Aplicación de la técnica OFA en cirugía mayor. Experiencia en un hospital secundario / OFA in major surgery. Experience at a secondary level hospital

Introducción: La técnica OFA (opioid free anaesthesia) se basa en una anestesia multimodal con menor uso de opioides, que consigue un adecuado control del dolor, con menor incidencias de náuseas y vómitos en el postoperatorio y mejora el pronóstico en los pacientes oncológicos.Pacientes y método:Estudio retrospectivo de casos de pacientes sometidos a cirugía mayor en el periodo de noviembre de 2018 a febrero de 2020. Objetivo principal: cuantificar tipo y dosis de opioide administrado en periodo intraoperatorio y en el postoperatorio inmediato. Objetivos secundarios: graduación del dolor en el postoperatorio y al alta a planta de hospitalización y presencia de náuseas/vómitos en el postoperatorio. Resultados: 157 pacientes fueron incluidos. El 29,9 % de los pacientes no precisaron ninguna dosis de opioide intraoperatorio. De los que sí la precisaron, un 72,7 % de los mismos solo necesitó morfina y a una dosis media de 3,3 mg (± 0,9); un 8,1 % solo recibieron fentanilo (dosis media de 110,1 mcg, ± 57,1), y un 19,2 % recibieron morfina y fentanilo (3,8 mg ± 1,2 y 90,4 mcg ± 62,4, respectivamente). En cuanto a la necesidad de opioide postoperatorio, solo el 31,7 % de los pacientes precisó su administración; de ellos ⅔ (33 pacientes) solo recibieron morfina (4,8 mg ± 2,6), 1/5 (10 pacientes) solo fentanilo (83,3 mcg ± 28,8) y el resto una combinación de fentanilo y morfina (140,6 mcg ± 119,4 y 8 mg ± 5,9, respectivamente).Respecto a la intensidad de dolor, el valor en la escala EVA a la llegada de los pacientes a la Reanimación tuvo un valor de 1,6 ± 1,9 y al alta de 0,3 ± 0,6. Solo dos pacientes tuvieron náuseas o vómitos.Conclusiones:El uso de una técnica OFA es factible en cirugía mayor y permite un adecuado control del dolor. La necesidad de opioides intravenosos, tanto en el intraoperatorio como en el postoperatorio, es menor cuando se realiza una técnica OFA.(AU)

Introduction: Opioid free anaesthesia is a new paradigm that focuses in multimodal analgesia with an opioid sparing approach that provides a good pain management, without nauseas nor vomiting and improves prognosis in oncological patients. Patients and method: Cases retrospective study of major surgery patients from november 2018 to february 2020. Main objective: type and dosage of opioid requeriments both in the intraoperatory and postoperative setting. Secondary objectives: pain level score cuantification at the end of the surgery and at leaving the postoperative recovery unit and incidence of nausea/vomiting. Results:157 patients were recruited. 29,9 % need no opioid intraoperatively. Those who requiered it, 72,7 % only needed morphine (3,3 mg ± 0,9), 8,1 % had to recieved fentanyl (110,1 mcg, ± 57,1) and 19,2 % need both morphine and fentanyl (3,8 mg ± 1,2 and 90,4 mcg ± 62,4). At the postoperative recovery unit, only 31,7 % precised opioids: ⅔ (33 patients) recieved morphine (4,8 mg ± 2,6), 1/5 (10 patients) only fentanyl (83,3 mcg ± 28,8) and the rest needed a combination of fentanyl and morphine (140,6 mcg ± 119,4 and 8 mg ± 5,9, respectively). Two of them have nausea or vomyting.Conclusions:An opioid free anaesthesia approach is feasible in major surgery patients and it achieves and adequate pain management. Opioid requeriments in such patients is less than in those who recieved a traditional base opioid analgesia protocol.(AU)

Asociación de las determinantes de la seguridad alimentaria nutricional con la presencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en la población que acude a la unidad de epidemiología clínica del IINSAD de la Facultad de Medicina ­ UMSA / Association of the determinants of nutritional food safety with the presence of overweight and obesity in the population that comes to the clinical epidemiology unit of the IINSAD of the Faculty of Medicine - UMSA

