Native black Michuñe potato variety: characterization, frying conditions and sensory evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and nutritional composition, to establish frying processing conditions and to determine the sensory profile and acceptability of Black Michuñe (BM) potato chips. BM had a higher protein content, half the ether extract content and nitrogen-free extract, a lower caloric intake (70 kcal/100g) and amylose content (17.5%) than Desirée (DES). To set the frying conditions, the Taguchi method was applied using a matrix design L9 (3(2),2(2)). The variables studied were: temperature, time, potato variety (raw material) and pretreatment. The responses evaluated were: the color difference as well as the content of reducing sugars and total polyphenols. The best frying conditions were BM with a pretreatment at 160 degrees C for 7 min for color, DES without pretreatment at 140 degrees C for 7 min for reducing sugar content, and BM without pretreatment at 180 degrees C for 4 min for polyphenol content. Then, sensory profiles of potato chips from BM, DES and a commercial package were determined by selecting the descriptors texture, firmness, color, salty taste and oiliness. Significant differences in color and oiliness were found. Finally, the acceptability test was applied to BM potato chips where color (64%) was the only attribute not as accepted as texture (95%), salty taste (87%) and product (97.3%). This study demonstrated that BM potato chips have a satisfactory acceptability by consumers.

Production of the exopolysaccharides by Streptococcus thermophilus: effect of growth conditions on fermentation kinetics and intrinsic viscosity.

Production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) by a commercial Streptococcus thermophilus strain was evaluated at different growth conditions [temperature (32-45 degrees C), carbon source and initial nitrogen (N) content]. Lactose from deproteinized whey and sucrose allowed to obtain EPS yields higher than 1200 mg/mM of the consumed carbon source. Intrinsic viscosity of the EPS was significantly reduced by ionic strength indicating a polyelectrolyte behavior. Growth conditions used for the production of the EPS had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the intrinsic viscosity. This was attributed to the effect of growth conditions on the molecular properties of the EPS [stiffness and molecular weight (MW)]. High MW EPS were produced when the bacteria grew at a high specific growth rate; however MW of the EPS and specific growth rate were not linearly associated. In the lactose fermentations carried out at different temperatures specific EPS synthesis rate was positive and linearly associated with the specific lactose consumption rate (R2=0.967) and specific galactose production rate (R2=0.967). Critical coil overlap parameter, [eta]C*, for the EPS produced in the lactose fermentations carried out at 43 and 45 degrees C was determined to be approximately 7.6, and their critical overlap concentrations (C*) were 0.45 and 0.87 g/dL, respectively.

The outcome of contact procedures for tuberculosis in Edinburgh, Scotland 1982-1991.

We have reviewed the records of 632 (80%) of the 788 index cases of tuberculosis notified in Edinburgh from 1982-1991 to assess the value of contact procedures for tuberculosis. Screening was by tuberculin testing and radiological follow-up for 6 months. Fifty (7.9%) of 632 notifications were detected by contact procedures and a further 35 contacts had recent infection qualifying for chemoprophylaxis. Tuberculosis was diagnosed at the first clinic visit in 38 (76%) cases and a further 11 (22%) were diagnosed at 3 months. Twenty-seven (54%) contacts with tuberculosis were in the 0-14 year age group. BCG vaccination offered 59% protection. Forty-two (84%) cases of tuberculosis were in contacts of sputum smear-positive respiratory index cases. Contact procedures continue to be effective in identifying new cases of tuberculosis in Edinburgh. Most cases occur in children who are close contacts of smear-positive respiratory index cases and are identified within 3 months of initiating screening. Screening of close contacts other than those of smear-positive respiratory disease is usually unnecessary.

Why disease due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is less common than expected in HIV-positive patients in Edinburgh.

By December 1993, only five cases of tuberculosis were observed in the 1030 HIV-positive patients in Edinburgh, U.K., although, on the basis of historical tuberculin skin test data, between four and eight new cases of tuberculosis were expected per year. Of 310 HIV-positive patients, none of the 19 (6.1%) who were tuberculin skin test positive had developed tuberculosis after 87 months (average) of follow-up. It is suggested that new or re-infection is a more common cause of tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients than reactivation. Restriction fragment length polymorphism typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains could confirm this hypothesis and support currently suggested additional infection control procedures.

Native black Michuñe potato variety: characterization, frying conditions and sensory evaluation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and nutritional composition, to establish frying processing conditions and to determine the sensory profile and acceptability of Black Michuñe (BM) potato chips. BM had a higher protein content, half the ether extract content and nitrogen-free extract, a lower caloric intake (70 kcal/100g) and amylose content (17.5%) than Desirée (DES). To set the frying conditions, the Taguchi method was applied using a matrix design L9 (32,22). The variables studied were: temperature, time, potato variety (raw material) and pretreatment. The responses evaluated were: the color difference as well as the content of reducing sugars and total polyphenols. The best frying conditions were BM with a pretreatment at 160°C for 7 min for color, DES without pretreatment at 140°C for 7 min for reducing sugar content, and BM without pretreatment at 180°C for 4 min for polyphenol content. Then, sensory profiles of potato chips from BM, DES and a commercial package were determined by selecting the descriptors texture, firmness, color, salty taste and oiliness. Significant differences in color and oiliness were found. Finally, the acceptability test was applied to BM potato chips where color (64%) was the only attribute not as accepted as texture (95%), salty taste (87%) and product (97.3%). This study demonstrated that BM potato chips have a satisfactory acceptability by consumers.

