Influence of fat content and water activity on the heating pattern of model systems submitted to microwave heating.

This research analyzed the influence of fat content (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%, w.b.) and of water activity (0.85, 0.90, 0.95, and 0.99) on the effectiveness of microwave heating within model systems (agar gel). Findings indicate that an increased fat content promotes more uniform heating in the model systems and results in longer heating times to reach the target temperature of 50°C. In the model systems with different aw values, the warming of the central model zone was slower while in the corners, heating was accelerated. Additionally, in these models, heating times increased as the aw was decreased. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The study of model systems allows for a detailed assessment of food when subjected to microwaves; and how heating is influenced by food properties such as aw and fat content. Findings indicate that changes in product formulation could improve the heating of ready-to-eat foods, either by increasing the fat content (better uniformity) or having high aw (shorter heating time).

COMPARACIÓN DE DOS TIPOS DE SACRIFICIO Y DIFERENTES TIEMPOS DE MADURACIÓN SOBRE VARIABLES FÍSICO-QUÍMICAS Y MICROBIOLÓGICAS DE LA CARNE DE CUY (Cavia porcellus) / COMPARISON OF TWO TYPES OF SACRIFICE AND DIFFERENT RIPENING TIMES ON PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL VARIABLES OF GUINEA PIG (Cavia porcellus) MEAT

El objetivo fue determinar el comportamiento de las variables fisicoquímicas y microbiologías durante la maduración de la carne de cuy (Cavia porcellus), utilizando dos métodos de insensibilización (desnucamiento y electronarcosis). La investigación se realizó en los laboratorios de la Universidad de Nariño y se utilizaron 24 animales: 12 para cada método. Los animales ayunaron 12 h antes del sacrificio y las canales se maduraron en refrigeración (2 a 4°C) durante 24 h. Se determinaron las variables pH, acidez, temperatura, capacidad de retención de agua (CRA), conductibilidad eléctrica (CE) y pérdida de agua en refrigeración cada 4 h. Se evaluaron los parámetros microbiológicos coliformes totales y fecales a las 0, 16 y 24 h, además de Listeria sp. y la presencia de antibióticos (sulfamidas) al inicio de la maduración. Para detectar diferencia entre métodos de insensibilización para las variables fisicoquímicas se utilizó un diseño de medidas repetidas en el tiempo; para las demás variables se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Los resultados mostraron que el mejor tiempo de maduración fue a las 16 horas, con un pH promedio de 5,42, acidez de 0,272 % y CRA de 12,73. Además, las variables microbiológicas estuvieron por debajo de la norma vigente garantizando la inocuidad de la carne evaluada. No se observó diferencia estadísticas entre métodos de insensibilización y los resultados de antibióticos fueron negativos. Se concluye que el tiempo adecuado de maduración para la carne de cuy fue de 16 horas sin diferencias en el método de insensibilización.

The objective was to determine the behavior of the physicochemical and microbiological during ripening of meat of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) variables, using two methods of desensitization (whiplash and electric stun). The research was conducted in the laboratories of the University of Narino and 24 animals were used: 12 for each method. 12h fast animals before slaughter and channels matured under refrigeration (2-4°C) for 24 h. the variables pH, acidity, temperature, water retention capacity (WRC), electrical conductivity (EC) and cooling water loss every 4 hours were determined. Total coliforms and fecal parameters were evaluated at 0, 16 and 24 h, plus Listeria sp. and presence of antibiotics (sulfonamides) at the start of ripening. To detect difference between desensitization methods for physicochemical variables repeated measures design was used in time; whereas for the other variables descriptive statistics were used. The results showed that the best time to maturity was at 16 hours, with an average pH of 5.42, 0.272% acidity and CRA of 12.73. Further, microbiological variables were below the current standard guaranteeing the safety of meat assessed. No statistical difference was observed between desensitization methods and results were negative antibiotics. It is concluded that the proper ripening time for guinea pig meat was 16 hours without differences in the method of desensitization.

Body phosphorus mobilization and deposition during lactation in dairy cows.