OBJETIVO: identificar la asociación de las determinantes de la seguridad alimentaria con el sobrepeso y obesidad de la población que acude a la Unidad de Epidemiología Clínica del IINSAD de la Facultad de Medicina, Enfermería, Nutrición y Tecnología Médica ­ UMSA. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio de Casos y Controles, desarrollado en la Unidad de Epidemiologia Clínica del IINSAD de la Facultad de Medicina, UMSA. Ingresaron al estudio 288 personas, 144 casos y 144 controles, se aplicó la encuesta alimentaria, identificando el consumo y la frecuencia de alimentos y preguntas específicas sobre disponibilidad, acceso físico y económico a los alimentos. Se realizó una evaluación antropométrica para identificar los casos y controles. RESULTADOS: existe una probabilidad mayor de presentar sobrepeso u obesidad en la población con insuficiente acceso económico a los alimentos OR= 2.1 (IC95% 1.3-3.6 p=0.003). A mayor proporción de gasto en alimentos de una familia, mayor es el consumo de energía provenientes de carbohidratos y grasas OR= 30 (IC95% 23.6-58.8) p=0.000. No se encontró asociación entre la disponibilidad de alimentos y el lugar de aprovisionamiento. CONCLUSIONES: son factores asociados para la presencia de sobrepeso y obesidad los determinantes de seguridad alimentaria nutricional como ingreso destinado a la compra de los alimentos, el consumo alimentario en cantidad y calidad de la dieta consumida y adecuación de nutrientes, la disponibilidad de alimentos y el lugar de aprovisionamiento no presenta asociación

OBJECTIVE: to identify the association of food security determinants of overweight and obesity in the population attending the Clinical Epidemiology Unit of IINSAD Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition and Medical Technology - UMSA La Paz, 2015. MATERIAL AND METHODS: an observational analytical case-control study, 288 individuals attending the IINSAD of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition and Medical Technology - UMSA. 144 cases and 144 controls were analyzed. A food survey, where the consumption and food frequency and specific questions about availability, physical and economic access to food occurred was applied. Anthropometric assessment was performed to identify cases and controls. RESULTS: there is a greater likelihood of becoming overweight or obese in people with insufficient economic access to food OR = 2.1 (95% CI 1.3-3.6 p = 0.003). The greater the food expenditure proportion of a family, the greater is the consumption the energy from carbohydrates and fats OR = 30 (95% CI 23.6-58.8 p = 0.000). No association between the availability of food and the place of supply is found. CONCLUSIONS: there are factors associated to the presence of overweight and obesity determinants of nutritional food security such as income for the purchase of food, food consumption in quantity and quality of consumed diet and nutrient adequacy, the availability of food and the place of supplying is not considered associated for this study

¿Existe un valor de índice biespectral adecuado para endoscopias digestivas altas en respiración espontánea en el paciente pediátrico? / Is there an appropriate bispectral index for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in spontaneous breathing in the pediatric patient?

