat from animals fed SB diets had less lightness and redness indices than meat from animals fed CS diets after 14 days of age. In conclusion, the addition of ground cottonseed in the finishing diets did increase the saturated fatty acid content of the longissimus dorsi. However, animals fed cottonseed exhibited greater lightness and redness of beef. In this study, the addition of vitamin E did not affect qualitative characteristics of meat.

Fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of breast meat from broiler chickens supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal over a period of refrigeration.

Effects of diets supplemented with or without Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on fatty acid (FA) composition and oxidative stability of broiler breast meat during refrigerated storage was determined. Dietary treatments (T) were as follows: T1, positive control, 668g/ton Salinomycin and 500g/ton Albac; T2, T3 and T4 contained graded levels of MOLM at 1%, 3% and 5% of dry matter (DM) intake, respectively; and T5, a negative control (0% additives). Oxidative stability was evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) on day (D) 1-8 of storage at 4°C; and FA analysis was done on samples obtained on D1 and D8. Significant effects on TBARS were noted on day (D) 1, 3, 4 and 7; increased with increasing storage time, and with increase in MOLM supplementation. Highest (P<0.05) C18:0 and C15:0 levels were noted on D1 in T2; C20:0 in T4 on D8; C20:2, C20:3n6 and C22:6n3 in T2; C18:3n6 and P/S ratio in T4 on D1; and n-3 in T3. Thus, despite the high SFA content, additive supplementation of M. oleifera leaf meal up to 5% of the bird's DMI improved the FA profile and reduced lipid oxidation in broiler breast meat.

Determinación de stock de medicamentos y productos médicos para tratamiento inicial en desastres utilizando la tecnica DELPHI en un Hospital del interior de la Provincia de Córdoba (Argentina) / Drugs and medical products stock determination for initial treatment in disaster situations using delphi technique in a hospital in the interior of the province of Cordoba (Argentina) / Determinação do estoque de medicamentos eprodutos médicos para tratamento inicial emdesastres empregando a técnica delphi em umhospital do interior da província de Córdoba (Argentina)

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el stock de medicamentos y productos médicos para el tratamiento inicial de víctimas en masa en un hospital de la provincia de Córdoba (Argentina).Se utilizó la Técnica Delphi como método de consenso. Se solicitó la participación de 13 profesionales entre médicos y enfermeras del Hospital Dr. Arturo U. Illia de la ciudad de Alta Gracia, coordinados por una farmacéutica. Se realizaron 3 cuestionarios por medio de los cuales se arribó a la selección de los insumos necesarios para la atención de víctimas en masa para un plazo de 48 horas.Se determinaron dos listados finales con 25 medicamentos y 25 productos médicos, respectivamente.La utilización de esta técnica en la mencionada selección, agilizó el consenso en la toma de decisiones respecto a la inclusión de los insumos en cuestión.

The objective of this work was to determine the stock of drugs and medical products for the initial treatment of mass casualties at a hospital in the province of Córdoba (Argentina). Delphi Technique was used as the consensus method. Thirteen practitioners including physicians and nurses from Dr. Arturo U. Illia Hospital, in the city of Alta Gracia, were requested to participate, coordinated by a pharmacist. Three questionnaires were produced to come to a selection of the necessary products for mass casualty management during a 48-hour period. Two final lists were made with 25 drugs and 25 medical products, respectively. The use of this technique for the above mentioned selection accelerated consensus in decision making regarding the inclusion of the items in question

Determinación de stock de medicamentos y productos médicos para tratamiento inicial en desastres utilizando la tecnica DELPHI en un Hospital del interior de la Provincia de Córdoba (Argentina) / Drugs and medical products stock determination for initial treatment in disaster situations using delphi technique in a hospital in the interior of the province of Cordoba (Argentina) / DeterminaþÒo do estoque de medicamentos eprodutos médicos para tratamento inicial emdesastres empregando a técnica delphi em umhospital do interior da província de Córdoba (Argentina)