Dairy cow bone phosphorus (P) mobilization and deposition and their influence on P requirements were studied over the lactation cycle. Thirty Holsteins received a common diet during the dry period and one of the following three dietary treatments that varied in P percentage during the subsequent lactation (44 weeks): (i) 0.36 throughout (constant P, 0.36-0.36-0.36), (ii) 0.36 for 30 weeks then 0.29 for 14 weeks (P changed once, 0.36-0.36-0.29), and (iii) 0.43 for 10 weeks, 0.36 for 20 weeks, and 0.29 for 14 weeks (P changed twice, 0.43-0.36-0.29). Six P balance studies were conducted during the experiment, including one during the dry period and five along lactation, based on P intake, faecal P, urinary P and milk P, when appropriate. Blood samples were taken during balance to analyse bone formation (osteocalcin) and resorption (pyridinoline) marker concentrations and rib biopsies performed to determine bone P content. Phosphorus balance was negative during weeks -4 to -1 relative to lactation for all groups and remained negative for cows fed 0.36% P during weeks 1-5, but showed a positive value for cows that received 0.43% P. The balance was close to zero for all groups at weeks 19-23 and showed a clear retention during weeks 38-42; by the end of lactation, cows re-stored most of the P mobilized earlier. The pattern in P balance was consistent with changes in blood bone metabolism marker concentrations, rib bone P content, and faecal and urinary P concentrations over the experiment, indicating that cows, irrespective of the dietary P treatments received, mobilized P from bone during the late dry period when fed a low-Ca diet and early lactation, and re-stored P in late lactation. This dynamic of P metabolism can have important implications for dietary P requirements and ration formulations.

Deep water running and general practice in primary care for non-specific low back pain versus general practice alone: randomized controlled trial.

There is equivocal evidence regarding the benefits of aquatic aerobic exercise for non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) in addition to standard care in general practice consisting of education and advice. The purpose of this study was to compare the addition of deep water running (DWR) to standard general practice (GP) on NSCLBP versus GP care alone on pain, physical and mental health and disability. In this single-blind randomised controlled trial, 58 subjects with NSCLBP were recruited from primary care. The control group received GP care consisting of a physician's consultation and educational booklet only. The experimental group received additional 30-min sessions of DWR three times a week for 15 weeks at the individualized aerobic threshold. Measurements were made pre- and post-intervention and at 1-year follow-up. Both groups showed improvement. The difference between treatment effects at longest follow-up of 1 year was -26.0 (-40.9 to -11.1) mm on the VAS (p < 0.05), -2.5 (-5.7 to -0.2) points in RMQ for disability (p < 0.05), 3.3 (10.0 to 24.7) points on physical health in the physical summary component of the Spanish Short Form 12 (SF-12; p < 0.05) and 5.8 (8.6 to 34.7) points on the mental summary component of the SF-12 (p < 0.05), in favour of the DWR group. For patients with NSCLBP, the addition of DWR to GP was more effective in reducing pain and disability than standard GP alone, suggesting the effectiveness and acceptability of this approach with this group of patients.

Evaluation of calf milk pasteurization systems on 6 Pennsylvania dairy farms.

Waste milk has been fed to calves for many years, but concerns with bacterial contamination as well as possible transmission of diseases have discouraged widespread use of this feed. Pasteurization of waste milk is one option to reduce management risk while utilizing a valuable, low-cost, liquid feed source for calves. However, many farms currently pasteurizing waste milk lack a system to adequately monitor the efficiency of the process. A study was carried out to evaluate 6 on-farm pasteurization systems, including high-temperature, short-time pasteurizers and low-temperature, batch pasteurizers. Milk samples were taken pre- and postpasteurization as well as from the calf buckets and immediately frozen for later bacterial culture. Samples were collected twice daily for 15 d. Milk samples were examined for standard plate count (SPC), coagulase-negative staphylococci count, environmental streptococci count, coliform count, gram-negative noncoliform count, Streptococcus agalactiae count, and Staphylococcus aureus count. Before pasteurization, 68% of the samples had SPC <20,000 cfu/mL, and 39% of samples contained <100 cfu/mL of coliform bacteria. After pasteurization, 96% of samples had SPC <20,000 cfu/mL, and 92% had coliform counts <100 cfu/mL. Bacteria counts were significantly reduced by pasteurization, and pasteurized milk contained acceptable numbers of bacteria in >90% of samples. These results indicate that pasteurization can be very effective in lowering bacterial contamination of milk. However, bacteria numbers significantly increased after pasteurization and, in some cases, bacteria counts in milk fed to calves were similar to prepasteurization levels. Milk handling after pasteurization was identified as an important issue on the farms studied.

