Preparation of freeze-dried yoghurt as a space food

To develop a satisfying, calcium-rich food for consumption in space, white skim yoghurt, both plain and with added blueberries, was subjected to freeze-drying. Optimised freeze-drying parameters were extracted from the thermal analysis of the yoghurts, taking into account the role of the added ingredients. Rheological properties were not seriously affected by freezing, while the drying step resulted in an overall structural weakening of the reconstituted products, possibly as a consequence of the mechanical energy required for mixing with water. However, its viscoelastic properties were retained and the original strength could be recovered by modulating the amount of water, The freeze-drying process affected survival of the lactic acid bacteria, resulting in a 2-3 log population reduction. Mortality levels were reduced when sucrose and blueberries were added as ingredients

Identification of target muscle-proteins using Western blotting and high-resolution mass spectrometry as early quality indicators of nutrient supply practices in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Using Western blotting and mass spectrometry we investigated the changes in trout muscle proteins as affected by preslaughter nutrient supply practices, including starvation and feed restriction, in comparison to full feeding. A number of fillet quality attributes were also analyzed. During cold storage, fillet firmness was not influenced by the feeding practices, while the initial pH was higher in the treated trout. The early appearance of an alpha-actin 26 kDa-fragment and the detection of enigma protein were both signs of impaired muscle integrity, observed only in the restricted conditions, where water holding capacity was initially lower. The detection of reticulon involved in authophagy and the early finding of apolipoprotein A-I-1 fragments in these restricted samples was consistent with their early degradation in comparison to full ration controls. Since specific protein changes reflected differences in feed management, the use of selected muscle proteins as sensitive indicators of fillet quality is proposed

The European standard series in 9 European countries, 2002/2003 -- first results of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies

Since January 2001, the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA), supported by European Union funding (contract QLK4-CT-2001-00343), has started to collect patch-test data. This comprises a standardized clinical history and the patch-test results using the European standard series, from 17 centres in 9 European countries listed above. In 2002 and 2003, 10 511 patients\u2019 test results have been pooled and analysed. The anamnestic data partly reflect the subspecialties of some centres. The most common allergen was nickel sulfate (17.3%); however, large international variations were observed. The prevalence of contact allergy to Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru) (5.8%) is coming close to the frequency found with the fragrance mix (6.4%). Regarding contact allergy to chromium compounds, different frequencies were noted in the 2 centres focused on occupational dermatitis (2.3% in the FIOH versus 7.4% in the Nofer Institute). These most likely reflect the beneficial effect of addition of ferrous sulfate in one, but not the other country. As differences may partly be due to different patch-test reading, standardization may need to be refined further. By providing post-marketing surveillance in the field of contact allergy, ESSCA will meet its objective of increased consumer safety across Europe. Key words: clinical epidemiology; comparative study; contact allergy