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el stock de medicamentos y productos médicos para el tratamiento inicial de víctimas en masa en un hospital de la provincia de Córdoba (Argentina).Se utilizó la Técnica Delphi como método de consenso. Se solicitó la participación de 13 profesionales entre médicos y enfermeras del Hospital Dr. Arturo U. Illia de la ciudad de Alta Gracia, coordinados por una farmacéutica. Se realizaron 3 cuestionarios por medio de los cuales se arribó a la selección de los insumos necesarios para la atención de víctimas en masa para un plazo de 48 horas.Se determinaron dos listados finales con 25 medicamentos y 25 productos médicos, respectivamente.La utilización de esta técnica en la mencionada selección, agilizó el consenso en la toma de decisiones respecto a la inclusión de los insumos en cuestión.(AU)

The objective of this work was to determine the stock of drugs and medical products for the initial treatment of mass casualties at a hospital in the province of Córdoba (Argentina). Delphi Technique was used as the consensus method. Thirteen practitioners including physicians and nurses from Dr. Arturo U. Illia Hospital, in the city of Alta Gracia, were requested to participate, coordinated by a pharmacist. Three questionnaires were produced to come to a selection of the necessary products for mass casualty management during a 48-hour period. Two final lists were made with 25 drugs and 25 medical products, respectively. The use of this technique for the above mentioned selection accelerated consensus in decision making regarding the inclusion of the items in question(AU)

Boar sperm functionality is related to α-tocopherol content after freezing-thawing.

Boar spermatozoa are sensitive to oxidative damage produced during cryopreservation. Our aim was to evaluate the participation of different antioxidants in the improvement of cryopreserved boar sperm functionality. Spermatozoa frozen with 200 µg ml(-1) α-tocopherol, 0.5 mm 17ß-oestradiol or seminal plasma were used to evaluate sperm parameters and capacitation-like changes. The 17ß-oestradiol and α-tocopherol concentrations were assessed by RIA and HPLC respectively. Motility was improved but lipid peroxidation and capacitation-like changes were diminished (P < 0.05) in antioxidant samples. A significant increase in 17ß-oestradiol concentration was detected in 17ß-oestradiol or seminal plasma samples. Alpha-tocopherol content increased in α-tocopherol, 17ß-oestradiol or seminal plasma samples, obtaining the lowest level in the α-tocopherol ones. The 17ß-oestradiol or seminal plasma components may be acting in the regeneration of the α-tocopherol antioxidant capacity. The α-tocopherol concentration may be conditioning the cryopreserved boar sperm functionality. The addition of antioxidants could be useful to reduce oxidative stress, thus improving the functionality of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa.

A review of natural antioxidants and their effects on oxidative status, odor and quality of fresh beef produced in Argentina.

Meat derived from pasture feeding, is associated with a high level of antioxidants. Antioxidants are incorporated within cell membranes and protect tissues against oxidation from reactive oxygen species. This maintains the overall quality of meat and secondary products. This paper reviews the implications of incorporating natural antioxidants into fresh beef, focusing on the benefits of feeding cattle good quality pasture. Pasture samples typically have higher levels of α-tocopherol, ß-carotene, ascorbic acid and glutathione than feedlot samples. These compounds retard lipid and protein oxidation in fresh and stored meat, and preserve the color and odor quality of beef. The significance of antioxidant enzymes is variable, because their behavior depends on individual redox status before slaughter. Understanding total antioxidant activity requires information on antioxidant and pro-oxidant status. With an abundance of pasture, Argentina has a natural advantage in producing meat with a high antioxidant value.

Oxidative stability and its relationship with natural antioxidants during refrigerated retail display of beef produced in Argentina.