Objetivo: Las cifras del índice biespectral (BIS) en las que un paciente está adecuadamente anestesiado para la realización de endoscopias digestivas altas (EDA) en respiración espontánea están por definir. Por ello se decide realizar este estudio, para determinar un nivel de BIS adecuado, lo menos profundo posible en el paciente pediátrico anestesiado, para la realización de EDA en respiración espontánea sin aparición de reflejo nauseoso y/o respuesta motora. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo. La población de estudio fueron niños entre 12 y 167 meses, ASA I-II, que precisaban EDA diagnóstica; se estudiaron un total de 61 pacientes. El periodo analizado fue de octubre de 2011 a marzo de 2013. Intervenciones Realización de EDA aplicando protocolo de anestesia con propofol. La monitorización realizada fue: constantes vitales (frecuencia cardiaca, frecuencia respiratoria, saturación por pulsioximetría y presión arterial no invasiva), puntuación de la escala de Ramsay y valor del BIS. El primer intento de EDA se realizó con BIS 60-69; si no era posible, se procedía a profundización anestésica, realizando el segundo intento con valores del BIS 50-59; si tampoco era posible la realización de la EDA, se procedía de nuevo a profundización anestésica, realizando el tercer intento con BIS 45-49. Las variables de interés fueron: dosis total de propofol (mg kg−1 ), tiempo de inducción (tiempo necesario desde el inicio de la administración de la anestesia hasta inicio de la EDA sin rechazo por parte del paciente), valor del BIS efectivo (BISe) al inicio de la EDA. Se realizó una regresión logística para estimar la posibilidad de realización de EDA según el valor del BIS. Resultados: Sesenta y un pacientes con la siguiente distribución: sexo masculino 40%, femenino 60%. Pacientes menores de 36meses, 11 (18%); mayores, 50 (82%). Datos expresados como media y desviación típica. Edad (meses): 95,9 ± 45,86; peso (kg): 30,5 ± 14,68. BIS efectivo: 56,41 ± 4,63. Tiempo de inducción (min): 11,07 ± 2,69. Dosis de propofol total (por kg): 4.86 ± 1,21. Necesitaron bolo adicional de propofol 38 pacientes (62%): 7/38 (18%) por presencia de movimientos y 31/38 (82%) por aumento del BIS. No hubo diferencias significativas entre valor del BISe por edades. Conclusiones: En base a estos resultados se puede concluir que en la población pediátrica estudiada niveles de BIS menores de 59 predicen que sí es posible realizar la EDA con una sensibilidad del 72,13% y una especificidad del 88,06% (AU)

Objective: The bispectral index (BIS) values that predict appropriate anesthetic level to perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in spontaneous breathing are not well established in Pediatrics. The objective of this study is to determine whether it is possible to find an appropriate, less profound, BIS level in the pediatric patient that would enable an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) to be performed in spontaneous breathing without causing gag reflex or motor response. Material and method: A prospective study was designed and included 61 patients from 12- 167 months old, and an ASA I-II who needed a diagnostic UGE. The study was conducted from October 2011 to March 2013.
Intervention: UGE performed with an anesthetic protocol using propofol. The vital signs measured were heart and respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure. The sedation level score (Ramsay scale) and BIS values were also measured. The first attempt was performed at BIS level 60-69, and this was not feasible, then the anesthetic was deepened and a second attempt made at BIS level 50-59. If this was still not possible a deeper anesthetic level was then achieved and a third attempt made at BIS level 45-49. Variables of interest were: effective BIS level (eBIS), BIS level at which UGE was performed without gag reflex or motor response; propofol total dose (mg kg−1 ), induction time (time from onset of sedation to effective start of UGE). A logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain an equation to estimate the possibility of UGE success. Results: The distribution of the patient was: male 40%, female 60%, with 11 (18%) patients under 36 months. The statistical values are expressed as mean and standard deviation, with following results; age (months): 95.9 ± 45.86; weight (kg): 30.5 ± 14.68; effective BIS: 56.41 ± 4.63; induction time (minutes): 11.07 ± 2.69; total propofol dose (per kg): 4.86 ± 1.21. An additional intraprocedure propofol bolus was given in 38 patients (62%), with 7/38 of them (18%) due to movement, and 31/38 (82%) due to BIS level increase. No statistical differences were found in effective BIS level between older and younger patients. Conclusions: According to the results, BIS levels below 59 predict UGE success, with 72.13% sensitivity and 88.06% specificity in the pediatric population studied (AU)

[Is there an appropriate bispectral index for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in spontaneous breathing in the pediatric patient?]. / ¿Existe un valor de índice biespectral adecuado para endoscopias digestivas altas en respiración espontánea en el paciente pediátrico?