Effect of heat treatment of bovine colostrum on bacterial counts, viscosity, and Immunoglobulin G concentration.

A study was conducted to identify the optimal temperature and time at which heat treatment of bovine colostrum would least change viscosity and IgG concentrations yet reduce bacterial count. First-milking colostrum with >50g of immunoglobulins/L (measured by colostrometer) was collected from 30 Holstein cows. Aliquots of colostrum were heated for 0, 30, 60, or 90min at 57, 60, or 63 degrees C in a water bath. Samples were examined for viscosity, IgG(1), and IgG(2) concentrations, standard plate count, coagulase-negative staphylococci, environmental streptococci, coliform, gram-negative noncoliform, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Staphylococcus aureus counts. All heat treatments reduced counts of all bacteria groups measured compared with untreated colostrum samples. Heat treatment at >or=60 degrees C denatured IgG(1) compared with untreated colostrum; however, colostral IgG(2) levels were not reduced when temperature was held at 60 degrees C for <60min. Viscosity was not affected when temperature was held at 60 degrees C for <60min. In this study, heat treatment of bovine colostrum at 60 degrees C for 30 or 60min reduced bacterial count, slightly reduced IgG concentration, and did not affect viscosity.

Feeding heat-treated colostrum or unheated colostrum with two different bacterial concentrations to neonatal dairy calves.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding heat-treated colostrum or unheated colostrum of different bacterial counts on passive transfer of immunity in neonatal dairy calves. First milking colostrum was collected from Holstein cows, frozen at -20 degrees C, and then thawed and pooled into a single batch. One-third of the pooled colostrum was transferred into plastic containers and frozen at -20 degrees C until needed for feeding (unheated-low bacteria). Another third was heat-treated at 60 degrees C for 30 min and then frozen at -20 degrees C until needed for feeding (heat-treated). The final third of colostrum was transferred into plastic containers, stored at 20 degrees C for bacteria to grow for 24 h (unheated-high bacteria), and then frozen at -20 degrees C until needed for feeding. A total of 30 Holstein bull calves weighing >or=30 kg at birth were systematically enrolled into 1 of the 3 treatment groups. Calves were separated from their dams at birth before suckling occurred. Before colostrum was fed, a jugular blood sample was collected from each calf. The first feeding consisted of 3.8 L of colostrum containing, on average, 68 g of IgG/L using an esophageal feeder between 1.5 and 2 h after birth. For the second and third feeding pasteurized whole milk at 5% of birth weight was fed. Blood samples were collected before colostrum feeding and at 24 and 48 h of age to determine serum total protein (STP) and IgG concentrations. Heat treatment of colostrum at 60 degrees C for 30 min reduced colostrum bacteria concentration yet maintained colostral IgG concentration and viscosity at similar levels to the control treatment. Calves fed heat-treated colostrum had significantly greater STP and IgG concentrations at 24 h and greater apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) of IgG (STP = 62.5 g/L; IgG = 26.7 g/L; AEA = 43.9%) compared with calves fed unheated-low bacteria colostrum (STP = 57.0 g/L; IgG = 20.2 g/L; AEA = 35.4%) or unheated-high bacteria colostrum (STP = 56.2 g/L; IgG = 20.1 g/L; AEA = 32.4%). High bacteria load in colostrum did not interfere with total protein or IgG absorption or AEA.

Feeding heat-treated colostrum to neonatal dairy heifers: effects on growth characteristics and blood parameters.