The objective of this study was to determine if pasture or grain diets affect oxidative/antioxidative status and the color stability of beef during retail display. Ten crossbreed steers were fed on pasture. Five of them were randomly assigned to remain on this diet, and the other five were finished on feedlot system (grain diet) during 110days until slaughter. Slices of Psoas major steaks were randomly distributed among retail display times (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9days). Lipid and protein oxidation were higher in Psoas major steaks from grain diet than in pasture diet (P<0.05). After 3days of display, lipid oxidation increased in meat from grain diet, whereas in meat from pasture diet the first evidence was after 7days (P<0.05). Protein oxidation was higher in meat from grain diet than in meat from pasture diet at day 9 of display (1.15±0.92 vs. 1.91±0.70µg/g, respectively; P<0.05). Antioxidant vitamins, α-tocopherol and ß-carotene were higher at time=0 in pasture Psoas major steaks (P<0.05) and were differentially reduced throughout storage. While α-tocopherol decreased 41% and 57% for pasture and grain beef respectively (P<0.05), ß-carotene levels remained practically unaffected in grain beef. After 7days of display "a" value was higher for Psoas major steaks from pasture diet (P<0.05). Besides, "L" parameter showed higher values for samples from grain diets but it was no affected by display time. No differences were observed between both treatments for "b" value, but a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed along storage. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was stable throughout storage, while glutathione peroxidase activity decreased significantly (P<0.05). The results in this study demonstrated that the higher initial level and synergistic action (under light and air) of α-tocopherol and ß-carotene found in pasture-finished animals improved the oxidative and color stability of beef, as showed by a better retention of redness at the end of retail display.

Antioxidant consumption and development of oxidation during ageing of buffalo meat produced in Argentina.

Buffalo meat production is increasing in Argentina. Information on meat quality and nutritional value will be useful in marketing. This work describes the oxidative stability of the Longissimus dorsi (LD) in relation to consumption of antioxidant vitamins, fatty acid composition and color deterioration during ageing. Vitamins levels found in fresh beef were 4.22±0.93; 0.24±0.05 and 0.25±0.06µg/g for α- and γ-tocopherol, and ß-carotene, respectively. Vitamin loss was almost 90% throughout an ageing period of 25 days at 2°C. Concomitantly, TBARS levels increased from 0.076±0.018 to 0.14 6±0.032mg MDA/kg beef. Hexanal and pentanal levels were low and no correlations with oxidation were detected (P>0.05). The predominant color changes in aged beef were reduced redness and yellowness with an increase in lightness (P<0.05). Vitamin levels and TBARS were used to develop a prediction equation for post-mortem aging.

Antioxidant status and odour profile in fresh beef from pasture or grain-fed cattle.

The main goal of the present work was to determine the overall antioxidant status in fresh meat from animals fed different diets and to differentiate them through their odour profiles. Attributes were evaluated in beef from pasture or grain-fed animals with (PE and GE) or without supplementation (P and G) with vitamin E (500UI/head/day). Fresh meat produced on pasture (P and PE) had higher total ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels than meat from grain fed-animals (G and GE) (P<0.05). However, no differences were found on their ability to reduce ABTS(+) (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), indicating that total antioxidant activity was preferentially due to the reduction potential than to the quenching capacity of tissue homogenates. Two-fold glutathione (GSH and GSSG are the reduced and oxidised forms, respectively) levels were found in the P+PE group respect to G+GE meat (P<0.001). In addition, meat from pasture-fed animals presented a higher glutathione redox potential compared to grain-fed animals (-156.1±6.1 and -158.1±6.5 vs. -148.1±13 and -149.8±14.6 for P, PE G and GE, respectively), showing that the antioxidant status in fresh meat was affected by diet. Enzymatic activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase were equivalent for all dietary groups. Only superoxide dismutase activity was slightly higher (P<0.05) in the P+PE group than in G+GE samples. Odour profile analysis was performed in relationship to antioxidant parameters. Significant linear correlation coefficients (P<0.05) were found for a set of sensors and the FRAP values. E-nose methodology successfully discriminated the odour characteristics of samples corresponding to pasture- or grain-based diet. Hence, it was possible to describe an analytical relationship between the odour profile and the antioxidant power of fresh meat.