OBJECTIVE: The bispectral index (BIS) values that predict appropriate anesthetic level to perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in spontaneous breathing are not well established in Pediatrics. The objective of this study is to determine whether it is possible to find an appropriate, less profound, BIS level in the pediatric patient that would enable an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) to be performed in spontaneous breathing without causing gag reflex or motor response. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was designed and included 61 patients from 12-167 months old, and an ASAI-II who needed a diagnostic UGE. The study was conducted from October 2011 to March 2013. INTERVENTION: UGE performed with an anesthetic protocol using propofol. The vital signs measured were heart and respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure. The sedation level score (Ramsay scale) and BIS values were also measured. The first attempt was performed at BIS level 60-69, and this was not feasible, then the anesthetic was deepened and a second attempt made at BIS level 50-59. If this was still not possible a deeper anesthetic level was then achieved and a third attempt made at BIS level 45-49. Variables of interest were: effective BIS level (eBIS), BIS level at which UGE was performed without gag reflex or motor response; propofol total dose (mgkg(-1)), induction time (time from onset of sedation to effective start of UGE). A logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain an equation to estimate the possibility of UGE success. RESULTS: The distribution of the patient was: male 40%, female 60%, with 11 (18%) patients under 36 months. The statistical values are expressed as mean and standard deviation, with following results; age (months): 95.9±45.86; weight (kg): 30.5±14.68; effective BIS: 56.41±4.63; induction time (minutes): 11.07±2.69; total propofol dose (per kg): 4.86±1.21. An additional intra-procedure propofol bolus was given in 38 patients (62%), with 7/38 of them (18%) due to movement, and 31/38 (82%) due to BIS level increase. No statistical differences were found in effective BIS level between older and younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, BIS levels below 59 predict UGE success, with 72.13% sensitivity and 88.06% specificity in the pediatric population studied.

[Neurogenic stunned myocardium in Pediatrics. A case report]. / Aturdimiento miocárdico neurogénico en Pediatría. A propósito de un caso.

Neurogenic stunned myocardium is an unusual clinical entity. It mimics an acute coronary syndrome with electrocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac dysfunction and elevated cardiac enzymes with absence of obstructive coronary disease. It may occur after a neurosurgical procedure. A case is presented of neurogenic stunned myocardium occurring in a child after removal of a posterior fossa medulloblastoma. The patient developed nodal tachycardia with hemodynamic impairment. The clinical course was satisfactory due to antiarrhythmic therapy, with biochemical, echocardiographic, and clinical improvement within a week.

Utilidad de la monitorización anestésica con el índice biespectral en endoscopias digestivas altas en respiración espontánea / Usefulness of monitoring anaesthesia with the bispectral index in upper gastrointestinal endoscopies with spontaneous breathing

Introducción: El objetivo del presente trabajo es demostrar si la aplicación del índice biespectral (BIS®) en la monitorización de la anestesia general en respiración espontánea en endoscopias digestivas altas (EDA) diagnósticas en el paciente pediátrico es útil para: a) disminuir la dosis de fármaco necesaria; b) disminuir el tiempo del despertar, y c) mejorar la seguridad del paciente. Pacientes y método: estudio prospectivo cuasi experimental de casos y controles en el ámbito de una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos y neonatales de segundo nivel. Pacientes: niños entre 12 meses y 13 años. Caso: paciente ASA I que precisa EDA diagnóstica; sujetos elegibles 36, participantes 30. Población control: serie histórica de pacientes que precisaron EDA (años 2008-2010): 50 pacientes. Intervenciones: realización de EDA, aplicando protocolo de anestesia, monitorización de constantes vitales, nivel de sedación (escala de Ramsay) y nivel BIS. Variables de interésdosis total de propofol (mg/kg), tiempo de inducción, tiempo de EDA y tiempo de despertar (min); índice BIS al inicio de la EDA (BISi) y durante la EDA; efectos adversos. Resultados: Sin diferencias significativas entre casos (B) y controles (C) respecto a sexo, edad y peso. Sin diferencias significativas en: dosis total de propofol (B 4,9 ± 1,4 mg/kg; C 5,2 ± 1,6 mg/kg, p = 0,492), Tiempo de despertar (B 12,2 ± 4,6 min; C 12,8 ± 4,4 min, p = 0,402), tiempo de procedimiento (B 9,5 ± 4,8 min; C 11,3 ± 6,5 min, p = 0,335) y tiempo de inducción (B 11,1 ± 2,6 min; C 10,1 ± 4,2 min, p = 0,059). BISi 55,4 ± 6,9. Sin diferencias significativas en efectos adversos (2 casos de desaturación leve en el grupo control). Conclusiones: La monitorización anestésica con índice biespectral en endoscopias digestivas altas en respiración espontánea en la población pediátrica es factible, pero no parece disminuir ni la dosis de fármaco necesaria ni el tiempo de despertar. Tampoco disminuye la incidencia de efectos adversos de forma significativa (AU)

