Optimization and shelf life of a low-lactose yogurt with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001.

Lactose intolerance results in gastrointestinal discomfort and the malabsorption of certain nutrients, such as calcium. The replacement of milk with low-lactose and probiotic-enriched dairy products is an effective strategy of mitigating the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) is a safe, immunity-stimulating probiotic. We have developed a process to increase the hydrolysis of lactose and HN001 growth in yogurt versus ß-galactosidase (ßG) concentration and enzymatic hydrolysis time (EHT) before bacterial fermentation. The objective of this study was to optimize the conditions by which yogurt is processed as a function of ßG and EHT using a multifactorial design, with lactose content, HN001 growth, process time, and sensory quality as dependent variables. Further, the shelf life of the optimized yogurt was evaluated. In the optimization study, polynomials explained the dependent variables. Based on Pearson correlation coefficients, HN001 growth correlated positively with the hydrolysis of lactose. However, low lactose content and high HN001 count increased the fermentation time and lowered the sensory quality. The optimized conditions-using polynomials to obtain yogurt with >1 × 10(7) cfu of HN001/mL, <10 g of lactose/L, and a minimum overall sensory quality of 7 on the Karlsruhe scale-yielded a theoretical value of 910 neutral lactose units/kg for ßG and 2.3h for EHT, which were validated in an industrial-scale assay. Based on a shelf-life study at 3 temperatures, the hydrolysis of lactose and the growth of HN001 continue during storage. Arrhenius equations were developed for the variables in the shelf-life study. Our results demonstrate that it is feasible to develop a low-lactose yogurt to which HN001 has been added for lactose-intolerant persons who wish to strengthen their immune system.

Ocular cysticercosis: an epidemiological study.

The objective of the research was to verify the incidence of the ocular form of cysticercosis among the patients who consulted professionals of the field, during the first statistic inventory accomplished in the State of Paraná, Brazil. The 1996 research was performed through a questionnaire sent to all 220 members of Paraná Ophthalmology Association and to the 17 members of Pathology and Cytology Department of the Paraná Medical Association. A pre-stamped envelop for the return of the answers was included in the package. We received 99 answers from ophthalmologists and 10 answers from pathologists. Retrospective and epidemiological research about the incidences of the ocular cysticercosis in the State of Paraná, added to national related published reports, rendered 95 cases probably acquired in Paraná, 71 of the cases were referred in this research and 24 in prior publication. The most frequent localization was vitreous and subretinal, as literature had already pointed out.

[Greater occipital neuralgia associated with occipital osteolytic lesion. Case report]. / Nevralgia do occipital maior associada a lesão osteolítica occipital. Relato de caso.

The anatomic distribution of the greater occipital nerve during its path permits a close relationship with muscular structures, tendons, vessels and bones. The rupture of this relationship can origin its irritation and headache. We describe an uncommon association between an osteolytic lesion on occipital bone and greater occipital nerve. The patient, female 50, has been presenting headache for two years on the right occipital region spreading to the hemicranic and ipsilateral supraorbital region. The symptoms started spontaneously or by pressure on the trapezius tendon. The pain lasted about 30 minutes, compressive, mild intensity, with no autonomic symptoms and no improvement after the infiltration in the greater occipital nerve. The total improvement of the symptoms after releasing the nerve has allowed us to associate this lesion to the presence of algic symptoms.

[Sensory characterization of lupin pudding using surface response methodology]. / Caracterización sensorial del budin de lupino utilizando la metodología superficie respuesta.

Full fat sweet lupin flour (Lupinus albus c.v. Multolupa) with 39.6% protein and 13.0% lipid content, and carrageenan were used to incorporate them to commercial pudding formula with the specific purpose to prepare an optimized pudding for diabetic people. Using response surface methodology, several experimental pudding trails were prepared and sensorially assessed to optimize the variables that may influence the overall sensory quality of pudding meals. Different concentrations of lupin flour and carrageenan were tested simultaneously at three levels each parameter, requiring nine combinations to be analyzed for a panel of eleven trained judges. Appearance, aroma, taste, color, texture were tested to determine total sensory quality using a composite scoring test. It was concluded that appropriate concentration of lupin flour range from 7% to 11%, and carrageenan from 0.4% to 0.5% to be added to the pudding formulation. This result was confirmed by hedonic test of acceptability.