Effect of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid on bovine oocyte in vitro maturation.

In vitro culture results in higher oxygen concentrations than in vivo environments, leading to an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes. Alpha-tocopherol (active form of vitamin E) is an antioxidant that protects mammalian cells against lipid peroxidation, which is regenerated by ascorbic acid. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of alpha-tocopherol and/or ascorbic acid to the maturation medium on bovine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequently on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo development. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in Medium 199 (control), and with the addition of alpha-tocopherol and/or ascorbic acid. The concentration of alpha-tocopherol in COCs was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). IVF and in vitro culture (IVC) were carried out in modified synthetic oviductal fluid (mSOF). The quantity of alpha-tocopherol naturally present in COCs diminished by half during IVM (p < 0.05), although in the presence of ascorbic acid it remained constant. A greater amount of alpha-tocopherol was detected in COCs matured in medium supplemented with this antioxidant (p < 0.05), but the addition of alpha-tocopherol plus ascorbic acid maintained higher levels of alpha-tocopherol (p < 0.05). Significant differences were not observed in the percentages of nuclear maturation and fertilization among different treatments. The presence of alpha-tocopherol or ascorbic acid in the maturation medium failed to modify the percentage of blastocysts obtained, unlike the addition of both antioxidants when a significant decrease was observed (p < 0.05). Absorbic acid maintained the antioxidant capacity of the alpha-tocopherol incorporated to COC membranes during IVM. The active form of vitamin E during maturation impaired the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence.

Influence of pasture or grain-based diets supplemented with vitamin E on antioxidant/oxidative balance of Argentine beef.

Argentine meat has been traditionally produced on pasture. However, to comply with some market requirements, grain finishing is becoming more common among producers. The main goal of the present work was to study lipid oxidation in fresh meat from animals fed different diets in relationship with their antioxidant vitamin status. Attributes were evaluated in beef from pasture or grain-fed animals with (PE and GE) or without supplementation (P and G) with vitamin E (500 UI/head/day). Fresh meat produced on grain (G and GE) had higher fat (4.0±1.6 and 4.7±1.4 g/100 g) and cholesterol content (51.0±3.0 and 52.0±4.0 mg/100 g) than meat from pasture (P and PE) fed animals (2.7±1.2 to 2.9±1.1 g/100 g and 48.0±5.0 to 49.0±4.0 mg/100 g of intramuscular fat and cholesterol respectively). Fatty acid composition was clearly affected by diet. Beef from pasture-fed cattle had higher percentage of linolenic acid, less linoleic acid and, overall, higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids than beef from grain-fed animals (P<0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances number and volatile levels of hexanal, pentanal, heptanal, octanal and 3-methylbutanal were higher in grain than in pasture samples (P<0.05). P+PE meat had higher content of antioxidant vitamins than G+GE samples (P<0.001). Values ranged from: 15.92±3.48 (G) to 17.39±4.29 (GE) and 25.3±10.0 (P) to 21.98±5.11 (PE) µg/g of ascorbic acid; from 1.05±0.73 (G) to 1.76±0.97 (GE) and 3.08±0.45 to 3.91±0.74 µg/g of α-tocopherol; and from 0.06±0.03 (G) to 0.05±0.01 (GE) and 0.45±0.21 (P) to 0.63±0.27 (PE) µg/g of ß-carotene. In addition, principal component analysis clearly separated grain from pasture samples regardless of their supplementation with vitamin E. This level of supplementation did not improve the antioxidant status of fresh meat (P>0.05). We conclude that pasture diet contributes natural antioxidants in sufficient amounts and is an efficient way to prevent lipid oxidation in fresh beef.

Light-scattering detection of phospholipids resolved by HPLC.