Newborn Holstein heifer calves were studied to compare absorption of immunoglobulin G (IgG(1) and IgG(2)), total serum protein concentration, lymphocyte counts, health scores, growth, and starter intake after receiving unheated or heat-treated colostrum. First-milking colostrum was collected from Holstein cows and frozen at -20 degrees C to accumulate a large batch. After thawing and mixing, half of the colostrum was transferred into 1.89-L plastic containers and frozen at -20 degrees C until needed for feeding. The remaining half was heated at 60 degrees C for 30 min, transferred into 1.89-L plastic containers, and then frozen at -20 degrees C until needed for feeding. Forty heifer calves weighing > or =32 kg at birth were enrolled into 1 of 2 treatment groups before suckling occurred. For the first feeding, 3.8 L of colostrum was bottle fed by 1.5 to 2 h of age. For the second and third feedings, pasteurized whole milk at 5% of birth body weight (BW) was fed. Subsequently, calves received milk replacer containing 20% crude protein and 20% fat at 10% of birth BW/d until wk 5. Milk replacer was reduced to 1 feeding of 5% birth BW until weaning at 6 wk of age. Blood samples and growth data were collected through wk 8. Batch heat-treatment of colostrum at 60 degrees C for 30 min lowered colostrum bacteria concentration while maintaining colostral IgG concentration and viscosity. Calves fed heat-treated colostrum had significantly greater IgG concentrations at 24 h and greater apparent efficiency of IgG absorption (IgG = 23.4 g/L; apparent efficiency of absorption = 33.2%) compared with calves fed unheated colostrum (IgG = 19.6 g/L; apparent efficiency of absorption = 27.7%). There was no difference between treatment groups in growth measurements, calf starter intake, lymphocyte counts, or health scores.

High frequency of Mycobacterium bovis DNA in colostra from tuberculous cattle detected by nested PCR.

We evaluated by nested PCR reaction, different cow secretions from a herd with 48% of prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB), seeking to determine niches where Mycobacterium bovis could be found. Postmortem examination of 18 (75%) tuberculin reacting cows allowed demonstrates BTB-compatible lesions in six, all of them PCR positives in milk and four in colostra samples. Our results showed that up to 62% of the colostra analysed contained M. bovis DNA, whereas only 18% of milk gave a positive reaction. Moreover, in bronchoalveolar lavages from cattle with compatible lesions in lungs or lymph nodes, where macrophages account up to 90% of cells, we did not find evidences of M. bovis. Altogether, these results suggest that differences in the anti-bacterial capacity of bovine macrophages, dependent upon microenvironment and organ-specific factors, exist. Alternatively, we hypothesize that hypoxic conditions that are encountered in mammary glands macrophages could induce M. bovis entrance into a 'dormancy-like' state, and that the high number of colostra samples were M. bovis was detected, could be an indicator of reactivation during 'peripartum'.

Dysferlin expression in monocytes: a source of mRNA for mutation analysis.

Dysferlin protein is expressed in peripheral blood monocytes. The genomic analysis of the DYSF gene has proved to be time consuming because it has 55 exons. We designed a mutational screening strategy based on cDNA from monocytes to find out whether the mutational analysis could be performed in mRNA from a source less invasive than the muscle biopsy. We studied 34 patients from 23 families diagnosed with dysferlinopathy. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings and on the absence of protein expression using either immunohistochemistry or Western blot of skeletal muscle and/or monocytes. We identified 28 different mutations, 13 of which were novel. The DYSF mutations in both alleles were found in 30 patients and only in one allele in four. The results were confirmed using genomic DNA in 26/34 patients. This is the first report to furnish evidence of reliable mutational analysis using monocytes cDNA and constitutes a good alternative to genomic DNA analysis.

Real time polymerase chain reaction: a new powerful tool for the diagnosis of neurobrucellosis.

BACKGROUND/METHODS: We compared the diagnostic yield of a real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples with conventional microbiological techniques for the diagnosis of neurobrucellosis. Following amplification of a 223 bp sequence specific for Brucella genus, melting curve analysis was performed to verify the specificity of the PCR products. RESULTS: All six patients with neurobrucellosis (three meningitis and three meningoencephalitis) had a positive real time PCR assay, whereas CSF cultures and Wright seroagglutination tests were positive in only two and four cases, respectively. Brucella specific amplicons were easily demonstrated by their characteristic melting temperature in all the real time PCR assays. CONCLUSION: LightCycler based real time PCR assay in CSF samples is more rapid and sensitive than conventional microbiological tests. This technique could be useful for the rapid diagnosis of neurobrucellosis.

Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in ageing men.