Introduction: The objective of this investigation is to determine whether bispectral index (BIS®) monitoring during intravenous anaesthesia with spontaneous breathing for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) in a pediatric population is useful for: a) decreasing the amount of drug, b) decreasing the time for awakening, and c) improving patient safety. Patients and method A quasi-experimental case-control prospective study was conducted in the setting of a second level hospital pediatric intensive care unit. Patients: Children aged 1-13 years. Case: ASA I patient who needed a diagnostic UGE; eligible, 36, participants, 30. Control: historical cohort of patients who needed UGE (years 2008-2010): 50 patients. Intervention: UGE performed with anaesthetic protocol, vital signs monitoring, sedation level (Ramsay scale) and BIS monitoring. Variables of interestpropofol total dose (mg/kg), induction time, time in performing the UGE, awakening time (min); initial BIS (iBIS), and BIS during the UGE; adverse effects. Results: There were no significant differences in sex, age or weight between case (B) and control (C) population. No significant differences in total propofol doses: (B 4.9 ± 1.4 mg/kg; C 5.2 ± 1.6 mg/kg, P=.492), awakening time (B 12.2 ± 4.6 min; C 12.8 ± 4.4 min, P=.402), time for execution of UGE (B 9.5 ± 4.8 min; C 11.3 ± 6.5 min, P=.335) and induction time (B 11.1 ± 2.6 min; C 10.1 ± 4.2 min, P=.059), iBIS 55.4 ± 6.9. There were no significant differences in adverse effects: 2 patients suffered from mild desaturation in the control group. Conclusions: BIS monitoring for diagnostic UGE in spontaneous breathing in a pediatric population is feasible, but does not appear to decrease awakening time or the amount of propofol needed. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant decrease in the number of adverse effects (AU)

[Replacing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with the collaboration of the endoscopy and the primary care home care support teams. An efficient and safe experience]. / Estudio de los cambios de gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea realizados mediante la colaboración del equipo de digestivo y el equipo de soporte de atención domiciliaria de atención primaria: una experiencia eficiente y segura.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study is to assess the outcome of a Primary Care programme of replacing the Percutaneous Endoscopy Gastrostomy at home. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on all patients (n=44), of Zaragoza Health Sector III, carriers of a percutaneous endoscopy gastrostomy (PEG), who had a replacement at home by the Home Care Service (HCS), during the period from September 2008 to December 2010. Socio-demographic data, the number of PEG replacements performed on each patient, any incidents occurring with each replacement either by the Endoscopy Department or the HCS, as well as the time elapsed until the next replacement, were all recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 74.02 years, and up to a 65% lived in rural areas. The main causes of dysphagia were dementia (56.82%). A total of 136 PEG replacements were performed by the HCS (mean 3.09, SD: 2.37). There were 18 cases in which complications arose. Of these, 17 were minor complications and resolved in the patients' homes. The only major complication, a peritonitis, was resolved in the hospital. The HCS made 138 trips (53.62% of them in rural areas). Each patient avoided travelling a total mean of 43.13 km, and 75.24 km in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: The replacement of PEG is a simple method that can be performed at home with a low risk of complications, provided there is an effective selection of patients. This leads to increased patient and family comfort, and reduces health care costs without detriment of performance.