An improved method for the analysis of phospholipids by normal-phase HPLC is described. Addition of methanol and acetonitrile to a gradient based on 2-propanol/hexane/water promoted a rapid separation of major classes of bovine surfactant phospholipids (PL) by using a conventional silica column. The use of an ELSD permitted an accurate analysis of a mixture of PL. Calibration curves were linear within the range of 5-40 microg with detection limits below 1 microg for PE and PC, and CV ranged from 0.6 to 9.6%. PL present in surfactant homogenates were separated by a solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure before HPLC analysis. This methodology gave a recovery of 95% and combined SPE-HPLC and quantification of biological PL within a 30-min run. The use of ELSD detection of the eluted compounds was precise, linear, and sensitive.

Soy protein isolate added to vacuum-packaged chorizos: effect on drip loss, quality characteristics and stability during refrigerated storage.

Chorizo is a raw sausage, which is manufactured with beef, pork meat and pork fat, additives and spices. In Argentina, the expenditure of chorizo is through butchery and supermarkets where the product can be found packaged in both polyethylene films and vacuum sealed pouches. In the latter type of packaging an appearance problem has been detected in relation to drip loss. The aim of the work was to solve such problem through the incorporation of soy protein isolate (SPI). The sensory, microbiological and chemical stability of the product and its drip loss during a storage period of 14 days were studied. By adding a 2.5% SPI, the drip loss was prevented without introducing any change in the flavour, aroma and juiciness characteristics of the product. These sensory attributes were kept stable during the storage period studied. Chemical composition, oxidative and microbiological stability were not affected by the addition of SPI during the storage period, being similar for added and non-added SPI samples. Finally, SPI can be used in chorizos to improve their overall appearance during refrigerated storage while the product quality characteristics are not altered.

Transformation of rodent fibroblasts by ICP4, the major transactivating protein of herpes simplex virus type 1.

Rat fibroblasts were transfected with a plasmid containing the IE3 gene derived from the temperature sensitive HSV-1 mutant tsK. Three of four clones expressing biologically active, temperature-sensitive ICP4, formed a substantial number of colonies in soft agar at the permissive temperature. During the first passages of cells, the transformed state of the major proportion of transformed cells was dependent on the continuous activity of ICP4. In a smaller and distinct subpopulation of transformed cells, as well as after longer subcloning of cells, ICP4 was no longer required for the maintenance of the transformed state, pointing to the induction of stable genomic changes by ICP4. Our data show that ICP4 of HSV-1 is involved in transformation of fibroblasts. Transformed cells are, however, subject to intracellular and intercellular control mechanisms.

[Atrial septostomy with a balloon catheter under echocardiographic control. Our experience]. / Atrioseptostomía con catéter-balón bajo control ecocardiográfico. Nuestra experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: We report our experience in balloon atrial septostomy using two-dimensional echocardiography as control for the catheter placement and performance of the procedure instead of traditional fluoroscopic control. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out atrial septostomy in 12 consecutive neonates with age between 1 and 18 days (mean = 3.6 +/- 5 days) diagnosed as d-transposition of the great arteries (10 cases) and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (2 cases). The procedures were performed in the catheterization laboratory in 7 cases. In the five remaining cases it was done in the neonatal intensive care unit. We emphasise the good visualization of the full balloon within the left atrium and its relationship with the mitral valve and the pulmonary veins, as well as, the problems found in case number 2 for initial placement of the catheter in the left atrium. RESULTS: An adequate atrial septal defect was achieved in all patients with diameter between 6 and 12 mm (mean = 8.6 +/- 2 mm). There were no complications using this technique, except a supraventricular tachycardia which stopped spontaneously. The evolution of the patients have been satisfactory, and 11 of them underwent surgery. Patient number 2 died suddenly on the third day after atrial septostomy. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that atrial septostomy with balloon catheter can be carried out safely, under echocardiographic control in the intensive care unit. Above all, critical patients should not be removed from the unit because they are high risk patients.