[Chemical, sensory and clinical characterization of lupin marmalades]. / Caracterización química, sensorial y clínica de mermelada de lupino.

Legumes are characterized as showing interesting hypoglicemic properties. Their presence in the diet is very useful in controlling the level of blood glucose in diabetic people. Taking in mind this property different formulations of prune marmalades were developed using 5, -7.5, 10 and 15% of full fat sweet lupin flour (FFLF). These samples were submitted to chemical, physical, sensory and clinical analysis. The protein content increased from 0.6 to 5.2% in direct proportion to lupin flour concentration. Energy content remained relatively constant in all formulations. The incorporation of FFLF did not affect the natural dark red prune color and pH, acidity and soluble solids values remained under the limits of Chilean food regulation laws. The samples were analyzed by a Rank preference test. Reported data showed a significative preference for the prune marmalade with 10% HEL (p < 0.05). A facial Hedonic test was used to compare the degree of acceptability between this formula and a control marmalade with fructose as edulcorant. Statistical analysis using the student test did not show significant difference (p < 0.05) between them. The hypoglycemic effect of the lupin flour was tested in seven adult non insulin dependent diabetic patients using the glucose tolerance test. Postprandial blood glucose concentration data was lower in individuals after a test meal of lupin marmalade compared to fructose marmalade. This result would allow diabetic people to eat foods such as marmalades which are known to contain a large amount of carbohydrates.

[Functional evaluation of a nutritional energy supplement in athletes]. / Evaluación funcional de un suplemento energético nutricional en deportistas.

A nutritional caloric supplement as bar in 5 different flavours was evaluated in 9 sportsmen that ate daily 1040 Kcal/100 g extra during 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were used for weight, body fat, lean body mass and functional test for VO2 max, anaerobic threshold (AnT) and anaerobic power (AnP). Both tolerance and acceptability were evaluated too. Other similar sportsmen group was employed as control. Positives answers were registered in VO2 max (8.74%) and AnP (p < or = .04), meanwhile the rest of parameters remained without alterations, the same of control group. Test TAT evidence a high preference and a tolerance without deleterious effect. In conclusion, the product evaluated is an excellent ergogenic aid in effort with elevated energetic demand.

Ketoconazole in the treatment of cryptococcosis of the central nervous system.

Two patients with cryptococcosis of the CNS were treated with ketoconazole (KTZ), an imidazole derivative with fungistatic properties: they had either failed standard therapy (Amphotericin-B + 5-Fluorocytosine) or suffered intolerable side-effects to it. Both patients were administered KTZ 800 mg/day as monotherapy for six months without interruption and both responded. One month after KTZ therapy was withdrawn, however, a relapse of the infection was seen in one case. Side-effects were minimal during the trial of treatment. KTZ could be a useful drug in some cases of neurocryptococcosis.

Ketoconazole in the treatment of cryptococcosis of the central nervous system

Dois pacientes com neurocriptococose foram tratados com ketoconazole (KTZ), um derivado imidazólico de propriedades fungostáticas. Ambos foram tratados inicialmente com o esquema terapêutico tradicional (anfotericina-B + 5-flurocitosina) porém em um dos casos para-efeitos intoleráveis obrigaram a suspensäo do tratamento e, no outro caso, näo houve resposta ao esquema terapêutico. KTZ foi administrado regularmente por via oral em regime de monoterapia na dose de 800mg diárias durante 6 meses com ótimos resultados. Todavia , um mês após a suspensäo do tratamento, houve recorrência da infecçäo em um paciente. Efeitos colaterais foram mínimos durante o curso do tratamento, KTZ pode ser útil no tratamento de aluns casos de neurocriptococose

[Neurocysticercosis in childhood. I. Clinical and laboratory diagnosis]. / Neurocisticercose na infância. I. Diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial.