[Usefulness of monitoring anaesthesia with the bispectral index in upper gastrointestinal endoscopies with spontaneous breathing]. / Utilidad de la monitorización anestésica con el índice biespectral en endoscopias digestivas altas en respiración espontánea.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this investigation is to determine whether bispectral index (BIS®) monitoring during intravenous anaesthesia with spontaneous breathing for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) in a pediatric population is useful for: a) decreasing the amount of drug, b) decreasing the time for awakening, and c) improving patient safety. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A quasi-experimental case-control prospective study was conducted in the setting of a second level hospital pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Children aged 1-13 years. CASE: ASA I patient who needed a diagnostic UGE; eligible, 36, participants, 30. CONTROL: historical cohort of patients who needed UGE (years 2008-2010): 50 patients. INTERVENTION: UGE performed with anaesthetic protocol, vital signs monitoring, sedation level (Ramsay scale) and BIS monitoring. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: propofol total dose (mg/kg), induction time, time in performing the UGE, awakening time (min); initial BIS (iBIS), and BIS during the UGE; adverse effects. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sex, age or weight between case (B) and control (C) population. No significant differences in total propofol doses: (B 4.9 ± 1.4 mg/kg; C 5.2 ± 1.6 mg/kg, P=.492), awakening time (B 12.2 ± 4.6 min; C 12.8 ± 4.4 min, P=.402), time for execution of UGE (B 9.5 ± 4.8 min; C 11.3 ± 6.5 min, P=.335) and induction time (B 11.1 ± 2.6 min; C 10.1 ± 4.2 min, P=.059), iBIS 55.4 ± 6.9. There were no significant differences in adverse effects: 2 patients suffered from mild desaturation in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: BIS monitoring for diagnostic UGE in spontaneous breathing in a pediatric population is feasible, but does not appear to decrease awakening time or the amount of propofol needed. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant decrease in the number of adverse effects.

Protective effects of different doses of inhaled fenoterol on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effect of different doses of inhaled fenoterol (F) on bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine (M). DESIGN: Randomized double-blind study. SETTING: Referrence center. PARTICIPANTS: 9 children (aged from 7 to 15 years old), with mild or moderate asthma and allergic to D. pteronyssinus. INTERVENTION: On the first day, the M concentration necessary to induce a 20% fall in the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1; PC20FEV1) was determined using closed circuit inhalation (De Vilbiss 646). On subsequent days, the children inhaled a dose of F (25 or 50 or 100 or 200 micrograms) through the same circuit and, after 15 minutes the FEV1 was measured, becoming the basal value. Bronchoprovocation was then initiated using the concentration prior to the PC20FEV1 of the first day and continuing until there was a 20% fall in the FEV1. This concentration was the "new" PC20FEV1. RESULTS: F in a dose of 25 micrograms protected 2 of the 9 children, in a dose of 50 mg protected 4 of the 9 and in doses of 100 and 200 micrograms protected all children. We did not observe any relationship between the magnitude of the bronchodilation and bronchoprotection induced by the inhalation of F. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a dose of 100 micrograms of F is capable of inducing bronchoprotection in children with mild/moderate asthma.

Survey of vitamin content of fortified milk.

This paper summarizes work done by 4 different laboratories on the vitamin content of milk. Riboflavin, vitamin A, and vitamin D were assayed in whole, 2%, and skim milks that had been fortified. In general, the adherence to label claim decreased with decreasing fat content. This may be due to methods and stage of vitamin addition prior to processing.

National Bureau of Standards reference materials as organic nutrient standards: a preliminary study.

A preliminary study was conducted to determine if the available National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Standard Reference Materials (SRM) Non-Fat Powdered Milk, Oyster Tissue, Wheat Flour, Rice Flour, Spinach, and Albacore Tuna would be suitable for use as organic nutrient standards. These materials were assayed for folates, total pantothenates, vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and protein. Vitamins A, E, D, K, and C were also assayed but, for the most part, were not detected. Based on results from this study, it appears that at least some of the NBS SRMs would be useful as organic nutrient standards.

Immunological response of guinea pigs sensitized with homologous antigens.

The chemical composition of some "immunologically" pure antigens isolated from guinea pig testis and spermatozoa was correlated with their antigenic behavior. Their immunological responses were compared to select the best materials for a further isolation of chemically pure antigens. The glycoprotein extracted from the spermatozoa (T Gly) has the highest immunological potency and seems to be a T and B, depending antigen, able to induce high humoral and cell responses producing germinal cell damage, testicular lesions, and aspermatogenesis.

Reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatographic determination of vitamin K1 in infant formulas.

A reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for quantitating vitamin K1 in enzymatic hydrolysates of infant formula is described. The vitamin is extracted with n-pentane before determination by isocratic and isothermal reverse phase HPLC. Recovery of vitamin K1 added to 5 infant formulas ranged from 84 to 103%.

Immunohistochemical localization of concanavalin A and wheat germ lectin receptors in the normal human spermatozoa.

A semiquantitative immunohistochemical technique for the detection of N-acetyl alpha-D-neuraminic acid, N-acetyl beta-D-glucosamine and its beta-(1 leads to 4)-linked internal chains, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl and alpha-D-mannopyranosyl and its alpha-(1 leads to 2)-linked internal chains and sterically related, nonreducing, end-chain residues of oligosaccharide chains of glycoproteins or glycolipids on the surface of membranes was developed using Con A and wheat germ lectins. When this method was applied to the localization of carbohydrate receptors on the membrane of the normal human spermatozoa, it was found that the Con A and wheat germ lectin receptors were mainly located in the equatorial and post nuclear cap with few receptors located in the acrosome and neck. None of them were found in the intermediate segment plus tail. Con A receptors were alpha-D-mannopyranosyl end-chain residues and wheat germ lectin receptors were N-acetyl beta-D-glucosamine (1 leads to 4)-linked internal chains. These groups occur together in the oligomannosidic type of N-glycosidic-linked oligosaccharide chains of glycoproteins and so the use of both lectins on desialycated membranes or on those which contain nonclustered N-acetyl neuraminic acid residues may be of help to localize this type of glycoprotein oligosaccharide chains. Con A receptors were not removed after proteases digestion, suggesting the possibility that they are part of intrinsic spermatozoal antigens.

Immunoserological, immunohistochemical and immunobiological studies on an antigenic glycoprotein isolated from human seminal plasma.

The seminal plasma and a fraction of the spermatozoal membrane solubilised by sarkosyl contain similar antigenic determinants. The glycoprotein isolated from the seminal plasma also contains determinants which are immunologically identical to those of the sarkosyl soluble fraction. Three of these determinants were identified as: two oligosaccharide chains with terminal N-acetyl neuraminic acid and with subterminal alpha-L-fucopyranose and beta-D-galactopyranose residues respectively, and an oligosaccharide chain with beta-D-galactopyranose as non-reducing end-chain. The receptors on the spermatozoa to anti-glycoprotein and anti-seminal plasma antibodies are localized. The specificity of the receptors localised in the neck region depends entirely on the presence of N-acetyl neuraminic acid as end-chain group while the specificity of the receptors to the anti-seminal plasma antibodies in the intermediate segment plus tail and to the anti-glycoprotein antibodies in the post-nuclear cap depends also on the subterminal units. At least two other receptors in the equatorial zone are ended by residues different from the N-acetyl neuraminic acid. One of them, which is also found in the acrosome, does not have specificity for anti-glycoprotein antibodies, while the other, which is not in the acrosome, has anti-glycoprotein antibodies specificity and may have a terminal beta-D-galactopyranose residue.

Evaluation of high pressure liquid chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography for quantitative determination of sugars in foods.

A method has been developed for separation and determination of 5 sugars in foods. Mixtures of sugars were separated by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a muBondapak/carbohydrate column and acetonitrile-water (80 + 20) as the mobile phase. For the gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) determination, the sugars were reacted with hydroxylamine hydrochloride to give the oximes, which were then converted to trimethylsilyl derivatives. The derivatives were separated on an 8 ft column containing 3% JXR as the liquid phase. The GLC preparative time was considerably longer than that for HPLC. Both methods were applied to the determination of fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and lactose in processed foods. Recovery studies showed better accuracy for the HPLC method. Because of incomplete derivatization and/or the formation of anomers, the GLC method was not applicable to all foods.