Prebiotics in infant health

The composition of human milk is the main base for the development of infant formulas concerning its macronutrients and micronutrients contents and bioactive compounds. Technological advances in the composition of human milk have identified a great number of bioactive compounds such as prebiotics which are responsible for immunological protection and the prevention of different pathologies. In order to achieve similar benefits, they are part of the contents of infant formulas.     

Contact sensitivity in patients with leg ulcerations: a North American study

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the prevalence of allergen sensitivity in patients with past or present leg ulcers in 2 North American study centers vs European study findings and the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) database and (2) to delineate a standard battery of allergens for patch testing in North American patients that is representative of the newer dressings and wound care products. DESIGN: Fifty-four patients, with or without dermatitis, were prospectively entered in the study. The patients were patch tested to the NACDG standard series and a comprehensive supplemental series of 52 allergens. SETTING: Wound healing clinics at Boston University Roger Williams Medical Center and University of Ottawa. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent (n = 34) of patients had 1 or multiple positive patch test results, and 37% (n = 20) had no positive patch test result. The most common allergens were Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru) (30% [16/54]), bacitracin (24% [13/54]), fragrance mix (20% [11/54]), wood tar mix (20% [11/54]), propylene glycol (14% [7/52]), neomycin sulfate (13% [7/54]), benzalkonium chloride (13% [7/54]), carba mix (11% [6/54]), nickel sulfate (11% [6/54]), and control gel hydrocolloid (11% [6/54]). CONCLUSIONS: Comparable to European study findings, there is a high incidence of positive patch test results in patients with past or present leg ulcerations. The incidences of the most common allergens in our patient population were higher than those seen in the NACDG, except for nickel. Using a modified leg ulcer series along with the standard NACDG series is important in evaluating patients with leg ulcers.     

Inactivation of Ascaris eggs in water using sequential solar driven photo-Fenton and free chlorine

Sequential helminth egg inactivation using a solar driven advanced oxidation process (AOP) followed by chlorine was achieved. The photo-assisted Fenton process was tested alone under different H(2)O(2) and/or Fe(II) concentrations to assess its ability to inactivate Ascaris suum eggs. The effect of free chlorine alone was also tested. The lowest egg inactivation results were found using Fe(II) or H(2)O(2) separately (5 and 140 mmol L(-1), respectively) in dark conditions, which showed about 28% inactivation of helminth eggs. By combining Fe(II) and H(2)O(2) at the same concentrations described earlier, 55% of helminth egg inactivation was achieved. By increasing the reagent's concentration two-fold, 83% egg inactivation was achieved after 120 min of reaction time. Process efficiency was enhanced by solar excitation. Using solar disinfection only, the A. suum eggs inactivation reached was the lowest observed (58% egg inactivation after 120 min (120 kJ L(-1))), compared with tests using the photo-Fenton process. The use of the photo-Fenton reaction enhanced the process up to over 99% of egg inactivation after 120 kJ L(-1) when the highest Fe(II) and H(2)O(2) concentration was tested. Practically no effect on the helminth eggs was observed with free chlorine alone after 550 mg min L(-1) was used. Egg inactivation in the range of 25-30% was obtained for sequential processes (AOP then chlorine) using about 150 mg min L(-1).     

Pneumolabyrinth and positional vertigo after stapedectomy

Pneumolabyrinth due to late complications of stapes surgery is a rare entity. Symptoms may include various degrees of hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness. We report the case of a 67-year-old patient who developed a unique pneumolabyrinth variant affecting the vestibule, cochlea and semicircular canals 28 years after stapedectomy. The patient presented with intractable paroxysmal positional vertigo of the lateral semicircular canal. The pneumolabyrinth was visualized by means of high resolution computed tomography. Exploratory tympanotomy findings were consistent with a perilymphatic fistula. One year after surgical treatment the subject was free of vertigo spells. Pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.