Clinical and laboratory findings among 34 children (age range from 15 months to 13 years) with neurocysticercosis were reviewed. The main symptoms were: intracranial hypertension, 21 cases (62%); epilepsy, 20 cases (59%); hemiplegia, 4 cases (12%). Computed tomography (CT) in 33 children showed typical brain active cysts in 26 patients (79%) and calcifications in 2 (6%). The complement fixation reaction or the indirect immunofluorescent test for cysticercus antibody were positive in CSF in 77% (20 out of 26 patients) and serum in 78% (18 out of 23 patients). CSF pleocytosis was found in 57% of the cases (15/26 patients) with eosinophil cells in 27% (7/26 patients). The most efficient diagnostic test was CT scan of the head, and was confirmed immunologically by measurement of cysticercus antibody titers in CSF and serum.

[Neurocysticercosis in childhood. II. Computed tomography of 24 patients according to symptomatic and praziquantel treatment]. / Neurocisticercose na infância. II. Tomografia computadorizada de 24 pacientes em relação ao tratamento sintomático e com praziquantel.

We studied 24 children (15 months to 13 years old) which clinical, CSF and CT findings were compatible to the diagnosis of active neurocysticercosis. The patients were divided into three groups based on the type of treatment: Group I (10 patients) treated with analgesics and/or anticonvulsants; Group II (4 patients) treated with analgesics and or anticonvulsants and corticosteroids; Group III (10 patients) treated with analgesics and/or anticonvulsants, corticosteroids and praziquantel. The first patients CT scan were compared with the sequential CT scan findings (1 month to 5 years). The initial CT scan of 12 patients showed multiple active cysts, in 5 patients an isolated active cyst, in 3 patients partial calcified cysts, in 2 patients cerebral edema and in 2 patients were normal. The final results of the three groups of patients, as far as concern the normalization of CSF abnormalities or calcification of the cysts were the same, no matter the type of treatment applied to them. These results, although the small number of patients, showed that most of the children have good final results, with improvement of clinical symptoms and CT findings. We suggest that neurocysticercosis in children need multicenter study. So, a great number of patients can be followed and better definition can be established on the treatment of neurocysticercosis.

Neurocisticercose na infância: I. Diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial / Neurocysticercosis in childhood: I. Clinical and laboratory diagnosis

Foram revisados aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais de 34 casos de neurocisticercose na infância (15 meses a 13 anos). Os principais sintomas foram: hipertensäo intracraniana, 21 casos (62%); epilepsia, 20 casos (59%); hemiplegia, 4 casos (12%). A tomografia computadorizada de crânio (TAC) (33 pacientes) mostrou cistos em atividade em 26 (79%) e calcificaçöes em 2 (6%). A reaçäo de fixaçäo de complemento ou imunofluorescência para cisticercos foi reagente em 77% no LCR (20/26 pacientes) e 78% no soro (18/23 pacientes. Pleocitose no LCR ocorreu em 57% dos casos (15/26 pacientes) e eosinofilorraquia em 27% (7/26 pacientes. A TAC foi o melhor exame para o diagnóstico, confirmado pelos testes imunológicos no LCR e soro

Neurocisticercose na infância: II. Tomografia computadorizada de 24 pacientes em relaçäo ao tratamento sintomático e com praziquantel / Neurocysticercosis in childhood: II. Computed tomography of 24 patients according to symptomatic treatment and with praziquantel