Papa nativa variedad Michuñe negra: caracterización, condiciones de fritura y evaluación sensorial.. El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo evaluar la composición química y nutricional de papa Michuñe negro (BM), establecer condiciones de proceso de fritura, determinar el perfil sensorial y aceptabilidad de papas fritas chips. BM presentó un mayor contenido proteico, la mitad de extracto etéreo y extracto libre de nitrógeno, una menor ingesta calórica (70 kcal/100g) y un menor contenido de amilosa (17,5%) comparada con la variedad Desirée (DES). Para establecer condiciones de fritura se utilizó metodología Taguchi empleando una matriz de diseño L9 (32,22). Las variables seleccionadas fueron: temperatura, tiempo, variedad de papa (materia prima) y pretratamiento. Las respuestas evaluadas fueron: diferencia de color, contenido de azúcares reductores y polifenoles totales. Las mejores condiciones de fritura fueron: BM con pretratamiento a 160ºC por 7 min para color, DES sin pretratamiento a 140ºC por 7 min para azúcares reductores y BM sin pretratamiento a 180ºC por 4 min para polifenoles totales. Luego, los perfiles sensoriales de las papas chips de BM, DES y comercial fueron determinados seleccionando los descriptores textura, firmeza, sasbor salado y aceitoso. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en los descriptores color y aceitoso. El color (64%) fue el único atributo que obtuvo un nivel de aceptación más bajo entre los otros como textura (95%), sabor salado (87%) y producto (97.3%). Este estudio demostró que los chips de BM fueron satisfactoriamente aceptados por los consumidores.

Desarrollo de un checklist para la técnica de nefroureterolitototomía endoscópica flexible en un modelo simulado mediante el método de delphi modioficado / Development of a checklist for the technique of flexible endoscopic nephroureterlithotomy in a simulated model by the modifiet delphy method

Introducción: La simulación en medicina está cobrando cada vez mayor importancia, principalmente en el área quirúrgica, ya que nos otorga la posibilidad de lograr el aprendizaje de forma segura, bajo ambiente controlado y reproducible. Nuestro objetivo es establecer una pauta estructurada de realización de ureteroscopía flexible para un procedimiento simulado de nefro-ureterolitotomía endoscópica.Material y métodos. Se utilizó el método de Delphi modificado. Se contactó vía correo electrónico a cinco urólogos a los cuales se les envió un checklist para la evaluación de la técnica del procedimiento de 1 a 7, agregando comentarios. Basado en esto, se modifica el checklist en 2 oportunidades, hasta lograr el consenso.Resultados. Se obtiene una la versión definitiva del checklist. Esta consta de 20 puntos, con una media que fluctúa entre 5,6 y 7, y una mediana entre 6 y 7. El coeficiente de Cronbach para establecer su consistencia interna es de 0,86.Conclusión. Se establece un listado estándar para la realización de nefro-ureterolitotomíaendoscópica flexible utilizando el método de Delphi modificado.(AU)

Introduction: The simulation in medicine is becoming increasingly important, mainly in the surgical area, because it gives us the possibility to achieve learning safely, in a controlled and reproducible environment. Our objective is to establish a structured guideline of flexible ureteroscopy for a simulated endoscopic nephro ureterolithotomy procedure.Material y Methods. The modified Delphi method was used. Five urologists were contacted via email, a checklist was sent for the evaluation of the procedure technique from 1 to 7, adding comments. Based on this, the checklist is modified 2 times, until consensus is reached.Results. A final version of the checklist is obtained. It consists in 20 points, with a mean that fluctuates between 5.6 and 7, and a median between 6 and 7. The Cronbach coefficient to establish its internal consistency is 0, 86.Conclusion. A standard list is established using the modified Delphi method for the performance of flexible endoscopic nephro-ureterolithotomy.(AU)

Scottish national survey of tuberculosis notifications 1993 with special reference to the prevalence of HIV seropositivity.

BACKGROUND: The study sought to determine the contribution of HIV seropositivity to the arrest of decline in tuberculosis notifications in Scotland. METHODS: Survey forms relating to each tuberculosis notification in 1993 were completed by the notifying consultant. Voluntary anonymous HIV testing of tuberculosis cases aged under 65 was requested. Age, sex, ethnic status, country of birth, employment status, occupation, previous tuberculosis, contact status, risk factors for HIV infection, HIV serostatus of cases aged under 65, site, radiological extent, and bacteriological status of tuberculous disease were determined. RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy four cases of tuberculosis were originally notified, of which 77 (14%) subsequently proved to be non-tuberculous and were therefore denotified. Of the 497 cases 423 (85%) were white and 58 (12%) were from the Indian subcontinent. Eighty five per cent of patients from the Indian subcontinent were aged < 55 years whereas 64% of white patients were aged > 55 years. Pulmonary disease was found in 74%, non-pulmonary in 22%, and combined disease in 4% of patients. Of 242 HIV tests performed, three were positive and five other HIV positive patients were known, giving an HIV positivity rate of 1.6% of all tuberculosis notifications in 1993. Annual notification rates for Scotland were 9.7 per 10(5) before and 8.7 per 10(5) after exclusion of previously treated cases; rates were 8.4 per 10(5) for the white population and 179 per 10(5) for those from the Indian subcontinent. CONCLUSIONS: The study documents the distribution of tuberculous disease in Scotland by age, sex, site, and ethnic group for the first time. Notification practices, with respect to denotification, need to be improved. Infection with HIV is presently uncommon in cases of tuberculosis in Scotland but continued vigilance is essential.