Testosterone has been available to practitioners for several decades. However, testosterone prescriptions have increased in recent years partly because of the introduction of newer delivery systems that are topical and have good bioavailability. In the US alone, approximately 2 million prescriptions for testosterone were written in 2002. This represents a 30% increase from 2001 and a 170% increase from 1999. There has also been a 500% increase in prescription sales in the past 10 years. The rise in prescriptions may be in part due to the increasing recognition of hypogonadism in ageing males or andropause. Treatment relating to hypogonadism has relieved symptoms and improved the quality of life of many individuals. Epidemiological studies point toward an association with increased morbidity and mortality, with low testosterone states in ageing males. For example, there is a higher prevalence of depression, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, fracture rates, frailty and even dementia with low testosterone states. Recently, there have been some concerns raised regarding the long-term safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) from the Institute of Medicine. Current evidence suggests no causal relationship between prostate cancer and physiological dosing of testosterone, especially with careful selection and monitoring of patients. Cardiovascular risks have, overall, been neutral, although suggestions have been made that there are positive vasodilatory properties with testosterone. Mild eythrocytosis can be a common side effect of TRT, but thromboembolic events have rarely been reported in the literature. This paper addresses the evidence to date regarding the safety aspects of TRT. The medical-legal implications of TRT for men at this point in time is also discussed.

Lipomatosis, proximal myopathy, and the mitochondrial 8344 mutation. A lipid storage myopathy?

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) has been related in some cases to the 8344 point mutation of the tRNA-lysine gene of the mitochondrial DNA, mainly in the context of families with classic myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF) and exceptionally in patients with proximal myopathy as the only manifestation of mitochondrial disease. We report on two families harboring the 8344 mutation. The patients presented with MSL and myopathy, expressed as limb girdle weakness in index cases and as exercise intolerance in the others. All muscle biopsies performed showed lipid storage apart from RRF and respiratory chain complexes deficiency. A possible explanation for both adipose proliferation and lipid storage myopathy in these cases is a disturbance in intermediary lipid metabolism secondary to mitochondrial respiratory chain deficiency that could be related via carnitine deficiency.

[SUNCT type headache. A report of a new case. Short-lasting, unilateral, neuralgiform, headache attacks with conjuctival injection and tearing]. / Cefalea tipo SUNCT. Aportación de un nuevo caso. Short-lasting, Unilateral, Neuralgiform, headache attacks with Conjuctival injection and Tearing.

We report a new case of short-lasting, unilateral, neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT). This rare headache, described in 1978, shares clinical traits with trigeminal neuralgia and cluster headache and its diagnostic classification as a unilateral headache with autonomic involvement has been the subject of considerable debate. The etiology of SUNCT is unknown, although it is considered a highly difficult pain to treat. We discuss our patient's symptoms and response to treatment with carbamazepine.

[Parry-Romberg syndrome: a form of focal vasculitis]. / El síndrome de Parry-Romberg: una forma de vasculitis focal.

The Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS), which was described many years ago, is a process of unknown etiology which evolves with invalidating lesions in one half of the face to which different neurologic, cutaneous or analytical abnormalities may be associated. A clinical, analytical and radiologic study of 5 patients in whom intracranial lesions were shown are herein presented. These findings, together with alterations in the cutaneous biopsies reported in the literature lead to the hypothesis that PRS may be due to a neurovascular alteration of immunologic basis, indicating antiinflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment.

Examination of several instruments for the electrical detection of holes in latex gloves during use.

The initial purpose of this research was to investigate the use of electrical conductivity for detecting holes in latex gloves, while they are being worn, using both recently developed devices and laboratory equipment. The individual devices were not evaluated or critically compared. The use of this technique as a quality assurance procedure, and to determine the degradation of latex gloves due to storage and exposure to disinfectants, was also investigated. The following conclusions were reached: (1) These devices alarm if the latex is breached by an object of at least 300 um-diameter and both the inside and outside of the glove are wet with a conductive fluid. False alarms from latex hydration is the primary disadvantage. (2) This technique is a sensitive QA procedure if any hole to be detected is wet with a conductive liquid. (3) Sealed, sterile latex gloves may degrade over many months. (4) There was no obvious degradation of latex gloves after two hours' exposure to three commonly used disinfectants.