Foram estudadas 24 crianças (15 meses a 13 anos) com neurocisticercose em atividade diagnosticada pela clínica, líquido cefalorraquidiano e tomografia computadorizada de crânio (TAC). Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo ao tipo de tratamento: Grupo I (10 pacientes) com medicaçäo sintomática: Grupo II (4 pacientes), com tratamento sintomático e corticosteróides: Grupo III (10 pacientes) com medicaçäo sintomática, corticosteróides e praziquantel. Os achados da TAC foram analisados inicialmente e na evoluçäo (1 mês a 5 anos). A TAC inicial mostrou cistos múltiplos em 12 pacientes, cisto único em 5, cistos parcialmente calcificados em 3, edema cerebral em 2 e foi normal em 2. Na evoluçäo, os achados foram semelhantes nos tres grupos de tratamento em relaçäo à normalizaçäo do exame ou calcificaçäo dos cistos. Esta observaçäo, apesar do pequeno número de casos, mostrou-nos que crianças com neurocisticercose em atividade apresentaram evoluçäo para melhora clínica e tomográfica independente do tratamento. Assim devemos realizar estudos mulcêntricos, com maior número de casos, para maior definiçäo do tratamento da neurocisticercose

Partial aniridia, cerebellar ataxia, and mental deficiency (Gillespie syndrome) in two brothers.

We report on two brothers (in a sibship of three) with partial aniridia, cerebellar ataxia, and moderate mental retardation, with normal G-banded chromosomes. Both present cerebellum hypoplasia; the younger also has congenital pulmonic stenosis. A review of the literature is presented. Cause is unknown, although the possibility of an autosomal recessive gene cannot be ruled out.

[Diclofenac-Na--an alternative treatment possibility in therapy-resistant calcium oxalate urolithiasis?]. / Diclofenac-Na--eine alternative Behandlungsmöglichkeit beim therapieresistenten Kalzium-Oxalat-Harnsteinleiden?

In a prospective study, the influence of sole Diclofenac-Na therapy (3 X 25 mg Rewodina, Voltaren) on the calculus recurrence rate of eight frequently relapsing and therapy resistant calcium-oxalate stone patients is analysed. During a period of one year's treatment, the recurrence rate could be reduced by 73.2%, from 123 to 33 calculi. Serious side effects, changes in blood serological parameters and various urine components were not observed. The course of passages of calculi was improved by reduced pain and rapid passage. The paper summarizes all results of calcium-oxalate stone treatments with nonsteroidal antiphlogistics known so far. In the opinion of the authors, the present successful Diclofenac-Na treatment offers a novel possibility of influencing therapy resistant stone-formers over long periods.

[Infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy in twins]. / Leucodistrofia metacromática infantil em gêmeos.

The authors report two cases of infantile metachromatic leucodystrophy in monozygotic female twins, born from a second cousin marriage (f = 1/32). The zygosity was determined by means of obstetrics and genetics marker findings.

[Vogt-Koyanagi syndrome. Report of a case in a pregnant woman]. / Síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi. Relato de um caso em gestante.

A 28 year old pregnant woman with Vogt-Koyanagi syndrome is reported. Despite the use of steroid therapy, she became blind. She delivered a boy Apgar 8. The newborn developed a meningoencephalitis in the nursery and died two years later with evidence of cerebral palsy. Correlation between both mother and son disease has not been found.

[Eosinophilic meningomyelitis. Report of a case]. / Meningomielite eosinofílica. Registro de um caso.

A 31 years old man who developed paraplegia due to a meningomyelitis is reported. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed 116 white cells with 57% eosinophils. On the 79th day the patient died from pulmonary embolism. On post mortem examination no eosinophilic infiltrations was found. However, a detailed histologic examination was not performed.

Sindrome de Vogt-Koyanagi: relato de um caso em gestante. / Vogt-Koyanagi syndrome: report of a case in a pregnant woman

Os autores relatam o caso de uma paciente com 28 anos, gestante, portadora de sindrome de Vogt-Koyanagi que, mesmo com o uso de corticosteroides, nao obteve recuperacao da visao. O recem-nato apresentou no bercario quadro sugestivo de meningoencefalite e faleceu com dois anos de idade apresentando manifestacoes compativeis a grave paralisia cerebral. Questiona-se a possibilidade de relacionar este fato a enfermidade da mae