Effect of oat's soluble fibre (ß-glucan) as a fat replacer on physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of low-fat beef patties.

This study evaluated the effect of adding oat fibre source of ß-glucan (13.45%) on physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory traits of low-fat (<10%) beef patties as compared to 20% fat control patties. Significant (p<0.05) improvements in cooking yield (74.19%), and retentions of fat (79.74%) and moisture (48.41%) of low-fat patties were attributed to the water binding ability of ß-glucan. Because of larger water retentions moisture contents of raw and cooked low-fat patties were higher (p<0.05) than those of the control patties. Cholesterol content was similar across formulations. Low-fat and control beef patties remained stable in microbiological quality during 60days frozen storage. Low-fat patties were found to be of lower degree of likeness in the taste but juicer than control (p<0.05). Besides appearance, tenderness and colour were not affected by the addition of oat's soluble fibre. Oat fibre can be used successfully as a fat substitute in low-fat beef patties.

[Trends in the prevalence of tuberculosis among six-year-olds in Albacete (Spain)]. / Evolución de la prevalencia de la infección tuberculosa en la población escolar de 6 años en Albacete.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence and evolution of tuberculous infection among 6-year-olds in Albacete and its relation to socioeconomic status of the family. METHOD: A tuberculin test (2UT RT-23 Tween 80) was given to 6-year-old school children in and around Albacete in 1992 and 1999. We calculated the prevalence of tuberculosis and the relation to family socioeconomic level as assessed by the parents' level of education of the area of residence. RESULTS: The tuberculin test was given to 2,783 children, 1,532 in 1992 (8% bacille-Calmette-Guerin-vaccinated) and 1,251 in 1999. The prevalence of tuberculosis infection among non-vaccinated children was 0.78% in 1992 (3.37% among vaccinated children, p = 0.012) and 0.72% in 1999. No significant differences between the two screenings were found except for the vaccinated and non-vaccinated children. The annual decline was 1.1% and the annual decrease in risk of tuberculosis infection was 0.12%. No significant differences related to level of parental education or area of residence were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of tuberculosis infection among 6-year-old school children in Albacete is low, although there is a very slight non-significant downward trend, which may be biased by the inclusion of bacille-Calmette-Guerin-vaccinated children. No differences related to family socioeconomic level were found.